Never challenge Rozemyne … especially when books are at stake!
Creative Staff:
Author: Miya Kazuki
Illustrator: You Shiina
Translated By: quof
Edited By: Kieran Redgewell
English Cover & Lettering: Meiru
What They Say:
With spring in full bloom, Rozemyne is summoned to the Archduke Conference. As High Bishop, she performs the Starbind Ceremony before taking a chance to recuperate while transcribing documents in the library’s underground archive. The ceremony seems to have some unforeseen consequences, however, and tensions rise over the increasingly important “Zent candidates.” As Rozemyne finds herself entangled in the web of royal politics, she takes it as an opportunity to bargain with one of the princes. Can she negotiate for what she wants? Deals are made in this volume of this biblio-fantasy! Also includes two short stories and four-panel manga by You Shiina.
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
With the Archduke Conference about to begin, Bonifatius hurries through the castle garden to have lunch with a busy Sylvester, but as they discuss the exhausting antics and possible future for a certain midnight haired girl, the same young woman finds herself busy with her own preparations, arranging for exiled offspring from the purge to enter the temple in order to protect and continue their noble education as blue-robed apprentices. Yet as she and these eager children tour the cathedral, there are many questions which are answered that both surprised and disappointed these once reluctant visitors, knowing they would have to adjust to this secular life with a schedule of prayer and expectant duties, even as her younger brother Melchior excitedly looked forward to his future as High Bishop. After all were ushered off by their attendants to change into their new clothes, Rozemyne discusses preparations with her own staff for the upcoming Archduke Conference’s Starbind Ceremony, and while the Sovereign temple may supply divine tools and offerings for the ritual, they are still responsible for proper raiments and her own personal bible, since such a book could not be shared due to it being infused by the user’s mana. Although she may be attending this meeting in an official capacity, it is at the royal family’s instruction that she spend the time afterwards hidden in the library’s underground archive, and yet due to the potential danger of the situation, she is able to bring her own attendants and knights for necessary protection.
In Summary:
As those still new to the written world of Ascendance of a Bookworm, we continue to be amused by the exhausting antics of our favorite bibliophile, but at the same time one must also adjust to the lingering vexation of political intrigue, for though the audience and Rozemyne must accept she may not make any new strides forward without the aid of constantly bickering factions, it is refreshing to accept that this supposedly helpless girl is not willing to go down without a charming fight. To watch her boldly manipulate accepted norms of royal behavior toward her own duchy’s goals cannot but make us cheer for these supposedly fruitless efforts, helping exiled noble offspring being accepted into the temple aids in the lack of mana, even if Sylvester may momentarily object to this clever manipulation against what most would accept as noble tradition, he cannot fault the acceptable results, still in awe at the brilliance of his talented daughter. Yet as writer Kazuki-sensei continues to weave a sometimes exasperating narrative due to essential secretive maneuvers, which is of course at odds against our heroine, it is the illuminating illustrations from Siina-sensei which cause us to stare in amazement due to each individual’s determined expressions, knowing Rozemyne will never give up until she gets what she wants, no matter the cost, as long as it involves gaining an advantage for her beloved books.
Yet it is the latest obstacles against this worthwhile cause that forces both the audience and Rozemyne to momentarily wonder if the struggle is worth the price of frayed nerves, all as the haughty Sovereign temple attempts to coerce nobility to follow their antiquated teachings, even if it means accepting a certain overly boisterous High Bishop into their fold, all in a vain attempt to gain control over the country’s royalty, even as we chuckle at their foolishness. While this futile scheme seems to have little effect upon our former Myne’s determination, it is the arrogance of the monarchy that is more distressing, especially when our heroine’s curiosity introduces a new problem which they cannot overlook, one which threatens their claim to the throne and may lay it within her small hands. Though we have been in awe at the inquisitiveness which has served her so well in the past and lead to so many astonishing innovations, one has to shake our collective heads at the trouble it has now caused, something which Sylvester forces to deal with the impossibility of protecting his daughter from those who rule the country. Of course, it is the selfishness of Sigiswald which is most appalling within the story, thinking he can command anyone to do what he wants and they will obey since he is the prince, his egocentric attitude may make for a bold personality, but at the same time, we cannot but despise him for those callous actions, especially when we realize this same man may one day rule. However, this supposedly one sided argument will not work against someone who does not follow the rules, namely the troublesome Rozemyne, and if she has an ability they can use, such as being a potential Zent candidate and a threat to their lineage of the crown, then why not take advantage of these conceited people, particularly if it will lead to more books and a chance to help her cherished Ferdinand, all as an amused reader has numerous laughs at his confused expense.
Ascendance of a Bookworm continues to be a heartfelt journey into the isekai genre for bibliophiles, and though we may be constantly exasperated by the political intrigue which is a persistent motivator for the narrative, it is this same story driven frustration that serves as the principal foundation for Rozemyne’s determination to make her new world a better place with her beloved books. Yet as we chuckle with amusement as Sylvester attempts to clean up his daughter’s unintentional disasters, it is the growing list of powerful opponents who face the ire of this bothered troublemaker who give the reader plentiful stress, forcing the audience to endure the same worrisome trials that cause us to question if it will all be worth it, only to then realize with sincere satisfaction that the growing smile which traces across our lips is our noteworthy answer. For these arrogant nobles to challenge this young woman may seem to be the right choice, but as time passes and they realize their mistake, it only adds to their profound foolishness and our genuine delight, now understanding that to challenge Rozemyne is the pinnacle of futility, even as the audience enjoys every painful regret of these conceited rivals.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A-
Text/Translation Grade: A-
Age Rating: Teen
English Translation: J-Novel Club LLC
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: September 10, 2024
MSRP: $15.99
