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delisreading's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ros_lanta's review against another edition
4.25
I really enjoyed this. The young main character really appealed to me and once or twice I felt quite emotional. The worldbuilding is interesting and unusual, with its magic-welding librarians. It's definitely a story aimed at bibliophiles and I particularly loved all the discussion of repairing damaged books.
It does feel very much like a prequel, with the ending jumping forward multiple years to what I assume will be the main time period of the series. I have mixed thoughts on that but as I really enjoyed the volume I can't really complain about it! I will definitely be picking up volume 2.
It does feel very much like a prequel, with the ending jumping forward multiple years to what I assume will be the main time period of the series. I have mixed thoughts on that but as I really enjoyed the volume I can't really complain about it! I will definitely be picking up volume 2.
readingsofaslinky's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
thelilbookwitch's review against another edition
3.0
Full review [here].
If it weren't for the art, this would have 2 stars.
This first volume feels more like a prequel or an extended prologue than anything else. You could read the blurb above and feel like you read the story, honestly. Most of this first volume is spent waxing poetic about the inherent amazingness of books and librarians. I couldn’t decided whether I wanted to cringe or be flattered by the representation (since I am a librarian).
The magic system of this world isn’t given much of an explanation, and I’m uncertain how it works. The divisions of the librarian department jobs make sense, but then Izumi tries to do an overlay of magic and add *~drama~* to it.
Trust me, repairing a book is not that fast or high stakes, but I appreciated the time put in to making archival work look cool.
My other small gripe with this book is it conflates libraries with archives, and perpetuates the idea that all books are sacred. As a librarian I have to weed my collection regularly to keep it growing and relevant. This manga gets a slight pass from me because it appears to be occurring in the time before mass produced popular fiction, and more rigorous reading was the rule of the day.
Ultimately, I probably won’t continue reading this series. The art is its saving grace for me, and is in a similar realm to Witch Hat Atelier, but the other elements of the story are lackluster at this point.
I may give Volume 2 a try to see if it improves, but I’m inclined to believe it won’t.
If it weren't for the art, this would have 2 stars.
This first volume feels more like a prequel or an extended prologue than anything else. You could read the blurb above and feel like you read the story, honestly. Most of this first volume is spent waxing poetic about the inherent amazingness of books and librarians. I couldn’t decided whether I wanted to cringe or be flattered by the representation (since I am a librarian).
The magic system of this world isn’t given much of an explanation, and I’m uncertain how it works. The divisions of the librarian department jobs make sense, but then Izumi tries to do an overlay of magic and add *~drama~* to it.
Trust me, repairing a book is not that fast or high stakes, but I appreciated the time put in to making archival work look cool.
My other small gripe with this book is it conflates libraries with archives, and perpetuates the idea that all books are sacred. As a librarian I have to weed my collection regularly to keep it growing and relevant. This manga gets a slight pass from me because it appears to be occurring in the time before mass produced popular fiction, and more rigorous reading was the rule of the day.
Ultimately, I probably won’t continue reading this series. The art is its saving grace for me, and is in a similar realm to Witch Hat Atelier, but the other elements of the story are lackluster at this point.
I may give Volume 2 a try to see if it improves, but I’m inclined to believe it won’t.
tinaha083's review against another edition
5.0
This is a manga for people who love books, people who love stories, and especially for anyone with an inner child who’s still wondering when their amazing adventure is going to start. It touched a very deep place in my heart, and for the first time in a long time, I felt that the main character was just like me. Same race? No. Same gender? No. Same nationality? Not a bit. But everything internal that made little me into adult me? Absolutely. I literally teared up and hugged it when I was done.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful art, loved it was about books and libraries. But the MC.. Ehh. And so much dialogue. Maybe at another time it would have worked.. But now. No.
sam_presents's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
naomeemystic's review against another edition
5.0
I checked out this book because it looked cool and I'm trying to catch up on my Goodreads challenge, but I did not expect to end up loving this so much! I highly recommend this if you like fantasy and badass magical librarians.
catherine_mack's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, yes I’m a little biased because I’m a Teacher Librarian and this series is all about the magic of the written word, texts and story, but there is a lot to like about this manga for anyone: a bright spark of a main character, beautiful illustrations, an amazing fantasy world and adventure!
Book 1 sets the stage and I can’t wait to find out where Theo goes and what he will get up to.
Favourite quote: The first text may have been written by a person, but ever since then, the tables have turned. Texts make people. Texts build the world we live in …’
Book 1 sets the stage and I can’t wait to find out where Theo goes and what he will get up to.
Favourite quote: The first text may have been written by a person, but ever since then, the tables have turned. Texts make people. Texts build the world we live in …’