Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 7

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 7 - 320 pages

SUOL, Gwon Gyeoeul (Original Creator), Chiho Christie (Letterer), David Odell (Translator), Ah Cho (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

A villain living life in hard mode... whose every path leads to death."

Playing Daughter of the Duke Love Project as the easy mode heroine, Ivonne, makes charming the male characters a breeze. But once you switch to hard mode and step into the shoes of Penelope, the misunderstood villain, it’s nearly impossible to even stay alive! So imagine the shock of suddenly waking up in Penelope’s body―you know right away that your life is on the line. With love interests who will kill you if their affection meters drop too low and the inability to speak without choosing from pre-selected dialogue, it quickly becomes clear that Penelope’s chances have been rigged from the start―and this villain might just be destined to die!

Review

Things really seem to be going from bad to worse!  With how much Penelope pushes away everyone around her, I'm back to theorizing she's going to be (at least for a while) portrayed as a villain in spite of/because of her efforts to defy her fate.  

Villains are Destined to Die, Volumes 5 & 6

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 5 - 272 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 6 - 288 pages

SUOL, Gwon Gyeoeul (Original Creator), Chiho Christie (Letterer), David Odell (Translator), Ah Cho (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

A villain living life in hard mode... whose every path leads to death."

Playing Daughter of the Duke Love Project as the easy mode heroine, Ivonne, makes charming the male characters a breeze. But once you switch to hard mode and step into the shoes of Penelope, the misunderstood villain, it’s nearly impossible to even stay alive! So imagine the shock of suddenly waking up in Penelope’s body―you know right away that your life is on the line. With love interests who will kill you if their affection meters drop too low and the inability to speak without choosing from pre-selected dialogue, it quickly becomes clear that Penelope’s chances have been rigged from the start―and this villain might just be destined to die!

Review

Things really started ramping up in these two volumes!  An unforeseen changeup in how "The System" works has really thrown a massive wrench into things.  This, combined with the way Penelope treats one of her "love interests" as more game mechanic than human being had me wondering if she was headed down a dark road in spite of her efforts (or perhaps because of them).  ...At least until the reveal at the end of volume 6.  

Villains are Destined to Die, Volumes 1 - 4

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 1 - 264 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 2 - 270 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 3 - 288 pages

Villains are Destined to Die, Volume 4 - 272 pages

SUOL, Gwon Gyeoeul (Original Creator), Chiho Christie (Letterer), David Odell (Translator), Ah Cho (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

A villain living life in hard mode... whose every path leads to death."

Playing Daughter of the Duke Love Project as the easy mode heroine, Ivonne, makes charming the male characters a breeze. But once you switch to hard mode and step into the shoes of Penelope, the misunderstood villain, it’s nearly impossible to even stay alive! So imagine the shock of suddenly waking up in Penelope’s body―you know right away that your life is on the line. With love interests who will kill you if their affection meters drop too low and the inability to speak without choosing from pre-selected dialogue, it quickly becomes clear that Penelope’s chances have been rigged from the start―and this villain might just be destined to die!

Review

My initial impression did waver a bit, given that some of the "character development" can occasionally feel a little close to Penelope trying/needing to "fix" her abusers in order to make any progress, let alone stay alive.  I am glad I gave it some time, though.  While it can lean a bit heavily on internal monologuing, the pace and worldbuilding are still decent enough, without too much exposition.  What's more, the full-color illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!  

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 4

 Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 4 - 164 pages

Souichi (Artist); Kataoka Naotaro (Original Creator); Shizuki Hitomi (Character Design)

Summary (From Goodreads)

One day, ordinary office worker Kubo Tamotsu is suddenly reincarnated in another world as a 6-year-old slave. The household of the Basam Marquess, who raised him as a Barrier Master named Linus, gets caught up in the Royal Army's rebellion and falls. Desperately overcoming his grief, Linus begins a new life in the neighboring Hideta Empire. One day, while resolving trouble concerning the First Princess and helping a pretty demon girl, he meets a beautiful part-human, part-sheep woman in the slave market...

Review

It's certainly heartwarming to see a former slave like Linus pay forward the kindness and generosity he received from the Basam household.  It does help somewhat to offset the frankly rather gory end met by a minor antagonist in this volume.  

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 3

 Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 3 - 152 pages

Souichi (Artist); Kataoka Naotaro (Original Creator); Shizuki Hitomi (Character Design)

Summary (From Goodreads)

One day, Linus is suddenly reincarnated in another world and raised to become a superior Barrier Master in the Basam Marquess' Household. However, they are caught up in the Royal Army's rebellion and, along with the Royal Capital, the Marquess' family collapses. Having worked desperately to overcome his sadness, Linus finally reaches the neighboring country, the Hideta Empire. What new turmoil awaits him there?!

Review

Although the character of Princess Ricolette definitely falls into the trope of intelligent, driven, progressive, daughter of royalty living in a man's world, I'm very glad to see her interactions with Linus going in a more positive direction.  Rather than taking an immediate dislike to each other, each is instead able to recognize traits in the other that are at least useful, if not commendable.  I hope they're able to forge more of an official alliance in the future.  

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 5

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 5 - 144 pages

Haru Harukawa (Artist); Reina Soratani (Original Creator)

Summary (Back Cover)

After Lady Violette committed a grave crime and was imprisoned, she lost consciousness and woke up to find herself transported one year back in time.  Determined to stay out of trouble, Violette vows to stay out of everyone's way and live a quiet life.  But to her dismay, other people just keep interfering with that dream!  Her friends and enemies are all acting nothing like how Violette remembered, and keep seeking her out!  And now that prince has something he wants to confess?!  

Review

It seems we are reaching a turning point in the narrative - one I hope is explored with depth and tact in any future publications.  I was also glad to see Marin's character given more of a backstory beyond just being the devoted maid.  All in all, while the pacing is on the slower side and some of the scenarios can be a bit cheesy at times, I have been enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading any further publications.  

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 4

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 4 - 148 pages

Haru Harukawa (Artist); Reina Soratani (Original Creator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

A year ago, time rewound for Lady Violette, and after being careful to not make the same mistakes as last time, her actions have now lead her to meeting the neighboring kingdom's princess, Rosette. Violette and Rosette actually do get along, but things grow awkward when they realize that they're both candidates to be Prince Claudia's future wife. When Rosette meets the prince at a social gathering, she's shocked to see just how much Claudia is drawn to Violette. Is Violette destined for trouble even in this new timeline?!

Review

The addition of Princess Rosette's character was a much-needed breath of fresh air.  It's nice to see characters interacting in a way that doesn't focus solely on their romantic woes.  I hope we get to see more of this (and Princess Rosette) in the future!  

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 3

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 3 - 144 pages

Haru Harukawa (Artist); Reina Soratani (Original Creator)

Summary (Back Cover)

When Violette went back in time, she vowed that she'd live her life differently.  Instead of trying to break up her half sister and the prince, she'd make sure that the two of them got together!  But now it's starting to dawn on Violette that in this new timeline, Maryjune and Claudia aren't even interested in each other.  As Violette tries to figure out a new plan, she remains oblivious to the fact that the prince has fallen for her!  

Review

I can see some parallels between Violette's circumstances in the original timeline and this one.  Her near-single-minded pursuit of a goal, be it marriage to Prince Claudia or escaping to a convent, causes her to push away those closest to her.  

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 2

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 2 - 180 pages

Haru Harukawa (Artist); Reina Soratani (Original Creator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

One noblewoman's attempt to rewrite the past--and avoid her descent into villainy. (And don't miss the original light novels, also from Seven Seas!) Succumbing to long-simmering jealousy over her younger sister, noblewoman Violette snaps and does something terrible. As she languishes in prison, something unexpected happens: time is rewound, sending her back to the day she first met her sister! Armed with the memories of her disastrous first go-round, Violette is determined to take the script in a different direction this time.

Review

The pacing of this one is a bit slower, though that's because more time was spent on fleshing out some of the characters - not a bad thing in the least.  This includes more of Violette's tragic backstory. I hope this second chance at life and love works out better for her!  

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 1

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! (Manga) Volume 1 - 180 pages

Haru Harukawa (Artist); Reina Soratani (Original Creator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

Succumbing to long-simmering jealousy over her younger sister, noblewoman Violette snaps and does something terrible. As she languishes in prison, something unexpected happens: time is rewound, sending her back to the day she first met her sister! Armed with the memories of her disastrous first go-round, Violette is determined to take the script in a different direction this time.

Review

I found this one to be quite bittersweet in nature.  It's always nice to see a good redemption story, but I can't help feeling so badly for Violette!  

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 2

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 2 - 194 pages

Souichi (Artist); Kataoka Naotaro (Original Creator); Shizuki Hitomi (Character Design)

Summary (From Goodreads)

One day, Kubo Tamotsu, an ordinary office worker, is suddenly reincarnated in another world as a 6-year-old slave. Picked up by the Basam Marquess, he was raised as "Linus," a Barrier Master, and continued developing his abilities at a remarkable rate. Just when he was on the verge of serving as a Royal Barrier Master, the Palace comes under attack by foes unknown. Linus heads to help his Masters, but--?!

Review

Holy emotional whiplash, Batman, this one got dark fast!  Things lightened up a bit by the end, but the overall tone is a complete 180 from the first volume.  

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 1

Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Volume 1 - 148 pages

Souichi (Artist); Kataoka Naotaro (Original Creator); Shizuki Hitomi (Character Design)

Summary (From Goodreads)

At 34 years old, Kubo Tamotsu works at an exploitative company only to wake up one day in an unfamiliar world, reincarnated into the body of a six-year-old. Not aware of his innate "Barrier Master" skills, he finds himself on the slave market, and up for auction! When no one bids on him and he's queued for disposal, he is rescued in the nick of time by Marquess Basam. He will be raised as the Marquess' personal Barrier Master under a new name, "Linus," and his talent as a Barrier Master will grow day by day. His troubles never seem to end, as he struggles to survive!

Review

Something I can definitely appreciate about Linus's character is how he has succeeded thus far not so much by simply being "overpowered," but rather by his own creativity in using the magic he now possesses.  The abundance of time-skips did make this feel a bit rushed - like they were trying to get a lot of backstory and exposition out of the way before getting on with the main plot.  A bit more showing and a bit less telling could have helped in this regard.  

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 5

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 5 - 162 pages

iidatoy (Artist); Inumajin (Original Story); Falmaro (Character Design); Carolina Hernandez (Letterer); Eleanor Summer (Translator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

Kanata makes her way to the Holy City, where Fen-Fen’s main body is sleeping—but the city is ruled by Marianne, a false Saint! Having power exceeding that of the Saint’s, Kanata’s existence is a nuisance to Marianne. Thus, she frames Kanata as a heretical witch who worships fluff and calls for her execution! Kanata, undeterred by the target on her back, sallies forth to find the fluff! 

Review

I'll admit, I am starting to get a bit tired of the running gag of Kanata being so single-minded as to not take anything seriously (other than "fluff," of course).  Her character is a bit lackluster, as this is basically her entire identity.  That said, I have still been enjoying this series, and if more volumes are published, I might continue reading it.  I was also satisfied with the conclusion of the arc involving Saint Marianne and was glad to see justice served.  

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 4

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 4 - 162 pages

iidatoy (Artist); Inumajin (Original Story); Falmaro (Character Design); Carolina Hernandez (Letterer); Eleanor Summer (Translator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

Kanata and her hero, Molmo the Beast Tamer, have finally arrived at the goblins’ nest, where they discover that the goblins’ leader is the reason they’re attacking the townsfolk. Now it's Kanata’s team against the strange-seeming ogre! Moreover, the smell of fluff is wafting from the Holy City!

Review

I found myself very satisfied with how the arc with Mr. Molmo and the goblins ended.  I hope more problems in chapters to come are solved in other ways besides throwing a Kanata at it.  That said, I also feel this series has done a good job at portraying the main villain not only as unrepentantly evil, but also as a very real threat to the world.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!  

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 3

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 3 - 187 pages

iidatoy (Artist); Inumajin (Original Story); Falmaro (Character Design); Carolina Hernandez (Letterer); Eleanor Summer (Translator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

With the goddess’s curse lifted and the royal capital saved, Kanata and Zaggy have set off in search of adventure and fluff! Deep in the woods, they come across a pair of goblins about to make a meal of an adorably furry puppy. Kanata rescues the poor puffball with zero hesitation, but this is no ordinary beast—he’s the legendary Spirit Wolf Fenrir, and he seems to be very familiar with Kanata! Will Zaggy be replaced as her most faithful follower?

Review

Double the fluff, double the fun!  It was nice to see Kanata gain another travelling companion, even if there is quite a lot of bickering with Zaggy (the yin and yang symbolism of a black cat and a white dog is not lost on me...)  I also thought it was a good change to see Kanata interacting with someone she actually respects and looks up to.  I hope we get to see more of Mr. Molmo in the future!  

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 2

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 2 - 212 pages

iidatoy (Artist); Inumajin (Original Story); Falmaro (Character Design); Carolina Hernandez (Letterer); Eleanor Summer (Translator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

“I won’t let you lay a finger on Zaggy’s fluff! The only one who can pet him…is ME!” Kanata and Zaggy finally register with the Adventurers Guild, ready to embark on their journey for strength, money…and most importantly (as far as Kanata is concerned), more fluffy friends! Kanata’s not-soglamorous first job with the guild is to clean up the poison-filled sewers, but no task is too dangerous or dirty for her miraculous powers to handle. Unfortunately, the pressure for her to become a Saint only builds as her reputation grows! And while Kanata is focused on her quest for cuteness, time is of the essence if Zaggy wants to reverse his curse…

Review

The ending was nice, if a bit predictable.  Without giving too much away, I do hope the events surrounding Zaggy don't mean the series has jumped the proverbial shark so soon!  I'm interested to see what might happen with the potential for a new ally in the next one!  

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 1

Saint? No! I'm Just a Passing Beast Tamer! (Manga) Volume 1 - 178 pages

iidatoy (Artist); Inumajin (Original Story); Falmaro (Character Design); Carolina Hernandez (Letterer); Eleanor Summer (Translator)

Summary (From Goodreads)

Kanata is a girl so gifted with magic that people swear up and down she’s the second coming of a saint. But when it comes time for her to choose a job, she settles on...Monster Taming? In truth, Kanata is the reincarnation of a friendless woman from the modern world. To make up for lost time, she sets off on a quest to gather as many fluffy creatures as she can get her hands on! 

Review

I've enjoyed a fair few isekai manga in the past, so I was excited to give this one a try.  Although it did fall into the trope of the main character being (ridiculously) overpowered for no as of yet explained reason other than that she's an isekai protagonist, I still enjoyed seeing the beginnings of a heartwarming and humorous relationship between Kanata and Zaggy.  I look forward to reading the next one in the series!