If you did not read Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 1 Volume 1 then this review will contain spoilers. If you did read volume one, please read that review first!
It feels so good to be back on an adventure with Myne. When starting the series I realized that there are already over 33 volumes out. I was skeptical about how much I’d have to read. I was also worried that I wouldn’t even want to complete the series. After completing the second book I have the opposite problem. I don’t want to read anything else.
Characters
Volume one introduced to most of the main characters. I don’t put much weight on character development in the first installment of any series. In this volume we get a deeper look into families and even a few more characters. The ones that stand out to me are:
Ehrenfest – The name of the city and also the name of the Lord
Gustav- The guildmaster at the Merchants Guild
Freida- The guildmaster’s granddaughter
I don’t want to go into too much detail out of fear of spoilers, but I have my eyes on you Frieda!
Setting and Atmosphere
In this volume Myne finally gets her hand on a map and we learn that the name of the city she is in is called Ehrenfest. Its normal customs for the city to be named after the Lord of the land.
We also learn more about currency. They use copper, silver, and gold coins, but also different sizes of these coins. Once we learn how currency works, we also learn how poor Myne’s family is and how they rank in society.
Even the little details on how the name the days of the week Waterday, Sproutday, Fireday, Leafday, Winday, Fruitday, and Earthday, really sucks you into the story.
Plot and Story
I think the story really starts to take off in volume 2. In volume one we are introduced to Myne, her new world and her family and friends. In volume 2 we are faced with the many challenges Myne faces on her quest for books.
The end of volume one we learn that Myne possibly has an illness referred to as ‘the devouring’. This volume explores her internal burning more, her limitations, and what it will take to cure/treat her illness.
We are given a peak into Lutz’ home life and how his family really feels about him abandoning his fate of being a craftsman and choosing a path for himself to become a merchant.
Writing Style
I thought that the simple way the story is written would become boring quickly, but it does the opposite. It really helps the pacing of the story. There wasn’t a point in reading where I felt as though the story dragged, or needed to move more quickly.
Overall Enjoyment
I went ahead and ordered the next two books in the series when I was about 40% through this one. I couldn’t wait and I wanted to have the next book in my hand by the time I finished. Unfortunately for me I would finish the book on the same day. I’ll have to read through the e-book version until I get a physical copy in my hand.
I recommend this series for anyone who wants to have a nice cozy enjoyable read.
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