This is the light novel version. I've already reviewed the manga version of it, and you read that at this link here. So this review is going to be more of a comparison between the light novel and the manga versions.
First of all, the light novel volume 1
contains more content than manga volume 1. The manga version stops after Falfa and
Shalfa's introduction, and ends on a sequel hook for Halkara's introduction.
The light novel includes Halkara's introduction, the conclusion of her arc, the
Red Dragon Wedding, and the visit to The Great Slime. So I'm assuming that
light novel volume 1 covers manga volume 1 and 2 together.
Next, the light novel presents more of
Azusa's inner thoughts, so the reader sees references to her previous life more
often. The nature of her previous life (i.e. lonely and overworked corporate
slave) means that all references to it are a downer, definitely a contrast to
her much happier and laid-back current life. This makes the manga a lighter and
more feel-good read than the light novel already is.
Seriously, it happens. Even after 300
hundred years of life as an easy-going and potion making witch, reminders of
Azusa's previous life are painful to her. For instance, when she hears that the
medicines Halkara makes are basically energy drinks, she recalls how she used
to guzzle them during her endless overtime, and it puts her on edge. However,
this also underscores her kindness, because she takes Halkara under her
protection despite the uncomfortable reminder of her past life and the
potential for trouble in her new life. Indeed, the light novel does a better
job of developing Azusa's character than the manga does, simply because the
light novel has more room to display Azusa's inner thoughts.
For comparison, in the manga, when Azusa
creates a magic barrier for her village, it comes out of nowhere. Laika remarks
that the village has few defenses, out of nowhere and without context, and then
Azusa creates it because she doesn't seem to have anything better to do. The
light novel, by contrast, shows Azusa sincerely worried about the village's
security because adventurers and dragons are now seeking her out due to her
max-level reputation, and so Laika's remarks validate these fears. She creates
the magic barrier because she has become protective of her village after three
hundred years of treating its sick and injured, and doesn't want someone taking
it hostage because of her. Looking after it gives her a sense of purpose, no
reward required (or wanted; that "bronze statue" scene was really
funny!).
In terms of narrative description and
scene setting, the manga does a superior job by virtue of being a visual
medium. So the event where Azusa freezes an entire waterfall when she learns
about her ice magic for the first time is more of a spectacle. It wasn't as big of
an event in the light novel; the ice-magic-as-refrigeration got more ink. Which
makes sense, given Azusa's character. Someone seeking a laid-back life, like
her, would naturally be more interested in food preservation than displays of
power (so she could make a lot at once, freeze it, and then go days without
having to make more).
In terms of "highest moment of
action", I suppose the climax would be the Red Dragon Wedding, but to be
honest, it feels more like the other events than a climax. No, the next event,
the meeting with The Great Slime, feels more like a culmination of events and
proper conclusion for this volume. It is a peaceful meeting that includes
reflection on past events, and guidance on the future of Azusa's new family
(spoiler: lots of hugs are involved).
Trickster Eric Novels give "I've
Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level volume 1" an A+
Click here for my next book review: Witch's Printing Office volume 3
Click here for my previous book review: Girls' Ops volume 4
Brian Wilkerson is a independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor degrees in English Literature and History (Classical Mediterranean Period concentration).
His fantasy series, Journey to Chaos, is currently available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.
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