The third volume of this series reveals the author's template for this series. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. You can also see that the author is trying new things as well. I'll go into that here.
First, we have the arc heroine. In each volume thus far, the author has introduced a female character who gets focus during that volume. In volume 1, it was Raphtalia. In volume 2, it was Filo. Now it is Melty, the second princess of Melromarc and the heir to the throne. I like this for several reasons.
1.) Melty's friendship with Filo is adorable. 2.) it provides opportunity for both narrative and character development, given Naofumi's long-standing and well-justified grudge against Melty's family as well Melty's sweet and polite disposition. Really, she's the opposite of her elder sister. 3.) Through Melty, we learn about her mother the queen, who is the true ruler of Melromarc, and what she has been doing since the waves began. Finally, Naofumi notices this pattern himself, and his narration about it is funny.
Second, Spear Hero Motoyatysu is still being a jerk and still trying to take the arc heroine away from Naofumi. He seems to have lost interest in Raphtalia, and now is totally into Filo and also thinks Naofumi kidnapped Melty. It's ridiculous how much he tries to get in Naofumi's way; he must be supremely gullible.
Bow Hero Itsuki finally gets focus, but it is so minor and inconsequential that it was only glancingly mentioned in the adaptation of anime season 1. His dislike and suspicion of Naofumi is even more frustrating than Motoyatsu, because Motoyatsu has the excuse of Malty whispering poison in his ears. Itsuki has no excuse, yet he tries to blame Naofumi for things without any reason. Seriously, there's a scene where Naofumi asks him the reason why, and he says nothing.
We get nothing from Ren Sword Hero, except that he might not be quite as thick-headed as the other two.
Third point is the Third Wave. Again, the Waves of Destruction are not the true climax. This one is, in fact, the midpoint of the volume, and the set up for the next arc. Yes, the major story arc gets set up in the midpoint of this novel. The novel feels a little unfocused until then. Instead, the climax is another fight between the Cardinal Heroes. It is a mess. A big mess that achieves nothing and is closed by an outside force. It's not quite a deus-ex-machina, but it has the same narrative purpose.
I say "closed", instead of "resolved" because the end of the climax battle is not decisive. I think this is one of the ways the author is trying something new. I certainly did not expect it, even though I watched the anime prior to this.
The epilogue is good. A nice denouement to close up the volume. It has a sweet moment that has been built up through the volume, and that is good volume closure.
There's also a side-story that wasn't included in the anime. It is the story of how Melty left her mother's side in another country and ended up in the Melromarc countryside surrounded by filolials, where she meets Naofumi. It is eventful. It also has a lot of information that would have been nice to see in the anime.
Trickster Eric Novels gives Rising of the Shield Hero volume 3 a B+
Click here for my next book review: Wandering Witch volume 3
Click here for my previous book review: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? volume 5
Brian Wilkerson is an independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor's 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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