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| Title | Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies |
| Author | Yuri Kitayama |
| Publisher | JP: Hobby Japan EN: J-Novel Club |
| Original Release Dates | JP: Oct 2015 EN: Aug 2018 |
| Genre | Medieval Fantasy, Isekai, Light Novel |
In this review, I discuss plot points and details of storylines and character arcs which could be considered minor spoilers. No major spoilers will be revealed.
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles, by author Yuri Kitayama, is a medieval fantasy light novel series whose themes include self-discovery and personal growth, as well as the importance and benevolence of genuine friendships and bonds. The story begins with a college student who experiences an isekai moment, thus finding himself in a different world, full of magic, conflict, and monarchial quarrels. Then, finding his very personage merging with another, that of an orphan from the slums, their life is further drastically changed after a series of incredible events. Along with a supporting cast of charismatic individuals from all walks of life, our evolving main character forges a path forward; one new and ever changing, veiled by a desire of revenge, yet also with promise of new friends, experiences, and opportunities to grow.
Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies sets the foundation for an imaginative and intricate story, rife with fantasy, magic, and action, as well as challenges, from grand schemes to personal tests that life in such a disparate world entails. The overarching story follows Haruto Amakawa, a Japanese college student, whose nature is melancholic after having to leave behind his childhood friend and only love, Miharu Ayase, many years ago. A potential encounter with Miharu would appear for Haruto at the start of his first year of high school, however he hesitates, and then soon after, Miharu mysteriously vanishes, leaving Haruto empty. Years later and now in college, Haruto meets his end in a traffic accident.
Fate would intervene, as a dormant spirit within him guides Haruto’s soul, and thus his memories and personality, to a different world and merges it with that of an orphaned eight year old named Rio. Rio, on the verge of death himself, wakes and physically recovers quickly, though his mind is now a jumbled mess as the two personalities begin to coalesce.
Rio, an orphan of the Beltrum Kingdom’s slums, survives his harsh reality for the sole purpose of revenge. It was his only reason to endure his hellish life, yet now with his consciousness merged with that of Haruto’s and having Haruto’s personality, knowledge, and principles merged with his own, this new individual will soon face equally new and outstandingly peculiar circumstances. To add to his eccentric dilemma, the bandit group whom he begrudgingly associates with has kidnapped a young girl, whom Rio will shortly learn is a princess of the kingdom.
With an eccentric series of events then unfolding, we move into the crux of Kingdom of Lies, in which Rio will ultimately find himself entangled with these nobles through an offer of enrollment into their most prestigious primary school. Given his awful life in the slums and further led by Haruto’s wisdom and influence, Rio accepts the advantageous opportunity. He will spend the next several years at the academy, learning of the world around him and planning how to navigate it, all the while withstanding and overcoming conflicts fueled by classism from his aristocrat classmates and new surroundings.
Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies accomplishes quite a bit of development, from the introduction of Haruto and his history, to establishing both the new character born by the merge with Rio and the approach in which the combined individual will be portrayed. The series of events leading up to Rio’s enrollment and the proceeding conflicts thoroughly test Rio and further develop his character. Influenced by his evolving personality, we get to see how Rio thinks and behaves throughout new, challenging, and ever changing circumstances. Notable efforts are also made in building this world around Rio, and its society of inequality, curt attitudes, and self-interest. In all, the story sows new conflicts throughout, and ultimately lays the overarching plotlines which will extend beyond this volume. Altogether, Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies offers unique, individual stories and events as it also breaks ground for an extensive, epic tale.
In its entirety, I am impressed with how much is packed into this single volume, with the foundational work for the series established and conjointly offering the volume’s own main plotline and set of smaller events. More importantly, the volume is a mostly entertaining read throughout. The main storyline of this volume is an engaging one, as Rio’s efforts to acclimate to his new self and grow as a capable, resilient person in this unique world are perceptible and empathetic, and thus immersive. Also, his drive to take hold of advantages presented, all in preparation for a future odyssey, is just as perceptible.
Regarding specific elements of the story, the action scenes, though few, shine with suspense and force, and each is their chapter’s highlight. They also work notably well to display Rio’s growth as he acclimates to new and particular strengths offered by Haruto’s experiences and the spirit within him. Of course, they add distinct intensity and energy, too. Then there are the many scenes between Rio interacting with the aristocracy, which are commonly peppered with hints of stinging arrogance and vitriol from the nobles’ side, whereas he demonstrates a calm tolerance, patience, and remarkable maturity. The play in tones and moods from the differing attitudes definitely helps make them felt. I also appreciate the scarce, yet poignant times in which Rio’s frustration comes through, making him more relatable, and offering another layer of individual mood. For their brighter tones, I found myself looking forward to the scenes between Rio and his teacher and only friend at the academy, Celia Claire. These scenes are heartwarming, depicting the evolution of their relationship from strangers, to teacher and pupil, to having genuine care for one another. These scenes, and their dynamic as a whole, set moods of warmth, humor, and uplift, and are a wonderful reminder that there is sincerity and light in this brusque, prejudiced world. Lastly, world building and background exposition add further touches of depth, and the details describing the extrinsic society Rio now finds himself in also add distinct tones. Overall, Kingdom of Lies’s story is an engaging one, with its portrayals of setting and character, its palpable tones and moods, and its imaginative events which all work together to satisfyingly immerse and impress.
Despite its successes of delivering intrigue, stirring the imagination, and establishing a solid foundation, Kingdom of Lies’s story has its shortcomings. The foremost issue is the author’s reliance on many common literary tropes. Popular elements and themes such as rebirth in another world, the scenario of a protagonist’s ascension from obscurity, and the commoner versus nobility device, are used to move through much of the introductory groundwork, as well as begin the volume proper. I can fully understand their need, as an impressive amount of story and setup are made concise and manageable for us readers. However, it also makes some of the events and plotlines feel a touch too familiar. For example, school scenes in particular are lacking in the ways of rivet or uniqueness and proceed in an uninspired manner. Although used well to further the feelings and tones of inequality between Rio and his classmates, these interactions, necessary as they are to set tone, are mostly predictable.
Fortunately, author Kitayama mostly uses these tropes and devices as frameworks, developing plenty of variation and creativity around them, and thus keeping the storylines fresh. The events after the princess’s rescue come to mind, as the volume offers its first touch of a much darker style. Another example, the school life trope serves a purpose of introducing characters, mindsets, and other elements of characters and the world around them. And like the school life trope, several of them are eventually moved away from once they’ve served their purposes. However, as some are let go, there is a tendency of a new one or two being picked up later. Rio’s dubiously matchless skill near the volume’s end hints at the overpowered trope, and his popularity with girls is an aspect I could see devolving into a cliché in the future. Overall, while I’ll praise their effective usage to help introduce and move the story along, and although mainly used as a step to build more unique story moments from, there are yet feelings of commonness during the read that stem from the reliance of tropes.
The only other narrative issue I could debate is the use of exposition for characters. I felt there is a reliance on explaining how Rio or others are thinking, feeling, or interacting in given moments. I would have preferred dialogue or inner monologue in many of these cases, as I see them as opportunities lost for more character development. They could have served to show, rather than tell, the whats and hows regarding emotions and reasonings. I suppose this is more a personal preference in the end as, fortunately, the exposition isn’t so overdone as to take anything away from the experience, and I would leave this saying most readers may never take issue.
Along with an engaging story and solid series start, Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies accomplishes much regarding the introduction and development of its main character. With the merge between Haruto’s and Rio’s souls, this new Rio is a fascinating character, whose arc includes his efforts to acclimate to his new self as he navigates what is essentially a new world, one of magic and nobility, for them both. This familiarization with his new self is mostly shown through the ways each of the two’s previous personalities influence thinking and decision making. Haruto’s intelligence, experience, and thus his adaptability and resilience shine through as Rio faces new experiences and situations. I appreciate seeing the thought processes and reasonings behind decisions and actions, making for a calculated character with noteworthy maturity. His decision to take advantage of enrollment, as well as how he handles his classmates demonstrate his acumen. Even the common aspects of this school life, like practicing self-defense and studying to familiarize himself with the knowledge of this world, all convey insight and cleverness. Although Haruto’s personality is intended to be prominent, I also like how the previous Rio’s traits, with his cautiousness and distrust, are also present and influence that reasoning. The best example is the prudence shown when Rio must decide whether to involve himself with nobles by returning the kidnapped princess. When these differences in personalities come up, though noticeably scarce, they help portray the inner workings of the character’s new, single personality. Overall, being treated to the mindset and workings of this fused college student as he processes and navigates his new story is curiously captivating, and I’m look forward to the new Rio’s continued evolution.
I also appreciate Celia’s characterization, though hers is a bit more traditional and linear. A twelve year old child prodigy and current professor at the royal academy, Celia is immediately portrayed as a kind, compassionate individual who is quick to demonstrate care and sympathy for Rio. Before even knowing him, as one never concerned with social differences, Celia shows friendliness, patience, and consideration to Rio. When their relationship grows to that of teacher and student and later as earnest friends, Celia takes particular care of him, making sure he can handle schoolwork, while also keeping keen watch over him given her full awareness of the inevitable exclusion and prejudices he faces. I think my favorite example of this is when Celia asks Rio about his future, going so far as to offer him a position to continue working together with her research. Warm and sympathetic, with moments of pure charm, Celia is an easily lovable character.
Unfortunately, character development has its flaws too, of which their impact on the story can’t be easily dismissed. One standout flaw for me is Rio’s character before the merge. I found it to be rather bare; a framework waiting to be filled by Haruto rather than one evenly subsisting alongside Haruto’s. Rio has a tragic backstory, which begins with a horrible event that plunges his existence into despair, but it ends there. The event itself, and an explanation that his life has been awful since, are all we truly get for Rio’s initial development. Also, we get tidbits of his life before the tragedy, but again, not much else of substance until the merge. I feel Rio’s personality is perhaps left intentionally sparse for the purpose of being colored in by Haruto’s. Indeed, many a times during my read, it felt as if I were reading solely about Haruto in a different world, rather than a combined individual. I’m glad for when certain aspects specific to the original Rio do come through, such as his difficulty to trust, as well as glimmers of his apathy, born from loss and a descent into a dangerous, callous life of poverty. But so far, seeing only his doubt, caution, and apathy, it feels as if the old Rio simply represents the darker attributes of the merged psyche. Perhaps more from Rio’s past, through flashbacks and reminiscences, maybe even more of those negative qualities one would ultimately pick up from such a life, could have been introduced to add greater depth to the original Rio. Ultimately, I feel he could have had a deeper characterization, one that more evenly stands with Haruto’s, and one which could have intensified the mental and emotional struggles of their shared being.
A lesser shortcoming, though it still stood out for me, is the characterization of the side characters. Yes, they are side characters, but I couldn’t get away from just how minimal they are. Many, such as the nobility, are shown to have a primary personality trait without much in the way of development. The noble male classmates, for example, all seem like the same person, sharing identical personalities and so making them forgettable. Slightly more remarked characters, such as Princesses Christina and Flora Beltrum, still only possess few character traits. Christina has an attitude and is quick to be angered by Rio’s very presence, while Flora is the meek, mostly unassuming type. Familiar, and bland at times, as side characters, they, and the rest, yet serve their purposes as foils to Rio and contrasts to Celia. Even still, I am hoping we get a bit more depth in future volumes.
A final element I wish to address is the artwork of Volume 1. The cover and illustrations within are done by artist Riv, whose depictions of our main cast are detailed and charming. Whether it’s the sweetness of Celia, the sharpness of Rio, or the intensity of conflicts, the artwork adds appreciated notes of personality, tone, and emphasis. I also like seeing a bit of artwork, as I assume author Kitayama directed how Rio and the others are depicted, so it’s a glimpse of the author’s own imagination regarding these characters. My one wish would be for more, as the number of images included this volume is few, and what we are offered is beautiful.
Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies is an accomplishment, setting up what is seeming to be quite the epic, full of adventures and conflicts for Rio and the individuals, even the very realms, around him. While setting up for a series which suggests plenty in the way of complexity and imagination, this volume also offers its own set of stories which I found entertaining and mostly unique. With the depth of its main hero, the cleverness of its storylines, and its ability to deliver palpable feelings through its characters and clashes, Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies manages more than enough originality and immersion that I very much want to keep reading beyond this volume. I genuinely want to see how Rio’s journey will take shape after these first incredible, foundational steps and onto the second ones.
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English translation of Spirit Chronicles Volume 1 – Kingdom of Lies and all volumes of Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles by J-Novel Club
