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From MangaCast comes the translation of the Gamers weekly light novel rankings (December 20, 2007).

A review of the Ginban Kaleidoscope light novel series.

Japanese title: 銀盤カレイドスコープ (1)ショート・プログラム：Road to dream
English title: Ginban Kaleidoscope (1) Short Program: Road to dream

Author: Kaibara Rei
Illustrator: Suzuhira Hiro
Available volumes: 9 volumes (finished)

Publisher: Shogakukan
Label: Super Dash Bunko

An accident has occured to Sakurano Tazusa, a 16-year-old figure skater, before the all-Japan championship; Pete Pumps, a 16-year-old Canadian boy who lived in Tokyo, now inhabits part of Tazusa's mind as a separate personality. He died but needed to stay 100 days before going to heaven. At first Tazusa was confused and upset, but gradually they became close. Tazusa challenged the all-Japan championship with a new program from Pete's suggestion. Can Tazusa win the championship and qualify for the Olympics?

There are some differences between the novel and the anime version. In the original story, Pete is an amateur figure skater, but in the anime version, he is described as a stunt pilot. Additionally, the anime version is equivalent to volume 1 & 2 of the original work, so it's regrettable that volume 3~9 (most part of the series) are not animated. Ginban Kaleidoscope is filled with a detailed description of skating and the minds of the athletes, which is the strongest points of merit as a light novel. Although not animated, the best volumes of the series are #8 and #9 because of these points.

Super Dash Bunko is Shueisha's label, which is famous at Weekly Shounen Jump and Cobalt Bunko. Therefore, there are some works from this label that are caricatured by Ultra Jump. As for the works from this label that got animated: "Happy Seven", "Ginban Kaleidoscope" and "R.O.D". "Kure-nai" is also going to get animated in 2008. Although not animated, "Yokuwakaru Gendai Mahou" and "Hatsukoi Magical Blitz" are also major works of this label.

Reviewed by: wakataka423

From MangaCast comes the translation of the Gamers weekly light novel rankings (December 14, 2007).

Amazon Japan has released its Best Book of 2007 list. Amongst them are the top 10 light novels:

1. Suzumiya Haruhi no Bunretsu
2. DDD Volume 1
3. Zero no Tsukaima Volume 10
4. Full Metal Panic! Tsudou Make My Day
5. Saiunkoku Monogatari (The Story of Saiunkoku) Volume 12
6. Shakugan no Shana Volume 14
7. Bakemonogatari Part 2
8. Jinrui ha Suitai Shimashita
9. Katanagatari Volume 1
10. Maria-sama ga Miteru: Frame of Mind

Source: Canned Dogs

The japanese video game publisher and developer Koei started a new light novel label in December 2007 that's titled: Game City Bunko. Currently there are 6 light novel volumes scheduled to be released under this new label, three of them will be released in December, and the other 3 will be released in January 2008.

Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Kurenai no Tsuki is the first light novel volume published under this new label (which was officially released on December 8, 2007).

For reviews of english translated light novels go to this page: English Light Novels

For reviews of japanese only light novels go to this page: Japanese Light Novels

A review of the Akuma no Mikata 666 light novel series.

Japanese title：悪魔のミカタ６６６(3),(4)～スコルピオン・デスロック～
English title: Akuma no Mikata 666 ~Scorpion Deathlock~ (volume 3 and 4)

Author: Hisamitsu Ueo
Illustrator: Kaori Fujita
Available volumes: 17 volumes (ongoing)

Publisher: MediaWorks
Label: Dengeki Bunko

Hisamitsu Ueo is one of the greatest light novel writers, and the Akuma no Mikata series is his major work. His latest release is set in a PE festival, which determines the president of the high school student council. The protagonist of the story, Koh Doujima, is in heat (rut) by the side effect of his magic item "Greatest Orion". Moreover, the item gives a "passionated" effect on other students in his school.

His writing style can be characterized by quotations from old masterpieces (not only Japanese novels, for example "Moby-Dick") and spicy chapters. It is likely to describe sexual scenes in light novels, but usually in a comical way. The whole Japanese Otaku culture also has these features, somewhat.

I hope Akuma no Mikata gets animated.

Reviewed by: wakataka423

From MangaCast comes the translation of the Gamers weekly light novel rankings (November 30, 2007).

From MangaCast comes the translation of the Gamers weekly light novel rankings (November 23, 2007).