LightNovel.org

The clue is simply......

Raito Noberu Magazine (RNM)

-Matt

Anime Yokoso brings us a review of the first volume of the SHI-NO light novel series, titled: SHI-NO: The Girl with Black Soul.

Kadokawa Shoten announces on Beans Bunko's official site the start of a new label for publishing fantasy books, called: "Gin no Saji".

The label will start on July 5th, with the following books:

Vivace Koushoku no Ei
Author: Asano Atsuko

RDG Red Data Girl Hajimete no Otsukai
Author: Ogiwara Noriko

(Note: The label is un-confirmed to be a light novel label)

Source: Ranobe no Mori

Spread the word to every anime blog and site on the internet! "RNM" is coming to lightnovel.org, and it will be GIGANTIC!!!

But seriously, what the heck is RNM? And does it stand for something? Or is it just a code name?

And most importantly, how can a large part of the entire anime community be effected by this???

So many questions, and no answers from me to give. hehe

-Matt

SPREAD THE WORD!

"RNM" is coming soon to lightnovel.org, and it will be big.

What is it? In the coming weeks, we will slowly leak info regarding it, but basicly, when you find out what it is, your going to be pretty shocked and happy, and maybe even amazed.

So hold onto your seat, cause "RNM" is going to be HUGE!

-Matt :)

Gentosha's website for the light novel label "Genrou Fantasia Novels" has been updated with the first light novels to be published under their new label; the August 2008 light novel line-up:

Luna Shooter (temporary title)
Author: Hayashi Jouji

Tenma no Rasetsu hei (first part) (temporary title)
Author: Takase Kanata

STOP! Darkness (temporary title)
Author: Asamatsu Ken

Calling
Author: Kashiwae Masato

Teikoku no Soubiki 1
Author: Hikawa Reiko

Majo no Taikan I
Author: Takase Mie

Anime Yokoso brings us a review of the first volume of the Mushi to Gankyuu series of light novels, titled: Mushi to Gankyuu to Teddy Bear.

Title: FLCL Volume 1
Author: Youji Enokido
Illustrators: Kazuya Tsurumaki & Hiroyuki Imaishi
Original concept and project: Gainax
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $9.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

One of TokyoPop’s newest light novel releases, and by far the most controversial. When I first heard about the FLCL (Fooly Cooly) novels, I thought ‘maybe’. You see, I had seen the anime long before when it first aired on Cartoon Network. I had gotten interested in it, mainly because of its craziness, but I didn’t really understand it, and when I had seen the ending, I didn’t like it at all. However, I thought, maybe it would work as a novel. Needless to say, I decided I would give it a try when it came out in April of 2008. When it did, I was shocked. The light novel was the shortest I have ever seen! In fact, it’s a shorter read then I think even Scrapped Princess was! However, when I looked at the back of the book, I nearly flipped my lid. It was priced at $9.99, and yet was a 80% less in size than The Twelve Kingdom’s which was priced at $7.99, as well as other light novels much larger and priced the same. Obviously, this was an attempt to get the maximum profit from this book, because TokyoPop knew that dedicated FLCL fans would buy it no matter what the price. Personally, I think it’s an outrage.

Now aside from that, what is the story, for those unfamiliar? The story is about Naota, a sixth grader in Japan. He and his brother’s girlfriend, who keeps using him as a substitute boyfriend as his brother is in America, live normal lives. Naota believes the world to be not full of any surprises. However, one day, a crazy woman named Haruko comes speeding at him on a vespa and strikes him in the head with a strange guitar. It appears, his head has become a gateway for robots to emerge out of. Add to the fact that the robots want to fight each other and destroy things, this creates an obvious problem. Just who is this crazy alien vespa riding woman?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The book is one word, and that word is, great! The writing style is awesome and captivating and the story moves perfectly. I had low expectations when I saw how thin it was, but it proved me wrong and happily so.

It was a fast read, but yet, it didn’t feel like it. It felt like the first part of a story just beginning, and it left me satisfied at the end, yet still wondering what the next book would hold for the characters.

I have a confession to make, I didn’t buy the book. I read it at the bookstore in a chair. Will I buy it now? No, not yet. I wouldn’t recommend buying it either yet, until the next and last book come out. It’s a three book series, and I don’t want to spend $30 on a light novel, unless it’s pure awesomeness. So if you’re a fan, your going to get it no matter what, but if your like me and interested in a good novel read, wait to buy this later this year when the final book comes out. Then you can read my final review for the entire series, which really equals one single light novel. I just know that with a series so short and quick, and so expensive, I want to make sure the ending is all worth it.

I think this might be the first ever review for this book. So I hope I helped anyone out wondering about this book.

Until book 2, I bid goodbye.

My Grade for This Light Novel: A

Title: Scrapped Princess: A Tale of Destiny
Author: Ichiro Sakaki
Illustrator: Nakayohi Mogudan
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $7.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

Well, one of TokyoPop’s earlier light novel launches was of the series “Scrapped Princess” by Ichiro Sakaki. Most will probably know this series because of the anime that was based off these novels, I have not seen it, so once again, this was my first introduction to the story and characters. I had seen the book in bookstores since 2006, and recently tried ordering it without luck. So when I found it at a Used Book Store, books 1 and 2, both half off, I went and got them.

Scrapped Princess is the story of an infant baby girl, who has a death sentence proclaimed on her because of a prophecy proclaiming she will bring about the end of the world on her sixteenth birthday. However, the baby is snuck away safely while the world believes her to have been killed. Fifteen years later, she is feisty and very much alive, living with the people that saved her (although she knows nothing of her true identity). The story opens right up with her adopted father being killed (later discovered as being murdered), and she find his will. Soon she discovers her true identity and that’s when the action starts. Not only because she now finds out she is a princess, but because the royal family learns she is alive and starts to send out assassins to kill her and her brother and sister.

Filled with lots of battles, it’s a fast paced reading adventure that you are sure to enjoy. Now, when I say fast paced, I’m serious. The book is very short, and only has the same size as other light novels because TokyoPop increased the font size. It’s the fastest light novel I ever read, since I finished it within 3-4 hours. It’s however, a sad drawback, since the story is so good. It’s like reading half of a true light novel.

However, the book is undeniably enjoyable and a wonderfully exciting read. You will not be bored and you will enjoy it.

I hate however the NEW cover TokyoPop gave the book. They should stop trying to market the books for a broader audience and just keep the original covers, which look way better.

So, my recommendation? Go and buy the book. However, if this will be your FIRST light novel, do not buy it. I do not recommend this book as anybody’s FIRST. Go choose Kino no Tabi, Ballad of a Shinigami, or Full Metal Panic for your first light novel, not this.

However, if this isn’t your first light novel, go ahead and get it, you’ll enjoy adding this book to your collection.

Until book 2, which is staring at me on the table, sayonara!

My grade for this light novel: B+