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空ろの箱と零のマリア [Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria] #3
The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria, Vol. 3
Can you do what it takes to survive?This time, Kazuki and Maria find themselves trapped in a game of deception and betrayal with four other students from their school. Despite being pitted against each other, the two once again work together in an effort to break the Box's hold. But as the stakes rise and the game grows increasingly twisted, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary wish-and that the owner may be impossible to convince. What kind of person could have created such a Box...?
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
49 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Eiji Mikage
11 books136 followersDropped out of college to become a writer; he still works a part time job to make ends meet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 4, 2018
Final rating: 3.5/5 stars
Same thing as first book - something was seriously missing.
But the premise and the idea of the death game these 6 characters, including Daiya Oomine, Kazuki Hoshino and Maria Otonashi are thrown into is interesting, it's also intriguing to see the behaviours of other three people, namely Yuuri, Shindo and Kamiuchi's behaviors in this situation.
At least I couldn't guess anything in this volume, but I have a feeling that second part of this game, which is volume 4, will be more interesting than this one. Until I see for myself, current rating is 3.5.
Tbh, i just don't understand why:
Same thing as first book - something was seriously missing.
But the premise and the idea of the death game these 6 characters, including Daiya Oomine, Kazuki Hoshino and Maria Otonashi are thrown into is interesting, it's also intriguing to see the behaviours of other three people, namely Yuuri, Shindo and Kamiuchi's behaviors in this situation.
At least I couldn't guess anything in this volume, but I have a feeling that second part of this game, which is volume 4, will be more interesting than this one. Until I see for myself, current rating is 3.5.
Tbh, i just don't understand why:
May 4, 2016
I would give this book five stars alone for the creativity. Man...it sure gave me headache just to catch up with the rules (maybe I'm just dumb..yes, that's more likely). I think this was one of the best battle royale scenarios I've ever read. The dialogues are on point too. And now that I've seen these characters, I'm relieved about my just a little psychopathic mind (I'm a little kitten compared to these guys!). I haven't read past this volume yet, but it seems like the next one should be even better. Oh boy death note fans are so gonna love this.
July 5, 2018
So once again Kazuki and Maria have been trapped by a User with a Box. This time it's Kingdom Royale, and the User is someone they've known and called a friend.
Kingdom Royale turns out to be a live action role-playing game, with rules that seem to've been designed by a Nazi game theorist. The set-up is simple enough: six players are randomly assigned to six roles -- King, Prince, Knight, Double, Sorcerer, Revolutionary. Each role comes with its own objective (mostly some form of "kill the king," or "kill the king's enemies") and powers. Everyone has a knife so they can kill anyone directly if they so choose, but for the squeamish there's also the option of having the computer do it, however there are limitations when going that route. For example, only the Revolutionary can kill anyone on his own; the King has to order the Knight or Sorcerer to kill his enemies, and they can choose not to carry out the orders, but they can't kill anyone on their own while the King is alive.
Oh, and everybody is assigned their roles in secret, so players must first determine who is playing what before they can decide to attack (well, unless they opt for the "Kill 'em all route").
Now, while you can die in the game, and die most painfully indeed, such deaths are only temporary and will be reversed when the next round starts and everyone is assigned new rules. At first this seems to be a retread of the first Hakomari, with everyone effectively caught in a timeloop and only the Owner aware of what's going on (even Maria is affected this time). However, at the end of the book we learn something that shows the situations are quite different -- right before we're hit with a cliffhanger. Yes, this is only half a book, with the story (and series, apparently) concluded in book 4.
The first two Hakomari novels were pretty dark and melancholic, but Mikage really steps things up in this volume. Things actually begin on a light note, with Kokone and Kazuki taking Maria clothes shopping and forcing her to try on goth-loli clothes -- which Maria agrees to do only if Kazuki put on the same outfits. But once the game starts, we're into full-on psychological horror. What makes this volume especially creepy is that a player's behavior isn't just governed by their personality, but by the role they're assigned in the game. For example, one character who dies early in the first round seems especially sweet and sympathetic -- but in the second round we discover that that was a ruse and she's actually as cold-blooded as anyone in the game. Even Kazuki isn't immune as we learn a hitherto unmentioned part of his backstory that's just ... wrong.
It's hard to judge half a book, and that's definitely what this is, but unless Mikage royally screws up in volume 4, this looks like we're coming to a great conclusion to a great sci-fi-horror series.
Kingdom Royale turns out to be a live action role-playing game, with rules that seem to've been designed by a Nazi game theorist. The set-up is simple enough: six players are randomly assigned to six roles -- King, Prince, Knight, Double, Sorcerer, Revolutionary. Each role comes with its own objective (mostly some form of "kill the king," or "kill the king's enemies") and powers. Everyone has a knife so they can kill anyone directly if they so choose, but for the squeamish there's also the option of having the computer do it, however there are limitations when going that route. For example, only the Revolutionary can kill anyone on his own; the King has to order the Knight or Sorcerer to kill his enemies, and they can choose not to carry out the orders, but they can't kill anyone on their own while the King is alive.
Oh, and everybody is assigned their roles in secret, so players must first determine who is playing what before they can decide to attack (well, unless they opt for the "Kill 'em all route").
Now, while you can die in the game, and die most painfully indeed, such deaths are only temporary and will be reversed when the next round starts and everyone is assigned new rules. At first this seems to be a retread of the first Hakomari, with everyone effectively caught in a timeloop and only the Owner aware of what's going on (even Maria is affected this time). However, at the end of the book we learn something that shows the situations are quite different -- right before we're hit with a cliffhanger. Yes, this is only half a book, with the story (and series, apparently) concluded in book 4.
The first two Hakomari novels were pretty dark and melancholic, but Mikage really steps things up in this volume. Things actually begin on a light note, with Kokone and Kazuki taking Maria clothes shopping and forcing her to try on goth-loli clothes -- which Maria agrees to do only if Kazuki put on the same outfits. But once the game starts, we're into full-on psychological horror. What makes this volume especially creepy is that a player's behavior isn't just governed by their personality, but by the role they're assigned in the game. For example, one character who dies early in the first round seems especially sweet and sympathetic -- but in the second round we discover that that was a ruse and she's actually as cold-blooded as anyone in the game. Even Kazuki isn't immune as we learn a hitherto unmentioned part of his backstory that's just ... wrong.
It's hard to judge half a book, and that's definitely what this is, but unless Mikage royally screws up in volume 4, this looks like we're coming to a great conclusion to a great sci-fi-horror series.
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June 12, 2021Nửa đầu cuốn này cứ phải gọi là siêu hợp gu. Vì điều ước đợt này là một trò chơi chết chóc á =))). Nửa đầu hay quá trời mà về sau thì thấy hơi hẫng. Bí mật của trò chơi cuối cùng cũng bật mí, cũng ngạc nhiên phết nhưng mà vẫn không khiến mình quá thích thú.
Đọc tập này mê Daiya vch và lại không ưa nổi ông main...
À thích cả cái con linh vật đầy cục súc trong game nữa =)))))))
Đọc tập này mê Daiya vch và lại không ưa nổi ông main...
À thích cả cái con linh vật đầy cục súc trong game nữa =)))))))
September 4, 2019
Which came first The Empty Box (v3) or Danganronpa? Both were originally released in 2010 and that's as far as I went into digging it out. I'd say video game development usually lasts longer than writing but again -- personal speculation. Why does it matter? Oh I dunno -- let's gather a group of students (all of whom, but one, seem to excel in some way) in a situation where they have to kill one another to escape. Don't follow the rules of the game -- summary execution! All of which is overseen by a creepy bear.... wait, I've seen that plot before in a video game.
So yes, it ends up that Empty Box is a bit different and the rules aren't quite the same, but dang that initial impression was strong. It did get better by the end so I'll go 3½ stars even, but since we don't have that as an option you get rounded down this time.
As the previous two were self-contained stories I was rather surprised to find myself with 10-15 pages left and no way it was going to be resolved. Wouldn't ya know it, this one spans two volumes. While that doesn't affect the rating in this case, I was surprised to see it. I know I'll get to vol. 4 at some point, but I'm not jumping at it.
So yes, it ends up that Empty Box is a bit different and the rules aren't quite the same, but dang that initial impression was strong. It did get better by the end so I'll go 3½ stars even, but since we don't have that as an option you get rounded down this time.
As the previous two were self-contained stories I was rather surprised to find myself with 10-15 pages left and no way it was going to be resolved. Wouldn't ya know it, this one spans two volumes. While that doesn't affect the rating in this case, I was surprised to see it. I know I'll get to vol. 4 at some point, but I'm not jumping at it.
February 10, 2017
Review for the prequel: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This time the heroine and the narrator are trapped in a new Box named 'Game of Boredom' with other four high school students, which is controlled by . It's soon announced that only one student will be allowed to walk away alive because all six of the students must fight to the death in a mixture of chess and Battle Royale. The game is on, and the rules are tricky and no one can be trusted.
I like the concept very much and the plot twists are as clever as always, but I still don't care too much about the characters, so 3 stars only.
This time the heroine and the narrator are trapped in a new Box named 'Game of Boredom' with other four high school students, which is controlled by . It's soon announced that only one student will be allowed to walk away alive because all six of the students must fight to the death in a mixture of chess and Battle Royale. The game is on, and the rules are tricky and no one can be trusted.
I like the concept very much and the plot twists are as clever as always, but I still don't care too much about the characters, so 3 stars only.
June 11, 2021
Content warning: death, violence, sexual assault/rape, murder
This book ended up being way more tense then I was expecting. A new box has appeared and this time it is a game of death where players must follow the rules and kill at least some of others in order to find a way to escape.
Obviously this doesn't sit well with Maria and Kazuki's personal morals or ethics. How do you survive a killing game if you are determined not to kill anyone or let the same happen to them? Although the rules may seem obvious the story still got surprisingly tense and horrifying to read as things went on and manipulation started in earnest. I thought I knew what to expect but this novel kept finding ways to keep me guessing.
However, there is one part of the novel that involves sexual assault that I do think readers should know about.
This books gets pretty dark as one would expect once learning about the box involved this time. It reveals a lot about the characters we already know and shows that perhaps you don't know people as well as you thought you did. I'm curious to see where this story arc goes.
This book ended up being way more tense then I was expecting. A new box has appeared and this time it is a game of death where players must follow the rules and kill at least some of others in order to find a way to escape.
Obviously this doesn't sit well with Maria and Kazuki's personal morals or ethics. How do you survive a killing game if you are determined not to kill anyone or let the same happen to them? Although the rules may seem obvious the story still got surprisingly tense and horrifying to read as things went on and manipulation started in earnest. I thought I knew what to expect but this novel kept finding ways to keep me guessing.
However, there is one part of the novel that involves sexual assault that I do think readers should know about.
This books gets pretty dark as one would expect once learning about the box involved this time. It reveals a lot about the characters we already know and shows that perhaps you don't know people as well as you thought you did. I'm curious to see where this story arc goes.
November 19, 2022
WHY WLD YOU END IT THERE???!!
by the time my slow non gamer Brain figured out this book is all set up for the next book next thing i know this book is over.
Maria and Kazuki's codependency is totally my jam tho so i guess i just have to keep reading this series 💀
by the time my slow non gamer Brain figured out this book is all set up for the next book next thing i know this book is over.
Maria and Kazuki's codependency is totally my jam tho so i guess i just have to keep reading this series 💀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2022
Protagonists, protagonists and more protagonists... I'm always wary of it, especially in long works that force us to have a vision of him for so long. Thinking about it, many authors like to create the false presence of a generic character and later explain the distortions of his persona that were covered by his cliché parts, almost like a shoal that hides fish of the same species, but with a more detailed view, it is possible to perceive something different between them.... A seahorse!? Dammit, a baby shark? They're not even the same species, but strangely this seems to match well here!!!
As said before, my main problem with this work is the slice of life, as the comedy is far from being good or a way that the conversations keep a comic and fun air. To add to this, the very characteristics of certain characters are sometimes unintentionally distorted, distortions that are caused in a minority by forgetting certain aspects and personas of each character or more largely, by how much the writing is biased towards increasing the degree of certain characters dialogues and lines without not being able to prove them with narrative formulas.
For example, "Wow, he's so sharp" or "Damn, so smart!!!" are some quotes / flattery that take over the slice of life. It may seem like a silly complaint, and guess what, it really is, but since this is repeated so many times it almost forms a boring trauma in my mind. Come on, if it's not something like a college entrance exam, I'm not happy to get the result over and over again without the previous formula or a decent explanation
Fortunately the slice of life here doesn't last long and we are quickly sent on another adventure in what looks like a pandora's box camouflaged in a Christmas present. A useless game filled with screams of joy!
This game incorporates the mystery, a police investigation, like the typical cliché of students trapped in a cabin with the obvious murderer.... But now, with pointless rpg themes!? Oh shit, this seems pretty creative and unexpected, almost teasing nature that can only feel the boredom of a boring life!
Here is a complete menu that knows how to explore the medium and the manipulative antics of a true thriller where despair reigns! First-hand, we have the illustrations and the writing that accompany them, giving little clues about the characters that don't work as an "auto-spoiler", but rather a kind of narrative dish or a future prediction that will work as gears to move your neurons. when you see how widely the distinct personas and problems of each character were used. It's deep and decent work and the eccentricities of each character don't work to highlight the killer, but to camouflage among the "good people".
Unfortunately, investigatively, it can seem irritating to follow Hoshino's trajectory, as he is currently quite dumb and following an idiot on an investigation can be quite tedious and pointless, but in Hakomaria this works decently, given that it's given some aspects from Hoshino himself and the game's configuration that it is possible to obtain so many views, lies and truths about the current situation. It's as if Hoshino is a policeman who is about to interrogate a shrewd suspect... By his own ignorance, he won't be able to decide anything on his own, but he will still be able to hear all the arguments used and ultimately leave it to the court to decide, even let him be deceived by his naivety in the lack of facts which attract indecisive lies. So it's an interesting setup, but Hoshino could still be a little smarter and still wouldn't influence the script in a negative way (I'm not saying that Hoshino is dumb without arguments to defend this... He's an idiot who still has the luck of the script to be nice to him, as he often just accepts what others say without much questioning, even though about 2 minutes ago he said he wouldn't trust anyone else. And I still insist on saying that the script is kind with him, because MANY times the malice this idiot lets pass in front of him doesn't develop into a desperate and evil situation)
Even though the plot twists are really well done, I'm not willing to look at just that.... The mystery is well done, but it also has some annoying incongruities. There is a certain lack of obvious cohesion between certain character logics, foolish decisions that make no sense, and characters who had the complete ability to destroy misfortune, but still accept it, as slaves.
As for the writing, it is quite decent and manages to bring out the depth and feelings of the characters, but the lack of descriptions of the mysterious scenario was a little strange, which seems to embellish the mirages that the box makes, but at least for me, I wanted a little more descriptions
So, there's a really good game of personas around here, which reminds me of the decent volume 1 that managed to bring a creative and well-done play with it, almost as if it injected into my veins the feelings of each character and making me wonder if really understanding was the key to any hopeless problematization... In a way, maybe all this pressure was a setup to reaffirm the pavlov nature that Daiya pondered so much?
So, as a summary, there is good creativity here, interesting characters accompanied by a good philosophical and world setting. The author here really knows how to work with a mystery with obvious clues, but that is superimposed by the flow of information... For a narrative approach, it would be as if we as readers were hydrologists who perfectly understand the literary flow of rivers, at least until a intervener (author?) decides to stop the flow and let the water accumulate until it explodes. The moment there is no more flow, the study we had been exploring is rendered meaningless by something that no longer exists in our view, until the sudden explosion brings back the flow we craved, but in a way transformed by the exacerbated accumulation and interrupted, almost as if to say that we never knew the flow properly...... In the end, all that remains is a void, a void so deep and natural that it only reflects the soul of the one who couldn't escape his own nature and dragged others for him... Damn, let's just fight uselessly to the death!
And finally, the author here embodies the special profession in the circus of dangerous shows... He is the Mr. fantastic who will prove his determination and prowess in overcoming the ring of fire. The embers of his past still burn and volume 2 shows his failure to form a decent mystery, but that's why he's here to relive his show... Volume 3 marks the wind that will extinguish the flames of his past and you will let misfortune be crushed by your success. Congratulations author, you showed that you are able to do this very decently
EXTRA COMMENT 1: Another factor that irritated me a little was the fact that the deaths here didn't have as much psychological impact, it was just treated on the surface to look deep, when in fact it was something used to liven up the party of despair and in the end thrown away, like using drugs at a rave. I understand that the situation they found themselves in was very special and following that logic, the reactions would also be special, but realizing how little impact the deaths had even on the situation makes me think that the in-depth work regarding this case it was pretty superfluous. I mean, there was someone here who constantly quoted their everyday life and the meaning of it, without really thinking about what that everyday life contained and the reactions of their actions in the parallel world to the real world.
EXTRA COMMENT 2: Hey, don't you think it's a little convenient how Hoshino can only notice the distortions in everyday life when a harem is at stake? I might be misinterpreting it here, but I thought it was weird. I even tried rereading these parts and it still doesn't suit me well and doesn't seem to make sense, even with different circumstances. Why exactly couldn't he understand Daiya? And why could I understand kokone? It seems a bit paradoxical. Ah, this doesn't just apply to Daiya, seeing as Kokone was unknown to him at the time, it could also apply to any subtle changes to the other characters in this volume. I think the author just forgot about it
As said before, my main problem with this work is the slice of life, as the comedy is far from being good or a way that the conversations keep a comic and fun air. To add to this, the very characteristics of certain characters are sometimes unintentionally distorted, distortions that are caused in a minority by forgetting certain aspects and personas of each character or more largely, by how much the writing is biased towards increasing the degree of certain characters dialogues and lines without not being able to prove them with narrative formulas.
For example, "Wow, he's so sharp" or "Damn, so smart!!!" are some quotes / flattery that take over the slice of life. It may seem like a silly complaint, and guess what, it really is, but since this is repeated so many times it almost forms a boring trauma in my mind. Come on, if it's not something like a college entrance exam, I'm not happy to get the result over and over again without the previous formula or a decent explanation
Fortunately the slice of life here doesn't last long and we are quickly sent on another adventure in what looks like a pandora's box camouflaged in a Christmas present. A useless game filled with screams of joy!
This game incorporates the mystery, a police investigation, like the typical cliché of students trapped in a cabin with the obvious murderer.... But now, with pointless rpg themes!? Oh shit, this seems pretty creative and unexpected, almost teasing nature that can only feel the boredom of a boring life!
Here is a complete menu that knows how to explore the medium and the manipulative antics of a true thriller where despair reigns! First-hand, we have the illustrations and the writing that accompany them, giving little clues about the characters that don't work as an "auto-spoiler", but rather a kind of narrative dish or a future prediction that will work as gears to move your neurons. when you see how widely the distinct personas and problems of each character were used. It's deep and decent work and the eccentricities of each character don't work to highlight the killer, but to camouflage among the "good people".
Unfortunately, investigatively, it can seem irritating to follow Hoshino's trajectory, as he is currently quite dumb and following an idiot on an investigation can be quite tedious and pointless, but in Hakomaria this works decently, given that it's given some aspects from Hoshino himself and the game's configuration that it is possible to obtain so many views, lies and truths about the current situation. It's as if Hoshino is a policeman who is about to interrogate a shrewd suspect... By his own ignorance, he won't be able to decide anything on his own, but he will still be able to hear all the arguments used and ultimately leave it to the court to decide, even let him be deceived by his naivety in the lack of facts which attract indecisive lies. So it's an interesting setup, but Hoshino could still be a little smarter and still wouldn't influence the script in a negative way (I'm not saying that Hoshino is dumb without arguments to defend this... He's an idiot who still has the luck of the script to be nice to him, as he often just accepts what others say without much questioning, even though about 2 minutes ago he said he wouldn't trust anyone else. And I still insist on saying that the script is kind with him, because MANY times the malice this idiot lets pass in front of him doesn't develop into a desperate and evil situation)
Even though the plot twists are really well done, I'm not willing to look at just that.... The mystery is well done, but it also has some annoying incongruities. There is a certain lack of obvious cohesion between certain character logics, foolish decisions that make no sense, and characters who had the complete ability to destroy misfortune, but still accept it, as slaves.
As for the writing, it is quite decent and manages to bring out the depth and feelings of the characters, but the lack of descriptions of the mysterious scenario was a little strange, which seems to embellish the mirages that the box makes, but at least for me, I wanted a little more descriptions
So, there's a really good game of personas around here, which reminds me of the decent volume 1 that managed to bring a creative and well-done play with it, almost as if it injected into my veins the feelings of each character and making me wonder if really understanding was the key to any hopeless problematization... In a way, maybe all this pressure was a setup to reaffirm the pavlov nature that Daiya pondered so much?
So, as a summary, there is good creativity here, interesting characters accompanied by a good philosophical and world setting. The author here really knows how to work with a mystery with obvious clues, but that is superimposed by the flow of information... For a narrative approach, it would be as if we as readers were hydrologists who perfectly understand the literary flow of rivers, at least until a intervener (author?) decides to stop the flow and let the water accumulate until it explodes. The moment there is no more flow, the study we had been exploring is rendered meaningless by something that no longer exists in our view, until the sudden explosion brings back the flow we craved, but in a way transformed by the exacerbated accumulation and interrupted, almost as if to say that we never knew the flow properly...... In the end, all that remains is a void, a void so deep and natural that it only reflects the soul of the one who couldn't escape his own nature and dragged others for him... Damn, let's just fight uselessly to the death!
And finally, the author here embodies the special profession in the circus of dangerous shows... He is the Mr. fantastic who will prove his determination and prowess in overcoming the ring of fire. The embers of his past still burn and volume 2 shows his failure to form a decent mystery, but that's why he's here to relive his show... Volume 3 marks the wind that will extinguish the flames of his past and you will let misfortune be crushed by your success. Congratulations author, you showed that you are able to do this very decently
EXTRA COMMENT 1: Another factor that irritated me a little was the fact that the deaths here didn't have as much psychological impact, it was just treated on the surface to look deep, when in fact it was something used to liven up the party of despair and in the end thrown away, like using drugs at a rave. I understand that the situation they found themselves in was very special and following that logic, the reactions would also be special, but realizing how little impact the deaths had even on the situation makes me think that the in-depth work regarding this case it was pretty superfluous. I mean, there was someone here who constantly quoted their everyday life and the meaning of it, without really thinking about what that everyday life contained and the reactions of their actions in the parallel world to the real world.
EXTRA COMMENT 2: Hey, don't you think it's a little convenient how Hoshino can only notice the distortions in everyday life when a harem is at stake? I might be misinterpreting it here, but I thought it was weird. I even tried rereading these parts and it still doesn't suit me well and doesn't seem to make sense, even with different circumstances. Why exactly couldn't he understand Daiya? And why could I understand kokone? It seems a bit paradoxical. Ah, this doesn't just apply to Daiya, seeing as Kokone was unknown to him at the time, it could also apply to any subtle changes to the other characters in this volume. I think the author just forgot about it
March 23, 2025
Another spin on groundhog day plot added to a battle royale/hunger games plot.
it's the first one in the series that doesn't end with a resolution for the mystery, so this same mystery will continue on to the next book. honestly, I don't think I understood that final chapter explanation, but I'm going with the flow in these novels. they're not the best honestly, and so far, only the first book was interesting.
it's the first one in the series that doesn't end with a resolution for the mystery, so this same mystery will continue on to the next book. honestly, I don't think I understood that final chapter explanation, but I'm going with the flow in these novels. they're not the best honestly, and so far, only the first book was interesting.
June 22, 2020
After the last book, I wasn't sure what to expect, but this new installment was definitely fun to read through and spun a premise similar to the first one in a different and strange way. And it's not even done!... That ending both cleared up a lot of confusing details all at once and set up the premise for the next book as well, it's so good ahhhh
It's really hard to describe this book without spoilers, but simply put, the way the supernatural is implemented is great because it tends to focus on character development the most. Especially on the side characters who are just introduced. Can't wait to get to the rest >:D
It's really hard to describe this book without spoilers, but simply put, the way the supernatural is implemented is great because it tends to focus on character development the most. Especially on the side characters who are just introduced. Can't wait to get to the rest >:D
December 8, 2018
First of all, a warning, the "case" in this book spans two volumes so if you're going to read this you will want to have volume four on hand. Ok, with that out of the way. I have to say I struggled with whether to rate this book a two or a three. The reason for that is that a good half of the book is definitely a two, it's not bad but it's not great, it's as the rating would tell you "Ok". We see some new characters, to the reader if not the protagonists, introduced. We also see the results of volume two's closing cliffhanger. I have to say I was underwhelmed. Considering the amount of build up this volume failed to deliver. There were lots of details but the complexity went unused with the plot developments feeling fairly uninspired. So why my wavering over how to rate it? Well the second half or at least the last third of the book really turns things around. It doesn't really shore up the weaknesses I mention. It more or less ignores them in favour of "thrills". Is that "cheap"? Perhaps. But I'll forgive it as it was entertaining.
It's not as good as the first volume but its certainly a step up from the second. While I am reading the series I also feel that in some ways it would have worked better if the first volume was just a slightly longer stand alone piece.
It's not as good as the first volume but its certainly a step up from the second. While I am reading the series I also feel that in some ways it would have worked better if the first volume was just a slightly longer stand alone piece.
February 16, 2019
Pretty explicit about Daiya being the Box-owner, as much as he'd like to jerk Kazuki around a little with red herrings about not being the owner. Generally speaking, this novel's story seems to follow ideas like Danganronpa, despite preceding those games' hype. Things get edgier than they've ever been before. More rape. Well, not really, but we are led to believe there is a hefty amount of rape (it turns out to be a ruse). We learn a little more about Kazuki, that his desire for a normal life is spawned from an abnormal attachment to a girl from his past.
Biggest issue: this novel sets things up to continue/resolve in Vol. 4. That's the big thing about light novels, they all have to be under 200 pages, it seems. If you're gonna split a story in two books, why not just do a single 400-page volume? Ridiculous. At least Daiya seems like a more interesting Box-owner than the previous couple. He's plenty edgy, sure, but he's subdued in his edginess, rather than going bonkers outright like previous antagonists. It's more a game without too hefty consequences. Kinda.
Biggest issue: this novel sets things up to continue/resolve in Vol. 4. That's the big thing about light novels, they all have to be under 200 pages, it seems. If you're gonna split a story in two books, why not just do a single 400-page volume? Ridiculous. At least Daiya seems like a more interesting Box-owner than the previous couple. He's plenty edgy, sure, but he's subdued in his edginess, rather than going bonkers outright like previous antagonists. It's more a game without too hefty consequences. Kinda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
2.5 stars
Creative and compelling plot by Mikage as per usual. I didn't have great expectations that I'd get something new once I realized it was a battle royale but I liked the strategy game spin he put on it.
The characters, though, are so 2 dimensional it sometimes often physically hurts to read their dialogues. They're all like cardboard cut-outs of stereotypical anime character tropes.
And maria, who usually brings the most spice to this category, barely contributes this time too, the focus shifting to the 3 new bland characters.
To be honest, 50% of the reason I keep reading is because it's good japanese practice and the other 50% for the plot.
3 books in and there has been little to no character development from anyone. At this point I'm starting to think this ranobe never got very popular despite it's strong 1st volume and creative concept surrounding the boxes because of how disappointing the character's voices are.
Creative and compelling plot by Mikage as per usual. I didn't have great expectations that I'd get something new once I realized it was a battle royale but I liked the strategy game spin he put on it.
The characters, though, are so 2 dimensional it sometimes often physically hurts to read their dialogues. They're all like cardboard cut-outs of stereotypical anime character tropes.
And maria, who usually brings the most spice to this category, barely contributes this time too, the focus shifting to the 3 new bland characters.
To be honest, 50% of the reason I keep reading is because it's good japanese practice and the other 50% for the plot.
3 books in and there has been little to no character development from anyone. At this point I'm starting to think this ranobe never got very popular despite it's strong 1st volume and creative concept surrounding the boxes because of how disappointing the character's voices are.
October 26, 2024
Each volume feels like the "monster of the week" episode in this series, honestly wouldn't mind slowing down the plot just for some character growth.
Strong Danganronpa comparisons here... at least in the beginning. Following the class abilities and rules for the players in the new Box's "Game of Boredom" was slightly overwhelming but as the games continued I got easier to follow.
This is the darkest arc so far in the series - the slice of life segment at the start of Volume 3 gives the reader a sort of whiplash to how depressing and hopeless things are almost instantly once the Box takes effect. I was making my guesses of who controlled the Box up until the reveal and thankfully I did not have the same problem as Volume 2 where it was extremely obvious who was in control.
Revealing the twist in the last few pages as a cliffhanger is pushing me to start Volume 4 right away! Great volume.
Strong Danganronpa comparisons here... at least in the beginning. Following the class abilities and rules for the players in the new Box's "Game of Boredom" was slightly overwhelming but as the games continued I got easier to follow.
This is the darkest arc so far in the series - the slice of life segment at the start of Volume 3 gives the reader a sort of whiplash to how depressing and hopeless things are almost instantly once the Box takes effect. I was making my guesses of who controlled the Box up until the reveal and thankfully I did not have the same problem as Volume 2 where it was extremely obvious who was in control.
Revealing the twist in the last few pages as a cliffhanger is pushing me to start Volume 4 right away! Great volume.
September 12, 2020
Really liked this volume. Certainly much more interesting and creative than the previous one. Things got way darker this time around. Deception, betrayal and blood. All these elements work together really well and portrayed magnificently in this book.
This volume is only the first part and the second part will be in volume 4. Although there wasn't really a conclusion (since it's only the first part) but this volume acts as an amazing set up for the next volume. By the end of the book, it had me gripped and I couldn't wait to read the next volume. I am certain that there will be major if not significant character development for our main protagonist and that excites me more than anything.
Overall, a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
This volume is only the first part and the second part will be in volume 4. Although there wasn't really a conclusion (since it's only the first part) but this volume acts as an amazing set up for the next volume. By the end of the book, it had me gripped and I couldn't wait to read the next volume. I am certain that there will be major if not significant character development for our main protagonist and that excites me more than anything.
Overall, a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
January 10, 2019
A new volume of HakoMari, a new box. This time, it forces players into a killing game where each of the 6 participants must fullfil a role that has different win conditions (aka, must kill these other 2 in order to win). Of course, nobody knows what the other player roles are. It becomes a psychological thriller of "who killed who and why".
It's fun, but felt limited because there were only 6 people playing the game. At the end, there's a plot twist and the sometimes boring game becomes more interesting. The problem is, the author drags it a bit too much before getting to the juicy developments.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and the story continues on volume 4.
It's fun, but felt limited because there were only 6 people playing the game. At the end, there's a plot twist and the sometimes boring game becomes more interesting. The problem is, the author drags it a bit too much before getting to the juicy developments.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and the story continues on volume 4.
June 7, 2020
Eu gosto de muitas ideias que existe nessa novel como um todo, desde o primeiro volume. O problema do autor vem da execução dela que fica tropeça durante a historia, existem os momentos empolgantes e que a trama te prende, mas isso sempre acontece no começo e o fim do volume. Mas durante o meio dele existe uma certa enrolação que torna a leitura pouco fluida. Entretanto autor consegue sempre compensar com a habilidade de finalizar de uma maneira que te faz querer ler o próximo volume na mesma hora, principalmente nesse caso já que esse terceiro foi usado para construir a base da execução do quarto. Vamos ver se ele cria um pay-off bom o bastante pra justificar essa construção.
September 23, 2018
One word, mysterious
Yes, the author has managed to get his grove back with the amount of suspense and revelation in a single novel not only that, now the expectation towards the next one has increased by double.
The story as it folds out, the owner was revealed at the very beginning but really was it true, who is the owner and who is playing whom, who is the actual deceiver, who who who.
Keep guessing but trust me you will never guess it right not until you reach the very end of the novel. I loved how he managed to keep everything cryptic till the end.
Yes, the author has managed to get his grove back with the amount of suspense and revelation in a single novel not only that, now the expectation towards the next one has increased by double.
The story as it folds out, the owner was revealed at the very beginning but really was it true, who is the owner and who is playing whom, who is the actual deceiver, who who who.
Keep guessing but trust me you will never guess it right not until you reach the very end of the novel. I loved how he managed to keep everything cryptic till the end.
November 28, 2019
Going with the good old battle royale theme, I see. Although at the time it was published it probably wasn't an ideia that popular.
Didn't expect
Too much of a rollercoaster of emotions, determination wavering back and forward with every single event that happens.
And despite all that, I can't bring myself to stop reading.
Didn't expect
Too much of a rollercoaster of emotions, determination wavering back and forward with every single event that happens.
And despite all that, I can't bring myself to stop reading.
October 22, 2023
It's really hard to review this book at present considering the ending. It's like this entire volume is just the prologue to the next one, and I don't even know for sure if this storyline will be concluded then (I hope it is though). We managed to get through three whole books without any of the main characters dying, even though it's felt worse than if they did on more than one occasion.
I'm conflicted enough on the twist at the end that I am considering changing my rating if the next book doesn't really deliver on it. I will say though, the setup of Kazuki needing to win the game to save Maria from her own kindness is fantastic. As long as what follows meets its potential. I'm holding onto hope that it will.
I'm conflicted enough on the twist at the end that I am considering changing my rating if the next book doesn't really deliver on it. I will say though, the setup of Kazuki needing to win the game to save Maria from her own kindness is fantastic. As long as what follows meets its potential. I'm holding onto hope that it will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2018
A very nice Volume. Probably the most thrilling one so far. Daiya is s-uuper cool by the way. He, a shrewd, arrogant human being, reminds me of Makishima Shogo (well, witwise, Shogo is not a bit arrogant). I love the game. It's so entertaining to watch.
November 13, 2018
This continues to be a very entertaining light novel series. Recommended for fans who'd like a mash-up of Haruhi Suzumiya and Higurashi with a bit of Black Mirror feel to it (particularly in this volume).
October 11, 2021
Realmente este volumen es épico.
En cada partida te hace odiar a ciertos personajes y sin embargo al final del volumen te hace entender el por qué y ciertamente es difícil de culparlos, ahhh que sentimientos tan conflictivos te deja al culminar la lectura.
Pesé a todo ello me encantó
En cada partida te hace odiar a ciertos personajes y sin embargo al final del volumen te hace entender el por qué y ciertamente es difícil de culparlos, ahhh que sentimientos tan conflictivos te deja al culminar la lectura.
Pesé a todo ello me encantó
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
Better than the second volume, I think it would’ve been better to combine the 3rd and 4th volumes together. My main nitpick of the series so far is the dialogue between characters, sometimes it’s hard to follow and others it just feels like there is a lack of characters.
July 3, 2019
Super adictiva, de lejos la mejor de la serie junto con el siguiente volumen.
December 24, 2019
Another wild and dark brain twister. The series continues to get darker.
April 27, 2022
I really liked it, it was def better than the second one but wasn't as good as the first one.
January 3, 2023
Ok the killing game book je kinda boring ngl still that characterization 😩
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