Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru Darou ka Gaiden – Sword Oratoria Novel Review

My Thoughts on Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru Darou ka Gaiden – Sword Oratoria

Alright, let's dive into Sword Oratoria, the side story to DanMachi. I went into this expecting more of what I loved about the main series, but with a different perspective, and that's pretty much what I got. It's definitely a complementary piece, offering a wider view of Orario and the dangers lurking within.

First Impressions

My initial impression was that this was a darker, grittier take on the DanMachi universe. It’s still got that adventure and fantasy feel, but it doesn’t shy away from the more brutal aspects of dungeon delving. The shift in perspective to Aiz Wallenstein and the Loki Familia is a refreshing change, letting us see events unfold from a different power dynamic and strategic viewpoint. It’s neat to see how their actions intertwine with Bell's journey, sometimes overlapping and sometimes running parallel.

What Works Well

The world-building continues to be a strong point. Sword Oratoria expands upon the lore and gives us a deeper understanding of the political landscape and the various factions at play in Orario. I particularly enjoyed seeing the inner workings of a top-tier Familia like Loki's. The action sequences are well-written, and the fights feel more strategic and high-stakes, given the experience of the main characters. The series also doesn't pull any punches when it comes to showing the darker side of the dungeon and the sacrifices adventurers sometimes have to make.

Areas of Concern

Honestly, while I enjoyed seeing events from Aiz's perspective, I sometimes felt that certain events or character nuances felt slightly different compared to how they were portrayed in the main series. It's a minor gripe, but it did occasionally pull me out of the immersion.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'd say Sword Oratoria is a worthwhile read for fans of DanMachi. It offers a darker, more strategic look at the world and complements the main series nicely. While there are a few minor inconsistencies, the expanded world-building and different perspective make it a compelling addition to the DanMachi universe. I'd recommend giving it a shot if you're looking for more adventures in Orario.