Sevens Gaiden

My Thoughts on Sevens Gaiden

As a big fan of "Sevens," I was naturally excited, and perhaps a little apprehensive, to dive into "Sevens Gaiden." Sequels can be tricky, especially when they revisit a beloved world after a significant time jump. So, how does this one hold up?

First Impressions

Initially, I felt a bit disoriented. The story jumps 2000 years into the future, and the world feels drastically different. The protagonist, Leo, is a far cry from the Lyle we know and love. He's younger, more naive, and starts from a place of relative weakness. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely requires a shift in expectations. The early chapters focus on establishing this new world and Leo's place within it, which can feel a bit slow compared to the original's more immediate action.

What Works Well

Despite my initial hesitation, I can see the potential here. The world-building is intriguing. I'm curious about the state of humanity, confined to colonies and reliant on adventurers wielding magic tools. The mystery surrounding the changes in the world, and the apparent loss of knowledge about the past, is compelling. I also appreciate that the story seems to be setting up an underdog narrative, with Leo having significant room to grow and develop. The Lyle within the jewel is also a welcome presence, even if he feels a little different, his interactions with Leo provide a strong connection to the original series.

Areas of Concern

My main concern, and it seems to be shared by some other readers, is that Leo hasn't quite grabbed me the way Lyle did. He feels a bit bland at the start, and it takes time to warm up to him. The story also leans heavily on the established lore of "Sevens," which might make it less accessible to new readers. Some feel the essence of the original is missing, replaced by a more generic fantasy plot. The shift in focus from large-scale kingdom management to a more personal, adventure-driven story might not appeal to everyone.

Final Verdict

"Sevens Gaiden" is a promising, albeit imperfect, sequel. It has the potential to be a great story, but it needs time to find its own footing. If you're a die-hard "Sevens" fan, I'd recommend giving it a chance, but temper your expectations. Go in with an open mind, ready to explore a new world and a new protagonist. It's not a rehash of the original, and that might be a good thing in the long run. I'm personally hoping someone picks up the translation again, because I'm genuinely curious to see where Leo's journey takes him.