The Last Surviving Alchemist Wants to Live Quietly in the City Novel Review

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By nonohara usata, のの原兎太

3.9

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CompletedLicensedjapaneseWeb Novel

Genres

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adventure comedy fantasy romance shoujo slice of life

Chapters

182 chapters

Started

2017

Description

The Kingdom of Endalgia was destroyed by rampaging monsters coming from the Demon Forest. The alchemist, Mariela, was able to escape almost certain death by using the “Magic Circle of Suspended Animation.” Although it was somewhat inadvertent, she awoke nearly 200 years later, in a time where all other alchemists had died out. A labyrinth was left where the demons had stampeded through. In this labyrinth, a city formed from what little remained of the Kingdom of Endalgia. Its purpose was to manage the Demon Forest. In this city, the only remaining potions were decades old and the effectiveness of these potions had deteriorated. This caused the price of potions to increase by nearly 100 times. Mariela became the only alchemist left in the city able to make potions. This story is about Mariela secretly selling potions while trying to relax and enjoy life in the labyrinth city.

Publication Information

Original Publisher: enterbrain
English Publisher: yen press
Original Language: japanese
Type: Web Novel

The Last Surviving Alchemist Wants to Live Quietly in the City Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator

My Thoughts on The Last Surviving Alchemist Wants to Live Quietly in the City

This novel promises a cozy blend of slice-of-life and fantasy, and while it has moments of charm, it also stumbles in some key areas. The premise – a last surviving alchemist trying to live quietly in a bustling city – is immediately appealing, but the execution is a mixed bag.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the idea of a self-sufficient protagonist navigating a fantastical world. There's a certain allure to stories about potion-making and characters carving out their own space, and this novel seemed to offer that. The early chapters introduce Mariela, our alchemist, and her interactions with those around her.

What Works Well

The slice-of-life elements are definitely a strong point. When the story focuses on Mariela's daily life, her alchemy work, and building relationships, it shines. There's a lightheartedness that makes it an easy read, and the potential for character growth is evident. The world itself, despite some issues, has interesting components. The idea of contracts with spirits to enable alchemy is unique.

Areas of Concern

However, I found myself questioning the consistency of the magic and alchemy systems. At times, Mariela seems incredibly capable, while at others, she struggles with tasks that should be within her abilities. This inconsistency makes it difficult to fully invest in her journey. I also noticed some issues with worldbuilding. The city's purpose and economy feel somewhat contradictory, and the presence of s*ave magic raises some serious questions that the story doesn't seem to adequately address. It feels like a potentially dark and dangerous element that's glossed over.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

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Final Verdict

"The Last Surviving Alchemist Wants to Live Quietly in the City" has the potential to be a delightful read, especially for those who enjoy slice-of-life fantasy. However, inconsistencies in the magic system, worldbuilding issues, and potential character derailment prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the early chapters offer a charming introduction, I'd recommend approaching this novel with tempered expectations and a willingness to overlook some flaws.