So, the slaughter has begun. I must say that I really like all of the background behind this apocalyptic arc. Finally we don’t have some sort of evil demon who is about to destroy the world: the background behind this one is much more complex and interesting.
This episode passed, and it’s still a bloody mystery as to what happened to Noloty in the previous episode. We do get some hints, though: that boy she was with has the power to unleash his emotions to others. Whatever happened between him, Noloty and the Governor of Paradise, it killed off Noloty, made Arkit believe that the Armed Librarians killed her off, and somehow turned him into a lizard. While the latter is probably an aftereffect of Arkit’s powers, the big mystery is why the Governor of Paradise actually revealed himself in order to get the job done. Is the church this close to extinction?
I do have one point of criticism, though. Ireia’s death was probably the first cliched one I’ve seen in this series. It was by far the least impressive one, because of how over the top it was. All deaths in Bantorra thus far had something special, with the most impressive being Volken and Noloty, but with Ireaia… the creators hinted a bit to much to the fact that she was about to die.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
The past two episodes in this series, including this one, are absolutely amazing. Its really assuring how different Bantorra is from many different series. I think they pulled off the war well. Regarding Ireia, she died sudden, and indeed it was cliched. But she’s old, and she’s passed her time.
Ireia’s death was done to show that even people they trusted and protected were taken over. She had no reason to suspect they were going to kill her. Her death was an example of the contagion.
I was rather dissapointed with this episode.
The fighting was rather cliched, and the librarians knack for strategy didn’t show through. Also, the plot ‘twist’ on Noloty was quite predictable with the ‘give up your ideals or your life’ sort of play again. And the last bit: why the hell is the kid some weird lizard thing?.
I’m hoping this is just a blip in their performance and the series will return to its awesome quality that it’s maintained for the past many episodes.
Sorry for the double post, just wanted to add:
would also have been better if they didn’t add the fact that Noloty was some sort of “Princess”, which makes her immensely cliche instead of actually taking the time to flesh her out and telling us why she has the beliefs she does. (Princess –> Sheltered –> Naive –> Naive Beliefs)
we have time left if it needs explanation. so far, as always, they give us bits and pieces across multiple episodes.
This series has been great so far. I just hope the writers have managed to tie up all the loose ends.
Given the tone of the series, I think it is an intentional juxtaposition to have characters like Mokkania, Volken, and Noloty – each one of them held firm one virtue until their death (innocence, justice, and kindness), defying their situations and kept their conviction until the end. A notable departure from conventional storytelling, but realistic – in a sense that people who lived through and through for their conviction are defying their worlds.
Noloty’s kindness was really something else. For once they didn’t shove it down your throat in an obnoxious fashion.
And since there are still plenty of light-novels to animate, I don’t see how it all can fit into 5 episodes, therefore I fear that they wil go with an alternate road once this story arc is finished. *shrugs*
I’d hope they do a secodn season
Everyone reading the light novels is hoping for a 2nd season. I’m not that far in yet, but until now they seem to have done a pretty good job in animating it.
To go for an alternate route now…especially when there’s a perfect place to stop soon…that would be a real suicide act. Alternate routes are okay, if they are well prepared and not forced in the last 3 or 4 episodes.
Is there a special place to visit for the light-novels because I never saw anyone talk about them?
Well maybe Animesuki, but I don’t go there anymore because of the atmosphere and people spoiling all over the place.
But not many people in the West actually read Tatakau Shisho…naturally, because nobody is translating them, which cuts away 80-90% of the fandom most other light novels have in the western world.
Actually.. Princess wouldn’t be a good word for Noloty.
She’s really the daughter of a village chieftan. I wouldn’t considert that royalty.
Even if she was a princess, that wouldn’t make her sheltered to begin with. The whole (Princess –> Sheltered –> Naive –> Naive Beliefs) is a stereotype used. I can list several princesses that don’t fit that category.
Noloty won’t bend her belief which is more than I can say for most characters. At some point every character who believes in not killing either kills someone or accidentally causes them to die (accidently my ass). Noloty will do neither. She will save someone and die true knowing she saved someone.
Anyone know where to get the light novels at? Not the manga but the original light novels.