What do you think?
Rate this book
とある魔術の禁書目録 [Toaru Majutsu no Index] (Novel) #6
A Certain Magical Index, Vol. 6
It's the first day of a new semester in Academy City. The day a mysterious transfer student appears at Touma Kamijou's school. The day Index makes her first friend. The day Mikoto Misaka meets Index for the first time and, caught between them, Kamijou again meets with misfortune. The day Kuroko Shirai witnesses the entire incident and becomes rather jealous of Kamijou. It's also the day Academy City is attacked by a certain magician. Transfer students, friends, and magicians--as magic and science clash and Academy City declares a state of emergency, Touma Kamijou's tale truly begins!
232 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2005
19 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Kazuma Kamachi
239 books153 followersKamachi Kazuma (鎌池和馬) is a Japanese-born light novel author and the original creator of the Toaru Majutsu no Index light novel series and Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, its spin-off manga series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2024
After navigating through some hurdles caused by a bustling work period and the struggle to find a balance between my reading and writing time, I have finally managed to delve into the pages of A Certain Magical Index OT6. This latest installment has provided me with an abundance of enjoyment and I dare say it stands as one of the volumes I enjoyed most thus far.
First of all, I really appreciate the way the characters were integrated into the story in OT6. In my review of OT4, I expressed some uncertainty about Touma's memory loss and its narrative implications. However, after reading OT6, I must commend Kamachi for handling Touma's memory loss in a way that I consider genuinely well done. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was how Touma's return to school was depicted. As readers, we were able to follow Touma on his very first day back at school, experiencing the minor challenges he faced in such a situation and witnessing how he used his wit to overcome them. It truly feels like we, as readers, are experiencing Touma's life alongside him, learning things about himself at the same pace he does. This helps us to relate to his character on a deeper level. Additionally, Kamachi highlights the fact that the new Touma, shaped by his experiences from OT2 to OT5, slowly begins to overwrite the old Touma. This gradual development of his character, surpassing his previous perceptions of himself, is a significant aspect of his journey. We not only witness the unveiling of Touma's past alongside him but also observe how he forms his own character, understanding the significance of each chess piece that contributed to his growth. This volume made me realize why novel readers may feel frustrated with the way Touma is depicted in the anime, especially since OT6 serves as the finale for the first season. Without the narrative reminders, one might easily forget that Touma has lost his memories because his character appears to undergo minimal change or evolution. However, he has actually been on a transformative journey of self-discovery spanning four volumes, and now he enters the next phase where he must put his newfound character to the test. It was a clever narrative decision to have his memory loss occur during summer break, allowing Touma the space to shape his character without the immediate pressure of returning to his daily routine. Overall, the handling of Touma's memory loss up to this point is exceptional, and this volume highlights the significant hurdle he has overcome, only to be immediately put to the test.
I also greatly appreciated that Index, who had been somewhat irrelevant in the previous four volumes, finally had the opportunity to play a more invested role in the narrative in multiple ways. Firstly, her character was utilized brilliantly. Similar to OT1, where her purity and desire to protect Touma formed their bond, her bond with Hyouka Kazakiri is forged in a similar manner. Index is precisely the dynamic Hyouka needed because her simple-mindedness prevents her from harboring biases or prejudices against others. Index values Kazakiri for helping her navigate the strange and foreign world of science, just as she valued Touma for a simple act like giving her a rotten piece of food. Index doesn't require much and finds connection through small gestures like sharing a loaf of rotten bread or teaching her how to use a vending machine. This bond is something Hyouka, who was deeply insecure about how others perceive her, desperately needed. Index's role as a foil for Hyouka is crucial in this regard. Additionally, it was enjoyable to see Index and Mikoto interact for the first time, particularly because their dynamic starts as an intriguing juxtaposition where they initially view each other as rivals for Touma's attention. From Index's perspective, their encounters were secretive, raising suspicion, especially since Touma wouldn't disclose who this "Railgun" is in OT5. However, they also find agreement when it comes to criticizing certain negative attributes they perceive in Touma. This is another instance where I believe the anime did a poor job, as their initial portrayal there is more antagonistic, whereas in OT6, they appear to be mostly on neutral terms, which aligns with the current state of their relationship. Beyond her relationships, it was satisfying to finally witness Index utilizing her vast knowledge in a combat situation that didn't solely involve delivering exposition to Touma, thanks to her Spell Interception ability. It was an interesting way to showcase her ability to hold her own in battle without breaking the established rule that she consciously cannot use magic or generate mana. Kamachi even cleverly incorporated the needles she had put in her cloak from OT1 as a combat weapon, making effective use of her existing assets. Ultimately, the scene where Index and Hyouka's journey ends with Hyouka vanishing was incredibly touching and emotional. Having understood the bond these two lost souls shared, both feeling lost in this world (Index due to her lack of understanding of science and Hyouka due to everything being new to her), supporting each other unconditionally, the impact of the scene was truly poignant and served as a wonderful character moment. All in all, Index was utilized to her fullest potential in this volume.
Let us now delve into the inclusion of Hyouka Kazakiri and appreciate the astute manner in which she is integrated into the narrative, especially with her connection to OT4. Initially, the introduction of AIM Diffusion Fields and Komoe's exposition on them sets the stage for the revelation that Hyouka is an embodiment of said fields. This cleverly ties her existence to Aleister's intervention and Tsuchimikado's explanation of Heaven and Hell in OT4, hinting at Aleister's plan to create an artificial Heaven in Academy City. The inclusion of these concepts not only adds depth to the standalone experience of reading OT6 but also enriches the broader context and ongoing narrative of the series. While the volume itself provides sufficient context to understand these concepts, their significance becomes even more pronounced when viewed within the larger narrative. The interplay between the standalone and overarching elements elevates the overall impact and meaning of the story, creating a more immersive and rewarding reading experience.
As a character, Hyouka captivated me, particularly in her interactions with Touma and Index. A notable subversion lies in her lack of knowledge regarding her true identity, choosing to perceive herself as a human until her discovery of her own abnormality after sustaining an injury. This explains her shy personality and her yearning for connections, leading to her affinity for Touma and Index, who accept her unconditionally. This theme of acceptance extends to the new Touma, who treats all forms of life without differentiation. However, I must raise a minor criticism regarding certain aspects of Hyouka's character and appearance, which appear somewhat forced. The need for her to be portrayed as a well-endowed anime girl who is insecure about her body and becomes timid in the presence of men lacks a clear explanation. While the characters of the Misaka clones and the Fallen Angel in previous volumes were realistic given their circumstances, Hyouka's character feels more like an attempt to fulfill a certain quota. The only possible narrative relevance I could discern is if it serves as a commentary on Aleister himself, who artificially shaped her in this manner.
Turning our attention to Mikoto, her role in this volume was minor, but intriguing. For the first time in the series, we witness her engaging in action against Elis. Although her fight concludes swiftly, what stands out is the narrative's depiction of Mikoto simulating Touma by contemplating what he would have said before approaching Kuroko. This showcases the profound impact Touma had on her and highlights her aspiration to become more like him, motivating her increased involvement as a heroine. It is worth noting that this volume also marks the replacement of her hair clip with flowers, symbolizing her transition as a character. These visual cues, along with the aforementioned scene, effectively emphasize her growth and evolving role.
However, I find myself somewhat undecided about Sherry Cromwell. On one hand, her ability to summon and control golems is intriguing, and the initial setup of her being pursued by Judgement while being viewed as an illegal esper living outside of Academy City, all while being a magician, presents an interesting premise. I also understand that she probably was meant to be an inconsistent character, given that she was said to possess a multitude of different perspectives within her. Yet, her plan appears convoluted at worst and mildly confusing at best. While I comprehend the basic intent of inciting conflict between magicians and espers to foster cooperation and exclusion, the execution leaves much to be desired. Instead of openly attacking or injuring individuals while proclaiming affiliation with the Anglican Church, she keeps her identity concealed and remains secluded to an extent that locating her becomes nearly impossible. Rather than attacking people directly, she engages in a prolonged stalemate with Anti-Skill, where one would expect her to exploit Ellis to escape underground or unleash significant earthquakes. It is puzzling that she chooses to carry Ellis with her, drawing attention and leaving herself vulnerable, instead of maintaining a low profile while sending him to wreak havoc throughout the city, subsequently attributing it to the Anglican Church. These discrepancies also do not align with many aspects of her character, including her sadistic tendencies when torturing Hyouka. While I understand her purpose is to be inconsistent, the impression I gathered was that she lacked a coherent plan, simply improvising with Ellis. Perhaps this inconsistency is intentional, but it diminishes her credibility as a villain and makes it challenging for me to take her seriously.
In summary, the inclusion of Hyouka Kazakiri in the narrative exhibits a commendable level of craftsmanship, interweaving her story with existing concepts and propelling the overarching plot forward. Mikoto's growth and emulation of Touma provide meaningful character development, highlighted by visual symbolism. However, Sherry Cromwell's portrayal and plan execution raise concerns, with inconsistencies and unclear motivations undermining her effectiveness as a compelling antagonist.
In terms of exposition, I believe this volume strikes a well-paced balance. Expository moments occur intermittently between characters like Aleister, Aisa, and Komoe, and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. They do not hinder the story's flow but instead serve as essential pieces for advancing the plot. Komoe's exposition, in particular, proves indispensable, considering her involvement in researching AIM Diffusion Fields and her knowledge of Hyouka. This leads me to what I consider the strongest aspect of this volume: the seamless blending of slice-of-life character scenes with plot-related narrative scenes. When asked why I’m so fond of Railgun, I always answer that I truly love how it skillfully combines everyday character scenes with narrative moments that drive the plot. This blending ensures that no lighthearted scene feels superfluous, but rather contributes as an important piece of the puzzle to the overall story and character arcs of the show. Among all the Index volumes, this one executes this balance exceptionally well.
The opening section of the volume, which takes place in Touma's school, skillfully combines slice-of-life elements with plot advancement. It effectively reintroduces Aisa, brings Index into the scene, allows for interactions between Komoe and Index, introduces the character Hyouka, and raises suspicions in Aisa. Although the significance of these connections may not be immediately apparent, their relevance becomes clear later when Aisa and Komoe share their theory about Hyouka's existence with Touma. Likewise, the underground scene, initially portrayed as a light-hearted slice-of-life moment, serves as a platform to reveal Hyouka's unique origins and establish the dynamic relationship between Touma, Index, and Hyouka. This dynamic becomes crucial for their subsequent actions, such as Touma saving Hyouka without hesitation, Hyouka saving Index without hesitation, and Index supporting Hyouka regardless of her origins or state of being. As a result, OT6 stands out as one of my favorite novels due to its adept handling of these elements.
However, my minor narrative concern revolves around the concept of a potential war between the science and magic sides. While previous volumes introduced the strengths, desires, and flaws of both factions, generating anticipation for tension as Touma bridges the gap between them in OT5, I felt that more could have been done with this idea. Even though I mentioned this issue in relation to Sherry, I believe there was still room for further exploration and involvement of side characters from both the magic and science sides. Although the roles of Kuroko, Mikoto, and Aisa were satisfactory, they could have been better utilized and integrated into the narrative. Nevertheless, this remains a minor complaint, as the overall story remains strong in its own right.
In conclusion, this review of OT6 reflects my profound admiration for this volume, encompassing much of what I adore about the franchise. It skillfully incorporates thematic character interactions, seamlessly integrates slice-of-life moments into the narrative, presents an expansive plot with standalone comprehensibility and broader implications, delves insightfully into Touma's character, and offers an intriguing and emotionally resonant ending.
First of all, I really appreciate the way the characters were integrated into the story in OT6. In my review of OT4, I expressed some uncertainty about Touma's memory loss and its narrative implications. However, after reading OT6, I must commend Kamachi for handling Touma's memory loss in a way that I consider genuinely well done. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was how Touma's return to school was depicted. As readers, we were able to follow Touma on his very first day back at school, experiencing the minor challenges he faced in such a situation and witnessing how he used his wit to overcome them. It truly feels like we, as readers, are experiencing Touma's life alongside him, learning things about himself at the same pace he does. This helps us to relate to his character on a deeper level. Additionally, Kamachi highlights the fact that the new Touma, shaped by his experiences from OT2 to OT5, slowly begins to overwrite the old Touma. This gradual development of his character, surpassing his previous perceptions of himself, is a significant aspect of his journey. We not only witness the unveiling of Touma's past alongside him but also observe how he forms his own character, understanding the significance of each chess piece that contributed to his growth. This volume made me realize why novel readers may feel frustrated with the way Touma is depicted in the anime, especially since OT6 serves as the finale for the first season. Without the narrative reminders, one might easily forget that Touma has lost his memories because his character appears to undergo minimal change or evolution. However, he has actually been on a transformative journey of self-discovery spanning four volumes, and now he enters the next phase where he must put his newfound character to the test. It was a clever narrative decision to have his memory loss occur during summer break, allowing Touma the space to shape his character without the immediate pressure of returning to his daily routine. Overall, the handling of Touma's memory loss up to this point is exceptional, and this volume highlights the significant hurdle he has overcome, only to be immediately put to the test.
I also greatly appreciated that Index, who had been somewhat irrelevant in the previous four volumes, finally had the opportunity to play a more invested role in the narrative in multiple ways. Firstly, her character was utilized brilliantly. Similar to OT1, where her purity and desire to protect Touma formed their bond, her bond with Hyouka Kazakiri is forged in a similar manner. Index is precisely the dynamic Hyouka needed because her simple-mindedness prevents her from harboring biases or prejudices against others. Index values Kazakiri for helping her navigate the strange and foreign world of science, just as she valued Touma for a simple act like giving her a rotten piece of food. Index doesn't require much and finds connection through small gestures like sharing a loaf of rotten bread or teaching her how to use a vending machine. This bond is something Hyouka, who was deeply insecure about how others perceive her, desperately needed. Index's role as a foil for Hyouka is crucial in this regard. Additionally, it was enjoyable to see Index and Mikoto interact for the first time, particularly because their dynamic starts as an intriguing juxtaposition where they initially view each other as rivals for Touma's attention. From Index's perspective, their encounters were secretive, raising suspicion, especially since Touma wouldn't disclose who this "Railgun" is in OT5. However, they also find agreement when it comes to criticizing certain negative attributes they perceive in Touma. This is another instance where I believe the anime did a poor job, as their initial portrayal there is more antagonistic, whereas in OT6, they appear to be mostly on neutral terms, which aligns with the current state of their relationship. Beyond her relationships, it was satisfying to finally witness Index utilizing her vast knowledge in a combat situation that didn't solely involve delivering exposition to Touma, thanks to her Spell Interception ability. It was an interesting way to showcase her ability to hold her own in battle without breaking the established rule that she consciously cannot use magic or generate mana. Kamachi even cleverly incorporated the needles she had put in her cloak from OT1 as a combat weapon, making effective use of her existing assets. Ultimately, the scene where Index and Hyouka's journey ends with Hyouka vanishing was incredibly touching and emotional. Having understood the bond these two lost souls shared, both feeling lost in this world (Index due to her lack of understanding of science and Hyouka due to everything being new to her), supporting each other unconditionally, the impact of the scene was truly poignant and served as a wonderful character moment. All in all, Index was utilized to her fullest potential in this volume.
Let us now delve into the inclusion of Hyouka Kazakiri and appreciate the astute manner in which she is integrated into the narrative, especially with her connection to OT4. Initially, the introduction of AIM Diffusion Fields and Komoe's exposition on them sets the stage for the revelation that Hyouka is an embodiment of said fields. This cleverly ties her existence to Aleister's intervention and Tsuchimikado's explanation of Heaven and Hell in OT4, hinting at Aleister's plan to create an artificial Heaven in Academy City. The inclusion of these concepts not only adds depth to the standalone experience of reading OT6 but also enriches the broader context and ongoing narrative of the series. While the volume itself provides sufficient context to understand these concepts, their significance becomes even more pronounced when viewed within the larger narrative. The interplay between the standalone and overarching elements elevates the overall impact and meaning of the story, creating a more immersive and rewarding reading experience.
As a character, Hyouka captivated me, particularly in her interactions with Touma and Index. A notable subversion lies in her lack of knowledge regarding her true identity, choosing to perceive herself as a human until her discovery of her own abnormality after sustaining an injury. This explains her shy personality and her yearning for connections, leading to her affinity for Touma and Index, who accept her unconditionally. This theme of acceptance extends to the new Touma, who treats all forms of life without differentiation. However, I must raise a minor criticism regarding certain aspects of Hyouka's character and appearance, which appear somewhat forced. The need for her to be portrayed as a well-endowed anime girl who is insecure about her body and becomes timid in the presence of men lacks a clear explanation. While the characters of the Misaka clones and the Fallen Angel in previous volumes were realistic given their circumstances, Hyouka's character feels more like an attempt to fulfill a certain quota. The only possible narrative relevance I could discern is if it serves as a commentary on Aleister himself, who artificially shaped her in this manner.
Turning our attention to Mikoto, her role in this volume was minor, but intriguing. For the first time in the series, we witness her engaging in action against Elis. Although her fight concludes swiftly, what stands out is the narrative's depiction of Mikoto simulating Touma by contemplating what he would have said before approaching Kuroko. This showcases the profound impact Touma had on her and highlights her aspiration to become more like him, motivating her increased involvement as a heroine. It is worth noting that this volume also marks the replacement of her hair clip with flowers, symbolizing her transition as a character. These visual cues, along with the aforementioned scene, effectively emphasize her growth and evolving role.
However, I find myself somewhat undecided about Sherry Cromwell. On one hand, her ability to summon and control golems is intriguing, and the initial setup of her being pursued by Judgement while being viewed as an illegal esper living outside of Academy City, all while being a magician, presents an interesting premise. I also understand that she probably was meant to be an inconsistent character, given that she was said to possess a multitude of different perspectives within her. Yet, her plan appears convoluted at worst and mildly confusing at best. While I comprehend the basic intent of inciting conflict between magicians and espers to foster cooperation and exclusion, the execution leaves much to be desired. Instead of openly attacking or injuring individuals while proclaiming affiliation with the Anglican Church, she keeps her identity concealed and remains secluded to an extent that locating her becomes nearly impossible. Rather than attacking people directly, she engages in a prolonged stalemate with Anti-Skill, where one would expect her to exploit Ellis to escape underground or unleash significant earthquakes. It is puzzling that she chooses to carry Ellis with her, drawing attention and leaving herself vulnerable, instead of maintaining a low profile while sending him to wreak havoc throughout the city, subsequently attributing it to the Anglican Church. These discrepancies also do not align with many aspects of her character, including her sadistic tendencies when torturing Hyouka. While I understand her purpose is to be inconsistent, the impression I gathered was that she lacked a coherent plan, simply improvising with Ellis. Perhaps this inconsistency is intentional, but it diminishes her credibility as a villain and makes it challenging for me to take her seriously.
In summary, the inclusion of Hyouka Kazakiri in the narrative exhibits a commendable level of craftsmanship, interweaving her story with existing concepts and propelling the overarching plot forward. Mikoto's growth and emulation of Touma provide meaningful character development, highlighted by visual symbolism. However, Sherry Cromwell's portrayal and plan execution raise concerns, with inconsistencies and unclear motivations undermining her effectiveness as a compelling antagonist.
In terms of exposition, I believe this volume strikes a well-paced balance. Expository moments occur intermittently between characters like Aleister, Aisa, and Komoe, and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. They do not hinder the story's flow but instead serve as essential pieces for advancing the plot. Komoe's exposition, in particular, proves indispensable, considering her involvement in researching AIM Diffusion Fields and her knowledge of Hyouka. This leads me to what I consider the strongest aspect of this volume: the seamless blending of slice-of-life character scenes with plot-related narrative scenes. When asked why I’m so fond of Railgun, I always answer that I truly love how it skillfully combines everyday character scenes with narrative moments that drive the plot. This blending ensures that no lighthearted scene feels superfluous, but rather contributes as an important piece of the puzzle to the overall story and character arcs of the show. Among all the Index volumes, this one executes this balance exceptionally well.
The opening section of the volume, which takes place in Touma's school, skillfully combines slice-of-life elements with plot advancement. It effectively reintroduces Aisa, brings Index into the scene, allows for interactions between Komoe and Index, introduces the character Hyouka, and raises suspicions in Aisa. Although the significance of these connections may not be immediately apparent, their relevance becomes clear later when Aisa and Komoe share their theory about Hyouka's existence with Touma. Likewise, the underground scene, initially portrayed as a light-hearted slice-of-life moment, serves as a platform to reveal Hyouka's unique origins and establish the dynamic relationship between Touma, Index, and Hyouka. This dynamic becomes crucial for their subsequent actions, such as Touma saving Hyouka without hesitation, Hyouka saving Index without hesitation, and Index supporting Hyouka regardless of her origins or state of being. As a result, OT6 stands out as one of my favorite novels due to its adept handling of these elements.
However, my minor narrative concern revolves around the concept of a potential war between the science and magic sides. While previous volumes introduced the strengths, desires, and flaws of both factions, generating anticipation for tension as Touma bridges the gap between them in OT5, I felt that more could have been done with this idea. Even though I mentioned this issue in relation to Sherry, I believe there was still room for further exploration and involvement of side characters from both the magic and science sides. Although the roles of Kuroko, Mikoto, and Aisa were satisfactory, they could have been better utilized and integrated into the narrative. Nevertheless, this remains a minor complaint, as the overall story remains strong in its own right.
In conclusion, this review of OT6 reflects my profound admiration for this volume, encompassing much of what I adore about the franchise. It skillfully incorporates thematic character interactions, seamlessly integrates slice-of-life moments into the narrative, presents an expansive plot with standalone comprehensibility and broader implications, delves insightfully into Touma's character, and offers an intriguing and emotionally resonant ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
Lots of first time character interaction between all the secondary characters and provides extremely important details to the overall plot and mystery regarding the big boss of the city. The main conflict, however, is an unsatisfyingly fantasy. The MC is stubborn to an extreme fault here, and the villain was so poorly executed that it took an amnesiac highschooler preaching to a grown adult that killing is bad to shatter her world-view.
And while the character interaction is cool in theory, it just highlights how many younger girls surround the MC and are in love with him like a suffocatingly boring harem story. The MC only has two male friends, both of which also being the only friends in his age group, that are the absolute worst.
And while the character interaction is cool in theory, it just highlights how many younger girls surround the MC and are in love with him like a suffocatingly boring harem story. The MC only has two male friends, both of which also being the only friends in his age group, that are the absolute worst.
January 31, 2021
This was a clash between science and magic, and not in the way that one might thing. The introduction of AIM beings was much appreciated, and the mystery of the Imaginary Numbers District was intriguing. On the magic side, the same artificial human concept was explored with golems. Kamachi used this to deconstruct the typical views of golems. Kamachi also made one of the best reveals for the Index franchise,
April 25, 2020
This story was definitely interesting. It had a nice mix of science and magical elements in this volume, which was refreshing. From past novels, either the science or occult world was dominant in the story. This time, it was nicely interwoven.
November 14, 2019
I wish I didn't learn about Aliester's true identity before reading this.
September 9, 2021
The slice of friendship and full glory of fan service
March 6, 2022
Read my review at:
https://joshgear.nz/book-review-magic...
https://joshgear.nz/book-review-magic...
March 2, 2025
Time- [1h 41m 41s]
July 30, 2019
I feel like this volume was done more of as an introduction of something bigger happening by showing some key elements to this future arc or something, because a lot of it was quite introductory and slow/boring. What I enjoyed most was the appearance of Kazakiri Hyouka and her relationship with Index. I'm not the biggest fan of Index, but seeing her run around and treat Kazakiri like a best friend (but I guess it's b/c she has no friends herself either lol) and just experience all these things together felt quite heartwarming. I also enjoyed knowing about Kazakiri and her existence (I thought it was an interesting concept), and seeing how she overcomes it all because she is more than simply 'what' she is. Otherwise, typical villain kinda stuff going around and dealing with it in a similar way to previous volumes tbh, and it wasn't engaging enough for me to think of it as any different. The character development of the new character Kazakiri was the highlight imo and it was still enjoyable with that and the usual bantering of the girls I guess lol.
April 16, 2016
In keeping with the traditional storytelling of a Japanese light novel, volume 6 of A Certain Magical Index blends action, humor, and the high school setting in an entertaining tale that, while unoriginal, never ceases to be amusing.
I know that volume 6 has gotten some low ratings for whatever reason, but I actually think this was one of the better volumes of the series - especially compared to volume 5. The story starts off with Touma Kamijou attending his first day of the new year. Given that he doesn't remember anything about school aside from general knowledge, it's an awkward time for him. Still, like the main protagonist that he is, Kamijou pulls through.
The book introduces us to a new character of the series: Hyouka Kazakiri. For those of you who are curious, yes, that image up above is how Touma and Kazakiri first meet. He walks in on her and Index changing. I know. It's weird. But hey, this is a Japanese light novel, which is like a western young adult novel, and for whatever reason, fan service is the word of the day in this sort of story. I just rolled with it and continued reading.
Fan service aside, I feel like this volume was a lot more cohesive, than the previous volume. From page one all the way to the end, everything in this story connects in a way that A Certain Magical Index hasn't before. Until now, it's mostly felt like a series of really unfortunate coincidences, but this volume makes me think that everything that has happened up to this point is somehow connect to a grand scheme.
The writing in this volume is pretty solid. Since it's translated, there are some mistakes, but I think the translations are getting better. There's not as many spaces between paragraphs, and it looks like the spaces now represent POV changes instead of just random spaces. Occasionally, an important one-liner will gets it's own little space. Something like:
(Insert paragraph here.)
- Space -
And Toma Kamijou suddenly realized that having a harem was more trouble than it was worth. Nom nom nom.
- Space -
(Insert another paragraph here.)
But for the most part, it's gotten a lot better about formatting. As a whole, I think I liked this volume more than several of the other ones to have been translated thus far.
I know that volume 6 has gotten some low ratings for whatever reason, but I actually think this was one of the better volumes of the series - especially compared to volume 5. The story starts off with Touma Kamijou attending his first day of the new year. Given that he doesn't remember anything about school aside from general knowledge, it's an awkward time for him. Still, like the main protagonist that he is, Kamijou pulls through.
The book introduces us to a new character of the series: Hyouka Kazakiri. For those of you who are curious, yes, that image up above is how Touma and Kazakiri first meet. He walks in on her and Index changing. I know. It's weird. But hey, this is a Japanese light novel, which is like a western young adult novel, and for whatever reason, fan service is the word of the day in this sort of story. I just rolled with it and continued reading.
Fan service aside, I feel like this volume was a lot more cohesive, than the previous volume. From page one all the way to the end, everything in this story connects in a way that A Certain Magical Index hasn't before. Until now, it's mostly felt like a series of really unfortunate coincidences, but this volume makes me think that everything that has happened up to this point is somehow connect to a grand scheme.
The writing in this volume is pretty solid. Since it's translated, there are some mistakes, but I think the translations are getting better. There's not as many spaces between paragraphs, and it looks like the spaces now represent POV changes instead of just random spaces. Occasionally, an important one-liner will gets it's own little space. Something like:
(Insert paragraph here.)
- Space -
And Toma Kamijou suddenly realized that having a harem was more trouble than it was worth. Nom nom nom.
- Space -
(Insert another paragraph here.)
But for the most part, it's gotten a lot better about formatting. As a whole, I think I liked this volume more than several of the other ones to have been translated thus far.
April 10, 2012
I read the Baka-Tsuki fan translation for this book , and I have to say, where were these books when I was growing up? All of the books in this series, aside from some silliness occasionally, address some really serious issues and concepts, and do it without sugar-coating them. They also manage to take hard concepts, and make them very understandable. I would suggest them to anyone, teen and older.
February 29, 2016
For the first time I feel like the author has really thought this story out. Turns out everything may be tied together and there was a bigger storyline the whole time.
It's exciting to see how the characters, the author, and the plot has grown.
It's exciting to see how the characters, the author, and the plot has grown.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews