Spice and Wolf, Vol. 1 - light novel

I was attracted to this light novel by the unusual combination of a wolf goddess tagging along with a merchant and a plot rooted in economics (my undergraduate background in finance was rearing its head). I was pleasantly surprised to find my expectations exceeded on all levels. Most particularly, the translation flowed smoothly and was easily readable, which is not always the case when having to deal with long, expository passages from a foreign language--it's hard enough to make a discussion of a currency manipulation scheme sound interesting in one's own language, let alone when translating out of a foreign tongue! The lead pair were likable and well-defined; I was pleased that while Lawrence and Holo had different areas of knowledge they learned from one another and appreciated each other's talents; neither one was clownish or burdened with a generic manga personality (it would have been very easy for Holo, especially, to be played to the lowest common denominator with childishness or tsundere antics, but she was neither). Care was taken throughout to maintain the realism of the fantasy world; this can especially be seen with Holo's wolf transformations being managed effectively to transmit some of Lawrence's awe to the reader so that we don't dismiss it as "ho-hum, human turns to wolf, so what's new..." And the economic plot is actually based in matters of medieval economy as opposed to trying to import modern-day finance into a fantasy world (indeed, the entire storyline wouldn't work in our modern world of paper money and coins of base metal). Volume 2 became an immediate buy after finishing this one, it was so plainly appealing.

Bought this for my girlfriend a little while back. This short little book gives a little more insight into the character's thoughts then the anime could have. Certainly worth picking up if you're a fan of the series, though it was a little shorter then I expected. Looking forward to vol 2.

While one might not be surprised to find a wolf-girl and a fantasy setting in a book aimed at young adults, plots based on the principles of free-market economics are unexpected. Yet Hasekura combines a very unusual romance with economics and comes up a winner. Who'da thunk it? The teasing romantic interplay between Lawrence and Holo is a delight. Two world-wise adults, albeit in different ways, they tease and flirt in an amusing and yet sexually-tense manner. You know that if either of them pushed things even a bit, they'd be...well, you know. But both are aware of the inevitable outcome of love between an immortal and a human. Not to mention Lawrence is a little afraid of being with a god (quite reasonably) and Holo has her near-arrogant pride to hold her back. Anyway, a fun read. Note that it is for young adults, so don't expect Lord of the Rings. But for what it is, it's satisfying. I'd like to note the translation was a surprise. It's excellent. Very smooth, vivid, and accurate. I might even say it reads better than the original (although I only read two chapters of that some years ago). A pat on the back to Paul Starr who deserves much more credit than a tiny line almost lost on the indicia page. In Japan translators are properly respected and their names are even on the front cover. Shame on American publishers for treating their essential contribution so poorly. The front cover art is odd. I suppose they're trying to attract "mainstream" readers of light novels and maybe this is a way to do it. I suppose we'll see if that does any good, and the fans will buy it anyway. But Holo should at least have had fangs....

I'll keep this short and sweet. This translation started out a little bit rocky and felt awkward, but it quickly found its stride. Fans of the anime will love reading the original story and will gain a greater understanding of Lawrence & Holo. Little gestures you may not have even noticed the first time you watched the series, become clear and meaningful after finishing the book. If you haven't heard of Spice & Wolf before, then either this book or the anime series are good places to start. You'll get more life out of the series, but the book is a bit easier on the wallet. Despite the unusual premise this is a slower-paced and more dialogue heavy story, suited for an older audience. A healthy interest in economics isn't needed, but it'd be a plus.

If you're a fan of the Anime (or manga) then this book is for you! I preordered it and just got it today, already I'm reading it and it is a bit different from the anime itself but all in all it's good. It is exactly what I expected and it was worth the price, I give this five stars because it is an awsome book and because I'm a huge fan.