Goblin Slayer, Vol. 1

(No spoilers)This is a world-building volume where you are introduced to a world where there are plenty of adventures. This is not a story for those who like cozy adventures (it says something about this particular world that goblin abduction is the least of the peasantry's worries and this book still reads convincingly like a horror novel). The protagonist (but not necessarily the viewpoint character) is aptly named, and the book spends the time building the world and his place in it.Again, this book has elements of real (nonsarcastic) horror presented as a daily ritual. This is not for young children (<10), but the writing is very much worth reading at any age above that.

The series is not for the faint of heart to be sure. Having played a bunch of MMORPGs, RPGs, and fantasy games, this series (light novel, manga, and soon to be anime) addresses or has thoughts that I’d had about them. The edge between the people solving a serious local problem and the paltry reward despite the effort and grinding. And how unforgiving ‘real life’ is when people go into combat. Especially with what seems to be a misunderstanding of how dangerous the enemies are. The beginning is ‘refreshingly real’ or more accurately: ‘disturbing.’ And while at first glance it seems like the protagonist is OP, it is completely justified by the ‘cost’ to him. It is fun to see a fantasy Doom Guy though. To say anymore would be spoilers, suffice to say get ready for subversion of your expectations.

Goblin Slayer is a fairly dark book that follows the life of one man who just wants to rid the world of goblins. I normally don't enjoy books where there is a lot of death and sadness - but I found that I really liked this one.I thought it was fun that the main character was not the stereotypical overpowered dude. He also isn't going around saving the world or going on any crazy awesome adventures. Furthermore, he isn't a happy-go-lucky type of guy; instead, he's actually pretty broken and mentally unstable. He spends his time taking the quests nobody wants (goblin killing) that pay very little but truly help out the lives of the small town people. His interactions with everyone are short and simple - almost robotic. Yet, with that being said, he appears to not be too far gone that he can't come back. I'm really excited to see where the author takes this. Is he going to become more or less human over time?While I haven't read too many Japanese light novels so far, I did feel like this one differentiated itself a bit. The way the characters were presented and the overall tone of the book just felt pretty unique to me. It's a nice change of pace to read about the "other" people in these epic fantasy worlds. I know that many reviewers felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy and do something different - but I actually genuinely enjoyed it.I don't think this book is for everyone - but if you can get over the gruesome scenes depicting some of the worst human elements and don't mind reading about a broken main character - I think it could be a book you could enjoy :)

Goblin Slayer is yet another light novel with a "Gimmick." Set in a fantasy world it focuses on the exploits of one man, a man who made it his life's mission to kill Goblins, and only Goblins. Many adventurers look down upon the stereotypical level 1 monsters, but as you read further and further you start to see the gruesome reality that Goblins are in fact more dangerous than expected. The story does get gory, a bit rapey, but as far as I could tell it was in service of the story and building up what Goblins truly are. The actual unabashed fanservice is left to a character wearing clothes and aptly named "Cow Girl."Speaking of her, the story doesn't allow their characters to have names. Simply, they are referred to by their status. A priestess is Priestess, a warrior is Warrior, and the slayer of Goblins is Goblin Slayer. This does add some distance between the reader and the characters, but once the story slowly introduces how the world works, and the gods of that world, you start to understand it more. That, and the author is an unabashed fan of D&D.There was a lot of thought put into this world and characters. Even to the point where Goblin Slayer's armor, weapons, shield, items, everything he has on him is there for a purpose and detailed during the slaughtering scenes.Volume 1 is a solid start and I'm definitely curious as to where it'll go next. We've seen multiple Goblin hunts in a variety of scenarios, so it'll be fascinating to see how often the author can keep this interesting. The characters are likable, the story balances a mature dark fantasy with the tropes of...well, every anime as it explores big vs small breasts, bad social manners, the slow gathering of friends, the ravaging results of Goblin hordes, etc. If you like fantasy, magics, and don't mind some gruesome thoughts then I'd recommend this.

There isn't really much to say about the ln, since I've already read the manga. Pretty much the story is the same, but the more disturbing scenes dealing with rape or gore are a bit more subdued than in the manga. So if the visuals of the manga are too much for you, then the ln is perfect with giving just enough detail to get the point across without going into too much detail. Although, the one thing I enjoyed about the ln over the manga was with dealing with the gods more than in the manga and that unlike most other series they aren't made out to be really cruel or sadistic, but was still a bit unsure as to really feel for them even though it shows they do care for the children of the world and yet they involve them in their never-ending game.

Goblin Slayer is a great series, if you are looking for some dark fantasy to pass the time and I would highly recommend the series. But, in the English translation most of the first chapter (about 30 pages) is missing, this is probably due to it being one of the most graphic scenes in the series and it not really related to the main plot. If you want the first chapter in full I suggest you read the first chapter on line and read on from there. Again this scene is not required to enjoy the story but it is a bit irritating that it’s was skipped in the English translation.

This has been well-translated as the English text flows naturally and both action and characters are quick and easy to understand. It reminds me of reading Robert E. Howard's original short stories for the first time and, although the author hasn't got Howard's compelling personality behind the text, it has a similar drive and energy which presses the reader on.I'm rereading this volume at the present and it is, simply put, great fun. It is dark but the author presents us with the problems of how to confront evil and the price we pay to survive.

Loved this book,i am a big fan of the monster hunter series and when i was younger often played fantasy games such as * elder scrolls , dungeons and dragons, golden sun * and those types of RPG games.this novel has alot of those sort of fantasy elements such as a guild hall where the adventurers and heroes gather to hunt monsters and complete quests, eat drink and party. these scenes have great atmosphere and the characters while unnamed are cute, fun and likable.the story revolves around a man hunting goblins who is very mysterious at first but more is revealed about him and his motives later on in the book.the story also revolves around pretty much fighting only goblins and the evil horrible things they do although some other monsters do appear in it.there is a gore factor and there is some parts explaining in detail the bad things these evil goblins do to people, but do not let this deter you it is very well done and fits nicely with the world and will make you justify hunting them.i loved this book so much i read it in 3 nights only. ( usually takes me a few weeks to finish a book ) and if more come out i will gladly buy them. 10/10!

I. Love. This. Book. If you love fantasy/Dark fantasy, with a simple premise, gruesome descriptions, and an awesome setting and characters that feel like a game of dungeons and dragons? You've got it right here, folks. If I were to label any criticism, it does have a fanservice-esc character. Though, she does have nice chemistry with our lead, it's hard to take it seriously when her name is literally "Cow Girl" and pur first encounter with her is with her breasts out. If you aren't into that, don't worry, This story never uses fanservice as it's drive. All in all? A good book, worth your £10.

Not a big reader of dark fantasy, I had read other novels such as Spice and Wolf, Devil is a Part Timer and No Game No Life (to name a few) but never got on the dark end of the spectrum. This book opened that for me as it was a pleasant (sometimes gruesome) read. Recommended.