Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Vol. 1 (light novel) (Volume 1) (Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, 1)
Y**D
Hard to put down
Lately I've been getting into light novels (that's Japanese YA), and one common subgenre of those involves people from the real world ending up trapped in the world of a fantasy RPG, often through reincarnation. As soon as I saw that there was an upcoming release about a guy who gets reincarnated as a vending machine in a dungeon, I knew I had to order it, because that's just the sort of weird premise that appeals to me.I'm glad I bought this book. It's the sort of book that I could have read all in one sitting if I didn't force myself to put it down when it was getting late, and I knew I needed to get to sleep. Probably the best thing is that the book (except for the prologue and the last few pages) is narrated by the vending machine, despite he fact that he can't move or say anything other than a few pre-programmed phrases such as "Welcome" and "Please come again." He makes for a lovable character as he figures out how to use his vending machine powers to help out himself and his friends.The only thing I noticed that some might find a weakness (though I didn't) was that the story is very much episodic with no overarching plot. Instead, it's a string of adventures and incidents strung together that still managed to reach a satisfying conclusion.I definitely recommend this, and already have the next two sequels on pre-order.
R**S
Give it a chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised
I'm giving 5 just from how unexpected this was. Originally I was only interested in getting a quick laugh from what sounded like a pretty funny premise. I was thinking I'd get a generic fantasy world with forgettable characters and countless cliches which would ultimately amount to a series that I'd not return to, though from the beginning I was surprised that they took the premise at least semi- seriously.The story is told from the perspective of 'Boxxo' a human turned vending machine after being killed in an accident, but he can't talk. The writer handles this really well, since the story is told in first person, but you're given info about this world through him being in earshot of the right conversations, or being talked to by 'customers' which might sound forced but as I said it's written in a way that you would hardly think about it.Another strong point is the characters, obviously there's our narrator, but our leading lady (Lammis) is very interesting. She's introduced as clumsy and if you're familiar with anime/manga/light novels I know, you just had an image pop into your head, but since most of the narrator's time is spent interacting with her, she gets fleshed out really well and her relationship with Boxxo (in spite of his inability to communicate properly) is a rather fun one to follow, also there's very little 'fan service' moments, at least in this volume which is nice, and gives a nice chance to really know the characters outside of what they look like.As I said this was a very pleasant surprise and if the second book upholds the quality of this one, this might be a series I'd love to see through to the end.
J**R
How is it This Good?
The fact someone could figure out how to write a full entertaining light novel from the perspective of a vending machine is pretty impressive. The book is a funny light read full of fun characters and concepts. It uses a lot of real-life Japanese food knowledge to push itself along and does a pretty good job of working with the limited material a vending machine can offer.
D**H
Read it, your won't regret it.
This novel is fun, whimsical, and engaging. Often time I do find myself double backing as certain usage of words trip me up; however, being as it is translated this types of error is totally understandable.I purchased this book because I wanted something completely random to read. I can strongly say that I found what I was looking for. Also a heads up, this is a light novel not a manga! But through this novel there are a couplebeautiful illustrations!
E**Z
Give it a try. Very entertaining!
I’ve recently been into light novels about being reincarnated and just given the title made me purchase this. It sounded silly that someone was reincarnated into a vending machine and I needed to know how that would play out. I fell in love with the series immediately and purchased volume 2&3 as soon as I realized how much I liked this one. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes reincarnation light novels.
N**D
Very episode like, but fun to read
The book dosen’t have any serious tones so it’s great for just a fun light hearted read. The characters are all fun, and playful as well. It is very episodic, so don’t expect much in the way of hardcore development at least not yet. How the author deals with the premise is rather interesting though.
L**N
It arrived severly damaged
I got the notification and ran to get the package immediately. After I opened it though, I was met with this mess. I'm sure the book itself is good, but I will need either a refund or a replacement.
D**P
I liked it.
it is a good book, highly recommended.
J**K
Hilarious and enjoyable light read
With a title like that I just had to buy this book and am very glad I did.The book delivers on the concept phenomenally and had me smiling most of the way throughout. A perfect short delight!
A**L
Super Good
The characters are likable the MC is a cool guy and the story goes very smoothly. 10/10
D**S
Kurios aber interessant
Der Hauptcharakter war in seinem vorigen Leben ein großer Fan von Waren Automaten und fand sich nach seinem Tot als solcher wiedergeboren. Eine Person stirbt... und wird in einer Fantasy Welt als Waren Automat wiedergeboren... Was erstmal wie eine sehr, sehr seltsame Idee klingt funktioniert überraschend gut und es ist interessant zu lesen wie er es schafft mit begrenzten Mitteln mit seiner Umwelt zu kommunizieren und anderen zu helfen.Leider ist die Geschichte sehr einfach und vorhersehbar geschrieben und alles läuft immer irgendwie zu glatt. Wann immer ein Problem auftritt hat unser Automat eine Antwort und wann immer er jemandem etwas mitteilen muss schaffen sie es ihn zu verstehen obwohl es um einen modernen Automaten und moderne Waren in einer mittelalterlichen Welt geht. Allein das diese Menschen überhaupt auf Anhieb verstehen das man in dieses Gebilde Geld einwirft um dann einen Artikeln auswählen und erhalten zu können mag mancher als Fragwürdig ansehen. Allerdings war ich dennoch überrascht wie interessiert ich diesen Band gelesen habe.Fragen die ich mir vor dem Lesen gestellte habe, wie "Er ist ein regungsloser Automat, was macht er denn 224 Seiten über und wie soll das als Geschichte funktionieren?" hat mir dieser erste Band zufriedenstellend beantwortet und ich bin versucht auch Band 2 zu lesen wenn ich mal nichts anderes habe, denn wenn sich die Leichtigkeit mit der bisher alle Konflikte überwunden wurden auch nur ein klein bisschen ändert könnte diese Serie sehr viel interessanter werden als ihr beinah lächerlich anmutender Titel vermuten liese.
User
Algo distinto a lo acostumbrado
La novela maneja el tema de reencarnar en otro mundo , algo que se ha estado popularizado mucho pero con un toque diferente, y es el hecho de que nuestro protagonista no reencarna como el típico personaje con superpoderes y magiaLa historia es simple y nos cuenta cómo el protagonista se las arregla con sus deficiencias al ser una máquina y como encuentra el modo de sobrevivir en ese nuevo mundo
S**.
A Story That I Hold Dear To My Heart
"How in creation did a light novel based around the concept of a vending machine not only get published, but translated as well?!"Such was the initial impression that struck me after I laid eyes on the title.And so, I took the plunge.Having finished volume 3, here I am to write this review.---Bizarre & brazenly surreal, this title [Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou] serves as a testament to Hirukuma-sensei's ability & skill as an author.Not just anyone is capable of being able to carry a tale so compelling.Depending on how much life experience you've lived, you may find the value of this story vary from one person to another.For the reader, there may be a feeling of a disconnect with the fact that vending machines aren't prevalent in North America/Europe. Despite that, you may learn a neat thing or two about the insane variety and innovations that vending machines have gone through in Japan (+ other Asian countries.)Having been there, not only am I jealous of the fact that they're so conveniently placed around nearly every corner of every street - but ... they have both hot AND cold options for their drinks.Things like that make me sit back and appreciate that I can change the temperature of the water flowing out of the tap or shower head with the twist of a knob, honestly ... but I'm getting off track here.---Fantasy tales are stories filled with wonderment and allow readers like us to indulge momentarily in a form of escapism.Isekai (into another world) is a beloved genre that takes this concept one step further, linking elements of our modern world with fantasy. Its' ability to allow the reader/viewer a near instant familiarity with base portion of the protagonist that easily (with some form of cliche) transitionally lulls us gently into our given narrative.This was an easy read to get into AND one incredibly hard to put down. Well paced, episodic by chapter (making it easy to take breaks), and with the reader's narrative accompanying Boxxo's internal dialogue - one can't help but feel themselves growing with the story alongside our beloved vending machine.Even without being able to express himself well (lacking a human body with external feeling & limited communication given his form) or the fact that the most he can do at the start is the smallest of acts (i.e. dispensing products,) - Boxxo makes a difference.Little by little, over time.The smallest act that ends up enriching the lives around him, albeit for nothing short of a moment. Little by little, over time, we're able to see change in the people around him & the world he resides in proceed to grow evermore.I think ... that aspect of the light novel struck a chord in my heart the most. I love it for that.---There's also this appreciation for products that have been refined to great detail. This too, is something that I love about this light novel.The invention & development of the classic simple machines: Levers, wheel and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws; these that are still ever so present in your every day life; foundations that have been nurtured over many dedicated lifetimes to further improve with lives embedded in each minuscule change that is passed down the line.You are in the presence of history, every moment of every single day.What you decide to do with the advancements that stand in front of you is what you must consider your legacy.The lives and names may be lost, never documented or thought of more than once; but the results of their lives are still present.---Anyway, to close.Hirukuma-sensei, you may never get to read these words of mine - still, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing this world to life as you have done. As only you could have done it.Kato Ituwa, damn would I ever love to see the character concept designs fully laid out. You've got an eye for good aesthetics and mind blowing character design. Thank you ever so much for doing them superb justice. (I almost had to take a breather after looking at some of them, they made my heart go doki-doki)Andrew Prowse, the translator for this work, I consider an unsung hero worth giving praise to. While I may never get to know the original native text as it was written, had you not articulated so well the intention the author had, this story would have come out very differently. As the last set of hands (distributor aside) that this story has poetically passed through for artistic revision, you are incredibly important to the life this tale gives off. Certainly did not disappoint in that regard. Thank you.With that, this nearly marks the end of my review.I look forward with eagerness the coming of the 4th volume. Keep up the great work, all of you!Also, if this EVER gets slated for an anime adaptation, the only one thing I'm sure of is that Sawashiro Miyuki would be perfect as the CV for Hulemy.God, Hulemy ... I need to stop falling for women that don't actually exist.
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