Fans of the popular “Ascendance of a Bookworm” series are gearing up for the conclusion of the manga adaptation of Part 2. The 12th volume of Suzuka’s manga, adapting the second part of Miya Kazuki’s light novel series, revealed that the story will end with its next volume.
A Multi-Platform Success
“Ascendance of a Bookworm” (Japanese: 本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～, Honzuki no Gekokujō: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan o Erandeiraremasen) began as a web novel series written by Miya Kazuki and illustrated by You Shiina. It gained immense popularity and was later published as a light novel series by TO Books. The series follows the story of Myne, a book-loving young woman who dies and is reincarnated in a world where books are scarce and only available to the elite. Determined to read again, she sets out to make her own books.
The light novel series has spawned multiple manga adaptations, each covering different parts of the story. It also has an anime television series adaptation produced by Ajia-do Animation Works.
Manga Adaptations
The “Ascendance of a Bookworm” novels have four different manga adaptations, each for different parts of the story and corresponding to multiple novels in the series. The novels also have a fifth part, which does not yet have a manga adaptation.
- Part 1: Illustrated by Suzuka, ran from October 2015 to July 2018.
- Part 2: Illustrated by Suzuka, launched in September 2018 and is set to conclude with its next volume.
- Part 3: Illustrated by Ryō Namino, launched in April 2018 and is ongoing.
- Part 4: Illustrated by Hikaru Katsuki, launched in December 2020 and is ongoing.
J-Novel Club is releasing the manga adaptations of Parts 1-4.
Suzuka’s Contributions
Suzuka has been a key figure in bringing “Ascendance of a Bookworm” to life in manga form. In addition to illustrating Part 2, which is nearing its end, Suzuka also drew the manga adaptation of the first part.
Anime Adaptations
The anime adaptation of “Ascendance of a Bookworm” has been well-received, with three seasons covering the first two parts of the light novel series. A new anime adaptation by Wit Studio is set to adapt Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke.
- The first season of the anime roughly lines up with the first part of the story.
- The second and third seasons of the anime roughly line up with the second part of the story.
Story Synopsis
“Ascendance of a Bookworm” tells the story of Myne, a young woman with an insatiable love for books. After an unfortunate accident, she is reincarnated as a five-year-old girl in a medieval world where books are a luxury only afforded by the elite. Undeterred, Myne embarks on a quest to create her own books, facing numerous challenges along the way.
Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier
Myne starts as the daughter of a poor soldier. The first part of the story focuses on Myne’s early struggles and her determination to create books despite her limited resources. She experiments with different materials and methods, gradually learning the art of papermaking and printing.
Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden
As Myne’s knowledge and abilities grow, she becomes an apprentice shrine maiden. This part of the story explores the complexities of noble society and the challenges Myne faces as she navigates her new role. She learns about magic, politics, and the power dynamics within the temple.
Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke
Myne gets adopted into an Archduke’s family. In this part, Myne’s position in society changes dramatically as she becomes the adopted daughter of an archduke. She gains access to greater resources and opportunities, but also faces new dangers and responsibilities.
Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy’s So-Called Library Committee
Myne becomes the founder of the Royal Academy’s So-Called Library Committee. This part sees Myne attending the Royal Academy, where she works to establish a library and promote the love of books among the students.
Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess
Myne is now the Avatar of a Goddess. The final part of the series sees Myne embracing her destiny as the Avatar of a Goddess and using her powers to protect the world.
Where to Read and Watch
For those looking to delve into the world of “Ascendance of a Bookworm,” there are several options available:
- Light Novels: The original light novels are available in English through J-Novel Club.
- Manga: The manga adaptations of Parts 1-4 are also available through J-Novel Club.
- Anime: The anime series is available on various streaming platforms.
Popularity and Reception
“Ascendance of a Bookworm” has garnered a large following and critical acclaim for its unique premise, well-developed characters, and engaging storyline. The series has been praised for its attention to detail, its exploration of social and economic issues, and its celebration of the love of books. The novel series now has over 11 million copies in circulation (including digital copies).
End of an Era
As the manga adaptation of Part 2 draws to a close, fans can look forward to the final volume and the continuation of the story in other formats. The world of “Ascendance of a Bookworm” continues to expand, with new anime adaptations and ongoing manga series promising to bring even more of Myne’s adventures to life.
