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kristensk's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun read, but the first couple of chapters, where the situation is established, drag a little bit. I was particularly disappointed that alchemy plays no role in the storyline until the final battle. This wouldn't be a concern if it had been unneeded, but it was odd to me that Ed didn't propose using his alchemy to repair the train tracks in chapter 1. No explanation is offered as to why it would be impossible or unfeasible. However, the strength of the story is really in the character interactions. The author caught everyone's personalities as they are in the original manga (and subsequent anime) perfectly, and there are a number of hilarious exchanges throughout the story.
gap_py's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
familiar_diversions's review against another edition
3.0
After another unsuccessful investigation into Philosopher's Stone rumors, Edward and Alphonse Elric wait for a train. Strangely, when one finally arrives, it's hours late. They're also surprised to see Roy Mustang and Jean Havoc among the passengers, dressed in civilian clothes. They soon learn that there has been a lot of recent terrorist activity on the train tracks. The terrorists announce their bombing target 20-30 minutes in advance, enough time for civilians to get to safety but too little time for the military to do anything to stop them. It's terrorism without terror - civilians are more inconvenienced than anything, and they've directed their annoyance towards the ineffectual military.
Although he hasn't been able to find any proof yet, Roy suspects that the bombings are somehow connected to a string of kidnappings. The kidnappers abduct a child from a family with a connection to the military, demand and receive a ransom, and let the child go free, completely unharmed. As Ed and Al continue their own work, they accidentally stumble across something that may be key to both of Roy's investigations.
This is the second Fullmetal Alchemist novel I've read, and the first that I don't think was turned into a filler episode in the original anime, so the story was entirely new to me. It was decent - not something I'll necessarily want to reread, but it felt like something that could happen in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe, was a relatively quick and light read, and the characters mostly acted and spoke like themselves.
Ancy, the child Ed and Al encountered, was like literally every child they've ever met in the series, sweet and cute. There was a funny running joke involving Ed calling Roy "Dad" that, for a very brief moment, dipped into "Roy as Ed's father figure" territory. Havoc drove a car badly, multiple times. Ed went up against a couple dozen terrorists and managed to hold his own with alchemy and an entire building (although he forgot that some parts of buildings are load-bearing and really shouldn't be messed with). There were no alchemists in the terrorist group, but there was a guy named Gael who was ridiculously strong and fast.
It wasn't the most exciting story, overall, but it had some good stuff in it, especially in the second half. Roy and Ed had some great scenes together. The one thing that was a little off was the bit where a woman called Ed a "wee bonnie squire" to Al's "knight in shining armor" (78) and Ed didn't even twitch.
This is the last of the Fullmetal Alchemist novels that I have on hand, but I'd still like to read the rest.
Extras:
A few black and white illustrations throughout, an afterword by Makoto Inoue, and an afterword/illustrated interpretation of the "you have a son?" scene by Hiromu Arakawa. Also, one full-color illustration.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Although he hasn't been able to find any proof yet, Roy suspects that the bombings are somehow connected to a string of kidnappings. The kidnappers abduct a child from a family with a connection to the military, demand and receive a ransom, and let the child go free, completely unharmed. As Ed and Al continue their own work, they accidentally stumble across something that may be key to both of Roy's investigations.
This is the second Fullmetal Alchemist novel I've read, and the first that I don't think was turned into a filler episode in the original anime, so the story was entirely new to me. It was decent - not something I'll necessarily want to reread, but it felt like something that could happen in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe, was a relatively quick and light read, and the characters mostly acted and spoke like themselves.
Ancy, the child Ed and Al encountered, was like literally every child they've ever met in the series, sweet and cute. There was a funny running joke involving Ed calling Roy "Dad" that, for a very brief moment, dipped into "Roy as Ed's father figure" territory. Havoc drove a car badly, multiple times. Ed went up against a couple dozen terrorists and managed to hold his own with alchemy and an entire building (although he forgot that some parts of buildings are load-bearing and really shouldn't be messed with). There were no alchemists in the terrorist group, but there was a guy named Gael who was ridiculously strong and fast.
It wasn't the most exciting story, overall, but it had some good stuff in it, especially in the second half. Roy and Ed had some great scenes together. The one thing that was a little off was the bit where a woman called Ed a "wee bonnie squire" to Al's "knight in shining armor" (78) and Ed didn't even twitch.
This is the last of the Fullmetal Alchemist novels that I have on hand, but I'd still like to read the rest.
Extras:
A few black and white illustrations throughout, an afterword by Makoto Inoue, and an afterword/illustrated interpretation of the "you have a son?" scene by Hiromu Arakawa. Also, one full-color illustration.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
k8hedrick's review
3.0
Bizarrely positive attitude towards the military considering the source material? That aside it was pretty entertaining even as an adult reading a book intended for children. No regrets.
lyravalley's review
3.0
It was a decent book, nothing spectacular but if you're a fan of FMA and in the mood of a quick read then this will do the job just fine.
glamafonic's review
I wouldn't call this masterful, but I enjoyed it DESPITE, might I add, a GLARING translation error through half of the book with regard to Riza's rank.
It contained an emotional arc about Roy's awkward psuedo-paternal relationship with Ed and Al, Riza generally owning Roy everywhere with bonus Meaningful Subtext, Team Mustang shenanigans, and Ed being a hilarious troll. I could not ask for much more!
It contained an emotional arc about Roy's awkward psuedo-paternal relationship with Ed and Al, Riza generally owning Roy everywhere with bonus Meaningful Subtext, Team Mustang shenanigans, and Ed being a hilarious troll. I could not ask for much more!
theravenflight's review
3.0
Eh...I'm a big fan on FMA but compared to the light novels I've read so far (The Land of Sand and this one), I have to say that this one is my least favorite. I just feel like the plot was repetitive, predictable, and boring. I just hope the next light novel goes back to being entertaining like the first one...
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