Scan barcode
A review by stephilica
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Abducted Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa, Makoto Inoue
3.0
Edward Elric and Roy Mustang investigate a series of strange terrorist bombings, in which no one is injured, and a possible connection to a string of kidnappings. The plot is crisp with decent turns, though it is a little simplistic. The themes of public perception, consequences, and revenge are skimmed over (it is a light novel, after all), but their brief address is an interesting side note.
Characters are portrayed well, and fit their canon selves. The prose is simple but serviceable, and occasionally uses very nice metaphors and similes. The action sequences are where the prose really stands out and works the best, but unfortunately, dialogue becomes a little cheesier. A few jokes fall flat, but the book maintains a light and funny tone throughout, and it works well.
While the editing could use some work (there's the occasional awkward sentence, and Hawkeye's rank keeps changing mysteriously), and the novel overall is not as nuanced and complex as the source material, it's enjoyable, with plenty of gags and action to keep things flowing. The Abducted Alchemist a humorous and short little addendum that feels it belongs in the world of FMA.
Characters are portrayed well, and fit their canon selves. The prose is simple but serviceable, and occasionally uses very nice metaphors and similes. The action sequences are where the prose really stands out and works the best, but unfortunately, dialogue becomes a little cheesier. A few jokes fall flat, but the book maintains a light and funny tone throughout, and it works well.
While the editing could use some work (there's the occasional awkward sentence, and Hawkeye's rank keeps changing mysteriously), and the novel overall is not as nuanced and complex as the source material, it's enjoyable, with plenty of gags and action to keep things flowing. The Abducted Alchemist a humorous and short little addendum that feels it belongs in the world of FMA.