The Contract Between a Specter and a Servant Volume 2 Review – Anime UK News Rewritten
Masamichi has been residing with antique dealer Shino above his shop Bougyoudou for the past two months. Shino, a handsome and sophisticated man, saved Masamichi’s life after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident. However, what Masamichi doesn’t know is that Shino is actually a fearsome specter who has been living in human form since the Heian Era. Bound by an onmyouji, Shino feeds on human energy, with Masamichi agreeing to become his ‘food’ in exchange for board, lodging, and assistance in the shop. The antique shop is filled with tsukumogami, artefacts possessed by spirits, which Masamichi quickly learns can have dire consequences.
After a high school girl visits Bougyoudou and shares her experience on social media, a persistent young journalist named Yumiko Matsuoka arrives, eager to feature the shop in a story. Despite facing rejection, Yumiko continues her efforts, even bringing expensive gifts to win over the residents. She feels a strong connection to a spiritual object in the shop, a fan, and is determined to uncover the truth behind a mysterious hit-and-run accident in the area, driven by personal loss. As Yumiko’s investigation intensifies, she unwittingly puts herself in danger, eventually seeking refuge at Bougyoudou, where Masamichi and Shino must confront the criminals chasing her.
The second volume of Michiru Fushino’s The Contract Between a Specter and a Servant delves deeper into the complex dynamics between the characters, building on the events of the first volume. The chilling Prologue set in Heian times provides valuable insight into Shino’s origins and his transformation from a wild specter to a refined human-like entity over centuries. Fushino skillfully blends character development with a well-constructed plot, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Yumiko’s journalistic ambitions add a new dimension to the story, stirring up tension within the unconventional household at Bougyoudou.
Yumiko Matsuoka’s character is portrayed with depth and nuance, showcasing her determination and vulnerability as she navigates the dangerous world of investigative journalism. The interactions between the main characters reveal their growth and evolution, particularly Masamichi’s journey towards self-confidence and Shino’s potential for empathy and understanding. The translation by Eriko Sugita maintains a smooth and engaging reading experience, complemented by Aki Aoi’s beautiful cover art.
While the novel excels in delivering a blend of urban fantasy and horror, some editorial choices may impact the reader’s immersion in the story. The use of translated terms like ‘spiritual medium’ and ‘artifact spirit’ instead of the original Japanese terms could potentially detract from the authenticity of the setting. Additionally, a brief lapse into the first person perspective raises questions about consistency in the narrative style. However, these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
Fans of Japanese urban fantasy with a touch of horror will find The Contract Between a Specter and a Servant a captivating read. The third volume is set to release in November 2024, promising further exploration of the captivating world created by Michiru Fushino. Diamond Book Distributors UK provided a review copy from Yen On, ensuring a thrilling and immersive reading experience for fans of the genre.
