In the bustling royal capital, the day of the Employment Exam for the National Spellbook Library has arrived. Among the hopeful candidates are Yan, a street-smart troublemaker with a childhood debt to repay, and Tohru, a young man who has spent his life in seclusion with only books for company. The two unlikely partners team up for the examination, facing the challenge of finding a designated spellbook within the library.
Led by Emel Sultad, the Head of Public Relations (secretly a princess), the candidates are given thirty minutes to locate their spellbook with their partner. Success in the exam will lead them to the sealing department, where they will learn to seal dangerous spellbeasts. However, not all candidates will make the cut to join this elite department.
“The Spellbook Library” offers readers a new fantasy adventure manga with a 13+ rating, a refreshing change from the isekai genre. Mangaka Uta Isaki, known for their work in yuri and comics exploring gender and sexual identities, ventures into shonen manga territory with this series. While the story initially bombards readers with information and chaotic scenes, it eventually finds its footing in the second chapter, setting the stage for intriguing character dynamics and unanswered questions.
The translation by Jacqueline Fung and lettering by Phil Christie make the manga accessible to readers of all ages, with colorful artwork and character designs adding to the visual appeal. As the first volume sets the foundation for the series, readers are left with a sense of anticipation for the next installment, hoping that the story will strike a balance between exposition and action.
Overall, “The Spellbook Library” shows promise with its unique premise and character-driven narrative. With Volume 2 set for release in December, fans can look forward to diving deeper into this fantastical world crafted by Uta Isaki. Explore a free preview of the manga on the publisher’s site to experience the magic for yourself.
