Ascendance of a Bookworm
Miya Kazuki and You Shiina are the authors of the Japanese fantasy light novel series Ascendance of a Bookworm. It was published as an online serial on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, a website that publishes user-generated novels, from September 2013 to March 2017. Afterward, TO Books purchased it; since January 2015, they have produced thirty-two volumes.
When Kazuki was in her second year of junior high school, she began writing books. She passed an admission exam, got accepted into a national university, and then stopped writing because she was too busy working after graduating.
You Shiina has created character designs and game packages in addition to light novel and children's book covers and graphics. Their cover art for the Ascendance of a Bookworm received the Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! in 2018 and 2019, and Shiina was the recipient of the Dengeki Game Illustration Gold Award in 1998.
The narrative centers on Urano Motosu, an avid reader and aspiring librarian who is crushed to death in her home during an earthquake behind a stack of books. She begs to be reborn in a place where she can read books endlessly before she passes away.
In an exclusive society where books are rare, Urano awakens in the body of Myne, a weak five-year-old girl. Recalling her past existence, Myne decides to write and publish her own books to regain her reading ability.
As of October 31, 2022, the series had sold over 8 million copies through physical and digital sales. In Takarajimasha's yearly light novel guidebook Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!, the series placed fifth in 2017, first in 2018 and 2019, second in 2020 and 2021, third in 2022, and first in 2023.
After that, Ascendance of a Bookworm was inducted into the Hall of Fame for tankōbon fiction. The manga adaptation placed eighth in the web category of the third Next Manga Awards in 2017. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards of 2021 featured a nomination for "Best Fantasy" for the anime's second season.
The narrative moves along at a good clip, leaving you eager for the next installment. It's a well-written plot, and viewing this series is worthwhile. It's worth seeing again because it would be equally enjoyable the second and third times, which is a clear sign of a quality anime.
Authors: Miya Kazuki, You Shiina
Year of publication: 2013
Status: Finished
