Manga Review: Spice & Wolf
Spice & Wolf
Written by Isuna Hasekura
Manga version art by Keito Koume
Published by Yen Press
Buy it at Amazon
Rated M: For mature audiences only
![](http://www.yenpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/spicewolf_1alt.gif)
This is a very funny series with a lot of quick-witted humor, but it may go over certain readers' heads. It also has a lot of serious satire which helps draw the reader in and tie characters together. However, the bulk of this series is devoted to showing the reader the art of trading, money, and basic economy in a manner that doesn't fail to catch their attention. The plot of the book is also split between the two main characters, so readers are bound to fall in love with one or the other if not both. Lawrence is cool, easy going, and is an experienced trader with a good grasp on statistics. He also has no sense of humor. Horo, however, being his polar opposite, is cunning; sly; has a fine eye for detail; and is a natural in the trading business, but also tends to be hot-headed and prideful. But, she always manages to pull through and hold the story together in the end. When it comes down to it, this series is meant purely for a mature audience that can fully grasp it's concepts. I highly recommend this series to fans of such works as The Hunger Games Trilogy, Bamboo Blade, and manga romance series.
Note: There is also a manga series based on the light novels. Unless you naturally prefer manga to basic writing works, I would highly suggest starting with the novels.
Volumes 1-3 of the light novels and manga are already in stores.
![](http://www.yenpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/spicewolf_1alt.gif)
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![](http://www.yenpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/SPICEWOLFNOVEL_3.jpg)
![](http://www.yenpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/SPICEWOLFm_1.gif)
![](http://www.yenpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/SPICEWOLFMANGA_2.jpg)
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Look for volume 4 of the manga - coming in may 2011 and volume 4 of the novel - coming in June 2011
Great review, Tanner! I have never tried manga - even though you keep trying to get me to read one. This one sounds really good. However, I promise to read the Vampire one you got me for Christmas first.
ReplyDeleteThose covers look amazing!! I'd be interested in any trading kind of books - I remember I loved Elizabeth Moon's Trading in Danger series, and also the Laiden books that dealt with trade.
ReplyDeleteEconomics is fascinating :)
@Deepali - Thanks for taking the time to read & comment!
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