Personal Review: The Guin Saga Book One

Review By Jong Chung

The Guin Saga presents itself in a manner that may not draw the typical anime/manga fan in right away. Many times, we are to judge manga series by cover since the volumes found at bookstores may be shrink wrapped, thus discouraging a short sift through it to judge its worth of purchase. Well... The cover illustration for The Guin Saga Book One: The Leopard Mask may seem “outdated” in the context of anime and manga, but while that is certainly true (as it dates back to 1979) it is still something of merit, which I will cover in a bit.

As for the book itself: while I would simply call it a novel, it may not be entirely wrong to consider it one of the earliest form of light novels. Now, then, if it is only seemingly a light novel, what merit is there in looking at it as such? Why, because it is quite apparently related, of course. In April of 2009, Guin Saga was shown in Japan in all its animated glory.

So, let's talk about what makes up this extensive series of novels. There are some bold claims between The Guin Saga novels and the famously acclaimed Lord of the Ring novels. While I struggle to make that direct comparison (as I have yet to read the Lord of the Ring novels, shame on me) I can say that reading the first volume of The Guin Saga was time well spent, without a doubt. One thing I've noticed was that I was drawn into the novel quite easily. Perhaps it is a preference in the descriptive writing style, but there is just so much to be observed within the opening passage alone. For those looking for a much more descriptive read as opposed to several other series of light novels available in English, The Guin Saga presents a fine choice of read.

If you simply like reading and if you enjoy the various different fantasy genres, then you will most likely enjoy The Guin Saga Book One: The Leopard Mask. As per mentioned, the illustrations may put you off if you want something more akin to the current anime/manga trends but make no mistake, they are certainly professionally done and that fact should be accepted. I could go on about the illustrations some more, but the most important thing would be that they do not distract the reader from the source material. There were times while reading other light novels where I have felt it to be a bit of a gimmick to add an illustration of a character before describing him or her, whereas The Guin Saga makes a point to be precisely descriptive as any serious novel. While it is not meant to put down other light novel series, it is something that allows The Guin Saga to stand out above the competition.

So what makes this a worthwhile read? Not only is the story engaging and the action diverse, but the cast of characters– now that's really something that intrigued me. There is an intricate balance in the trio of protagonists. At certain times, one character may be a liability in the group, requiring emotional assurance while at others s/he may provide the foundation (of the group) or leadership needed in a pinch. While it's simply good writing, it's good writing that will last you if you stick through it.

Now if I had to tell you a reason for not reading this fine novel... well, aside from the obvious put off of the genre if you're not a fan it, I honestly can not think of anything. It is a worthwhile addition to any light novel or even any fantasy novel fan's library through and through. And believe you me, this is coming from someone that started reading this thinking he would not like it!
© 2010 Linda Thai