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Jun 14, 2023
Updated from my 2022 Preliminary Review:
As someone who enjoys a good Fantasy/Romance, finding one that isn't an Isekai is like striking gold. When I was looking for a new series to get into at my local Barnes and Noble, I stumbled upon Unnamed Memory, and picking it up was one of the greatest decisions I ever made.
Unnamed Memory is the story of the centuries-old witch, Tinasha, and the cursed prince Oscar. Set in the Kingdom of Farsas, we get to see the daily experiences and interactions that these two have. The storytelling is refreshing. It does not focus solely on the big, dramatic events at
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all times. Rather, it slowly but gracefully shows the growing bond of our two main characters through small occurrences as well as the big events. The side characters get gradually introduced and they never seemed forced in, nor are they ever forgotten. The worldbuilding is done expertly through both dialogue and narration in a way that feels natural, and leaves you with enough relevant information to understand what is going on.
For me, this story had a little bit of everything I would want in a fantasy novel. There’s the grand kingdoms, the inner and outer politics of them, a loveable cast of characters, a detailed magic system, incredible battles, and so much more. One of the best things about it is that it moves away from the generic fantasy tropes we see in so many other light novels. Adventurer guilds, a video game like system, the same old monsters such as slimes and goblins. Not that any of those tropes are bad by any means, but it’s really nice to see a story that feels like a true, original fantasy.
And whenever I would think I knew where the story was going, Kuji Furumiya always found a way to say “no you absolutely don’t”. The twists and turns throughout the story are heart-racing, gut-wrenching, and sometimes comically priceless. I cry-laughed more than once while reading.
As for the “romance” part, the relationship between the witch and the prince actually feels like it’s seriously progressing throughout the story, and it’s truly a joy watching the two of them. Oscar, for one, isn’t the basic male MC we have so often that is either childish, edgy, perverted, or a combination of multiple. He is simply a good, charismatic dude who wants to make sure his kingdom succeeds (and also wants to make the witch his Queen). Tinasha on the other hand is a mystical, elegant beauty who exuberates a frighteningly powerful aura to seemingly everyone (except Oscar). Deep down, she’s kind and sweet, but also hilariously stubborn at times where she comes off as just cute. Main characters aside, seeing the side characters comment on and discuss the relationship between the two feels so great, because it feels like you, the reader, are there with them, sitting down with friends, gossiping over tea about the progress in the Prince and his contractor’s relationship. I think that speaks for both the characters as well as the storytelling done by Kuji Furumiya. There simply is never a dull moment with any of them.
Another thing I love about the way Unnamed Memory is written is that the main climax of each volume is done close to the middle of the story. This allows for the rest of the book to delve into the aftermath of the main event, where changes to the world and characters can be explored in a way that is uninterrupted, rather than waiting for an entire new book or worse, simply being forgotten. I’ve used this word before, but the best way I can describe it is simply “relaxing”.
All in all, Unnamed Memory is an underrated work of art, with excellent storytelling and characters that make for a wonderfully enjoyable experience. I would 100% recommend it to anyone interested in a good romance in a fantasy setting.
Also, the anime is on the way, and I really hope it does this series justice.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 7, 2023
As someone who has read the Light Novel, I was initially worried that the manga would not do the series justice. I am glad to say, I was absolutely wrong, because the Unnamed Memory manga is a beyond faithful adaptation that captures the beauty of Kuji Furumiya’s story.
I’ve already left a review on the Light Novel that goes over the general plot, so I will keep this overview brief. Unnamed Memory is the story of the centuries-old witch Tinasha, and the cursed prince Oscar. As a child, Oscar was cursed by the Witch of Silence so that he could never bear children. Many people have
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tried to help, but to no avail. So after exhausting every other option, Oscar decides to go to the Witch of the Azure Moon who is said to grant the wish of whoever conquers her tower.
Oscar conquers this tower and meets the witch, Tinasha. His initial plans were to ask her to help him break his curse, but after seeing her and realizing that breaking a curse is not so simple, he settles on a different request. He asks that she marry him.
Now I ask you, do you think that is an absurd jump from plan A to B? Tinasha definitely thought so, and when I say her reaction was hilarious in the Light Novel, believe me when I say that the Manga does an incredible job of capturing her priceless befuddlement. And that just goes to show how great of a job the artist Naoki Etsumi did, along with the writing of Kuji Furumiya.
It’s a good time to talk about the art now.
If anyone could make a comedy manga using purely character’s facial expressions and minimal dialogue, Naoki Etsumi definitely could. All the characters of the Unnamed Memory manga feel alive and animated. Their body and faces convey so much emotion that is so often lost when adapting a novel into manga. Things such as humor, happiness, despair, and agony all are excellently delivered through the art.
Do you want an example?
Remember that Tinasha is a witch who has lived for centuries. She has seen many people live their lives and pass on, always leaving her behind. Oscar isn’t the first Farsas royalty she has met either, she was well acquainted with his great grandfather. Someone who has long left their world.
These experiences lead to a tremendous loneliness in a person. But at the same time, Tinasha is someone who wouldn’t like to let that show, and she plasters a smile and marches on.
The art of Unnamed Memory perfectly captures that loneliness. Simply from her face, you can see the pure willpower of Tinasha, while also the depths of loneliness in her eyes. It’s truly an incredible feat the artist has done, and I think it should be recognized more.
Art is the main topic when it comes to manga, but how about the characters and story?
Starting with characters, there is an entire cast of loveable characters each with their unique quirks, relationships and stories going along with the main story of our two leads. Speaking of the leads, Oscar and Tinasha have such a relaxing dynamic between them. Their relationship is not forced nor rushed. This seems a bit odd to say, since in their first interaction with each other, Oscar proposed to her, but that just goes to show how good the writing is. Their relationship and romance progress very smoothly and as a reader, the best way I could put it is that it’s really relaxing.
To the story, it follows the same pros that the characters have, and that is that it has a excellent blend of depth and detail while also progressing at a relaxing pace. Every chapter, we as the readers are learning something new, not only about the characters, but also about the world.
Something the series does extremely well is that is doesn’t discount the years Tinasha has. Though the story’s plot starts with Oscar ascending the tower, the world’s plot starts well before, and Tinasha is a witness to a lot of it. Whether it be the prior Kings of Farsas, or the many nations that have risen and fallen, Tinasha was there for it, and through her the reader is able to learn more. This also adds to the aura of mystique and elegance that the Witch has going for her.
All in all, this is a definite recommend for me. Not to mention, the series is getting an Anime soon! To anyone interested in giving the series a try, the manga is definitely what I would recommend to newcomers. If you enjoy the manga, then head on over to the Light Novel (who’s main-line story is complete now, with a sequel series ongoing) and learn the secrets to the world of Unnamed Memory!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 20, 2019
Alicization is a weird one.
As somebody that who has been critical on previous iterations of SAO, it feels weird to say that I genuinely "enjoyed" this season. This however, is also because I was comparing SAO:A with the likes of season 1 and 2. In the end, are there flaws? ABSOLUTELY. Can you still watch it and have a above average time? Yes as well.
Here are the major points I found.
+ Kirito is no longer overpowered
Our edgy protagonist has gotten somewhat of a make over in terms of power. He no longer can just whip out handy 'ol Yui to bail him out of
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situations, nor can he go against someone seemingly x10 his strength and win anymore, .
+ Side characters are actually useful
Our "sidekick" for Kirito is Eugeo, and sometimes we forget that its not him thats at the center of our story. We are introduced to a large group of characters also, some we love, some we hate.
+ Not every female character has a crush on Kirito
Thats quite the revelation right there
- Whatever happens in the real world is forgettable at best
Whenever the setting reverted back to the real world, the story simply becomes boring. Leaving you wanting to just go back to the world where Kirito and Eugeo are.
- Lack of on-screen growth for Kirito
Its evident that Kirito is growing, both as a person and in skill. But these pieces of evidence is only called upon when they are absolutely needed, and appear to all be off-screen. You can see growth for the side-characters however, but its not really seen in Kirito.
-Time skips are still a thing
Dont want to spoil to much here but, though it is explained and recapped, it does somewhat get annoying as it was one of the big critiquing points against the Aincrad arc.
So in conclusion, is it anime of the season?
Absolutely not
is it for everyone?
No
should you watch it?
Give it a try, it may surprise you
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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