86 is my ideal story. It has everything that you could want. Action, drama, mystery, thrills, romance(budding at this point, but it's obvious, it's Japan), etc. What I love particularly about the story is how damn real it feels. It does not feel like you're reading a future anime or a light novel, but that you're reading a genuine war memoir.
The story is heavily influenced by World War 2 and it shows, the author even mentions it in the afterword. It relies heavily on the themes of racism, discrimination and ethnic cleansing, things that I feel would make a future anime adaption pretty controversial. However, this is a very realistic topic that we have had in our history very recently and must never forget.
The protagonist Shin is very reminiscent of some of the classic Mecha MC's, but he still is extremely well written with a solid backstory, good character motivation, character growth and a very realistic way of dealing with things.
Lena, the future love interest is also extremely well written and is sympathetic to the plight of Shin and the rest of the 86's(basically Jews), over the course of volume 1, we see their relationship grow from more of a commander/subordinate to genuine friendship and concern. Can't wait to get deeper in the story.
The side characters are also very well written and make you feel attached to them from the very beginning. Everyone is unique and offers diversity in terms of personality, characterisation and dialogue. No one is just a cardboard cutout like in many other LN's.
Pacing is great, story is original and well written and this first volume at least, has enough action to keep you satisfied and well entertained. Got volumes 2-6 and now off to binge them in Japanese.
TL;DR Check out this series, it's worth it.
