Setting has his own rules different from so many fantasy works and because of that story is frequently labeled as "unique fantasy". But on my opinion, setting is а try to reconstruct trading world of medieval Europe with least attention to themes of occultism and theology. Almighty Church appears just as economic and political force, but not the keeper of Holy Truth fighting with heresies. All what and overall thoroughness makes setting unusual, interesting and perfect background for adventures.
“Spice and Wolf” is a story about travelling merchant (Kraft Lawrence) and goddess of harvest (Holo) making their way to the northlands, there Holo was born. But before they reach destination, they use every opportunity to get a coin, which makes trading the main driving force for the plot like battles in shonen. On the first watch, it takes some time to understand all details of complex deals and desperate proposals, but that is only advantage. Not every anime is able to set his audience thinking and trying to comprehend the true meaning of hero’s action.
That is especially true because of interesting main characters, Holo and Lawrence, pagan goddess and simple man developing relationship. They are both fond of each other and just enjoy travelling together despite so many differences between them, and because of that they look like an excellent and natural pair. Although most times Holo just teasing Lawrence, there are times when she expresses her true feelings and shows all complexity of her personality, allowing him to understand the Wise Wolf. All that makes their dialogues extremely intriguing and hard to forget which serves an excellent surrounding to their adventures.
But the most pleasing is the harmony of the whole story in which every element is flawless. If setting or characters or plot wasn’t on the same level of quality, the story may become much less attractive. Hopefully anime saves that splendid harmony of a story and even add same level music and visual style. Yoshino Yuuji compositions create right mood and they have strong bond with scenes where they used. But still some of them sound more like music on certain theme: “Matsuri no Uta” create impression of festival where deception and fun intertwined, “Hikaru Wadachi” sounds like good tavern theme and etc. Because of that soundtrack can be used as standalone album for everyday listening if you like instrumental and near-to-medieval music.
In sum, I just advice to watch this anime at any rate, because it is really unique masterpiece and you will not meet anything like it. In it you may find everything you wanted just like me and many others.
