The Devil Is a Part-Timer, Vol. 1 - light novel (The Devil Is a Part-Timer!, 1) (Volume 1)
A**R
Fun when Satan is the good guy
I watched the anime first. Me reading the story is more fun. The story explains the character's thoughts that the anime doesn't. I do get lost with who is talking at times. Most light novels have that problem
H**A
Yes, I would like fries with my hellfire!
I'll keep my review brief as I'm quite biased when it comes to this series so I'm probably the most unsuitable person to be an unbiased reviewer.For those who aren't (or are) familiar with this series--whether you prefer to call it Hataraku Maou-sama!, The Devil is a Part-timer!, or Demon Lord at Work!--there are four different versions of it: the anime, light novel, manga, and manga spin-off (Hataraku Maou-sama! High School!). This is the LIGHT NOVEL.Out of the three book versions of this series the novel and the manga always seem to get confused with one another but it's rather simple:- Wagahara + 029 (Oniku) = novel- Wagahara + Akio Hiiragi = mangaOniku generally handles character design and novel illustrations but she does not illustrate the manga.Akio only illustrates the manga.Now with that bit of explanation out of the way, I can attempt to express how much I adore this series.Genre-wise I always tend to favor horrors and thrillers of the like, followed by light hearted series and dumb comedies. A series about Satan coming to Japan and having to work minimum wage at MgRonalds to support his demonic househusband while the daughter of an angel is trying to murder him? Sounds iffy but we'll try it. I never thought that simple thought would turn into my favorite series of all time. I can't express how ecstatic I was back when Yen Press first announced they were going to be translating and publishing all versions.As a lot of people I heard of the novel via watching the anime when it first aired, and for anyone who is thinking of purchasing this novel because of it you'll basically just be given a review on what the anime had covered as it pretty much follows novels #1 & #2 fully. Because of that I won't go into detail about what the basic plot was for this novel in particular.The translation can be a bit iffy in places, especially in the first couple of books, but otherwise I love how well written and translated it is. I didn't know what to expect from the English version of the novel either but my biggest hope was that they would keep the color fold out illustrations at the front of every novel, and I must say I was so happy when I saw they kept them as well as translated them as well. The same goes for the character files & bonus content in the back; they even included Wagahara's "notes from the author" page.Even with the few minor hiccups in translation I could never say enough positive things about this series. If you like an easy comedy that can turn to a drama, filled with memorable characters, cute illustrations, and a capticaptivating writing style then please give it a chance.Highly recommended.
T**S
Hilarious Comedy In The Typical High Quality Yen On Way
Devil is a Part Timer is a pretty hilarious light novel that is in the same typical high end quality as other Yen On light novels. The translator, Kevin G, who I dont have as doing other Yen On Light novels that Ive read is great. The volume reads nicely with no typos. Fake names of brands and places are translated well too conveying excellent similarities to what they are attempting to be real life knock offs of. Everything else reads great too with conversation flowing well and with terms like modern people do speak in the real world. It was a blast to read and one that was wonderful.In terms of extra content, Yen On gave the character files at the start of the book a translation as well as being in color, while the end of the book extras are the character files (without the characters covering over a large portion of them) translated like resumes. There is afterward provided which is witty.In terms of content, there are a few minor scenes included that werent animated, while the end of the book some scenes are done in much more detail to make them flow better together that the anime didnt (for example the post climax moment telling how and what was discussed in detail at Maou's place). Though for those familiar with the anime it was still fun to read as their interactions are kind of funny in the written format and not just on screen. The descriptions of expressions or whats running through their minds is nice.Devil Is A Part TImer is a great start to another light novel series being brought from Yen On and I cant wait for more volumes. It was really good.
Q**G
Never Though Working at McDonald's Could Lead to World Domination
A great story and opening into the series. As a long time fan of the anime I was extremely disappointed when the anime ended with only 12 ep and I was left hanging. However, after seeing the light novel finally getting license I instantly got the copy and started reading. Hataraku no Maou or The Devil is a Part-Timer is a rare story capable of blending in hilarious comedy and intense action with little shortcoming.Although many anime and light novels in the past have attempted the trope of Hero vs Maou, majority of them are cliche and are executed poorly with one dimensional characters usual with the hero gathering comrade as he powers up to slay the "evil" demon lord. This story takes it a step further and portrays the relationship of the hero and the demon lord after he is defeated and escape to the modern world we know of.The tale of the demon lord as he struggles to make a living in a one store apartment while trying to get a promotion at a fast food chain is probably the most brilliant plot line I could ever imagine. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a unique story that mixes action, supernatural, comedy, with a slight touch of romance. The unconventional setting and reaction of the demon lord as he interacts with the hero makes for a great laugh.If your unfamiliar with the format of a light novel each Volume is fairly short with around 200-300 pages and usually 4-5 illustrations. So the series overall isn't a heavy read even for a person like myself who rarely reads books.
S**T
Love it
Love the book and love the volume
M**
Five Stars
excellent
J**I
Fun and all-round Enjoyable Read. Well translated Light Novel - Recommend to fans.
If you are looking for a well written adaptation of a comedy Anime about fantasy meets modern part-time jobs, this is a good read. It explores the story in the viewpoint of the main 'villain' known as the Devil King Satan or his other name 'Sadao Maou' as they struggle adjusting to urban living. The writing had been rewritten for western readers and it explains in better depth than the animation. Or you can purchase and read it as a fun novel. The book comes with crisp colorful illustration on the front. Whether you are a fan of the series or not, you will identify with the topics they touch upon and laugh at the demon guy's confusion and quirky enthusiasm.This version of 'Devil is a Part-timer' is a written novel and not as many artwork as you find in a manga but explains in better depth. Words describes more than illustrations in my reading experience.
M**N
Buen anime, excelente novela
Para los que ya vieron el anime, y les gustó, entonces no se puede perder de leer esta gran novela, no solo incluye más contenido de los transmitido en TV sino también incluye muy buenas ilustraciones a color y blanco y negro, como es bien sabido las novelas tienen mucho más contenido que lo que se adapta, así que si quieren más detalles de los primero episodios, en la novela los conocerán y sé que les gustarán.
C**R
Awesome that this is finally releasing for kindle in english
Was stoked to get my hands on this one. Loved the anime back when it ran, and now being able to read the light novels on kindle is something I've always wanted to do since I've seen the series.The *one* downside I noticed so far is a somewhat fan-fic-esque writing style. Whether this is due to the japanese->english translation or is part of the original and was conveyed as good as possible in english I do not know; in any case it isn't enough to make this any less fun to read.It's really good. The premise is hilarious, the talks are funny and the characters are well done. Can only recommend.
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