Grar Fantasy of Ash is easily one of the best written light novels or at the very least if you like fantasy youre going to have a blast reading this. But I can almost guarantee you that one way or another Grar WILL leave an impression on you. The characters are wellwritten the plots always unique is some regardvolume to volume and the setting has a fascinating premisethat I cant say because of spoilers. Its an 8/10 read mostly because Im sensitive to some of the problems that the content had most of which may not be so visible to readers whore casually passing the time. Its written by an author who wrote over 80 light novel volumes before starting Grar or something along those lines currently sitting at over 100 you can expect the writing to be fairly satisfactory throughout its entirety. Characters Pros They feel like real people with real thoughts one of the authors greatest strengths is his ability to stay consistent within the confounds of who the characters are without the readers seeing into their minds. You can more or less infer what theyre thinking at any point in the series after a instance where we get their point of view. The author continues to simulate and calculate their thought processes in the background allowing for really good moments where they break expectations without it seemingly contrived. Another interesting detail that I think needs to be addressed is how much respect the author gives to the idea of talent. In terms of base stats rate of growth and maximum potential. Many stories make it seem as though anyone can rival a super genius at swordplay or some other fighting style which isnt out of the realm given the right circumstance is simply unrealistic and a lot of the characters tend to have infinite potential. The sense of realism is strengthened by this. World I can only say so much without spoiling really important plot points. Assume that the pay off will be in Volume 5 if it still doesnt interest you then perhaps the setting simply isnt for you. You can expect a vast world really cool equipment techniques magic abilities that mostly stay within reason obviously it does require suspension of disbelief when the best of the bestAkira and Souma are jumping several meters into the air but you dont see that from combatants that are less than the strongest. I want to keep this review within a reasonable length. So I wont get into the plot you wont be disappointed. Flaws I dont like how the author uses romance as a subplot to gain the readers attention but doesnt actually explore it. Considering how much detail and subtext is placed into the general demeanor of the characters backed by scenes where their inner thoughts are revealed theres so much potential squandered when the characters relationships could have been something you wouldnt be able to find in 99 of Romance booksin America or Japan. Slow pacing is one of Grars strongest strengths because it grounds the characters arcs and abilities but the author does a poor job handling plot twists and does so in a way where the slow pacing worsens it. Consider reading volumes upon volumes of content for characters to progress their relationships their accomplishments wealth and techniques only for that to be reset. Im keeping it vague. A lot of his twists are like that its frustrating. A change of perspective to Soumas side of the story or Renji would be nice but you dont get that here. Occasionally theres a shift when one of the party members are the focus but thats about it. Not that big of a deal but it takes away from the experience. Conclusion Theres a lot of wasted potential for the characters but the character writings still some of the best youll ever see. Plot and world building is weaved together to make for a fun adventure traveling to unpredictable places.