This is the first volume of "The Spellbook Library" by Uta Isaki and sets the tone for a promising new series. If you love books, magic, and great characters then this book is a wonderful addition to your own library. The illustrations of the library and the city take you to another world where magic is real and yet it reveals how integral magic is in the social, political, and economic landscape of the city. The librarians in this book also showcase amazing strength in protecting the city against the magical creatures. Join Jan and Tohru as they take the employment exam to become librarians.

I cannot wait for the second volume!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review.

The Spellbook Library vol. 1 has so many things I enjoy in it, that I needed to get my hands on a copy. Libraries and magic? Sign me up!

Trouble-maker, Yan, grew up wanting to be like the spellbook librarians who saved him as a child. When Yan is finally able to take the Spellbook Librarian employment exam (an exam taken by MANY, but only a small hand-few are selected and employed by the mysterious library). On his way to take the exam, Yan comes across the mysterious Tohru who also wants to become a spellbook librarian (for reasons currently only known to him).

The artwork and story are great, reminiscent of others in this magical-realism genre. As a Young Adult Librarian, I’m always searching for new manga for my teens (and even colleagues). I’ve already put in a purchase request to get a copy of volume one for our collection.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read this manga—I can’t wait for volume 2!

I could not finish this book. It did not grab my attention at all, unfortunately. The premise is interesting, but the execution is not great.

Libraries, spell books, beasts, a mythical world and a graphic novel at that - basically, this pretty much is the ideal set-up for a favorite read!
This is part 1 and it was a quick and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to part 2, because I now have questions! everyone seems to have a back story which the author hinted at, but didn't tell or show yet.
The notes on the artwork after the end of the book was such a treat to read.
PS: This is where I want to work too when i grow up. :)

I really enjoyed this volume! The concept of spellbook librarians protecting magical tomes is such an interesting take on fantasy, and it immediately pulled me in. The story blends adventure and mystery with a touch of heartwarming moments, making it a fun and engaging read. There were also parts that made me laugh, which was a nice surprise! I love how well-rounded the characters are—Yan and Tohru, in particular, have such an intriguing dynamic. The story is just the perfect hook to lure you into reading the rest of the volumes. I’d definitely recommend this to friends who are into manga!

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, it gave me a similar vibe to Witch Hat Academia, but was engaging enough that it kept my attention. The art was beautiful and not a typical manga style. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loves Witch Hat Academia, Harry Potter or a not-quite-Dark Academia setting.

Yan and Tohru are determined to join the Spellbook Library. Both have their reasons, and despite their vast differences, their fateful meeting proves beneficial for both of them. But joining the Spellbook Library isn't easy, and the positions there are highly sought after. Will they be able to make their dreams come true? And if they do somehow get in will they be up to the task?

I enjoyed The Spellbook Library. It was an easy read with effective world building, interesting characters, and lovely artwork. It made me think of Harry Potter or Rachel Caine's the Great Library series. The first volume set up the characters, gave some resolution to different matters, but left enough open to make readers curious for the next volume. All in all, an enjoyable read.

The shouty opening is particularly disturbing, but once the caracters start headinh to the library the story's chaos is sorted out. I liked the concept of magical creatures stored in books. It was nice to see that cooperation and questioning was the solution rather than heroic stand your ground. And Yan is very sweetly enthusiastic. I've since started the Witch Hat Atelier series, which is similar in feel, but since there are more volumes published, it's easier to keep up with. Perhaps I'll return to the series at some point when it's more progressed.

The slimes in the comic and his monotone when he stated that something needed to be done. Slimes that shape shift from the books is wild. The fact it depends on the page count and how big the slimes will be is diabolical. The cutest little thing can breathe fire, that’s cool. The storyline is unpredictable. Yan seems to be the monotone one and I like him the most with his nonchalant attitude.

A fun first episode to a magical world and the 'Librarians' who keep it safe and running.
Yan and Tohru are new recruits at the 'Spellbook Library', a special body of magical users that trap magic beasts who would harm humans in 'spell books', which ordinary folks can then wield to perform magic.
Yan and Tohru are both likeable characters with interesting backstories though we quickly find out that Tohru seems to be hiding several secrets. This light-hearted, fast paced volume follows the pair through the recruitment exam and their initial tasks at the library. It also introduces several intriguing characters and potential future conflicts.

In a world where spellbeasts are trapped in books to protect people, two unlikely friends join the Spellbook Library to achieve their dreams.

Yan and Tohru are a good pairing of disparate personalities that make sense together. They're fun characters with depth and secrets we're just starting to scratch at. And then there's the princess and the world they inhabit to make things even more fascinating.

This volume left me with many more questions than answers, but in a way that made me interested in seeing what comes next instead of just frustrated. We get just enough hints at a larger plot mixed in with the happenings at the moment to make it seem like something big is coming. I liked that.

The art is cute and very dynamic, ranging from hyperdetailed fantasy to silly chibis and everything in between. It works really ell for the story in that it balances the silly with the serious in a very visual way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the chance to check out this first volume!

This was the first time I read something from Uta Isaki, and I got super curious! The concept of a library full of spellbooks is so interesting, got me hooked. I really liked this manga, and I really hope I get to read the next volume soon! Recommend!

Though some of the scenes were kind of hard to understand who was doing what and had to reread some of the scenes, i really enjoyed this one! The worldbuilding and the characters and their actions were very well done. I loved the concept of such spellbooks work to hold spellbeasts, a hint of politics and a princess dealing with her fellow librarians and the captain!
Thank you

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

this was an ok start to a new series — it strongly reminded me of the magus of the library series.

i always enjoy the concept of magical libraries, especially the important role they have.

this first volume was simultaneously fast and slow? the mcs were accepted into the library too quickly, and characters are already suspicious of each other. i’ll keep reading because i’m interested, though.

Spellbook librarians are the protective barrier between the townsfolk and dangerous spellbeasts. They seal the spellbeasts into spellbooks that hold more than just magic. Yan was attacked by a ferocious spellbeast as a child, and rescued by the Librarians. It has been his life’s goal to join their ranks. On the day of his employment exam he meets Tohru. Will this fateful meeting bring either of their goals to fruition?

I was initially interested in the new-to-me magic system, and this manga did not disappoint! It was immersive and while there wasn’t a ton of info-dumping about the lore and backstories… the way the relevant information was worked into the story in bits and pieces made for an enjoyable read. I am invested in seeing more of Tohru’s backstory and solving his mystery. The only concern I have is what will happen with Yan’s character development due to how fast his origin arc completed, but I look forward to continuing this series!

A creative manga following a world where magic/magical creatures and spellbooks are linked. The librarians of this world are tasked with maintaining the spellbook library where all things magical come from and are trapped and returned to. This manga follows two initiates, a former thug and someone with a mysterious past, as they take the librarian test and learn what being a librarian entails. This world was very interesting and I’m curious for it to be fleshed out. The plotting was a bit chaotic, but that is common with first books in series. I am intrigue for further books in this series.

3.5 stars

Yan and Tohru meet at the exam to become part of the Spellbook Library. Shenanigans ensure, first in the exam, and then in their later work with the library. Yan and Tohru both have their own reasons they want to join the library, and they seek their own path as the learn and grow.

Oh my goodness, this story was a lot of fun. The magic system (trapping monsters into books, some of which are helpful and used later, and some which never get to leave their tomes) is super interesting, and I'm invested in both Tohru and Yan's story. I can't wait to read the next issue.

I loved this so much and can't wait for more. This was my first manga, and I couldn't be happier. The characters, world building, and art are all great. I'm a sucker for world building, so this really caught my attention. Isaki did a great job and giving just enough throughout that it didn't feel like info dumping while still painting a picture of what the world is like. I will definitely be buying myself a copy of this when I'm able.

I think the premise for this book is where it shines, but sadly it didn’t meet my expectations. The art is good, but not great, and the story feels a bit thrown together. I wish I liked this more, the premise is right up my alley!

The story begins with Yan, a mischievous child who is saved from a spellbeast attack by a group of Spellbook librarians. This encounter inspires Yan to reform his ways and dedicate himself to becoming a Spellbook librarian to repay the kindness he received. On the day of his employment exam, Yan meets Tohru, a mysterious and somewhat enigmatic boy who has his own reasons for wanting to join the Spellbook Library. Together, they embark on their journey to prove their worth and uncover what it truly means to take on the mantle of a Spellbook librarian.

I rated this debut volume 3.5 stars. While it was an interesting read, it didn’t quite blow me away. The premise is promising, and the world-building, though still in its early stages, is intriguing. I found most of the characters likable, and Yan and Tohru have potential as leads. However, for much of the volume, I felt a bit detached from them; it wasn’t until the final pages that I found myself truly curious about Tohru and the mystery surrounding him. I hope future volumes will explore his backstory more deeply.

Yan’s arc, on the other hand, felt a bit rushed. He achieves his lifelong goal surprisingly quickly, leaving me wondering what’s next for his character. I’m hopeful that subsequent volumes will provide him with more challenges and opportunities for growth, as his determination and good-hearted nature make him a character worth rooting for.

While this first volume didn’t completely hook me, the potential is undeniable. The concept of Spellbook librarians and spell-beasts is fascinating, and I’m eager to see if the second volume builds on the foundation laid here. If you’re a fan of fantasy manga with unique world-building, it’s worth giving The Spellbook Library a try—especially if you enjoy stories with room to grow. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume to see where Yan and Tohru’s journey takes them.


***I was provided a free digital copy of The Spellbook Library by Uta Isaki through NetGalley by Kodansha Comics in exchange for an honest review. ***