Name: Gelaine Trinidad's review of 86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel) by Asato Asato
Item: 86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel)
Rating: 3
Author: Gelaine Trinidad

Asato Asato

A War Without CasualtiesThe Republic of San Magnolia has long been under attack from the neighboring Giadian Empire's army of unmanned drones known as the Legion. After years of painstaking research, the Republic finally developed autonomous drones of their own, turning the one-sided struggle into a war without casualties-or at least, that's what the government claims. In truth, there is no such thing as a bloodless war. Beyond the fortified walls protecting the eighty-five Republic territories lies the "nonexistent" Eighty-Sixth Sector. The young men and women of this forsaken land are branded the Eighty-Six and, stripped of their humanity, pilot the "unmanned" weapons into battle...

86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel)

Gelaine Trinidad

** spoiler alert **
           Being part of a bookclub is great because it provides an opportunity to read books one would normally not read; reading this Japanese light novel is an example. If you like manga and anime, this is for you. Many of the scenes described in this novel can easily be seen in many anime series—especially ones that have to do with war and mechas.

Pacifists, beware.

It was hard to get into it in the beginning as it was a little dry with all the tech and mecha-related jargon. However, I enjoyed the characters and the team camaraderie. Since this is a part of an ongoing series, I'm sure the characters will be fleshed out even more in the next volumes.

There were some plot holes, other instances, and events that were patched up too quickly and easily with no further context. It's action-packed, so if you enjoy reading fight scenes, then you will also like this novel. More importantly, as the author mentioned in the afterword, this story was inspired by World War 2—particularly its ramifications and lessons learned. Therefore, there are lots of themes relating to fascism and xenophobia—albeit in an alternate world. This is also a dystopian book that reflects a failed democracy that only values the elite and pure-blooded citizens who remain complacent despite the injustices happening in their society. I do think the novel became stronger at the end with parts that can stir readers' emotions.

Unfortunately, I did find that the author's way of describing women's bodies—particularly the main character—was a bit off-putting to read. 

Other than that, this is my first time reading a Japanese light novel, and I hope to read from more Japanese authors in the future!

P.S. I wanted more Fido.

Gelaine Trinidad &
86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel) by Asato Asato

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Gelaine Trinidad &86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel) by Asato Asato

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Gelaine Trinidad &
86--EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (light novel) by Asato Asato