This was a catchy graphic novel. If you like the humor level of Full Metal Alchemist then this is it. I really enjoy the underdog/average Joe tropes. I had received this as an ARC but ended up forgetting about it. I'm so glad I returned to it.

I enjoyed this. Fun and adventurous. The characters are fun and interesting. The story is just unfolding but I'm so looking forward to more.

I received a free copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This seems like a very standard manga with a magical school setting.

The story so far has a bit of promise, but of course in the first volume we don't learn much yet. It's mostly about getting to know the characters.

The characters are pretty stereotypical. Friendly muscle guy, too cute and shy girl, energetic and slightly violent girl, teacher that doesn't behave like a teacher should, mysterious MC with dark past and hidden power... Although I admit I have a weakness for this type of MC.

There is an abundance of that certain type of silly manga humour. Some of it lends, I suppose, but mostly it's just the same stuff I have read many times.

The art is good.

As I said, all is quite standard. Doesn't really stand out in the first volume. I would have to read more to really tell.

A unique and interesting storyline with some fun characters to follow along with. Love the artwork throughout and will be open to continuing on with the story. I have recommended this to several others since reading it

3.5 rounded up. Although doubtless helped by not being isekai, this is simply a solid fantasy school adventure with a strangely likable cast of characters. Light novel authors take note: strict adherence to tropes isn't needed to write a good story.

Iceblade Sorcerer was an intriguing look into a new fantasy world. Ray White, a talentless commoner, begins attending the uppity Arnold Academy of Magic, which is primarily filled with the children of aristocrats. But how did such a talentless student get into the academy in the first place, and why does he keep passing through fights and trials unscathed?

So the mystery unravels, but it didn't hook me quite like I wanted it to. I had a hard time caring about the cast outside of Ray, but the plot left enough intrigue that I did consider continuing to volume 2. If you are very into school settings and intriguing magic systems, check this out!

I managed to read a couple pages before I couldn't access this again but the pages I did read were good and felt really well developed and I was cheering for there romance together. unfortunately I didn't get around to finishing the book as the access was taken but I would like to carry on in future.

Great intro to the world. Interesting magic system and good narration. The dialogue was convincing and helped establish the characters personalities.

Time to dive into a new fantasy manga! The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 1, is the first in a brand new series created by Norihito Sasaki. This latest series leans heavily into the Shonen/magic world and has a lot of potential.

In a magical world, magical schools must exist; it's practically a law. Enter The Arnold Academy of Magic, one of (if not the) most prestigious schools in the region. Only the elite are allowed to attend. Or rather, that had been the case until Ray White showed up.

Ray White is an ordinary guy. By all appearances, he's a klutz that isn't very good at magic, which begs the question – why on earth is he even attending the Arnold Academy of Magic? Only time (and a fair bit of drama) will tell.

Okay, let me start this review by saying that The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 1 was a lot of fun to read. It wasn't the deepest intro story I've ever read, but it is entertaining and approachable.

The series's introduction is a whirlwind as we meet Ray and his primary friend group, but I didn't mind the pacing. There are still so many questions that need to be answered, and I'm hoping we'll dig deeper into that in the next volume.

A fun new entry into the action shonen field, we've purchased books 1 ad two for our collection so far.

trigger warning
<spoiler> trauma, classism </spoiler>

The first years have arrived at the most prestigious school for sorcerer! They will learn how to combine physical attacks with magic while networking with other nobles.

This year, the school has their first "ordinary", a non-aristocrat who is there sorely for his abilities. It's kinda incredible how his classmates dismiss him because of his lack of lineage, and don't ponder <i>why</i> he has been admitted and supposedly even is excempt from the final exam.

I liked this a lot. We have a group of unlikely allies, thrown together, and a surprising lack of sex jokes for a shônen manga. There are a few mysteries to be solved, and the world building might have further things in store for the reader.

Had fun and would read on, especially if I can get the arc.
If you like manga about magical schools, pick this one up!

The arc was provided by the publisher.

I just love fantasy manga! I can't wait to see this as anime because it would be amazing! full of magic, renegade friend group and interesting lore! I can't wait to see what will happen next and who is behind it all...

I will be honest and say that the only reason I picked this one up was because the editorial team of fairy tail 100 years quest was behind it. Unfortunately,, this just kind of fell flat and there was nothing that really caught my attention.

This was such a fun introduction to this world and this story and this group of characters!

The friendship aspect developing is definitely my favourite part about this story so far. I just love when a group of people that are all so different, come together and end up forming this amazing bond! Each character was so unique and their interactions were hilarious, I cannot wait to read more about them!

Plus, all of the mystery surrounding our main character was so intriguing. We know he’s hiding how powerful he truly is but we don’t entirely know why! This is for sure a series I want to continue exploring in the future.

Highly recommend if you love magic, friendship, action and a school setting!

4/5⭐️

I've seen stories like this one a lot, especially in anime and manga. Magic school? Check. Lead is kind and has powerful hidden talents? Check! I didn't really find anything in this that particularly stood out to me, but if this sort of series is our jam, then it should hit all the right notes for you. The story, art, and characters are all fine, I was just hoping for a little bit more from it.

This was fun and familiar yet it's not something I need to finish. Worth a read though. I like the art and it was easy to follow.

Rating: 4.4 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 3/5
Story: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Shonen/Magic
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes!

First want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review. Kodansha is coming in hot with some great mangas! This is the second one that has sucked me in when I thought it wouldn't be a good read but I honestly need to know more. It kind of reminds me a bit of My Hero Academia but with magic.

A brilliant story, I loved Ray, Evi, Amelia and Elisa. They all had their parts to make the book flow with ease even though I thought Amelia was a bit overpowering. I thought it was a great read and look forward to the second one.

Okaaay so I was intrigued by this one due to the synopsis and title, but I found it a little lacklustre ultimately.

The art’s pretty decent, and I liked that they let the cat out of the bag about Ray pretty early on and his backstory was intriguing. I also liked that the none of the characters were how I expected, like Amelia was completely the opposite of who I thought she’d be! I also loved Ray’s roommate too, who was pretty entertaining.

However, while it’s a little bit ridiculous at points and entertaining here and there I wasn’t pulled into the world or the story. I like that it’s got this vibe of misfits finding each other and trying to fit in etc, but the magic system seemed unnecessarily complicated and at one point I just wasn’t invested to be honest.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World 1 by Norihito Sasaki was an exciting and fun fantasy manga volume about a mysterious commoner boy starting in a prestigious magic school for nobility and the adventures he has learning and making friends.

This was a great manga volume! I loved all the characters and I'm looking forward to learning more about them. Sounds like there's a pretty in-depth magic system in this world, as well as plenty of mystery and intrigue. The story also had some comedic moments which I always enjoy. Hope to read more soon!