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. ***

This was a fun manga! It reminded me of Sorcery of Thorns (monsters sealed in library books) and Library Wars (one of the MCs being saved as a young child by someone from the library). The two main characters are total opposites, but they form a fast friendship as they enter the exam to join the library. I get the feeling that all's not as it seems, as there are hints at political intrigue within the library, as well as secrets surrounding Tohru's past. This first volume is focused on world building and establishing the characters, and does so in a quick, engaging way. It also ends on a cliffhanger that has me eager for the next volume!

This manga ends on a cliffhanger! Just thought I’d throw that out there. It’s the beginning of the story of two young men who want to enter the Spellbook Library where magical books seal up equally magical monsters to keep them from wreaking havoc on the world. When he was a child, Yan was saved from just such a monster by Libraries and ever since has wanted to serve in the library. Joining him is Tohru, a mysterious young man with magic powers who ends up being partnered with Yan when both of them are accepted into the Library to serve under Princess Emel.

The manga is in black and white, read left to right, and — to be honest — I found some of the early action scenes a little hard to decipher, like the mugging on back the spell beast in part one; I couldn’t tell who was doing what at first glance and had to go back and pore over the scenes, but ended up just moving on. The backgrounds are a little flat and uninspiring, but the character work is decent.

However, the world building (what little we see of it in the three parts) is well done; such how spellbooks work to hold spellbeasts, a hint of politics when the princess is dealing with her fellow librarians and more hints of strife and behind the scenes shenanigans when a captain from another department has a few words with the princess.

I’m intrigued enough in the story to keep reading, and will be keeping my eyes out for the next book in the series. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

I'm pretty neutral on this one. I love the idea! But I wasn't drawn in enough by the characters and the little bit of plot we got was chaotically action packed. BUT the concept is strong enough, that I would be willing to pick up volume 2. The art was fine.

Fun story that makes me want to find out what happens next! Not a huge fan of some of the artwork, it got confusing at times but this may also be an issue with digital versus paper format.
Thank you NetGalley!!

This was such a fun book! I really enjoyed the intrigue and can't wait until the second one. It's also a quick read and can easily be finished in one sitting.