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.

I was so confused as to who was supposed to be the main character. Sometimes it seems it’s Yan but other times it would make more sense if it’s Tohru.

We see the inner thoughts of Yan; how he was rescued by the Binding Librarians which led to his ambition to become one himself.
From Tohru we only know (from Yan’s perspective) that he is mysterious.

That’s why almost from the start of the book I mostly thought Yan was the main character but the cliffhanger at the end made me rethink it; maybe Tohru is really the main character.

Also, the one on the volume’s cover is Tohru.

Or maybe it’s both of them? Honestly, a bit confusing.

The first test to become a librarian is a bit… nonsensical. It seemed like the test was made so that noone got it right as it fixated on a little detail of the instructions they are given.

Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC

This was a good start to the series, I like the way the magic works with Beasts trapped inside Spellbooks, I didnt quite get it at first but after a few pages I worked it out :D I will be recommending this and picking up a print copy!

(Ronded from 3.75 stars)

The story was very intriguing and the art was fun. Definitely not a bad read. I did get confused at times; the storyline seemed to jump occasionally and there were a few unnecessary elements in my opinion. I did find myself laughing a few times, and the cliff hanger at the end did make me want to know what comes next.

The idea of a group being tested to work at a library filled with books containing magical creatures is really interesting. The artwork is well done, but the pacing feels inconsistent—some parts drag on before the action kicks back in. The series has a lot of potential thanks to its solid concept, so I’d be open to reading future volumes, though they wouldn’t be a top priority for me.

many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kodansha Comics for the arc, all opinions are my own.

The Spellbook Library adds a twist to a familiar concept. Those wishing to work within the walls of the library to harness beasts within the pages of various spelling books. The readers are introduced to an unlikely duo with their own motives to join the library staff. This is a really fun start to a series that sets up some interesting characters and begins to build some mysteries around them as well as the library itself. The only issue I had when reading the text was that it was difficult to tell which character was speaking at times.

I was pulled in right from the beginning! Tour and Yan live in a world where spellbeasts are real and must be sealed away in magical books by Spellbook librarians. After being attacked by such a beast at a young age, Yan, has vowed that he will one day join the librarians. Jump to present day and Yan is on the way to take his exams when he runs into Tohru, another examinee who runs into some trouble along the way. With each other’s help hopefully the two can succeed. I absolutely loved this book. Right from the beginning it was action filled. I would highly recommend for anyone who enjoys action fantasy.

A land of magical things that contains spell beasts, spellbooks and so much more. A rough and tumble young man named Yan tries to leave his fisticuffs behind to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, employment at the Spellbook Library. As he rushes to the library to take the tests, he happens upon another young man, Tohru, being mugged, saves him and his valuables from thuggery, and learns that he too is hoping for employment at the same institution. Plenty of other souls vie for the chance at employment, but only a small number shall be gainfully employed and divided into the various departments that keep the kingdom safe.
I really wanted to enjoy this one since I’m a lifelong lover of libraries and fantasy. It had a great premise, but I think it fell a bit flat for me. One of the things that bothered me about this volume is that the text blocks seemed to be too large for the panels they were in and thus distracted from the equally important artwork.

The Spellbook Lobrary by Uta Isaki is full of action right from the start and draws you into the story with great illustration style and fast paced style.

⭐⭐⭐ stars

The spellbook library introduces an intriguing premise: a world where magic is real and spells are stored in a vast library. The story follows a young boy named Aichi who discovers he has a unique ability to see and interact with magical energy. This leads him on adventure into the Spellbook Library, where he must unravel mysteries and learn to control his newfound power.

The artwork is visually appealing, with detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs. The story itself is engaging, with a good pace and a sense of mystery. However the other characters, particularly Aichi, feel somewhat underdeveloped, and the plot felt a little predictable.

Overall, The Spellbook Library is a promising start to a series. With further character development and more intricate plot, it has the potential to become a truly captivating read.

Would recommend to: Fans of fantasy manga who enjoy stories about magic and libraries.
This review is based on the first volume of the series.


Thank you Netgalley and Uta Isaki for receiving this review e-arc copy. Got this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I like cozy fantasy and the stakes hit just right. Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

I think the pacing of the book is off at times but will probably pick up the next book in the series.