Katahane no Riku

Description

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Riku Barusak is a hard-working child. Despite possessing an innate superior physical strength and having withstood harsh training she fails to unlock her talent as a spiritualist. The failure results in her being thrown away by her family.

Abandoned, the only ones that extended a hand to her were the demons, the greatest enemies of the human race. Serving under them as a soldier she becomes a weapon of human slaughter, a fiend that should never have existed.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Barusak Chronicles ~ Riku the One-Winged and Rook the Silver
One-Winged Riku ~ I'm from a clan of demon hunters, but I found employment with the Demon King Army ~
片翼のリク  ~退魔師の一族だけど、魔王軍に就職しました~
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Girl Who Ate a Death God (6)
Demon Noble Girl ~Story of a Careless Demon~ (3)
Tower of Karma (2)
Dokuhakihime to Hoshi no Ishi (2)
The Girl Who Bore the Flame Ring (2)
Nigoru Hitomi de Nani wo Negau (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Female mc third part
  2. JP FMC Novels
  3. Villainous Protagonists
  4. scattered
  5. Good stuff

Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/01/17 StarryDawn Translations c100
03/29/17 StarryDawn Translations c99
09/23/16 StarryDawn Translations c98
08/25/16 StarryDawn Translations c97
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c96
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c95
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c94
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c93
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c92
08/02/16 StarryDawn Translations c91
07/09/16 StarryDawn Translations c90
07/09/16 StarryDawn Translations c89
07/09/16 StarryDawn Translations c88
07/09/16 StarryDawn Translations c87
05/12/16 StarryDawn Translations c86
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56 Reviews sorted by


Hantosh
Hantosh rated it
May 12, 2016
Status: --
If I had to describe the story with one word, it would be bland. The story feels like it's missing a massive amount of detail, whether it be characters, world building, fights, etc.

Basically the only reason you'd want to read this is if you've never seen a story where a couple of archetypal cute anime heroine-type characters get slaughtered. But even that's kind of meh, as the characters themselves aren't fleshed out very well.

... more>>
Spoiler

As far as "subverting tropes" go, the aggravating event where the MC was on the verge of killing the "hero, " he escapes unharmed via plot armor in a typical disappointing cliche development. Welp, there goes the one thing the story had going for it.

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The translation has a lot of errors, but is readable. <<less
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OfficePony
OfficePony rated it
September 10, 2018
Status: c100
This was a fairly good read. No wishy-washy feels. No indecisive main character. No bullshit.

A story about revenge, consequences, and loyalty.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
JapaneseFandom
JapaneseFandom rated it
July 26, 2017
Status: c100
(There are some spoilers contained in this review, if you don't want to read the review skip over to the summary at the end of this review. It's short and has no spoilers.)

Alright this is my first review so don't expect an amazing review from me, I'll probably cover the story without telling much details.
... more>>
Spoiler

Katahane no Riku was a really interesting series, I'm also surprised that I never found this earlier. Katahane no Riku tells a tale about a red haired-girl named Riku who was born with super-human strength, but thrown away by her family for not being able to awaken her talent as a spiritualist (they're basically people with magic powers who got advantage over demons). As she was on the verge of death a demon reached out to her giving her the choice of siding against her own race or choosing to rot in a back alley where no one will ever care about her. After firmly giving her decision to the demon she grows up to become one of humanity's greatest threats.

Reading the first few chapters I got hooked. After going through 100 chapters in one day (literally stayed up for 24 hours finishing this XD) I experienced many heart clenching moments and many gory, brutal and sadistic scenes, and battles that even sent our adorable Riku to the verge of death, showing us that not all protagonists got perfect lives. Throughout the series Riku gained a lot of compainons and lost some too, but she didn't falter and kept fighting for exacting revenge on her family who saw no worth in her super-human strength.

Anyways while the series is amazing and well written, I have to point out the flaw (s) that was apparent in the series. There was almost no (if not none) character development in the series. All the characters never changed and really felt dull after chapter 70 to me. Another thing I want to point out is the ending. The ending felt so rushed and unsatisfiying, this is actually the main reason why I rated this 4/5, whole the story was amazing but I was seriously disappointed at how the author ended the series. I really would've preferred if he continued it for 1 or 2 more chapters, because I think the way it ended didn't give the readers the feeling that something big happened, and made the reader's think that our MC's story is just one other story that would be recorded in history with various other stories that never stand out (by recorded in history I mean in the novel world's history not real life history).

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Summary:

I strongly recommend this series for people who are looking for reincarnation novels or revenge driven protagonists. I personally think this is one of the best series I've read in a while but don't expect a lot of character development and don't expect a perfect ending for our MC. <<less
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B055Y
B055Y rated it
February 23, 2016
Status: c100
So, Riku the main protagonist of this story is abandoned by her father for 'not having the family talent' although talented herself, with undeniably rare red hair along with dominating strength. She is thrown away like tr*sh later to be picked up by a demon and forcefully put into the ranks of the Demon Army. This novel does hint near the beginning of some reincarnation into a 'game' plot, it is briefly glossed over and leaves you wondering why they even involved it but throughout the novel it is referred... more>> to and could actually be seen as an important part of the story.

If you are into the type of 'anti-hero' stories then I definitely recommend this to you especially if you like a gory story and a savage and ruthless lead character who enjoys killing. I am enjoying this so far and you should check this out! <<less
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ssj4maiko
ssj4maiko rated it
March 12, 2021
Status: c100
This is a great novel, if you want a "happy ever after" ending, stay away, however, I found the ending quite fitting and positive to what I originally expected. This is not a "bad ending" either, just something that maybe, someone who is expecting a perfect impossible solution to the super complex problem given, well, won't have their expectations answered, there is a reason why a perfect impossible solution is impossible in the first place.

Also, I should bold it here, but from the multiple titles, take this as the main... more>> one: Barusak Chronicles ~ Riku the One-Winged and Rook the Silver. So keep in mind that we have 2 protagonists, although Riku IS the main one, with Rook being kinda of an Antagonist, it's important to keep in mind that Rook is still a protagonist in this story. Both as siblings from the Barusak family.

First, the world of the story. this is an isekai in a Galge, meaning, it's a (likely le*d) game where the male protagonist can raise flags to get the heroines to like him, and in this game, there is also the harem route. The world itself is the usual medieval one, with the caveat that Magic is quite limited, in fact, only exorcists (translated as spiritualists in the fantranslation) can use it, and only by embedding their "attribute" on a weapon, so don't expect fireball, ice spears or the like, and ironically, while the Demons have long lifespan and longer body, only the exorcists on the human side can use this magic.

For the plot, it's the typical war between humans and demons, with humans actually having the upper hand (because they can use exorcist arts that are super effective on Demons' weakness), and our 2 isekai protagonists are born in one of the big exorcist families. But unlike everyone in the family, our Main Protagonist Riku can't use exorcist magic, although she somehow was born with some sort of super strength. Her "very harsh" father threw her from a cliff expecting her to awaken some sort of power in such time, but that didn't happen, and since she had red hair (bad luck) with no ability in one of the most important families, she was treated as never existing.

Rook, her younger brother, who at the time was 4 years old couldn't... Or didn't do anything to stop that, because Riku wasn't really that useful nor cute heroine for his desired harem, he planned to hasten his training and achievements for the sake of the plot in the game in the future. But, MC does live, and thanks to a God of Death, she sells the soul of the isekai person parasitizinng her for a wish, thanks to that, he finds a place to live, and loses the isekai protagonist trait: She loses the memories of the japanese person, although her original memories still remain.

This is essentially the start of the prologue.

In regards to personality, Riku is ruthless, having found a savior, she is completely devoted on him, and although facing hardships being a human in demon territory, she is given the chance and shows her ability raising ranks and earning great allies. In her heart, besides serving her savior, she also wishes to get revenge on her family, and indirectly on all exorcists.

This leads her to kill many people, if you expect her to be fighting for the sake of justice, stay away, although she usually saves her allies and kills her enemies, there was at least one case where the enemy actually tried to apologize, but was never able to say it before being killed by her soon after recognizing Riku. There are multiple reasons for the "Tragedy" tag to be there. If you expect the "heroines" to be all deceitful and wicked girls, although it may look like that sometimes, from another point of view, they may just be earnest ones instead.

Again, Riku does not fight for justice, she is not a Hero.

Rook is the protagonist of the galge, thanks to his isekai knowledge, he advanced the story of the game, and was aiming for the best ending. His original counterpart was supposed to end the conflict, so Rook had no doubt he was going to do it, from both human and demon sides, he looked for the heroines of the game to raise their flags and save the world. But for some reason that he doesn't know why, things start getting wrong, and he really has no idea why, as he is falling into despair and even hating the demons for all his losses.
Spoiler

Don't worry, he does realize that he is the real culprit for all of his own problems.

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If I were to compare Rook with other characters, he would be a mix between the "Sword Hero" Ren from Shield Hero, plus Death Mage's Heinz
Spoiler

and Bellwood

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. Because Rook is looking at everything like a game like Ren did, it was only after losing everything that he learned that this was real life. Like Heinz (and partially the guy on spoiler), once he learns of all the lives lost by his immaturity, he wants to atone, but considering how heavy his "sins" are, you will have to read to see his answer. <<less
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Autismonaut
Autismonaut
February 3, 2021
Status: c100
If I had to sum up what reading this LN is like, I'd say it's like watching The Godfather. Most of the characters are terrible people, but are interesting to follow regardless. You've got Riku, who is a bloodthirsty fanatic that obsesses over her superior officer, the only person who shows her affection. You've got her brother, Rook, who is a dumbass using game knowledge to pursue game-endings with various waifus. Riku's pursuit of acceptance and Rook's struggle to not f*ck up in the face of unexpected scenarios really carry... more>> the story. <<less
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apatel
apatel rated it
June 3, 2018
Status: c100
This story started with an ok premise about getting revenge but lacks good character development, world building and detail. There are some important characters such as Levain, Charlotte and the demon king who barely get any dialogue and the author fails to add detailed backstory for them. In general this novel is just not well put together. There will be many times when you question the logic of the author that you think hes trying to sabotage his own work. The ending is very rushed and not very enjoyable if... more>> you are still rooting for the main character by the end of the novel. <<less
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PringleStorian
PringleStorian rated it
December 22, 2017
Status: --
Katahane no Riku... how do I explain this novel? well let's try

... more>>
Spoiler

Katahane no Riku is a novel about a girl that is abandoned and so have a clear reason and motivation she tried to survive in the world of war

but then.. TimeSkip

Katahane no Riku is a novel about a girl that is abandoned but through great effort have basically become a character that can handle everything from high ranked Human to even a high ranked Demons she found a reason to survive and live and that is to serve her benefactor no matter what happen

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<<less
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Cryden
Cryden rated it
July 27, 2017
Status: c100
Novel is not bad but its not good either. It has a promising story but I feel like author couldnt use all potential of it.

There are a lot of s*upid decisions by hostile characters which MC takes advantage of and people praise MC because she used a 'good' strategy. I also would like to complain about how bad author is at politics and strategy. MC just stated few facts about someone who got close to humans and got him/her killed but MC is human herself...

Also strongholds that have been defended... more>> for hundreds of years are being captured because after humans curse demons or make fun of them demons get mad and leave the stronghold and attack thus getting killed.... I mean... What?

If you have nothing to read read this novel but even if you end up not reading it you wont be missing too much. <<less
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SunsetChaos
SunsetChaos rated it
July 19, 2017
Status: c100
Disappointed because the ending felt rushed and incomplete.

... more>>
Spoiler

Pretty much everyone except her died in the end. Even though she's rebuilds and is the top position in the demon lord army, she doesn't even become the demon lord. Ok if you're gonna remain that, then wtf happened to the demon lord? Is MC never gonna release him or is he already dead? Even if she can't release him, what's the whole fking point of having another demon lord's army?

Wtf, what about the prophecy of her death? What's up with the blind priestess?

Shingami, for a potentially more dangerous enemy than demon lord, his end is so anti-climatic. Like literally stabbed and he disappears. Is he really gone just like that? Wtf.

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Could've ended so much better. I would expect something like MC killing and usurping the demon lord. Or even usurping and becoming a shinigami. But nope, she remained a subordinate, a tool to the very end. <<less
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08phamann
08phamann rated it
June 24, 2017
Status: c100
Beginning was awesome, Riku's personality and development was enough to sustain the plot. However, after chapter 70 during the part where
Spoiler

Riku usurps Charlotte and eventually kills her,

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I started to lose interest. Everything after that was rushed and didn't really make sense plot wise. The ending wasn't really explained properly, and I was amazed that Rook was able to survive for as long as he did. Ending was disappointing and anti-climactic.
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Purplerules
Purplerules rated it
October 17, 2022
Status: c10
Okay first off I want to say I don't particularly dislike our main character but I just said the relationship is not the result between Riku and rook.

What really took one star for is the fact that she sold her memories with the claim that it was what was holding her back but I feel her memories could have been of at least a little help I don't understand her motivation like the first time she talk about revenge after that we have no words of it again even when... more>> she met people again in the battle, her emotions were more towards confusion like I just feel like her motivation is really directly into the guy that because she feels like he gave her a place to be needed and it also feels really toxic. <<less
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PQA
PQA
May 29, 2022
Status: c100
The TL is very. Very rough. It needs serious editing. But to some extent, the roughness of the translation helps you get through the bad parts of the plot.

MC is a villain, the whole story is about sadistic revenge, though not overly drawn out. It's also a story without a hero, only an entire world of villains in power. Every time you think a character is a good people, they show how even that character has a twisted personality.

overall worth the read for a 100 chapter story/
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YoriMei
YoriMei rated it
September 2, 2021
Status: c100
It’s nothing super stellar but it was alright. A decent revenge story that kinda revolves around a circle of loyalty. I do think the no romance for MC was a good route though and watching Rook’s harem members/the people who mistreated Riku die was cathartic. The characterization of everyone isn’t very deep though, you can usually just sum it up to a few traits. I did like how

... more>>
Spoiler

The shinigami points out ‘Rook’ had actually absorbed the real Rook’s soul, and that he wasn’t really the protagonist, he just absorbed him and usurped his position in life

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It’s an alright story to pass the time with but I did think the story was a bit weak as it went on. If you want a revenge story, this isn’t a bad one but the ending for the web version is actually different from the LN version, which you’ll have to buy if you want to see. <<less
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CelestialLulu22
CelestialLulu22 rated it
August 18, 2021
Status: c100
I'm not that eloquent with words as others, so I'll just keep it short. I really enjoyed this, the MC was a grey area for but overall I liked her character and loyalty to Leivein. (Also really enjoyed Rook and Charlotte)
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Skytech
Skytech rated it
November 11, 2020
Status: c11
The premise is interesting enough, but the timeskip so soon into the story coupled with the awful translations make it hard to read further. If the translation was to be cleaned up, it might be worthwhile read.
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Asphyxia778
Asphyxia778 rated it
October 21, 2020
Status: ---
Firstly Famished Pant's review is mostly accurate and said what I would have so I won't bother to elaborate more.

You see while most people dislike the MC I for one find her quite realistically portrayed. Cause her relationship with her 'benefactor' is a toxic one (yes it's toxic) but she doesn't acknowledge that because that's the only relationship that gives her validation and a sense of belonging which her family didn't give her. Thus she never felt the need to 'leave'or 'grow' per se. Because she didn't want to... more>> lose the only place she belonged to.

Also Rook's character development is good because he does realize that he's wrong and that he needs to change. So he tries and managed to grow.

Both Riku and Rook are the opposite of each other and that's why it's interesting how they come into conflict and how Riku's actions affect Rook.

Honestly a 3 star story (only because of Rook's character development otherwise 1.5 star)

Well it's an interesting one. <<less
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Schwarz_Eins
Schwarz_Eins rated it
February 8, 2020
Status: c100
Yep, this is a really good novel... that is until you reach the final arch. From there in everything gets kinda confusing and you realize that the MC hasn't really "evolved" and although I find it kinda difficult to put it in words it's kinda of a disappointing ending. But I'll still give it a 4 stars, since the development until the ending was pretty smooth
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peni
peni
July 6, 2019
Status: c100
Story had an interesting premise, but quickly deteriorated in quality. Lots of plot holes, characters acting inconsistently, and overall not an enjoyable read. I kept on reading in the hopes that it would improve, but it did not. I appreciate the effort of the translation group in translating this novel, but the translation is in sore need of an editor.

If you want wish fulfillment isekai novels, there are better novels. If you want edgy revenge novels, there are better novels.
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TimeVoid
TimeVoid rated it
July 2, 2019
Status: c100
I like it, I love it and the most important thing is I enjoy it. This is the first novel that I finished reading (a long time ago) and it does not bore me. 5 star.

It is the first novel which is my favorite followed by Shinigami wo Tabeta Shoujo/the girl who ate death, Karin wo Idaita Shoujo/A girl holding the Sun and Daraku no Ou/The lazy king.
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