Ascendance of a Bookworm

Description

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A bookworm who had finally found a job as a librarian at a university was sadly killed shortly after graduating from college.

She was reborn as Myne, the daughter of a soldier in a world where the literacy rate is low and books were scarce. No matter how much she wanted to read, there were no books around. What is a bookworm to do without any books? Make them, of course.

Her goal is to become a librarian! So that she may once again live surrounded by books, she must start by making them herself.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Ascendence of a Bookworm: I'll Stop at Nothing to Become a Librarian
El Ratón de Biblioteca
Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen
La Petite Faiseuse de Livres
愛書的下克上
本好きの下剋上 ~司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません~
책벌레의 하극상
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Tensei Shoujo no Rirekisho (12)
Common Sense of a Duke’s Daughter (7)
Release that Witch (7)
I’ll Live My Second Life! (5)
Parallel World Pharmacy (3)
Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka? (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. enjoyed my time
  2. ALLJP+
  3. Novels that are not romance focused
  4. The novel whose adaptation made me come here
  5. Isekai Fantasy | #1

Latest Release

Date Group Release
08/15/23 Trollcity Translations drama cd 6
05/18/23 Trollcity Translations drama cd 5
02/12/23 Trollcity Translations ss: tuuli's pov
09/16/22 Trollcity Translations ss: benno's pov
09/08/22 Trollcity Translations drama cd 4
06/08/22 Trollcity Translations ss: rozemyne’s pov
05/06/22 Trollcity Translations drama cd 3
03/19/22 Trollcity Translations ss: ferdinand's pov
10/20/21 Trollcity Translations bluray ss
09/28/21 Trollcity Translations drama cd 2
05/01/21 New Moon Translations v6c7
05/01/21 New Moon Translations v6c6
04/18/19 Infinite Novel... c103
04/04/19 Infinite Novel... c102
03/21/19 Infinite Novel... c101
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160 Reviews sorted by


puregarnet
puregarnet rated it
August 7, 2022
Status: --part5 Vol 2
5 Stars!

I love this series! It's ongoing, so ugh but the official translations + extra comics + art are so worth the wait! This series has awesome worldbuilding and cool magic when it gets there, it feels like an actual fantasy series with real characters and feelings and plot and love and care in its crafting! I adore all the characters introduced with my favourites being Rozamyne and Ferdinand! I've read some minor spoilers (in that after I don't know how many books, we still don't get many hints of... more>> it) for the Ferdinand and Rosamyne romance! I'm not squick about the age difference because Rosamyne's age is too obviously mature enough for it haha. I adore all the building up from scratch knowledge and info that goes into introducing future advanced knowledge into a medievalish setting by Rosamyne and of course, profiting from it haha. I just love this type of stuff. Add in all this lore, character relationships, super likeable and fascinating characters, fantasy setting and all that ahhh I love it! Not to mention the humour all over. The vibe is wholesome-ness with an ambitious and likeable heroine and her friends and family. I adore this series.

Part 2 Vol 4

Dayum, I'm more and more impressed by these books as I go along. I even look forward to reading the short stories in other characters' POVs when I normally hate reading those because short stories usually are very boring and lacklustre compared to the main story but the books really hyper focusses on Myne's pov and there are surprisingly a lot of things she is not involved in that when you read these short stories you get so much new information, worldbuilding and scheming by everyone that it's so interesting! Plus, you really feel the love Myne and the people she cares about feel for her. The ending of this book was so sad I was a sobbing mess T.T

Part 3 Vol 1

Hahahahaha, the whole thing with Ferdinand was hilarious! I actually laughed out loud so many times! And the whole bringing the idol thing from modern times into these ancient fantasy setting is brilliant hahaha

Part 3 Vol 2

Oh wow!! This was the best book yet! Mostly because of all the family drama part with the archduke! Pheww, Rozemyne was so very cool there hehehe. The only thing I was disappointed in was that there was no pov about the whole scene in the short stories : (I wanted someone, Karstedt, to actually narrate what happened when all this was going down. I wanted to see what he thought from an outside perspective of Ferdinand, Rozemyne and Sylvester discussing Willfried hehe. Especially when Ferdinand was displaying how bitter and furious he was when he came in! Speaking off, we have learnt a bit more about Ferdinand and Rozemyne also finding out about how all that made him who he is today. And I also loved how she's helping him stop piling on unnecessary work on himself even if it's for her own selfish intentions haha.

Part 3 Vol 3

8/10

Still good but not as satisfying as the previous volume, only because that one had such a cool scene of Rozemyne being super capable and informing the archduke family what's what and also helping out Ferdinand all the way. I wanted more in regards to the Winter debut but I now realise that would have been too naive because these are just seven-year-old kids who barely know how to read and write and play compared to Rozemyne who is basically in all ways an adult, not in any way shape or form their equal lol. I love reading about people close to Ferdinand observing how he has changed and come to like Rozemyne in the Prologue and Epilogue haha. But I didn't really like Ingo's pov, I sympathised but didn't like feeling all of his feelings just because they were all negative feelings lol. And of course, the bonus comic scenes were very nice as usual.

Part 4 Vol 9

Nghhhh, Ferdinand's departure kinda unnoticeably broke the distance between MC and himself and all the feels is glorious. And guh, the art has a dramatic upgrade in displaying the sadness that is happening and the depth of the emotions involved. And ahhh, you can see more character development for Ferdinand because of all this! He asks for help and especially from Rozemyne! In fact, he asks her for help so naturally that it isn't until the end or when you are reading all the POV from the other side characters that you see the breaking of barriers hehehehe Ahhh, why aren't the translations complete so I can just binge and stay in this world until the end T.T

My Created Lists (I include my rating and review in the list itself XD)

  • All Novels I've Read Sorted By Rating - Where I ranked every single novel I read on novelupdates.
  • Heartwarming or Feel Good or Wholesome Stories I Liked - As stated haha
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RuiVere
RuiVere rated it
June 15, 2022
Status: c400
This novel is so unique is that you get to experience the fantasy world from the perspective of a nobody. You get to know more of the world as Myne learn more. The world building in this novel is amazing, the world is detailed, the people in this world has their own cultures, habit, yearly event, staple food, etc. It's simply one of the best world building out there.

Please ignore those one star review from the people who can only relate to OP character. Myne is just an adorable normal... more>> girl who loves book (to the point of rubbing every books she find on her face). Myne's journey to acquire books is nothing sort of an adventure, it was full of pains, failures even conflicts. Even her Myne sickly weak constitution bring another challenge and even more conflict.

This novel is easily one of my top three best isekai novel. <<less
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lokq
lokq rated it
July 29, 2021
Status: Completed
I've read the webnovel till the ending, and I can only say it's amazing, the story is so detailed, the worldbuilding is great, all of the character have their own problem and not forgotten, the focus of the story is family, and they show it brilliantly, I have no other words beside amazing when recommending this novel, it's my most favorite novel after re:zero, if you can bear the first part of the story at least until she goes to the temple, then you'll enjoy this novel fully, it's one... more>> of the best isekai stories out there, and if you're looking for a decent isekai novel, then please try this novel, it's seriously amazing, you can get the book from j-novel club <<less
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Nicon
Nicon rated it
June 23, 2021
Status: all
A woman awakens as a little peasant girl, struggling with a mysterious disease, in the daily hardship and political terrors of a detailed fantasy world.

This story got me reading again. I love a sensible plot-driven take on fantasy, (despite hating transmigration & gods) I HIGHLY recommend Bookworm if you like slow fantasy and underdog characters. The story (plot, characters, and environments) really progresses from one book to the next (ex. peasant > high politics), I shan't spoil it!

---

Some people found the MC's initial slightly-selfish behaviour unbearable, she wanted to wash and go outside, despite her family struggling, they're ridiculous. She reincarnates as a hormonal child, confused, losing everything she cares about, suffering a huge drop in life quality, trapped in a small room with strangers, suffering from a disease that made her want to die. Her troubles pay off, she grows and helps many people.

Spoiler

I got really completely hooked on her separating from her family, I kept waiting (sad and confused) for the MC to try and reunite... wtf?

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CLAWS
CLAWS rated it
June 10, 2020
Status: c103
So few things: all the one star reviews are extremly inflated opinions. The novel is fine to read, so far the anime has been exactly like the novel, but I will talk more on that later.

I started reading this, because I really like the anime and wanted to read ahead. So for those that came searching for a chapter number: 103 deals with getting the artist for the child book.

You wil not miss much at all, if you skip the first 103 chapters. The only spicy information would be the... more>> interludes that give you insight on mark and ferdinate.

Also the sequence of things might be a bit different, if only slightly. Like one or 2 episodes/events were switching in sequence, having no impact because of that.

Now the reason I stopped reading is because the new translator after chapter 103 is basicly machine translation, unreadable garbage without a proof reader. <<less
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ppomv
ppomv rated it
October 17, 2019
Status: c75
The MC is the equivalent of an anime shounen MC, taken seriously. Her self serving personality narrows the reader's perspective of the new world because the story is driven by her "discovery" of them. It's a story tool that's been used in anime but because this is in novel form, takes much more words to fully express that hapless, hopeless, selfish starting personality that many Japanese protags have. If anything else, I have respect for the author for utilizing this tool to create a more expansive universe that the reader... more>> can follow without feeling as if they've been abandoned to the wayside by miscellaneous details. <<less
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Tarniaesquetta
Tarniaesquetta rated it
August 14, 2019
Status: c677
The story is slow-paced and I actually got bored of it around ch80+ but eventually, out of boredom, I continued it and looked for spoiler for its ending. I've read the whole thing on raws using Google translate, the story begins to get more interesting around the end of second arc and if you are looking for OP characters, wait for future chapters. It's not really a romantic novel but there are cute and adorable moments but I also find it lacking. There will be tear jerking... more>> moments
Spoiler

when her guardian almost dies in a place she can't reach immediately.

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There are complaints about her attitude and character but I think it's for the author to make and for us to imagine or make a reason. Personally, I think she's just disconnected from everything in her new world at first and when she slowly gets attached to it, she's already spoiled by them. It was very fun to think of her character as an after thought when you're done. I've been rereading it again and I just want to post my opinion on this awesome story. The world building is very unique and imaginative, it takes you through layers of the world that the more chapters you read, the deeper the world gets.
Spoiler

From what you see as a commoner to what it feels like as a merchant, a priestess, a noble, a ruler.

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She learns slowly through trial and error how she should behave in various situations she finds herself in. Her world changes fast beyond her control or any one else's control. There are lots of action around the end chapters. <<less
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Custardmouse
Custardmouse rated it
May 17, 2019
Status: c102
Just a wonderful story. Incredible translations by Blastron, and Infinite does not disappoint when they take over. A girl doing her best from a big handicap in a hard mode world. Pitch perfect slice of life drama with an isekai heroine you can cheer for!
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CatCat19
CatCat19 rated it
October 28, 2018
Status: c677
This novel really have a slow pace but its nice because the story not jump here or there. The story progressing really well in details not too OP. Seems selfish MC, well bear with it until chapters 30s. Romance? Almost around 500++ chapters with just "hint" because our MC too dense and the male lead felt too guilty, but tbh I like this little bit romance. And I wish the author will make another arcs until they married. Even until chapter 677, I still want to read more MC... more>> & ML. Still think too short, maybe because the romance almost at the end. I wish translator will translate it until the end. I read it with google translator :D so much fun I think I missed it. Thank you dear translator sama <<less
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lipe117
lipe117 rated it
May 2, 2018
Status: c72
One of my favorite novels! Why? I will tell you some reasons.

First of all, it is a isekai novel. Those novels where the protagonist either die and is reincarnated or is summoned/transported to another world. And I really love isekai novels.

Second, the protagonist, despite not being a child in mind, acts spoiled some times and is really hungry for books. She is head over heels for books and does whatever she can to have one.

Third, the story is well paced with lots of slice-of-live and many interesting characters. The plot,... more>> the stuff that happens with the MC, the world she is located, and every new discovery is interesting.

Fourth, this novel is well wrote and well translated. It is easy to read and understand what is happening, and, even if english is not my mother language, it is easy to read.

And, to sumarize it all, the relationships and interactions within the characters is very interesting and many time gives a heartwarming feeling. It is a very good paced isekai novel that is definitely worth a try. <<less
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kurobook
kurobook rated it
May 2, 2018
Status: c73
Ascendance of a Bookworm is currently one of my favorite WN to read. As notes, it is not a fantasy reincarnation action story, but a world building, slice of life, coming of age, personal growth, "there's good in people" story.

The protagonist Maïne is a sheltered, childish adult that is killed in a totally non-heroic way, and reincarnated to Hard Mode right off the bat. No royalty, no prodigy, no cuteness-power, no OP. That's why it's unique.

Along with her many attempts and failures (Failures! Really bad failures), she slowly grows as... more>> a person, from the childish person she was, to one that can stand on her own, and also learn to appreciate the people that support her. She's lucky to actually meet honest and hard-working people, and it's heartwarming to read the interactions.

If you're not a fan of a slow and steady, scenic paced world-building, if you're not a fan of a female protagonist that's immature and needs to grow-up (and does, slowly but surely), and if you're not a fan of a less awe-inspiring, more down-to-earth, not a crazy-fun-fast, but a warm-kind-patient adventure, don't read something you don't like. <<less
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shadofx
shadofx rated it
March 31, 2018
Status: c69
The translation is good and the story is slow and plodding but really pulls you in. Most characters are pretty well developed.

Though the story is a cutesy slice of life, the MC is challenged by dark and serious threats that readers can empathize with. The "bookworm" thing is mainly played for laughs. The real driver of the plot is about struggling with a terminal illness which is expensive to treat.
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eungirl
eungirl rated it
March 2, 2018
Status: --
Honestly, I like this series. The plot is slow paced but funny and has a unique art style.

... more>>
Spoiler

The MC is called "bratty", but remember she lived in a modern society with easy access to everything: she's ADJUSTING to the conditions of her world. It's not like she'll automatically know everything about the new world she lives in or quickly be well adjusted to it. She doesn't act her age because for one, nobody likes a know-it-all character. If she knew exactly how to get paper, it wouldn't be quite as interesting; this is what causes the series to be slow paced. We get to see her try several methods (clay tablets, papyrus, etc..) which ends in failures, but that's whats charming about this manga. She gets to use her knowledge to try and recreate stuff from the past. Also, if you're a child, of course you can get away with anything. She casually asks for paper, books, ink, and other supplies because she didn't know it was expensive. She doesn't quite see her new family as family yet because she has past memories too. It wouldn't feel right to replace your family, but she does love them, and doesn't like being a burden. (But usually is one) The MC tries to educate others and wants to share her books someday because she loves them so much.

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Mangikop
Mangikop rated it
January 3, 2018
Status: c35
Alright, the MC is spoiled, selfish, and has some flaws.

But I like that. That's what humans are.

And it's not like she's hadn't any trace of kindness in her. She is probably just venting off her frustration at at the beginning. As hinted in the story, she has a very weak mind and if not for her passion she would have succumbed to her fever. You have to forgive her this time if you don't like how she acts.

Later, as she gains foothold in her new world and settled down, she... more>> will start to show came concern for those around her. Her attitude becomes better.

Compared to other MCs which are too perfect and unrealistic, just stays the same during the entire story, or inconsistent with their personality, or hypocrites, I like Maine better. <<less
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Prochy
Prochy rated it
December 17, 2017
Status: c57
Definetly not perfect, but still one of the best light novels I read.

  • World settings finally make sense considering the level of development (not like others where it feels like you take our society and remove technology while keeping everything else (even thinks that come thanks to technology)
  • Characters are likeable and feel human
  • Story is weird but interesting
Worth reading it :)
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YozoraSena
YozoraSena rated it
December 2, 2017
Status: c57
This novel is a good read. Enjoying the chapters so far and there are heartwarming and sad parts that made me tear up while reading.

The MC had everything in her previous life that she did not need to do anything at all but after her reincarnation, she has to work hard towards achieving what she had wanted. I like novels where there are character developments.
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duranathos1962
duranathos1962 rated it
November 3, 2017
Status: c96
I found this novel last night,

The author writes really well. I just hope there's a pictures showing about what MC want to do except of course to the references.

The plot tells a reality for a commoner and to those who lives with money.

... more>> The MC since its her POV, I am wondering how the characters keep communicating to the adults in a child youngs age.

Also, the plot is kinda slow BUT the way its written is long and with details.

So you would assume that it might end for let say 8 years from now. Since they got to translate 30 plus chapters for a whole year and the remaining chapters for second year.

I pity the MC she was reincarnated but has a disease which will make her life shorter and very fragile. I hope theres a solution what she wont be ripped off by the others.

And its a SLOW progressing plot with her new antics.

Maybe we need more translators, so please adopt this one and help our lovingly translators in this novel. Support this :)

Its gonna be a VERY LONG time to finish this novel. But dont stop supporting because this is a very NICE PIECE to read!

I only felt heartache, becayse the translator in tumbler doesn't have thw will now to finish because of the long, hundreds of chapter to be translated.

I hope someonw will pick this beautiful novel. Keep praying <<less
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Rhin
Rhin rated it
March 16, 2017
Status: c46
Once you get into it, it is really cute and fluffy read... however...

The beginning was horrifying! It takes quite a while for MC to stop comparing her world to the new one. It was mortifying how she outright ignored the care of her family and obsessed with her books. She wasn't annoying but simply detestable human being. I wanted to smack her! With the veeeeery slow progress of the story her personality was straightened out and currently at chapter 46 I can say that I like her.

Plus sides of... more>> this novel is that magic isn't shoved in your face but takes quite a while to even found out that this is actually fantasy setting. I like the puppy love parts and that MC actually confessed that she is not someone from this world.

Overall I am glad that I didn't drop it within the first 20 chapters. I look forward to more chapters :) <<less
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popocake
popocake rated it
November 28, 2016
Status: c130
So, as of now I've read maybe 100 chapters by machine translator and I must say this novel's the bomb. It's really, really good. The pacing's surely slow, but that adds a much needed depth to the characters - even minor characters are carefully fleshed out and even though they have simple traits, the author manages to explore them to the fullest. The writing's good and brings a very real feeling of the world. The harsh living and material conditions of the poor're clearly shown to the reader, but very... more>> softly so as to not shock the reader and not to depict the characters as depressed or desperate - they're very, very poor, sure, but as human beings they live and laugh and face everything with their heads held up high. Very inspiring.

The MC's obsession with books's a gimmick that frankly could have been left out entirely, but it does have its purpose leading the story ahead and pushing the MC to do things she otherwise wouldn't. So, yeah, irritating but useful. Bear with it. <<less
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Sherrynity
Sherrynity rated it
August 24, 2016
Status: c27
Wow, the heroine is so annoying, though I must admit she's quite cute. She's annoying, but considering her mental age, I must admit it's annoyingly normal. Though she's so annoying, I love how she always chase her dream without giving up even after multiple failures. Annoyingly childish, it seems like her previous life's mental age was a joke because she has no restrain on throwing tantrum like an annoying brat she is.

To conclude it, this series is about an annoying 5 yo girl who has partial memories about her previous... more>> life. Annoyed by his current livelihood, this annoying girl tried to pursue her passion: books. Through many failed experiments, she keeps pursuing her goal even turning into annoying girl as the result of her means. Well, she's already an annoying girl from the start though.

This story is about a woman who died and reincarnated/memory transferred into another girl in another world. Wholeheartedly pursuing her passion in books, she realized only nobles can afford to have books. Born as commoner, she has no choice except to make her own book, and decided to bring improvement to her living quality...

... doesn't change the fact that she's quite annoying though.

... Annoyingly charming. ? <<less
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