Ookami to Koushinryou
Spice & Wolf

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Simplicity can sometimes produce the best results, and that is especially true for this light novel.

People who have heard of Spice and Wolf have probably seen the anime and may not even know it was based off a light novel or have not given thought to read the light novel from which the story originated. However, this novel is a very enjoyable read and can easily get people engrossed in the story.

When I first bought this novel I did it because I really wanted to know what happened next after the end of the anime series. I really enjoyed the series and the way ... Spice and Wolf II ended, it just made me want more. As soon as I began reading this novel, I was caught in the web that was spun by this book and I simply did not want to put it down.

I don't need to introduce the story but from just reading the synopsis it might appear to be rather boring. Not only from the synopsis but this book deals with many forms of economics as well as politics and of course the relationship between Holo and Lawrence. You might think that if it deals with Economics and politics of the 14th century Europe ( or whatever time frame) this would be rather uninteresting, I say this because I thought that. However, upon reading it when the economics parts came up I found them to be very entertaining.

The only way I could think of it is what if someone took a good story and put in some historical facts and details amongst the story and made you feel like you were learning something. I was surprised at myself because I would be reading of Lawrence trading and cutting deals with businesses and I would be totally invested into the story. I believe how it manages to still be interesting is how the author writes the book, the way things flow together and correlate makes for a good read.

Although, the most interesting aspect of this series is the relationship between Holo and Lawrence. It was funny, heartwarming, and even sad to see what happens between these two. To see Lawrence change little by little and see the same for Holo is great. Seriously this is the reason to read this series, the way they interact is very unique. Holo may be able to be categorized, but she makes this category of her own, if nothing else.

Holo teases but is never mean, she cries but is never weak. She is what I would imagine a 400+ year old Human/Wolf would act like (I don't remember hold old she is supposed to be so don't fault me for a random age guess). More over, sometimes I feel that in anime female characters tend to be cut and paste, and the ones that are different are unrealistic. However, with Holo it was different. She is rather human to me, which may seem odd to say, but I could easily see someone acting like she does and because of that this book was much more enjoyable.

However, Lawrence is like a man caught between a rock and a hard place. He makes a promise to a woman but he doesn't know if he can keep it. He wants to keep the promise but he realizes he might have to give up his dream. If he forgoes his dream he might be disappointed in the end. But, its how he changes that makes him such a good character. He starts out like a man only out for himself and money and over time changes and his priorities begin to change. I always felt bad for Lawrence for all the teasing he gets from Holo but, it was a very good humor addition to the story.

To see these two interact with each other is a treat indeed. Because, like I said, their relationship is the main reason to read this.

This series is two people from completely different worlds finding that common ground and making a special bond out of it. I have many more volumes to read in the series but I feel that so far this series is definitely worth your time!

FEEDBACK: I would definitely appreciate feedback, it would help me to become a better writer.

EDIT: revised 11/26/11, 1/3/12

If you have watched the anime adaptation and are yearning for more of Holo's simple yet intricate and extremely charming character then i recommend reading this novel.
Although there are slight discrepancies throughout the novel and anime, not too much stands out. The novel exhibits the themes of the loneliness in a much more apparent and clear representation through the emotions that are being disclosed to the readers.
Overall a very good read for either those who are new to the series or have read or watched either manga or anime adaptations and are looking for a wonderfully written work of art which in my ... opinion is masterfully crafted.

Since a 3rd season is as likely as me seeing a human walk on Mars I decided to read the novel. I do not regret this choice but it was a hard series to get through at points.

Now I'll make this clear, I DID NOT read the yen press version. If I did, maybe my enjoyment would have been higher but I sailed the seas for it instead.

The story is what you'd expect having watched the anime. Holo and Kraft travel, make deals, get screwed, get unscrewed and move along. All in the hopes of Kraft starting his own shop and Holo going ... home. Pretty simple story.

A problem I ran into was a lot of the story or things taking place seemed to be implied. I'm not sure if that was a translation problem or just the way the story was written. But I spent a lot of time confused as to why the characters were doing certain things or what had even happened.

The book took place in Krafts head except for a few chapters (which those other chapters were by far my favorite) and you'd think that'd mean you'd get all of his thoughts yeah? No. You don't. It's more like the narrator tells you most of them. Then you get the result and go "OH! so that's what that meant." Not the way I like my story to be told.

There's a lot of "sigh" as well. All the characters sigh. A lot. All the time. If you've ever read Wheel of Time and thought "Man, they sniff a lot" this series beats it with sighs.

The characters are what you saw in the anime. They don't really develop but the story itself takes place within a year I think and Holo is a few hundred years old anyway so growth wouldn't happen.

Some of the side characters are interesting and I wouldn't have minded side stories about them. The Shepherd girl was expanded on a bit but even that was lacking a bit.

Overall I'd say it's worth reading once if you loved the anime. Find out what happened to them and how. If you just thought the anime was okay, go read a wiki.

I could go on and on about what makes this novel so amazing but I'll try to keep it short and sweet, if that's even possible!
This novel is among my favorite pieces of literature and I'm really glad I found it.

Ookami to Koushinryou is basically a novel that is mostly directed at adults, however I'm not saying that younger people can't enjoy it. It's just that the themes it deals with, such as loneliness, trustworthiness, realizing how your life is shaping itself, will appeal a lot more to people approaching Lawrence's age (~25ish), at least in my opinion. Throughout the novel, we watch how gradually ... Lawrence and Holo develop their own distinct personalities based on their experiences together.

Economics plays a major role in the series, but from my point of view they are not the most crucial part. As a person that likes economics, I thoroughly enjoyed them and found most of the happenings pretty accurate as well. The author obviously did a fair amount of research on medieval economics and it shows. However, the driving force behind the story is the interaction between Holo and Lawrence. An interaction that is very hard to find elsewhere, because it's just that good. The two main characters have dialogues full of quizzical declarations, deep thought analysis, teasing, and mutual understanding and support. The dialogues are incredibly well written and there's a high chance you'll need to read some of them more than once to fully comprehend the hidden meanings behind them. I won't say more on this part because you'll have to discover it yourself.

The story is nicely summed up in the synopsis so I have nothing to add, but I'll say this to any potential reader: Sometimes it's the journey that matters the most, not the destination. Meaning, I suggest you enjoy and make the most out of every single page, rather than rushing to find out how this turns out. Trust me, it'll feel much more natural and better this way.

Moving on to the characters, the series has a nice roster of side characters with almost all getting a respectable degree of development. It helps that the author has also written a few short side stories that cover crucial parts of their lives. Those stories are almost as enjoyable as the main story, and after reading them you'll understand why they ended up interacting with Holo and Lawrence the way they did. As for the main characters, the depth they reach is obvious considering what I wrote a couple paragraphs above regarding their interactions.

The art is gorgeous, to say the least. The illustrations are nicely drawn and, making the inevitable comparison to the anime adaptation, they are way, WAY better. I watched the anime first and after beginning to read the novels I realised how much of Holo's and Lawrence's character was killed off in the anime, simply because of their badly adapted portraits. Every major(or major-side) character gets their own illustration in the novel, which is a nice plus.

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to any person who likes deep character development and interactions, and a long and marvelous story, while also being completely original. Granted, if dialogues lasting half a dozen or more pages are not your cup of tea, you'll probably find this boring. However, there's a whole bunch of action too, in case you were wondering. Repeating what I said in the start of this review, this is among my favorite pieces of literature and I consider it an amazing adventure.

Ookami to Koshinryo, or also known as Spice & Wolf in English, is a light novel series written by Isuna Hasekura and illustrated by Jyuu Ayakura. The English translation is in the order of Alphabet, which makes it more natural to pronounce than Wolf & Spice, but certainly when bring the work into discussion, we have to follow the original arrangement to make the most out of it.


Wolf


Wolf, or scientifically Canis iupus, is a widely-known species, mostly because they are the ancestors of many kinds of domestic dogs. They are known as the kind of animal being able of patience and scheming while pursuing their ... prey. When talking about wolves, the first image from our imagination is often a single lone individual, which is portrayed more frequently than their other trait, wolf’s pack. In addition, scientific researches have also pointed out that lone wolves, or mated pairs, possess higher rate of success in hunting than a large pack.

So what the hell does it matter, other than a leading character is a wolf herself, and being able to transform into human? That is not to mention the fact she had separated herself from the pack for quite a long time, so long that she had forgotten the way to home, to the point she had to form a situational bond with the other leading character, in order to find the long and winding road stretching to her place of birth. What a convenient plot device...

Yeah, what I said previously is only relevant to the content to some extent, but what following is the true core of this series. Wolf, the kind of animal being able to plan and wait for the right moment to strike, is the reference to merchant, an occupation still existing nowadays, and the origin of businessman, or businesswoman, which is in larger scale, like operating a company or corporation. Merchants were often in business of a particular merchandise in a particular time, very competitive to each other for supplies, profit and information, which connects those previously mentioned. As a result, merchants often worked alone, and were not easily to trust, because they would do anything profitable, even with deception. However, when having a common objective, the greater good, merchants were also being able to cooperate with others, which explains the existence of merchant guild.

As a result, the plot is heavily on the side of wolf-like..., sorry for my bad English, business-like talk, about how to take advantage of their circumstances to earn as much profit as possible, how to sell their goods at the possibly highest price, trading,… These economical topics are really uninteresting to many, but the author has tried his best to keep it simple as much as possible, and how the plot progresses could be understood without much knowledge in that particular department, as long as you are able to summarise and organise the given information.

Also, set in the Middle Age Europe, such occupation was widely known as traveling merchant, according to historical facts. In order to be one, merchants had to abandon their citizenship to travel, and ironically, dreamt of someday being able to once again obtain such SHIP, when they decided to settle. As a matter of fact, a merchant often had no fixed accommodation, and their life stuck with the roads their carriage(s) traveled on. They were more exposed to nature, and like an old saying, risks there were like a wolf waiting for such an unstable life. If fortunately, you could avoid mishappens and live a good and well-being life. Else, you would have to deal with the harshness of wilderness, such as accidents and natural disasters, or being the victims of wolves, unsurprisingly, or bandits, which could easily take away all the goods costing your entire fortune, or worse, your life. Also, you had to accept the risk of losing, being deceived, put into debt, and your investments didn’t always bear fruit. The characters in the story were many times put into such situations, and despite its simplicity, the author has managed to work out the complex portrayal of its instability, as his intention was never to colour a merchant’s life in pink to begin with.


Spice


Spices, such as pepper, were luxuries in the Middle Age, due to many problems in logistics, which were also in the list of goods the characters would sell. They are the decisive factor of a good meal, because simply cooking meat, fish, vegetable with heat wouldn’t automatically make them tasty. Definitely, I once again talked of bullshit for a whole paragraph, but there are indeed some spices I have found within the work namely Ookami to Koshinryo.

We know life on the road for merchants was such a hardship. However, when they opened their eyes in the morning and had another day doing their professionals, it was quite a minor happiness. When they traveled in the speed that could make them vomit blood, just to make sure their goods arrive in time of the best business, or to overcome the danger they had been in, preserved their lifetime’s investment and eventually earned quite a fortune out of it, it was then time for celebration, and the taste of beer, wine and food at that time was surely delicious. Joy, indeed, tastes very good.

Speaking of Europe in Middle Age, we have been provided a map with plains separated by ranges of mountains, cities on the bank of rivers surrounded with walls, paddies of buckwheat, and forests of conifers covered in snow during winter further northwards, with religious and cultural festivals held in places the journey came across, as well as the Church, which is very alike to the description of the continent. Therefore, it would be no surprise, or in fact quite an astonishment, to see words written in German in many scenes from the adaptations, which results in the quite simple, yet effective and realistic world building.

Due to the concept of traveling merchants, the conversations within this series tend to be business-like, which is not quite appealing and consists of many ‘actions’, if you know what I meant. However, the characters kept conversing with each other, and that’s more than enough to learn of them. The side characters could be said to be disposable, but since the journey would be quite long and there would hardly be a chance for them to return, I believe they had fulfilled their task, not to mention they felt quite natural at their respective roles of the stories. As a consequence, the interaction was mostly between the protagonists, and the readers are able to witness their changes.

Lawrence Kraft, or Lorenz Kraft, was a calculating merchant with years in the business. Like any other peer, he also dreamed of a settlement in a city, a family of his own, and a successful career of trading merchandises, and had been working his a-- off for it. However, that is not to say that he was extraordinary or anything, as there were many times he let the greed blind his eyes and put himself between the rock and a hard place, or desperately ran away from the dangers that he alone could not do much against. We could say he was naturally described as a typical merchant.

Holo, the self-proclaimed Wise Wolf, was a mythic existence having resided in Pasloe for 700 of years. Living up with her words, she was indeed knowledgeable, and with her living experiences, she often made fun of Lawrence, who was indeed a child in comparison to her. As of her origin, she was born in the forest of Yoitsu, and after a long sleep, she had been left alone, so Holo had decided to set off, in order to find her kinds, which ended up with settling in Pasloe as a Guardian. As the time changed, her role was no longer necessary, so she offered Lawrence to take her back to Yoitsu, in exchange of her support for his business.

So began their adventure, and the more they interacted, the more opening-up they were to each other. Holo was typically very haughty and self-sufficient, though due to her isolation for hundreds of years in Pasloe, Holo had gradually felt very lonely, not to mention she left Yoitsu due to her state of being left behind in the first place, and sometimes showed a more fragile side of herself. She relied on Lawrence for company as she feared loneliness, which is quite understandable for being with perception of its own existence, and could be said quite human as well. Lawrence, in exchange, got helped with her wisdom to increase his profits and get him out of jams. He had gradually got out of his calculating self of a merchant, started caring for his companion, not because of the preservation for his investment, but because of his honest will to do so. Her loneliness was something that Lawrence was very aware of and had tried to comfort her in his own way. As such, we were able to witness how two independent, solitary wolves, literally and figuratively, formed their own pack, and that is one of the spices used in this series. Also, as their relationship progressed, we were also able to see how Lawrence turned the table against Holo, and got onto the stage of big teasers.

Something worthy of mentioning here is the fact that during the nights of traveling, under the heaving light of the campfire, myths that the merchants had heard, or those from the place they were staying or heading to, were such interesting things to kill the time. Such myths, also appeared in Spice & Wolf, consequently increased the mysterious aspect of the work. Furthermore, reading the novel also feels like being able to take a walk inside the mythology itself, because the existence of Holo has been giving out the sensation of legends coming true.


Conclusion


This is one of the very few works that are quite simple, yet the simplicity has created such a superiority that many breathtaking actions and suspense, dramatic romance and relationship, or big fat voluptuous round anime tiddies, panty shots and weird fan service camera’s angles couldn’t achieve. Charming, enjoyable by all age groups, calm and beautiful in its manifold details, Spice and Wolf is a delight to sit down after a long day and simply let the evening flow.

// It is not Harem/romcom just pure Romance // (Just for you guys who are annoyed with the false tags on this site ;) (chapters can be ignored I did read 20 volumes)

Sometimes when you're really bored and search for certain tags(romance) you stumble about things you never would've watched/read years ago.

Spice and wolf is such a thing. I don't get the whole furry thing and while I was way younger I would just flag this as one of it. A attention seeking helpless shounen female which clings to the mc just for story progress. This is kinda what I got out of the description.


I ... was sooo wrong, - The female MC is kinda the star of the show without falling into the shoujo/josei traps. I mean honestly a strong female, - while the male mc is also competent?
What madness is this?!

It doesn't stop there you get a lesson about economics which makes this LN somehow unique. Yes it is kinda slow but at the same time I am rathe sure the whole series is intended for an older audiance.

It's an LN/Anime for all of us who grew up with games like KAISER DELUXE, HANSA/Patrician or nowadays Europa Universalis IV.

It's alot about trade talk but at the same time the romance never get's short. The teasing between the two Mc's is kinda the highlight of the show. It's so good you'll constantly giggle and feel for both of them, not only the male or female husbando/waifu. :)


And the best part of all of this is... You really want to know more/want to see more after the story ended? Do not feer, the mainstory was concluded in 2011. !IT IS FULLY COMPLETED!

Afterwards you still get 3(or 4 if you can read basic japanese) Light Novels which just continues the stories in kinda a slice of life way after everything of the mainstory did happen. Which make the ending way more sweet. You just don't get this feeling of a sudden ending like in so many other character driven shows...


You really get to know the characters and a bit/lot more.( I don't want to spoil) ;)

First I have to state that I read the Yen Press releases and the original Japanese ones. I am not a huge romance reader but this light novel changed my view on life, money and relationship. The story slowly unravels how the economic system effects towns and kingdoms, how gods play role in affecting the harvest, weather and culture and how trust is important in not only developing healthy relationship with friends and companions but also trading partners. The story is written really beautifully and you should definitely read it.
The only bad thing I could say about it is the typos Yen Press did ... in their translation. They did almost 3-10 typos per book, ruins the immersion a bit but the book is still worth it.
I will definitely buy more physical volumes once they're available in Kinokuniya.

I've gotta say, this book is really good. This book is super well written, the characters feel really real and it takes you on a fun adventure. Of course, you can't expect to read the in a week and then just forgot about it later. Each chapter of this book is 50-100 pages long with some chapters being around 150 pages long so I wouldn't recommend this if you just want a quick story to read. However, this book is a masterpiece.

Story (10/10) - I mean, I'm halfway through the series after reading it in my spare time for about 4 months. I have yet ... to finish the full main story however, from what I've seen so far, the story is very complex and revolves around the two main characters of the story, Holo and Lawrence, as they go on an unforgettable journey together. This story deals with the many complex concepts such as loneliness and regret by recounting the experiences of Lawrence and Holo. However, there are also many lighthearted moments between the two characters and some very nice romance.

Character (10/10) - As I said before, Holo and Lawrence are very complex characters, Holo especially. Their thoughts are very well written and their characters are well designed.

Enjoyment (9/10) - Since it is so long, there are times when you read a whole chapter in a day and times when you don't read it in a week or two. When I do read it, it is super entertaining, however, sometimes, the length and the slowness of the story does turn me off sometimes. If there were was a bit more pizzazz, it would have been perfect.

Overall (10/10): I've gotta say, Spice and Wolf is a masterpiece. It's description is beautiful and its storyline is very complex. But remember, its suuuuuper long.

Introduction:

"Spice and Wolf" is a captivating light novel, that has captured the hearts of readers like me with its richly developed characters, intricate world-building, and engaging storyline. With an unique blend of romance, intrigue, and economic strategy, this novel sets itself apart as a masterful tale of adventure and companionship. As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the book till now and would gladly rate it 10 out of 10 for its character description, world-building, and storyline. I've explained my points below:

I'd call this feeling I got reading this masterpiece,
"An Existence of Loneliness, in the Presence of Someone Special"

Character Description:

One of the novel's ... greatest strengths lies in its meticulously crafted characters. The both Main Characters are unlikely and unforgettable duo, both possessing distinct personalities and complementing each other perfectly. How the two totally opposite characters choose their way to stay closer to each other and assist each other throughout the adventurous journey is relatable and endearing to readers.

Furthermore, the supporting characters are not just mere placeholders but are skillfully fleshed out, contributing to the narrative's richness. Each character brings something unique to the table, enriching the story's tapestry and adding to the complexity of the world they inhabit. This introduction of new characters in the story, with definitive contributions and new emotions, creates a sense of curiosity in reader's minds.

World-building:

Isuna Hasekura has masterfully crafted a captivating and immersive world for Spice and Wolf. The novel's timeline setting is richly detailed, the readers got to experience a defined texture of the world in the story, it's people, the environment they live in and their dreams in life. The world feels authentic and believable, with its own set of rules, customs, and beliefs.

The author brilliantly intertwines economic principles and strategies into the story, making the world feel alive and dynamic. The detailed explanations of some conditions & processes may seem complex, but they add depth and realism to the narrative. Readers are given a glimpse into the intricacies of commerce, elevating the novel beyond a mere fantasy adventure.

Moreover, the descriptions of various towns, landscapes, and cultures are vivid and evocative, allowing readers to visualize the places the characters visit. The attention to detail in crafting this world is commendable, as it makes Spice and Wolf stand out among its peers.

Storyline:

The heart of Spice and Wolf lies in its engaging and well-paced storyline. It combines elements of romance, adventure, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish of each chapter. As the characters travel together throughout the story, they encounter a myriad of challenges and adversaries, all of which contribute to their personal growth and strengthen their bond.

The plot takes unexpected twists and turns, filled with political intrigue, economic maneuvers, and surprising revelations. At its core, the story delves into themes of trust, companionship, and the constant struggle between one's head and heart.

The author skillfully balances character development and plot progression, ensuring that readers remain invested in the protagonists' journey. Additionally, the novel's pacing keeps the tension alive, making it difficult to put the book down. The satisfying blend of action, humor, and emotional depth ensures that the storyline leaves a lasting impact.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Spice and Wolf is a masterfully written light novel that seamlessly weaves together character development, world-building, and an engaging storyline. Isuna Hasekura's attention to detail and clever storytelling captivate readers and transport them to a fascinating medieval fantasy world.

The characters are brilliantly crafted, each possessing their own unique qualities and vulnerabilities. Their relationship evolves organically, creating a compelling dynamic that enhances the narrative. Furthermore, the supporting characters add depth and complexity to the world of Spice and Wolf.

The world-building is top-notch, with its rich descriptions of various towns, landscapes, and economic practices. The integration of economic principles into the story adds a layer of realism and depth, setting this novel apart from others in the fantasy genre.

The storyline is engrossing, combining romance, adventure, and intrigue into a cohesive and entertaining narrative. The plot's unexpected twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a delightful reading experience.

Overall, Spice and Wolf is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and intricate world-building. It receives a well-deserved 10 out of 10 rating for its exceptional character description, world-building, and storyline. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, this novel is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more of Spice & Wolf's extraordinary journey.

es una obra magnifica, su mundo es muy nutrido en lore y muy diferente al mundo de fantasia generico, recomiendo leer esta obra maestra, holo es el mejor personaje femenino que haya visto y esta tan bien escrito que da hasta pena compararla con otras con lo bien hecha que esta.

su mundo tiene un lore increible basado en deidades paganas y de como la religion ortodoxa de toda a vida intenta ocultarla, las casas comerciales son el segundo renglon con mas poder despues de la iglesia y nos cuenta como esas deidades paganas se oculltan y viven entre los humanos.

recomiendo que la ... lean si les gusta la buena literatura les aseguro que no se van a arrepentir.