This week for Translation Necessary Thursday I’m covering a Light Novel I read last summer! It’s The New Gate Volume 01 by Kazanami Shinogi!

Plot Synopsis: “THE NEW GATE”, an online game that trapped its players and turned into a death game, was now releasing the thousands of players that had been dragged into it, thanks to the efforts of Shin, one of the most powerful players. But after having defeated the last boss and freed everyone, he was swallowed up by a strange light.

Plot: Does that sound like Sword Art Online? Good because it takes that premise and then ditches it promptly. That isn’t to say there aren’t similarities between the two series, or this series and others, but it’s not really at all like Sword Art Online. I won’t spoil the real twist to the series, but needless to say I found it refreshing.

Characters: Shin is the main character and it’s kind of nice to see a guy just enjoy what he encounters. That isn’t to say he isn’t freaked out, but it’s nice to see someone take his situation and have a good time. The series doesn’t really introduce the main female lead in this volume, but we do get hints to her identity. However Tiera is a wonderful stand in for this volume and hell she might actually end up being the female lead, though I somewhat don’t think that will be the case. The rest of the cast is interesting as well.

Art: The art is nice and gritty compared to other Light Novels, which is a nice change of pace for me.

Overall: An excellent read, and one I’ll recommend to any fantasy lovers.

For those who like: Fantasy, Adventure, Fun, Action, Excellent Cast of Characters, Great Plot, Awesome Artwork.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.