Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Banishment, Strong Lead, Second Chances

Claire Plays a New Save!

The second of the J-Novel Club pre-pub mountain has me reviewing another second volume. This time, it’s Fallen Daughter of the Duke and Claire is looking to fix things with a precious restart!

Following the tragic end of the first volume, Claire’s determined for a better go of things with a surprise second chance. Having gone back in time, things aren’t quite as Claire remembers. Those who shunned her previously are still kind and caring, someone is trying to destroy Lindel, and she’s sent to Paffuto immediately after her baptism.

Now a guest in Paffuto years earlier than expected, she’ll have to deal with her feelings for Vik when he doesn’t know her. This is on top of Vik’s older brother not being in the first timeline and an ever-growing coup to put him on the throne!

Coming in from the previous volume, I was a little sceptical of the series taking the nuclear option, given that the ultimate tragedy could still be avoided. Upon finishing the volume, however, I have been convinced of this volume’s exploration of the past. It’s all a testament to the author’s intriguing plot points and some amazing character development.

Character progression can be found across the entire volume, from Dion’s change of heart to her older brother’s true personality, but some of the best development can be found with both Prince Asbert and Vik.

Charlotte’s horrifying influence can be felt no more so than on Asbert. Dismissive and rude to Claire under her control, the second volume reveals his true personality and a better insight into Claire’s once strong feelings towards him. From the very outset, it’s clear to see his love for Claire and the lengths that he goes to ensure her happiness. Without Charlotte’s malign influence, he’s level-headed and intelligent, a perfect candidate for a ruler.

Ordinarily, he would make for a good love interest for the protagonist, but the game’s central plot must be kept to some extent and he still ends up with Charlotte. Although, things are likely to change with Asbert possibly achieving his happy ending now that Nicole has arrived in Nostron.

For Vik, development comes in two equally important directions. The first deals with his and his brother’s relationship. Frayed by misunderstandings, it’s thanks to a coup that the two are truly able to understand each other.

The second deals with Vik and Claire’s relationship. Building slower than before, this volume does a great deal in providing credibility to their relationship. Trust and vulnerability play a huge role for the two of them and watching them both open up make’s this series a cut above some of the others in its genre.

The central plot of this volume is also better than the first. Moving away from some of the more trope-laden aspects, the coup central to the action provides more meat to the antagonists as well as purposely develops the main characters for the better.

As we move towards the events in the first volume and a reckoning for Charlotte, the series’ second volume goes leaps and bounds beyond what was seen in the first. Starring a host of complex and believable characters and relationships, as well as an above-average plot, makes this a must-read for shoujo fans!