Hello readers : ) A departure from my usual reviews and the first of three promised ranking posts. My latest blog article will look at some of the best continuing series that I read during 2022, highlighting some of these series’ best volumes beyond their opening act. These are in no particular order:

1. Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 6

First on the list is a volume that features the full package. Action, comedy and romance, the sixth volume blends these genres masterfully, ensuring the series continues to be enjoyable even as the story reaches its mid-point.

Part of what makes this volume a cut above its predecessors has to do with the well-balanced development in each of the series’ different sub-plots. No longer dealing with growing pains, the subplots, from romance and world-building to demon lord extermination have come to a point where they flow naturally into their next twists and turns.

The series’ romance for example. Far from its will they won’t they beginnings, Makoto is now in a fully-fledged relationship with Lucy and Aya and is a fiancée to Sophia. This volume showcases yet another development in their relationships by visiting Lucy’s parents, which obviously ends up being hilarious.

These growing pains are also shown to be dissipating within the central plot of the story. Demon Lords and their servants have begun to reveal themselves and the true endgame is in sight. Furthermore, this is on top of Makoto’s latest attempts at gathering allies – Springrogue’s hero and some of their strongest fighters will likely be a good resource against the final demon lord fight.

Other volume highlights include Lucy’s mother and her reckless free spirit, and Furiae’s perspective on Makoto’s new divine powers. Watch out for potential romantic development to happen between them in the future!

2. Though I Am An Inept Villainess Vol. 2

Second on the list is a volume that I vociferously praised when it was first released.

Inept Villainess’ second volume took the series to new heights as the mystery aspect was put into full swing. Curses are popping up all over the place and the author made a good point in having friends and enemies alike come together to find and expose the culprit before the Empress succumbs to their deadly curse.

Both Reirin and Shu Keigetsu are standouts making a great team together. Reirin’s can-do attitude and Shu’s knowledge of venomcraft are essential in getting a good ending.

Shu’s character in this volume is especially interesting. Veering away from the clichéd villainess portrayal, the author does a fantastic job adding layers to her character – from environmental circumstances to her defensive tsundere-isms.

Moreover, the end of this volume makes for a satisfying conclusion to the series’ first arc. Plotlines have been tied up and each of the main characters has reached satisfactory progression points to where rivalries and deep seated hate could necessarily have been sated.

3. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady Vol. 2

Sparks fly in this volume dedicated to sibling conflict!

There’s a great deal of maturity to be found in Magical Revolution’s second instalment that makes it a standout amongst villainess/Otome regulars. Inferiority causes a rift between brother and sister that, over time, became too large to overcome, resulting in the volume’s overall tragedy.

This measured look at complex family dynamics is accompanied by some of the best actions and fights in the series so far. Building on the dragon fight foundations of its first volume, it’s elevated here with more at stake as the siblings fight to the death at the end of the volume. It’s an all-out magic battle that has irreparable consequences for everyone involved.

Pairing mature and emotional character drama, and heaps of fantastic action scenes makes Magical Revolution’s second volume the best in the series and one of the best light novels of 2022.

4. Magical Explorer Vol. 3

The final entry is also usually considered one of the most light-hearted series on this list.

More of a departure from its usual eroge madness, the series’ third volume takes a deeper look at determination. Both protagonist and heroine, Yukine, have their determination put to the test to move forward in their goals in this more serious addition to the series.

With Yukine having to fight her own insecurities to move out of her older sister’s shadow, and Takioto going beyond his own abilities to defeat the school’s dungeon. It adds new levels of depth putting the entire series up in my own estimations.

Volume 3 showed that the series is more than just a bit of ecchi, comedy fun, but has the character development necessary to become a long-running series.