Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Banishment, OP, Strong Lead, Cute, Heartwarming

The Pirates Invasion of Zoltan!

Returning to a series filled with pirate troubles, the latest review of the week catches up with Red and the gang, who are still in the midst of a standoff in Zoltan.

The Secrets of Veronia

As the plot is at a bit of a standoff, readers will find the latest volume of Banished from the Hero’s Party more action-centric than usual. This can only be seen as a good thing as the plot moving forward requires everything to be a bit more go, go, go.

Most of this volume’s slice-of-life aspects appear at the start of the volume – a sort of “calm before the storm” situation with Red and Rit enjoying each other company as they go for a walk in the rain.

After Red and Rit’s little jaunt in the rain, it isn’t long before Red encounters some new Veronian ‘friends.’ A quick battle between Lilinrala and Red reveals an even deeper twist to the arc and the real reason behind her actions.

One of the better and more detailed blessings, it seems the Emperor’s skill didn’t just snare Mistorm and Leonor, but Lilinrala too. Prince Salius may not be of Mistorm’s blood, but he does happen to be both part elf and have a passing resemblance to Lilinrala. As a result of this information coming to light, the two groups may have more in common than first thought, and their mutual assistance will be more than needed as Leonor plans to pay Zoltan more than just a passing visit.

A Most Evil Woman

The big bad of this volume and arc, so to speak, is Leonor, Queen of Veronia. She’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting antagonists of the series so far, and this volume does well to characterise her motives.

The first lot of development is given as a part of an interlude into Red’s past. They met each other whilst he worked as a member of the kingdom’s knights. In their time together, it’s clear how accustomed to manipulation and scheming she is, from setting up kidnapping attempts and staged battles. All in aid of gauging Red’s abilities and his potential as a mate.

When she doesn’t get her way, she spares no effort to ensure they never cross her again!

This characterisation is doubled down upon when she makes her appearance in Zoltan. Fake pleasantries are quickly put aside as the people refuse to surrender Mistorm to the invaders.

She’s a selfish, psychopathic narcissist. She’ll do anything to satisfy her own desires, and nothing and no one will stand in her way. Everything she does, from poisoning her own sister and husband to selling out Veronia to Asura demons, are all in her own self-interest and for her own amusement. She is a villain in the truest sense of the word.

Additionally, this volume confirms what makes someone truly strong within the confines of this fantasy world. A strong blessing isn’t everything, especially when its influence can have such an impact on someone’s life. What makes someone truly strong is their ability to overcome this influence or to be able to live a life beyond its effects. This is true for Red, Rit and even Ruti, but it’s even more true for someone like Leonor. She’s level 1, has never killed anyone, and has gotten to positions not thought possible for those with only a warrior’s blessing. A blessing’s control is only as strong as the influence you let it have over you.

To conclude, Banished’s latest volume still keeps the series feeling fresh. Leonor makes for a fantastic villain, and I love how her appearance adds so much to the overall lore of how blessings work. With the epilogue introducing the startings of the next arc, I’m looking forward to what comes next!