Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Slice of Life, School Life
Sub-Tags: Otome, Character Growth
Synopsis:
Amelia is a studious young countess and water mage. Her fiancé, Reese, is the second son of a marquis and wields earth magic, a desirable skill for the agricultural domain that Amelia’s father rules. The couple grew up together and has always gotten along well, so their happy future together seems certain. Yet after Reese enters the Royal Academy of Magic, Amelia loses all contact with him. Although she assumes he’s just busy with his studies, when she enters the academy a year later herself, her classmates inexplicably ostracize her as Reese continues to avoid her. Throughout this confusing ordeal, the isolated and anxious Amelia finds comfort in the kindness of Sarge, the fourth prince, who seems to have taken an interest in her… (Source: J-Novel Club)
From Research Partners to Lovers!
Lonely First Days
Reputation can be a big thing in schools. Whether good or bad, they shape our adolescent experiences. For Amelia, she seems to have gotten a reputation before she even arrives at the academy and even without her realising it.
The beginnings of this volume play out almost like a mystery series. You’re kept guessing as to why Amelia is continually isolated and why her fiancé constantly avoids her. Unfortunately, both incidents are linked, and Amelia’s fiancé Reese has been doing more than just spreading rumours.
Reese is the textbook example of an abuser. Insidious and manipulative, ever since he entered the academy, he’s been sowing the seeds of hate against Amelia telling classmates that she’s getting in the way of his love story. He causes Amelia great pain in the process, and he does this all to ensure that his family doesn’t have to pay back the money Amelia’s family gave them.
Additionally, Reeses’ abusive behaviour doesn’t stop after he and his new lover leave the academy to elope. Returning to try and break apart Amelia and Sarge’s happiness, he uses his controlling behaviour to get Amelia to turn traitor, becoming a water mage alongside Reese in the empire. He doesn’t succeed thanks to Sarge’s persistence.
In the Heat of Research
Once the nastiness with Reese is dealt with, the story changes from more of a mystery to one filled with romance and fluff. Whilst starting the year isolated took its toll on her, she’s able to meet with people she truly trusts as a result.
Sarge serves as a beacon of light for Amelia at her side through her darkest hours; it’s easy to see why he becomes the main love interest. The two bond over their mutual interest in research, analysis and data. It’s a cute and sweet love story overall. The two are often found in the library growing closer over agricultural stats and figures.
Others close to Amelia are Prince Julius and Marie. Both are great friends and play an instrumental part in getting Amelia and Sarge together. Prince Julius’ reenactment magic comes in especially handy, perhaps even too handy, being able to recreate specific moments, the truth of Reeses’ activities is laid bare.
Mixing mystery elements and fluffy romance moments makes A Royal Rebound a solid addition to the ever-growing number of J-Novel Heart titles. Whilst most of the praise should go to its central couple, the side characters come over just as well-rounded as we learn about their own romantic endeavours.
A Royal Rebound Vol. 1
My Rating: 8.5/10
I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.
You can read the first volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.
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