#Mitsu Izumi

[nekolah]

Magus of the Library (図書館の大魔術師) by Mitsu Izumi

[food4dogs]

Whenever I return to this, I appreciate the level of detail and world building.

[mechadeimos]

[fendaira]

[manekinekocake]

[balu8]

Magus of the Library #1

by Mitsu Izumi

Kodansha

[mapas-fantasticos]

Map of the Exive continent from the manga Magus of the Library/Toshokan no Daimajutsushi by Mitsu Izumi.

[shin-scans]

Aria Link By Mitsu Izumi

[kierrasreads]

Magus of the Library, Volumes 3&4, by Mitsu Izumi Review

Plot

Volume 3: Group Admission

Theo has completed the first part of the grueling exam to become a kafna, but he's not in the clear yet—there are two more trials he must face. Even if he makes it through the second test, an intense face-to-face oral examination, the last challenge is a practical demonstration of his abilities as a librarian. Theo has been studying his whole life for this moment, but there's one kind of test that no amount of studying could have prepared him for: a group project.

Volume 4: A Student Among Masters

Theo has returned to Aftzaak, the magisterial City of Books. Passing the exams to become a kafna was hard enough. Now he has to compete against his fellow trainees—fighters and geniuses one and all—to prove that he has what it takes to achieve his dreams and ascend to the Central Library's elite. Under the watchful eyes of his wise seniors and teachers, including his youthful mentor Sedona, Theo begins to awaken to the sublime fate and impossible challenges that history has prepared for him…

Discussion

I love, love, love this series and I highly recommend that you give this series a try! This series is a love letter to bibliophiles and the fact that libraries are so, so important to society.

The art is gorgeous and the diversity of characters is perfect- each character is distinctive. The world and culture building in this series are absolutely phenomenal (you can definitely tell that the series drew heavy inspiration from the Middle East- the writing in the books reminded me of Arabic. Plus, the clothes, setting, and languages used in the book).

I can't wait to see Theo really grow into his role as kafna. I think he's going to get into the top of the 12 offices available. I also think that he's going to get training on how to use his manna- whether from "Granny" or Sedona (maybe she'll be the villain? Volume 4 left us on a cliffhanger!).

Rating

5/5

[obsessivelooter]

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐌𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚

Prelude:

Recently there was a large book fair in my city, this year with a much wider assortment of manga (last year I saw like 6 series tops). So I decided to pick one out, there were very few first volumes and most I wasn't interested in but this one stuck out to me from its cover alone.

Actual book talk:

The book follows a kid named Theo Fumis, a good egg, who adores books, but in his hometown of Amun is discriminated against on the account of his mixed race so isn’t allowed in the local public library. Theo dreams of one day visiting Aftzaak, City of books, where he could read all the books he wants.

I’m not gonna say the plot is exceptionally special, I'm sure something similar already exists but, I really like it. I enjoy seeing how the most disenfranchised members of society are treated, it really helps set up a good groundwork for any further worldbuilding.

[worldbuilding]

Hell, let's talk more about the worldbuilding. The fact that it’s based on Arabia and the folklore of Arabian nights is really refreshing, and it works really well in the context of the story, considering the importance of the Islamic golden age in the history of literature and libraries. The Islamic culture of giving alms is covered briefly as well, and the possible reason why Theo hasn't received any deepens the world nicely. Plus the astatic is just 😙👌. 

Not to say the text rests on its laurels, it has some really nice worldbuilding unique to it. For example, the one that really impressed me was how the sea in this world has become virtually unnavigable due to the heavy fog, and thus the most popular book series is about a pirate captain mapping the world to claim it as its own(in a chill way). According to the VERY nice worldbuilding section at the back of the volume, it's also pushed by the central library to promote cultural tolerance among its readers, which is very cool of them 👍! The central library and its librarians seem very interesting as well, can't wait to learn more about them in their offices in further volumes. the magic system has some potential but at least in this volume it's not heavily explored, but I would love to learn more about spirits that can apparently enchant books.

[pretty pictures]

before continue I'd love to share some of this books incredible art!

I especially liked this page-turning pair of two-page spreads

and this is that worldbuilding section I talked about

[Characters]

All the characters were very interesting with the exception of the townsfolk who understandably didn't get many lines. 

Theo is the quintessential kid protagonist, staying very nice and polite even through all the racism he goes through on the daily basis. That’s not saying he’s some kind of saint, he loathes his long ears, pale complexion, and blonde hair, that differentiate him from the townsfolk, wishing he wasn't shunned. He also feels guilty for making his sister have to provide for him and his education.

Tifa, is an especially hard working and caring sister to Theo, working dawn to dusk to put him through school and give him opportunities that she never had because she can’t read. My hope is that she isn’t relegated just to flashbacks after Theo leaves town.

The Kafans (librarians)

from all the librarians has to be Pipiri, a rowdy pixie like creature, the primary representative of the restoration office, her off the cuff and silly yet knowledgeable personality with her expressive movement quickly endured me to her. I especially liked her interactions with her junior and protogyny Nanako, where she is often the butt of the joke.

Nanako herself is a grate character. She’s fairly reserved but not shy and highly skilled for her age and experience. her mild nature plays perfectly off  Pipiri’s hot and brash nature; even though she seems somewhat demining in their interactions it’s obvious Nanako admirers if mothing Pipiri’s skills as a  restorer, a position with Nanako is dedicated mind and soul.

Sedona despite being the Kafan we spend the most time with didn't feel especially interesting. Only after I had some time to reflect, I realized that she was the only person we saw using magic,  I assumed magic was not that rare among Kafans but it's possible it's rare and mostly concentrated in the members of the Protection office.

Lastly, there’s Anzu, the head of the expedition and an experienced member of the liaisons office. Let's get this out of the way first she's a MILF with a hard M, she's a mother of six with what has to be a very dedicated husband. She's by far the most experienced and knowledgeable in the group. I liked her a lot!

[Final thoughts]

Overall I really liked My Magus of the Library! The story is fairly simple and straightforward, but the characters and worldbuilding make it a unique and enjoyable take on the fantasy genre. It's got a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to the next volume (actually in the time it took me to write this I already bought the next volume, but haven't touched it yet).

If you like good worldbuilding and appreciate libraries this is a manga for you

[nekolah]

Magus of the Library (図書館の大魔術師) by Mitsu Izumi

[food4dogs]

MAGUS OF THE LIBRARY

Vol. 7 arrived! 🤸

[mechadeimos]

[fendaira]

[cvrsndstff]

7th Garden Volume 8 (Story & Art by Mitsu Izumi)

[balu8]

Magus of the Library #1

by Mitsu Izumi

Kodansha