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agent_walls's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Edelweiss for sending me a copy to review!
As a big fan of FMA and Winry, I'm so happy to see her being basically the forefront for this light novel. It was easy to fall back into the FMA world and it was such a quick, fun read.
It could have just been the formatting of the copy I received, but I did feel sort of jarred during the switching of stories. I didn't feel like the transition was smooth enough between Winry's story and Ed/Alphones'. However, it could have been a weird formatting error on my end.
As a big fan of FMA and Winry, I'm so happy to see her being basically the forefront for this light novel. It was easy to fall back into the FMA world and it was such a quick, fun read.
It could have just been the formatting of the copy I received, but I did feel sort of jarred during the switching of stories. I didn't feel like the transition was smooth enough between Winry's story and Ed/Alphones'. However, it could have been a weird formatting error on my end.
mirocchi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
weebitofreak's review
5.0
It was better than I thought it was going to be. Normal to me when we get a side story about some of the more popular side characters, I find it falls short is some way. I glad this book didn't feel like that. I enjoyed reading about Winry's adventures in Rush Valley and how she became a strong person.
gap_py's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katlyn_m6's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is my favorite show and winry is one of my favorite characters, so it was fun to get the book as a Christmas present. It was a super quick read and I enjoyed it because it read kinda like a fanfic.
nefariousnev's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure if it was the writing or translation that was a bit clunky (I think it was definitely partly the writing, since this shows up in all fma lns, even those translated years ago), and the story is fairly basic, but listen. LISTEN. Winry Rockbell took down the automail mafia in the midst of a nervous breakdown where she was neglecting her work-life balance. That's my girl, and that's sometimes all I need in life.
It was also nice to see a character who unfortunately is kind of a rarely appearing stock homophobic gag caricature in the original manga get to be fully rounded in this story (being both heroic and a good mentor!).
I also appreciate that this light novel touched on some themes the manga wasn't able to fully explore with its packed storyline- Winry's arc is she actually has trouble transitioning to working with clients in a small town where most people know her to a larger city, and also the excitement having more access to materials and tools to help people overwhelms her. She works with a kid she doesn't know and gets into her usual automail nerdery, but feels hurt because he's tired of people implying it will be just like his original leg or better, when that's a loss he's still very traumatized over. This leads to Winry's huge anxiety spiral where she overworks herself because she feels so guilty she tries to address any possible need her customers might ever have, and struggles to balance being a good engineer with anticipating clients feelings when she only has so much brainspace and energy. At the end of the day she realizes it is hard to find that balance, but all she can do is keep at it and try to get better over time. She'll inevitably make mistakes, but since she does genuinely care deeply about her clients and works with them, that will come across.
It actually an interesting exploration of the challenges of being someone who's working in what's essentially a health care field, and as extra as the automail mafia is, the book also makes an effort to show disabled people might be targeted and taken advantage of by anyone wanting to make a profit and the system won't do shit about it until you actually get the entire town to come revolt. It's simple, but it's still nice to see that explored. So yeah, it's not a masterpiece, but overall enjoyable, and it's nice to see my favorite character from the original get a little more time to shine.
It was also nice to see a character who unfortunately is kind of a rarely appearing stock homophobic gag caricature in the original manga get to be fully rounded in this story (being both heroic and a good mentor!).
I also appreciate that this light novel touched on some themes the manga wasn't able to fully explore with its packed storyline- Winry's arc is she actually has trouble transitioning to working with clients in a small town where most people know her to a larger city, and also the excitement having more access to materials and tools to help people overwhelms her. She works with a kid she doesn't know and gets into her usual automail nerdery, but feels hurt because he's tired of people implying it will be just like his original leg or better, when that's a loss he's still very traumatized over. This leads to Winry's huge anxiety spiral where she overworks herself because she feels so guilty she tries to address any possible need her customers might ever have, and struggles to balance being a good engineer with anticipating clients feelings when she only has so much brainspace and energy. At the end of the day she realizes it is hard to find that balance, but all she can do is keep at it and try to get better over time. She'll inevitably make mistakes, but since she does genuinely care deeply about her clients and works with them, that will come across.
It actually an interesting exploration of the challenges of being someone who's working in what's essentially a health care field, and as extra as the automail mafia is, the book also makes an effort to show disabled people might be targeted and taken advantage of by anyone wanting to make a profit and the system won't do shit about it until you actually get the entire town to come revolt. It's simple, but it's still nice to see that explored. So yeah, it's not a masterpiece, but overall enjoyable, and it's nice to see my favorite character from the original get a little more time to shine.
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