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plantebarn's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lorien13's review against another edition
5.0
When this book first came it, I adored it. I was barely into the manga which was still far from being finished, and the second anime hadn't been created at all. Seeing more of Ed and the others was such a pleasure, I ate these light novels up.
While the first novel's plot has always bothered me, I loved this one. Ed being mistaken as Roy's son was hilarious, and Roy having to fight with his team about him not being a father always cracks me up. Especially since they know how deep his affection for Riza goes, even if they can't acknowledge it cuz it's illegal for them to be together officially (they'll be court martialed).
The only thing that bugged me, now that I've read all of the manga and seen both anime twice, is the end. Roy can pinpoint his flames to someone's eyes. There's no way the final fight with Gael would've gone that way. It would've ended with him walking in the room. He's so brilliant at his alchemy, that's why the first fight with Scar went so badly, because Scar would've been dead without the rain. Of course, that wasn't revealed until Roy faced Envy in the manga, long after the first anime stopped running and these novels were all out in Japan. But that brought it down from 5/5 to 4.5/5 stars for me.
While the first novel's plot has always bothered me, I loved this one. Ed being mistaken as Roy's son was hilarious, and Roy having to fight with his team about him not being a father always cracks me up. Especially since they know how deep his affection for Riza goes, even if they can't acknowledge it cuz it's illegal for them to be together officially (they'll be court martialed).
The only thing that bugged me, now that I've read all of the manga and seen both anime twice, is the end. Roy can pinpoint his flames to someone's eyes. There's no way the final fight with Gael would've gone that way. It would've ended with him walking in the room. He's so brilliant at his alchemy, that's why the first fight with Scar went so badly, because Scar would've been dead without the rain. Of course, that wasn't revealed until Roy faced Envy in the manga, long after the first anime stopped running and these novels were all out in Japan. But that brought it down from 5/5 to 4.5/5 stars for me.
mirocchi's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.0
weebitofreak's review against another edition
5.0
I loved reading the reasoning behind some of the character actions and pacing of the story was nice. It felt like I was reading one of my well written fanfictions stories.
percys_panda_pillow_pet's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stephilica's review against another edition
3.0
Edward Elric and Roy Mustang investigate a series of strange terrorist bombings, in which no one is injured, and a possible connection to a string of kidnappings. The plot is crisp with decent turns, though it is a little simplistic. The themes of public perception, consequences, and revenge are skimmed over (it is a light novel, after all), but their brief address is an interesting side note.
Characters are portrayed well, and fit their canon selves. The prose is simple but serviceable, and occasionally uses very nice metaphors and similes. The action sequences are where the prose really stands out and works the best, but unfortunately, dialogue becomes a little cheesier. A few jokes fall flat, but the book maintains a light and funny tone throughout, and it works well.
While the editing could use some work (there's the occasional awkward sentence, and Hawkeye's rank keeps changing mysteriously), and the novel overall is not as nuanced and complex as the source material, it's enjoyable, with plenty of gags and action to keep things flowing. The Abducted Alchemist a humorous and short little addendum that feels it belongs in the world of FMA.
Characters are portrayed well, and fit their canon selves. The prose is simple but serviceable, and occasionally uses very nice metaphors and similes. The action sequences are where the prose really stands out and works the best, but unfortunately, dialogue becomes a little cheesier. A few jokes fall flat, but the book maintains a light and funny tone throughout, and it works well.
While the editing could use some work (there's the occasional awkward sentence, and Hawkeye's rank keeps changing mysteriously), and the novel overall is not as nuanced and complex as the source material, it's enjoyable, with plenty of gags and action to keep things flowing. The Abducted Alchemist a humorous and short little addendum that feels it belongs in the world of FMA.
knsaph's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
k8hedrick's review against another edition
3.0
Bizarrely positive attitude towards the military considering the source material? That aside it was pretty entertaining even as an adult reading a book intended for children. No regrets.