Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 Manga Review, Parents’ Guide, and Christian Perspective

Our review of Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 explores the manga from a Christian perspective and includes a parents’ guide.

What is Ascendance of a Bookworm?

Ascendance of a Bookworm is a franchise created by Miya Kazuki. Originally a web novel, the series has grown into light novels, manga, anime, audiobooks, drama CDS, and more. Our “overview post” covers the franchise as a whole and is available here.

Is Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga) Worth Reading?

Yes, the first Ascendance of a Bookworm manga is worth reading.

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Synopsis: What is Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga) About?

After Urano Motosu, a dedicated bookworm, dies in the most fitting way possible (an avalanche of books), she is reincarnated into a fantasy world. All Urano—now a sickly five-year-old girl named Myne—desires is books, but this fantasy world is mostly illiterate, and books are nearly impossible to come by.

Refusing to accept defeat, Myne decides to make books herself in a world where parchment costs an entire month’s salary and a body that can barely make it to the bottom floor of her apartment building.

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Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga) Christian Review

Ascendance of a Bookworm is my favorite franchise. I love the anime, the books, the characters, the story, and the premise so much. In the early stages of the story, the premise is fairly light and wholesome.

There are plenty of reasons why the early volumes of Ascendance of a Bookworm can appeal to Christian audiences, but readers should always use wisdom and discernment.

Myne’s Character

Myne does not start out as a very likable character. She is very self-centered and doesn’t care about the others around her.

Making shampoo because she is itchy (and then sharing with others, after she’s used it) or cleaning the bedroom because it’s dirty are things she does that may seem kind on the surface, but all come down to the same motivation: “What can I do to make life better for me?”

All she cares about is books and herself, and it effects the people around her. Her mom stayed home despite it being a busy season because she thought Myne needed her (when, in reality, Myne just wanted books). She pushes her father to purchase parchment for her even after he says no, and only relents after she discovers how expensive it is. Myne plans to manipulate her mother into buying a book, and she wishes Tuuli luck when she goes to the forest, not because she inherently cares, but because Tuuli’s success is necessary for Myne to eat.

Another example occurs when she lays her family’s bedding on the ground so she can stand on it to open the door even though the floor is extremely dirty. She even notes she is sorry and even plans to apologize, but she knew it was unthoughtful and did it anyway.

This reminds me of how easy it is to brush off sin by thinking, “Oh, God will forgive me.” He is forgiving, but repentance involves turning away from sin, not just saying “I’m sorry” and then making the same choices over and over again. We will sin in our lives, and continue to sin even after we are saved, but Christians don’t just accept sin; they bring it to God and ask Him to help them fight it. And, at this point in time, Myne doesn’t really try to fight her selfishness.

[Spoiler] However, there is hope, as she does become a much better person as the series progresses.

Tuuli’s Character

We need to contrast Myne’s character with Tuuli’s because they are vastly different. Whereas Myne is selfish, Tuuli is selfless. She helps her parents take care of the family. She’s very responsible, forages for her family, provides for Myne, and is just a very patient and kind elder sister. When Myne asks her question after question, she helps clarify things for Myne.

Myne clearly irritates her and causes chaos, but Tuuli chooses kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness. Tuuli is a wonderful teacher.

Lutz’s Character

Lutz from Ascendance of a Bookworm is one of my favorite characters, but he doesn’t have much page time (get it, because it’s not screen time?) in volume 1 of the manga. We first meet him when he sweetly offers to carry Myne to the gate (which is a classic Lutz trait; he’s always looking out for Myne’s health), and then see him at least once more when he, Tuuli, and Ralph bring back the sticks Myne requests. Besides that, he doesn’t have much of a role in this first volume, although he will become a key part of Myne’s story in future volumes.

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FAQs for Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga)

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Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga) Parents’ Guide

Does Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) contain any sex, romance, or nudity?

• Gunther (Myne’s father) changes her clothes.
• Myne’s chest (she’s a little girl) is partially visible as Tuuli wipes her down.
• Myne realizes that Ralph has a crush on Tuuli. Both Ralph and Lutz note that the girls smell good (it’s their hair).
• Lutz notes that Myne is “cute.”
• Blushing.
• Miscellaneous: A very young child has an accident (pee).

Does Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) contain frightening scenes, violence, or gore?

• A character is killed because books crush her. Not overly graphic, but might be difficult for some readers.
• The original Myne (probably) dies and is replaced by Urano.
• Myne’s eyes can appear off-putting on occasion.
• Myne throws a fit when she struggles to communicate and seems demanding/upset. She later clarifies to her sister that she is not actually mad and even says “Sorry.”
• Myne struggles to open the door and falls dramatically. It seems to hurt, but she is okay.
• Effa gets mad at Myne (for good reason).
• A butcher knocks out a chicken and prepares to cut it up. There is some blood splatter, and Myne passes out.
• Tuuli pulls Myne along, and she falls.
• A little child hits another (they’re toddlers).
• Myne’s babysitter is someone she views as neglectful because she only does the bare minimum.

Does Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) contain language or profanity?

• Geez x6 (plus one additional use in the bonus panels).
• “…living here sucks.”
• “…you meanie.”
• “That kinda sucks.”
• “My goodness.”
• Describing something as “hell.”
• “Devilish prankster.”

Does Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) contain alcohol or other substances?

• None.

Does Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) contain magic or spiritual concerns?

• There is a store that sells magical stones.
• “Dear Lord.”
• A character prays for reincarnation that allows her to read. She is reincarnated.
• Myne asks the god who reincarnated if it’s “some kind of cruel joke.” She talks/complains to this being multiple times.
• “Good luck.”
• There’s a temple, and children are baptized at the age of 7. Myne thinks “religion is mandatory” and is not pleased.
• Myne is extremely selfish in this volume.
• “Curse you, nobles!”
• “I pray that it becomes the perfect shampoo.”

Other Concerns

• Myne puts her family’s bedding on the dirty floor so she can try to find books.
• The family throws their waste out of the window.
• Myne plans to manipulate her mother into buying her a book.

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Conclusion: Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (Manga) Christian Review

Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) is a great introduction to Miya Kazuki’s fantasy world. It’s a rather quick and easy read and contains very little questionable content.

As the series progresses, magic, polytheism, and some heavier topics will become more prevalent. Therefore, we recommend Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 (manga) for ages 12 and up with wisdom and discernment.

Photo Credit: Ascendance of a Bookworm Volume 1 Manga cover. Published by J Novel Club. Written by Miya Kazuki, art by Suzuka.