Full review here: https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/review-of-spice-wolf-volume-3-by-isuna-hasekura... ( )

Oh, Kraft. You would think that after squeaking out a victory in Ruvinheigen with the armor racket that Lawrence would think twice about getting into a risky financial maneuver – but this is Lawrence we're talking about, and the stakes aren't just for financial gain but for the hand of his own traveling companion.

Yes, for the first time, Lawrence is in serious jeopardy of losing Horo’s companionship forever. But what is Horo to him, actually? It’s this question that dominates this volume of Spice & Wolf and makes it a memorable one.

You can read my full review of Isuna Hasekura's light novel over at my blog: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/ ( )

Ein bisschen schwächer als die vorherigen Bücher, finde ich. Hasekura verwendet dafür mehr Zeit auf die Charakterisierung, was mir wiederum gut gefallen hat. Im Gegenzug ist der Wirtschaftsteil diesmal einfacher verständlich gehalten und beschäftigt sich mit Termingeschäften (Margin Trading). ( )

1, 2巻よりもぐっとふたりの心理描写が深まり、かつ種族を超えた恋の、そして相手への想いが記されており好感。1巻は貨幣の再鋳造に伴う貨幣価値変動、2巻は金の密輸と、いずれも我が身に離れた話と言えるが、先物取引はそこまで他人ごとではなく、ストーリーとして採用されたことに疑問を感じない。ホロが狼になっておらず、ファンタジーにあらず、この巻のみだと単なるコスプレ小説であるともいえるが、まあいいか。 ( )

Micro-economics in my fantasy novel!? Its more likely then you think. Once again Lawrence and Holo fine themselves in a new town on their journey to find Holo's home only this time it looks like Lawrence has a rival, Amati, for Holo's companionship and is dragged into a challenge to manipulating the local market by Amati who in an act of youthful brashness wants to marry Holo with a bit of underhanded but legal buisness dealings thrown in to shake things up. It may sound dry but the spice and wolf books have done a good job of making the adventures of a traveling merchant entertaining (see my reviews for books one and two in my 2010 list). You also get to see a step forward in Holo's and Lawrence relationship although for the most part in this one it a bit rocky as secrets that Lawrence has kept about Holos home are reveled. Lawrence as a character probably has the most growth while Holo fear of being left all alone is reintroduced. Overall another good adventure that has me still entertained over a subject that might seem dull. ( )