Spice and Wolf by Isuna Hasekawa
This is the first in a series of Japanese light novels about feudal fantasy economics.
No, wait. This is the first in a series of Japanese light novels about a merchant, Lawrence, who meets a wolf demon, Holo, who is believed to be the harvest god of a village. Holo is not a god, but has stayed in the village for centuries to help with the harvest for centuries. The villagers, however, do not appreciate her help and take her for granted, cursing her when they aren’t happy. So, deciding that she’s fulfilled her promise, Holo decides to leave with Lawrence. Lawrence thinks it may not be a good idea to upset centuries old spirits with fangs until he knows if she likes to eat people. Wise man.
But really, it’s all about economics and bargaining and trading, which apparently doesn’t change over the centuries. But the economics are quite fun, and I like the view of the “capricious” god from the “god’s” POV, and how Holo’s deciding that she was through with that was actually a smart choice, and not a whim.
There’s also a manga series and anime based on the novels, both of which are licensed, but I haven’t checked them out yet. Can anyone tell me if the first season of the anime covers just this book, or if it covers more?
No, wait. This is the first in a series of Japanese light novels about a merchant, Lawrence, who meets a wolf demon, Holo, who is believed to be the harvest god of a village. Holo is not a god, but has stayed in the village for centuries to help with the harvest for centuries. The villagers, however, do not appreciate her help and take her for granted, cursing her when they aren’t happy. So, deciding that she’s fulfilled her promise, Holo decides to leave with Lawrence. Lawrence thinks it may not be a good idea to upset centuries old spirits with fangs until he knows if she likes to eat people. Wise man.
But really, it’s all about economics and bargaining and trading, which apparently doesn’t change over the centuries. But the economics are quite fun, and I like the view of the “capricious” god from the “god’s” POV, and how Holo’s deciding that she was through with that was actually a smart choice, and not a whim.
There’s also a manga series and anime based on the novels, both of which are licensed, but I haven’t checked them out yet. Can anyone tell me if the first season of the anime covers just this book, or if it covers more?