Spice and Wolf, Vol. 7

Received the book last night and began to finger through it's pages, planning to savor it until the April release of volume eight, but ended up reading it all in one sitting. Some of you will be disappointed by the fact that two of the stories were covered in the anime adaptation, but I hardly see reason for it. If you read any of the other volumes that had anime featured content and enjoyed them for the little details or added bit of dialog and perspective then you'll be sure to here as well. If there was one thing I WAS slightly disappointed with it was the discontinuation of the just jackets. The new American artwork wasn't quite to my taste, but it helped to keep the artwork I do enjoy clean and would have served to protect it from a stray water droplet or two in the event of such a thing. But such things can be bought and so I won't take away from the product score due to it.The first story is the longest of the three and what for most will be new content taking place a few centuries before Lawrence's time. It follows a somewhat forced journey between a young and naive boy named Klass, who thinks he has things figured out, and an almost bewilderingly unaware girl named Aryes. It is read from Klass's perspective and seems to match up well with the mindset of a ten year old boy. Later on Holo is introduced and seems much her usual self, though it reveals just how deceptive and malicious she can really be when her companions can't keep pace with her plans. It shows her responsible, almost sisterly side, but it shows quite a bit of her irresponsible side too when she takes things a bit far.The second story is one you've most likely partaken in already, but that doesn't mean you should stop the book there. Lawrence and Holo have agreed to continue their journey past the town of Pazzio with the excuse of Holo's debt keeping them tied together. But before they leave, Lawrence has matters to attend to. You'll read about a trip to your favorite cambist, some shop and trade, and enjoy the subtext that comes with reading instead of watching.The third story, although gone over before, is probably my favorite of the three. The celebratory dinner with Norah the shepherdess. Reading it from Holo's perspective is really an enlightening experience into the character and her way of thinking. You learn far more from it than watching in my opinion. There are times when you might think she's set a trap for the unsuspecting Lawrence, but if this chapter serves as a good example for the others, than such is not the case. While she DOES set traps and make sport of him it doesn't always seem to be the object of the game. If you read this chapter you'll be guaranteed to close the book with a smile.All in all anyone who loves the series will buy and read this book cover to cover without a second thought when it comes down to it. Many won't even bother to read any of these reviews because they know what they're getting into at this point. But for those of you who do bother to read this, do yourself a favor and keep picking up the books even if you think you know what's inside. Within it's pages will always be a familiar friend and a malicious smile.

Side Colors is volume 7 in the Spice and Wolf NOVEL series (NOT MANGA). There are 3 short stories - the first is ~120 pages and the other two are ~40 pages each. The first story takes place before the Spice and Wolf main story (pre-Lawrence). It is told through Holo's point of view as she meets some young traveler's and journeys with them for a short time. The second was actually adapted into the Spice and Wolf anime. It is about Holo and Lawrence buying clothes and exchanging money. The third story was also adapted into an anime special. Holo, Lawrence, and Norah have dinner, but Holo falls ill and Lawrence has to take care of her.Overall, nothing in the main story arc has advanced. This book was just a series of side stories and little snippets the author decided to write. In the ending word from the author, he says that the main reason for writing this book was to give some stories from Holo's perspective for a change from the main story, where it is all from Lawrence's perspective. If you have already watched the anime, this book is a little disappointing because you will know two of the three stories. Nonetheless it is still a fun read if you are a fan of the series.If you have been keeping up with the novel releases, you'll be happy to know the publisher, Yenpress, has decided to once again increase production speed. Their goal is to release a new book every 4 months or so. So, Volume 8, which will continue the main story, releases in April, 2013. Quickly following it is volume 9 which will be released in August.

Rating system:1 star = did not like2 star = it was okay3 star = liked it4 star = really liked it5 star = it was amazingThis volume is referred to as Side Colors, because it contains three short stories as a break from the events of the main story.The first story is a prequel novella called The Boy and the Girl and the White Flowers. I didn't like this one much because, in my opinion, Holo comes off as very mean. The perspective follows a boy named Klass as he and a girl named Aryes are traveling alone after having been evicted from their home.The second story is only about thirty pages. It's called The Red of the Apple, The Blue of the Sky. It takes place after the events of volume one, while Holo and Lawrence are still in Pazzio. This is the only story with any commerce elements in it. The premise surrounds their need to buy Holo clothing, and their eventual need to have warmer clothes since they will be heading North.The third, and final, story, is about fifty pages long, and is titled Wolf and Amber Melancholy. It takes place after volume two. Holo gets sick before they can leave town, so Lawrence must take care of her. The story is written in her perspective, and I think it explains a lot about why she acts the way she does. This is the only time the series has shown her perspective so far, and I'd like to see more of it.After averaging out my individual ratings for each story as a whole for the book, my rating comes to a 3/5.

Being the kind to like background, I enjoyed this book. As with the other books, sometimes telling who is actually talking can be a bit of a challenge. But other than that, the book is a great read. Having just finished the anime a week before reading this book, it was cool to see just how close the show held. But it also lets me know that if I want to read through the story again, I don't necessarily need to read the first few books, except to get a bit more insight you may not get if you're as thick as Lawrence. The first chapter is the only one not covered in the anime if you've seen it. The other two are covered almost word for word. However the extra perspective you get is quite helpful to those who don't read people as well as some.

If you loved the other novels, although this is slightly different, featuring side stories rather than a direct sequel to the sixth book.It offers a story from Holo's perspective, which is a treat and another where we see a younger and sisterly side of her.Worth the buy

Bought for my son, a huge fan of this series, he loved it, now have to order Vol.8

I bought this book as a birthday present for my friend. The service from the seller was good and the book itself was as expected. A good quality,sturdy book that is hopefully making my friend very happy.

Great series.

Ich bin seit langem ein "Spice and Wolf" Fan - brillianter Humor, witzige Wortkaempfe zwischen Holo und Lawrence und kaufmaenisches Grundwissen machen die Geschichte anders und interessanter als die bisherigen Mangas mit denen ich es zu tun hatte. Wer den Manga mag, sollte die Buecher lieben - man bekommt einen viel besseren Einblick in die Welt von Holo und die Details zu ihrer Beziehung mit Lawrence machen das Lesen zu einer riesigen Freude. Empfehle es allerdings nicht Lesern, deren Englisch schwach bis mittelmaessig ist - viele Begriffe koennten da unverstaendlich wirken. Ansonsten ein Muss fuer jeden Spice and Wolf Fan, Short Stories als nette Abwechslung zur Hauptgeschichte. Werde die Serie weiterhin sammeln!Wichtig - das erste Buch kam mit einem anderen Titelbild aus, was spaeter geaendert wurde. Ab dem Zeitpunkt bekommt man alle weiteren Baende auch mit zusaetzlichem Umschlag, auf dem die Cosplay Version zu sehen ist. Sollte man vorher woanders bestellt haben, auf Unterschiede achten, da das Cover nicht immer dabei ist.