We left Volume 1 of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica  (魔法少女まどか☆マギカ) light novel series from Summer Comiket 2011, with Madoka suffering badly from the consequences of her inaction. Volume 2 begins with the fatal consequences of bad decision-making by another one of the cast. (Note: no spoilers, because if you have not yet watched this series, I hope you will and don’t want to ruin it for you.)

At its lowest point, the story switches perpsective, something that radically shifts the entire story from something we thought we knew where it was going, to a whole different path. We turn to Homura’s point of view and it turns out that her story is very unexpected. As I read this novel I had two thoughts, one of which is a huge spoilerish thing and, so, unsharable for the moment.

The other thought was in reference to something I have considered about on and off for years – about how, as a child I read fairy tales and wanted , like Utena, to save the princess. And how, in this series, one princess saves the other only to have her turn it around and save her in return. This was, as I pondered it, even more satisfying than it was at first viewing.

Quite interestingly, the end of this novel is slightly extended past the end of the anime. Just a few moments past, but the addition was lovely.

As a Light Novel version of the anime, I think this was very good. In Volume 2, we actually did gain some insight into Madoka’s actions (and inaction). Although Kyouko’s, Sayaka’s and Homura’s backstories were not apparently different from those of the anime, the additional epilogue – short as it was – added volumes to the narrative.

Ratings:

Overall – 9

All in all, a very satisfying read.

I will not be reading the Puella Magi Madoka Magica – A Different Story or Innocent Malice, so there is an opportunity for one of you to step in and write a review if you so desire. ^_^

Once more, my very sincere thanks to Zyl for sponsoring this review!