My review of Re:Zero Light Novel Volume 3!
I loved this volume a lot, probably my favourite of the first 3 Re:Zero Light Novels. There's a lot more depth in regards to Rem's character and her though processes. I always felt the anime side-lined her character, so I'm happy to see how well the Light Novels explore it, alongside Subaru and Ram.
Seeing Subaru and Rem grow closer over the volume, especially after Volume 2 is wholesome to see. Subaru's efforts paid off after his previous loops, wherein this one he manages to earn the trust of those around him by allowing himself to fail and show vulnerability instead of aiming for perfection.
Rem's character gets paralleled alongside Subaru's across the volume, and we see how Rem's self hatred impacted the way she treated Subaru and assumed the worst. Subaru's honesty and genuine affection was a first in her life, outside of her sister Ram. Due to this she grows attached.
Ram also gets a lot of internal development, both with how Rem views her, but also her complex dynamic with Roswaal. She's attached to him, as while he's the reason she lost her horn, he's also the only reason she's able to function the way she does. She has a mana shortage otherwise.
We also start to see Roswaal's true character. A conniving, master planner who was behind the bad ends Subaru ended up on in his previous loops. Both at his mansion but also in regards to Elsa in the capital beforehand. It does a good job of antagonising him without making you hate him entirely.
All in all, the Light Novel does a better job at tying the 2nd Arc up as a better whole package. Subaru's development, alongside Rem's feelings which make sense here. Then the conclusion, after Subaru's exhaustive bad attempts he was close to giving up on. I love this series so much.