The Story
The story tells us what happened to all the characters several years after the previous volumes.
That is pretty much it. It is basically an epilogue to the series and it is a fitting one. But I don't think that it deserved it's own novel since it is short and takes up less than half of this novel.
The Characters
We learn what happened to most of the characters after the left the main storyline, but I have one problem with this epilogue. Most of the returning characters are female and only three male characters (Lawrence, Luward and Col) are actually seen and get a fitting conclusion.
Even the shepherdess Norah and Eve, who Holo disliked are in this! And Holo even invited them!
I know that the demographic of this series is mostly male, but that's no excuse to leave out the male characters in the ending! Especially when this series appeals to both sexes and doesn't follow the usual light novel tropes! It makes the ending feel loosely like a harem light novel's conclusion, not a Spice and Wolf conclusion!
The Illustrations
We get a few illustrations in this light novel and they are okay. The main problem with them is that the printing made some of the illustrations too dark to see properly. The expect this sort of problem from Tokyopop's releases, not Yen Press!
In fact, they didn't give this volume much care at all! Other than the illustrations being impossibly too dark to see clearly, the front cover is bad, with Holo covering most of the title, couldn't they have placed it in front of her, moved it lower down, or better yet, shrink the title slightly so the title doesn't say 'Spice & Woi'! Plus, the paper quality has gone down compared to older volumes! And bare in mind, the older volumes were cheaper (£7.99) than this volume! (£9.99). If the quality of the releases went higher, I would be okay with it, but they are actually LOWERING the paper quality! Even Viz Media with there cheaper releases (£6.99) are better quality than this! Heck, even Tokyopop's later releases were cheaper! (Though, they were released in worst quality than this light novel...)
Did the people who released this volume even care about this series and how it was one of the first light novels to be released in English and made light novels popular in the west!?
Final Thoughts
Overall, this conclusion isn't the best out there, but other than a few minor problems, this final chapter of Spice and Wolf was great! But it's short length might turn away casual readers of the series. For those who are diehard fans of the series, you probably have bought it by now. But for more casual readers, I suggest you buy it cheap or rent it.
The Story 4/5 The Characters 4/5 The Illustrations 2.5/5
Overall 3/5
This volume also contains three short stories which I will review here.
Traveling Merchant and Gray Knight
The Story
The story is about a young Lawrence meeting an old knight.
The story may sound simple and plain, but it is an interesting story. The story is told to Holo by Lawrence after seeing a quote on a weapon, which makes it more interesting because it's like your there too listening to Lawrence's story, so it makes the story more magical and a joy to read.
The Characters
Seeing Lawrence as a young merchant is interesting to see, but it's not as interesting as the knight himself. He is a very interesting character and I won't give away why, you just have to find out for yourself!
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is Definitely one of my favourite short stories from the Space & Wolf universe. If you have half and hour to spare, give this short a go!
The Story 5/5 The Characters 4/5
Overall 4.5/5
Gray Smiling Face and Wolf
The Story & The Characters
The story is about Col's thoughts of Holo and Lawrence.
That's pretty much it. But very few people actually like Col and even those fans already know the thoughts of Col anyway, making this short story pointless.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this story isn't and wasn't wanted. It tells us what we already know and it is an overall boring read. Take my advice to skip this one...
The Story 1/5 The Characters 2/5
Overall 1.5/5
White Path and Wolf
The Story & The Characters
The entire story is a conversation between Holo and Lawrence.
It isn't the most interesting and engaging conversation they have had, but it is still fun to read.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this story is a fun read. Good enough to be the final story? Hell NO! The story feels more fitting in a 'Side Colors' novel than the final story of a great series!
The Story 3/5 The Characters 4/5
Overall 3.5/5
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this novel is a slightly disappointing ending to an otherwise great series. It isn't bad, but it leaves more to be desired. And with the lack of care Yen Press gave the series feels like being given the middle finger.
I recommend you borrow this one from a friend or at you local library or buy it cheap.
Epilogue 3/5 Traveling Merchant and Gray Knight 4.5/5 Gray Smiling Face and Wolf 1.5/5 White Path and Wolf 3.5/5
Overall 3/5
