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The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?), Vol. 1 (light novel) (Volume 1) (The Genius Prince's Guide to ... (Hey, How About Treason?) (light novel), 1) Paperback – September 3, 2019
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- Print length184 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherYen On
- Publication dateSeptember 3, 2019
- Grade level8 and up
- Reading age13 years and up
- Dimensions5.65 x 0.44 x 8.3 inches
- ISBN-101975385195
- ISBN-13978-1975385194
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Product details
- Publisher : Yen On
- Publication date : September 3, 2019
- Language : English
- Print length : 184 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1975385195
- ISBN-13 : 978-1975385194
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Reading age : 13 years and up
- Dimensions : 5.65 x 0.44 x 8.3 inches
- Book 1 of 12 : The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?) (light novel)
- Grade level : 8 and up
- Best Sellers Rank: #670,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #497 in Teen & Young Adult Light Novels
- #600 in Teen & Young Adult Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
- #2,557 in Humorous Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find this light novel easy to read and highly entertaining, with one review noting it's full of twists and turns. They like the characters, particularly the fun protagonist, and appreciate the governance themes, with one review highlighting its realistic portrayal of politics.
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Customers find the book easy to read and appreciate it as a fantastic light novel.
"...It's one of the things this book does well, and it does a lot well...." Read more
"The translation of this was pretty good, which was very nice because that meant it flowed well. I really liked the main character and the plot...." Read more
"...The MC is largely well-meaning and quite competent. The hilarity comes when his well-laid plans come home to roost because they succeeded *too* well...." Read more
"Very enjoyable read, it has a lot of humor and the main two characters Wein, and Ninym have a very interesting dynamic...." Read more
Customers find the book highly entertaining and mildly amusing, with one customer noting it's full of twists and turns.
"Governance is tough and full of surprises. This title was full of twists and turns that will keep you laughing and fully engaged." Read more
"...I really liked the main character and the plot. It was engaging, and I wanted more when I finished...." Read more
"...of humor and the main two characters Wein, and Ninym have a very interesting dynamic. Looking forward to succeeding volumes 💯..." Read more
"...I love how the main character deals with his frustration in private, hilarious and reminds us of his age. Looking forward to reading the next book." Read more
Customers like the characters in the book, finding the protagonist fun and competent, with one customer noting that the main character deals with his frustration in private.
"...The relationships between the characters shine, the genius of Wein is undeniable, and there are moments you aren't sure how things are going to turn..." Read more
"...I really liked the main character and the plot. It was engaging, and I wanted more when I finished...." Read more
"...I love how the main character deals with his frustration in private, hilarious and reminds us of his age. Looking forward to reading the next book." Read more
"...a good kingdom building series, especially when combined with a smart protagonist, solid worldbuilding and enjoyable characters...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's approach to governance, with one review noting its realistic portrayal of politics and another highlighting its solid worldbuilding.
"...I love stories about governance, mainly because I love seeing how different people handle difficult situations that don't only affect them, but a..." Read more
"Governance is tough and full of surprises. This title was full of twists and turns that will keep you laughing and fully engaged." Read more
"...It was engaging, and I wanted more when I finished. I liked the politics, which I appreciate in books, and how the main character kept hilariously..." Read more
"...larger metaplot in a "Great War of Kings" and shows a relatively realistic view of politics. MINOR SPOILERS after this point...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2021Format: KindleVerified Purchase"Governance is about human behavior—a complex, tangled thing involving the thoughts and feelings of all kinds of people."
I love stories about governance, mainly because I love seeing how different people handle difficult situations that don't only affect them, but a large populace as a whole. The thing about ruling countries, is your decisions don't only affect you, your people, or your country. Your decisions can have implications for other countries as well, and we get to see that in this book.
It's one of the things this book does well, and it does a lot well. The relationships between the characters shine, the genius of Wein is undeniable, and there are moments you aren't sure how things are going to turn out. I loved that. I'm really interested to see how our titular genius handles things going forward.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2022Format: KindleVerified PurchaseGovernance is tough and full of surprises. This title was full of twists and turns that will keep you laughing and fully engaged.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe translation of this was pretty good, which was very nice because that meant it flowed well. I really liked the main character and the plot. It was engaging, and I wanted more when I finished. I liked the politics, which I appreciate in books, and how the main character kept hilariously despairing when his plans to get rid of his country failed. It was highly entertaining. I'm excited for volume 2 to release in December. 4 stars!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe Light Novel has often been disparaged. The isekai genre in particular, often strongly associated with formulaic power fantasy, is the most common type of light novel that springs to mind.
Happily, this is not that kind of novel. The MC is largely well-meaning and quite competent. The hilarity comes when his well-laid plans come home to roost because they succeeded *too* well. Sometimes his intentions are entirely misread by his subordinates which do not come across as egregious. It is not blind faith but rather trust in a ruler that has consistently been shown to care for them and be quite shrewd in the bargain. Little wonder then that they interpret his actions kindly. Truthfully this story reminds me of nothing more than a Ciaphas Cain novel with a King as the protagonist. It hints tantalizing at a larger metaplot in a "Great War of Kings" and shows a relatively realistic view of politics.
MINOR SPOILERS after this point.
At the start of the story, a hegemon arose in the eastern half of the continent to form a mighty empire. The protagonist, prince of a small but strategically significant state, was thrust upon the throne as Royal Regent due to his father's illness. His plan is to let the inevitable happen and have his state acceed into the Empire on favourable terms rather than be conquered.
Sounds reasonable right? That is when fate decides to intervene and kick off the events of the story.
By the end of the first light novel, astute readers can already see where things are going. Recent events have basically necessitated his intervention in regional politics and so our MC is headed on the path of destiny. Due to some fool thing in the Balkans as it were.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2022Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseVery enjoyable read, it has a lot of humor and the main two characters Wein, and Ninym have a very interesting dynamic. Looking forward to succeeding volumes 💯
- Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2020Format: KindleVerified PurchaseReally enjoyed development of the characters. Good understanding of military leadership, both good and bad sides. I love how the main character deals with his frustration in private, hilarious and reminds us of his age. Looking forward to reading the next book.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2021Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseWein Salema Arbalest is the young crown prince of the tiny kingdom of Natra who has to take over ruling the kingdom when his father falls ill. While a very able ruler, he would prefer to retire wealthy since running a kingdom is a lot of work and has a large risk of costing his life. Working towards his kingdom becoming a vassal state of the large Earthworld Empire, his plans go awry with the death of the emperor and Natran being invaded by the somewhat larger neighbour Marden and both sides underestimate Natra's soldiers and each other's resolve.
Personally I always enjoy a good kingdom building series, especially when combined with a smart protagonist, solid worldbuilding and enjoyable characters. The fact that Wein's plans at times go awry because of unexpected events (more often because of his own paranoia and inability to fully grasp human nature) is a boon. I always disliked extremely convoluted plans that somehow work despite the ridiculous amount of steps that require to succeed before final success. The fact that the novel is a contained story and still very much part 1 of a series is a boon in the light novel genre which is dominated by slice-of-life or slow paced stories. The world is presented as a believable one with both dark and light aspects, humans are humans, people die, and it is not the typical fluffy light novel world. There is no isekai as far as I can see, which is a nice change of pace for fantasy light novels. There is also no apparent magic (yet) or monsters (except the human kind). I don't mind, but it is uncommon for fantasy light novels.
As is common in light novels, there is the occasional boob joke, although it does not fall into the harem tropes (or many other light novel ones). Wein's laziness is presented a bit extreme, but considering a smart guy should be able to get what he wants without always choosing what is best for the kingdom's people, it might just be an act towards his aide. Besides, extreme's expression of emotions should not come as a surprise for light novel readers. The art is good looking, but a bit too cutesy for the story. The cover art and the show are in the front for example suggests a light hearted harem novel with some ecchi moments to me, even though the depicted situations never happens in the book. In fact, the scene's feel out of character for both Wein and Ninym (the white haired girl and very capable aide). A thing I am not too sure about. The storyteller, mostly Wein, is not always honest to the reader mostly to keep things a bit tense for the reader. It serves its purpose, but it feels a bit odd compared to the storytelling style.
All in all, a very promising series for those who love kingdom building, battles, a bit of political plotting. I am very much looking forward to reading the next parts to see where things are going.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWein is a protagonist that's fun and rewarding to root for. Amazon still charges too much for light novels (this is basically a novella) but that's not Toba-sensei's fault.
Top reviews from other countries
raveux pierreReviewed in France on February 16, 20214.0 out of 5 stars interesting
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseVery interesting, for a first volume and get us to want to know more about wein and ninym. I really want to know more about the past of the two so ... well i'll return to my reading of the next volume !!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ( along with "How a realist hero rebuilt the kingdom" )
Ariion DragoaReviewed in Germany on October 1, 20194.0 out of 5 stars Yesss
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseSo awesome, funny well written can't wait for the next book in the series, the prince is a great main character as well and his aide. The funny part are those who misread what he really wants though but it brings the book nicely together.
Sean KershawReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 20225.0 out of 5 stars I loved it.
Format: KindleVerified PurchasePicked up due to the anime, glad I did, extra details and very nice read, highly recommended novel, buying volume 2 now.
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RaulReviewed in Mexico on January 31, 20225.0 out of 5 stars divertida novela
Format: KindleVerified Purchasenovela muy divertida el personaje principal te mantiene todo el tiempo en suspenso pero también disfrutas de tanto como sus planes se completan y como también fallan cuando menos lo esperas
PawelReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 20193.0 out of 5 stars just ok
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchaseits weird, plot twist are that obvious that no one would guess it,
very typical,
short
but its just first volume and it was fun enough for me to buy second one. I will not buy more if it will not be much better tho.








