The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 is a mix of pacing. One moment, the events are fascinating, but there is an interminable drag. While Octavia’s thoughts often entertain, this volume’s prolonged exposition to inform readers of the backstory is interminable. The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 drags too much, making it more of a chore to get through the volume despite some great fights and the unfolding history of the only queen in this world.
Written by Mamecyoro with illustrations by Mitsuya Fuji and translation by Sarah Moon, the volume continues at the ball after servants redo Octavia’s makeup. The Yen Press light novel‘s pacing is too slow. Rather than relaying backstory or necessary information between essential interactions, the volume dumps it in bunches. That’s not to say there is nothing worth reading because there are a lot of question marks around characters’ names. The unfolding thrills hold interest.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 Has Multiple Mysteries
This volume continues giving attention to Sil’s backstory and includes a section where readers get a first-person account from Sil. In addition, there’s what Octavia calls the “Super Sil” mystery. The only issue is that this is the reader’s first chance to know Sil. All previous descriptions and accounts mostly came from Octavia. So, it isn’t easy to feel invested in his character for now. But that’s not the only unfolding drama.
Besides the continued questions about Adjutants and Klifford, there’s now Alex, Octavia’s brother, the Sky Chamber, and the history of the one queen to rule Esfia, Queen Idéalia. For some reason, her name is not even common knowledge. On top of that, Alex sees the past and feels an affinity with Idéalia and her brother. The history told does not match up with his visions. There is Rust, why he looks like the person Octavia saw after she died and his connection to Idéalia. The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 builds an interconnectedness with Octavia’s past life, Esfia’s history, and her present.
Too Much Explaining Dulls the Story
While this story has a lot brewing as it veers away from Octavia’s focus against becoming a breeding machine, the information dumps drag. As readers are newcomers to this world, it’s understandable that Octavia must fill them in. But the prolonged deliveries, such as when Octavia, Rust, Klifford, and Nightfellow traipse through tunnels, stretch out for too long. So, readers’ excitement about what they will encounter when the group reaches their destination fades. Even Octavia’s narration, which is often comical and lively, does not prevent the reader’s boredom from setting in.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 has less drag than the previous story. But as they move from one destination to another, these drawn-out moments last too long to relay necessary details and pull the pacing down. There must be another way to share this information where the discussion is natural, rather than Octavia’s inner thoughts feeding it to readers. Thanks to the action that does occur, The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices Volume 3 scrapes through with surprises and holds attention. But if this continues, the series might start fascinating and become forgettable.
