The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 is mostly a page-turner as questions about traitors in Octavia and Sirius’s midst force some daring games. However, it feels further away from earlier volumes’ lighthearted fun.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 has less drag than the previous volumes but still feels too convoluted to remain believable. It lacks the proper level of solving some mysteries for the readers while introducing others. Instead, it piles on more questions, making it feel like answers may never come. Still, regarding action, this volume delivers excitement even amidst new questions. The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 is mostly a page-turner as questions about traitors in Octavia and Sirius’s midst force some daring games. However, it feels further away from earlier volumes’ lighthearted fun.
Penned by Mamecyoro, illustrated by Mitsuya Fuji, and translated by Sarah Moon, the fifth volume begins with Octavia and Sirius in the carriage on the way to town. Their plan to suss out the threats is in full effect. But the Yen Press light novel focuses moreso on Sirius’s muddled memories. It’s impossible to know with certainty the series’ end game. However, The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 is a much less frustrating addition, even if Octavia’s internal rants continue to go on far too long.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 Shows Sirius Is Realizing Something Is Off
Although Sirius remains suspicious of Octavia and her adjutant, Klifford, he finally acknowledges his past. Rather, Sirius realizes that his memories, particularly those including Octavia, differ from those around him, including his friends. This aspect of the story is both fascinating and incredibly annoying. After all, the story has not shown anyone else with doctored memories. While Octavia suspects Rust, there are no clues as to what or who altered Sirius’s memories. But this volume does a fantastic job of showing the siblings’ dynamic.
A Traitor Plot and Family Secrets
Octavia’s monologuing continues forever in its annoying rants. However, Octavia is observant and sharp regarding what occurs around her. So, soon, she realizes who the threat is among their ranks. Yet, it feels incomplete in this volume. Still, it feels less like a villain and more like a misunderstanding akin to many villains in series like Naruto. Some clues in The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 are not adequately presented for readers, which lowers the quality of Octavia’s problem-solving and the story.
Rather than seeking clarity, the series unveils another mystery regarding Octavia’s father’s partner. Edgar. She meets Edgar’s parents, and a layer of confusion overwhelms this story section. Although Edgar has been a part of the family for years, Octavia has never met her grandparents on his side. In addition, there is some resentment and distrust that the volume fails to clarify. So, while there’s great action and readers once again get to see Klifford’s skills, there is so much outside of it that falters.
Too Many Puzzle Pieces
The prominent issue with The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 and previous volumes is how they open a mystery and close it without further exploration in the next volume. So, there’s a sense of whiplash in the reader who enters the next volume expecting one thing and receiving another. Readers learn Octavia died in her previous life and was reborn in her favorite BL series. Then, there is the question of who Klifford is and what their relationship is. Plus, there’s Rust Byrne, who looks exactly like the man Octavia saw after she died, Sirius’s memories, questions about their royal history and her younger brother, and more. It’s too much.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 entertains with the action, and seeing the sibling dynamics holds the reader’s attention. Yet, simultaneously, there’s frustration with how the series refuses to answer questions left unresolved in previous volumes. Also, each volume tacks on a newer mystery to unravel. When it started, the series was one of my favorite light novels. However, the series continues to cloud answers for readers, so The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices 5 is amusing and annoying.
