The Fall 2023 Manga Guide

The Conqueror from a Dying Kingdom

What's It About? 

After a life seemingly devoid of meaning, a man reincarnates in a new world as Yuri Ho. Immersed in novel experiences and embraced by parents who shower him with unprecedented affection, his will to live grows like never before. The future that lies before him is a peaceful existence on his father's ranch, breeding and raising birds to be ridden by warriors fighting distant wars.

His new home, the Shiyalta Kingdom, has enjoyed peace and prosperity for centuries, shielded by friendly nations that, like Shiyalta itself, were established following the collapse of a once-great empire. It seems no threat can compromise this idyllic lifestyle. However, when the effects of a neighboring kingdom's war throw Yuri's family into crisis, he finds himself unable to stand by and watch.

The Conqueror from a Dying Kingdom manga has story and art by Muramasa Sabiku based on the original novel series by Fudeorca and character designs by toi8. The English translation is by Shaun Cook, with lettering by Madeleine Jose. Published by J-Novel Club (September 6, 2023).

Is It Worth Reading?

Rebecca Silverman

Rating:

Warning: There's math in this book. In two places, even – our protagonist, Yuri, is blessed with his memories of his previous life in Japan, where he died saving a child from drowning, and that means that when his cousin in his new life has a question about prime numbers, he's more than equipped to answer it, despite being only seven years old. It's a scene that the original light novel author is fond of, because not only does it get a part in the main story, but it's also the subject of the inevitable prose short story at the back of the volume. It's just an odd enough thing to merit mentioning, mostly because math isn't a key component of the rest of the book.

Admittedly, it's hard to tell what will and won't be important in the future because this is a setup volume. It does a better job of it than many similar isekai fantasies, though, with a total lack of creepiness when infant Yuri breastfeeds. He treats his new world with respect and curiosity. Yuri feels (even if he doesn't say) that he's being rewarded. In contrast, he felt disconnected and depressed back in Japan and had neglectful parents. Here, he has a loving family and a fascinating future as a bird rancher. But of course, that's not the whole story: Yuri's father Rook left his noble family to be a rancher in the first place, but his family's not so sure that's acceptable. The political situation is set up to be the driving force of the narrative going forward, but given the title of the piece, it does feel like a safe assumption.

What makes this book work is a combination of an exciting world and its reluctance to engage with too many of isekai's staler tropes. Two girls Yuri's age are introduced, and as I mentioned, he remembers his past life. Still, those are almost incidental to the unfolding political drama and Yuri's relationship with his father. His previous life informs him, but he is not beholden to it, making this much more compelling than it would be otherwise. The art is clean and easy to read while using thick lines in places. I can't speak to how well it adapts the source material, but it's looking like a safe bet if it is in your genre wheelhouse – and maybe even if it isn't.