Ever wondered what would happen if you bound yourself to an ancient, world-ending creature... who insists you call them Henry? Welcome to the chaotic, heartwarming, and wildly imaginative world of "My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror" by Actus, with stunning illustrations by Kisaragipana. Published by Vault Books and book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours, this LitRPG fantasy promises a unique blend of magic school hijinks, slow-burn power fantasy, and the charm of your favorite shonen anime.
Here’s why this book is a must-read for fans of Mage Errant, My Hero Academia, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a copy of the book!
My Review
The story introduces us to Damien Vale, a mage-in-training with an otherworldly twist: he’s bound to an Eldritch Horror from beyond time and space. This cosmic entity, with its penchant for destruction and cryptic wisdom, surprisingly adopts the oddly human moniker Henry.
Damien’s life takes a turn when he enrolls in Blackmist, a mage college that’s as dysfunctional as it is dangerous. Between surviving the eccentricities of his mad teacher, dodging suspicion from an alcoholic dean, and hiding Henry’s true nature from the entire magical world, Damien has his hands full.
While he yearns for the quiet life of a magical researcher, Damien is thrust into battles, conspiracies, and the looming threat of a world-ending apocalypse — ironically, one that he might have to prevent with Henry’s help.
What Makes This Book Stand Out
⭐ A Perfect Blend of Genres: This story masterfully combines slice-of-life storytelling, LitRPG mechanics, and shonen action vibes. Think power-leveling magic battles meet heartwarming friendships, all wrapped in an atmospheric magic school setting.
⭐ Henry is a Star: The dynamic between Damien and Henry is both hilarious and touching. Henry’s ancient wisdom, mixed with its sardonic humor and endearing quirks, gives the story a fresh twist.
⭐ Shonen Manga Energy: Fans of anime like One Piece or So, I’m a Spider, So What? will adore the vibrant action sequences, comedic timing, and the protagonist’s determined grit.
⭐ Stunning Artwork: Kisaragipana’s illustrations breathe life into this tale, vividly capturing the essence of the characters and their world.
What I Loved 💖
The nostalgic feel of shonen anime resonated deeply with me. The storytelling reminded me of the intense camaraderie and action-packed pacing of shows like My Hero Academia, with an added dose of quirky humor and LitRPG stats. The world-building at Blackmist is richly detailed, balancing chaos and intrigue in a way that keeps you hooked.
What Could Be Improved 🤔
While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I craved a bit more internal conflict or emotional depth from Damien. However, I acknowledge this is a hallmark of the genre, where external action takes precedence over introspection. This is a minor critique that didn’t detract much from my enjoyment.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5 stars)
With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and the delightful absurdity of an apocalypse-bound friendship, My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror is a stellar read for fans of LitRPG and magic school adventures.
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