Ascendance of a Bookworm

Ascendance of a Bookworm (Japanese: 本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～, Hepburn: Honzuki no Gekokujō: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan o Erandeiraremasen; lit. 'Ascendance of a Bookworm: I'll Stop at Nothing to Become a Librarian'), also known as AoaB or Honzuki (本好き) for short, is a Japanese light novel series written by Miya Kazuki and illustrated by You Shiina. It was serialized online from September 2013 to March 2017 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. It was later acquired by TO Books, who published it in thirty-three volumes from January 2015 to December 2023.

Ascendance of a Bookworm
First light novel volume cover, featuring Myne
本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～ (Honzuki no Gekokujō: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan o Erandeiraremasen)
Genre	Fantasy, isekai
Novel series
Written by	Miya Kazuki
Published by	Shōsetsuka ni Narō
Original run	September 23, 2013 – March 12, 2017
Further information Light novel Ascendance of a Bookworm Written by Miya Kazuki Illustrated by You Shiina Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint TO Bunko Original run January 25, 2015[1] – December 9, 2023[2] Volumes 33 (List of volumes) Novel series Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy Written by Miya Kazuki Published by Shōsetsuka ni Narō Original run April 28, 2017 – present Light novel Short Story Collection Written by Miya Kazuki Illustrated by You Shiina Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint TO Bunko Original run October 10, 2019[3] – present Volumes 3 (List of volumes) Light novel Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy Written by Miya Kazuki Illustrated by You Shiina Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint TO Bunko Original run August 10, 2024[4] – present Volumes 1 (List of volumes) Manga Part 1 Illustrated by Suzuka Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint Corona Comics Magazine Comic Corona Original run October 30, 2015 – July 2, 2018 Volumes 7 Manga Part 2 Illustrated by Suzuka Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint Corona Comics Magazine Comic Corona Original run September 24, 2018 – present Volumes 12 Manga Part 3 Illustrated by Ryo Namino Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint Corona Comics Magazine Comic Corona Original run April 30, 2018 – present Volumes 9 Manga Part 4 Illustrated by Hikaru Katsuki Published by TO Books English publisher NA: J-Novel Club Imprint Corona Comics Magazine Comic Corona Original run December 24, 2020 – present Volumes 10 Anime television series Ascendance of a Bookworm (S1–3) Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke (S4) Directed by Mitsuru Hongo (S1–3) Yoshiaki Iwasaki (S4) Written by Mariko Kunisawa Music by Michiru Studio Ajiado (S1–3) Wit Studio (S4) Licensed by Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Sentai Filmworks (home video; S1–2 only) SA/SEA: Muse Communication Original network Tokyo MX ABC TV (S1-2) Wowow, BS Fuji, AT-X (S1–3) ytv (S3) NNS (ytv, Nippon TV) (S4) Original run October 3, 2019 – present Episodes 36 + 2 OVA (List of episodes)

A manga adaptation of the first part with art by Suzuka was serialized online via the Niconico Seiga website from October 2015 to July 2018. It was collected in seven tankōbon volumes by TO Books. Both the light novel and manga are published in English by J-Novel Club. An anime television series adaptation produced by Ajiado aired the first season from October to December 2019, and the second season aired from April to June 2020. A two-part OVA episode was released in March 2020. A third season aired from April to June 2022. A fourth season produced by Wit Studio is set to premiere in Q2 2026.

Plot

The story follows Urano Motosu, a book-loving post-secondary college student and soon-to-be librarian who ends up crushed to death beneath a pile of books at her house during an earthquake. With her dying breath, she wishes to be reincarnated in a world where she can read books forever. Urano awakens in the body of a weak, five-year-old girl named Myne in a world where books are scarce and only available to elites. Myne, retaining her memories from her previous life, decides to create and print her own books so that she can read again.

Characters

Myne (マイン, Main) / Urano Motosu (本須 麗乃, Motosu Urano) / Rozemyne (ローゼマイン, Rōzemain)

Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi^[5] (Japanese); Reba Buhr^[6] (English)

The titular bookworm, Urano (a college student) was on the cusp of being a librarian when she was crushed to death under a pile of books during an earthquake. She reincarnated as a sickly five-year-old girl named Myne, but in a world where books are only for extremely rich nobles. Her frailty is due to a rare disease known as the "Devouring," which consists of high fevers which flares up whenever the host is stressed or depressed. Now, Myne has to put her book knowledge to the test in order to become a librarian in her new world.

Ferdinand (フェルディナンド, Ferudinando)

Voiced by: Show Hayami^[5] (Japanese); Armen Taylor^[7] (English)

The High Priest in the city of Ehrenfest.

Tuuli (トゥーリ, Tūri)

Voiced by: Megumi Nakajima^[8] (Japanese); Lisa Reimold^[7] (English)

Myne's elder sister by one year who follows her mother's craft in becoming a seamstress.

Effa (エーファ, Ēfa)

Voiced by: Fumiko Orikasa^[8] (Japanese); Kirsten Day^[7] (English)

Myne and Tuuli's mother who is a seamstress by trade and works at a dye factory.

Gunther (ギュンター, Gyuntā)

Voiced by: Tsuyoshi Koyama^[8] (Japanese); Kaiji Tang^[7] (English)

Myne and Tuuli's father who works as a soldier and a guard for the city of Ehrenfest.

Lutz (ルッツ, Ruttsu)

Voiced by: Mutsumi Tamura^[8] (Japanese); Jeannie Tirado^[9] (English)

Myne's childhood best friend who helps her in her business of making paper and creating books. He initially wanted to be a traveling merchant, but after being dissuaded by Otto, he decides to work with Myne and be the muscle to her brain. He is the first to suspect Myne is not who she used to be, and in fact taken over by someone else.

Otto (オットー, Ottō)

Voiced by: Satoshi Hino^[10] (Japanese); Joe Zieja^[9] (English)

A former traveling merchant and now soldier and military accountant of Ehrenfest. He teaches Myne how to read and write the language of the new world.

Benno (ベンノ)

Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu^[10] (Japanese); Xander Mobus^[9] (English)

A city merchant who takes Myne and Lutz under his wing and helps them grow their bookmaking business. After realizing the potential Myne and Lutz have at their craft, he is insistent on training them to be merchants and argues against others who want the pair for themselves.

Mark (マルク, Maruku)

Voiced by: Tomoaki Maeno^[10] (Japanese); Brian Anderson^[11] (English)

An assistant at Benno's store who helps Myne and Lutz on their journey.

Gustav (グスタフ, Gusutafu)

Voiced by: Hiroshi Naka^[10] (Japanese); Brook Chalmers^[12] (English)

The head of the Merchant Guild in Ehrenfest and Benno's senior. He agrees to allow Lutz and Myne to become temporarily registered merchants after seeing the products the duo are able to create.

Freida (フリーダ, Furīda)

Voiced by: Aya Uchida^[10] (Japanese); Kayli Mills^[13] (English)

Gustav's granddaughter who wants to buy one of Myne's hairpins to wear at her baptism. Like Myne, she has the incurable illness known as the "Devouring."

Gil (ギル, Giru)

Voiced by: Yūko Sanpei^[14] (Japanese); Laura Stahl^[9] (English)

A young grey-robed boy who is placed as Myne's retainer. He is pompous, brash, and believes himself superior to Myne, even though he is beneath her in the temple hierarchy. He eventually comes around and serves Myne faithfully after she shows him kindness and compassion.

Fran (フラン, Furan)

Voiced by: Shō Karino^[14] (Japanese); Chris Hackney^[9] (English)

A grey-robed young man who is placed as Myne's retainer. He is quiet, follows the rules, and is highly devoted to the temple. He is the first retainer to earn Myne's trust and becomes her right-hand man.

Delia (デリア, Deria)

Voiced by: Chiyo Tomaru^[14] (Japanese); Lizzie Freeman^[9] (English)

A young grey-robed girl who is placed as Myne's retainer. She is out to annoy and frustrate Myne on the High Bishop's orders, hoping she will grow up to be his concubine if she's successful. After Myne threatens to send her back to the orphanage, she changes her ways and serves Myne faithfully but still retains her snarky attitude.

Ralph (ラルフ, Rarufu)

Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame^[14] (Japanese); Danielle McRae^[9] (English)

He is the third of four brothers, and the older brother of Lutz.

Sylvester (ジルヴェスター, Jiruvesutā)

Voiced by: Kazuhiko Inoue^[15]

Media

Light novels

Ascendance of a Bookworm was originally published by Miya Kazuki as a free-to-read web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō from 2013 to 2017. It was acquired by TO Books which published the first volume in print in their TO Bunko imprint with illustrations by You Shiina in January 2015. The thirty-third and last volume was published in December 2023. The series is divided into five parts. The light novel is published in English by J-Novel Club,^[16] who released the series between May 2019 and September 2024.^[17][18]

The series continued with a sequel titled Ascendance of a Bookworm: Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy, following the perspective of Rozemyne's close friend Hannelore in her next year at the Royal Academy, after the events of the main series. As with the main series, the Hannelore sequel was originally published by Miya Kazuki as web novel.^[19]

Volume list

No.	Title	Original release date	English release date
1	Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier Vol.1 Dai Ichi-bu Heishi no Musume Ichi (第一部 兵士の娘I)	January 25, 2015[20] 978-4-86472-342-8	May 20, 2019 (Digital)[17] September 3, 2019 (Physical)[21] 978-1-7183-5600-9
2	Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier Vol.2 Dai Ichi-bu Heishi no Musume Ni (第一部 兵士の娘II)	February 25, 2015[22] 978-4-86472-347-3	July 09, 2019 (Digital)[23] November 5, 2019 (Physical)[24] 978-1-7183-5601-6
3	Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier Vol.3 Dai Ichi-bu Heishi no Musume San (第一部 兵士の娘III)	June 25, 2015[25] 978-4-86472-397-8	September 03, 2019 (Digital)[26] January 7, 2020 (Physical)[27] 978-1-7183-5602-3
4	Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden Vol.1 Dai Ni-bu Shinden no Miko Minarai Ichi (第二部 神殿の巫女見習いI)	September 25, 2015[28] 978-4-86472-424-1	November 10, 2019 (Digital)[29] April 7, 2020 (Physical)[30] 978-1-7183-5603-0
5	Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden Vol.2 Dai Ni-bu Shinden no Miko Minarai Ni (第二部 神殿の巫女見習いII)	December 25, 2015[31] 978-4-86472-447-0	January 20, 2020 (Digital)[32] June 2, 2020 (Physical)[33] 978-1-7183-5604-7
6	Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden Vol.3 Dai Ni-bu Shinden no Miko Minarai San (第二部 神殿の巫女見習いIII)	March 25, 2016[34] 978-4-86472-473-9	April 20, 2020 (Digital)[35] October 6, 2020 (Physical)[36] 978-1-7183-5605-4
7	Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden Vol.4 Dai Ni-bu Shinden no Miko Minarai Yon (第二部 神殿の巫女見習いIV)	June 10, 2016[37] 978-4-86472-492-0	June 23, 2020 (Digital)[38] February 2, 2021 (Physical)[39] 978-1-7183-5606-1
8	Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Vol.1 Dai San-bu Ryōshu no Yōjo Ichi (第三部 領主の養女I)	September 10, 2016[40] 978-4-86472-521-7	August 12, 2020 (Digital)[41] April 6, 2021 (Physical)[42] 978-1-7183-5607-8
9	Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Vol.2 Dai San-bu Ryōshu no Yōjo Ni (第三部 領主の養女II)	December 10, 2016[43] 978-4-86472-540-8	October 19, 2020 (Digital)[44] August 17, 2021 (Physical)[45] 978-1-7183-5608-5
10	Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Vol.3 Dai San-bu Ryōshu no Yōjo San (第三部 領主の養女III)	March 10, 2017[46] 978-4-86472-562-0	January 4, 2021 (Digital)[47] December 7, 2021 (Physical)[48] 978-1-7183-5609-2
11	Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Vol.4 Dai San-bu Ryōshu no Yōjo Yon (第三部 領主の養女IV)	June 10, 2017[49] 978-4-86472-586-6	March 8, 2021 (Digital)[50] March 15, 2022 (Physical)[51] 978-1-71835-610-8
12	Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke Vol.5 Dai San-bu Ryōshu no Yōjo Go (第三部 領主の養女V)	September 9, 2017[52] 978-4-86472-600-9	May 6, 2021 (Digital)[53] May 24, 2022 (Physical)[54] 978-1-71834-622-2
13	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.1 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Ichi (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員I)	December 9, 2017[55] 978-4-86472-634-4	June 30, 2021 (Digital)[56] July 19, 2022 (Physical)[57] 978-1-71834-624-6
14	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.2 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Ni (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員II)	March 10, 2018[58] 978-4-86472-669-6	September 1, 2021 (Digital)[59] September 6, 2022 (Physical)[60] 978-1-71834-626-0
15	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.3 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin San (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員III)	June 9, 2018[61] 978-4-86472-686-3	October 27, 2021 (Digital)[62] November 1, 2022 (Physical)[63] 978-1-71834-628-4
16	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.4 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Yon (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員IV)	September 10, 2018[64] 978-4-86472-724-2	December 22, 2021 (Digital)[65] January 17, 2023 (Physical)[66] 978-1-71834-630-7
17	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.5 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Go (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員V)	December 10, 2018[67] 978-4-86472-764-8	February 16, 2022 (Digital)[68] March 14, 2023 (Physical)[69] 978-1-71834-632-1
18	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.6 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Roku (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員VI)	March 9, 2019[70] 978-4-86472-788-4	April 20, 2022 (Digital)[71] May 16, 2023 (Physical)[72] 978-1-71834-634-5
19	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.7 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Nana (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員VII)	June 10, 2019[73] 978-4-86472-814-0	June 15, 2022 (Digital)[74] July 11, 2023 (Physical)[75] 978-1-71834-636-9
20	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.8 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Hachi (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員VIII)	September 10, 2019[76] 978-4-86472-828-7	August 10, 2022 (Digital)[77] September 12, 2023 (Physical)[78] 978-1-71834-638-3
21	Part 4: Founder of the Royal Academy's So-Called Library Committee Vol.9 Dai Yon-bu Kizoku-in no Jishō Tosho Iin Kyuu (第四部 貴族院の自称図書委員IX)	December 10, 2019[79] 978-4-86472-855-3	October 5, 2022 (Digital)[80] November 14, 2023 (Physical)[81] 978-1-71834-640-6
22	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.1 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Ichi (第五部 女神の化身I)	March 10, 2020[82] 978-4-86472-923-9	November 30, 2022 (Digital)[83] January 9, 2024 (Physical)[84] 978-1-71834-642-0
23	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.2 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Ni (第五部 女神の化身II)	June 10, 2020[85] 978-4-86699-001-9	January 26, 2023 (Digital)[86] March 11, 2024 (Physical)[87] 978-1-71834-644-4
24	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.3 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin San (第五部 女神の化身III)	September 10, 2020[88] 978-4-86699-038-5	April 5, 2023 (Digital)[89] May 13, 2024 (Physical)[90] 978-1-71834-646-8
25	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.4 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Yon (第五部 女神の化身IV)	December 10, 2020[91] 978-4-86699-089-7	May 31, 2023 (Digital)[92] July 8, 2024 (Physical)[93] 978-1-71834-648-2
26	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.5 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Go (第五部 女神の化身V)	April 10, 2021[94] 978-4-86699-133-7	July 26, 2023 (Digital)[95] September 10, 2024 (Physical)[96] 978-1-71834-650-5
27	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.6 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Roku (第五部 女神の化身VI)	August 10, 2021[97] 978-4-86699-241-9	September 20, 2023 (Digital)[98] November 12, 2024 (Physical)[99] 978-1-71834-652-9
28	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.7 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Nana (第五部 女神の化身VII)	December 10, 2021[100] 978-4-86699-380-5	November 15, 2023 (Digital)[101] January 14, 2025 (Physical)[102] 978-1-71834-654-3
29	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.8 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Hachi (第五部 女神の化身VIII)	April 9, 2022[103] 978-4-86699-413-0	January 10, 2024 (Digital)[104] March 11, 2025 (Physical)[105] 978-1-71834-656-7
30	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.9 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Kyuu (第五部 女神の化身IX)	August 10, 2022[106] 978-4-86699-520-5	March 20, 2024 (Digital)[107] May 13, 2025 (Physical)[108] 978-1-71834-658-1
31	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.10 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Jyuu (第五部 女神の化身X)	December 10, 2022[109] 978-4-86699-718-6	May 15, 2024 (Digital)[110] July 15, 2025 (Physical)[111] 978-1-71834-660-4
32	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.11 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Jyuu-ichi (第五部 女神の化身XI)	May 10, 2023[112] 978-4-86699-836-7	July 10, 2024 (Digital)[113] August 12, 2025 (Physical)[114] 978-1-71834-662-8
33	Part 5: Avatar of a Goddess Vol.12 Dai Go-bu Megami no Keshin Jyuu-ni (第五部 女神の化身XII)	December 9, 2023[115] 978-4-86794-022-8	September 4, 2024 (Digital)[18] August 12, 2025 (Physical)[116] 978-1-71834-664-2

Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy

No.	Title	Original release date	English release date
34	Hannelore’s Fifth Year at the Royal Academy Vol.1 Hannerōre no Kizoku-in Gonensei Ichi (ハンネローレの貴族院五年生1)	August 10, 2024[117] 978-4-86794-274-1	May 23, 2025 (Digital)[118] 978-1-71835-973-4
35	Hannelore’s Fifth Year at the Royal Academy Vol.2 Hannerōre no Kizoku-in Gonensei Ni (ハンネローレの貴族院五年生2)	August 10, 2025[119] 978-4-86794-651-0	—

Short Story Collections

No.	Title	Original release date	English release date
1	Short Story Collection Vol.1 Tanpenshū Ichi (短編集1)	October 10, 2019[120] 978-4-86472-852-2	April 24, 2023 (Digital)[121] June 11, 2024 (Physical)[122] 978-1-71834-674-1
2	Short Story Collection Vol.2 Tanpenshū Ni (短編集2)	March 10, 2022[123] 978-4-86699-412-3	January 22, 2025 (Digital)[124] 978-171834-676-5
3	Short Story Collection Vol.3 Tanpenshū San (短編集3)	December 10, 2024[125] 978-4-86794-379-3	—

Manga

A manga adaptation was published by TO Books and follows similar format as the novels. Part 1, subtitled If there aren't any books, I'll just have to make some! (本がないなら作ればいい!, Hon ga nainara tsukureba ī!), was illustrated by Suzuka, serialized in Comic Corona from October 2015 to July 2018, and was compiled into a total of seven volumes. Suzuka continued to illustrate Part 2, subtitled I'll even join the temple to read books! (本のためなら巫女になる！, Hon no tamenara miko ni naru!), which began serialization in Comic Corona on September 24, 2018 and currently has a total of twelve volumes. Part 2 is set to end with the release of its thirteenth volume in September 2025.^[126] Part 3, subtitled Let's spread books through the duchy! (領地に本を広げよう！, Ryōchi ni hon o hirogeyou!), is illustrated by Ryo Namino and began serialization in Comic Corona despite Part 1 still being ongoing at the time. Part 3 currently has nine volumes. Part 4, I want to save the Royal Academy's library! (貴族院の図書館を救いたい！, Kizoku-in no toshokan o sukuitai!), is illustrated by Hikaru Katsuki and began serialization on December 24, 2020 also in Comic Corona and currently has a total of ten volumes. The manga adaptation is also published in English by J-Novel Club.^[16]

Part 1

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	June 25, 2016[127]	978-4-86472-495-1	June 18, 2019[128]	978-1-7183-3800-5
1. A New Life 2. Books: Unobtainable 3. Lifestyle Overhaul 4. Learning to Respect Egyptian Culture 5. Winter Preparations Extra: Myne's Gotten Weird
2	July 10, 2016[129]	978-4-86472-499-9	December 3, 2019[130]	978-1-7183-3802-9
6. Pig Killing Day 7. The Sweet Taste of Winter 8. Helping Out Otto 9. Bring Me to the Forest 10. Finally the Forest Extra: Lutz and the Parue Tree
3	November 10, 2016[131]	978-4-86472-533-0	March 25, 2020[132]	978-1-7183-3804-3
11. I Love You, Yellow River Culture 12. The Mysterious Heat and the Meeting 12.5. Result of the Meeting 13. Road to Washi 14. Summons From Benno Extra: Improving the Food Situation Story: The Baptism Ceremony and the Hairpin
4	February 25, 2017[133]	978-4-86472-554-5	May 13, 2020[134]	978-1-7183-3806-7
15. Lutz's Most Important Job 16. Beginning to Make Paper 17. Lutz's Myne 18. The Merchant's Guild 19. Temporary Registration and a Business Discussion Extra: Coins and the Value of Things Story: Zeg the Apprentice Craftsman
5	August 1, 2017[135]	978-4-86472-602-3	August 12, 2020[136]	978-1-71833-808-1
20. The Guildmaster's Granddaughter 21. Freida's Hairpins 22. Improving Rinsham 23. A Trombe Appears 24. Nearing Winter Extra: The Power of Money Story: Hairpins and the Meeting of Stores
6	February 24, 2018[137]	978-4-86472-664-1	February 10, 2021[138]	978-1-71833-810-4
25. Freida and Myne 26. The Beginning of Winter 27. Family Meeting 28. Resuming Paper-Making 29. Vested Interests Extra: Some Time in the Woods Story: A Long-Awaited Reunion
7	August 1, 2018[139]	978-4-86472-720-4	May 12, 2021[140]	978-1-71833-812-8
30. Freida's Contract and the Baptism Ceremony 31. God-Given Paradise 32. Becoming an Apprentice Shrine Maiden 33. Confrontation 33.5. Negotiations in the High Priest's Chamber Extra: The Pound Cake Taste-Test Event Story: As the Gilberta Company's Successor

Part 2

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	April 25, 2019[141]	978-4-86472-801-0	July 7, 2021[142]	978-1-71833-814-2
1. Apprentice Shrine Maiden in the Temple 2. Meeting in the Temple 3. Why I Collapsed 4. What They Deserve Extra: How to Handle the Myne Workshop Story: Fran and the Commoner Apprentice Blue Shrine Maiden
2	October 5, 2019[143]	978-4-86472-853-9	September 1, 2021[144]	978-1-71833-816-6
5. Gil's Job 6. Everyone Has a Job to Do 7. My Third Attendant 8. The Reality of the Orphanage 9. A Secret Talk with the High Priest Extra: Sister Myne and Me Story: The Other Side of the Orphanage Incident
3	April 1, 2020[145]	978-4-86472-941-3	November 10, 2021[146]	978-1-71837-259-7
10. The Great Orphanage Cleanup 11. The Orphanage Director's Visit 12. Growing Problems 13. Diptychs and Karuta 14. Preparing for the Star Festival 15. The Star Festival Extra: Ordering Ceremonial Robes Story: Gathering Taues
4	October 1, 2020[147]	978-4-86699-056-9	March 16, 2022[148]	978-1-71833-820-3
16. Lutz's Path 17. Running Away from Home 18. Family Meeting at the Temple 19. One Wilma, Please 20. Gifts and an Education Extra: My Son's Growth Story: This Thing Called Family
5	April 15, 2021[149]	978-4-86699-203-7	May 4, 2022[150]	978-1-71833-822-7
21. My New Attendants 22. Attendants of an Apprentice Blue Shrine Maiden 22.5. Christine's Former Attendants 23. Preparing to Make Ink 24. Making Ink 25. Challenging Woodblock Printing Extra: Problems with the Italian Restaurant Story: Preparing for the Baby
6	October 15, 2021[151]	978-4-86699-346-1	August 17, 2022[152]	978-1-71833-824-1
26. Suspicions and a New Connection 27. Preparing Stencils 28. Binding a Picture-Book Bible for Children 29. After Completing the Picture Book 30. The Myne Decimal System 31. Starting Winter Prep Extra: The Story of Cinderella Story: Books and Karuta
7	April 15, 2022[153]	978-4-86699-416-1	February 6, 2023[154]	978-1-71833-826-5
32. Buying Winter Clothes 33. Winter Preparations and the Knight's Order 34. Trombe Extermination 35. During the Trombe Hunt 36. Rescue and Reprimand Extra: Mental Image Story: My First Trombe Hunt
8	December 1, 2022[155]	978-4-86699-689-9	January 24, 2024[156]	978-1-71833-827-2
37. Returning from the Hunt 38. The World of Dreams 39. After Synchronizing 40. Johann's Tasks and the Ink Guild 41. Hunkering Down for the Winter 41.5. At the Karstedt Estate Extra: Exploring the World of Dreams Story: Coming-of-Age Task
9	June 1, 2023[157]	978-4-86699-855-8	April 17, 2024[158]	978-1-7183-3828-9
42. Punishment and the Future 43. The Dedication Ritual 44. Rosina's Coming-of-Age Ceremony 45. Winter's Close Extra: New Sweets Story: The Knight Who Came to the Temple
10	December 15, 2023[159]	978-4-86794-029-7	—	—
11	July 16, 2024[160]	978-4-86794-244-4	—	—
12	February 15, 2025[161]	978-4-86794-455-4	—	—
13	September 15, 2025[162]	978-4-86794-698-5	—	—

Part 3

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	February 1, 2019[163]	978-4-86472-784-6	June 7, 2023[164]	978-1-71833-801-2
1. The Daughter of a Noble 2. The Archduke's Adopted Daughter 3. The Adopted Daughter's New Guard Knights 4. The High Bishop Inauguration Ceremony 5. Reunion with the Gilberta Company 6. In the Hidden Room 7. The Starbind Ceremony (Lower City) Extra: The Knight Commander's Youngest Son Story: My First Letter
2	December 14, 2019[165]	978-4-86472-881-2	October 11, 2023[166]	978-1-71833-803-6
8. The Archduke's Castle 9. Italian Restaurant 10. Hasse's Monastery 11. How to Secure Funding 12. My First Magecraft Lesson 13. The Path to Wax Stencils Extra: Benno and Gustav's Suffering Story: Changes at Home
3	June 15, 2020[167]	978-4-86699-003-3	August 14, 2024[168]	978-1-71833-805-0
14. Picture of Ferdinand 15. Johann and Zack 16. Reunion with Tuuli 17. Lamprecht and Elvira Attack 18. Forming a Highbeast! 19. Completing the Wax Paper Extra: Less and Me (1 and 2) Story: All to See Myne
4	May 15, 2021[169]	978-4-86699-220-4	December 3, 2024[170]	978-1-71833-807-4
20. The Harspiel Concert 21. The Little High Bishop 22. Meeting for the Harvest Festival 23. Inspecting the Monastery 24. Hasse's Orphans Extra: Unwavering Emotions Story: From Tasty Food to Trouble
5	March 15, 2022[171]	978-4-86699-415-4	—	—
6	February 15, 2023[172]	978-4-86699-768-1	—	—
7	September 15, 2023[173]	978-4-86699-946-3	—	—
8	August 17, 2024[174]	978-4-86794-279-6	—	—
9	July 15, 2025[175]	978-4-86794-628-2	—	—

Part 4

No.	Original release date	Original ISBN	English release date	English ISBN
1	March 15, 2021[176]	978-4-86699-132-0	February 26, 2025[177]	978-1-71832-967-6
1. Call Me Urashima Taro 2. Dinner and Cramming 3. To the Royal Academy Extra: What I Know Story: Fruitless Anxieties
2	July 15, 2021[178]	978-4-86699-249-5	April 16, 2025[179]	978-1-71832-968-3
4. Life at the Royal Academy 5. The Better Grades Committee 6. The Royal Family and Nobles of Other Duchies 7. Math, Theology, and Mana Control Extra: Cornelius's Resolve Story: After Her Departure
3	November 25, 2021[180]	978-4-86699-350-8	June 4, 2025[181]	978-1-71832-969-0
8. History, Geography, and Music 9. Highbeast Creation 10. Mana Compression and an Invitation 11. Library Registration Extra: A Sweet Reward Story: Out of My Lady's Sight
4	May 14, 2022[182]	978-4-86699-512-0	—	—
5	November 15, 2022[183]	978-4-86699-690-5	—	—
6	May 15, 2023[184]	978-4-86699-847-3	—	—
7	November 15, 2023[185]	978-4-86794-001-3	—	—
8	May 15, 2024[186]	978-4-86794-177-5	—	—
9	December 14, 2024[187]	978-4-86794-381-6	—	—
10	April 15, 2025[188]	978-4-86794-539-1	—	—

Anime

Main article: List of Ascendance of a Bookworm episodes

An anime television series adaptation was announced on March 7, 2019. The series is animated by Ajiado and directed by Mitsuru Hongo, with Mariko Kunisawa handling series composition, Yoshiaki Yanagida and Toshihisa Kaiya designing the characters, and Michiru composing the series' music.^[5]

The first season ran for 14 episodes,^[189] which aired from October 3 to December 26, 2019, on ABC Television, Tokyo MX, Wowow, and BS Fuji,^[8][a] and covers Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier of the light novel. Sumire Morohoshi performed the series' opening theme song "Mashiro" (真っ白), while Megumi Nakajima performed the series' ending theme song "Kamikazari no Tenshi" (髪飾りの天使).^[8][190] A two-part OVA series (numbered collectively as episode 14.5, both airing on March 9, 2020) consisted of two parts titled "Eustachius's Incognito Operation Downtown" and "Visiting Missus Corinna".^[191][192]

The second season ran for 12 episodes, which aired from April 5 to June 21, 2020, and covers Volumes 1 and 2 of Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden of the light novel.^[193][194] Sumire Morohoshi also performed the second season's opening theme song "Tsumujikaze" (旋風) (Commotion), while Minori Suzuki performs the ending theme "Ephemera wo Atsumete".

The production of a third season was announced on July 12, 2020,^[195][196] which ran for 10 episodes and aired from April 12 to June 14, 2022 on ytv and other channels,^{[197][198][b]} and covers Volumes 3 and 4 of Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden of the light novel. Nao Tōyama performed the third season's opening theme song "Ano Hi no Kotoba" (あの日のことば), while Maaya Sakamoto performed the ending theme song "Kotoba ni Dekinai" (言葉にできない).^[199][200]

A fourth season by Wit Studio covering Part 3: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke of the light novel was announced on December 6, 2023.^[201][202] The season is directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki, with Aiko Minowa as the new character designer and the rest of the staff and cast reprising their roles.^[203][204] It is set to premiere in Q2 2026, on all NNS affiliate stations, including ytv and Nippon TV as well as Tokyo MX.^[205][206]

Crunchyroll streamed the series^[207] and has partnered with Sentai Filmworks for distribution in North America.^[208]

Other

Nine fanbooks were published by TO Books and released on December 20, 2016,^[209] December 9, 2017,^[210] November 10, 2018,^[211] November 9, 2019,^[212] November 10, 2020,^[213] November 10, 2021,^[214] November 10, 2022,^[215] November 10, 2023,^[216] and November 9, 2024.^[217] TO Books also published eleven Drama CDs released on September 9, 2017,^[218] June 9, 2018,^[219] June 10, 2019,^[220] December 10, 2019,^[221] September 10, 2020,^[222] August 10, 2021,^[223] April 9, 2022,^[224] August 10, 2022,^[225] May 10, 2023,^[226] December 9, 2023,^[227] and August 10, 2024.^[228]

Reception

The series has sold over 11 million copies across physical and digital sales combined as of July 20, 2024.^[229] The series ranked fifth in 2017, first in 2018 and 2019, second in 2020 and 2021, third in 2022 and first in 2023, before being added to Hall of Fame in Takarajimasha's annual light novel guide book Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!, in the tankōbon category.^{[230][231][232][233][234][235]}

In 2017, the manga adaptation was ranked seventh at the third Next Manga Awards in the web category.^[236]

The 2nd season of anime was nominated for "Best Fantasy" in 2021's Crunchyroll Anime Awards.^[237]

Notes

1. Wowow listed the show at 24:30 on October 2, which is 12:30 AM on October 3, 2019.
2. Yomiuri TV listed the show at 26:29 on April 11, which is 2:29 AM on April 12, 2022.