Light Novel Review: Rebuild World Volume 1 Part Two - Crazy, Reckless, and Rash - Page 2 of 2

Apart from the story, Crazy, Reckless, and Rash also maintains a satisfactory level of character development. Starting with Akira, this volume emphasizes the basic foundation and details established in the previous volume. Akira is a determined, desperate teen willing to do anything to escape poverty. That includes treating most with apathy and not hesitating to take life. Equally emphasized is Akira’s mystery, to both Alpha and us readers. What seems to drive Akira’s actions beyond that personal desire to become a successful relic hunter is his peculiar internal moral code. This moral code is referenced often throughout as the reason for Akira’s stranger decisions.

Outside of his actions, however, not too many new details or aspects of his character are introduced. He remains dry and distant, lacking substance in personality. He definitely comes off as the means to Alpha’s ends, and his personality, or lack thereof, fits the idea that he is Alpha’s tool. The drawback to this approach, though, is it makes Akira a boring character. His actions are certainly entertaining, but he, himself, is uninspired.

Having said that, there is one aspect introduced that shines. His interactions with Sara early in the volume show that Akira possesses a strong conscience. He was saved by Elena and Sara, forcing him to think back upon his first dealings with them. Though they needed help back then, it was his desire to kill their captors that drove him, not empathy towards the girls. And he regrets that reasoning for his actions despite yielding a morally good result. He hurts from the guilt he feels when he received their genuine gratitude, even though his reasons were compassionless. I’m impressed with how this aspect provides so much of that needed complexity his character lacks. This touch of humanity is a stark contrast to the notion of him being a tool, so I only hope his humanity, as well as that contrast, is developed in future volumes.

Alpha also received notable development, and it’s almost humorous how she is developed in such a way as to appear more human than Akira. And yet, the elements most reinforced by that comparison are the artificial qualities of her being. Alpha is truly an AI in both aspects of that acronym. The undertones of a program masking itself as a living, feeling person is wonderfully implied throughout the read. Her mimicry of compassion, friendliness, and flirtatiousness all possess a strikingly real feel. I also appreciate when that human quality contrasts with the moments when we readers are acutely reminded that everything she is and does is a cold, calculated act of personification by an AI program. One which possesses unimaginable intellect, is constantly learning, and at the same time lacks real heart and emotion. An elaborate performance to gain control over her means to her own ends. Simply put, this volume builds upon and emphasizes the fact that Alpha is so much more than just a mere guide or companion to Akira; she is a mystery herself with near limitless potential.

Crazy, Reckless, and Rash also offers the supporting cast their moments to develop, while also revealing how these characters will interact with Akira and each other, connecting together to form the webs that will support future plotlines. Sheryl receives substantial development this volume, as we experience the myriad of emotions she suffers through and the mental gymnastics she performs in order to endure the chaos of her new situation. It all works into an impressive arc for her, as we witness her transformation from someone with fragile emotions and a brittle mental state, to her renewing confidence in herself. We also see more from Katsuragi, who was introduced late in The Alluring Specter, but has had a big presence since then. That presence, his charisma and energy, carries over to this volume. He seems to be someone who will be closely tied to Sheryl moving forward, so having another big personality for Sheryl to contend with should be a sight to see later on. Then we have new additions to the cast; a rival around Akira’s age named Katsuya, and his two companions, make their debut. From the get go, we see a wealth of feelings and thoughts from Katsuya; jealousy towards Akira when witnessing Akira’s performance, an overzealousness to defend himself and his companions, and a selfless, almost destructive need to save or protect others. He and his companions also have connections with Sara and Elena, so I have no doubts we’ll be seeing more of them soon.

Lastly, Sara and Elena have some great development this volume. In the main story, we get to see a caring, more nurturing side to the duo, who take Akira in and watch over him after saving him. They have their doubts about him, essentially realizing that he has the ability to connect to the Old Domain, yet their thoughts towards him are entirely protective, caring, and friendly. These points are further reinforced in the side story where we see to just what lengths Elena will go for her friend, and how Sara is willing to step up to anything for Elena’s sake, too. Their personalities are the lights in this dark, dystopian world, a powerful contrast to the violence and chaos the story depends on, and a wonderful reminder that there still exists goodness in the bleakest of times.

Rebuild World Volume 1 Part Two – Crazy, Reckless, and Rash is a praiseworthy follow up to The Alluring Specter, building upon the strengths of the previous volume and solidifying the foundation to an intriguing series. The story is energetic and exciting, though dips too far into fantasy at times, and the world building remains strong. The impressive contrast continues, making scene styles and emotions felt by the cast more outstanding. Empathy versus apathy, violence versus lighthearted humor, the contrast between scenes, thoughts, and feelings help to reinforce the complexity and diversity of personalities and the world they exist within. This is an easy recommendation for those who enjoyed The Alluring Specter, as well as those seeking action and mystery within a dystopian setting. With plenty of empathy and winsomeness, and characters that continue to impress with their depth, Crazy, Reckless, and Rash is pleasingly much more than its namesake.