Light Novel Review: Cooking with Wild Game Volume 3

Getting back to the positives, perhaps most prominent of emotions this volume is joy, for up to and on the wedding day, although all are rushing every which way to learn and get their tasks done, everyone expresses a pure joy as they do so. And I think Rimee Ruu exemplifies this best, as this ball of energy runs all around to help out wherever and however she can. Through this joy and desire to share it, we also see that she’s quite responsible, possessing an excellent work ethic and thoughtfulness for an eight year old. She even demonstrates real bravery, or perhaps its childish unconcern, when she approaches Kamyua Yoshu alongside Asuta.

Similarly, we see just how boisterous and fun Dan Rutim can be, as he’s always laughing or chuckling, and he rousingly encourages the guests to boldly try the unfamiliar dishes and to eat and drink heartily. And even Donda Ruu has a demonstration of something other than anger, as he gruffly, but thoughtfully offers a word for Asuta not to over fret during his development of a new dish.

The positive emotions run high, yet it’s not only joy and energy being expressed; Sheera Ruu, a daughter of a Ruu branch family, has a memorable introduction as she gives thanks to Asuta for being able to participate in his cooking prep. She shares how her frailty makes her feel lesser, and so her appreciation to participate is heartfelt. She also expresses her concerns regarding her younger brother, Shin Ruu, given how he must become the head of her family after their father is severely injured. There is a shadow over her, though there is growing hope through a passion for cooking, too.

Reina Ruu also has stark development, as her participation in cooking alongside Asuta brings out a wealth of feelings, demonstrating how complex the swirl within her is becoming. She shows flashes of ambition and a drive to learn as much as she can, yet there’s also deep desire and confusion as she doesn’t quite understand her feelings. Then there’s Vina Ruu’s melancholy, and Lala Ruu’s concern for Shin Ruu. Honestly, I could go on and on with how many characters receive significant development, and praise the complexity and authenticity of their feelings.

Cooking with Wild Game Volume 3 immersed me right from the start and made me want more when I reached the end. A fun, entertaining read, the entire volume is truly endearing, as we get to experience this intimate occasion of extended family coming together in celebration for, and of, each other. The story impressively introduces and develops new aspects of life and the world around them, and the character development is some of the deepest and detailed I’ve seen yet in this series. Lastly, I appreciate the prominence of the theme of this series, which Gazraan Rutim eloquently states,”If your joy in living is heightened, then the strength of your wish to keep on doing so grows in turn.” Volume 3 runs with this idea, illustrating the strength and resolve of the people of the forest’s edge, and showing us Asuta’s path to reestablishing and finding new determination for his purpose. I’m looking forward to seeing how this theme, and Asuta’s efforts, will continue to shape the future of the forest’s edge in the next volume.