I'm a bit conflicted about this novel, to be honest. However, I would definitely recommend giving it a read, especially the first arc (around 100 chapters), which is pure gold. The character development and portrayal are spot-on, staying true to the original characters while exploring a fourth Grail War that unfolds in a completely different way from the others. If we were to judge based on the first arc alone, it might easily make it into my top 10 all-time favorites.
Unfortunately, the quality does dip a bit after that. Don’t get me wrong, it remains a very well-written and enjoyable book. However, while the first arc is fast-paced and captivating, with writing that draws you in and makes hours feel like minutes, the subsequent parts lose some of that intensity. It’s still a good read, but it lacks the same level of gripping immersion and vivid emotional impact found in the first arc.
In a way, it feels like the first arc set such a high bar that the rest of the book couldn’t quite match it. If a book improves from mediocre to good as you read, it leaves you somewhat satisfied. But if a book declines from a near-masterpiece to very good, it can leave you feeling disappointed, even though it’s still better than the first scenario.
I won’t delve too deeply into the specifics of what I love about the book, as there’s a lot to discuss and it would involve heavy spoilers. However, I can say that the first arc is a must-read for any Type-Moon fan, and from there, you can decide whether to continue or stop.