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The Strongest Knight is Actually a Cross-Dressing Noblewoman?! by Iota Aiue Art by: Hakusei Translated by: Grantas Sirekis
Bernstein, the Lunar Ice Knight... is actually a cross-dressing noblewoman. She's popular with the ladies and even with her classmates in the all-boy military academy. Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Finally, a four flowers reverse harem from the publisher, Cross Infinite World! (See Levels of Reverse Harem. Three or more guys having romantic interests with the heroine.) The titles I've read before with CIW tend to be kinda reverse harem and with this book, I was nervous it may not reach three males who are interested in her... and it exceeded my expectations. And so we're going not going to break down the bishonen list so it would be a surprise for you.
There's no clear main guy at the start to keep you guessing but it will become apparent soon. But still, I enjoyed each moment she had with them and as well as the flashbacks, and the multiple POVs from the guys. These are the charms of this book. I'm used to reading middle-grade fiction and wholesome titles from CIW and this is the most risque I read so far. It makes me wish to see all the touchy-touchy situations in anime but then again we would miss hearing their thoughts. When we get into their perspective it feels like we are invading their private thoughts. Never thought I'd feel this way about a book. Really in books? The way they describe her makes me feel half-embarrassed to intrude into their thoughts while also finding myself almost falling for the heroine too.
On the flip side, everything seems to be perfectly in favor of Bern and the conflict is predictable. But one thing that I must commend is that it didn't go to the usual gender-bender hijinks. In fact, it went above and beyond. After being a long-time fan of gender bender it was only in recent years that I learned it is actually a problematic trope especially if the guys don't know her biological gender. But before I knew it, I totally forgot all about my worries while reading the book. The book is all about gender fluidity and having gay relationships are just very natural for them. And why do I have this nagging feeling that this light novel seems like fanservice for gender bender sake? But I don't mind.
It was easy to get into the voice of the book like I was already used to it and it turns out it was by Iota of As The Villainess, I Reject These Happy-Bad Endings! Both are standalone novels by the way but the latter is not a reverse harem. The world-building in The Strongest Knight is done gracefully. It's not over the top but if you step back there's a lot going on with the details.
There is a disconnect though for me of who my favorite guy is because I read this while my life was really hectic. I was too engrossed with the story that I didn't fully internalize the lovely art. Storywise it will be the second lead and last guy but looks-wise it is the main guy. I wished I'd savored it more so I could have properly set my confused heart in order.
This has a winter vibe written all over it. And if this is your seasonal drink it's hot, steaming cocoa. Sip the relaxing slice of life-ish feel with a dash of spiciness. Intimate and mixed with gender bender done right. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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