This time I dive into the three volumes of Yoshiki Tanaka's Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Ginga Eiyū Densetsu) . I'm stretching the rules a bit with this one though as it's technically a novel and not a light novel. But since it's spawned multiple anime and manga adaptations, I think we can make an exception. 

A Cosmic Adventure

Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes us to a world in which humanity has expanded far across space. We're introduced to two sovereign nations, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. 

The Galactic Empire is a Monarchy that recently experienced a Civil War that left its Emperor nothing more than a figurehead. Now ruled by the brilliant and ruthless Reinhardt Von Lohengramm, the usurper begins to introduce a series of reforms designed to strip the elitist nobles of most of their power and influence. 

On the other side of the galactic pond we have the Free Planets Alliance which advocates democracy but is actually riddled with corruption. The contradiction isn't lost on Yang Wen-Li, Commodore of the Second Fleet and bane of the Galactic Empire, but for him all he seeks is a quiet peaceful life. Unfortunately though, both the ruling powers of the Alliance and his enemies in the Empire won't let him be. 

In Volume 1, Dawn, we are introduced to these warring factions and a third player, the Phezzan Dominion. Filled with political intrigue, espionage and space warfare, we meet a huge cast of characters as they try to survive and protect their nation's way of life. The Alliance and Empire are unaware of the forces that pit them against one another as a growing conspiracy takes root in the first book and spreads its tendrils into the remaining volumes. 

Reading List

If you like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, then try out this manga. 

• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Vol. 1- Activation by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko

Not a fan? Then give this light novel a try instead.

• Yukikaze by Chōhei Kambayashi

The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, provided by Argofox.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.