Review of Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 2

And we are back with Mayne! The first season was a great discovery, and this second season remains in its lineage and goes even further Story: 8/10 The second season makes a fairly radical change from the first, because now the story focuses on the Church and Mayne's new position as a blue robe We thus discover the mode of operation of the Church, as well as the whole system of caste and nobility (where the first season revolved more around trading, merchants and peasants) The story is cut out in the form of challenges and obstacles that Mayne continues to encounter. After having finally obtained what she wanted(access to the library), her preoccupations will move away (only partially of course!) from books in order to take an interest in the people around her.

Art: 5/10
It's the only flaw of the anime in my opinion
The level of animation is low and this is particularly felt in certain scenes (such as the last arc with the Knights and the gorgeous non-animation of their mounts)
The artstyle is sometimes shaky but I don't mind at all. It is really the lack of animation during certain scenes which gives a certain ridiculity to this anime
However, note the effort not to use CGI in anything

It is however a shame to see that Ajia-Do apparently sacrificed the animation of Bookworm and preferred to focus on Kakushigoto, another anime from the studio having been released at the same period.
The lack of animation is visible but personally it does not lower my general appreciation of the anime

Sound: 8/10
It is generally the weakest point of my reviews because I do not pay much attention to music except when it is impressive
If most of Bookworm's OST are...normal, I noticed some remarkable and surprising pieces at several times
The anime also uses a good number of traditional instruments (or at least, it gives the air of it), which strongly strengthens the integration into the universe of Mayne

Character: 9/10
The cast of Bookworm has grown significantly with the arrival of Mayne at the Church
The introduction of her servants (not to be confused with those of Fate) allowed several key characters to intrude
It was very nice to see the evolution of these characters (my favorite being Fran), even if I find that the mini-arc of Delia resolved a little too quickly
The development of the character of Mayne is more discreet but is present enough to be noticed, without it making a 180 ° so far
My favorite character of this season will however be a new one: Ferdinand
He is understanding, affectionate towards Mayne (and even becomes his confidant) but that does not prevent him from berating her when necessary, and guiding her in normal times. Mayne owes him all the good things that has happened to her in the Church. He is a very well written and highly sympathetic character

Enjoyment: 9/10
Following Mayne's adventures is always a pleasure
I never thought I would appreciate an isekai like this, a slice of life moreover, and that it could distract me as much

Overall: 9/10
This second is in line with the first
If we can blame it for its weak animation, we can forgive it because this anime is really a hidden gem !