The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World Volume 1 [Manga Review]

Warm and Soothing

Reincarnation stories in manga and light novels are almost always the same – a young man gets reborn in a fantasy world and must save the people from an existential threat. Maybe the genre is subverted with comedy, sci-fi themes, or by making the character some form of critter or monster. Rarely do we get to read a story that’s quiet and romantic within a genre so often dominated by action and doom.

The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World tells a simple, wholesome story. This gentle shoujo romance stars a woman in her thirties who, after being chosen by ‘God’ for reincarnation, chooses to live out her life in another world by running a magically-enchanted book cafe.

If you’re burned out by years of so-so fantasy isekai, come join us for a heartwarming story and a lovely main character pairing in our review of The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World, Volume 1!

To use its original title, Isekai ni Kyuuseishu to shite Yobaremashita ga, Around 30 ni wa Muri na no de, hissori Book Café Hajimemashita, this manga is an adaptation of the light novels of the same name. As we mentioned earlier, this series subverts the usual isekai tropes, focusing instead on a romantic slice-of-life experience. Sure, there might be dangerous monsters lurking in the shadows, and our heroine is certainly empowered with great magic, but the real story revolves around the titular book cafe.

After being randomly chosen by ‘God’ to become a savior of another world, Mizumori Tsukina – a thirty-three-year-old business-woman – rejects God’s offer to make her a strong adventurer, preferring instead to keep the type of stable, simple life she’s accustomed to. With a little holy power, Tsukina is whisked away to the land of Othel, where she establishes a book cafe, using her savior magic for more practical purposes – like keeping the books dust-free, and providing fresh ingredients for the cafe’s menu!

Tsukina’s regular customer – and romantic interest – is the tall and handsome Knight Captain Il, who seeks to escape the hectic nature of his job by relaxing with a good book. He returns daily to the cafe, drawing closer to Tsukina as they get to know each other better and realize they share a similar love of books and food.

The artwork in this manga is brilliant, evoking a magical fantasy-world vibe while staying true to a gentle shoujo design. The details in the cafe, the food, and in the characters are rich and evocative, drawing the reader into the world. We honestly wish we could reincarnate right there into the cafe to read even more beautiful manga just like this!

1. Warm And Welcoming

Like a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, Tsukina’s story is soft and comforting. Her simple desire to run a book cafe appeals not to the traditional ‘save the world’ fantasy, but another type of fantasy – that of simply living your life, the way you wish, quietly and happily. Perhaps that’s the best kind of fantasy – not a power-trip of epic proportions, but manipulating reality to best reflect our true heart’s desires.

In any case, The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World is enjoyable in all the best ways, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, instead inviting you to come back at your own leisure, just like the cafe itself!

2. Slow, Gentle Romance

As with all the best shoujo manga, the romance between Tsukina and Il is carefully paced to deliver emotional beats perfectly on cue. There’s nothing forced about their relationship – it’s simply a meeting of similar bookworms who each find something comforting in the other’s presence. We imagine there’ll be more to come later when Il discovers Tsukina’s true nature as a savior, but for now, their relationship is just blossoming like the first flowers in spring.

Tsukina is smart and resourceful, ensuring she sets herself up for success instead of recklessly reincarnating without thought. She might seem easy-going, but we suspect she’s got an iron will to protect the things she cares about. And although Il appears dark and brooding, he has a softer side that he rarely shows, along with a bantering personality that brings a few well-timed laughs.

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Like curling up beside a warm fire in the dead of winter, The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World makes us feel a little calmer and more peaceful inside. If you’re over the save-the-world isekai, and done with the ecchi-comedy isekai, then perhaps you might like to come around to Tsukina’s book cafe in another world, sit down with a cup of magically-enhanced tea, and ease away your worries.

We know we’ll be there, and we hope to see you too! Leave a comment down below if you’ve read this manga or its light novels, and once again, thank you for reading!

Author: Brett Michael Orr

I’m a writer, gamer, and reviewer of manga & light novels, from Melbourne, Australia. When I’m not creating a new world, I’ll be absorbed in a good JRPG, watching some anime, or reading up a storm!

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