🔥 Book Review: Demon Lord, Retry! Volume 10 by Kurone Kanzaki (Kindle Edition)
A pivotal turning point in the series, Volume 10 blends political upheaval, magical dominance, and emotional closure—Kurone Kanzaki continues to expand the world of Holylight with sharp strategy and surprising warmth.
🧠 Overview
Published in August 2023 by J-Novel Club, Demon Lord, Retry! Volume 10 is a short but impactful installment in Kurone Kanzaki’s ongoing isekai fantasy series. The story follows Akira Ono, a game developer trapped in the body of his in-game avatar—the enigmatic and overpowered Demon Lord. As ruler of Holylight, he faces the aftermath of a war, dismantles corrupt power structures, and prepares for new threats on the horizon.
At just 18 pages, this volume is more of a narrative bridge than a standalone arc, but it delivers key developments that reshape the political and emotional landscape of the series.
⚔️ Key Highlights
- 🏰 Collapse of Holylight’s Nobility: The central nobles, lured into a trap, are decisively crushed—ending centuries of hoarded power
- 💰 Wealth Redistribution: The Demon Lord initiates a sweeping economic reform, redistributing treasure amassed over 2,000 years to the people
- 🧬 Manami’s Arrival: Tahara’s sister, Manami, is finally summoned to the fantasy world, offering a rare moment of peace and emotional closure
- 🌩️ Foreshadowing Conflict: The calm is short-lived—another fierce battle looms, hinting at deeper cosmic stakes
“The Demon Lord’s rule is no longer just feared—it’s beginning to be understood.”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Amazon ranking: #38 in 30-Minute Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads
- 📖 Fans praise the volume’s strategic depth, emotional payoff, and world-building momentum
- 🧾 Some readers note the brevity, wishing for more action or character interaction—but acknowledge its importance in the broader arc
- 💬 “Short but essential. The Demon Lord isn’t just a powerhouse—he’s a reformer, a tactician, and a surprisingly empathetic ruler.” — Reader review
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Very short format: At 18 pages, it’s best viewed as a transitional chapter
- 📚 Not standalone: Builds directly on Volume 9 and sets up future volumes—new readers should start from the beginning
- 🧾 Limited character focus: Emphasis is on political shifts and setup rather than deep emotional arcs
🏁 Final Verdict
Demon Lord, Retry! Volume 10 is a compact but crucial installment that reshapes Holylight’s future and deepens the mythos of the series. Kurone Kanzaki balances reformist strategy with magical dominance, offering longtime fans a satisfying blend of action, intellect, and emotional nuance. If you’ve followed the Demon Lord’s journey this far, Volume 10 is a must-read turning point.
