🏰 Light Novel Review: Abducted Princess Running Rampant: Wielding Forbidden Magic in the Demon King’s Castle Vol. 1 by Hiroshi Nagamatsu (Kindle Edition)
A rebellious holy princess, a demonic castle, and a thirst for adventure—Volume 1 kicks off a fast-paced fantasy romp that flips the damsel-in-distress trope on its head.
🧠 Overview
Published in May 2025 by J-Novel Club, this debut volume introduces Mil, a holy princess born with divine powers who’s spent her life blessing adventurers and dreaming of joining their quests. Her wish comes true in the most unexpected way—she’s kidnapped by the Demon King and forced to use her powers for his dark army. But instead of despairing, Mil sees this as her chance to finally live the adventure she’s always craved.
In a castle filled with cursed weapons, demonic instructors, and forbidden spellbooks, Mil begins her transformation—not into a victim, but into a formidable force.
✨ Key Themes & Highlights
- 👑 Subverted tropes: Mil isn’t waiting to be rescued—she’s mastering dark magic and plotting her own escape
- 📚 Fantasy RPG flavor: The world is filled with dungeon lore, magical systems, and leveling mechanics that feel game-inspired
- 🧙♀️ Forbidden magic: Mil’s journey from divine healer to rogue spellcaster adds tension and intrigue
- 😂 Comedic undertone: Despite the dark setting, the tone is light and humorous, with Mil’s sass and stubbornness driving the narrative
“She’s determined to have the adventure she has always longed for—even if it means mastering forbidden magic!” — Amazon description
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.83/5 from early readers
- 📖 Fans praise the story’s energetic pacing, quirky protagonist, and fresh twist on fantasy tropes
- 🧾 Some note that it feels like a setup for a longer arc, with Volume 1 laying the groundwork for bigger conflicts
- 💬 “Mil is chaotic in the best way—she’s not just surviving, she’s thriving in the Demon King’s castle.” — Reader comment
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 25 pages, it’s a quick read—more of a prologue than a full arc
- 📚 Series potential: Volume 1 sets the stage for future installments, so expect more character growth and worldbuilding ahead
- 🎮 Isekai-adjacent: While not a reincarnation story, it shares many traits with the genre—ideal for fans of lighthearted fantasy with strong female leads
🏁 Final Verdict
Abducted Princess Running Rampant Vol. 1 is a fun and fast-paced fantasy short that introduces a heroine who’s anything but helpless. With its blend of magical mischief, dungeon lore, and rebellious charm, this Kindle edition is a great pick for readers who enjoy light novels with a twist of chaos and empowerment.
