Goblin slayer vol 1 by Kumo Kagyu

Illustrated by Kousuke Kurose (Illustrator), character design by Noboru Kannatuki
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In this dark fantasy with RPG elements, Goblins often leave their nests in the mountains and raid villages, stealing food, livestock, and kidnapping women.  Adventuring parties undertake quests to exterminate the nests, but often go in unprepared and under-leveled.  If there happen to be female adventurers who are under-leveled, the goblins will kidnap them as well. The goblins have their way with these female prisoners.  On one such adventure party, the Priestess' party is torn to shreds.  Just before she is taken by the goblins, a brave knight, known as The Goblin Slayer, saves her and helps eradicate the nest.  Priestess decides to continue adventuring with Goblin Slayer and helping him in his mission to destroy all goblins everywhere.  Goblin Slayer's village was ravaged by raiding goblins, and he has a vendetta against the entire race.

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This storyline draws heavily on RPG elements, especially within character development and world building.  As far as the first volume, none of the characters have names - they are identified by their class or job.  Goblin Slayer is sort of a nickname, but we don't know his real name.  The heroes can also have level and earn experience by taking on quests, and there is a main "NPC" character who doles out these quests and tries to warn under-leveled characters not to over-extend themselves.  This is a very mature title, but I have been assured that this volume is the most extreme of the series.  Regardless, I don't think I'll be reading more of this series if I have to buy it.

There is lots of gory violence, nudity, and rape.  I would not put this in any K-12 school library.
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Sara's Rating: 5/10
Suitability Level: Adult

Publisher: Yen Press
Publication Date: December 19, 2017​
ISBN: 9780316439725 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 5/10, Suitability: Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Yen Press​