Light novels
Ascendance of a Bookworm was originally published by Miya Kazuki as a free-to-read web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō from 2013 to 2017. It was acquired by TO Books which published the first volume in print in their TO Bunko imprint with illustrations by You Shiina in January 2015. The thirty-third and last volume was published in December 2023. The series is divided into five parts. The light novel is published in English by J-Novel Club,[7] who released the series between May 2019 and September 2024.[8]
The series continued with a sequel titled Ascendance of a Bookworm: Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy, following the perspective of Rozemyne's close friend Hannelore in her next year at the Royal Academy, after the events of the main series. As with the main series, the Hannelore sequel was originally published by Miya Kazuki as web novel.[9]
Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy
Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy
Manga
A manga adaptation was published by TO Books and follows similar format as the novels. Part 1, subtitled If there aren't any books, I'll just have to make some! (本がないなら作ればいい!), was illustrated by Suzuka, serialized in Comic Corona from October 2015 to July 2018, and was compiled into a total of seven volumes. Suzuka continued to illustrate Part 2, subtitled I'll even join the temple to read books! (本のためなら巫女になる！), serialized in Comic Corona from September 2018 to September 2025, and was compiled into a total of thirteen volumes. Part 3, subtitled Let's spread books through the duchy! (領地に本を広げよう！), is illustrated by Ryo Namino and began serialization in Comic Corona despite Part 1 still being ongoing at the time. Part 3 currently has nine volumes. Part 4, I want to save the Royal Academy's library! (貴族院の図書館を救いたい！), is illustrated by Hikaru Katsuki and began serialization on December 24, 2020, also in Comic Corona and currently has a total of eleven volumes. The manga adaptation is also published in English by J-Novel Club.[7] Part 5, which is going to be illustrated by Suzuka, has been confirmed and would begin publication on January 19, 2026.[89]
Sequel series, subtitled Ascendance of a Bookworm: Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy - A Princess Who Wants to Fall in Love (本好きの下剋上 ～ハンネローレの貴族院五年生～ 「恋してみたいお姫様」), is illustrated by Rei Kusakabe and began serialization in Comic Corona on September 22, 2025.[90]
Part 3
Part 3: Spin-off - At Ferdinand's House (フェルディナンドの館にて)
Hannelore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy
Anime
An anime television series adaptation was announced on March 7, 2019. The series is animated by Ajiado and directed by Mitsuru Hongo, with Mariko Kunisawa handling series composition, Yoshiaki Yanagida and Toshihisa Kaiya designing the characters, and Michiru composing the series' music.[165]
The first season ran for 14 episodes,[166] which aired from October 3 to December 26, 2019, on ABC Television, Tokyo MX, Wowow, and BS Fuji,[167] and covers Part 1: Daughter of a Soldier of the light novel. Sumire Morohoshi performed the series' opening theme song "Mashiro" (真っ白), while Megumi Nakajima performed the series' ending theme song "Kamikazari no Tenshi" (髪飾りの天使).[167]
Other
Nine fanbooks were published by TO Books and released on December 20, 2016,[187] December 9, 2017,[188] November 10, 2018,[189] November 9, 2019,[190] November 10, 2020,[191] November 10, 2021,[192] November 10, 2022,[193] November 10, 2023,[194]
