English Dub Review: Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke “Charlotte’s Baptism”

Overview

Charlotte is officially welcomed to the Archduke’s family, but there is danger lurking in the shadows.

Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, Ascendance of a Bookworm finally delivers some much-needed tension with an attack that puts Rozemyne and those around her in danger. While the political intrigue adds an interesting twist, the execution leaves plenty to be desired. The royal knights are embarrassingly incompetent, with Damuel making some baffling decisions, while Bonifatius steals the show with his glorious, rage-fueled beatdown. His protective grandpa instincts are easily the highlight, but the action itself feels surprisingly goofy considering how serious the situation should be.

Unfortunately, this episode’s execution leaves much to be desired, with underwhelming direction, music, and pacing weakening its more intense moments. The guards’ questionable decisions also make parts of the episode feel unintentionally comical rather than suspenseful. Thankfully, Bonifatius’s furious grandpa energy provides a glorious highlight, even if the action could have benefited from stronger direction and greater intensity.

Overall, this episode is a frustrating mixed bag that demonstrates both the strengths of the source material and the weaknesses of its adaptation. I’m glad the story is finally introducing some meaningful tension, but the rushed pacing has made it difficult to fully appreciate these developments. Bonifatius provides a memorable highlight, yet the direction leaves plenty of room for improvement. With only one episode left this season, I’m hoping the finale can deliver the emotional payoff and stronger execution that *Ascendance of a Bookworm* desperately needs.