Dubfan

(Spoiler Free Review)

No objectionable content (TV-PG).

Recently, I've been looking into the English dubbed anime on Crunchyroll. (It is very hard to find the dubbed anime on Crunchyroll using the PS4 application, but I found a work-around.) 

After watching the isekai anime: 

1. High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World! (3/10)

2. The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter (3/10)

I've been skeptical of isekai anime on Crunchyroll. Eye-rolling. 

On the other hand, I did find good isekai shows! I'm very pleased to say that Ascendance of a Bookworm was one of them! I ended up watching the entire season one, season two, and the OVA today. Needless to say the show is captivating and certainly enjoyable.

(Aside: "Isekai" is a genre in anime and manga, in Japanese translated to "otherworld", "different world", or intently "sent to another world", where the character(s) is/are transported (reincarnation, magic portal, etc.) to a fantasy like world. In general for this genre, the transported characters are put on a grand pedestal with physical or magical prowess. Check it out, there are a lot of good isekai anime.) 

Ascendance of a Bookworm goes against the standard isekai norms. The main character, Myne, is frail and bedridden for days on end. She collapses in the middle of the street and must be chaperoned at all times. Nowhere near the physical or magical prowess this genre demands. She must be dependent on others. In fact, the characters are what really make this show. You'll see them grow up right before your eyes. 

We find the story to begin in a town ruled under a medieval caste system. Myne, transported into this new world, as a commoner must endure the concept of nobility. Rank and privilege between the castes. She must throw away pride and dignity. Overcome hardships and make sacrifices. Many events place a strong emphasis on familial love. You may find yourself crying a few times. The plot is continuous and moves at a steady pace. It's not too fast or too slow. Ideal.

The sound is top-notch, especially when using wooden shoes to walk on cobblestone. Animation has a unique style, but sometimes the character height differential is unsettling.

All in all, I rate this anime 7/10 -- Very Good. Give it a try!