Koujo Denka no Kateikyoushi
Private Tutor to the Duke's Daughter

Edit

I bought this light novel during a book walker J-Novel sale. The synopsis and cover art looked interesting and I decided to get it since it wasn't an isekai (not that I don't enjoy those) I am glad I did. This was a fun read and since no one else has posted a review, I'll obliged.

First-off, the story. The title is pretty self-explanatory. Allen (our talented commoner MC) is given/"coerced" into accepting the job of magic tutor to the Howard Ducal family's second daughter, Tina, and her maid/best-friend, Ellie. The catch being that Tina is unable to use magic despite her family's strong affinity for ... it. So, the main crux of the story involves Allen helping her and Ellie unlock their latent abilities and improve themselves but also solving the deeper mysteries behind his world's magic and his interaction with his supporting cast. Magic system is a good one with structure and proper explanation as to how it works and also how it effects the world building, which is also well done (they use Griffins for expensive courier services😂) Narrative style was done well too. It was in a first-person perspective but flowed seamlessly and never felt stunted.

Characters are well done. The main ones (Allen, Tina, and Ellie) have good dynamic with each other with Allen being the cool level-headed, kinda smarmy but helpful, tutor who is not overpowered but is a badass by his own skill and wits. Tina is a mix between a hime-dere and a bit of tsundere with a heart of gold but given her young age, it's understandable and works well with her character growth. Ellie is the slightly older, shy, klutzy but sweet girl due to her background but she too undergoes good development. Other characters are mainly on the side-lines but they do help move the plot (e.g. The Walkers, Duke Walter, and the professor) Even few characters who are hinted at but don't appear or have larger roles in book 1 (e.g. Lydia the albatross😏) are fun to read.

Art is really good. Not just characters are drawn but even backgrounds to go with them. Facial expressions come off perfect, characters in motion are drawn believably and the few illustrations we do get are enough to help us visualize further scenes.

Overall, a very good first book and I am already excited to read the next volume. I gave it an 8 because I would have liked a few more illustrations but everything else was awesome.