Spy x Family: Family Portrait

*REVIEW WITHOUT SPOILERS* A fun and interesting addition to the Spy x Family series, the novel pleasantly surprised me with its official Polish publication. As a fan of the manga, I was excited to dive into this new release and explore more of the beloved characters and their adventures. CONSTRUCTION: The light novel consists of 5 chapters, each containing short stories involving the familiar characters from the manga. However, what intrigued me the most was the chapter centered around Franky, where we are introduced to a new character who is surprisingly well-developed and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. The other chapters cover various events,such as Anya's thrilling camping trip with her classmates, Yuri's endearing moments taking care of Anya, Franky's exploration of a newfound love interest, and a curious encounter with an unknown artist during the Forgers' picnic. Additionally, there's a really short chapter at the end, clocking in at a mere 5 pages in the Polish release. While its brevity prevents detailed description without spoilers, it still manages to deliver something noteworthy. ILLUSTRATIONS: Tetsuya Endo's artwork throughout the novel brilliantly captures the essence and atmosphere of the chapters. The illustrations bring the characters and their vibrant world to life, immersing the reader in the Spy x Family universe. However, I must admit that I encountered a slight issue with the last drawing. It felt as though the author took a slightly easier route, opting not to fully depict what was intended. To delve further into this matter would inevitably spoil the experience, so I leave it to you to uncover and form your own opinion. CONCLUSION: I genuinely liked and thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The stories within its pages were well-written, engaging, and skillfully infused with humor. The author masterfully captured the unique traits and endearing interactions of the beloved characters, and my personal favorite moments revolved around the dynamic between Yuri and Anya. As a fan of the main series, I can confidently assure fellow enthusiasts that this light novel is a delightful addition to the Spy x Family universe. However, I must note that while it is a good read, it doesn't quite ascend to the level of something truly spectacular. It remains an enjoyable experience for existing fans, but it may not be an absolute must-read for those unfamiliar with the series. It's just good, nothing better and nothing worse.