Fate/Strange Fake

This novel is a spinoff of Fate/stay night, by Narita Ryohgo, set during a war that occurs a few years after the conclusion of the Fifth Holy Grail War. The stage: the city of Snowfield in the western U.S., far from Fuyuki. There, a “false Holy Grail War”, quite unlike the original Holy Grail War, unfolds. There were those who had been keeping an eye on the auguries of the Holy Grail in Snowfield. According to an investigation by the Mage’s Association, the Holy Grail War system in Snowfield was an imitation of the one in Fuyuki. What’s more, the system was incomplete, leading to the exclusion of one of the seven classes and the selection of beings as Servants who ordinarily could not be summoned. It was, verily, a strange fake. As an organ of the U.S. government executes its various plots, the Servants are summoned one after another—

Original Publisher

kadokawa

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Fate/Strange Fake Alright, let's dive into the chaotic world of *Fate/Strange Fake*. This one's been on my radar for a while, and after digging into the available volumes, I've got some thoughts. Created as an April Fool’s joke, this story has evolved into an intriguing addition to the Fate universe, but with a distinct flavor thanks to Ryohgo Narita's writing. ### First Impressions My initial impression was that this is definitely not your typical Fate story. It's got a different vibe, a bit more unhinged and comedic than, say, *Fate/Zero*, while not as straightforward as *Fate/Apocrypha*. It feels like Narita is really allowed to cut loose here, and the setting – a messed-up Grail War in a foreign land – really lends itself to that. ### What Works Well One of the biggest strengths of *Fate/Strange Fake* is its sheer unpredictability. Narita's known for his plot twists, and this novel is no exception. The story is dark, funny, and constantly makes you wonder what's coming next. The characters are compelling, and the messed-up nature of this particular Grail War is a huge draw. I also appreciate the multiple perspectives; it feels like everyone has their own agenda, making for a complex and engaging narrative. ### Areas of Concern The biggest elephant in the room is the author's health. The series is ongoing, and the release schedule has been impacted by Narita's condition. Reportedly, the initial volumes serve more as setup, with the real war kicking off in volume 4. It seems like the story is just hitting its stride, introducing new concepts and fights with huge potential, but the uncertainty around future updates is definitely a concern. ### Final Verdict Overall, *Fate/Strange Fake* is a wild ride that's worth taking if you're a Fate fan looking for something a little different. It’s a unique and engaging story, but be prepared for a potentially long wait between volumes. If you enjoy complex plots, unpredictable characters, and a healthy dose of dark humor, then this one might be right up your alley. Just be aware of the ongoing status and the impact of the author's health on the release schedule.