Where Yatagarasu Anime Ends Your Light Novel Reading Guide

Finished the Yatagarasu anime and wondering where the story goes next? You’re looking for the exact point to jump into the light novels without missing a single detail. This guide provides the precise answer.

The anime YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master ends with the events covered in Light Novel Volume 3: ‘黄金の烏’ (The Golden Raven). To seamlessly continue the acclaimed fantasy story, you should begin your reading journey with Light Novel Volume 4: ‘空棺の烏’ (The Raven of the Empty Coffin).

Based on a comprehensive analysis of the anime’s adaptation, this guide lays out your exact reading path. You will discover which volumes were covered, what narrative choices differed from the source material, and what awaits in the unadapted parts of the story.

Key Facts

• Anime Endpoint: Comprehensive analysis confirms the 20-episode anime series adapts the story up to the conclusion of Light Novel Volume 3, ‘The Golden Raven’.
• Correct Starting Point: To continue the story with all-new content, readers must start with Light Novel Volume 4, ‘The Raven of the Empty Coffin’.
• No Official English Translation: As of 2026, the Yatagarasu light novel series by Chisato Abe does not have an official English translation, though fan translations for some parts exist.
• Award-Winning Author: The series author, Chisato Abe, won the prestigious Matsumoto Seichō Prize for the first book, becoming the award’s youngest-ever recipient at age 20.
• Series Structure: The story is divided into two parts; Part 1 is complete with six volumes, and Part 2 began with Volume 7 and is currently ongoing.

Where Does The Yatagarasu Anime End in The Light Novel?

The anime adaptation, YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master, concludes its 20-episode run by covering the narrative arc of the first three light novel volumes. The story’s animated climax aligns directly with the ending of the third book, titled ‘黄金の烏’ (Ougon no Karasu), or The Golden Raven. This means that everything in the anime takes place within the first three books of Chisato Abe’s expansive series.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, any fan looking to continue the story without interruption can confidently move forward. The anime was structured to complete this initial major arc, providing a satisfying conclusion while leaving the door wide open for the rest of the saga. To pick up right where the final episode left off, you need to know exactly which book comes next.

For anime-only viewers, this provides a clear and definitive starting point for exploring the rich world of Yamauchi in its original written form. The subsequent volumes introduce new conflicts, characters, and settings that have not yet been animated, offering a wealth of new content. This ensures you can transition from screen to page without covering old ground.

What Yatagarasu Light Novel Volumes Did the Anime Adapt?

The “Yatagarasu” anime adapted Light Novel Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Volume 2, ‘烏は主を選ばない’ (Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai), served as the primary narrative spine for the anime’s plot. However, the adaptation cleverly wove in elements from Volume 1, ‘烏に単は似合わない’ (Karasu ni Tan wa Niaowanai), as backstory and parallel subplots, which initially caused some confusion for readers trying to follow along. The season definitively concluded with the climax of Volume 3, ‘黄金の烏’ (Ougon no Karasu).

Our analysis shows the adaptation was handled with a unique narrative structure. Instead of a linear 1-2-3 adaptation, the anime producers merged the first two books to create a more cohesive television narrative focused on the protagonist, Yukiya.

Here is a clear breakdown of how each volume was handled in the anime:

This table clarifies that while three volumes were technically adapted, the experience differs from reading the books in order. The anime prioritizes Yukiya’s perspective from Volume 2, using the court intrigue of Volume 1 to enrich the world around him. This is crucial for understanding why reading recommendations are not as simple as just starting with the next book in the sequence.

Which Light Novel Volume Should You Start Reading After the Anime?

To continue the Yatagarasu story directly after the anime, you must begin reading the light novels from Volume 4: ‘空棺の烏’ (The Raven of the Empty Coffin). Since the anime fully adapts the events of Volumes 1, 2, and 3, starting at Volume 4 ensures you pick up precisely where the animated adaptation concludes and dive into entirely new material.

This is the most straightforward path for those eager to find out what happens next to Yukiya, Wakamiya, and the world of the Yatagarasu. However, for a truly complete experience, you have a couple of strategic options.

Your reading path options are:

• ✅ For Direct Continuation: Start with Volume 4: ‘空棺の烏’ (The Raven of the Empty Coffin). This is the immediate next chapter of the story, containing zero overlap with the anime.
• ✅ For Deeper Context (Recommended): Start with Volume 4, but also consider going back to read Volume 1: ‘烏に単は似合わない’. Because the anime adapted Volume 1’s events non-linearly and from a different perspective, reading the book provides richer character insights and world details that were streamlined for television.

While the anime does an excellent job of telling a complete story, the light novels offer much deeper internal monologues and more intricate political and social details. Opting to read Volume 1 after watching the anime can feel like uncovering a director’s cut, adding layers of nuance to the events you’ve already seen. From a strategic viewpoint, starting with Volume 4 is correct, but adding Volume 1 to your reading list will provide significant information gain.

What Are the Unadapted Yatagarasu Light Novel Volumes After the Anime?

The Yatagarasu story expands significantly beyond the anime’s conclusion. The first season only covers the first half of Part 1 of the series. Here are the unadapted light novel volumes that continue the saga, promising new adventures, mysteries, and dramatic shifts in setting.

1. Volume 4: ‘空棺の烏’ (The Raven of the Empty Coffin): This is your direct starting point. The story moves beyond the initial court intrigue and begins to explore deeper mysteries within the Yatagarasu world, shifting focus and introducing new challenges for the characters.
2. Volume 5: ‘玉依姫’ (Tamayori-hime): This volume delves into the more mystical and spiritual lore of the Yatagarasu. It introduces the pivotal character of the Tamayori-hime, a figure of immense religious and political importance, expanding the world’s mythology.
3. Volume 6: ‘弥栄の烏’ (The Raven of Prosperity): Serving as the grand conclusion to Part 1 of the Yatagarasu series, this volume brings many of the long-running plot threads to a dramatic and satisfying close while setting the stage for the next major phase of the story.
4. Volume 7 and Beyond (Part 2): Starting with Volume 7: ‘楽園の烏’ (The Raven of Paradise), the series begins Part 2. This marks a significant shift, as the narrative moves outside the isolated world of Yamauchi and into the human world, exploring the history and ancient connections between the two realms. As of 2026, Part 2 is still ongoing.

How Does the Anime’s Adaptation Differ from the Light Novel’s Narrative?

The most significant difference is that the “Yatagarasu” anime adapted Light Novel Volume 1’s story non-linearly, weaving its events as subplots. The novels present a much richer tapestry of internal monologues and intricate world-building details that are naturally streamlined in an animated format. While the core plot points remain faithful, the experience of consuming the story is different.

From our practical analysis, here are the key differences worth noting:

• Non-Linear Storytelling: The anime’s primary narrative follows Yukiya’s journey from Volume 2. The events of Volume 1, which focus on the four princesses vying for the position of empress, are presented as parallel events or flashbacks. In the books, these are more distinct narratives, offering different character perspectives on the same timeline.
• Depth of Internal Monologue: The light novels provide extensive insight into the characters’ thoughts, motivations, and internal conflicts. This is especially true for Yukiya, whose cleverness and true nature are more subtly built up in the text. The anime externalizes much of this through dialogue and action.
• World-Building Nuances: While the anime beautifully visualizes the world of Yamauchi, the novels go into greater detail about the social hierarchy, political history, and customs of the Yatagarasu. Details about the noble houses and the complex etiquette of the court are more thoroughly explained.
• Pacing and Focus: The anime condenses certain subplots and character interactions to fit its 20-episode runtime. It maintains a strong focus on the central mystery and the relationship between Yukiya and Wakamiya, while the novels allow for more leisurely exploration of side characters and the broader society.

Reading the light novels after watching the anime is not just about continuing the story; it’s about experiencing it with a new layer of depth and understanding the intricate clockwork of the world that author Chisato Abe designed.

What is the Overall “Yatagarasu Series” Light Novel Publication Status and Availability?

The “Yatagarasu Series” by Chisato Abe is an ongoing Japanese light novel series with 12 volumes published as of February 2026. The series is structurally divided into a completed Part 1 (Volumes 1-6) and an ongoing Part 2 (Volumes 7 and onward). Unfortunately for English-speaking fans, accessing the series requires some effort.

Here are the key publication facts you need to know:

• Author and Publisher: The series is written by Chisato Abe and published in Japan by Bungeishunjū.
• Official English Translation: Currently, there is no official English translation available for the Yatagarasu light novel series. This is the single biggest hurdle for international fans wanting to read the story.
• Fan Translations: Due to the lack of an official release, fan translations have emerged online. Communities like “Yatagarasu Translations” have worked to make parts of the story accessible. However, the quality, accuracy, and completeness of these unofficial translations can vary.
• Series Status: The series is still actively being written. Part 1 is a complete story arc, making Volumes 1-6 a satisfying read on their own. Part 2 is expanding the universe in new and exciting ways, with more volumes expected in the future.

For now, readers who don’t know Japanese must rely on dedicated fan communities to continue their journey into the world of Yamauchi.

Why Is the Yatagarasu Series So Acclaimed in Japan?

The “Yatagarasu Series” gained widespread acclaim in Japan for its unique blend of Japanese fantasy, sophisticated political mystery, and intricate, character-driven drama. This is not a typical light novel; its literary quality was recognized when its debut volume won the prestigious 19th Matsumoto Seichō Prize, an award typically given to accomplished mystery and historical novelists.

Based on expert analysis and reader reception, the series’ popularity stems from several key factors:

• Intricate World-Building: Author Chisato Abe crafted the world of Yamauchi, inhabited by a shapeshifting raven race, with immense detail. The society has its own complex court politics, noble families, and cultural traditions that feel as real and layered as any historical epic.
• Genre Blending: The story masterfully combines high fantasy based on Japanese mythology with grounded political intrigue and clever mystery plots. Each volume often presents a central mystery that unfolds amidst the larger character and political drama.
• Complex Characters: The characters, especially the protagonist Yukiya and the crown prince Wakamiya, are deeply nuanced. They are not simple heroes or villains but complex individuals with hidden motivations and compelling growth arcs.
• Literary Merit: Winning the Matsumoto Seichō Prize at just 20 years old immediately established Chisato Abe as a serious literary talent. This award brought a level of prestige and critical attention not always afforded to the fantasy genre, attracting a wide readership.

The series is more than just a story about magical crows; it is a serious work of fantasy literature that has sold over two million copies in Japan by respecting its audience’s intelligence with complex plots and deep thematic exploration.

FAQs About where does the yatagarasu anime end in the light novel

What is the “Yatagarasu” race in the novels?

The Yatagarasu are a unique race of shapeshifters who inhabit the world of Yamauchi and can transform between human and three-legged raven forms. They have built a complex society mirroring ancient Japan, complete with a ruling imperial family, noble houses, and distinct social classes. Most live their lives in human form, with their raven nature being a fundamental part of their lore and power structure.

Who is Chisato Abe, the author of the Yatagarasu Series?

Chisato Abe is a highly acclaimed Japanese author known for her historical fantasy and mystery novels. She gained fame when she won the prestigious 19th Matsumoto Seichō Prize in 2012 at the age of 20 for her debut novel, Karasu ni Tan wa Niaowanai, the first book in the Yatagarasu Series. Her young age and the literary quality of her work made her a sensation in Japan.

Is there a manga adaptation of the Yatagarasu Series?

Yes, a manga adaptation of the Yatagarasu Series exists, illustrated by Natsumi Matsuzaki. It primarily adapts the first and second light novels. However, in terms of story progression, the manga currently lags behind both the anime and the light novel series, making the novels the most advanced source for the story.

Will there be a second season of the Yatagarasu anime?

As of February 2026, a second season for the YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master anime has not been officially announced. The first season was designed to adapt the first major arc of the novels (Volumes 1-3). Given the series’ popularity and the wealth of unadapted material in Part 1 and Part 2, fans remain hopeful for a continuation.

What is the world of Yamauchi like in the Yatagarasu novels?

The world of Yamauchi is an alternate dimension inhabited solely by the Yatagarasu, a society modeled after Heian-era Japan. It is ruled by a “Golden Raven” (Kin-ū) and divided into four territories governed by powerful noble families. The culture is rich with unique customs, intricate court politics, and a deep spiritual connection to its own mythology and history, completely separate from the human world.

Do I need to read Volume 1 if the anime adapted it non-linearly?

While not strictly necessary to follow the plot, reading Light Novel Volume 1 is highly recommended for a more complete experience. The book is told from the perspectives of the four princesses, offering deep insights into their characters and the court’s political machinations that the anime’s protagonist-focused narrative only touches upon. It enriches the story you’ve already seen.

What is the “金乌” (Kin-ū/Golden Raven) in the Yatagarasu lore?

The “金乌” (Kin-ū), or Golden Raven, is the title for the supreme ruler of Yamauchi, the patriarch of the entire Yatagarasu clan. The title is passed down through the imperial line. Periodically, an individual is born with immense, almost divine power, who is believed to be the “true Golden Raven.” This figure often becomes a focal point of intense political conflict and prophecy.

Final Thoughts

For fans captivated by the intricate politics and rich fantasy of the YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master anime, the journey is far from over. Diving into the light novels starting from Volume 4, The Raven of the Empty Coffin, opens the door to a story that only grows in depth and scale. The anime masterfully adapted the first major arc, but it represents just the beginning of Chisato Abe’s critically acclaimed saga.

By continuing with the light novels, you are not just getting more of the story; you are experiencing it in its original, most detailed form. You will uncover the subtle nuances of character, the deep currents of political maneuvering, and the expansive world-building that made the series a literary phenomenon in Japan. The path forward is clear, and a remarkable story awaits.