Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Ex, Vol. 1 (light novel): The Dream of the Lion King (Volume 1) (Re:ZERO Ex (light novel), 1)

In this extra volume, the lives of Crusch and Ferris up until their appearance in the main series are covered. Their past, their struggles, and the reason for their determination are all revealed in style. Their dearest companion, the fourth prince of Lugunica - Fourier - has the real star role of this book, however. His character and the effects he has on Crusch and Ferris are obvious and make the main series all the more enjoyable.For those of you who have read up through the fourth or fifth volume of Re:Zero, the ending to this book may seem predictable (given it is a prequel). Yet I found the journey quite worth it. Some characters from the main series besides Ferris and Crusch show up, new ones are explored, and the lore of the setting is subtly built upon.I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Re:Zero for the quality of its writing. This one was as impactful as any of the other volumes, even with it being a stand-alone story about "side characters."

Even though it's a side story, it's 100% worth the read. I've read all the other novels and I think this is Nagatsuki's darkest material yet, and it really pays off.What a wonderful and expansive world he's come up with, and this book provides some excellent backstory to two important characters that will make you smile, laugh, and cry.

The book really brings Crouch to a new light and gives a whole new meaning to Felix's actions, especially after Gluttony. It really brings a sense of loss

If you are a fan of Re:Zero, and the characters of Felix and Crusch specifically, then I'd highly recommend this one. Even if you aren't a fan of the characters, it still gives a good bit of insight to the recent past of the kingdom before Subaru arrives. It's great, and definitely worth a read!

The characters are adorable as in the Re: Zero Anime and Light Novels, the story is nicely worked, with lots of angst and humor mixed. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to volume 2. This is backstory for side characters in the main Re: Zero story line, with lots of room to see how these characters developed before they took the stage.

The lore of Re Zero is so good. Great read from beginning to end

I was curious about the pair's past as its hinted in the anime that something tragic is the reason for Crusch bid for the throne and Felix's commitment to her cause. The book delivers a rich background and history of the characters. It was fun to read.

Re: ZERO's first side story exploring one of the candidate's of the throne's past, Crusch Karsten, with her knight, Ferris (real name Felix) and the fourth prince of the kingdom, named Fourier Lugnica and the why behind Crusch's determination to be king and bond with the latter characters.I'm glad I read this story given it expands much of this character I like and offers a spotlight on characters that aren't fully explored in the main series. For any fans who want more Re: Zero after dealing with Subaru's fallout. This book takes place between Vol. 6 and 7 and should definitely read it!