***This is a spoiler free review***

Do note that this review will not go into exquisite detail about plot events or the growth and depth of the characters. Instead, my purpose here is to convey the tone and characteristics of this wonderful narrative in order to encourage you to read it.

If I had to use only a collection of individual words (rather than sentences and paragraphs) to describe this light novel they would be words like:

Intense
Gripping
Suspenseful
Unexpected
Despair
Dramatic
Heartwarming

While Ame no Hi no Iris (aka: Iris on Rainy Days) is the first light novel that I have ever read, I must say that I am very impressed with it. Despite its relatively short length and moe main character it is a very well written story that is gripping and chock full of drama and suspense.


-- STORY --

The story's setting is in a world where robots and androids of various kinds are used by humans. Some robots are used to do hard labor, others for military combat, and others for personal use by civilians. Iris is a sentient android who lives with her creator, Wendy Von Umbrella, and serves as Wendy's maid to shop, cook, clean, etc. The two are very close and live an easygoing, peaceful life.

So at first glance, Iris on Rainy Days appears to be a cute and mellow slice of life series. But things certainly don't stay that way. Through a series of morbid twists and turns that I will not spoil here, the story, far from being some sort of naively innocent tale, develops into an intensely dramatic and ominous narrative. There are even a few scenes that can only be described as gruesome. The atmosphere of uncertainty as to how everything will be resolved will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.


-- CHARACTERS --

By far, the most prominent on characters are Iris, Lilith, and Volkov.

All three of them are sentient (Volkov to a less advanced extent). They explore the philosophical question of the meaning of their existence while trying to survive the horrific circumstances they find themselves in.

Volkov is a pure robot, rather than a human looking android with artificial skin like Iris and Lilith. Moreover, his speaking and thinking capacity are less advanced than theirs, and thus his speech is typically brief. Nevertheless, when he does speak it is spot on, concise, to the point, and sometimes even deep and profound.

Iris is kind yet can be timid and over-compliant. Through the hardships and tribulations she comes to value herself, others, and life itself. Most of the character introspection in this light novel is from her.

Lilith has some mild tsundere qualities, which might be either a plus or minus depending upon your preferences. Nevertheless, she shows herself to be an observant, resourceful, and loyal friend.


-- WRITING STYLE/VOCABULARY --

Iris on Rainy days is narrated primarily from the perspective of Iris. So as you would expect, the reader gets a lot of exposure to her inner thoughts and emotions.

The story has an easy to follow writing style that flows smoothly. It doesn't bog down the reader with hordes of perplexing words or ludicrous amounts of detail. So it is highly readable.


-- CONCLUSION --

In spite of this light novel''s cutesy cover art and short length, Iris on Rainy Days pulls a sleight of hand to take the reader on an intense roller coaster ride of suspense, drama, and the raising of existential questions along the way. Much like Madoka Magica's deceptively cute outward appearance, this story also turns the reader's expectation on its head. So give Iris on Rainy Days a try. You'll be glad that you did.