This time, we get to meet a few new members of Sara's extended family; see that there are parts to the kingdom that barely qualify as fantasy, due to general lack of monsters and dungeons, and thus also of adventurers; and get a glimpse of what Sara's life might have looked like if she arrived, well, pretty much anywhere else but where she did. Some old characters make an appearance, not entirely unexpectedly, and some of them show a very different side this time. And there's a distinct lack of wolves all around.
Despite being yet another series with a guild of monster hunters and a lot of monster hunting going on, it's never just about that; monsters and dungeons aren't unimportant, but most volumes they're obstacles and threats, while the actual opposition is usually uncaring or egotistical people. And this time there isn't even much of that, and the book's even more laid back, leaning towards slice of life while on a monster hunting mission more than anything else. Which is not to say nothing happens or there's no drama, of course.
I'd say, for me, one of the biggest draws is just following along with Sara's story, because she's honestly such a nice character - interesting, likeable, strong and full of ideas, but never the only one who matters. Also a huge plus in my book, it's the sort of story where being OP is not nearly as important as getting along with people, having a good head on your shoulders or supporting each other.
I also wanted to note that, in some ways, the books feel almost like they weren't Japanese, because of how obvious it is that Sara has an amazing potential - and she doesn't let anybody, not even herself, to pressure her to live up to that potential, because it just isn't the direction she want to take her life. And that's honestly such a great message, and much healthier than all those stories that treat potential almost as a destiny or a duty, and push their protagonists to always give it 100%...
