Escape Reality with the Witch and the Beast

"Read the Witch and the Beast" "The Witch and the Beast" is a captivating story that delves into the realms of magic and darkness. Written by Koushun Takami and illustrated by Makoto Sanda, this manga adaptation transports readers to a world filled with mysticism and twisted secrets. The story introduces readers to a witch named Liselotte, a solitary and emotionally scarred outcast. Liselotte's unfortunate encounters with humans have left her with deep psychological trauma and a fear of connecting with others. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she comes across a mysterious beast in the forest. The beast, named Euclid, is a cursed knight who transforms into a monstrous creature due to a wicked spell.

The One uses Magic Leap's own AR user interface, and as development hardware it's clear the company hopes to see additional software come from users experimenting with the device. It functions very similarly to the Windows Mixed Reality interface of the HoloLens, but with a much friendlier menu design based around circles as opposed to Metro's stark square tiles.

A USB-C port on the bottom edge of the Lightpack enables charging with the included power adapter, or connecting to a computer with the Magic Leap Hub accessory. It functions very similarly to the Windows Mixed Reality interface of the HoloLens, but with a much friendlier menu design based around circles as opposed to Metro s stark square tiles.

The beast, named Euclid, is a cursed knight who transforms into a monstrous creature due to a wicked spell. Despite his grotesque appearance, Euclid retains his humanity and seeks a way to break the curse. As fate intertwines their paths, Liselotte and Euclid form an unlikely alliance and embark on a journey to undo their curses and confront their haunting pasts.

Magic Leap One Preview

I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).

The Bottom Line

The Magic Leap One headset shows the potential of 3D-mapped augmented reality displayed through clear lenses, but like the Microsoft HoloLens, it's purely development hardware for the earliest of adopters.

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Pros

• Immersive AR effect.
• Lightware is not cumbersome and is fairly comfortable.
• Much wider field of view than the HoloLens.

Cons

• For developers only.
• Very expensive.
• Little software.

Two years ago, we tested the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition. This first foray into Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality system offered a fascinating look at how augmented reality (not virtual reality; there's a difference) can be used to educate, entertain, and enable research. It worked well enough for a developers-only headset and an early implementation of bleeding-edge technology, but its downright tiny field of view limited the immersion of the experience, and as a one-piece headset it was pretty heavy to wear.

Around that same time, a startup called Magic Leap was working on its own wearable display. Over a year later, after raising more than $2 billion in venture capital, the Magic Leap One was announced, and today it's finally available. The Magic Leap One is an augmented reality display in the same vein as the HoloLens, but sleeker, lighter, and with a much better field of view. It's also development hardware, only available to qualified parties for the hefty price tag of $2,295.

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Since the Magic Leap One is a development headset and not intended for consumer use, this is not a scored review. Instead, we are simply analyzing it works and compares with other similar devices, what it can do in the hands of a non-developer, and what it might mean for the future of augmented reality.

As the story progresses, readers are drawn into a world where darkness lurks at every corner. The manga is replete with stunning illustrations that enhance the narrative and create an immersive reading experience. The richly detailed artwork brings the characters and their surroundings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. Beyond the captivating visuals, "The Witch and the Beast" also explores deeper themes such as trauma, forgiveness, and the power of human connections. Liselotte and Euclid's stories intertwine, offering readers a tale of redemption and the potential for healing. In summary, "The Witch and the Beast" is a must-read manga for fans of dark fantasy and intricate storytelling. With its stunning artwork, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, this manga offers a captivating reading experience that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment..

Reviews for "Learn the Secrets of Witchcraft and Sorcery in the Witch and the Beast"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "Read the Witch and the Beast" as I had heard such great things about it, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story was disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The pacing was also off, with many parts dragging on unnecessarily. Overall, it was a disappointing read.

2. John - 1/5 - I couldn't finish "Read the Witch and the Beast" because I found it incredibly boring and confusing. The plot jumped around too much, and I couldn't keep track of what was happening. The writing style was also overly descriptive, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. I didn't care for any of the characters, and the world-building felt haphazard. I would not recommend this book to others.

3. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Read the Witch and the Beast" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The story felt disjointed, with too many subplots that never fully connected. The main characters lacked depth, and their actions often felt illogical. The pacing was slow, and I found myself struggling to stay invested in the story. Overall, it was a disappointing read that left me unsatisfied.

4. Michael - 3/5 - "Read the Witch and the Beast" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell short for me. The plot had potential, but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters lacked depth, and I found it hard to root for any of them. The writing style was average, and the world-building could have been stronger. While I didn't hate the book, I was expecting more from it.

Experience Darkness and Redemption in the Witch and the Beast