Earlier this week, a listing appeared on Amazon Japan for a currently untitled Lightning Returns novel. Written by Benny Matsuyama and priced at ¥980 (approximately $9.85), it will cover some of the events in the 500 years between the end of XIII-2 and Lightning’s awakening from crystal sleep at the beginning of Lightning Returns. The description of the novel is incredibly brief, but promises to deliver a drama of people struggling against despair in a world eroded by Chaos. The publishing date on Amazon is 11/21/2013, the same date that the game itself releases in Japan. Since it was confirmed recently that there would be no supplemental material post-release, it seems likely the novel will be published on or before the Amazon date.

A similar set of novels was released alongside XIII-2 (Fragments Before and Fragments After), but neither saw international release. There currently no indication this new novel will make it outside of Japan either.

 

So, it looks like this will be like Fragments before and After. Can't wait. Hopefully someone will translate it when it comes out.

The XIII-2 "prequel novel" was released outside of Japan.

The XIII-2 "prequel novel" was released outside of Japan.

Really? Where? I thought it wasnt translated.

Really? Where? I thought it wasnt translated.

 

Yeah, it was given out as a pre-order bonus and/or through Limited/Special Edition releases. It varied depending on the country as to what you got.

Yes Square. Shake that money maker.