Cause I tried for a few hours yesterday and never was close, plus I don't feel I am progressing at all.

Well, actually I was close once, but it was totally unconvincing and I died.

Response from me for me:
Try to get to the book section with most of your mana(important) and health(not that important) and most of the translator's health (important).
For the second enemy group, use the Spear to shoot with and normal attack combo which has a powerful finishing move. Help yourself with lightning, but use scarcely, save mana.
When in the book section:
Use excessive force to take down the foes, especially those mage types.
When using O, be careful to not hit the translator with your victim, and try to direct the throw/kick at a mage.
Do not use O on the mage, as the subsequent struggle takes some seconds, time in which your translator will be attacked and you won't be able to help.
Use Rage of the Titans and the lightning bolts with many enemies. Stop rage of the titans when few enemies around.
Don't let the mages get you, roll away when closer.