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my_weird_bookish_heart's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
wowsmeows's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Cancer and Domestic abuse
lauralintunen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
bookrascal's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Death
kelly_e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Title: Lonely Castle in the Mirror
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Vivid β’ Playful β’ Heartwarming
π S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
π T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ readers who like puzzles
β’ T.J. Klune fans
β’ younger readers
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long sheβd be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Vivid β’ Playful β’ Heartwarming
π S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
π T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ readers who like puzzles
β’ T.J. Klune fans
β’ younger readers
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long sheβd be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
julesbookjourney's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Domestic abuse and Violence
lord_cookie's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Death
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Grief
katesoddy's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
I cried. I will admit there was a moment when reading when it got quite dark and reminded me of a video I once saw that really disturbed me, but it was resolved quite quickly.
That being said I could not put this book down, read it in just over a day (with breaks to go to work and little sleep).
It is a sad book, but most upsetting in the last third(without spoiling too much that is when you find out a lot).
It is interesting reading a book that is clearly not meant for children, but is about middle-school children (I won't lie living in a country that doesn't use the term middle schools I did have to look up how old the characters are meant to be) some of the topics it explores are unfortunately the reality for some children, and some of the most important themes, such as bullying and fear are devastatingly prevalent.
The book itself is not hard to read, it is just hard to take.
I would recommend not finishing this book at 4am when you have work in the morning, especially if you are like me and will need to watch something more light hearted to ground yourself.
Unironically, I do not know what to do with myself.
That being said I could not put this book down, read it in just over a day (with breaks to go to work and little sleep).
It is a sad book, but most upsetting in the last third(without spoiling too much that is when you find out a lot).
It is interesting reading a book that is clearly not meant for children, but is about middle-school children (I won't lie living in a country that doesn't use the term middle schools I did have to look up how old the characters are meant to be) some of the topics it explores are unfortunately the reality for some children, and some of the most important themes, such as bullying and fear are devastatingly prevalent.
The book itself is not hard to read, it is just hard to take.
I would recommend not finishing this book at 4am when you have work in the morning, especially if you are like me and will need to watch something more light hearted to ground yourself.
Unironically, I do not know what to do with myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual violence
maartabarrales's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Sexual assault and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
selinalilley's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders