Scan barcode
charmel's reviews
232 reviews
Spy x Family, Vol. 3 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
ute, wholesome, fun, fascinating, and chaotic!! I COULDNT STOP GRINNING THROUGHOUT THIS VOLUMEEE <333
in this volume we got to meet yori, yor's brother, and im so excited for the next one because we'll get to meet a new member of the fam! the folger is a very interesting fam indeed đź‘€
in this volume we got to meet yori, yor's brother, and im so excited for the next one because we'll get to meet a new member of the fam! the folger is a very interesting fam indeed đź‘€
Spy x Family, Vol. 2 by Tatsuya Endo
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
must protect anya folger at all costs. i must protect this cute hilarious soft lil bean.
this manga keeps improving and im really loving it. also, yori looks kinda like yamaguchi, probably because of the hair right?? adjsdyfgdhs the folger fam is capturing my heartt
this manga keeps improving and im really loving it. also, yori looks kinda like yamaguchi, probably because of the hair right?? adjsdyfgdhs the folger fam is capturing my heartt
Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho
Vicious Spirits picked up where Wicked Fox left. Jihoon, Miyoung, and their friends are still in trouble. The events after the first book have welcomed a new lurking danger. And in this book, we got to know Somin and Junu more as we read from their POVs.
I got to admit, the blurb honestly sounds interesting. But sadly, it didn't leave an impression on me. The plot was dragged. The pacing from time to time was off. It felt like it was just events after events happening and the author tried hard to put a lot of stuff.
The characters got better in this book. There was a good character development from Miyoung and Jihoon, although i felt sorry for them because they've been through so much *supernatural* things. poor them. I also got to know Junu and Somin, i liked them but they couldn't top Jihoon and Miyoung.
The world-building here was richer, there were lots of supernatural creatures from Korean mythology and a lot of yummy foods mentioned that i luv (including tteokbokki!!) for the nth time, i will never shut up how this book is like a kdrama.
In conclusion, The Wicked Fox duology is worth reading.
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
I expected to enjoy this book more than the first one because of the positive reviews I've read. Unfortunately, this seemed a bit more dragged and messy and it fell flat for me. I love the characters but sometimes I wished this second book didn't happen.
“You can’t control everyone around you,” Junu said. “No matter how much you might want to.”
Vicious Spirits picked up where Wicked Fox left. Jihoon, Miyoung, and their friends are still in trouble. The events after the first book have welcomed a new lurking danger. And in this book, we got to know Somin and Junu more as we read from their POVs.
I got to admit, the blurb honestly sounds interesting. But sadly, it didn't leave an impression on me. The plot was dragged. The pacing from time to time was off. It felt like it was just events after events happening and the author tried hard to put a lot of stuff.
The characters got better in this book. There was a good character development from Miyoung and Jihoon, although i felt sorry for them because they've been through so much *supernatural* things. poor them. I also got to know Junu and Somin, i liked them but they couldn't top Jihoon and Miyoung.
“You need someone who'll stand in the rain with you and face the storm.”
The world-building here was richer, there were lots of supernatural creatures from Korean mythology and a lot of yummy foods mentioned that i luv (including tteokbokki!!) for the nth time, i will never shut up how this book is like a kdrama.
In conclusion, The Wicked Fox duology is worth reading.
Spy x Family, Vol. 1 by Tatsuya Endo
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
HANDS DOWN. THIS GOT TO BE A NEW FAVE MANGA
this was a greeaat, aweesoomee, and fuuun start. im hooked, it piqued my interest, and im enjoying it! i love the folger fam sm, each one of them has secrets and aaaah, anya is such a cutiee <33
can't. wait. to. read. moreee
this was a greeaat, aweesoomee, and fuuun start. im hooked, it piqued my interest, and im enjoying it! i love the folger fam sm, each one of them has secrets and aaaah, anya is such a cutiee <33
can't. wait. to. read. moreee
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
in my head, i imagine this book as an anime movie that's really visually pleasing and a tear-jerker in the ending 🥺
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
food, heartening friendship, starting anew, and cherry blossoms
"People’s lives never stay the same colour forever. There are times when the colour of life changes completely."
in my head, i imagine this book as an anime movie that's really visually pleasing and a tear-jerker in the ending 🥺
All experience adds up to a life lived as only you could. I feel sure the day will come when you can say: this is my life.
Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
This book started strong, it piqued my interest and caught my attention. Miyoung was an interesting character and with her gumiho secrets and all, it made her mysterious. Jihoon was the laughter-is-the-best-medicine type of guy, you can't escape his witty jokes and eyes that sparkle humor. I really looked forward to their interactions and banters.
Everything started to get messy when I reached the 50% and the ~1st plot twist~ of the book. All of a sudden, things were happening. It's like the author tried to pack a lot of stuff at once but in the end, it was too much and jumbly and disorganized.
The mcs also went through some "character changes", which annoyed me. I understood how it added to the plot, though I really think that it was unnecessary and out of character for them.
Then there comes the ending, where it was satisfactory but at the same time insufficient. There are so many unanswered things, that's why I look forward to reading the sequel.
I had mixed and conflicting feelings about this book. so in general, I loved the first part, didn't like the middle part, but enjoyed the last part.
Probably the main reason why I liked this book was that I am reading about Korean folklore/mythology and I was transported to modern-day Seoul, which set the mood and atmosphere of the book.
Transportive, entertaining, and a well-written debut. 3.5 stars.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 ✨
The synopsis of the Wicked Fox is quite similar to some typical fantasy kdramas. There's a human, there's a creature in the form of a human. They met, fell in love, then the not-human encountered some problems involving the human. They will alsoooo prolly go through so much before the ending.
The Wicked Fox is exactly like that. Ahn Jihoon is a human, Gu Miyoung is a Gumiho. They met, fell in love, there were problems, and so on and so on.
I honestly thought this was going to be cliché and predictable. Fortunately, I was wrong and I was actually entertained. I liked both the main characters' dynamics, the plot was a bit confusing but still lived up to me, and lastly, the characters made an impression since they have some colors and aren't as plain as cardboards.
The synopsis of the Wicked Fox is quite similar to some typical fantasy kdramas. There's a human, there's a creature in the form of a human. They met, fell in love, then the not-human encountered some problems involving the human. They will alsoooo prolly go through so much before the ending.
The Wicked Fox is exactly like that. Ahn Jihoon is a human, Gu Miyoung is a Gumiho. They met, fell in love, there were problems, and so on and so on.
I honestly thought this was going to be cliché and predictable. Fortunately, I was wrong and I was actually entertained. I liked both the main characters' dynamics, the plot was a bit confusing but still lived up to me, and lastly, the characters made an impression since they have some colors and aren't as plain as cardboards.
“I prefer fictional life. Things in the outside world are too messy.”
This book started strong, it piqued my interest and caught my attention. Miyoung was an interesting character and with her gumiho secrets and all, it made her mysterious. Jihoon was the laughter-is-the-best-medicine type of guy, you can't escape his witty jokes and eyes that sparkle humor. I really looked forward to their interactions and banters.
Everything started to get messy when I reached the 50% and the ~1st plot twist~ of the book. All of a sudden, things were happening. It's like the author tried to pack a lot of stuff at once but in the end, it was too much and jumbly and disorganized.
The mcs also went through some "character changes", which annoyed me. I understood how it added to the plot, though I really think that it was unnecessary and out of character for them.
Then there comes the ending, where it was satisfactory but at the same time insufficient. There are so many unanswered things, that's why I look forward to reading the sequel.
“Sometimes you need to stop thinking so hard about what you get out of life and have fun.”
I had mixed and conflicting feelings about this book. so in general, I loved the first part, didn't like the middle part, but enjoyed the last part.
Probably the main reason why I liked this book was that I am reading about Korean folklore/mythology and I was transported to modern-day Seoul, which set the mood and atmosphere of the book.
Transportive, entertaining, and a well-written debut. 3.5 stars.
The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
The Girls I've Been was interesting. It has a uniquely interesting premise, plot, and characters. The book centers around Nora, the daughter of a con artist who was taken hostage in a bank heist. To survive along with the other hostages, she must pull a con to escape.
Other than that, this twisty YA thriller also talks about hard and sensitive topics such as the aching journey of surviving abuse. It really amazed me how Sharpe could fit all these themes in a 300 paged book.
As I said, the plot was interesting. It kept me on edge every time I read, it was action-packed, entertaining, and fast-paced. The writing style was also remarkable here. Although I didn't enjoy the confusing and messy time jumps, Sharpe still managed to showcase the raw emotions and hardships the main character has been through.
Our main character, before becoming Nora O'Malley, had been a lot of girls; Rebeca, Samantha, Haley, Katie, and Ashley. She's a girl who escaped, who learned from her past, who survived, and is surviving.
The only downside of her character for me is that at a very young age, she has done some pretty unrealistic things. But pretty much, she was a well-written character with true flaws and original quality.
I loved the side characters. Their chemistry with Nora was *chefs kiss*. Wes was her ex and now he and Nora have the best platonic friendship or what we call the Franken-friends (see, men and women can have a deep bond and just be friends!). Iris is the badass girlfriend of Nora and she's one of the strongest fictional girls I know. All these shared pain and backstories have made them heal together, become stronger together, and live life through roller coasters together. The sweetest found family!
I don't want to say that this book is not your typical YA thriller but this book *really* is a unique and nontypical YA thriller.
morally grey bi main character, the best platonic m/f relationship, found family, mental health representation, and lots of cons. all these in this book!!!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Four stars for my first book of 2022, not bad!
“I was raised for a kind of slaughter. But I grew into a huntress instead. One who always hits her target. No matter what.”
The Girls I've Been was interesting. It has a uniquely interesting premise, plot, and characters. The book centers around Nora, the daughter of a con artist who was taken hostage in a bank heist. To survive along with the other hostages, she must pull a con to escape.
Other than that, this twisty YA thriller also talks about hard and sensitive topics such as the aching journey of surviving abuse. It really amazed me how Sharpe could fit all these themes in a 300 paged book.
“If you can’t beat ’em, you join ’em.
Or, in this case, you con ’em.”
As I said, the plot was interesting. It kept me on edge every time I read, it was action-packed, entertaining, and fast-paced. The writing style was also remarkable here. Although I didn't enjoy the confusing and messy time jumps, Sharpe still managed to showcase the raw emotions and hardships the main character has been through.
Our main character, before becoming Nora O'Malley, had been a lot of girls; Rebeca, Samantha, Haley, Katie, and Ashley. She's a girl who escaped, who learned from her past, who survived, and is surviving.
The only downside of her character for me is that at a very young age, she has done some pretty unrealistic things. But pretty much, she was a well-written character with true flaws and original quality.
I loved the side characters. Their chemistry with Nora was *chefs kiss*. Wes was her ex and now he and Nora have the best platonic friendship or what we call the Franken-friends (see, men and women can have a deep bond and just be friends!). Iris is the badass girlfriend of Nora and she's one of the strongest fictional girls I know. All these shared pain and backstories have made them heal together, become stronger together, and live life through roller coasters together. The sweetest found family!
“This we share. Scars and knowledge and broken safety that was never really there in the first place, because we were born to bad apples.”
I don't want to say that this book is not your typical YA thriller but this book *really* is a unique and nontypical YA thriller.
morally grey bi main character, the best platonic m/f relationship, found family, mental health representation, and lots of cons. all these in this book!!!
Written In The Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
YEEEEEESSSSSSS
i need an epilogue tho
i need an epilogue tho
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
rtc...
y'all if just communicated, there'd be no problems dZuh
y'all if just communicated, there'd be no problems dZuh
Crier's War by Nina Varela
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rtc