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gwenolabarr's reviews
170 reviews
I Hear the Sunspot: Four Seasons Volume 2 by Yuki Fumino
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My review of volume 1 of this series gives an overall sense of how I feel about this series.
This installment really deepens Kohei and Taichi’s bond, focusing on their growing reliance on each other. Their relationship is filled with shared trust and companionship as they navigate the ups and downs of adult life. You can see how much they’ve come to lean on one another emotionally, and it’s heartwarming. The dynamic is shifting from just love to real partnership, and it’s such a satisfying, mature evolution of their relationship.
This installment really deepens Kohei and Taichi’s bond, focusing on their growing reliance on each other. Their relationship is filled with shared trust and companionship as they navigate the ups and downs of adult life. You can see how much they’ve come to lean on one another emotionally, and it’s heartwarming. The dynamic is shifting from just love to real partnership, and it’s such a satisfying, mature evolution of their relationship.
I Hear the Sunspot: Limit Volume 3 by Yuki Fumino
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My review of volume 1 of this series gives an overall sense of how I feel about this series.
TL;DR: Kohei and Taichi finally sort out their feelings, and the reconciliation hits hard. All the angst and heartbreak pay off with moments that’ll make you swoon. It’s full of healing, love, and major soft vibes.
TL;DR: Kohei and Taichi finally sort out their feelings, and the reconciliation hits hard. All the angst and heartbreak pay off with moments that’ll make you swoon. It’s full of healing, love, and major soft vibes.
I Hear the Sunspot: Limit Volume 2 by Yuki Fumino
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My review of volume 1 of this series gives an overall sense of how I feel about this series.
This volume is emotional damage, punching my emotional gut at its creamy centre. The angst is real, and the heartbreak between Kohei and Taichi will have you screaming “just communicate already!” It’s full of tension, miscommunication, and those devastating moments that hit you right in the feels.
This volume is emotional damage, punching my emotional gut at its creamy centre. The angst is real, and the heartbreak between Kohei and Taichi will have you screaming “just communicate already!” It’s full of tension, miscommunication, and those devastating moments that hit you right in the feels.
I Hear the Sunspot: Limit, Vol. 1 by Yuki Fumino
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My review of volume 1 of this series gives an overall sense of how I feel about this series.
OMG angst is brewing. The way this volume dives deeper into the feels with new characters and next-level angst. The stakes are higher, and Kohei and Taichi’s relationship gets more complicated, but in a good way. The new squad adds fresh drama, and the tension? Ugh, it’s seriously giving emotional rollercoaster vibes.
OMG angst is brewing. The way this volume dives deeper into the feels with new characters and next-level angst. The stakes are higher, and Kohei and Taichi’s relationship gets more complicated, but in a good way. The new squad adds fresh drama, and the tension? Ugh, it’s seriously giving emotional rollercoaster vibes.
I Hear the Sunspot: Theory of Happiness by Yuki Fumino
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My review of volume 1 of this series gives an overall sense of how I feel about this series.
This installment is total vibes with Kohei and Taichi’s relationship. It’s adorable, wholesome, and hits all the feels. Their dynamic is pure softboy energy, with just enough angst to keep you hooked. Honestly, their emotional growth is goals and the way they support each other? Chef’s kiss.
This installment is total vibes with Kohei and Taichi’s relationship. It’s adorable, wholesome, and hits all the feels. Their dynamic is pure softboy energy, with just enough angst to keep you hooked. Honestly, their emotional growth is goals and the way they support each other? Chef’s kiss.
I Hear the Sunspot by Yuki Fumino
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This series is still ongoing, and my review of the overall series is subject to change. Note, this review encapsulates my thoughts for all I Hear the Sunspot releases (including Theory of Happiness, Limit, and Four Seasons).
The I Hear the Sunspot series by Yuki Fumino is a heartwarming, beautifully crafted exploration of love, ableism, and the experiences of the deaf community in Japan. The series portrays a thoughtful, respectful, and deeply moving depiction of what it means to navigate relationships while also dealing with physical and societal barriers.
The series also does a fantastic job of depicting the subtleties of everyday ableism, how small, often unintentional actions can marginalise people. What stands out is how these moments are handled with care, neither sensationalised nor downplayed, which gives the narrative an authenticity that’s rare to find in many manga exploring disability.
The relationship between Kohei and Taichi is not only realistic but also deeply moving. Taichi’s energetic and caring nature provides a wonderful contrast to Kohei’s reserved and more guarded personality. Their relationship is not defined by Kohei’s hearing loss, but the story doesn’t pretend that his disability isn’t a factor. Instead, it explores how it affects their communication, understanding, and growth as individuals.
This series is particularly special because it educates without ever feeling like it’s preaching. It’s a tender story of love, friendship, and acceptance, wrapped in a thoughtful exploration of ableism and the need for better accessibility and understanding in society.
The I Hear the Sunspot series by Yuki Fumino is a heartwarming, beautifully crafted exploration of love, ableism, and the experiences of the deaf community in Japan. The series portrays a thoughtful, respectful, and deeply moving depiction of what it means to navigate relationships while also dealing with physical and societal barriers.
The series also does a fantastic job of depicting the subtleties of everyday ableism, how small, often unintentional actions can marginalise people. What stands out is how these moments are handled with care, neither sensationalised nor downplayed, which gives the narrative an authenticity that’s rare to find in many manga exploring disability.
The relationship between Kohei and Taichi is not only realistic but also deeply moving. Taichi’s energetic and caring nature provides a wonderful contrast to Kohei’s reserved and more guarded personality. Their relationship is not defined by Kohei’s hearing loss, but the story doesn’t pretend that his disability isn’t a factor. Instead, it explores how it affects their communication, understanding, and growth as individuals.
This series is particularly special because it educates without ever feeling like it’s preaching. It’s a tender story of love, friendship, and acceptance, wrapped in a thoughtful exploration of ableism and the need for better accessibility and understanding in society.
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Meng Xi Shi
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thousand Autumns by Meng Xi Shi blends historical intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and philosophical debate, with a realistic romance woven through its heart. The series stands out for its exploration of power dynamics, the ideological clash between Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, and how personal growth can reshape a person’s worldview. For me, Yan Wushi is the true star of this story, and his character development (and lack of character development) is what makes this series truly shine.
Yo, Danmei readers, I heard you liked Political and Ideological Discourse
Set in a time when the three major schools of thought were vying for influence, Meng Xi Shi’s world feels deeply grounded in historical reality (to the best of my limited historical and political knowledge of China). What I find truly fascinating in this series is how the demonic sects, often seen as outcasts or villains, could be read as political and ideological revolutionists. In a world dominated by rigid ideologies, the demonic sects challenge the status quo, offering a rebellious counterpoint to the dominant systems of belief.
The clash between these philosophies isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it plays out in battles for power, influence, and survival. Yan Wushi, being a key figure in the demonic sects, represents this dissent, while Shen Qiao’s journey from a Daoist idealist to someone who questions the structures around him is a parallel arc. Seeing the different sects not only as warring factions but as representatives of ideological battles makes the political intrigue all the more compelling, adding layers of meaning to every alliance, betrayal, and conflict.
A Pot Stirrer of the Century Award goes to: Yan Wushi
Yan Wushi is, hands down, the best character in the series. He’s the quintessential sh*t stirrer, delighting in chaos, mischief, and testing everyone around him. His cunning, manipulation, and wit make him both unpredictable and exciting, and his unapologetic confidence sets him apart. He has no problem stirring the pot, but what makes him truly remarkable is how, over the series, he starts to change (marginally).
At the start, Yan Wushi is ruthless and indifferent to the beliefs and emotions of others. He views the world as a battlefield, thriving on his own sense of superiority. But as the story progresses, and as he’s finally accepted by Shen Qiao in a way that no one else ever has, we see his whims soften. It’s this gradual shift that makes his character development so rich. Yet, even as he changes, Yan Wushi never loses that devil-may-care attitude, always retaining his love for stirring up trouble. He’s the perfect mix of complexity, chaos, and vulnerability, making him the ultimate anti-hero.
The Melancholy of Shen Qiao Sect Leader
I have to admit, to me, Shen Qiao was infuriating for a large part of the story. In the beginning, he’s essentially a blank piece of paper—naïve, passive, and almost too kind for his own good. His isolation as a sect leader left him unprepared for the real world, and watching him struggle was often frustrating. The open and less than subtle way the story begins with him crashing to reality, with his sight and other senses dulled, we're forced to see him as a fawn (IYKYK) wet behind his ears needing to navigate the big bad world. Symbolism has no place here because it's too blatant for that. However, the beauty of his character arc lies in how exposure to the world and his interactions with Yan Wushi force him to evolve. Like a beautiful butterfly, he realises that ignorance is blind not bliss.
Through the trials and betrayals, Shen Qiao begins to shed his chrysalis... I mean his passive nature and starts to truly engage with the world around him. His shift from blind idealism to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of power and morality is gratifying. I respect how his character grows not because of any grand epiphany, but through the slow, often painful process of learning (or unlearning) from experience. This is much more realistic to how people shift their political, religious, and ideological beliefs in reality.
Let's talk about those extras...
As much as I loved the main storyline, the extras felt unnecessarily long and dragged the pacing toward the end. While they offer some additional insight into the characters and their future, I found myself feeling that they stretched the story beyond its natural conclusion. That being said, I can see how the extras tie might tie into Peerless, and bridge the gap between the two series. However, I think the main arc stands strong on its own and didn’t need quite so much extra content.
It's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me: Plot Predictability
Despite the fact that I could predict about 80-85% of the major plot points (sometimes even how they would unfold) the political intrigue and the reasoning behind character actions still made the series a joy to read. The machinations, the ideological battles, and the shifting allegiances kept me hooked. Even when I could see what was coming, the execution was so well done that it didn’t detract from the tension or the emotional stakes. The underlying rationale behind each plot twist and betrayal was solid, which made the story feel cohesive and purposeful even when the surprises weren’t necessarily shocking. Additionally, the predictability meant there were no wildly out-of-character moments as there often (enjoyably) is in danmei or light novels. I found this refreshing and frustrating in tandem.
Conclusion: Your Honour this is a Reluctant 4.5 Star Read due to Shen Qiao and the Extras
Thousand Autumns is an engaging and richly detailed story of power, philosophy, and personal growth. While the political intrigue, historical backdrop, and ideological clashes are fascinating in their own right, the true heart of the novel is the dynamic between Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao. Yan Wushi’s evolution from a chaotic force of nature to someone softened by acceptance is a joy to witness, and even as he changes, he remains delightfully irreverent. Shen Qiao’s frustratingly slow but ultimately rewarding journey toward a more open and experienced worldview also shines.
Though the extras could have been trimmed, and much of the plot was predictable at least to me, the depth of character development and the philosophical undertones kept me engaged throughout. It’s a story that’s as much about the transformation of its characters as it is about the shifting landscape of political power, and for that, it’s a win in my book.
Yo, Danmei readers, I heard you liked Political and Ideological Discourse
Set in a time when the three major schools of thought were vying for influence, Meng Xi Shi’s world feels deeply grounded in historical reality (to the best of my limited historical and political knowledge of China). What I find truly fascinating in this series is how the demonic sects, often seen as outcasts or villains, could be read as political and ideological revolutionists. In a world dominated by rigid ideologies, the demonic sects challenge the status quo, offering a rebellious counterpoint to the dominant systems of belief.
The clash between these philosophies isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it plays out in battles for power, influence, and survival. Yan Wushi, being a key figure in the demonic sects, represents this dissent, while Shen Qiao’s journey from a Daoist idealist to someone who questions the structures around him is a parallel arc. Seeing the different sects not only as warring factions but as representatives of ideological battles makes the political intrigue all the more compelling, adding layers of meaning to every alliance, betrayal, and conflict.
A Pot Stirrer of the Century Award goes to: Yan Wushi
Yan Wushi is, hands down, the best character in the series. He’s the quintessential sh*t stirrer, delighting in chaos, mischief, and testing everyone around him. His cunning, manipulation, and wit make him both unpredictable and exciting, and his unapologetic confidence sets him apart. He has no problem stirring the pot, but what makes him truly remarkable is how, over the series, he starts to change (marginally).
At the start, Yan Wushi is ruthless and indifferent to the beliefs and emotions of others. He views the world as a battlefield, thriving on his own sense of superiority. But as the story progresses, and as he’s finally accepted by Shen Qiao in a way that no one else ever has, we see his whims soften. It’s this gradual shift that makes his character development so rich. Yet, even as he changes, Yan Wushi never loses that devil-may-care attitude, always retaining his love for stirring up trouble. He’s the perfect mix of complexity, chaos, and vulnerability, making him the ultimate anti-hero.
The Melancholy of Shen Qiao Sect Leader
I have to admit, to me, Shen Qiao was infuriating for a large part of the story. In the beginning, he’s essentially a blank piece of paper—naïve, passive, and almost too kind for his own good. His isolation as a sect leader left him unprepared for the real world, and watching him struggle was often frustrating. The open and less than subtle way the story begins with him crashing to reality, with his sight and other senses dulled, we're forced to see him as a fawn (IYKYK) wet behind his ears needing to navigate the big bad world. Symbolism has no place here because it's too blatant for that. However, the beauty of his character arc lies in how exposure to the world and his interactions with Yan Wushi force him to evolve. Like a beautiful butterfly, he realises that ignorance is blind not bliss.
Through the trials and betrayals, Shen Qiao begins to shed his chrysalis... I mean his passive nature and starts to truly engage with the world around him. His shift from blind idealism to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of power and morality is gratifying. I respect how his character grows not because of any grand epiphany, but through the slow, often painful process of learning (or unlearning) from experience. This is much more realistic to how people shift their political, religious, and ideological beliefs in reality.
Let's talk about those extras...
As much as I loved the main storyline, the extras felt unnecessarily long and dragged the pacing toward the end. While they offer some additional insight into the characters and their future, I found myself feeling that they stretched the story beyond its natural conclusion. That being said, I can see how the extras tie might tie into Peerless, and bridge the gap between the two series. However, I think the main arc stands strong on its own and didn’t need quite so much extra content.
It's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me: Plot Predictability
Despite the fact that I could predict about 80-85% of the major plot points (sometimes even how they would unfold) the political intrigue and the reasoning behind character actions still made the series a joy to read. The machinations, the ideological battles, and the shifting allegiances kept me hooked. Even when I could see what was coming, the execution was so well done that it didn’t detract from the tension or the emotional stakes. The underlying rationale behind each plot twist and betrayal was solid, which made the story feel cohesive and purposeful even when the surprises weren’t necessarily shocking. Additionally, the predictability meant there were no wildly out-of-character moments as there often (enjoyably) is in danmei or light novels. I found this refreshing and frustrating in tandem.
Conclusion: Your Honour this is a Reluctant 4.5 Star Read due to Shen Qiao and the Extras
Thousand Autumns is an engaging and richly detailed story of power, philosophy, and personal growth. While the political intrigue, historical backdrop, and ideological clashes are fascinating in their own right, the true heart of the novel is the dynamic between Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao. Yan Wushi’s evolution from a chaotic force of nature to someone softened by acceptance is a joy to witness, and even as he changes, he remains delightfully irreverent. Shen Qiao’s frustratingly slow but ultimately rewarding journey toward a more open and experienced worldview also shines.
Though the extras could have been trimmed, and much of the plot was predictable at least to me, the depth of character development and the philosophical undertones kept me engaged throughout. It’s a story that’s as much about the transformation of its characters as it is about the shifting landscape of political power, and for that, it’s a win in my book.
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 6 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
For my overall review of this series, please see my review of book one.
If I could give this 500 stars, I would. I really would. Even though I cried like a baby at the end.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM?! *insert Jennifer Lawrence Hot Ones 'What Do You Mean?' GIF* This fluffisode of fluffiness does not need flufficide. Let's just call it here and say they lived happily ever after, okay Meatbun? OKAY?!
Emotional damage tax notwithstanding, this was an excellent addition to the series with equal parts character and plot focus for an excellently even story. The angst is building, and we can only hope the miscommunication will cease soon. Albeit smoothly. Because it won't be emotionally smooth or safe.
If I could give this 500 stars, I would. I really would. Even though I cried like a baby at the end.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM?! *insert Jennifer Lawrence Hot Ones 'What Do You Mean?' GIF* This fluffisode of fluffiness does not need flufficide. Let's just call it here and say they lived happily ever after, okay Meatbun? OKAY?!
Emotional damage tax notwithstanding, this was an excellent addition to the series with equal parts character and plot focus for an excellently even story. The angst is building, and we can only hope the miscommunication will cease soon. Albeit smoothly. Because it won't be emotionally smooth or safe.
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 5 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
For my overall review of this series, please see my review of book one.
Reading chapter 179: *indulgently giggles and kicks feet in the air*
Xue Zhengyong is G.O.A.T., sweet Golden Retriever babygirl. We stan him in this household. The plot thickens like someone has added cornstarch to a broth and made gravy. It was an instant read for me. Devoured it so quickly for someone who usually reads quite slowly.
Also, having Chapter 179 as the second to last final chapter in this book and then making us wait for book 6 for months is like leaving us on read. The fans are not pleased.
Reading chapter 179: *indulgently giggles and kicks feet in the air*
Xue Zhengyong is G.O.A.T., sweet Golden Retriever babygirl. We stan him in this household. The plot thickens like someone has added cornstarch to a broth and made gravy. It was an instant read for me. Devoured it so quickly for someone who usually reads quite slowly.
Also, having Chapter 179 as the second to last final chapter in this book and then making us wait for book 6 for months is like leaving us on read. The fans are not pleased.
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 4 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
For my overall review of this series, please see my review of book one.
Here's our boy. Our sweet Mo Ran 2.0. Our dimpled, pure, sun-tanned boy. Look at him picking in the fields. No, not THAT closely, Chu Wanning...
Our boys are back and I have all the warmth in the world for this timeskip. The mutual pining is at a crescendo. Peak. Climax, if you will. Total character-driven goodness with snippets of plot, and I'm 100% here for it.
Here's our boy. Our sweet Mo Ran 2.0. Our dimpled, pure, sun-tanned boy. Look at him picking in the fields. No, not THAT closely, Chu Wanning...
Our boys are back and I have all the warmth in the world for this timeskip. The mutual pining is at a crescendo. Peak. Climax, if you will. Total character-driven goodness with snippets of plot, and I'm 100% here for it.