spiravirgo's reviews
849 reviews
A Harmony of Fire and Earth by Antonia Aquilante
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Volume 1 by Kaori Yuki
Kaori Yuki is pretty well established author in the manga industry. She's the creator of Angel Sanctuary, Earl Cain, Boy's Next Door, Demon From Afar and her recent series, Alice in Murderland. Kaori is one of the best gothic writer for shojo, Josei and other genres because she doesn't do the same mistakes as other manga creators do. She crafts a memorable setting, remarkable and flawed characters and make you stay for the ride and her skills as a artist are to be envious. So her trying a beauty and the beast retelling? THAT'S brilliant. Keeping with the known mythos and adding her own peculiar gory story set in old France is engaging. Belle is a sheltered young woman living in solitude with her father after the tragic death of her mother at the hands of the ambiguous killer known as the beast. Fate intervene and Belle becomes the beast newest victim... or is she? Kaori Straight away doesn't make us fall for the beast, she makes you loath him. He is despicable, rude and downright off putting and it works. It's why learning about this man, his mysterious out of time and space home, his colorful row of servants and other forces afoot lurking around leaves a lot to be desired in this series. Give this book a try if you are a lover of a beauty and the beast retelling or just a dork for a good horror gothic tale~
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
4/5
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
"Have you had enough of those monsters you call humans? Ready to try your luck with a beast instead?"
Kaori Yuki is pretty well established author in the manga industry. She's the creator of Angel Sanctuary, Earl Cain, Boy's Next Door, Demon From Afar and her recent series, Alice in Murderland. Kaori is one of the best gothic writer for shojo, Josei and other genres because she doesn't do the same mistakes as other manga creators do. She crafts a memorable setting, remarkable and flawed characters and make you stay for the ride and her skills as a artist are to be envious. So her trying a beauty and the beast retelling? THAT'S brilliant. Keeping with the known mythos and adding her own peculiar gory story set in old France is engaging. Belle is a sheltered young woman living in solitude with her father after the tragic death of her mother at the hands of the ambiguous killer known as the beast. Fate intervene and Belle becomes the beast newest victim... or is she? Kaori Straight away doesn't make us fall for the beast, she makes you loath him. He is despicable, rude and downright off putting and it works. It's why learning about this man, his mysterious out of time and space home, his colorful row of servants and other forces afoot lurking around leaves a lot to be desired in this series. Give this book a try if you are a lover of a beauty and the beast retelling or just a dork for a good horror gothic tale~
Boys Run the Riot, Volume 1 by Keito Gaku
In my very limited time of living on this planet, I don't think I ever read a comic that was so emotional to me, more educational or endearing then Boys Run The Riot by Keito Gaku. It's one of the only prominent manga that gives you a huge dive into the LGBTQ+ in japan, what it means to have gender dysphoria and the struggles of accepting who you truly are while coming to terms with it while you have friends who will support you. Ryo journey with this delinquent student, Jin is so precious. Jin acceptance could be due to his simple nature or he doesn't completely understand Ryo's plight but he has his back. He wants to make a fashion brand so they can both expressed themselves, Ryo through his graffiti and Jin with his designs. I loved how Keito managed to show us the depth of both characters, side characters too and their development. How difficult it is to come out as a transgender person and the sacrifices it brings with, which was suggested in the end of the volume and im intrigued to see where this will go. Also the artwork... DEAR LORD IS IT BEAUTIFUL. I especially can't draw my eyes away from the graffiti in the end of chapter 1. That will be forever etched to my brain. Please, support this manga, the author, buy it, spread the news, let more people know about this because it's going to be one of the best series published to date. I can't thank enough Kodansha Comics for bringing this into localization. Thank you.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
5/5
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Gender Dysphoria, misogyny, transphobia and prejudices.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
"No Shame In My Game"
In my very limited time of living on this planet, I don't think I ever read a comic that was so emotional to me, more educational or endearing then Boys Run The Riot by Keito Gaku. It's one of the only prominent manga that gives you a huge dive into the LGBTQ+ in japan, what it means to have gender dysphoria and the struggles of accepting who you truly are while coming to terms with it while you have friends who will support you. Ryo journey with this delinquent student, Jin is so precious. Jin acceptance could be due to his simple nature or he doesn't completely understand Ryo's plight but he has his back. He wants to make a fashion brand so they can both expressed themselves, Ryo through his graffiti and Jin with his designs. I loved how Keito managed to show us the depth of both characters, side characters too and their development. How difficult it is to come out as a transgender person and the sacrifices it brings with, which was suggested in the end of the volume and im intrigued to see where this will go. Also the artwork... DEAR LORD IS IT BEAUTIFUL. I especially can't draw my eyes away from the graffiti in the end of chapter 1. That will be forever etched to my brain. Please, support this manga, the author, buy it, spread the news, let more people know about this because it's going to be one of the best series published to date. I can't thank enough Kodansha Comics for bringing this into localization. Thank you.
Is it Diverse? A main Transgender (not out yet) protagonist, genderqueer side character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Bullying
With the Sheikh in His Harem, Vol. 1 by Rin Miasa
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
3.5
Trigger Warnings: Extortion, Money Loan, Suggestion of Prostitution, Attempt Suicide, Death of a parent.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
Sanagi Yoshino knows how important money is. She is a dedicated worker during off time from school trying to support the financial turmoil her family has been left in ever since her father business collapse and her mother died. One day during work, she is offered to help a stranger to escape the hotel she works in only to reveal he was planning to take his own life. Sanagi rush in, prevents it and before we know it a day afterword this mysterious man appears again, proclaim to be a Sheikh from a prosper land and desires her to be his wife. I think you know this plot is pretty typical for a shojo manga. A 101 class routine if you will, girl/boy saves despairing love interest and in return they are infatuated with them and solves all their life problems. Which Lui, the love interest does. He seems all too perfect, but not without an edge to him and folly, and he is not the real king in line for the throne which was a nice change I appreciate but his brother is. Also you can tell Rin Miasa took immense inspiration from the Arabian culture for her fictional country which isn't far fetch considering that there our some Muslim originating in the South and East of Asia. It is pretty fast foreword guilty pleasure read and I don't mind continuing this series because I love reading something fluffy as this. I really am excited for the next volume!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
A School Frozen in Time, Volume 1 by Naoshi Arakawa, Mizuki Tsujimura
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Suggestions of self harm, suicide, depression, loneliness.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
"What's important isn't the name. It's the memories of sharing your feelings that are important."
It's just another day, it's snowing outside and the students have arrived on time for class. Everything seems normal, but sudden simple things don't make sense anymore. The exist doors are all close, reception is dead, there's no other living person on sight except for them, and the most scariest of all? Time has stopped. Now trapped at school, force to remember something from this mysterious paranormal entity, questioning who among them has died, it's a race to the truth and survival. I have nothing but affection for this setting. I love haunted schools, unexplained terrors that plough the hallways, characters coming up with creative solutions to problems. It's the perfect setting for a paranormal mystery and I can't stop. I finished the volume in one moment and I couldn't help myself and wish for the second volume. I have to know what happens next and so will you once you read it. It's my first time reading a fictional work from Mizuki Tsujimura and I'm baffled I never had the chance to do so before. She is extremely fluent with her portrayal of those teenagers dealing with this obscure situation, their feelings and relationship put to the test and the phenomena that is spreading throughout this school. But I am familiar with Naoshi Arakawa artwork and he is talented as always, bringing these people for me to care about, this building to feel right, and this spirit or however you name it, a real threat to consider. Try this manga! I highly recommend it, especially for none- manga readers out there. One of the best accessible ones for you to start.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
The Dawn of the Witch, Volume 1 by Tatsuwo, Kakeru Kobashiri
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
One of my favorite setting in every fantasy story is about magical schools or prestige academies teaching the arcane arts. To witness the cool magic system, engage with the plot and be enamored by the cast of characters and The Dawn of the Witch is hitting the margins. It's a pretty straightforward idea, a not so great student is failing miserably at his classes due to his lack of control of his magical capabilities and is a breaking point of dropping out. However dropping out from the school is barley unheard off, so the headmaster sends him along with a party of colorful characters to the country side. A pretty queer teacher who volunteered herself to a job due to her amusement, a beastfallen classmate struggling to belong and the only other student in the academy that cares for him who will care once his gone. It is a fun first installment to a new series that I'm fully going to follow because things are heating up and the artwork is admirable for its story and I can't wait to see what's comes next. Try it out!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
4/5
Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, child torture, kidnapping, assault, attempted murder, murder, death of a child, violence, blood, body muitilation, xenophobia.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.
One of my favorite setting in every fantasy story is about magical schools or prestige academies teaching the arcane arts. To witness the cool magic system, engage with the plot and be enamored by the cast of characters and The Dawn of the Witch is hitting the margins. It's a pretty straightforward idea, a not so great student is failing miserably at his classes due to his lack of control of his magical capabilities and is a breaking point of dropping out. However dropping out from the school is barley unheard off, so the headmaster sends him along with a party of colorful characters to the country side. A pretty queer teacher who volunteered herself to a job due to her amusement, a beastfallen classmate struggling to belong and the only other student in the academy that cares for him who will care once his gone. It is a fun first installment to a new series that I'm fully going to follow because things are heating up and the artwork is admirable for its story and I can't wait to see what's comes next. Try it out!
Seven Secrets Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor, Daniele Di Nicuolo
Tom Taylor is a name I widely recognize thanks to his recent work in DC COMICS with DCeased series. It was my favorite running series and when it ended it left a hole in my heart because all good things come to a closure. Thankfully not Tom, he shall always keep writing and toss out new tales for me to consume and Seven Secrets does that. Working with Daniele incredible artwork and Walter vibrant colors we got ourselves Seven Secrets. It's all about protecting the world ancient secrets that could create devastation to reality as we know it in the wrong hands. Hence the order of the keepers and holders who sworn to safe guard these secrets at all costs, including their lives and whatever little privacy that's left in it. Sadly a pair fallen in love which a big no-no and now their baby is adopted into the order all to grow up and probably become quite the prodigy. Casper is now thrust into a war when the seekers, lead by their leader, Amon are aiming to locate the seven secrets and unleash them.
Gotta say, pages flew by finished it in half an hour and I had so much fun. Loveable cast, cool action scenes and intense drama and memorable comradery but I had a small problem over whole. What are those so important secrets? Why must they be protected, why is it necessary for the order to keep them safe, and why do the seekers, this fanatical group are gunning for them? It feels like I am missing an immense amount of lore and yet I don't require knowing at all to enjoy myself. It's kind of like going outside to the beach, you have your swimsuit, sunscreen, good time but you then realize you forgot to bring a change of clothes so you come back home with sand all over the place and now you have to deal with it. Regardless I enjoy myself with this incredible title and Boom! Studios will be fool to not continue it. Mark my words, they got themselves a future hit!
P.S. if any cosplayer read this, please, do me a favor and cosplay as Canto. They are my favorite character, like just their design alone is worth gearing up.
Is it Diverse? Mixed race black main character, supporting Asian cast and other minorities.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
4/5
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Gore, Kidnapping, Violence, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Death.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Boom! Studio Comics and Netgalley.
Trigger Warnings: Blood, Gore, Kidnapping, Violence, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Death.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Boom! Studio Comics and Netgalley.
"Secrets have power. Power to Illuminate... And to keep in the dark. Power to divide. Power to unite. Some secrets must be revealed... Others must be protected."
Tom Taylor is a name I widely recognize thanks to his recent work in DC COMICS with DCeased series. It was my favorite running series and when it ended it left a hole in my heart because all good things come to a closure. Thankfully not Tom, he shall always keep writing and toss out new tales for me to consume and Seven Secrets does that. Working with Daniele incredible artwork and Walter vibrant colors we got ourselves Seven Secrets. It's all about protecting the world ancient secrets that could create devastation to reality as we know it in the wrong hands. Hence the order of the keepers and holders who sworn to safe guard these secrets at all costs, including their lives and whatever little privacy that's left in it. Sadly a pair fallen in love which a big no-no and now their baby is adopted into the order all to grow up and probably become quite the prodigy. Casper is now thrust into a war when the seekers, lead by their leader, Amon are aiming to locate the seven secrets and unleash them.
Gotta say, pages flew by finished it in half an hour and I had so much fun. Loveable cast, cool action scenes and intense drama and memorable comradery but I had a small problem over whole. What are those so important secrets? Why must they be protected, why is it necessary for the order to keep them safe, and why do the seekers, this fanatical group are gunning for them? It feels like I am missing an immense amount of lore and yet I don't require knowing at all to enjoy myself. It's kind of like going outside to the beach, you have your swimsuit, sunscreen, good time but you then realize you forgot to bring a change of clothes so you come back home with sand all over the place and now you have to deal with it. Regardless I enjoy myself with this incredible title and Boom! Studios will be fool to not continue it. Mark my words, they got themselves a future hit!
P.S. if any cosplayer read this, please, do me a favor and cosplay as Canto. They are my favorite character, like just their design alone is worth gearing up.
Is it Diverse? Mixed race black main character, supporting Asian cast and other minorities.
Haru's Curse by Asuka Konishi
Contemporaries are not my niche but on rare occasions I need a bit of taste of real world drama to fill my attachment to reality. Sadly my favorites are complicated family dynamics and problematic relationships and Haru's Curse was exactly what I called for. I AM ONLY GOING TO SAY THIS ONCE: this is not a sweet story. It ends in a rather bittersweet ending but I wouldn't have it any other way. If you looking for a fluffy manga this is not the one for you. Haru's Curse offers a spectacular look into the shoes of a sister losing her sister to a disease and unexpectedly develops feelings for her sister's betrothed. Natsumi never intended to fall to Togo, in fact she hated him for taking away Haru from her. Their relationship is so heart breaking, two individuals who are loss with their identity, one alienated in a big luxurious family and the other missing her other half that completes her. But pursuing the affections of Togo to feel closer to Haru's is not good for Natsumi or for Togo. They clearly grown to like one another but this taboo, the expectations, and the suspicions of society are suffocating them. Is there really a future for such a relationship? Is it morally okay? Is Natsumi a bad sister?
Asuka Konishi drawings magnified everything in this story and you can tell how much she wanted the readers to feel it. The deep expressions, those sharp edges on every page, and not to mentioned the different detail to every character making them each recognizable and different in both body type and portraying their feelings. I adore a good story told by a crafted artist who knows what type of story they want to tell and Konishi knew this would end in a bittersweet ending. She didn't want to depict Natsumi or Togo at the wrong or the right nor everyone else in this story. She presented a realistic gray approach to such a theme and gave us a glimpse of what it's like to be raise with a sibling like Haru, how devastating a loss can be to an individual and that we can't control who we love even if we hate it. If you enjoy a good angst love story with profound characters and phenomenal drawing pick Haru's Curse and let your heart throb in pain like I do.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
5/5
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Vertical Comics and Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Vertical Comics and Netgalley.
"If I'm really thinking about Haru, then I need to put him out of mind"
Contemporaries are not my niche but on rare occasions I need a bit of taste of real world drama to fill my attachment to reality. Sadly my favorites are complicated family dynamics and problematic relationships and Haru's Curse was exactly what I called for. I AM ONLY GOING TO SAY THIS ONCE: this is not a sweet story. It ends in a rather bittersweet ending but I wouldn't have it any other way. If you looking for a fluffy manga this is not the one for you. Haru's Curse offers a spectacular look into the shoes of a sister losing her sister to a disease and unexpectedly develops feelings for her sister's betrothed. Natsumi never intended to fall to Togo, in fact she hated him for taking away Haru from her. Their relationship is so heart breaking, two individuals who are loss with their identity, one alienated in a big luxurious family and the other missing her other half that completes her. But pursuing the affections of Togo to feel closer to Haru's is not good for Natsumi or for Togo. They clearly grown to like one another but this taboo, the expectations, and the suspicions of society are suffocating them. Is there really a future for such a relationship? Is it morally okay? Is Natsumi a bad sister?
"I don't want to enjoy our time together, but it's scary how much I do! I don't want to be with you but then it's all I can think about... Is this what it is to love somebody?"
Asuka Konishi drawings magnified everything in this story and you can tell how much she wanted the readers to feel it. The deep expressions, those sharp edges on every page, and not to mentioned the different detail to every character making them each recognizable and different in both body type and portraying their feelings. I adore a good story told by a crafted artist who knows what type of story they want to tell and Konishi knew this would end in a bittersweet ending. She didn't want to depict Natsumi or Togo at the wrong or the right nor everyone else in this story. She presented a realistic gray approach to such a theme and gave us a glimpse of what it's like to be raise with a sibling like Haru, how devastating a loss can be to an individual and that we can't control who we love even if we hate it. If you enjoy a good angst love story with profound characters and phenomenal drawing pick Haru's Curse and let your heart throb in pain like I do.
Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Trigger Warnings: (view spoiler)
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at 47North and Netgalley.
"Spells are like any form of knowledge - they can be forgotten."
Spellbreaker was a fun read and when I saw Spellmaker available for request on NetGalley I knew straight away that I can't start 2021 without reading it. I did not regret my choice, in fact, Spellmaker makes everything that I had issues before in Spellbreaker. That's what I love about sequels you know? They can be better then the original and add so much needed appraisal for me to continue a series. Charlie N. Holmberg takes us to the exact moment where we left off, Elise has her happy ending, right? They thwarted the evil plot, Bacchus is healed from the siphoning spell, Ogdan, Elise's employer and father figure is free. Everything is solved! Truly... Except that Elise carried away by the police after a tip that expose her secret identity as a spellbreaker. Not only that, but the leader of the Cowls is still out there and its none other then Lily Merton one of the biggest and stronger Magister's of London and she has her sights on acquiring Elise's service once more and bring her plot to full motion.
"She wanted to hold on to this intoxicating bliss for as long as the universe would allow it."
Elise is a changed woman compared to her first appearance in Spellbreaker. She no longer has to hid away her identity thanks to the intervention of Bacchus on her behalf, she never been this close before to Ogdan, and she feels competent with her abilities and satisficed with her life for the first time ever. It's so inspiring to see that the most disastrous of events can accelerate the growth of a person even if it includes small terrorist acts unknowingly, lol. I was also thrilled for her relationship with Bacchus compared to the first novel, which a bit... shoehorned at my face but in here it felt so natural their evolution in the grand scheme of things. Fake marriage to actual marriage purpose, the two becoming vulnerable to one another, the endurable lust for one another, should I go on or is it enough? ;p
"Elise," he said, nodding as another servant opened the gates for them. "When you are an outsider, you do what you have to do to fit in, or people will ostracize you. Sometimes without even realizing it."
If we are discussing about Elise's progression as a character I can't stop the praise just here because I have to congratulate everything in this book. Every character became a far more memorable to me thanks to their exposure and relevance to Spellmaker's bigger plot line. Ogdan's finally free and being paranoid not knowing that he is overbearing the use of his mental magic, Bacchus coming to the shocking truth of the result of the siphoning magic that practically robbed him most of his life and his constant struggle to fit in London and even our villain who's motivations are not but surprisingly admirable but flawed with its usage of violence and extortion. The major theme I've gotten from Spellbreaker earlier was the struggle of being the other, be it your social coming, the origins of your birth and gender but with Spellmaker I've witness that various characters are facing this inexplainable dread of this hopelessness of their lives. Sure, Elise's anxiety and self hatred is a prime example but we do see others dealing with such issues like Ogdan's endeavor with his magic and sexual orientation, Bacchus title as both a bastard and a half Bajan who will never be accepted even with his love ones, and even Lily who's the suppose antagonist of our story and her drive to destroy the royals and influence the working class and achieve true equality.
I can shower Spellmaker with thousands of flattery but it's not a total perfect book. It is as expected with sequels that are to tide up all loose ends. Elise finding her long lost family, Lily's fiendish plans are stopped, Bacchus and his sweet heart living happily after, even the supporting and minor characters are getting full proper conclusion. Sounds too perfect right? Yeah, it's exactly as it sounds and for that I feel that there's no flaws that I can poke at except for the pacing of the story. It felt too fast, like a speedy car ride that no one is pushing on the brakes but that's fine, some stories need to be throttled to their endings and I can't imagined Spellmaker ending any other way. The book is fun, sizzling and thought provoking about one's ambitions and inner personal demons. You want a good book for your weekend? Spellmaker is the one for you :)
I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at 47North and Netgalley.
"Spells are like any form of knowledge - they can be forgotten."
Spellbreaker was a fun read and when I saw Spellmaker available for request on NetGalley I knew straight away that I can't start 2021 without reading it. I did not regret my choice, in fact, Spellmaker makes everything that I had issues before in Spellbreaker. That's what I love about sequels you know? They can be better then the original and add so much needed appraisal for me to continue a series. Charlie N. Holmberg takes us to the exact moment where we left off, Elise has her happy ending, right? They thwarted the evil plot, Bacchus is healed from the siphoning spell, Ogdan, Elise's employer and father figure is free. Everything is solved! Truly... Except that Elise carried away by the police after a tip that expose her secret identity as a spellbreaker. Not only that, but the leader of the Cowls is still out there and its none other then Lily Merton one of the biggest and stronger Magister's of London and she has her sights on acquiring Elise's service once more and bring her plot to full motion.
"She wanted to hold on to this intoxicating bliss for as long as the universe would allow it."
Elise is a changed woman compared to her first appearance in Spellbreaker. She no longer has to hid away her identity thanks to the intervention of Bacchus on her behalf, she never been this close before to Ogdan, and she feels competent with her abilities and satisficed with her life for the first time ever. It's so inspiring to see that the most disastrous of events can accelerate the growth of a person even if it includes small terrorist acts unknowingly, lol. I was also thrilled for her relationship with Bacchus compared to the first novel, which a bit... shoehorned at my face but in here it felt so natural their evolution in the grand scheme of things. Fake marriage to actual marriage purpose, the two becoming vulnerable to one another, the endurable lust for one another, should I go on or is it enough? ;p
"Elise," he said, nodding as another servant opened the gates for them. "When you are an outsider, you do what you have to do to fit in, or people will ostracize you. Sometimes without even realizing it."
If we are discussing about Elise's progression as a character I can't stop the praise just here because I have to congratulate everything in this book. Every character became a far more memorable to me thanks to their exposure and relevance to Spellmaker's bigger plot line. Ogdan's finally free and being paranoid not knowing that he is overbearing the use of his mental magic, Bacchus coming to the shocking truth of the result of the siphoning magic that practically robbed him most of his life and his constant struggle to fit in London and even our villain who's motivations are not but surprisingly admirable but flawed with its usage of violence and extortion. The major theme I've gotten from Spellbreaker earlier was the struggle of being the other, be it your social coming, the origins of your birth and gender but with Spellmaker I've witness that various characters are facing this inexplainable dread of this hopelessness of their lives. Sure, Elise's anxiety and self hatred is a prime example but we do see others dealing with such issues like Ogdan's endeavor with his magic and sexual orientation, Bacchus title as both a bastard and a half Bajan who will never be accepted even with his love ones, and even Lily who's the suppose antagonist of our story and her drive to destroy the royals and influence the working class and achieve true equality.
I can shower Spellmaker with thousands of flattery but it's not a total perfect book. It is as expected with sequels that are to tide up all loose ends. Elise finding her long lost family, Lily's fiendish plans are stopped, Bacchus and his sweet heart living happily after, even the supporting and minor characters are getting full proper conclusion. Sounds too perfect right? Yeah, it's exactly as it sounds and for that I feel that there's no flaws that I can poke at except for the pacing of the story. It felt too fast, like a speedy car ride that no one is pushing on the brakes but that's fine, some stories need to be throttled to their endings and I can't imagined Spellmaker ending any other way. The book is fun, sizzling and thought provoking about one's ambitions and inner personal demons. You want a good book for your weekend? Spellmaker is the one for you :)
Orient 1 by Shinobu Ohtaka
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
Trigger Warnings: Prejudice, Blood.
I received this eARC Copy from VIZ MEDIA and NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review.
Shonen mangas can be a hit and miss with most people including me. How do you keep the same genre still relevant as the media evolved and the tropes no longer seems to work anymore? Sure you can keep having a hero destined to save humanity, give them a sappy sad story of vengeance, or their this epic prodigy that was born for this holy quest but it's all repetitive and bore at a time. So what about admitting that your hero knows absolutely nothing because of his rushed idiocy? Here we have a Shonen manga with a surprising good start! In a world where demons now rule as gods humanity is forced to worshipped them and provide metals as its substances. Only a handful of skilled and powerful warriors known as BUSHI are capable of facing them but alas none much are left thanks to the public antagonizing them.
Musashi and Kojiro both set out to fight the demons after years of oppression and at first it seems they know what they doing but it all crumbles down like a tower of dominos. The demon can regenerate fast, their so called katana are too frail against their skin and they are risking themselves so foolishly. Then we witness a true band of Bushi fighting together and thanks to Shinbou Ohtaka artwork it is a marvel. The demon desgins are fresh, the battle scenes are satisfying and they convey the emotion so majestically. I am exhilarated to see what she is planning with this new series considering Magi was one of a kind Shonen and one of my favorites for this exact reason why Orient prevail compare to other current running Shonens in the market currently. Don't miss on it, guys!
Trigger Warnings: Prejudice, Blood.
I received this eARC Copy from VIZ MEDIA and NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review.
Shonen mangas can be a hit and miss with most people including me. How do you keep the same genre still relevant as the media evolved and the tropes no longer seems to work anymore? Sure you can keep having a hero destined to save humanity, give them a sappy sad story of vengeance, or their this epic prodigy that was born for this holy quest but it's all repetitive and bore at a time. So what about admitting that your hero knows absolutely nothing because of his rushed idiocy? Here we have a Shonen manga with a surprising good start! In a world where demons now rule as gods humanity is forced to worshipped them and provide metals as its substances. Only a handful of skilled and powerful warriors known as BUSHI are capable of facing them but alas none much are left thanks to the public antagonizing them.
Musashi and Kojiro both set out to fight the demons after years of oppression and at first it seems they know what they doing but it all crumbles down like a tower of dominos. The demon can regenerate fast, their so called katana are too frail against their skin and they are risking themselves so foolishly. Then we witness a true band of Bushi fighting together and thanks to Shinbou Ohtaka artwork it is a marvel. The demon desgins are fresh, the battle scenes are satisfying and they convey the emotion so majestically. I am exhilarated to see what she is planning with this new series considering Magi was one of a kind Shonen and one of my favorites for this exact reason why Orient prevail compare to other current running Shonens in the market currently. Don't miss on it, guys!