Scan barcode
00yunje's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
inkwithimagination's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.75
This heartwarming novel beautifully intertwines fantasy and reality to tell a poignant story about friendship, trauma, mental health, and the journey towards healing.
The characters are richly developed, each with unique stories and backgrounds that unfold gradually, revealing their fears and desires. One of the novel’s strengths is its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, including bullying, anxiety, and depression. Tsujimura addresses these themes with empathy and depth, making the characters’ struggles and growth feel authentic and relatable. The bonds that form between the characters are touching and highlight the importance of empathy and support in overcoming personal challenges.
The writing can be somewhat awkward at first, probably due to translation, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I love the flow of the narrative, which balances magical elements with the real-life issues faced by the characters. There’s a hint of mystery and twists, but all the pieces come together beautifully. I was truly surprised by many of the revelations towards the end. While I predicted some of them, others caught me off guard, and they all made sense later on.
The ending is truly beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional. It made me tear up while reading it. I was definitely satisfied with the conclusion. Overall, this novel is a touching and compelling read that deftly balances fantasy with real-world issues, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
The characters are richly developed, each with unique stories and backgrounds that unfold gradually, revealing their fears and desires. One of the novel’s strengths is its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, including bullying, anxiety, and depression. Tsujimura addresses these themes with empathy and depth, making the characters’ struggles and growth feel authentic and relatable. The bonds that form between the characters are touching and highlight the importance of empathy and support in overcoming personal challenges.
The writing can be somewhat awkward at first, probably due to translation, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I love the flow of the narrative, which balances magical elements with the real-life issues faced by the characters. There’s a hint of mystery and twists, but all the pieces come together beautifully. I was truly surprised by many of the revelations towards the end. While I predicted some of them, others caught me off guard, and they all made sense later on.
The ending is truly beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional. It made me tear up while reading it. I was definitely satisfied with the conclusion. Overall, this novel is a touching and compelling read that deftly balances fantasy with real-world issues, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
ivanaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
h_scharff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Bullying, and Sexual assault
Minor: Violence
0aven9's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Very slow paced and not much happened, to the point the book felt like it as wasting time. The plot doesn't start happening until around 2/3 in. Very boring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
randeerebecca's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Terminal illness, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
feejae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.25
the unexpected plot twist took me off guard, and i was really eager to see if all of them get to meet in person (they didn’t). kokoro was an amazing main character, and the other six kids (fuka being my favourite followed by masamune, ureshino, aki, subaru & rion). the last few chapters were the best in terms of character development as we get to delve deeper into each of the characters’. (although i wasn’t a big fan of having rion’s sister as the Wolf Queen, as i would’ve liked it if Wolf Queen was like the sister’s guardian angel or spirit or something).
my favourite chapter had to be the epilogue, and my heart feels so hollow reading it through as i realised how all 7 of them from the different time frames were all interconnected and how kitajima happened to be akiko and the special connection she had with kokoro makes me wanna cry.
7/10 would recommend this book to people who struggle with mental health everyday 🥹❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, and Terminal illness
thewellbitch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Child death
stefaniacg's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Grief
kitkathw871's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
This was a great read that makes you really not miss being in middle school. Eventually heartwarming while initially commiserable, I liked the way the mystery unfolded even if t he conclusion felt somewhat rushed . It has a magical, mysterious component while being readily grounded in everyday pains that most can relate to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse