Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
Content Warning: Bullying
Heads up I'm a very empathic reader and I might have missed some nuances in this book because of that. Also, this was my first light novel so as I read more, if I find things that are part of the 'norm' for this type of book, I'll update my review.
I was so excited for this book, the authors pervious work seemed rather interesting and the premise for this book was too. But quickly the book became a slog. I almost DNF'ed it at some points because I just hated the main character. I also think this book was really close if not overstepping on the topic of bullying, almost normalizing bullying/violence and this kind of mob mentality. Making it seem ok. And this bullying doesn't feel like it services much of a purpose, as the main character barely grows from this whole experience in the end. I only kept reading because I want to see what happen to Yano and maybe to see if the monster element ever gets played on. She is ok at the end? And they don't elaborate on the monster element ever, it mostly being used as a plot device. Slightly disappointing since the title really focuses on his monster issues. Lastly, the main character rarely sounds his age which makes it even harder to sympathize or relate to him. If this was written from the perspective as an adult reflecting back on his action and even analyzing it, that would have been a lot more appropriate and maybe more impactful. I liked Yano (though she was confusing at times) and the few moments we have of him talking about being a monster is interesting, but overall wouldn't recommend.
Heads up I'm a very empathic reader and I might have missed some nuances in this book because of that. Also, this was my first light novel so as I read more, if I find things that are part of the 'norm' for this type of book, I'll update my review.
I was so excited for this book, the authors pervious work seemed rather interesting and the premise for this book was too. But quickly the book became a slog. I almost DNF'ed it at some points because I just hated the main character. I also think this book was really close if not overstepping on the topic of bullying, almost normalizing bullying/violence and this kind of mob mentality. Making it seem ok. And this bullying doesn't feel like it services much of a purpose, as the main character barely grows from this whole experience in the end. I only kept reading because I want to see what happen to Yano and maybe to see if the monster element ever gets played on. She is ok at the end? And they don't elaborate on the monster element ever, it mostly being used as a plot device. Slightly disappointing since the title really focuses on his monster issues. Lastly, the main character rarely sounds his age which makes it even harder to sympathize or relate to him. If this was written from the perspective as an adult reflecting back on his action and even analyzing it, that would have been a lot more appropriate and maybe more impactful. I liked Yano (though she was confusing at times) and the few moments we have of him talking about being a monster is interesting, but overall wouldn't recommend.
Novel ini aneh.
Cerita yang dibawakan bertemakan perundungan yang terjadi di sekolah. Novel ini juga betul-betul meresahkan. Sepanjang membaca, ia seolah memasukkan berbagai kalimat penuh makna yang aku sendiri bingung memaknainya, tapi aku bisa merasakan keindahan dari kata-kata tersebut.
Yang paling kusukai darinya adalah kenyataan bahwa baik manusia ataupun monster, jika mereka pada dasarnya berhati jahat, maka mereka jahat. Pun sebaliknya, jika mereka berhati baik, maka mereka baik (walaupun aku tidak tau apakah monster juga punya hati).
Kemudian ia juga menyatakan bahwa perbedaan adalah suatu hal yang normal. Tidak mengetahui apa yang dipikirkan orang lain dan cara pandang yang berlawanan terkadang membuat kita terbebani. Padahal itu justru normal. That's just how the world works.
Banyak cerita sedih yang digambarkan (juga dengan kalimat penuh makna yang indah) sehingga aku tidak bisa lagi menahan tangis, terutama saat Yano bertanya pada Achi, "Your night... form or your day form... Which is... the real one?"
Dan sekali lagi kutegaskan, bagiku novel ini aneh. Aneh, kenapa aku masih belum memahami seratus persen kalau aku sangat menyukainya.
Cerita yang dibawakan bertemakan perundungan yang terjadi di sekolah. Novel ini juga betul-betul meresahkan. Sepanjang membaca, ia seolah memasukkan berbagai kalimat penuh makna yang aku sendiri bingung memaknainya, tapi aku bisa merasakan keindahan dari kata-kata tersebut.
Yang paling kusukai darinya adalah kenyataan bahwa baik manusia ataupun monster, jika mereka pada dasarnya berhati jahat, maka mereka jahat. Pun sebaliknya, jika mereka berhati baik, maka mereka baik (walaupun aku tidak tau apakah monster juga punya hati).
Kemudian ia juga menyatakan bahwa perbedaan adalah suatu hal yang normal. Tidak mengetahui apa yang dipikirkan orang lain dan cara pandang yang berlawanan terkadang membuat kita terbebani. Padahal itu justru normal. That's just how the world works.
Banyak cerita sedih yang digambarkan (juga dengan kalimat penuh makna yang indah) sehingga aku tidak bisa lagi menahan tangis, terutama saat Yano bertanya pada Achi, "Your night... form or your day form... Which is... the real one?"
Dan sekali lagi kutegaskan, bagiku novel ini aneh. Aneh, kenapa aku masih belum memahami seratus persen kalau aku sangat menyukainya.
I don't know why I cried. I don't know what make's me awfully emotional especially to some specific passages that I've read. But this is the only thing that I'm certain and it is about what this book that change my very own perspective and views in life.
emotional
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:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the book and its idea, but I didn't like the execution. It felt pretty slow at times and there were a lot of useless dialogue. The main character was really annoying. I also didn't like how to main character was able to think so much about what he should do before doing anything, but was also dense af at times for no reason. Anyways, I didn't like him. Yano though, I thought she was nice. Though, I will admit, she turned out to be way more thoughtful about things than I first expected. Oh, there were a few unanswered questions why I just don't understand why those questions were brought up in the first place if they were never going to be answered. Overall, it was an okay read. I didn't dislike it, but I also didn't have a lot of fun reading it. But I was able to kind of binge it which says that I did enjoy reading at least a little bit more than just "okay". It was my first time reading a Japanese novel/light novel type book too so that's that. Anyways, I rate it a ratin 3.5/5 stars.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
