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bookish_otaku's review
3.0
I must say, I'm still not entirely sure what kind of literature this falls under. Having been split into seasons and episodes I assume it's supposed to be a screenplay; however, there were parts where thoughts and other elements, not exactly conveyable on screen, were included. So as of yet, I'm still quite confused as to what category this falls under.
Assuming it is a screenplay, I think this served as a good introductory "episode" as we get to see our main characters and the scene is set. From a literature standpoint, I don't really understand the necessity of this plot to be set in Japan. Seeing as Emma is not fluent in Japanese, her constant worries with language and also the switching between languages detracts from the plot, where our attention should be focused. In terms of writing, the switching between language is also distracting. Sometimes when they speak Japanese, it's in the Japanese romanization, but other times it's written in English. I do wish there was some cohesiveness in this aspect.
If this is indeed a screenplay, I can understand the lack of setting description, but for prose, it's lacking a bit. The concept of a future Tokyo that has been split between 3 countries is intriguing so it would be great to see the future technology and develop the surrounding area. How has the traditional culture of Japan melded with futuristic technology, and then been affected by the "war" that's constantly mentioned? (This just seems like such a fascinating concept that I wish it was capitalized on more!) Along with technology, there was a lot of mentioning of "sleeves," a technology that shares the name of a mundane part of clothing. The other meaning of "sleeve" was never introduced, which left me confused when they were first mentioned. Of course, this is me being nitpicky. However, I do hope the story will not move forward with more introductions of futuristic concepts without explanation, expecting the readers to just understand.
I felt there was a bit to be improved upon, but it did the essentials of a first episode (if that is indeed what this is, an episode). Introducing the characters and setting the scene of the crime.
Assuming it is a screenplay, I think this served as a good introductory "episode" as we get to see our main characters and the scene is set. From a literature standpoint, I don't really understand the necessity of this plot to be set in Japan. Seeing as Emma is not fluent in Japanese, her constant worries with language and also the switching between languages detracts from the plot, where our attention should be focused. In terms of writing, the switching between language is also distracting. Sometimes when they speak Japanese, it's in the Japanese romanization, but other times it's written in English. I do wish there was some cohesiveness in this aspect.
If this is indeed a screenplay, I can understand the lack of setting description, but for prose, it's lacking a bit. The concept of a future Tokyo that has been split between 3 countries is intriguing so it would be great to see the future technology and develop the surrounding area. How has the traditional culture of Japan melded with futuristic technology, and then been affected by the "war" that's constantly mentioned? (This just seems like such a fascinating concept that I wish it was capitalized on more!) Along with technology, there was a lot of mentioning of "sleeves," a technology that shares the name of a mundane part of clothing. The other meaning of "sleeve" was never introduced, which left me confused when they were first mentioned. Of course, this is me being nitpicky. However, I do hope the story will not move forward with more introductions of futuristic concepts without explanation, expecting the readers to just understand.
I felt there was a bit to be improved upon, but it did the essentials of a first episode (if that is indeed what this is, an episode). Introducing the characters and setting the scene of the crime.
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