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blacksphinx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Cancer, Child abuse, Mental illness, and Bullying
Moderate: Terminal illness, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual assault, Car accident, Death of parent, and Medical content
Misogynistic slurshello_lovely13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.25
For a good portion of this book, I was planning on rating it 3.75, but the last 100 pages turned it around. It wasn't until the ending of the book that I truly realized how deeply I cared about these characters. For most of the book, we don't know much about the outside lives of the children other than Kokoro. Since the focus is on their growing bond together despite their circumstances, and these circumstances contribute to each character's desire to use the castle as an escape and sanctuary, this makes sense. It also makes sense to add to the mystery of the book as well. I typically would prefer the protagonist slowly get to know each character's stories throughout the book, rather than all at once (throughout the book we get to know hints of their outside lives, but the focus is mainly on knowing their personalities and growing their relationships with each other so they can be there for each other), but I didn't mind how this was done at all (though I will admit, I didn't feel overly attached to the characters until a little before I had to say goodbye to them). It definitely packed a punch and had me in tears (particularly Rion's story, which continually made me cry). Masamune reminded me of Neo from I Fell in Love with Hope. Each character came from different circumstances, and I liked how each of them were written. The fact that the search for the key to get the wish wasn't a main focus for a majority of the book didn't bother me too much, but when it became a crucial part of the story in the last third of the book, it held me tight in its grip. Since I like character-centered stories, I liked how the children really came together to form a found family, thus the lack of focus on the hunt for the key didn't bother me much. There are 3 main twists in the story: (1) the children are all students at the same school, but not at the same time (when they tried to meet up, so I was able to guess they were from different times, rather than the parallel worlds they assumed; (2) the relevance of the story "The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats", rather than "Little Red Riding Hood" (I didn't know the former story, but because of the number of children and the Wolf Queen, I was able question whether there was a connection between the two as soon as the children met for the first time); (3) the Wolf Queen is Rion's dead older sister (I was able to somewhat hypothesize this once Aki was saved and the other children "came back") . I really liked how the mysteries unfolded, and upon a reread, I think will have a lot of fun finding more of the clues left to solve them. The ending of the story simultaneously broke my heart and healed it. The fact that Aki was Ms. Kitajima the entire time made me so happy that I couldn't stop crying. Plus, the fact that the other children saving her in the castle became a motivation (even though it was just a phantom memory) for her to want to help others??? Absolutely beautiful! The writing style is quite simple, and at times the translation does leave a few holes in possible double meanings and clues, but, in regards to the simplicity of the style, since the narrator for the majority of the time is a 12 year old, it makes sense. I only wonder if the style is more lyrical and whimsical in Japanese. Overall, this was such a melancholy book for a majority of the time, but held such a hopeful message (the fact that Kokoro's mother was so supportive is just one example other than the found family (the fact that she was so supportive made me so happy) ). It touched my heart, and I will be holding the characters close to me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Bullying
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Child death, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
pylulu1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Bullying
jessajay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Lovely book! I watched the anime first, and my mom got me this for Christmas (which wasn't intentional!). It was fun comparing the very few differences. I thought it was very well written!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Child abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
emjbarnes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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 took me a long time to get into, but by the time I got the first real plot twists, I was really attached to the characters. The ending was a huge surprise and is well worth the wait.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Bullying
Moderate: Child death, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
kelly_e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
Title: Lonely Castle in the Mirror
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vivid • Playful • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like puzzles
• T.J. Klune fans
• younger readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long she’d be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Vivid • Playful • Heartwarming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.
The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.
Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.
Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like puzzles
• T.J. Klune fans
• younger readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."
"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long she’d be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Grief, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Terminal illness, Cancer, and Domestic abuse
tomyelland's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Child abuse
lolabee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and Child death
Minor: Terminal illness, Cancer, and Medical content
absolute_bookery's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.5
A real surprise for me - I loved this book so much. Some great twists that really set me thinking, definitely recommend as its nothing like I've read before!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Cancer, Bullying, and Death