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atalea's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Child death, Adult/minor relationship, and Violence
Minor: Death, Cancer, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Body shaming
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Sad, hopeful, whimsical, lovely. the movie was lovely but this felt like an arrow to the heart in a very bittersweet, throbbing way. I NEED this in print
I often struggle with translated literature feeling stilted or distanced from the characters but this was spectacular.
my one bone to pick is that sometimes the children admitted faults in places where truly their parents should have picked up the slack, but I also think that is realistic to their lives. their parents didn’t know them enough to notice their issues, so the kids blame themselves for “not speaking up” when problems arouse. :(
I often struggle with translated literature feeling stilted or distanced from the characters but this was spectacular.
my one bone to pick is that sometimes the children admitted faults in places where truly their parents should have picked up the slack, but I also think that is realistic to their lives. their parents didn’t know them enough to notice their issues, so the kids blame themselves for “not speaking up” when problems arouse. :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Grief, Sexual harassment, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, and Death
brekaboujie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I feel that reading this book as a trabslation has potentially resulted in me rating it lower than I would have done if I could read it in its original language. It is such a culturally specific book, and the setting is something I know so little about and is so far from my own experience that I found it difficult to empathise with the characters and the plot line. It was all just so BIZARRE but treated very seriously: the intense bullying, the lack of trusted adult figures which meant the bullying was never dealt with, the (to me) extreme reactions to teasing that was so just... stupid and ignorable (feels mean to say, but Kokoro reacted to everything so intensely and extremely it didn't feel realistic to me which then meant a huge section of the plot was a bit muddled in my head), and the mirror and magical land which just... no one questioned despite it being plopped in a world that didn't have any magic elsewhere.
I think a lot of my lack of enjoyment and issues immersing myself came from the translation choices, so I won't comment hugely on the way it was written as it may be totally different in the original version. However, I did fully think for about half the book that the mirror world was an intense hallucination / delusion and that Kokoro was very unwell. It allowed me to ignore some of the weird aspects so then when it wasn't that everything just felt very odd.
I did enjoy the twists, but I wish there had been better lead up to the ending sequences.It felt like a big genre twist at the end with the thriller chase sequence vibes, which was fun but again, very odd. Going through everyone's trauma was a bizarre choice as it completely messed up the pacing for me. I also CANNOT TELL YOU how frustrated I was that it took them that long to realise that they were in the same world but from different timelines. It was SO EASY to check and when they went straight to alternate universes I almost ripped my hair out !!!!!!!!!
Overall, I feel like I missed out on a lot by reading an English translation so this is a hesitant 3 stars. The premise was interesting, but it really didn't work for me.
I think a lot of my lack of enjoyment and issues immersing myself came from the translation choices, so I won't comment hugely on the way it was written as it may be totally different in the original version. However, I did fully think for about half the book that the mirror world was an intense hallucination / delusion and that Kokoro was very unwell. It allowed me to ignore some of the weird aspects so then when it wasn't that everything just felt very odd.
I did enjoy the twists, but I wish there had been better lead up to the ending sequences.
Overall, I feel like I missed out on a lot by reading an English translation so this is a hesitant 3 stars. The premise was interesting, but it really didn't work for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death and Child death
Minor: Violence and Child abuse
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
julesbookjourney's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Domestic abuse and Violence
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
laffi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Rape, Abandonment, Child death, Gaslighting, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Grief, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Violence, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
ckreads28's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book!!! Now while I normally don't like a slow paced book in summer, I adore books with back story, throw in mystery, feels, magical realism, mental health representation, with retellings and you have my heart!
There are themes that you will want to be careful of but with the rate of bullying increasing with social media now. I think this is something that is so important to read.
The plot twists were ones that I got a feeling about but couldn't even guess until the last moment. Now as this was a translation to english as always there were some flaws but not enough to jerk you out. I will be shoving this book on everyone and getting my own copies soon. I cannot wait for the movie adaptation and am so glad this book was written!
There are themes that you will want to be careful of but with the rate of bullying increasing with social media now. I think this is something that is so important to read.
The plot twists were ones that I got a feeling about but couldn't even guess until the last moment. Now as this was a translation to english as always there were some flaws but not enough to jerk you out. I will be shoving this book on everyone and getting my own copies soon. I cannot wait for the movie adaptation and am so glad this book was written!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Violence, and Sexual assault
readwithloz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Bullying, and Mental illness
katesoddy's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
I cried. I will admit there was a moment when reading when it got quite dark and reminded me of a video I once saw that really disturbed me, but it was resolved quite quickly.
That being said I could not put this book down, read it in just over a day (with breaks to go to work and little sleep).
It is a sad book, but most upsetting in the last third(without spoiling too much that is when you find out a lot).
It is interesting reading a book that is clearly not meant for children, but is about middle-school children (I won't lie living in a country that doesn't use the term middle schools I did have to look up how old the characters are meant to be) some of the topics it explores are unfortunately the reality for some children, and some of the most important themes, such as bullying and fear are devastatingly prevalent.
The book itself is not hard to read, it is just hard to take.
I would recommend not finishing this book at 4am when you have work in the morning, especially if you are like me and will need to watch something more light hearted to ground yourself.
Unironically, I do not know what to do with myself.
That being said I could not put this book down, read it in just over a day (with breaks to go to work and little sleep).
It is a sad book, but most upsetting in the last third(without spoiling too much that is when you find out a lot).
It is interesting reading a book that is clearly not meant for children, but is about middle-school children (I won't lie living in a country that doesn't use the term middle schools I did have to look up how old the characters are meant to be) some of the topics it explores are unfortunately the reality for some children, and some of the most important themes, such as bullying and fear are devastatingly prevalent.
The book itself is not hard to read, it is just hard to take.
I would recommend not finishing this book at 4am when you have work in the morning, especially if you are like me and will need to watch something more light hearted to ground yourself.
Unironically, I do not know what to do with myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual violence