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gwenswoons's review
lighthearted
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? Yes
1.5
I’m for sure not this book’s intended audience - this is my first foray into manga (for the Storygraph Genre Challenge), and I did a good chunk of research to find something that was light and romantic, and thought I’d enjoy! I did not. The relationship dynamics are so uncommunicative and gender-roled - so much sexism and misogyny sprinkled throughout and it somehow happens in place of character development. Anyway! I would/will definitely try manga again but I’m going to aim for more literary/contemporary and hopefully avoid some of the sexist dynamics that didn’t land well for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Stalking
dottiewankenobi's review
lighthearted
medium-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? No
2.75
Changes of Heart didn't really do it for me. The art is nice, though I find Hijiri boring to look at in comparison to all of the other characters, and the smut scenes are pretty nice as well though not very graphic (they're pretty euphemistic since we don't even see any sound effects around them to denote what they're doing). Unfortunately, I find Hijiri to be uninteresting as a character as well, and for both he and Koyori I just don't understand why they're reacting the way they are. Except when I do, I find the choices made to have them react that way to be the less interesting option. I may still try out the other volumes and if so, I hope they get better, but for now this one was a bit disappointing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
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