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akira_outofthegravity's reviews
173 reviews
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
When this book is good- it’s good. When it’s bad it’s mediocre at best. And unfortunately there is more bad than good.
There’s very little in the way of plot development or character development. And very little in the way of plot. I wanted to like this book so much but I just don’t. It’s not scary, it’s not compelling, the writing is nice but most of the characters are whiny- including our narrator Cat.
She is the epitome of Not Like Other Girls + the pinnacle of Tumblr Depression. Is Talia rude as hell? Yes, but Cat is so judgemental of her it’s insane. Faiz begins as a semi relatable and sweet guy but just becomes unbearable once the story begins to ramp up. Lin is the most bearable but that’s also because he has the least personality of the bunch. While Khaw has a talent for writing it’s wasted on this story. It reads like a first draft which is a shame because it could be really spooky. The “sacrifice” they make is really well written, and I enjoyed the emotions of it. But also it was way too meta. Like we know Cat is bi, and she’s supposed to die first, we know it’ll “subvert our expectations”. The minute a piece of horror work becomes too “clever” I clock out.
Too bad the characters suck, the writing is pretty juvenile, and the pacing is way off.
Edit: after reading a few reviews I have changed my mind. This book is worse than I thought. I think I wanted to love this book with its creepy cover and title, but the ending is so dumb. Everything about this book is dumb. Khaw’s writing although beautiful in parts is so fucking bloated. They have clear skill and talent- so use it!!! Also I hope they fire their editor.
There’s very little in the way of plot development or character development. And very little in the way of plot. I wanted to like this book so much but I just don’t. It’s not scary, it’s not compelling, the writing is nice but most of the characters are whiny- including our narrator Cat.
She is the epitome of Not Like Other Girls + the pinnacle of Tumblr Depression. Is Talia rude as hell? Yes, but Cat is so judgemental of her it’s insane. Faiz begins as a semi relatable and sweet guy but just becomes unbearable once the story begins to ramp up. Lin is the most bearable but that’s also because he has the least personality of the bunch. While Khaw has a talent for writing it’s wasted on this story. It reads like a first draft which is a shame because it could be really spooky. The “sacrifice” they make is really well written, and I enjoyed the emotions of it. But also it was way too meta. Like we know Cat is bi, and she’s supposed to die first, we know it’ll “subvert our expectations”. The minute a piece of horror work becomes too “clever” I clock out.
Too bad the characters suck, the writing is pretty juvenile, and the pacing is way off.
Edit: after reading a few reviews I have changed my mind. This book is worse than I thought. I think I wanted to love this book with its creepy cover and title, but the ending is so dumb. Everything about this book is dumb. Khaw’s writing although beautiful in parts is so fucking bloated. They have clear skill and talent- so use it!!! Also I hope they fire their editor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Murder, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’m crying so hard right now. This is a good book that is turned into a great book by the Hadal Zone portion. I’m literally sobbing.
This is a very unique book. It’s about Leah and Miri. Leah is a marine biologist who occasionally goes on dives that last for weeks. However one time she and her crew don’t resurface for six months and her wife Miri presumes her dead.
When she does resurface, this Leah is not the one Miri remembers. It’s a dual narrative, with Leah writing about her experiences in the submarine with her two colleagues, while Miri’s portions explore the relationship before and after the event, as well as Miri’s personal coping strategies- or lack thereof.
This is an incredible story, and the layout is really fascinating because the story progression does give you the feeling of sinking and being unable to stop the inevitable- much like what Leah feels during the accident. It’s an ending you can see coming, but really that just makes it more tragic.
The ending is beautiful and I like how horror focused this story is without distracting from the story- but most of all I love how Leah and Miri love. You can feel the adoration and romance oozing from the pages. Above all, despite everything they love each other. Even when Leah seems lost, a part of her seems to be fighting to return to Miri. Even when Leah seems unreachable, Miri still tries to accommodate her. And that makes this a 5* read for me. A lot goes unanswered, but to be honest I don’t mind. That’s not what the story is about- it’s not a mystery, it’s not crime, it’s romance and tragedy.
Personally, I think the story is actually an extended metaphor for Leah’s death and Miri’s grief process. Leah and Matteo die down in the ocean, and the last entry is her being released to the afterlife, while Miri letting Leah go in the ocean is her finally accepting her death. That’s my interpretation anyway.
This is a very unique book. It’s about Leah and Miri. Leah is a marine biologist who occasionally goes on dives that last for weeks. However one time she and her crew don’t resurface for six months and her wife Miri presumes her dead.
When she does resurface, this Leah is not the one Miri remembers. It’s a dual narrative, with Leah writing about her experiences in the submarine with her two colleagues, while Miri’s portions explore the relationship before and after the event, as well as Miri’s personal coping strategies- or lack thereof.
This is an incredible story, and the layout is really fascinating because the story progression does give you the feeling of sinking and being unable to stop the inevitable- much like what Leah feels during the accident. It’s an ending you can see coming, but really that just makes it more tragic.
The ending is beautiful and I like how horror focused this story is without distracting from the story- but most of all I love how Leah and Miri love. You can feel the adoration and romance oozing from the pages. Above all, despite everything they love each other. Even when Leah seems lost, a part of her seems to be fighting to return to Miri. Even when Leah seems unreachable, Miri still tries to accommodate her. And that makes this a 5* read for me. A lot goes unanswered, but to be honest I don’t mind. That’s not what the story is about- it’s not a mystery, it’s not crime, it’s romance and tragedy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Confinement, Death, and Body horror
Moderate: Death of parent and Eating disorder
Newcomer by Keigo Higashino
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Admittedly this is not one of Higashino’s finest works but it’s such an easy and clean read that I can’t criticise it so much.
I loved how all the individual parts of the story interlinked, everyone is connected in a way. And to be honest I wasn’t super interested in finding out who killed the victim, but rather how everyone’s stories pieced together.
Not his best work, though maybe that’s also the fault of the translator, but still a decent read!
I loved how all the individual parts of the story interlinked, everyone is connected in a way. And to be honest I wasn’t super interested in finding out who killed the victim, but rather how everyone’s stories pieced together.
Not his best work, though maybe that’s also the fault of the translator, but still a decent read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Grief
Audition by Ryū Murakami
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I support women’s rights, I also support women’s wrongs.
Similar to Piercing, this book focuses more on the build up to the climax than on the actual climax itself. It’s a well written critique of misogyny in modern Japan, and while I started feeling sorry for Aoyama his attitude towards women reflected by himself and Shige made me worry less about him over time.
I really enjoyed it! I preferred Piercing both story wise and also gore wise, but I’m glad I read this and I’m excited to watch the film too!
Similar to Piercing, this book focuses more on the build up to the climax than on the actual climax itself. It’s a well written critique of misogyny in modern Japan, and while I started feeling sorry for Aoyama his attitude towards women reflected by himself and Shige made me worry less about him over time.
I really enjoyed it! I preferred Piercing both story wise and also gore wise, but I’m glad I read this and I’m excited to watch the film too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Murder, Sexual content, Body horror, Blood, Misogyny, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Incest, Cursing, Death, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, and Emotional abuse
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think this is a really interesting collection of short stories. They all have very common themes like female sexuality, witchcraft, smells (which I thought was particularly interesting), children/childhood, mass hysteria/fanaticism, and religion.
While some stories are better than others, I think they’re all a good read! My top three are:
1. Where Are You, Dear Heart?
2. Meat
3. Kids Who Come Back
With a special mention to Angelita.
I feel that perhaps a study guide of sorts would help understand the symbolism of the stories, but honestly they’re all really good and I enjoyed all of them to a degree.
TRIGGER WARNING:
Be warned though: most stories contain some element of child abuse/pedophilia/forced incest/child prostitution/etc.
“kids who come back” contains some transphobic and lesbophobic slurs/characteristics.
While some stories are better than others, I think they’re all a good read! My top three are:
1. Where Are You, Dear Heart?
2. Meat
3. Kids Who Come Back
With a special mention to Angelita.
I feel that perhaps a study guide of sorts would help understand the symbolism of the stories, but honestly they’re all really good and I enjoyed all of them to a degree.
TRIGGER WARNING:
Be warned though: most stories contain some element of child abuse/pedophilia/forced incest/child prostitution/etc.
“kids who come back” contains some transphobic and lesbophobic slurs/characteristics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, Vomit, Pedophilia, Transphobia, Blood, Incest, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Violence, Trafficking, Abortion, Alcohol, Body horror, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’m really torn on this one. On one hand it is really cute, and I don’t regret reading it, but I have a couple major problems with it:
1. It is just Nice. It’s a nice book. It’s not amazing or revolutionary, nor is it offensive. But it’s pretty forgettable, and I know for a fact I won’t re read it. And tbh I don’t even want it to take up room on my shelves it’s such a middle ground book.
And my biggest issue: after purchasing but before reading I found out that this is actually republished work. Republished fanfiction- of Reylo (Kylo Ren and Rey) from the Star Wars sequels. Now, all the power to Ali Hazelwood, I’m a fanfic writer myself and I think that it’s a great way to get into the industry. The fact that she wrote this and published it later is fab. (I don’t hate Reylo shippers either) But the fact that it is Reylo fanfic made me squicky. Then it became a domino effect of who’s who. Anh is Rose, I assume Malcolm is maybe Poe? Jeremy I think is Finn. Dr Aslan is Leia, Holden is Huxley, Adam’s lecturer who he hates is Luke, and the rest fall into place.
I don’t know why this ruined the book for me, maybe because I don’t like the ship Reylo particularly, maybe because I don’t think that Adam Driver is attractive but every scene with Adam the character all I could picture was the actor.
The book has some other issues, mainly pacing. The beginning is too fast, we’re thrown in the deep end and it’s like “woah”. Secondly Anh. I love Anh, genuinely. She’s great, and so the moments where she’s like “hey Olive go be cute with your bf” come out of the blue and are really jarring. And pretty invasive. And I’m glad Olive calls her out on it later in the book. Thirdly, the plot is a little thin. The plot relies too heavily on miscommunication and, this may be me being insensitive, but the “everyone who loves me leaves” feels like a get out of jail free card for the protagonist not to tell Adam she loves him. It’s paper thin, especially since she does have friends! Who she loves!
Also Olive’s demisexuality is great- but use the label and stop referring to people who have a sex drive as “normal”, I’m ace and I’m tired of that crap.
That’s all my gripes to be honest. Olive is a good protagonist, who I cared about. Adam is a pretty good love interest. He’s a feminist, he’s really protective of Olive but not in a creepy way, and he’s sweet!
But that’s about it. It’s a nice story, but nothing new or spectacular. It’s very middle of the road, with manufactured drama, but a protagonist you root for.
EDIT: in light of Hazelwood admitting she writes novels based on tropes her editor spoonfeeds her I’m decreasing my rating. Mediocre white women rule this industry, while people of colour get left behind. This is poorly written, under the guise of “feminism” and honestly the “steminist” label makes me barf.
1. It is just Nice. It’s a nice book. It’s not amazing or revolutionary, nor is it offensive. But it’s pretty forgettable, and I know for a fact I won’t re read it. And tbh I don’t even want it to take up room on my shelves it’s such a middle ground book.
And my biggest issue: after purchasing but before reading I found out that this is actually republished work. Republished fanfiction- of Reylo (Kylo Ren and Rey) from the Star Wars sequels. Now, all the power to Ali Hazelwood, I’m a fanfic writer myself and I think that it’s a great way to get into the industry. The fact that she wrote this and published it later is fab. (I don’t hate Reylo shippers either) But the fact that it is Reylo fanfic made me squicky. Then it became a domino effect of who’s who. Anh is Rose, I assume Malcolm is maybe Poe? Jeremy I think is Finn. Dr Aslan is Leia, Holden is Huxley, Adam’s lecturer who he hates is Luke, and the rest fall into place.
I don’t know why this ruined the book for me, maybe because I don’t like the ship Reylo particularly, maybe because I don’t think that Adam Driver is attractive but every scene with Adam the character all I could picture was the actor.
The book has some other issues, mainly pacing. The beginning is too fast, we’re thrown in the deep end and it’s like “woah”. Secondly Anh. I love Anh, genuinely. She’s great, and so the moments where she’s like “hey Olive go be cute with your bf” come out of the blue and are really jarring. And pretty invasive. And I’m glad Olive calls her out on it later in the book. Thirdly, the plot is a little thin. The plot relies too heavily on miscommunication and, this may be me being insensitive, but the “everyone who loves me leaves” feels like a get out of jail free card for the protagonist not to tell Adam she loves him. It’s paper thin, especially since she does have friends! Who she loves!
Also Olive’s demisexuality is great- but use the label and stop referring to people who have a sex drive as “normal”, I’m ace and I’m tired of that crap.
That’s all my gripes to be honest. Olive is a good protagonist, who I cared about. Adam is a pretty good love interest. He’s a feminist, he’s really protective of Olive but not in a creepy way, and he’s sweet!
But that’s about it. It’s a nice story, but nothing new or spectacular. It’s very middle of the road, with manufactured drama, but a protagonist you root for.
EDIT: in light of Hazelwood admitting she writes novels based on tropes her editor spoonfeeds her I’m decreasing my rating. Mediocre white women rule this industry, while people of colour get left behind. This is poorly written, under the guise of “feminism” and honestly the “steminist” label makes me barf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Terminal illness
My Solo Exchange Diary Vol. 2 by Nagata Kabi
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.75
I have nothing to say other than this is such a powerful book, and I think Nakata Kabi is very brave.
Nakata-san, if you happen to read this, I want you to know that you made a depressed lesbian feel seen. Like that nurse did for you, you have done for me. I’m re starting my medication, and you helped me feel less afraid of doing so. I wish you all the best, and I will be eagerly awaiting any more biographical manga, as well as your original series.
Thank you. ありがとう。(〃ω〃)
Nakata-san, if you happen to read this, I want you to know that you made a depressed lesbian feel seen. Like that nurse did for you, you have done for me. I’m re starting my medication, and you helped me feel less afraid of doing so. I wish you all the best, and I will be eagerly awaiting any more biographical manga, as well as your original series.
Thank you. ありがとう。(〃ω〃)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Blood, Eating disorder, and Vomit
Nagata Kabi also writes in detail about wetting the bed due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Thigh High: Reiwa Hanamaru Academy Vol. 3 by Kotobuki
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I think that 3 volumes is enough to keep the gag fresh while not overstaying it’s welcome. Surprisingly heartfelt, I really think that this series is so much more than just boys in skirts. It’s about not conforming to gender norms, accepting yourself as you are, and loving your friends.
I think a really underrated series. I’m sad to see it go, but I’m happy for the short time we spent together.
I think a really underrated series. I’m sad to see it go, but I’m happy for the short time we spent together.
A Midsummer's Equation by Keigo Higashino
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I may change the rating.
This book is not like Higashino’s other works. Where Malice was the equivalent of being slapped in the face every chapter with misdirection, this was a more subtle, calm kind of crime novel. It’s almost chilling how serene everything is.
The story covers the investigation of two crimes, the crime in which a guest of a lodge is found dead off a cliff and a separate crime some 16 years earlier where a former hostess was stabbed after an argument with an ex client. Be warned the environmental aspect plays a fairly minor role in everything considering.
Yukawa is an amazing character. Enigmatic and yet kindhearted. He is a methodical detective at heart, but values not shaking peoples lives up unnecessarily. Something we don’t see often are kind and gentle detectives. So this was a nice pace. He and Kyohei were the stars. Such a lovely dynamic, and I hope, in this book’s world, they meet up again and begin a father-son relationship.
This book is gentle, it’s amazing what scenery can do for a crime novel. I found myself almost relaxing as I would on the beaches of Hari Cove- despite the murder. But it’s gentleness just adds another layer of sinister ness to the crime, and that makes for an absolute punch of an ending. Like his other novels, this is a good book made into a great book by one detail at the end. Which I won’t spoil here. Be warned that this is a very sad book, and focuses more on solving the reasoning for the crimes than the actual incidents. Also, be aware that, although the ending is satisfying in a way, it may not be what you’re looking for. However I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I appreciate its qualities, the subtle foreshadowing and the messages it portrays. Higashino is a master at what he does, and the final twist makes this good book into a heartbreakingly great book. Tragic, yet hopeful. I loved it.
Spoilers below!
The ending totally threw me for a loop. It’s so melancholy, I’m crying just thinking about it. The lives of the characters are built on tragedy, and although Yukawa is methodical he is also kind. The real tragedy of this book is the selfishness of adults, something that Kyohei complains about many times in the book. Not being told things, being dismissed, parents not being interested. The children in this book are continually let down, and that piece of seemingly random-pre-teen-thoughts being a very prominent theme in the book really got me. Narumi was failed by her mother, and then failed by her father who left her to bear the sins of all of their actions- despite the fact that he only wanted the best for her. Similarly, Kyohei is let down by his parents, and then his uncle, whom he trusts and ultimately sets him up to “technically” be the killer. It’s such a tragic detail, and shows how precariously balanced this house of cards is. If Senba admits that he is Narumi’s father then the whole thing falls, taking friends and family and strangers with it. Similarly, if Shigehito admits it was murder, he takes Kyohei with him, as well as Setsuko and Narumi. But Kyohei is the innocent party, and this would ruin him the most. I have a feeling that Shigehito knows this, and it’s his last trump card. It’s such a detailed and layered crime, and something that really strikes me as almost poetic. Kyohei is going to realise one day that technically he killed the victim, and Yukawa pledges for Narumi to be to him what she never had. This means that although the murderers get away with it, it’s satisfying because there’s not other way for the innocents to live. If they went away for murder, innocents would suffer. I think it’s a strangely profound message, and I wish Kyohei had Yukawa in his life still. But I suppose life is a continual cycle of gaining and losing. I loved this book, in all its quiet, sad glory.
This book is not like Higashino’s other works. Where Malice was the equivalent of being slapped in the face every chapter with misdirection, this was a more subtle, calm kind of crime novel. It’s almost chilling how serene everything is.
The story covers the investigation of two crimes, the crime in which a guest of a lodge is found dead off a cliff and a separate crime some 16 years earlier where a former hostess was stabbed after an argument with an ex client. Be warned the environmental aspect plays a fairly minor role in everything considering.
Yukawa is an amazing character. Enigmatic and yet kindhearted. He is a methodical detective at heart, but values not shaking peoples lives up unnecessarily. Something we don’t see often are kind and gentle detectives. So this was a nice pace. He and Kyohei were the stars. Such a lovely dynamic, and I hope, in this book’s world, they meet up again and begin a father-son relationship.
This book is gentle, it’s amazing what scenery can do for a crime novel. I found myself almost relaxing as I would on the beaches of Hari Cove- despite the murder. But it’s gentleness just adds another layer of sinister ness to the crime, and that makes for an absolute punch of an ending. Like his other novels, this is a good book made into a great book by one detail at the end. Which I won’t spoil here. Be warned that this is a very sad book, and focuses more on solving the reasoning for the crimes than the actual incidents. Also, be aware that, although the ending is satisfying in a way, it may not be what you’re looking for. However I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I appreciate its qualities, the subtle foreshadowing and the messages it portrays. Higashino is a master at what he does, and the final twist makes this good book into a heartbreakingly great book. Tragic, yet hopeful. I loved it.
Spoilers below!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse
Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.0
This is a great book that suffers from a terrible blurb.
This is not a murder mystery, this is a character-study-cum-police-procedural-drama with a hint of whodunnit. Six Four makes up less than 20% of the book.
Nevertheless I enjoyed it. Mikami was a really interesting protagonist, and Yokoyama’s surprisingly haunting writing had me crying a few times- at the scene with the Amamiya family shrine in particular. Mikami was someone I rooted for despite his slight cowardice and slightly shitty decisions, and to see him come out his shell in the wake of his own daughter running away was nice, and to embrace his role in MR rather than detest it. The side characters were great, and there were a few solid twists
Go into this expecting a lot of workplace politics and corruption, not how they solved Six Four.
This is not a murder mystery, this is a character-study-cum-police-procedural-drama with a hint of whodunnit. Six Four makes up less than 20% of the book.
Nevertheless I enjoyed it. Mikami was a really interesting protagonist, and Yokoyama’s surprisingly haunting writing had me crying a few times- at the scene with the Amamiya family shrine in particular. Mikami was someone I rooted for despite his slight cowardice and slightly shitty decisions, and to see him come out his shell in the wake of his own daughter running away was nice, and to embrace his role in MR rather than detest it. The side characters were great, and there were a few solid twists
Go into this expecting a lot of workplace politics and corruption, not how they solved Six Four.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Body shaming, Grief, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Murder and Child death
Minor: Suicide, Rape, and Police brutality