carnage's reviews
84 reviews

Days with my Step Sister, Vol. 5 by mikawaghost

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hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

3.5

The Mimosa Confessions (Light Novel) Vol. 3 by Mei Hachimoku

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emotional hopeful reflective tense 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

5.0

Absolutely phenomenal, the last chapter in particular was a masterpiece on par with the first volume in the series. The entire arc surrounding Arisa was masterfully handled, and I was initially hesitant about a book that was focused on her but we spent majority of the book in Sakuma's POV.

Seeing her actions early on was surprisingly fun and later, when the book shifts to her perspective and things start escalating to a meltdown, I was fixed in my seat reading and enjoyed every page. I could not believe how well the author depicted everything and fleshed out a character I disliked so much without me feeling infuriated reading about her. It also helps that characters stick to their guns, and not all's well that ends well, with certain characters rightfully not giving her the time of day. And despite that, it doesn't feel like it was just vengeful writing about her character or simple humanizing. There was a deeper, distinct message that the author was trying to convey, that even the worst of people can change with enough support, but that also doesn't mean everyone needs to forgive them for their past actions. It's difficult to put into words and one best understood by reading the book.

Aside from Arisa's arc, this book has another arc regarding Noi who wants Ushio back on the team, but it's just alright, I didn't particularly dislike or like it. We also have several more cute scenes between Ushio and Sakuma that made me squeal like a kid, and the ending in particular was just chefs kiss.

Overall, this volume brings me back to how I felt when reading the first volume, the thrill, the way everything perfectly flowed, and the masterful character writing and understanding. I cannot recommend this volume enough and regret not reading it as soon as it released, due to my lackluster feelings about volume 2 in comparison to 1 (which to be fair, was a very high bar to meet). I didn't think the author could ever reach those same level of expectations again, but I was sorely mistaken. This volume was on par, if not better, than volume 1. Despite its length that is much longer than the average light novel, I was engaged from start to finish and never felt it dragging or wishing it would end.

You did it again, Mei Hachimoku. Can't wait for volume 4 now!

Miri Lives in the Cat's Eyes by TAIGA. SHIKI

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced