eliajor's reviews
229 reviews

7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! (Manga) Vol. 1 by Touko Amekawa, Hinoki Kino

emotional funny mysterious 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

4.75

Rishe is a national treasure and curse the authors for making her and Arnold as hot as possible.

The art style stands out amazingly along with the plot. I will definitely keep up with this series 

The Evergreen Heir by A.K. Mulford

emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

3.75

A Magic Steeped In Poison by Judy I. Lin

dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

My first time reading Chinese-inspired mythological fantasy steeped in medicinal lore. I'll admit months apart made me forget the first half of the book but I was sort of able to pick up some of the plot. I struggled with remembering names and faces, but I look forwards to how the plot develops in the following book. 

I loved the use of tea ingredients as a medium of connection between characters. It makes me want to try out my own experimentations for the perfect cup of tea suited for the occasion but alas tea here is simple and not magic infused (though I wish it was).

I did struggle to finish this book because the writing style wasn't vibing with me. It was explicitly narrative and many parts were more 'tell' than 'show'. The mystery was hard for me to follow when I couldn't immerse myself in the details of the world. Though I enjoyed the way Judy wrote dialogue and I hope to emanate that talent myself.

- Ps: Good to read alongside tea + traditional chinese music playlist

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 5 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

adventurous emotional funny reflective 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

4.75

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 4 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

adventurous emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

4.75

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 3 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

adventurous emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

4.75

When it was Stark's birthday it struck me. Frieren is a book that doesn't just celebrate the flash boss fights that result in world peace, but the small moments. The moments where Eisen makes massive hamburgers to celebrate with the group to Frieren celebrating Fern and Stark's birthdays. It's the small, maybe mundane moments that hit the hardest because we know each member had a tough upbringing and never had anyone to celebrate with till now. 

Everyone has their charms that work beautifully to bring comfort to the story. It has become less about them being heroes but more of the times where they talk and enjoy each other's company. But it's still bittersweet to see Frieren relive those memories.

I thoroughly enjoy the simplicity, from Frieren's humble clothes to the simple yet defining silhouette of Eisen and the inconspicuous cloak of Fern. Yet the landscapes are drawn in such vivid detail that it only highlights the simplicity of the character's interactions. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 2 by Kanehito Yamada

adventurous emotional funny reflective sad 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

4.75

I will never not cry from the gut punch of emotions every flashback we get and the more we know about the four heroes; Himmel, Heiter, Eisen and Frieren. 

Highlight moment was Himmel trying to decide on a pose for his statue for 18 hours.

I’m depressed to see the Corrupt Priest now gone to heaven where Himmel is. 

This series really makes you ponder the life of elves and races that live long. They may be more intelligent than us yet lack a certain wisdom shared by those who don’t have the luxury of a long life. 
Perhaps in the eyes of some, a long life is an opportunity, yet with every year counting from Hero Himmel’s funeral, I’m starting to think maybe therapy isn’t enough.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 1 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Even though I already knew abit  about this series, it still made me cry. 

It’s so bittersweet about the aftermath of an adventure, something we rarely see as we often follow the beginning of the journey. In this way it was a journey of growth for Frieren. I love the banter and dynamic between everyone in the party but Frieren has a reserved stoic personality for now

I’ve only known Himmel for 5 minutes but if anything happens— yep. It happened. Now I’m depressed.

Spy x Family, Vol. 3 by Tatsuya Endo

funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75

Spy x Family, Vol. 2 by Tatsuya Endo

funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75