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ellelainey's reviews
2401 reviews
Sanctify Vol. 2 by Godsstation
5.0
WOW! There are so many revelations in this book that I want to talk about but I won't, because they were be the biggest SPOILERS ever!
Instead, I'll just say this:
* the art is STUNNING
* the story is compelling and really well written
* the sprinkles of twists and revelations are well placed
* I LOVE Gil and his twisted, depraved love for Lance to an unhealthy degree!
I especially loved that the story ended on a weirdly positive note, with flashbacks to Lance's childhood of when he first discovered his gift as an exorcist, haunted by seeing the fallen everywhere. I'm sure that's going to have such a huge importance later.
This story is unravelling brilliantly and I can't wait for the next volume. I have a feeling this could be a long series, at least a few more volumes, unless something drastic happens in Volume 3 that could wrap it up, but I honestly think there's too much story for that. After all, we still have to explore the complexity of Lance's exorcist past, how he 'asked' for the abilities in a past life, and even more importantly find out ALL about Gil.
I. CANNOT. WAIT.
Instead, I'll just say this:
* the art is STUNNING
* the story is compelling and really well written
* the sprinkles of twists and revelations are well placed
* I LOVE Gil and his twisted, depraved love for Lance to an unhealthy degree!
I especially loved that the story ended on a weirdly positive note, with flashbacks to Lance's childhood of when he first discovered his gift as an exorcist, haunted by seeing the fallen everywhere. I'm sure that's going to have such a huge importance later.
This story is unravelling brilliantly and I can't wait for the next volume. I have a feeling this could be a long series, at least a few more volumes, unless something drastic happens in Volume 3 that could wrap it up, but I honestly think there's too much story for that. After all, we still have to explore the complexity of Lance's exorcist past, how he 'asked' for the abilities in a past life, and even more importantly find out ALL about Gil.
I. CANNOT. WAIT.
SANCTIFY Volume 01 by Godsstation
5.0
Wow! This was a real surprise.
TRIGGERS: murder of children, ritual sacrifice, cult, flashbacks, mental health issues, detailed r*ape fantasy
This was such an interesting concept - an exorcist helps the police with supernatural cases. In this world, an exorcist has real magical/supernatural powers that helps him solve cases, but he's also had a past life he can't remember where he apparently asked for the ability to become an exorcist and/or have these powers.
The case is interesting: a rich man is murdered who has a history of having committed a heinous crime in the past, in an orphanage. and his entire family, including the children, have been murdered in a ritual killing that echoes a case from years ago. While investigating the case, Lance meets a young policeman who tags along even when Lance doesn't want him to.
The policeman introduces himself as Gil, but his colleagues call him Will. π€ And that's just the beginning of how interesting he becomes.
I don't want to say too much about the plot, because it's quite intricate and it would mostly be spoiler-y.
I LOVED the artwork! It was stunning to look at, yet somehow gritty and realistic. It was great to see adults who actually look their age and behave their age.
The story has a very Constantine feel about it (the Keanu Reeves movie, not so much the comics).
It had a really shocking but intriguing ending.
I really wish I'd waited until February to read this, when Volume 3 will be out, but now that I've started I can't stop.
TRIGGERS: murder of children, ritual sacrifice, cult, flashbacks, mental health issues, detailed r*ape fantasy
This was such an interesting concept - an exorcist helps the police with supernatural cases. In this world, an exorcist has real magical/supernatural powers that helps him solve cases, but he's also had a past life he can't remember where he apparently asked for the ability to become an exorcist and/or have these powers.
The case is interesting: a rich man is murdered who has a history of having committed a heinous crime in the past, in an orphanage. and his entire family, including the children, have been murdered in a ritual killing that echoes a case from years ago. While investigating the case, Lance meets a young policeman who tags along even when Lance doesn't want him to.
The policeman introduces himself as Gil, but his colleagues call him Will. π€ And that's just the beginning of how interesting he becomes.
I don't want to say too much about the plot, because it's quite intricate and it would mostly be spoiler-y.
I LOVED the artwork! It was stunning to look at, yet somehow gritty and realistic. It was great to see adults who actually look their age and behave their age.
The story has a very Constantine feel about it (the Keanu Reeves movie, not so much the comics).
It had a really shocking but intriguing ending.
I really wish I'd waited until February to read this, when Volume 3 will be out, but now that I've started I can't stop.
Wolf Pack by Billy Balibally, γγͺγΌγ»γγͺγγͺγΌ
5.0
I became a fan of Billy Balibally when I first read FANGS, and I knew that the art style and storytelling were right up my alley. Wolf Pack is no different.
This was a surprisingly romantic story, based on the mythology of wolves, specifically Norwegian myths. There are two different wolf packs, led by the alphas Garm and Hati, the latter of whom has a twin sister, Skoll, also an alpha. Garm is supposed to marry Skoll, to unite their packs. Garm's pack live on the mountain and Skoll's on the lake, right beside the mountain, so their marriage will not only merge packs but territory. Only, we begin the story with Skoll having died two days prior to the arranged marriage and Hati offering to take her place as bride.
What Hati doesn't realise is that Garm is much happier with the switch than he would have been had he married Skoll. :)
I loved how clueless Hati was and how Garm didn't really know what he was doing, just going by instinct, but that he also didn't know how to be even more obvious so that Hati would understand.
The story definitely had a bi-awakening theme, which was explored well.
I've read a lot of Alpha x Alpha BL and yaoi, but most of them are strongly focused on sex, whereas this is an upper teen novel and I honestly think that was the best move. It let the story be more emotional and plot based than sex-focused. There was a little bit of action/adventure and whole lot of underlying, simmering romance between Garm and Hati that was the perfect blend of two strangers coming together with a common aim while leaving themselves open to being mates.
As expected of Billy, the art was stunning!
I also really loved the author's note at the end, explaining the origin of the story and how it connected to real mythology.
This was a surprisingly romantic story, based on the mythology of wolves, specifically Norwegian myths. There are two different wolf packs, led by the alphas Garm and Hati, the latter of whom has a twin sister, Skoll, also an alpha. Garm is supposed to marry Skoll, to unite their packs. Garm's pack live on the mountain and Skoll's on the lake, right beside the mountain, so their marriage will not only merge packs but territory. Only, we begin the story with Skoll having died two days prior to the arranged marriage and Hati offering to take her place as bride.
What Hati doesn't realise is that Garm is much happier with the switch than he would have been had he married Skoll. :)
I loved how clueless Hati was and how Garm didn't really know what he was doing, just going by instinct, but that he also didn't know how to be even more obvious so that Hati would understand.
The story definitely had a bi-awakening theme, which was explored well.
I've read a lot of Alpha x Alpha BL and yaoi, but most of them are strongly focused on sex, whereas this is an upper teen novel and I honestly think that was the best move. It let the story be more emotional and plot based than sex-focused. There was a little bit of action/adventure and whole lot of underlying, simmering romance between Garm and Hati that was the perfect blend of two strangers coming together with a common aim while leaving themselves open to being mates.
As expected of Billy, the art was stunning!
I also really loved the author's note at the end, explaining the origin of the story and how it connected to real mythology.
FAKE FACT LIPS by Machi Suehiro
5.0
This was a surprisingly fun and quirky tory, with a sweet storyline.
I'll admit, I went into this expecting high heat and not much story, but actually, there was masses of story and background. Zen Shito and Ryo Yotsuya have been in competition since high school and into work, where they're always pitting themselves against each other over stupid things, like who can drink a beer quicker, who can close a sale first. That inevitably leads to crossing boundaries, where they challenge each other to see who will fall for the other first.
Ryo is a total smooth operator, while Zen is an adorable but oblivious dumbass. They make for an amazing couple, with great chemistry.
I'll admit, I went into this expecting high heat and not much story, but actually, there was masses of story and background. Zen Shito and Ryo Yotsuya have been in competition since high school and into work, where they're always pitting themselves against each other over stupid things, like who can drink a beer quicker, who can close a sale first. That inevitably leads to crossing boundaries, where they challenge each other to see who will fall for the other first.
Ryo is a total smooth operator, while Zen is an adorable but oblivious dumbass. They make for an amazing couple, with great chemistry.
My Brother Left Behind Someone We Loved by Kure
5.0
While this is an omegaverse story, it takes a less direct approach towards the omegaverse, by which I mean it's less about the sex and chemical draw between characters and more about the intense feelings that can develop between alpha and omega, and how hard those are to navigate when someone else stands between them.
I can't really say anything about the plot, because anything of substance would be a spoiler, but...I loved that it was bittersweet, lovely and touching, tender and evocative. It was emotion based, not physical, and neither of the two MC's pushed their feelings or needs onto the other, not even when driven by the heat.
Three things I loved:
1) Kazuki's genuine love for his brother Haruki, and his equally tender affection for Yukito.
2) Haruki's diary entries
3) the ending
I can't really say anything about the plot, because anything of substance would be a spoiler, but...I loved that it was bittersweet, lovely and touching, tender and evocative. It was emotion based, not physical, and neither of the two MC's pushed their feelings or needs onto the other, not even when driven by the heat.
Three things I loved:
1) Kazuki's genuine love for his brother Haruki, and his equally tender affection for Yukito.
2) Haruki's diary entries
3) the ending
Lullaby of the Dawn, Volume 5 by Ichika Yuno
5.0
This is the first book with a clear trigger warning at the beginning: sexual violence against minors.
Now that I've read it, I can say that it's not explicit. It's fade-to-black, implied events from memories.
This was such an intense volume. I'll admit, I started reading this series thinking it was finished, but this book ends on a HUGE CLIFFHANGER!
So much happened here: Mikael is back; e finally learn the whole sad history of the Kinnagi; we find out more about the island and its exclusion from the rest of the world; it even goes all the way back to the first Kinnagi 'Miko' and how the greed of man will always be the biggest threat.
This was a completely sad, bittersweet and heartbreaking volume, but also adds so many layers to the story so far.
Now that I've read it, I can say that it's not explicit. It's fade-to-black, implied events from memories.
This was such an intense volume. I'll admit, I started reading this series thinking it was finished, but this book ends on a HUGE CLIFFHANGER!
So much happened here: Mikael is back; e finally learn the whole sad history of the Kinnagi; we find out more about the island and its exclusion from the rest of the world; it even goes all the way back to the first Kinnagi 'Miko' and how the greed of man will always be the biggest threat.
This was a completely sad, bittersweet and heartbreaking volume, but also adds so many layers to the story so far.
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 4 by Ichika Yuno
5.0
This volume delves more into the world construct, about how and why things are happening behind the scenes, who he Lord and the nuns are and how their behaviour impacts the other characters.
I don't want to say too much, because there was a lot going on in this volume. But, what an ending! There were so many huge revelations, but that ending was a spectacular ending!
TRIGGERS: war, child abuse, PTSD
I don't want to say too much, because there was a lot going on in this volume. But, what an ending! There were so many huge revelations, but that ending was a spectacular ending!
TRIGGERS: war, child abuse, PTSD
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 3 by Ichika Yuno
5.0
There is a lot going on in this volume! Elva and Alto get sexy (all off-page, thankfully). Manieri is back! AND we find out more about BOTH Elva's childhood and what Letty is really up to.
We learned so much about the Kannagi and their legacy, but this volume ends on a really ominous note! I can't wait to read more.
We learned so much about the Kannagi and their legacy, but this volume ends on a really ominous note! I can't wait to read more.
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 2 by Ichika Yuno
5.0
I am LOVING this series so far!
It was so good to see more of Elva and how he and Alto function now that Alto is an adult. I knew that Lord was no good from the first, but the way he spoke to Elva, and brought back unwanted memories, proves he'll be a problem in the future. And the monastery are so shady!
I love that all Alto wants is to help Elva and the other Kinnagi, to see if there's a way to protect them from their 'God-given' fate, without them having to die for the sake of others. Alto is such a golden retriever!
It was so good to see more of Elva and how he and Alto function now that Alto is an adult. I knew that Lord was no good from the first, but the way he spoke to Elva, and brought back unwanted memories, proves he'll be a problem in the future. And the monastery are so shady!
I love that all Alto wants is to help Elva and the other Kinnagi, to see if there's a way to protect them from their 'God-given' fate, without them having to die for the sake of others. Alto is such a golden retriever!
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 1 by Ichika Yuno
5.0
This was such an amazing start to a brilliant story.
Alto and Elva are so sweet, but they both have bittersweet backgrounds. Elva is cursed with a burden no child should bear, and Alto lost his mum too young. They're both struggling with how to survive.
The story begins when they're both young. Elva is 18 and Alto is 10. They meet and Alto is instantly captivated by the enchanting, magical Elva, who is shocked but charmed by how attentive and sweet Alto is, wanting to help someone that the entire village shuns.
Then 8 years pass, to where Alto is now 18 and twice the size, a grown man with more complicated feelings for Elva than he could anticipate. And Elva is now 26, though due to his curse he still looks in his late teens.
Elva's curse began when his hair turned white, a flower mark appeared on his forehead and he was whisked away from his family by the monastery to become the Kinnagi, a warrior priest who fights back the monsters that emerge at night, when the sea turns into a dangerous black sea. Normal people can't enter the sea without being consumed by the blackness and getting hurt or dying. Except Alto. One night Alto goes into the sea to help a group of bullies who throw a boy into the sea at night, and Elva is shocked to discover the blackness doesn't harm Alto.
There are various Kinnagi in the world, and in this region of the story, but most die quickly, consumed by the blackness of the sea. When the story begins, Elva's curse is all the way up his hands, halfway up his arms, up his legs and starting to begin on his neck. Then he spends time with Alto and suddenly the blackness recedes. No one can explain how or why.
The story progresses between showing Alto and Elva's life together, where Alto helps Elva commit his life to his duty, while Alto grows more and more curious about why Elva is the Kinnagi and how he can save him from that fate.
The art is stunning. The relationship between Alto and Elva is brilliantly written, from friendship and reliance to love.
Alto and Elva are so sweet, but they both have bittersweet backgrounds. Elva is cursed with a burden no child should bear, and Alto lost his mum too young. They're both struggling with how to survive.
The story begins when they're both young. Elva is 18 and Alto is 10. They meet and Alto is instantly captivated by the enchanting, magical Elva, who is shocked but charmed by how attentive and sweet Alto is, wanting to help someone that the entire village shuns.
Then 8 years pass, to where Alto is now 18 and twice the size, a grown man with more complicated feelings for Elva than he could anticipate. And Elva is now 26, though due to his curse he still looks in his late teens.
Elva's curse began when his hair turned white, a flower mark appeared on his forehead and he was whisked away from his family by the monastery to become the Kinnagi, a warrior priest who fights back the monsters that emerge at night, when the sea turns into a dangerous black sea. Normal people can't enter the sea without being consumed by the blackness and getting hurt or dying. Except Alto. One night Alto goes into the sea to help a group of bullies who throw a boy into the sea at night, and Elva is shocked to discover the blackness doesn't harm Alto.
There are various Kinnagi in the world, and in this region of the story, but most die quickly, consumed by the blackness of the sea. When the story begins, Elva's curse is all the way up his hands, halfway up his arms, up his legs and starting to begin on his neck. Then he spends time with Alto and suddenly the blackness recedes. No one can explain how or why.
The story progresses between showing Alto and Elva's life together, where Alto helps Elva commit his life to his duty, while Alto grows more and more curious about why Elva is the Kinnagi and how he can save him from that fate.
The art is stunning. The relationship between Alto and Elva is brilliantly written, from friendship and reliance to love.