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ellelainey's reviews
2519 reviews
Deadlock, Vol. 2 by Saki Aida
4.0
This was a much more difficult read than Volume 1, since there are TWO instances of violent rape, one of which is the MC, Yuto.
Triggers - violence, racism, transphobia, violent rape, mis-gendering.
I get that Yuto being raped is supposed to be an important part of the story, however it lacked any real influence on the story that was told HERE. I feel like it probably had more of a long-lasting effect in the light novel, but here it was just pretty pointless, if I'm honest, EXCEPT as an excuse for Yuto to be vulnerable enough - emotionally and physically - for him to lean on Dick, then for them to have sex. Honestly, there's nothing I hate more than a character being raped and then turning to someone else for sex before they've even processed what happened to them. It makes light of rape in general, but also the seriously intense, violent attack that Yuto went through. I think the book/volume would have benefitted more from glossing over this - implying rather than showing in explicit detail. We did NOT need to see all the blood and fluids and tears for us to understand what happened or how it effected Yuto (or Dick)
For me, the best part of this volume - the redeemable part - was meeting Rivera for the first time.
Triggers - violence, racism, transphobia, violent rape, mis-gendering.
I get that Yuto being raped is supposed to be an important part of the story, however it lacked any real influence on the story that was told HERE. I feel like it probably had more of a long-lasting effect in the light novel, but here it was just pretty pointless, if I'm honest, EXCEPT as an excuse for Yuto to be vulnerable enough - emotionally and physically - for him to lean on Dick, then for them to have sex. Honestly, there's nothing I hate more than a character being raped and then turning to someone else for sex before they've even processed what happened to them. It makes light of rape in general, but also the seriously intense, violent attack that Yuto went through. I think the book/volume would have benefitted more from glossing over this - implying rather than showing in explicit detail. We did NOT need to see all the blood and fluids and tears for us to understand what happened or how it effected Yuto (or Dick)
For me, the best part of this volume - the redeemable part - was meeting Rivera for the first time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment
Deadlock, Vol. 1 by Yuh Takashina, Saki Aida
4.0
This was an interesting investigative/prison story. The concept was original, clever and well executed.
However, it has A LOT of triggers - violence, racism, transphobia, threats of rape, mis-gendering.
It get that it's a prison and there's a lot going on, with some complex gang turf war stuff happening in the background, but a lot of things felt like gratuitous violence just for the sake of it. (This was especially true of later volumes)
So, while I found the crime aspect interesting, the plot wavered into pointless prison politics at times, even sometimes drifting into lectures about the American prison system.
I also found it strange that there's a bonus story at the end, which is apparently taken directly from the original source light novel. I'm not sure why this choice was made, but it didn't really add anything to what was included in the manga version, IMO.
However, it has A LOT of triggers - violence, racism, transphobia, threats of rape, mis-gendering.
It get that it's a prison and there's a lot going on, with some complex gang turf war stuff happening in the background, but a lot of things felt like gratuitous violence just for the sake of it. (This was especially true of later volumes)
So, while I found the crime aspect interesting, the plot wavered into pointless prison politics at times, even sometimes drifting into lectures about the American prison system.
I also found it strange that there's a bonus story at the end, which is apparently taken directly from the original source light novel. I'm not sure why this choice was made, but it didn't really add anything to what was included in the manga version, IMO.
Anti-Romance Vol. 2 by Shoko Hidaka
5.0
The perfect ending!
I really hope the bonus manga mentioned at the end - available in multiple languages but not yet in English - for Towada and Yuuichi is released in English soon!
I really hope the bonus manga mentioned at the end - available in multiple languages but not yet in English - for Towada and Yuuichi is released in English soon!
Anti-Romance: Special Edition Vol. 1 by Shoko Hidaka
5.0
I am the BIGGEST fan-girl of Shoko Hidaka's Blue Morning series, and once I'd finished it, I went and bought anything/everything by Shoko Hidaka.
This was SO GOOD!
Ryou Kakitani and Suou Hiroki have been childhood friends, best friends, and now roommates. For SIX YEARS they've been "secretly" in "unrequited" love with each other. Except...they're in love with EACH OTHER and never talk about it, never admit it, have never cleared the air, despite having a feeling that their friendship is starting to change.
Gah! The angst!
There's a lot going on that I don't want to talk about, because it's way more exciting to be surprised, however...the two secondary characters - Ryou's co-worker Towada and Suou's boss, Sakuma - are both intriguing and clever additions to the plot that add some mystery.
I REALLY loved the chemistry between Ryou and Suou, the back and forth of wanting to say something, needing to say something, then backing out at the last minute. I can't wait to read the next volume, to see how this chaotic love story ends.
This was SO GOOD!
Ryou Kakitani and Suou Hiroki have been childhood friends, best friends, and now roommates. For SIX YEARS they've been "secretly" in "unrequited" love with each other. Except...they're in love with EACH OTHER and never talk about it, never admit it, have never cleared the air, despite having a feeling that their friendship is starting to change.
Gah! The angst!
There's a lot going on that I don't want to talk about, because it's way more exciting to be surprised, however...the two secondary characters - Ryou's co-worker Towada and Suou's boss, Sakuma - are both intriguing and clever additions to the plot that add some mystery.
I REALLY loved the chemistry between Ryou and Suou, the back and forth of wanting to say something, needing to say something, then backing out at the last minute. I can't wait to read the next volume, to see how this chaotic love story ends.
The Scene Of My Rumspringa by Kaya Azuma
5.0
TRIGGERS: violence, sexual assault, attempted assault, outdated attitudes, homophobia
I found this book by fluke and picked it up because of that GORGEOUS cover art. I'm so glad I did, because it is EASILY one of my favourite books of this year (so far).
The story takes place in 80's America, where Theodore Sullivan is embarking on his Rumspringa - a little late in life, due to *reasons* - and he meets Oswald Carter by accident, a young bartender, once-ballet dancer who is also a rent boy on the side. Oswald's father died in Vietnam, which has left its mark on him.
I LOVED Theo and Oz UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY! I couldn't have loved them and their journey more.
This was SO GOOD! I cried. It was sad, beautiful, about family, love, choices, and living with the consequences of your actions/choices. I feel weirdly sorry for Danny and Chloe - he's lost a family member twice and she lost her dreams.
I REALLY want to know what happened to Gene, and I see there's a duet called Dear Gene and I NEED IT NOW! RIGHT NOW! IN ENGLISH.
Oh, and I also NEED this in paperback! I WANT this on my bookshelf.
I found this book by fluke and picked it up because of that GORGEOUS cover art. I'm so glad I did, because it is EASILY one of my favourite books of this year (so far).
The story takes place in 80's America, where Theodore Sullivan is embarking on his Rumspringa - a little late in life, due to *reasons* - and he meets Oswald Carter by accident, a young bartender, once-ballet dancer who is also a rent boy on the side. Oswald's father died in Vietnam, which has left its mark on him.
I LOVED Theo and Oz UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY! I couldn't have loved them and their journey more.
This was SO GOOD! I cried. It was sad, beautiful, about family, love, choices, and living with the consequences of your actions/choices. I feel weirdly sorry for Danny and Chloe - he's lost a family member twice and she lost her dreams.
I REALLY want to know what happened to Gene, and I see there's a duet called Dear Gene and I NEED IT NOW! RIGHT NOW! IN ENGLISH.
Oh, and I also NEED this in paperback! I WANT this on my bookshelf.
23:45 by Ohana
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
THEMES: ghosts, death, loss, grief, fear of losing someone, mentions of potential suicide and suicide attempt
Iku Kurihara moved to Tokyo two months ago. He's an otaku – an anime fan – and has just started being able to see ghosts! The first ghost he's been able to interact with is Mimori Seo, a boy his age who has somehow found himself trapped in a death-loop, reliving his death every night, and eventually falls into tagging along with Kurihara, to the point where he begins staying in his apartment.
23:45 is a VERY emotional, beautiful story! I was SO invested in this story, both the mystery of what really happened to Mimori and the tentative romance that began to develop between Kurihara and Mimori. I loved the concept of a second chance at life, at love, at friendship. It also felt like they were both getting a second chance at love, just not with each other as is typical.
This book ending was quite open-ended but it felt right and realistic. Although I REALLY hope there will be another volume.
Stay by My Side After the Rain Vol. 2 by Shoko Rakuta
4.0
This was SUPER CUTE! I really liked Vol 1 and Vol 2 was somehow better.
We get this really BIG confrontation with Kousuke's mother, which was hugely dramatic. I LOVED Kanade's strength and support, while Kousuke was struggling under the weight of his mother's mental health issues.
We also got an equal dose of jealousy from both MC's that was super cute to see.
Things progressed fast here, with their first time and talking about moving in together. But it felt appropriate for the characters and their relationship. I can't wait for Vol 3.
We get this really BIG confrontation with Kousuke's mother, which was hugely dramatic. I LOVED Kanade's strength and support, while Kousuke was struggling under the weight of his mother's mental health issues.
We also got an equal dose of jealousy from both MC's that was super cute to see.
Things progressed fast here, with their first time and talking about moving in together. But it felt appropriate for the characters and their relationship. I can't wait for Vol 3.
Muted: Volume 1 by Miranda Mundt
4.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Muted, Vol. 1 is an interesting sapphic urban fantasy story, with elements of mystery, magic, romance and potential past crimes.
Cammie / Camille is a young witch in training, who is about to be put through the family ritual to summon a demon who will grant her a wish. However, Camille is really nervous, and her aunt is an overbearing w-itch who is basically controlling Camille's life, including keeping her separated from her familiar.
There's a lot of back story to Camille – a fire when she was young that killed her mother and sister, leaving her alone, as well as having spent her life living with her overbearing aunt and kind cousin. Her life isn't happy, but it gets worse when she goes into the ritual and it doesn't go as planned. Camille decides to run rather than face her aunt's wrath and ends up in a dangerous situation. As a consequence, another aunt decides to take Camille back to her family home to recover. While there, aside from recovering, she discovers some long-hidden family secrets and reconnects with her familiar.
Along the way on her journey of self-discovery, Camille meets some witches from other covens/families and finds herself making some interesting friends...and a potential new girlfriend.
I liked Camille. She was bright, spunky and brave, but she did become a bit too much of a stereotypical moody, misunderstood teenager sometimes. I also liked a lot of the secondary characters; they all seemed quiet individual, unique and interesting in their own way.
Overall, the plot and characters are good, but I did have a few issues that stopped it from getting the 5* rating it could have.
1) I have no idea what the title refers to, and I always find that when I do understand it makes a lot of other things make sense.
2) This may be an ARC, but there were A LOT of editing issues. I counted at least a half dozen typos within the text, which is quite unusual for a graphic novel / manga, even an ARC.
3) The cliffhanger ending felt sudden and anti-climactic. I don't mind a cliffhanger, especially in a comic book or graphic novel, since it's generally expected, however – Camille is warned that her aunt knows a secret, but WE, the reader, have no idea what secret this is referring to. Because of the character who says it – her cousin, the only one who doesn't know the big secret that Camille's recently discovered – we have no idea what this is referring to, which means that the warning about her aunt falls completely flat. It would have been an exciting, dramatic ending if we only had even a hint of a clue as to what secret was about to be discovered.
Stay By My Side After the Rain Vol. 1 by Shoko Rakuta
4.0
The cover of this one made me think this was a YA series, but it's not. Well, it's got a YA vibe and a first time, virgin storyline, but the MC's are both in their adult years. However, there's a sort of double timeline, with the high school storyline and adult storyline getting equal time.
Kanade and Mashiro were high school friends. Kanade was secretly in love with Mashiro and held onto that without ever admitting it, despite Mashiro having a girlfriend. As soon as they graduated, Kanade tried to move on but no one has ever compared to his first love, and he cut off contact between them to protect himself.
Years later, a woman at work wants to date him, but he lies and says he's dating someone because he's not ready to come out as gay at work. Then he bumps into Mashiro by fluke and Mashiro doesn't want to let him go again.
I really loved how close Mashiro and Kanade were in both timelines, that we got to see their old friendship and their new romance develop. The only part I hated was the co-worker Kanamori claiming to be a BL fangirl only to pressure Kanade into coming out, just to make the girl at work who fancied him feel better! That's no reason to come out when you're not ready, and I love that Kanade stood up for himself about that, BUT he quickly surrendered to the pressure of coming out to both Kanamori and the girl who fancied him.
Overall, it was a super sweet story and I loved both MC's equally. They were lovely and perfectly suited to each other.
Kanade and Mashiro were high school friends. Kanade was secretly in love with Mashiro and held onto that without ever admitting it, despite Mashiro having a girlfriend. As soon as they graduated, Kanade tried to move on but no one has ever compared to his first love, and he cut off contact between them to protect himself.
Years later, a woman at work wants to date him, but he lies and says he's dating someone because he's not ready to come out as gay at work. Then he bumps into Mashiro by fluke and Mashiro doesn't want to let him go again.
I really loved how close Mashiro and Kanade were in both timelines, that we got to see their old friendship and their new romance develop. The only part I hated was the co-worker Kanamori claiming to be a BL fangirl only to pressure Kanade into coming out, just to make the girl at work who fancied him feel better! That's no reason to come out when you're not ready, and I love that Kanade stood up for himself about that, BUT he quickly surrendered to the pressure of coming out to both Kanamori and the girl who fancied him.
Overall, it was a super sweet story and I loved both MC's equally. They were lovely and perfectly suited to each other.
My Beautiful Man, Volume 3 (Manga) by Yuu Nagira
3.0
Hira and Kiyoi graduate in the first part of the story, which ends with Kiyoi kissing Hira unexpectedly then walking away. I found this a bit sudden and weird, with Kiyoi asking Hira if there was anything he wanted to say, then kissing him out of the blue, and just walking away. It felt awkward and forced on Kiyoi's part.
Hira goes to college, only to discover that Kiyoi became a model then an actor. He's got a new friend, Koyama who is gay, and fancies Hira. They actually almost start dating until Kiyoi appears out of nowhere to ruin everything. It's a shame, because Hira was actually learning how to be a normal person and Koyama was a really nice person.
I REALLY don't understand why Hira is still infatuated with Kiyoi. IMO, Hira is an idiot. I felt so sorry for Koyama, who was so much better for him and a much nicer person. Kiyoi is unrelentingly distant, selfish, jealous and a possessive ass.
Hira goes to college, only to discover that Kiyoi became a model then an actor. He's got a new friend, Koyama who is gay, and fancies Hira. They actually almost start dating until Kiyoi appears out of nowhere to ruin everything. It's a shame, because Hira was actually learning how to be a normal person and Koyama was a really nice person.
I REALLY don't understand why Hira is still infatuated with Kiyoi. IMO, Hira is an idiot. I felt so sorry for Koyama, who was so much better for him and a much nicer person. Kiyoi is unrelentingly distant, selfish, jealous and a possessive ass.