jasper_a's reviews
199 reviews

Akane-banashi, Vol. 1 by Takamasa Moue, Yuki Suenaga

adventurous funny inspiring medium-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

3.75

a very promising first volume~
idk anything about rakugo but it seems akin to the role of a dungeon/game master for a role-playing group -- obviously, a Rakugoka plays all of the parts, including the narrator.
in any case, i have a soft spot for manga that follows a young upstart with raw talent and ambition but doesn't quite have the technical skills and experience to match up to the professionals.

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

adventurous funny reflective tense 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? It's complicated

3.5

another short and sweet novella. i was unsure if i'd continue past this one but i do really like Murderbot and would like to know where they're going from here... and i'm curious how everyone in bookclub felt about these two stories.

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 6 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

cute 🥰 

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 5 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

each volume Shirahama-sensei continues to impress with their beautiful art and impeccable use of space and panel work. everything is clear and unobstructed. and the details are so intricate, so inspiring.
the plot is plotting. the characters are growing slowly but steadily. and they're growing together.
i'm really loving this manga.

Pet Shop of Horrors: Collector's Edition Vol. 1 by Matsuri Akino

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

a stunning first volume~
i have never read the manga (i believe this is the first English printing) but i was a fan of the 4-episode anime.
the episodic chapters are fun and Count D is as charming as he was portrayed in the anime. looking forward to the next volume.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

adventurous reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

this novella moved at a clip. i liked Murderbot's voice and tambour. i wanted more details, or a bit more exposition.. something. and the twist at the end was very cool.

To Your Eternity, Volume 4 by Yoshitoki Oima

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

okay. this is where i leave the series.
i am certain the story gets better (as i've heard many times from various people) but i just don't have the time or patience to stick with it. the writing decisions, at this point (4 volumes in) feel inane, and directionless. i can go on but the thing that bothers me the most are the names. "Gugu" and "Booze Man" ... oh, and the last page we get is the MC getting wrecked with a half-dozen weapons, and then cut to the dude attacking him looking confused, and then the volume ends...... i can't.

To Your Eternity, Volume 3 by Yoshitoki Oima

adventurous dark reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.0

this volume was okay. there personalities of the new batch of characters were rather 'extra' or silly than they have been.. i think the story could have been tighter as the plot barely progressed these handful of chapters. i already have volume 4 so i'll continue on but i maybe could have stopped here and moved on.. we'll see..

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 4 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

some new characters. some new developments. i am enjoying the story thus far, and i am officially excited for the anime. 

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 3 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this series continues to deliver. there was a point in this volume specifically that made me feel as if i were reading a CLAMP manga.. sure, you can easily make the connection to Cardcaptor Sakura but it was more than that.. the character designs, the facial expressions of wonder and delight when they experience *magic*.. the cast is reminiscent of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles.. and so much more. i'm so glad i decided to check this series out.