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mariakureads's reviews
1022 reviews
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 12 by Yuto Suzuki
adventurous
funny
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? No
4.0
What an action packed volume!!! Just when I think it can't be better, a particular sets of pages keep upping up the feel and pace of th scene.
Picking up from the last one, there's more history between Shishiba and Yotsumura as they're fighting keeps taking place across the streets of Kyoto while at the same time, over at the JCC, Sakamoto faces off another of Slur's dudes that I can't stand as he monologues a lot. As in too much for my taste, so I was looking forward to this fight.
Lots of action in this volume between the 2 different fights happening and in there was another one featuring Osaragi that was amazing and one I didn't see playing out that way. Another surprise was Akira's decision and how she played that angle so I really can't wait to get into the next volume!
Picking up from the last one, there's more history between Shishiba and Yotsumura as they're fighting keeps taking place across the streets of Kyoto while at the same time, over at the JCC, Sakamoto faces off another of Slur's dudes that I can't stand as he monologues a lot. As in too much for my taste, so I was looking forward to this fight.
Lots of action in this volume between the 2 different fights happening and in there was another one featuring Osaragi that was amazing and one I didn't see playing out that way. Another surprise was Akira's decision and how she played that angle so I really can't wait to get into the next volume!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Kasane, Vol. 1 by Daruma Matsuura
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I picked this volume up on a whim after reading the author's other series 'Steel of the Celestial Shadows' and I have to say I'm not sure about this one.
Story is about Fuchi-san, who we never see clearly, has a facial disfigurement that has brought her nothing but heartache, isolation, and bullying from her classmates.
Ironically her mother, recently deceased, was a beautiful actress and left her a mysterious message and lipstick, which she learns the hard, when applied, she can take on a person's face once kissed, but it's a short fix for her when she finds out that it doesn't last. One grade school accident taught her that.
Fuchi-san who I might have mistaken for a victim, isn't as she's unsympathetic after her first use of the lipstick and while she tries to not use it again, does and knowingly to take on a role for a school play and she absolutely loves the appreciation, admiration, and love she gets because she's "beautiful" again.
The volume ends a repetitive note for me as it's starting another arc where Fuchi-san is looking for a person's face to "borrow" so I might not pick it up again but it's an interesting story with some beautiful artwork. Matsuura exaggerates Fuchi-san is a way, that while you don't see her face, allows the readers to imagine her ugliness and wonder if it's just skin deep.
Story is about Fuchi-san, who we never see clearly, has a facial disfigurement that has brought her nothing but heartache, isolation, and bullying from her classmates.
Ironically her mother, recently deceased, was a beautiful actress and left her a mysterious message and lipstick, which she learns the hard, when applied, she can take on a person's face once kissed, but it's a short fix for her when she finds out that it doesn't last. One grade school accident taught her that.
Fuchi-san who I might have mistaken for a victim, isn't as she's unsympathetic after her first use of the lipstick and while she tries to not use it again, does and knowingly to take on a role for a school play and she absolutely loves the appreciation, admiration, and love she gets because she's "beautiful" again.
The volume ends a repetitive note for me as it's starting another arc where Fuchi-san is looking for a person's face to "borrow" so I might not pick it up again but it's an interesting story with some beautiful artwork. Matsuura exaggerates Fuchi-san is a way, that while you don't see her face, allows the readers to imagine her ugliness and wonder if it's just skin deep.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Never having read anything by Beth O'Leary, I wasn't sure what to expect but I found that this messy and I should have DNF'd it sooner, except that 1) I own it and 2)wanted to see if it got better but I felt like it was just a really messy read.
The past and present timelines, and their intersecting throughout the book dragged and created for me a lot of the mess I have a problem with. The present timeline of trying to get to a destination felt so much longer than needed to just get the cast there because of the interloping past timeline.
I instantly disliked Marcus, kudos author because I felt that dislike every time he was mentioned or spoke because he's very unlikable, a stalker, drunkard, and a bit toxic to all who have to interact with him but he's not the only problem. I didn't like the MCs either; Dylan was lackluster and a pushover thanks to Marcus and his father, where as Addie was just oddly enough not communicative enough considering how much she talks. She never voiced her concerns to Dylan about anything which could have helped but that's probably due to plot purposes because otherwise how would some situations in the book happened had she spoken up 🤷🏻♀️
This wasn't for me but I see a lot of people who loved it but this took me way too long to finish because I didn't feel like any of these characters jelled together and I couldn't get into the rhythm of the book because just when I would O'Leary would change the timeline so it kept throwing me off.
The past and present timelines, and their intersecting throughout the book dragged and created for me a lot of the mess I have a problem with. The present timeline of trying to get to a destination felt so much longer than needed to just get the cast there because of the interloping past timeline.
I instantly disliked Marcus, kudos author because I felt that dislike every time he was mentioned or spoke because he's very unlikable, a stalker, drunkard, and a bit toxic to all who have to interact with him but he's not the only problem. I didn't like the MCs either; Dylan was lackluster and a pushover thanks to Marcus and his father, where as Addie was just oddly enough not communicative enough considering how much she talks. She never voiced her concerns to Dylan about anything which could have helped but that's probably due to plot purposes because otherwise how would some situations in the book happened had she spoken up 🤷🏻♀️
This wasn't for me but I see a lot of people who loved it but this took me way too long to finish because I didn't feel like any of these characters jelled together and I couldn't get into the rhythm of the book because just when I would O'Leary would change the timeline so it kept throwing me off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, and Stalking
Want by Gillian Anderson
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
There's something about reading people's inner thoughts that make me feel a bit of a voyeur but this was a good book with lots of thought towards the selection process.
The anonymous submissions are varied and across different regions but it's interesting how many touch on the same thing and yet are varied enough to make them unique to that person but to know that women, regardless of age and country, are having similar thoughts and wants. This is an interesting factor but also detracts from the book, as after a while some submissions feel the same and read as such and I did find myself glossing over some once I saw where it was going to. Also I skipped a chapter due non interest as it's not my cup of tea so why bother forcing myself.
Women's sexuality is varied and yet we don't talk enough about it so it's a great undertaking from Anderson to collect these, weed through, and choose to provide such a variety, even some questionable ones that maybe we don't voice aloud but could have had a thought about because of the possible shame we might feel but this is liberating and definitely can be an a conversation starter, if we wanted to go further with our friends in an intimate setting because I feel that Anderson has created a space that is inclusive, candid, and refreshing honestly.
I do feel that it ended without closure though, as it ended with a submission, and not any final words from Anderson, which although she writes the prefaces to every chapter, which I felt could have rounded this out nicely to get some final thoughts.
The anonymous submissions are varied and across different regions but it's interesting how many touch on the same thing and yet are varied enough to make them unique to that person but to know that women, regardless of age and country, are having similar thoughts and wants. This is an interesting factor but also detracts from the book, as after a while some submissions feel the same and read as such and I did find myself glossing over some once I saw where it was going to. Also I skipped a chapter due non interest as it's not my cup of tea so why bother forcing myself.
Women's sexuality is varied and yet we don't talk enough about it so it's a great undertaking from Anderson to collect these, weed through, and choose to provide such a variety, even some questionable ones that maybe we don't voice aloud but could have had a thought about because of the possible shame we might feel but this is liberating and definitely can be an a conversation starter, if we wanted to go further with our friends in an intimate setting because I feel that Anderson has created a space that is inclusive, candid, and refreshing honestly.
I do feel that it ended without closure though, as it ended with a submission, and not any final words from Anderson, which although she writes the prefaces to every chapter, which I felt could have rounded this out nicely to get some final thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
This was an adorable picture book!
A great story of our little owl with a big dream and with the support of his parents and his own ambition makes it happen.
Not a lot of text, but lots of illustrations that helped the story along and for me that makes it a great picture book to share with kids.
A great story of our little owl with a big dream and with the support of his parents and his own ambition makes it happen.
Not a lot of text, but lots of illustrations that helped the story along and for me that makes it a great picture book to share with kids.
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 11 by Yuto Suzuki
adventurous
tense
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? N/A
4.0
Absolutely loving where the current story arc is going.
Really appreciating that with the group separated again looking for the database in the JCC, that each group has their moments to highlight the characters and show some character growth.
With so many characters in between volumes, it's easy to loose sight of who's who but I love that Suzuki not only made every character different enough from each other, it each chapter allows for one of them to take the lead and showcase who they are.
With the way this volume ended, I really can't wait for the next volume.
Really appreciating that with the group separated again looking for the database in the JCC, that each group has their moments to highlight the characters and show some character growth.
With so many characters in between volumes, it's easy to loose sight of who's who but I love that Suzuki not only made every character different enough from each other, it each chapter allows for one of them to take the lead and showcase who they are.
With the way this volume ended, I really can't wait for the next volume.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Monstress, Vol. 8: Inferno by Sana Takeda, Marjorie Liu
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's been a while since I read Monstress so it took me a while to remember where this one picked up from and the further I read the more I remembered and the more I was in love with Liu's writing.
The intricate storyline amongst the different characters and how they all interconnect to this point is truly amazing and I can't help but thing how Liu keeps it together. Volume eight opens up to the whole gang being on the prison planet, Monstra, which brings about Zinn's past and present to throw another interesting loop to this complexity and one I never could have seen coming.
The story along with the intricate and beauty of Takeda's drawings is spectacular. The full pages, the details and differences in all the characters are still a sight of beauty. I have no idea what to expect next And I love that about this particular comic.
The intricate storyline amongst the different characters and how they all interconnect to this point is truly amazing and I can't help but thing how Liu keeps it together. Volume eight opens up to the whole gang being on the prison planet, Monstra, which brings about Zinn's past and present to throw another interesting loop to this complexity and one I never could have seen coming.
The story along with the intricate and beauty of Takeda's drawings is spectacular. The full pages, the details and differences in all the characters are still a sight of beauty. I have no idea what to expect next And I love that about this particular comic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.5
I found this to be a fun and whimsical read in large part due to the narration of James Langton that gave each character their unique sound and voice.
I loved that there was a lot of details that created a great sense of world building and characterization that was just enhanced by the narrator's acting, as I could feel Taran's determined wish for adventure to take him away from being an assisupig keeper and he probably got more than he bargained for or did he?
And now I know that this is the basis of Disney's 'The Black Cauldron', but the adaptation might be a loose one since they missed out on some characters, some being key to the story, and a good chunk of plot since this is book one in the series so I'm intrigued to know more of Taran, who had a lot of character growth from the beginning to the end. I'm going to see about borrowing the next one to find out.
I loved that there was a lot of details that created a great sense of world building and characterization that was just enhanced by the narrator's acting, as I could feel Taran's determined wish for adventure to take him away from being an assisupig keeper and he probably got more than he bargained for or did he?
And now I know that this is the basis of Disney's 'The Black Cauldron', but the adaptation might be a loose one since they missed out on some characters, some being key to the story, and a good chunk of plot since this is book one in the series so I'm intrigued to know more of Taran, who had a lot of character growth from the beginning to the end. I'm going to see about borrowing the next one to find out.
X (3-In-1 Edition), Vol. 1, Volume 1: Includes Vols. 1, 2 & 3 by CLAMP
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
I decided to try to read this again with the hopes of getting past the first volume which thanks to this 3-1, mission accomplished.
It's been years since I last picked up "X" and I might have been too young to understand it then because just rereading these last pages made more sense to me now. I've read other of Clamp's work and now know that there's going to be a slow build up, lots of characters thrown at me from the start and beautiful art, which this one has but there's also within it's pages the looks of an intricate story, one steeped in blood and death so I am definitely intrigued to see how the rest plays out.
It's been years since I last picked up "X" and I might have been too young to understand it then because just rereading these last pages made more sense to me now. I've read other of Clamp's work and now know that there's going to be a slow build up, lots of characters thrown at me from the start and beautiful art, which this one has but there's also within it's pages the looks of an intricate story, one steeped in blood and death so I am definitely intrigued to see how the rest plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down by Andrew McCarthy
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I wasn't aware of Andrew McCarthy as anything but an actor so it was surprising to know he wrote "Brat", another book I have on hold, but even more to see he had written more books, and a travel writer for National Geographic of all things, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
This book was smart, personal, inquiring, and a reflection of him, the person, not the actor although he briefly does talk about it. I feel that through writing, he's able to drop that persona, and be the almost seemingly awkward man who's finding his footing in life. The book title is apt as every chapter puts miles between him and his life, his family, his persona of brat fame, and forces him to accept the unexpected, the nature of travel, the moments of serendipitous fortune that can occur without realization and in doing so maybe find a way to use it for his gain in life.
I went in thinking this might be a straight memoir and was pleasantly surprised that it started that way before getting travel stories, reflection, smart introspection, and a lot of honesty of himself interwoven in a way that feels inherently his. I'm tempted to go and read some of his travel pieces but even I know I will find them to be rich in detail, colorful, and atmospheric in nature.
This book was smart, personal, inquiring, and a reflection of him, the person, not the actor although he briefly does talk about it. I feel that through writing, he's able to drop that persona, and be the almost seemingly awkward man who's finding his footing in life. The book title is apt as every chapter puts miles between him and his life, his family, his persona of brat fame, and forces him to accept the unexpected, the nature of travel, the moments of serendipitous fortune that can occur without realization and in doing so maybe find a way to use it for his gain in life.
I went in thinking this might be a straight memoir and was pleasantly surprised that it started that way before getting travel stories, reflection, smart introspection, and a lot of honesty of himself interwoven in a way that feels inherently his. I'm tempted to go and read some of his travel pieces but even I know I will find them to be rich in detail, colorful, and atmospheric in nature.