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scipiokento's reviews
259 reviews
MADK, Vol. 1 by Ryo Suzuri
I randomly grabbed this on a book haul day. I had no information and I wasn't sure what to expect from it. You find out Makoto's preferred interests or...tastes not long after you start. I was worried at first but I actually enjoyed it. It is horror (mostly body horror and gore) with a few mature scenes. Honestly, I didn't realize this would be funny? I commend the creator's unique ability to dance (very gracefully, I might add) along the very thin wire where there is room to be funny in this genre and, on top of that, doing so in such a niche window; I would go so far as to say thriving in it! This series looks to be so unique in not only content but art style as well. I already have the second one on it's way which I've heard is more story focused. I look forward to learning more about this world.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"Freak."
This has very dark content. Check the content warnings.
I randomly grabbed this on a book haul day. I had no information and I wasn't sure what to expect from it. You find out Makoto's preferred interests or...tastes not long after you start. I was worried at first but I actually enjoyed it. It is horror (mostly body horror and gore) with a few mature scenes. Honestly, I didn't realize this would be funny? I commend the creator's unique ability to dance (very gracefully, I might add) along the very thin wire where there is room to be funny in this genre and, on top of that, doing so in such a niche window; I would go so far as to say thriving in it! This series looks to be so unique in not only content but art style as well. I already have the second one on it's way which I've heard is more story focused. I look forward to learning more about this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Injury/Injury detail
Devils' Line, 11 by Ryo Hanada
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"That's quite an amazing thing to say..."
Sometimes accepting that you cannot control every aspect of something can be a powerful experience, as shown at the beginning of this volume. Hanada continues to show character depth as we see characters growing and expanding into themselves as they begin to explore vulnerabilities they haven't given voice to in the past. We get to see how each character is working towards their personal development (or lack thereof for some) and what they have been doing since the group split. Enemies are beginning to take clearer shape and threats are looming closer and closer for Anzai and Tsukasa. I cannot wait to see how this is going to play out!
Sometimes accepting that you cannot control every aspect of something can be a powerful experience, as shown at the beginning of this volume. Hanada continues to show character depth as we see characters growing and expanding into themselves as they begin to explore vulnerabilities they haven't given voice to in the past. We get to see how each character is working towards their personal development (or lack thereof for some) and what they have been doing since the group split. Enemies are beginning to take clearer shape and threats are looming closer and closer for Anzai and Tsukasa. I cannot wait to see how this is going to play out!
Devils' Line, 10 by Ryo Hanada
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"I catch them beneath the light and when I see their faces, I realize that the devil was a human all along."
Anzai learns more about his history as part of the Hybrid Plan and more about his parents. Tsukasa is continuing her research at ONL on Midori's invitation. Our main characters are learning more about themselves and fostering their own personal growth during their time apart. Two paths are on the verge of colliding again.
This volume had me screaming, crying, laughing and everything in between. I don't really have anything else to say other than Kurasawa is my new hero.😂 Fantastic as always! No notes.
Anzai learns more about his history as part of the Hybrid Plan and more about his parents. Tsukasa is continuing her research at ONL on Midori's invitation. Our main characters are learning more about themselves and fostering their own personal growth during their time apart. Two paths are on the verge of colliding again.
This volume had me screaming, crying, laughing and everything in between. I don't really have anything else to say other than Kurasawa is my new hero.😂 Fantastic as always! No notes.
Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
Howl's Moving Castle is one of my favorite books. My daughter loved it as well and I was excited to read this to my daughter but I am not comfortable with doing so any further. We really were just in this to see Sophie and Howl again but neither of us could get into the story and the way it is presented doesn't sit well with me at all... I wish I had seen the content warnings before starting. A lot of themes in this book are very hurtful and the content warnings are all correct so my daughter and I have chosen to move on.
Devils' Line, Volume 9 by Ryo Hanada
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"Those words weren't for me were they...?"
I was worried that this volume would be tough to get through due to the direction that the story was going but the author has yet to fail me and I'm happy to say, that continues to be the trend. This was, honestly, probably one of the more heartwarming volumes in this series so far and I appreciate that Hanada supplemented one vital storyline with others, ones that I am so grateful we get to see played out. Hanada manages to stick to the theme and give the readers what they are looking for once again!
I was worried that this volume would be tough to get through due to the direction that the story was going but the author has yet to fail me and I'm happy to say, that continues to be the trend. This was, honestly, probably one of the more heartwarming volumes in this series so far and I appreciate that Hanada supplemented one vital storyline with others, ones that I am so grateful we get to see played out. Hanada manages to stick to the theme and give the readers what they are looking for once again!
Devils' Line, 8 by Ryo Hanada
This volume starts with a very telling flashback, giving us some history that I have been so eager to uncover. It definitely packs a punch! Waking up to results of the incidents from the last volume, Anzai and Tsukasa must continue to make difficult decisions regarding each other and their lives moving forward.
I was not prepared! (In the best way possible, of course) This series hooks me every time and with every volume I am reminded of why I love it!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
"Can you understand?"
This volume starts with a very telling flashback, giving us some history that I have been so eager to uncover. It definitely packs a punch! Waking up to results of the incidents from the last volume, Anzai and Tsukasa must continue to make difficult decisions regarding each other and their lives moving forward.
I was not prepared! (In the best way possible, of course) This series hooks me every time and with every volume I am reminded of why I love it!
Devils' Line, Volume 7 by Ryo Hanada
Still puzzling over new information, Anzai and the rest of F Squad carry out their planned raid of the CCC's hideout. Soon, the group finds the CCC is still a few steps ahead of them. The tables keep turning on who is trustworthy. Anzai takes a risk, one that leaves him in middle of the chaos, leaving Tsukasa to make a risky decision for both of them. We are still in the build-up but we can definitely see consequences for many of our characters trickling in as we continue forward into unknown territory.
5.0
"My condolences."
Still puzzling over new information, Anzai and the rest of F Squad carry out their planned raid of the CCC's hideout. Soon, the group finds the CCC is still a few steps ahead of them. The tables keep turning on who is trustworthy. Anzai takes a risk, one that leaves him in middle of the chaos, leaving Tsukasa to make a risky decision for both of them. We are still in the build-up but we can definitely see consequences for many of our characters trickling in as we continue forward into unknown territory.
Hyperventilation by Bboong Bbang Kkyu
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
2.0
"I don't know what to say to him..."
Yeah...me neither. I'm stumped on what to rate this at. It is a beautiful piece, but I am also left with an unexpected, disconnected feeling. I understand part of my hang up on this was that it wasn't what I expected which I took into consideration however there were so many things left unanswered for me that it felt a bit jarring. I assume this is more in the realm of short story, prose/poetry, interpretative art, but I went into it thinking there would be a more concrete story. Instead, I can only describe it as fluid, and uniquely designed to leave the door open so you could choose what a lot of it meant but I didn't want to make decisions when I wasn't expecting to make decisions. Hopefully, that makes sense. I wish we could have met on the same page. *haha* I hope that this helps others with their approach to this manga so they can get the most out of it.
Devils' Line, Vol. 6 by Ryo Hanada
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
"First, know thyself. To protect her, too."
The pressure keeps building as we see more and more dominos topple chaotically outward from where our story originally started. Anzai has started the practice of familiarizing himself with his Devil instincts in order to keep Tsukasa safe. Transforming continues to dredge up forgotten ghosts for Anzai, the meaning behind it all still just out of his reach. Meanwhile, Anzai and his squad must tread carefully during the gathering unrest aimed towards Devils. Growing hostility towards Devils has all but sent Anzai and other Devils into hiding. We also learn more about the tragic events that drove Zero Seven into the CCC as she and Zero Nine begin to interact more and more with our main character group.
The pressure keeps building as we see more and more dominos topple chaotically outward from where our story originally started. Anzai has started the practice of familiarizing himself with his Devil instincts in order to keep Tsukasa safe. Transforming continues to dredge up forgotten ghosts for Anzai, the meaning behind it all still just out of his reach. Meanwhile, Anzai and his squad must tread carefully during the gathering unrest aimed towards Devils. Growing hostility towards Devils has all but sent Anzai and other Devils into hiding. We also learn more about the tragic events that drove Zero Seven into the CCC as she and Zero Nine begin to interact more and more with our main character group.
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
I can't shut up about this book, so I'll try to be brief. I was so surprised by it. I've only heard great things about it but I thought that hype was solely centered around the explicit content and I happily admit I was WRONG.
The relationship between Hades and Peresephone has so many layers in it and is so refreshing. I couldn't get enough of it and I'm so sad that it's over. I'm not saying I need another book. I 100% trust that Katee left the story where it needed to be and we will get tidbits here and there throughout the rest of the series. What I mean is, it's one of those books that you're so happy you got to experience and so sad to let the characters go.
The COMMUNICATION in their relationship was fantastic. I love how Katee found a way to have the characters pine for each other and to build up that intensity while also finding a way to circumnavigate the noncommunication trope. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind it from time to time, but a trend I see too often is characters that just don't talk to each other. Too many times I've found myself screaming about how this could have all been avoided if you just said something to each other! Katee found a way around it without taking away any of the intensity.
I love that Persephone is so vocal in this retelling and the very few times that she was timid or shy about something it was because of a very relatable and understandable situation. My point being, she wasn't timid or shy about EVERYTHING. I think people forget that being timid or shy doesn't have to apply to a character's entire personality. I didn't even know I was looking for this in a character until experiencing this story.
Also, once these characters became more familiar with each other, they didn't assume the worst of each other at every opportunity. Sure, there were times when there was uncertainty but the MCs didn't just throw their logic brains out the window and assume the worst at the first hiccup. So much for keeping this brief.
This book definitely gave me a hangover but I will be continuing the Dark Olympus series very soon. I look forward to hearing what Hades and Persephone are up to in the background.
Reminder: this is a dark romance. It does have explicit scenes and themes in it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"There's no going back now. There never was."
I can't shut up about this book, so I'll try to be brief. I was so surprised by it. I've only heard great things about it but I thought that hype was solely centered around the explicit content and I happily admit I was WRONG.
The relationship between Hades and Peresephone has so many layers in it and is so refreshing. I couldn't get enough of it and I'm so sad that it's over. I'm not saying I need another book. I 100% trust that Katee left the story where it needed to be and we will get tidbits here and there throughout the rest of the series. What I mean is, it's one of those books that you're so happy you got to experience and so sad to let the characters go.
I love that Persephone is so vocal in this retelling and the very few times that she was timid or shy about something it was because of a very relatable and understandable situation. My point being, she wasn't timid or shy about EVERYTHING. I think people forget that being timid or shy doesn't have to apply to a character's entire personality. I didn't even know I was looking for this in a character until experiencing this story.
Also, once these characters became more familiar with each other, they didn't assume the worst of each other at every opportunity. Sure, there were times when there was uncertainty but the MCs didn't just throw their logic brains out the window and assume the worst at the first hiccup. So much for keeping this brief.
This book definitely gave me a hangover but I will be continuing the Dark Olympus series very soon. I look forward to hearing what Hades and Persephone are up to in the background.
Reminder: this is a dark romance. It does have explicit scenes and themes in it.