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timefliesaway's reviews
498 reviews
ジャスミン・レインに抱きしめて by みら
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I wouldn't really tag it as "explicit sex", as they didn't go further than boob sucking and touching panties.
Kito was a bit annoying, constantly saying "I love you, Arise", even though she doesn't even know her, has seen her once from afar. That typical kouhai crush trope, but ends up actually being attracted to her and wanting to have sex. And doesn't know what personal space is.
Overall okay for a one-shot.
The art is cute, amateure-ish, but okay.
Kito was a bit annoying, constantly saying "I love you, Arise", even though she doesn't even know her, has seen her once from afar. That typical kouhai crush trope, but ends up actually being attracted to her and wanting to have sex. And doesn't know what personal space is.
Overall okay for a one-shot.
The art is cute, amateure-ish, but okay.
日死ぬなら何したい？(Ashita Shinu nara Nani Shitai?) by アジイチ
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When a succubus ends up being seduced by their victim...
Sou (the succubus in question) was a bit annoying, as well as the male characters, but i did like Ashiya Makoto (the "victim").
It was funny and the ending is nice.
Art style is cute.
Recommended if you're looking for a "sweet" yuri one-shot with smut and comedy.
Sou (the succubus in question) was a bit annoying, as well as the male characters, but i did like Ashiya Makoto (the "victim").
It was funny and the ending is nice.
Art style is cute.
Recommended if you're looking for a "sweet" yuri one-shot with smut and comedy.
娘のカノジョ (Musume no Kanojo) by みら
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It actually was cool how straightforward and shameless Saori was, but the drama in the first half and the romance was a bit off-putting. The sex scenes were good though.
お姉さまと巨人お嬢さまが異世界転生 (5) 5 by Be-con
Not that dark anymore (but still dark overall, just nothing darker than the previous volumes), and no break that I hoped for either.
I hope Be-con didn't get infected with the "I'm afraid to write breathers because I've written so much action and constant adventure these days, that I just don't know how it works anymore, so I'll never let my characters rest ever again" illness/trope for authors. Cause it's starting to feel that way. Chapter 16 had such a good opportunity to give the characters a bit of a break, yet a second after the big battle another attack happens.
The ending of chapter 18 would've served as the perfect cliffhanger of a volume ending. Chapter 19 doesn't really fit into the whole volume, but also cause of the ending. A bit too bittersweet for my taste. (Although the series is still ongoing, I think, so more of a bittersweet beginning of a new plot-line.)
That new storyline, however, is one of these plots that make me wonder about and question the purpose of life. Props for the melancholic vibe but... Hmm. I don't know.
Some side notes:
Trugermanner has developed an interesting personality and I wonder how that works, but it's a fantasy world so I guess magic.
Hadaki is pretty much not able to be saved anymore, although it sucks that it's emotional PTSD basically.
I believe my theory about the world has been even more confirmed now, there has been a lot of clues.
I will definitely continue reading because I'm curious about the lore and what exactly is up with the world.
-13.08.2024
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"It's a story about a lunatic who admired an imaginary knight's tale, and he had the illusion that he was the knight himself." - "No. It is a story about a person who admired an imaginary knight's tale, and tried to be a real knight."
Not that dark anymore (but still dark overall, just nothing darker than the previous volumes), and no break that I hoped for either.
I hope Be-con didn't get infected with the "I'm afraid to write breathers because I've written so much action and constant adventure these days, that I just don't know how it works anymore, so I'll never let my characters rest ever again" illness/trope for authors. Cause it's starting to feel that way. Chapter 16 had such a good opportunity to give the characters a bit of a break, yet a second after the big battle another attack happens.
The ending of chapter 18 would've served as the perfect cliffhanger of a volume ending. Chapter 19 doesn't really fit into the whole volume, but also cause of the ending. A bit too bittersweet for my taste. (Although the series is still ongoing, I think, so more of a bittersweet beginning of a new plot-line.)
That new storyline, however, is one of these plots that make me wonder about and question the purpose of life. Props for the melancholic vibe but... Hmm. I don't know.
Some side notes:
Trugermanner has developed an interesting personality and I wonder how that works, but it's a fantasy world so I guess magic.
Hadaki is pretty much not able to be saved anymore, although it sucks that it's emotional PTSD basically.
I believe my theory about the world has been even more confirmed now, there has been a lot of clues.
I will definitely continue reading because I'm curious about the lore and what exactly is up with the world.
-13.08.2024
ウスズミの果て 2 by 岩宗治生
A bit more melancholic this time. (But could still be even more so.)
Might be due to the visit to the library, and then also the time-skip (which surprised me).
Chapter 9 and 13 are my favorite in this volume.
The chapters have become less routinely, and especially with an addition of two new main characters, the mission has changed a bit.
I really like the darker-skinned character, but I'm still not much a fan of the taller one. Although it was good to see his backstory, but I generally don't like it much that the main cast has expanded that soon. I was hoping this series to be mostly "lonesome", at least in the first few volumes.
On the other hand, it is interesting to get more lore info, especially regarding the great war. The first chapters in the first volume made me think that the war and the alien invasion (+ the virus) came around the same time (which was 50 years ago?), but apparently not.
Turns out, the great war was 1000 years ago? I'm not very sure I understood that correctly. That seems way too far in the past. And how old does that Saya make?
It was also nice to see some animals finally.
Overall, the vibe is like a mix of melancholy and hope. While I'd want more melancholy, I do kinda also like the hopefulness, cause the author seems to be having a similar view on mankind as I do. And that means that humans are in fact all gone (the best part of this series ngl), and it's time for a new species to roam earth.
-04.08.24
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.75
From the ancient relics, the "mistakes of the past." And from the ecosystem, the awesome "power of life" that has even grown to envelop mankind's mistakes. You can experience both here.
A bit more melancholic this time. (But could still be even more so.)
Might be due to the visit to the library, and then also the time-skip (which surprised me).
Chapter 9 and 13 are my favorite in this volume.
The chapters have become less routinely, and especially with an addition of two new main characters, the mission has changed a bit.
I really like the darker-skinned character, but I'm still not much a fan of the taller one. Although it was good to see his backstory, but I generally don't like it much that the main cast has expanded that soon. I was hoping this series to be mostly "lonesome", at least in the first few volumes.
On the other hand, it is interesting to get more lore info, especially regarding the great war. The first chapters in the first volume made me think that the war and the alien invasion (+ the virus) came around the same time (which was 50 years ago?), but apparently not.
It was also nice to see some animals finally.
Overall, the vibe is like a mix of melancholy and hope. While I'd want more melancholy, I do kinda also like the hopefulness, cause the author seems to be having a similar view on mankind as I do. And that means
-04.08.24
ウスズミの果て 1 by 岩宗治生
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A post-apocalyptic world, in which humanity has been wiped out through a crystal virus brought by aliens, and a girl with her animal-like sidekick, who are on a mission to clean the world, so it's safe for humans again, and to look for any survivors.
~
I love the concept.
Each chapter, Saya visits a different area to look for survivors and to dispose of the infected bodies. As the virus has only taken out humans, she occasionally meets robots or androids.
In each chapter, we get a glimpse of the dead's lives, and a bit more lore. Slow-paced, but wonderfully so.
The art is very detailed, especially the buildings feel quite real. You can grasp the vastness of the world, and the loneliness Saya must feel. Although she doesn't know anything else.
The character designs, especially some of the robots/AIs are quite interesting, although sometimes give a more fantasy-vibe, rather than sci-fi.
I've mostly started it to get a melancholic vibe, but unfortunately it's not that melancholic. Chapter 3 (cinema) was, and is also my favorite so far, but it's more of an "routinely empty" feeling. Like the feeling you get when you've been doing the same thing every day for years, again and again. Typical working class routine. Which is kind of the point, but I do hope it dives deeper into melancholy.
-03.08.24
Der Fuchs von Aramir: Ein mitreißendes Fantasyabenteuer von Bestsellerautorin Katja Brandis für alle Fans von magischen Tierwesen und Feen ab 12 Jahren. Mit Farbschnitt in der 1. Auflage by Katja Brandis
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Hui, durch dieses Buch durchzukommen, hat doch länger gedauert als ich wollte. (Was aber auch an meiner generellen Leseflaute liegt.)
Dabei war es gar nicht mal so schlecht – nur gab es immer wieder Tropes, die ich gar nicht mag, die sich teils auch in Längen gezogen haben und mir die Leselust nahmen.
Zum Beispiel die Romance. Hetero-Romantasy ist keine positive Überraschung für mich, schon gar nicht, wenn ein Liebeseck mit drin ist.
Wenigstens war es nicht ganz Teil der Hauptstory, die Charaktere hatten oft Wichtigeres zu tun, besonders weil es die ganze Zeit um Leben und Tod ging. Und das "gewinnende" Paar war auf derselben Ebene, ohne, dass ich ständig Gechlechterrollen zugeworfen bekam (naja, die gab's zwar auch, aber zumindest nicht in der Liebesbeziehung an sich), was durchaus ein Pluspunkt in Heteroliebesgeschichten ist.
Trotzdem haben mich die innere Monologe der beiden sehr genervt. "Er/Sie ist mein/e beste/r Freund/in, ich darf mich nicht in ihn/sie verlieben!" Ein- oder zweimal wäre das okay gewesen, aber für 400 Seiten in jedem Kapitel doch zu viel. Besonders weil dieser Monolog keinen Sinn macht und absolut unnötig ist.
Was mir das Shipping aber wirklich verdorben hat, war der Moment relativ am Ende: Einer der Phönixe ist gestorben und ausgerechnet in DIESEM Moment müssen sich die beiden küssen??? Wie respektlos kann man sein?
Die drei Charaktere des Liebesecks waren an für sich nette Personen. Ich mochte auch die beginnende Freundschaft zwischen Rouka und der anderen Frau vom Liebeseck, zu schade, dass sie nicht mehr Szenen miteinander hatten.
Aramir, die Welt, gefällt mir sehr. Ich mag die Anderwesen und es war interessant, wie diese mit bestimmten Clans in Verbindung standen. (Vielleicht schau ich mal bei den 3 Büchern, die Katja in der Danksagung erwähnt hat, vorbei.)
Wenn auch etwas viel auf einmal – ich weiß immer noch nicht, wie die Eisenfresser aussehen oder welcher Clan mit welchem Anderwesen verbunden ist. Wenigstens sind ein paar am Anfang in einem Mini-Glossar aufgelistet.
Auch bin ich für die kleine Repräsentation im Hintergrund dankbar – ein blindes Kind, das Teil der Freundesgruppe von Devan ist, und ein schwuler Charakter, der zwar viel zu kurz vorkam, als dass ich mich an ihn erinnere, aber zumindest wurde es (ohne Brei oder Abneigung) erwähnt, was den Anschein erweckt, dass Aramir offen gegenüber Queers ist.
Der Schreibstil ist schön flüssig mit abwechslungsreichen Wörtern und der Humor immer wieder meinen Geschmack treffend (besonders Shoynas), was perfekt zu Jugend-Fantasy passt. Jetzt seh ich auch mal, warum die Autorin so bekannt ist (– ja, war mein erstes Buch von ihr).
Leider hat das nicht für den 4. Stern gereicht, die negativen Punkte wiegen doch zu sehr nach unten. Ich kann's aber trotzdem empfehlen, gerade, wenn du Fan von Hetero-Liebesecken bist und dich der oben erwähnte Monolog nicht stört.
-29.07.24
Lieben Dank an den Arena Verlag für ein Reziexemplar (und auch meinen ersten Farbschnitt im Regal).
Die Meinung ist meine eigene und wurde davon nicht beeinflusst.
My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders by Monzusu
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Included disorders: ADHD, ASD (autism), LD (learning disabilities), Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder
TW: suicide, bullying, domestic abuse
~~~
Storytelling-wise it falls a little flat, as it's always the same concept for each chapter/story: "X has a hard time in school and growing up, then gets diagnosed by doctor, and from then on things get better".
I had to take breaks between the chapters, as they were all so similar, making it difficult for me to properly concentrate and remember each of them individually. Although some stories did stand out by having some extreme characters (i.e., abusive parents who hit their children, or even teachers who lose control in class).
Even if you don't have concentration problems, I'd suggest to read maybe 1-2 chapters a day to let each sink in. And/or take notes.
Otherwise quite informative. While I don't plan on getting kids, some of the advice mentioned there was interesting nonetheless, and could totally be used for neurotypical children as well. The art is cute too – simple but works.
And I did tear up once and then, especially when the characters finally got accepted by the people around them.
It's more of an "info dump" type of memoir. Still, very recommendable, if you want to learn more about ADHD and similar disorders, and what these people usually have to go through – especially in a country that isn't as up to date about these disabilities as you might've expected.
-28.07.24
TW: suicide, bullying, domestic abuse
~~~
Storytelling-wise it falls a little flat, as it's always the same concept for each chapter/story: "X has a hard time in school and growing up, then gets diagnosed by doctor, and from then on things get better".
I had to take breaks between the chapters, as they were all so similar, making it difficult for me to properly concentrate and remember each of them individually. Although some stories did stand out by having some extreme characters (i.e., abusive parents who hit their children, or even teachers who lose control in class).
Even if you don't have concentration problems, I'd suggest to read maybe 1-2 chapters a day to let each sink in. And/or take notes.
Otherwise quite informative. While I don't plan on getting kids, some of the advice mentioned there was interesting nonetheless, and could totally be used for neurotypical children as well. The art is cute too – simple but works.
And I did tear up once and then, especially when the characters finally got accepted by the people around them.
It's more of an "info dump" type of memoir. Still, very recommendable, if you want to learn more about ADHD and similar disorders, and what these people usually have to go through – especially in a country that isn't as up to date about these disabilities as you might've expected.
-28.07.24
Printemps by Jirō Taniguchi, Jean-David Morvan
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.25
"What you have to understand is that trisomy is not a disease, but a state. Make an effort to understand the difference between these two terms."
It is technically a good book. The illustrations are wonderful; simple but also detailed. The author managed to give a slice-of-life glimpse into Capucine's life, without it just being about her disability.
She's not very good in school, but very observant of the world. I love her ability to see people's emotions behind their "mask". Like, she can always tell whenever someone's sad, even though they're pretending everything's fine on the outside.
I love the drawings from her perspective especially too! Gives a better image of what she sees.
I'm not very familiar with trisomies, so I can't tell how accurate that was, but still makes for a sweet story. Actually, I do have a very distant cousin with down syndrome, but unfortunately haven't seen the family for a decade... I wonder how they are. Gotta ask my mother.
It's a bit disappointing that Capucine doesn't have the outer characteristics of trisomy 21. Sure, better for her, but there are already barely any books with down syndrome rep (as far as I know), so... I looked it up, and it says that under 2% of people with trisomy 21 can have it without the physical characteristics, which usually is called mosaic down syndrome. The author however didn't use that term, making me wonder whether he did proper research or didn't want her to look like that?
And it's very old-fashioned. Not sure in which year exactly it plays, but the characters give 60s vibes. For example, the parents were upset over Capucine using knife and fork with the different hand (hinting that she may be left-handed). They keep telling her or mentioning it in front of her that she's "retarded". I'm aware that people still use this term nowadays, but...
This is a short story series that spans over all seasons. This one, spring, ended quite abruptly, which definitely makes me want to continue, simply to see what will happen.
Overall I'm not that eager though, cause the Dad's been a nuisance, pouring all his pessimism onto the reader.
At least Capucine's chapters are colorful and warm, and the mom also tries her best, but you can see she needs some rest. The grandparents seem lovely so far.
I'm just hoping for the best for her.
That one scene made me sad though:
"I won't be able to draw you anymore. Everyone will think that I'm making progress. I don't like it. But I'll never forget you, you know?"
Not me getting flashbacks from Inside Out's "bing-bong goodbye scene"… Let a kid draw their imaginary friend in peace, please.
-25.07.24
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism
ごぜほたる 1, Volume 1 by 十三野こう
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Hotaru, a young girl, lives with her grandpa in a small village by the mountains. She doesn't like going outside, and rather spends her days inside, thus her family members only realize quite late that she's blind. For Hotaru, the diagnosis from the doctor hasn't changed her life much, except that her cousin doesn't force her outside anymore, though her days keep being just as tranquil as before.
One day, when a group of musicians, called "Goze", travel through the village, Hotaru, awestruck by the sparkling melody, learns that the Goze are blind women like her. With her newfound ambition, she starts her training to become a Goze and make music just like them.
~
A wonderful start of a historical – with a sprinkle of mythology – Manga, which hopefully will be a long series.
It opens with a bit of a mysterious vibe, but continues to be mainly slice of life, making you think it's just that – a slice of life of a young Goze in-training. And while it is that, it's also much more, though the mysteries are still lurking in the background. The last chapter with the little cliffhanger showed its second mythological theme, that may also turn a bit dark.
As for Hotaru's disability, she's actually treated better than blind people in our world. Sure, the family members were shocked about the diagnosis, and stopped taking her out to work, but otherwise still treat her normal, especially her grandpa doesn't treat her any different. While things are more difficult, which is proven in the last chapter, she's not taken aback by any of it and keeps pursuing her goals willfully.
I'm just a bit surprised that the past seems much more barrier-free than our modern world. And you'd think it's supposed to be the other way round...
The art is beautiful, as well as the character designs. Not the typical modern animanga style, but more realistic. A bit sketchy and messy here and there, all the while detailed enough. Reminds me a bit of "Princess Kaguya" from Ghibli. The colored pages look like oil paintings, something straight from a history book.
I'm particular in love with the eyes. They're like a kaleidoscope.
Overall, it feels very poetic while at the same time child-like (probably due to the protagonist being around 12 years old), (similar to the manga series "The girl from the other side"), yet still luring you in, like a Danmono that's just began.
-24.07.24
~
Ps. MangaPlus released an official english translation on their site, where you can read each chapter for free.
The Japanese Volume 1 has chapter 1-6, and the 2nd volume is coming out in September this year (not sure how many chapters it'll have), but there are 18 chapters already out, both in japanese and english.
I do hope it gets a physical release, cause I'd love to have it in my bookshelf.
One day, when a group of musicians, called "Goze", travel through the village, Hotaru, awestruck by the sparkling melody, learns that the Goze are blind women like her. With her newfound ambition, she starts her training to become a Goze and make music just like them.
~
A wonderful start of a historical – with a sprinkle of mythology – Manga, which hopefully will be a long series.
It opens with a bit of a mysterious vibe, but continues to be mainly slice of life, making you think it's just that – a slice of life of a young Goze in-training. And while it is that, it's also much more, though the mysteries are still lurking in the background. The last chapter with the little cliffhanger showed its second mythological theme, that may also turn a bit dark.
As for Hotaru's disability, she's actually treated better than blind people in our world. Sure, the family members were shocked about the diagnosis, and stopped taking her out to work, but otherwise still treat her normal, especially her grandpa doesn't treat her any different. While things are more difficult, which is proven in the last chapter, she's not taken aback by any of it and keeps pursuing her goals willfully.
I'm just a bit surprised that the past seems much more barrier-free than our modern world. And you'd think it's supposed to be the other way round...
The art is beautiful, as well as the character designs. Not the typical modern animanga style, but more realistic. A bit sketchy and messy here and there, all the while detailed enough. Reminds me a bit of "Princess Kaguya" from Ghibli. The colored pages look like oil paintings, something straight from a history book.
I'm particular in love with the eyes. They're like a kaleidoscope.
Overall, it feels very poetic while at the same time child-like (probably due to the protagonist being around 12 years old), (similar to the manga series "The girl from the other side"), yet still luring you in, like a Danmono that's just began.
-24.07.24
~
Ps. MangaPlus released an official english translation on their site, where you can read each chapter for free.
The Japanese Volume 1 has chapter 1-6, and the 2nd volume is coming out in September this year (not sure how many chapters it'll have), but there are 18 chapters already out, both in japanese and english.
I do hope it gets a physical release, cause I'd love to have it in my bookshelf.