timefliesaway's reviews
559 reviews

I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day 3 by Nachi Aono

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I love love love LOVE the mature romance of Seiran and Ari!!
It’s really nice how much screen-time they’ve gotten this volume. (And therefore I wonder why they're not on the cover?!)
And that’s why the last chapter pains me even more. Please tell me that’s just an awful cliffhanger and not …
I’m so angry at Mimi though, why is she so carefree! Especially in the last chapter!

The tragedy of war has been captured really well in this volume. V1 felt much more like a school, but getting more perspectives from soldiers and the actual battlefield, showed that the orphanage is much more of a boot camp. Scary.

-03.03.25

Love you till you die, Band 2 by Nachi Aono

dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-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

5.0

Aww, this is constantly going from hopeful and slice-of-lifey, to right back in the feels, once Sheena mentions the war. While she's happy her number has been skipped, she feels bad that someone else is fighting instead of her. This is quite heartbreaking. But captures the feeling of war very well … <|3 

As well as Sheena’s will to keep everything alive. The potted plant scene was great. 

 

Sheena’s and Mimi’s relationship kinda gives mother-daughter or sister vibes, but I wouldn’t mind if that were the case. Considering Mimi’s body is immortal, it’d be a bit weird to have a romantic, let alone sexual relationship, once Sheena outgrows her. (Then again, there are people shipping DW’s Jack Frost with adults …) But also cause their platonic relationship is sweet as well. I don’t really need more. 

Besides, there is already a confirmed romantic couple as supporting characters, Seiran and Ari! 

 

As perverted as Ms. Fran is, she seems to be the only one from the teachers, who actually sees Mimi as a person, rather than a killing machine or secret weapon. Pretty sure she’s hoping that Sheena might help getting Mimi out of this, although it might mean they’ll lose the war ... 

 

The highlight of this volume gotta be the gratitude day, though! 

- underground library 

- free flee market / free exchange of stuff you don’t need anymore 

- Mimi making the books dance with magic 

- a heartfelt hug between them 

- Sheena being a secret cookie fairy 

 

Took a bit of a quicker pace than last volume and started with the lore regarding the war, but still focuses on the slow, soft life that Sheena embodies. 

 

-03.03.25 

I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day 1 by Nachi Aono

dark hopeful mysterious sad 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? Yes

4.5

I’m not sure what kinda sexualization or nudity the other reviewers are talking about. There was no nudity and no sex either. Yes, there’s kissing, but there’s also kissing in kids movies/books (Disney), so i don’t see where the problem is. Sure, they’re a little underage, but it’s not kissing in an intimate way, it’s a form of healing someone (transferring mana). Like mouth-to-mouth CPR. You wouldn’t call CPR sexual either, would you?
Someone is on the verge of death during war, and if the only way to save them is by 'kissing', are you really gonna call the sexual assault police first??

Okay, the perverted nurse (who’s either a crossdresser or a misgendered mtf) might be a bit unnecessary and I’m not very fond of her – though mostly cause she called Mimi’s dismembered body “disgusting” –, but also nothing new in Mangas. 
Perverted teachers are a thing in Japan like it’s a thing in American movies to wear your outdoor shoes at home. Does that mean every author should include it in their work? No, but it’s unfair to rate it 1 star because of something that happens in 80% or more works.

~

The story is quite slow-paced, just like the protagonist, Sheena. Sheena is an orphan living in this orphanage where magic-users are sent to train for the war. What exactly the war is about or what’s going on, isn’t touched upon (yet) because Sheena hates war and killing, and would rather hide than fight. She’s quiet and keeps to herself, always stays low. Using just a little magic tires her out. 
 
That is, until her roommate dies and she gets a new one, who also is a new student: Mimi. Rumored to be the secret, most powerful weapon that the school’s been working on. Sheena is quite surprised that that killing machine is a girl her age, smiling ever so brightly like a cute, innocent child. 
But Sheena has seen her before, covered in blood, so takes a bit of a distance from her.

Not for long though, as the next mock battle comes up, and now that Mimi is part of her class, using her usual strategy doesn’t end very well this time.

~ 

I’m really curious about the world building and where the story will lead. It’s giving ‘The Irregular at Magic Highschool’ (but set during the war) and ‘The Promised Neverland’ (although I’ve never seen/read this one) vibes so far.
The art is really cute and soft, just like the protagonist. Poor girl just needs some peace. And a home, cause she sees the orphanage as nothing but a school.

I also like the names of the characters: Seiran, Sheena, Ari, Fran,
Not the usual Japanese first names.

Seiran and Ari a couple, albeit in secret, and I pray nothing happens to them. After Sheena, of course.

~

Thank you to Kodansha on Netgally for an e-ARC!

-03.03.25

Hairball by Matt Kindt

dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

(English below.) 

 

Mit Hayao Miyazaki würde ich dieses Werk nicht in Verbindung setzen; auch wenn der japanische Regisseur einige „brennende Werke” hat, waren es definitiv andere Arten von Flammen. 

 

Insgesamt fühlt es sich wie eine Kurzgeschichte an – direkter Einstieg, Außergewöhnliches im Alltag, kurz gehalten und selbsterklärendes Ende. Der Twist in der Mitte mit dem Zeitsprung fand ich sehr interessant umgesetzt. 

Die Flashbacks mit dem Wechsel zu Anna, die im Therapiestuhl sitzt und die Geschichte den Lesenden direkt erzählt, als wärst du der*die Therapeut*in, fand ich ebenfalls sehr gut, hat sich ausbalanciert und ich hab mich schnell an das Hin und Her gewöhnt. 

 

Den Horroraspekt fand ich kaum gruselig, nur ein bisschen blutrünstig und haarig, wie der Titel besagt. Durch den skizzenhaften Zeichenstil wird es jedoch nicht zu graphisch, bleibt im paranormalen Bereich. Ob das gut oder schlecht ist, kannst du selbst entscheiden, ich fand es stimmig. 

 

Die Story ist nichts Weltbewegendes, eventuell verwirrend für manche und sinnfrei für andere. Es hat mich nicht unbedingt tief berührt, aber ich find diesen „sinnlosen” („und was soll ich jetzt mit dieser Geschichte anfangen?”), offenen Vibe toll. Es hat keine richtige Mitteilung oder Lehre, eher Leere, aber ich mag gerade sowas. 

 

Meine Theorien: 

Die Katze könnte eine Metapher für Schizophrenie sein – oder einfach die Psyche, den Kern des Menschen darstellen. Welche erst richtig aufblüht, wenn sie den perfekten Körper/Begleitenden gefunden hat. Warum wir Menschen uns nie ändern. Besonders wegen Gott (oder Göttin). 

 

~ 

 

Danke an den Cross Cult Verlag für ein Reziexemplar. 

 

-03.03.25 

 

 

~~~ 

 

 

I wouldn’t associate this work with Hayao Miyazaki; even though the Japanese director has some “burning works”, this piece has different kinds of flames. 

 

Overall, it feels like a short story — direct introduction, extraordinary happenings in everyday life, kept short, and self-explanatory ending. I found the twist in the middle with the time-jump to be quite interesting. 

I also found the flashbacks and change back to Anna, who sits in a therapy chair and tells the story directly to the readers, as if you were the therapist, very good, it was balanced and I quickly got used to the back and forth. 

 

I didn't really find the horror aspect scary, only a bit gory and hairy, as the title suggests. However, because of the sketchy drawing style, it doesn't become too graphic, stays within the paranormal setting. Whether that's good or bad, is up to you to decide, I found it fitting. 

 

The story is nothing earth-shattering, perhaps confusing to some and meaningless to others. It didn't really touch me deeply, but I love the “meaningless” (“and what am I supposed to do with this story now?”), open vibe. It doesn’t have much of a message or lesson, more of an emptiness, but I like that kind of thing. 

 

My theories: 

The cat could be a metaphor for schizophrenia — or simply represent the psyche, the core of humans. Which only really blossoms when it has found the perfect body/companion. Why we humans never change. Especially because of God (or Goddess). 

 

~ 

 

Thanks to Cross Cult Publishing for a review copy. 

 

-03.03.25 

Dra-Q 1 by Chiyo

dark funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.5

My cousin, Amélie, who's a vampire fan, sent me this, so obviously I had to check it out. 

Apart from it being a hetero romance, which isn't my cup of tea usually, it was better than expected. But that's also quite common in the horror genre – that both main characters, regardless of the gender, are simply unhinged. In a good, casual way. 
A strong FMC who's just as down bad as the guy. He's quite cliché, but despite his appearance and tendency to communicate with his fists, he surprisingly has quite an open heart. Dude let her drink a liter of his blood, even flicked her head back to her body, and even brought her home to meet his family after they almost died!

Only bothers me that it ended on such a cliffhanger!
But it's interesting that the werewolves are the bad guys here, whereas the vampires don't want to harm anyone. They simply can't stand humans.
Also cool how crying makes their eyes turn red, how brutally their flying lessons are, and that love turns into a bloodlust. 

The art is 50/50, though. I love the semi-realistic style, but the backgrounds are basically monochrome photos, not drawn. It blends in quite well though, I just hope that the photos are from the mangaka. 

Definitely recommendable if you love gore and vampires – with a love story that seems cliché, but takes up a quick pace and might not be that usual. I'm curious what will happen to them, especially after Pako was so keen on "love ain't about blood" and really wanting to let this romance blossom. 

Similar to Dandadan, but with the MMC getting 'assaulted' by a woman, while the FMC just stands there. Nice gender twist. 

~

Also thanks to Kodansha on Netgalley for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

-02.03.25

Love on the Horizon 1 by Machi Yamashita

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

 The blurb made it sound like that it was Nagi's first time bringing Yu home, and that they aren't very close. But chapter 1 starts in the middle of the semester, where they’ve known each other for a while and it’s become a habit for Nagi to bring a drunk Yu home. 

However, we do get flashbacks soon to their firsts (first meeting, first time out partying, first time bringing him home, first time falling asleep next to a drunk Yu, etc). 

 

The pace is quite fast, not bothering to make it realistic, throwing in some cliche Tropes in (like losing the keys and catching a cold) to make sure they get closer asap. It was cute, but that felt a little too rushed sometimes – there wasn’t much from their friendship shown where I was like, “ah, yeah, I get it why you’re crushing on him”. And once I did feel their romantic chemistry, they were already a level further. 

 

I’m not quite sure where this series is gonna go, though. As the whole story was pretty cliche and nothing new at all, I feel like it could take any direction. Anyhow it could as well be a stand-alone. 

Based on the bonus chapter, I have a feeling this might toggle bad habits in relationships and perhaps gonna take a toxic/unhealthy route. But really, I have no idea what the author is planning. 

 

Their romance was sweet though, occasionally funny as well. Consent was (almost) always present, and even though I did feel the sex scene rushed, it did feel natural. 

I love how the mangaka worked with symbols, like showing the clothes on the floor to indicate them having slept together, or Yu grabbing tissues after becoming flustered, without actually showing the act. I love these artistic symbols/choices. 

I also love the artstyle in general. The more rounded faces, than it’s usual for Mangas, also add to the lighthearted, soft feel. 

 

~ 

 

Thank you for Kodansha and Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 

-02.03.25 

23:45 Re: by Ohana

lighthearted tense fast-paced

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

3.0

 Sometimes it's better to keep your head-canons to yourself. Even if you're the author. 

 

Volume 1 had the perfect ending, why stretch it unnecessarily? Just for money? Especially the smut scene was screaming 'fanservice sequel'. 

 

It would be good in itself, or like an AU type of thing, but fells incredibly flat as a sequel.Especially cause this ending was essentially the same as vol1's ending …
Also, the dialogues here were very confusing. Not sure whether that's just the translation – hopefully, honestly, otherwise it adds another point to the one above. 

 

3 stars cause it wasn't really bad, just "meh", and also had consent, which is so rare for Yaoi/BL. Additionally, the soft/tender vibe from volume 1 was here too, and I did like the one chapter from Mimori's perspective. 

Chapter 1 of this volume should've been completely scratched though. 

 

-02.03.25 

23:45 by Ohana

hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.5

Iku stumbles upon a ghost, Mimori, who only he can see. As he has nowhere else to go and doesn't remember anything prior his death, Iku lets him stay at his place. While they spend day and night together, trying to find out what happened to him, feelings blossom between them …

~ 

The story is quite fast-paced, a bit too quick sometimes, and yet, at the same time, felt like a slow read. In a good way, though? I'm not sure how to explain. 

It's overall a nice concept with loveable characters. Although the romance was almost insta-love, which isn't my favorite trope, I did feel the chemistry between them. 

It has a tender writing style, with some nice quotes that make the death theme more poetic rather than dark. I loved that vibe while reading. 

It did lack a bit of depth, which I, on one hand, find unfortunate, cause instead of having a side-story with Iku's mom, that time could've been used to give more moments between Iku and Mimori. On the other hand, it makes it quite realistic, showing that we all have side-stories in our lives, and there's never enough time to spend 100% time on one plot. Even if we wanted.

Maybe it was never intended to be a deep love. This manga's love story certainly isn't anything new, but the "fleeting moment" vibe did touch me in a soft way.

~

Thank you for Kodansha and Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

-02.03.25

Angel's Records by Negom

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.

My Troublesome Girlfriend by Negom

lighthearted fast-paced

For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.