westrany's reviews
132 reviews

Berserk, Vol. 3 by Kentaro Miura

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5.0

I'm not simpimg for Griffith, I'm not simpimg for Griffith, I'm not simpimg for Griffith, I'm not simpimg for Griffith...
The Ancient Magus' Bride Vol. 16 by Kore Yamazaki

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious relaxing tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

From all the volumes regarding the College, this one is my favourite so far; I'm inclined to believe this is due to
the inclusion of small segments with Chise's and Elias' adventures in their country side house
which is a lovely contrast to the lack of Chise-Elias interaction focus present during the College Arch. 
I truly enjoyed the character development present in this volume, a strong must have in comparison to the previous volumes where I felt a slow paced world and background building seemed to swallow the narrative. 
This volume has one of my favourite quotes so far: "the rain hides away the smell of the sun".
Dark Asylum by E.S. Thomson

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I know not where to begin reviewing this masterpiece. Such thrilling paragraphs, engaging story line, mindblowing character development! 

This book froze the blood in my veins, crushed my heart, threw me in a rollercoaster of emotional despair and fear for my beloved characters.

When I thought I had figured out who the murderer was, Thomson strikes again with her exceptional reasoning and shocking plot twists. 
I avidly recommend this book to lovers of the crime genre, Victorian settings, apothecary aesthetics and the intricate knowledge of herbs and poisons!

***
I would like to leave you with the following quote which, in my humble opinion, defines the astonishing levels of emotion this book contains:

«"I had to protect her. I said I would. I would not have her sent back to the gallows. (...)"
"And she never knew who you were?"
Thank God she did not. But I had to protect her. I said I would."»
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing 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? It's complicated

5.0

I was introduced to Jones' fantasy through Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle movie at a young age. I grew you wishing to get my own moving castle and my own fire demon. 
It took me years to realise the movie was based on a book, so off I went to find myself a copy.
I must confess, I am quite biased when it comes to Howl's Moving Castle so this review should be taken with a pinch of salt:
Sophie, Howl and Michael made me laugh uncontrollably, the Witch gave me the scare of my life, Miss Pentstemmon made me want to hug my heart and Calcifer... well, Calcifer is a dream of a demon I'd love to befriend.

The story is medium paced, told in a "show, don't tell" fashion that drags you into the book. World building is intricate and complex, which compels me to read more of Jones' book.
Howl's Moving Castle took me on an amazing adventure across the lands of Ingary, and the gods know I will be rereading this book for eternity.
The Ancient Magus' Bride, Vol. 15 by Kore Yamazaki

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

3.0

As usual, it is a pleasure to delve into the magical work of the College. Although I do personally find Chise and Elias' adventures in the cottage more interesting and captivating, the story arch around the College has finally gotten me glued to the volume. 
I do enjoy  the seemingly philosophical moments that pop here and there throughout the volume; yet, I would like to see more of Chise and Elias interacting with one another (I feel this College arch has been stealing the spotlight from the bride and magus, but I do understand its importance in drawing this fantasy world even if sometimes it seems to drag on and on forever).