whats6's reviews
576 reviews

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Comic / Manhua) Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

adventurous dark fast-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

5.0

I am too nostalgic about MDZS not to give this manhua five stars. I smiled throughout the entire thing. It's unbelievable how happy the art and narrative made me. 

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 3 by Haro Aso

adventurous medium-paced

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

2.75

Her Prayers by Reel Rose

hopeful inspiring medium-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

4.25

Her Prayers was beautiful. This short story takes place in a colonial Philippines setting, and cultural terminology is intertwined with the narrative. I sincerely appreciated the author's decision to incorporate the terminology, as it helped me to engage more with the story and learn along the way. The narration was sweet, focusing on the infatuation of new love in a cozy yet thought-provoking way. There were several extras after the story ended, which I enjoyed, but I would have appreciated it more if they were included within the main storyline instead of standing disjointed at the end. 

Her Prayers may be my first ever read set in the Philippines. Thanks to the StoryGraph Reads the World Challenge for sending me there! 

The Initiation by L.J. Smith

mysterious fast-paced

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

2.0

The Initiation had potential thanks to its magical mystery elements. However, it was far too focused on teenage emotional turmoil and social hierarchies for me. As a teenager, I treasured this coming-of-age story. As an adult, I would have needed a deeper exploration of the magical elements, actual conflict resolution, and some stronger plot development to really enjoy the book. Luckily, the story is fast and easy to read, so that I could get through it quickly. 

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 2 by Haro Aso

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

3.0

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 1 by Haro Aso

adventurous funny fast-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

3.5

Good option when you’re in the mood for something silly with a hint of horror. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The Hunger Games doesn't need my review; there are more than enough out there. However, I felt compelled to share my thoughts to remind myself why this book has secured a permanent spot on my shelf. 

As I revisited my physical bookshelf this year, I realized this was the first book I couldn't bring myself to part with. I remained captivated by the narrative so many years later. I stayed engaged throughout the entire story, despite knowing what would happen, and I eagerly looked forward to diving back in each night to rediscover the details and nuances of the world and characters. 

The Hunger Games remains a classic in my eyes, and its impact has not faded. 

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous inspiring 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

This Is How You Lose the Time War is a beautiful love story written in a uniquely enjoyable way as an epistolary novel that combines romance with science fiction. 

Although the flowery language went a bit (okay, more than a bit) over my head, it was undeniably swoon-worthy. The book did not include the gradual and informative world-building usually seen in complex science fiction books. It was more of a slapped in the face and dropped in the middle of a literal war zone world-building process. I was intrigued by this tactic and enjoyed discovering the world in pieces over time. I did not connect as deeply with the characters as I wanted due to the overwhelming prose, but their sweet, growing love is undeniable throughout the narrative. 

I can't claim I grasped the entire plot due to not completely understanding how the world always worked or the characters' feelings. However, I can claim that I really enjoyed the story! 

Carciphona Volume 6 by Shilin Huang

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.0

Carciphona Volume 5 by Shilin Huang

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? It's complicated

3.0