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whats6's reviews
578 reviews
Amongst Us, Volume 2 by Shilin Huang
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Although the characters are less mature in this second volume, I didn't mind because of their super sweet relationship development. I want to live in their beautiful alternate universe.
Amongst Us, Volume 1 by Shilin Huang
inspiring
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? No
5.0
If you enjoy webcomics about the daily interactions of adorable couples, consider reading Amongst Us.
Amongst Us was my first webcomic, and I want the world to know how much this charming story and delightful art have captured my heart.
The relationship between the two main characters is beautifully depicted. What I enjoyed the most was that they are adults whose interactions feel silly and loving yet so relatable. Immersing myself in their slice-of-life world was exactly what I needed.
Amongst Us was my first webcomic, and I want the world to know how much this charming story and delightful art have captured my heart.
The relationship between the two main characters is beautifully depicted. What I enjoyed the most was that they are adults whose interactions feel silly and loving yet so relatable. Immersing myself in their slice-of-life world was exactly what I needed.
羣青 下 by Ching Nakamura
dark
emotional
slow-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
This volume was less engaging than the other two but still very much worth reading. The art was excellent.
羣青 中 by 中村珍, Ching Nakamura
dark
emotional
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
3.75
This second volume did not evoke the same intensity of feelings as the first, but it was still a fast-paced, dark tale that I devoured in one sitting.
Gunjō by Ching Nakamura
Gunjō was my initiation into the world of manga. It was unlike anything I've ever read. The intensity of the scenarios and the characters' deep flaws created an unsettling dynamic that I couldn't look away from. After an embarrassingly long time getting used to the manga format, I found myself completely engrossed in the story. Despite its darkness, I swiped pages through the night, unable to put Gunjō down until I finished it in one sitting. I'm looking forward to starting the next volume.
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
If you enjoy manga with dark themes and unhealthy relationships, consider reading Gunjō.
Gunjō was my initiation into the world of manga. It was unlike anything I've ever read. The intensity of the scenarios and the characters' deep flaws created an unsettling dynamic that I couldn't look away from. After an embarrassingly long time getting used to the manga format, I found myself completely engrossed in the story. Despite its darkness, I swiped pages through the night, unable to put Gunjō down until I finished it in one sitting. I'm looking forward to starting the next volume.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
If you enjoy lighthearted books with diverse characters, consider reading Bookshops & Bonedust.
Bookshops & Bonedust was an easy and relaxed read. The author did a great job weaving in a healthy dose of humor, a small adventure, and just the right amount of emotion. I wish there had been more action, but the slice-of-life style of the story is what I needed at the moment anyway.
One of my favorite moments in the story is when Viv gets lost in the pages of a book in the evening and wakes up the following day with the book still in her hand. I'm sure this resonates with many of us StoryGraphers. It's a nice tribute to the amazingness of books.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Consider reading this book if you enjoy young adult dystopian series and don't need deep character engagement.
I found the premise of Uglies initially intriguing, but it fell short in execution. The story is easy to read and relatively quick-paced. Even though the setting is small, I appreciate that the author established a culture that prompts the reader to reflect on societal beauty standards. Unfortunately, the characters did not resonate with me at all. I never felt a connection to the characters and actually largely disliked them, making it hard to stay invested. I wish more focus had been placed on advancing the plot instead of character development.
Uglies was a decent read, but it didn't leave a significant impression. I'm not compelled to read the next book in the series, possibly because I never developed an attachment to the characters or because I already know what happens from reading this series years ago. Either way, I will move the series off the physical bookshelf so that someone else can enjoy the books.
I found the premise of Uglies initially intriguing, but it fell short in execution. The story is easy to read and relatively quick-paced. Even though the setting is small, I appreciate that the author established a culture that prompts the reader to reflect on societal beauty standards. Unfortunately, the characters did not resonate with me at all. I never felt a connection to the characters and actually largely disliked them, making it hard to stay invested. I wish more focus had been placed on advancing the plot instead of character development.
Uglies was a decent read, but it didn't leave a significant impression. I'm not compelled to read the next book in the series, possibly because I never developed an attachment to the characters or because I already know what happens from reading this series years ago. Either way, I will move the series off the physical bookshelf so that someone else can enjoy the books.
谁动了我的骨灰坛 [Who Moved My Ashes] by 思镜渠
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.5
Consider reading Who Moved My Ashes if you enjoy short love stories with painful themes.
Who Move My Ashes is a brief yet impactful story. Its biggest strengths are its heart-wrenching opening, relatable themes, and quick pace. I instantly became invested in the characters. The author's ability to convey the characters' pain made it easy to connect to their experiences, especially for anyone who has encountered such grief in their own life.
As the tragedy faded (the best way to explain it without spoilers), I became less committed to the characters and less immersed in the narrative. At times, following which character did what became difficult and distracting. I can't tell if that was because of the story, translation, or reader, though.
入赘 [Rùzhuì] by Qing Jun Mo Xiao
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
If you enjoy slow-burn sapphic stories in historical settings with strong female leads and don't mind a little sci-fi twist, consider reading this web novel.
Please Don't Laugh (PDL) novels are very challenging to review!
First, I want to give the biggest shoutout to the translator, Melts. They have actually changed my life. Their introduction to PDL novels has greatly enhanced my reading enjoyment over the past year. I appreciate all the effort they put into making Rùzhuì not only accessible but also understandable.
I'm writing this review with absolute admiration, as it is fitting, but also a little disappointed. While I am persistent in my fondness for PDL and believe anyone who has dedicated themselves to a PDL novel agrees that they are one of a kind, I cannot say Rùzhuì was my favorite.
The novel touches on significant and important familial, social, and political themes. It immerses the reader in the world and lives of the characters to an extent you could never imagine from the beginning. Ultimately, Rùzhuì leaves the reader feeling like they have said goodbye to a friend.
Rùzhuì ventures into different genres, which I deeply respect. However, the science fiction elements didn't resonate with me; they felt underdeveloped and almost like a tease. I am so glad PDL stuck with the genre-blending in this story (despite some pushback from readers) and is growing into an even stronger writer in the process. Surprisingly, I didn't connect deeply with the characters. While prior PDL novels left me emotionally wrecked, Rùzhuì didn't evoke the same sentiment. There was also notably less angst—an element I would have told you previously is a must for any PDL novel.
Despite my comments in the paragraph above, the storytelling was still captivating, and I was devoted to this novel. PDL's unbelievable ability to craft intricate characters remained intact. Overall, while Rùzhuì may not have hit the 5.0 mark for me, I still recognize the talent and effort behind it. I will forever admire PDL!
Please Don't Laugh (PDL) novels are very challenging to review!
First, I want to give the biggest shoutout to the translator, Melts. They have actually changed my life. Their introduction to PDL novels has greatly enhanced my reading enjoyment over the past year. I appreciate all the effort they put into making Rùzhuì not only accessible but also understandable.
I'm writing this review with absolute admiration, as it is fitting, but also a little disappointed. While I am persistent in my fondness for PDL and believe anyone who has dedicated themselves to a PDL novel agrees that they are one of a kind, I cannot say Rùzhuì was my favorite.
The novel touches on significant and important familial, social, and political themes. It immerses the reader in the world and lives of the characters to an extent you could never imagine from the beginning. Ultimately, Rùzhuì leaves the reader feeling like they have said goodbye to a friend.
Rùzhuì ventures into different genres, which I deeply respect. However, the science fiction elements didn't resonate with me; they felt underdeveloped and almost like a tease. I am so glad PDL stuck with the genre-blending in this story (despite some pushback from readers) and is growing into an even stronger writer in the process. Surprisingly, I didn't connect deeply with the characters. While prior PDL novels left me emotionally wrecked, Rùzhuì didn't evoke the same sentiment. There was also notably less angst—an element I would have told you previously is a must for any PDL novel.
Despite my comments in the paragraph above, the storytelling was still captivating, and I was devoted to this novel. PDL's unbelievable ability to craft intricate characters remained intact. Overall, while Rùzhuì may not have hit the 5.0 mark for me, I still recognize the talent and effort behind it. I will forever admire PDL!
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If you enjoy supernatural stories in historical settings with strong female leads and don't mind a bit of teenage drama, consider reading this book.
This story blended a few of my favorite things: historical fiction, fantasy, and strong female characters. The settings, from India to Victorian England, caught my attention right away. My interest dipped once the mean girls appeared. The characters displayed occasional moments of maturity, but I couldn't help feeling frustrated by their young adult insecurities. The good news is that I was pulled back into the story whenever the magical elements emerged. Thanks to those fun mystical themes, I devoured this book fairly quickly.
One thing that bothered me was the depiction of animal cruelty towards the end. Also, the book’s conclusion felt very rushed and oddly flowery. I finished the book feeling indifferent and not compelled to pick up the next installment in the series.
I'm in the process of cleaning off my bookshelves. It's clear why 22-years-younger me loved this book. I can still appreciate its allure, but I will pass the book on for another to enjoy now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death