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wolfiegrrrl's reviews
241 reviews
Spy x Family, Vol. 7 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The main mission finally progresses as Loid makes first contact with his target! As a result, volume 7 reveals a deeper glimpse into Damian's school life and the distant relationship he has with his father. And on the subject of family, Yor starts to wonder if her job is really necessary now that her brother can take care of himself just as she gets called to meet with the mysterious Shopkeeper face to face for another debriefing on what may be her final mission.
Yuri gets a (much overdue) small bit of character development, however slim it is. Despite just beginning to acknowledge that he can't cling to his sister the same way anymore, he has a long way to go before he gets over his weird sister complex. Throughout his chapter, he is also forced to realize that there are multiple sides to this silent war. The people he condemns for "killing countless people in their own pursuit of justice" are doing it for the same reason that he himself is "killing countless people in his pursuit of justice" - to protect their families. This opens up the story to the teeniest glimmer of criticism of Ostania's police state, but since Yuri fully leans into his job as The Only Way to achieve peace, it doesn't go very far.
Yuri gets a (much overdue) small bit of character development, however slim it is. Despite just beginning to acknowledge that he can't cling to his sister the same way anymore, he has a long way to go before he gets over his weird sister complex. Throughout his chapter, he is also forced to realize that there are multiple sides to this silent war. The people he condemns for "killing countless people in their own pursuit of justice" are doing it for the same reason that he himself is "killing countless people in his pursuit of justice" - to protect their families. This opens up the story to the teeniest glimmer of criticism of Ostania's police state, but since Yuri fully leans into his job as The Only Way to achieve peace, it doesn't go very far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Stalking, War
Minor: Gun violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Deportation
Spy x Family, Vol. 6 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Nightfall/Fiona gets to put her skills to the test during a wish fulfillment mission with Twilight and, while she is no match for Yor, her obsessive personality is enough to drive a wedge into Yor's heart anyway. Loid's rocky attempt to diagnose and resolve this situation shows us that, despite his extensive training, Yor still manages to catch him off guard.
On the one hand, Fiona's close observation of the developing relationship between Loid and Yor is a valuable insight for the reader about how Loid is truly feeling at this point in the mission. On the other hand, she brings an uncomfortable and frustrating element to the "love triangle" trope that feels both unnecessary and annoying. She is painfully obvious about her ulterior motives and it feels like at any minute she could snap and fall into yandere territory. This may not be every reader's cup of tea.
The second half of volume 6 focuses more on Anya's relationships with Becky and Damian as she tries very hard to get closer to them for the sake of world peace and an easier school life. She may have scored high points with Becky, but her attempts to relate to Damian's feelings about his father seem to be hit or miss. And yet, is it just her imagination that Damian is showing slightly less resistance to her presence?
On the one hand, Fiona's close observation of the developing relationship between Loid and Yor is a valuable insight for the reader about how Loid is truly feeling at this point in the mission. On the other hand, she brings an uncomfortable and frustrating element to the "love triangle" trope that feels both unnecessary and annoying. She is painfully obvious about her ulterior motives and it feels like at any minute she could snap and fall into yandere territory. This may not be every reader's cup of tea.
The second half of volume 6 focuses more on Anya's relationships with Becky and Damian as she tries very hard to get closer to them for the sake of world peace and an easier school life. She may have scored high points with Becky, but her attempts to relate to Damian's feelings about his father seem to be hit or miss. And yet, is it just her imagination that Damian is showing slightly less resistance to her presence?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Alcohol
Minor: War
Spy x Family, Vol. 5 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When Yor's position as wife and mother of the Forger family is called into question yet again, the family is quick to reassure her of her place... but unfortunately a new contender for the role steps into frame and intends to go toe to toe with her to stake a claim on it.
Although we have only just met her, she would make a fantastic match for Yuri, who has gotten disgustingly intense - not only about his unhealthy obsession with his sister, but in the unnecessary amount of gross out humor featuring vomit. So far, he has only featured in a few chapters and not for any long stretch of time, but he pushes boundaries with every appearance. In all fairness, the "siscon" trope is played for "comedy" - it's very exaggerated and you're supposed to laugh at how ridiculously over the top his obsession is - which is certainly preferable to how a lot of weird incest tropes are written to be perv-pandering, but it's just very much not my thing either way.
Fortunately, Volume 5 is mostly about Eden Academy shenanigans as Anya navigates the rocky waters between her and Desmond. Now that she is aware of the heavy pressure to be elite that weighs heavily on his shoulders, she feels compelled to help him, but every time she manages to reach him an unexpected wave pushes her right back to where she started. The very different home lives they lead have begun to make them interesting foils for each other.
Once again, when Anya interviews Loid about his psychiatrist job for an assignment, Loid really sings the praises of therapy and the profession as a whole. As a consistent theme in the series, it's such a refreshing take and I'm glad to see it plainly stated here.
Although we have only just met her, she would make a fantastic match for Yuri, who has gotten disgustingly intense - not only about his unhealthy obsession with his sister, but in the unnecessary amount of gross out humor featuring vomit. So far, he has only featured in a few chapters and not for any long stretch of time, but he pushes boundaries with every appearance. In all fairness, the "siscon" trope is played for "comedy" - it's very exaggerated and you're supposed to laugh at how ridiculously over the top his obsession is - which is certainly preferable to how a lot of weird incest tropes are written to be perv-pandering, but it's just very much not my thing either way.
Fortunately, Volume 5 is mostly about Eden Academy shenanigans as Anya navigates the rocky waters between her and Desmond. Now that she is aware of the heavy pressure to be elite that weighs heavily on his shoulders, she feels compelled to help him, but every time she manages to reach him an unexpected wave pushes her right back to where she started. The very different home lives they lead have begun to make them interesting foils for each other.
Once again, when Anya interviews Loid about his psychiatrist job for an assignment, Loid really sings the praises of therapy and the profession as a whole. As a consistent theme in the series, it's such a refreshing take and I'm glad to see it plainly stated here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Incest, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Stalking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
Spy x Family, Vol. 4 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Volume 4 introduces Bond, the best superpowered dog the Forger family could ever ask for, in an exciting mission to thwart a terrorist attack! Each member of the family gets to shine in their own uniquely qualified ways, but Anya and Bond are truly the star players here. Their instant connection is so sweet and heartwarming as they race against time to save the family Bond never knew he had the right to ask for. Meanwhile, despite the fact that their family is growing, Loid still struggles to balance the reality of his job and the family life that he is clearly starting to want more than he's supposed to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical trauma, War
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Excrement, Vomit, Trafficking, Stalking, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol
Spy x Family, Vol. 3 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
With the introduction of SSS officer Yuri into the family, doubts creep to the forefront of Loid's mind as his relationship with Yor is tested, meanwhile Yor contends with her own doubts about her status in the family as a wife and mother. While they work on resolving these tensions in their own ways, the awkward flirting between Yor and Loid is a very cute part of the family dynamic. But how much is just an act and how much may be a product of developing feelings? Loid in particular has to grapple with his own emotions in a way he isn't used to. At the very least, they are united in their love and protectiveness over Anya for now, so we are treated to many touching family moments, especially in the bonus mission where we see what a date night would look like!
Anya really gets to shine in all her wide-eyed charm and adorably awkward social skills on her own mission to acquire a stella star for the sake of world peace... and a shot at getting closer to Desmond so Loid can continue his mission. Her real standout moment occurs in the bonus mission where she takes the safety of her found family into her own tiny hands, featuring more fun shenanigans from the chaotic duo of her and Franky. They really are such a treat when they get together.
As usual, the supporting cast has so much personality and charm that not a single one falls flat. They all help round out the interesting world these characters are living in and bring it to life in ways that are highly entertaining. Yor's brother is my only exception so far, only because I'm not a fan of the "siscon" trope. Up to this point, he has not been rewarded for this behavior, but it is still pretty uncomfortable to watch play out. Your mileage may vary.
On a side note, I personally appreciate how Loid's (cover) job as a psychiatrist is treated with respect and talked about as something legitimate that helps people who are struggling in their day to day lives. The topic has come up many times in these first three volumes and there are still characters (mostly children) who brush it off as something unimportant, but the main takeaway has been that this career is comparable to the importance and nobility of Loid's mission to build a world where everyone can be safe, happy, and exist in peace. Given the stigma of mental health, I think that's pretty significant.
Anya really gets to shine in all her wide-eyed charm and adorably awkward social skills on her own mission to acquire a stella star for the sake of world peace... and a shot at getting closer to Desmond so Loid can continue his mission. Her real standout moment occurs in the bonus mission where she takes the safety of her found family into her own tiny hands, featuring more fun shenanigans from the chaotic duo of her and Franky. They really are such a treat when they get together.
As usual, the supporting cast has so much personality and charm that not a single one falls flat. They all help round out the interesting world these characters are living in and bring it to life in ways that are highly entertaining. Yor's brother is my only exception so far, only because I'm not a fan of the "siscon" trope. Up to this point, he has not been rewarded for this behavior, but it is still pretty uncomfortable to watch play out. Your mileage may vary.
On a side note, I personally appreciate how Loid's (cover) job as a psychiatrist is treated with respect and talked about as something legitimate that helps people who are struggling in their day to day lives. The topic has come up many times in these first three volumes and there are still characters (mostly children) who brush it off as something unimportant, but the main takeaway has been that this career is comparable to the importance and nobility of Loid's mission to build a world where everyone can be safe, happy, and exist in peace. Given the stigma of mental health, I think that's pretty significant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Incest, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Stalking, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, War, Classism
Spy x Family, Vol. 2 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this volume, we meet Yor's brother (fair warning for the "siscon" trope here), Twilight's handler, and the friends and adversaries Anya will have to contend with at Eden Academy. Anya's school life promises to be very entertaining between the developing crush neither she nor her mark understand, his posse of wannabe tough guy bullies, and her one genuine friend with a spunky attitude and a fiercely loyal heart. Meanwhile, Loid and Yor continue to struggle through the hardships of parenting and feeling like they aren't enough for this child who already believes so wholly in their capabilities. Their family dynamic continues to grow and shift as they navigate "ordinary" life together, and it's so wholesome how firmly they band together to help each other. The bonus mission at the end, a side story originally created to introduce a new audience to the series, is a prime example of this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Murder
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, Kidnapping, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol
Spy x Family, Vol. 1 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series has it all - fake relationship, found family, comedy, delightfully over the top spy action, assassination plots, and political intrigue all wrapped up in a little Anya-shaped sci-fi bow!
This first volume does an excellent job of introducing the main players in this story. Loid, Yor, and Anya forge themselves into the aptly named Forger family and begin their journey of precariously balancing work/school life with the unexpected personal bonds they've already started to form with each other.
Although we get to see Yor's and Anya's motivations for needing this family, these first five chapters largely focus on Loid's internal struggle to reconcile the fact that his job has always demanded a "trust no one but yourself" mindset with the reality that he has now been assigned his most important mission yet, which entirely depends on him retraining himself to trust other people to help pull it off.
The developing "will they, won't they" between Loid and Yor is already taking off without a hitch in the suitably chaotic way you might expect from a spy/assassin hook up! Between them lies the groundwork for a solid relationship built on mutual understanding and it appears that the seeds of genuine feelings have already started to sprout. Of course, it helps that Anya is the cutest child they could have possibly found (or who could have possibly found them in this case), as she makes every page she's on a pure delight with her attempts to help their plans succeed.
Together, they truly are a beautiful found family that has already started pulling at the heartstrings. Their secrets are carefully kept from each other to keep each other safe from the dangers of their work, but their hearts clearly crave the normalcy their identities deny them. Even Anya has a dark past she can't tell anyone about lest it tear their family apart.
This first volume does an excellent job of introducing the main players in this story. Loid, Yor, and Anya forge themselves into the aptly named Forger family and begin their journey of precariously balancing work/school life with the unexpected personal bonds they've already started to form with each other.
Although we get to see Yor's and Anya's motivations for needing this family, these first five chapters largely focus on Loid's internal struggle to reconcile the fact that his job has always demanded a "trust no one but yourself" mindset with the reality that he has now been assigned his most important mission yet, which entirely depends on him retraining himself to trust other people to help pull it off.
The developing "will they, won't they" between Loid and Yor is already taking off without a hitch in the suitably chaotic way you might expect from a spy/assassin hook up! Between them lies the groundwork for a solid relationship built on mutual understanding and it appears that the seeds of genuine feelings have already started to sprout. Of course, it helps that Anya is the cutest child they could have possibly found (or who could have possibly found them in this case), as she makes every page she's on a pure delight with her attempts to help their plans succeed.
Together, they truly are a beautiful found family that has already started pulling at the heartstrings. Their secrets are carefully kept from each other to keep each other safe from the dangers of their work, but their hearts clearly crave the normalcy their identities deny them. Even Anya has a dark past she can't tell anyone about lest it tear their family apart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Xenophobia, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, War, Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Trafficking, Death of parent, Abandonment
The Lost Heir by Tui T. Sutherland
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Lost Heir picks up where the first book left off and reveals a lot about the sociopolitical climate of the SeaWing kingdom, where Queen Coral literally controls the narrative.
After losing her friends' trust, Tsunami is propelled forward on a personal journey that calls into question her leadership skills and never quite forgets the fact that she is still conflicted about killing that feral SeaWing in Scarlet's arena. She likes feeling strong and intimidating, but she struggles to understand why her friends are scared of that strength when she is just trying to keep them safe in the only way she knows how (in a way that runs interestingly parallel to Kestrel). And after being held prisoner underground for her entire life so far, she had latched onto the childlike idea that being royalty (and a dragonet of prophecy) is a form of freedom where she gives the orders and everyone else follows without question - except now she may end up under the watchful talon of yet another overbearing guardian!
The story sets Tsunami up for a hard lesson about how leadership requires communication and teamwork, and how sometimes talking and really listening is more effective than intimidation tactics. After all, learning to be less impulsive and value working as a group are strengths in and of themselves! The burden of responsibility is much lighter when shared, especially when that burden is a prophecy that has been called into question yet again. This time, readers are prompted to wonder just how authentic this prophecy is when seemingly every party with an interest in upholding it appears to have ulterior motives.
After losing her friends' trust, Tsunami is propelled forward on a personal journey that calls into question her leadership skills and never quite forgets the fact that she is still conflicted about killing that feral SeaWing in Scarlet's arena. She likes feeling strong and intimidating, but she struggles to understand why her friends are scared of that strength when she is just trying to keep them safe in the only way she knows how (in a way that runs interestingly parallel to Kestrel). And after being held prisoner underground for her entire life so far, she had latched onto the childlike idea that being royalty (and a dragonet of prophecy) is a form of freedom where she gives the orders and everyone else follows without question - except now she may end up under the watchful talon of yet another overbearing guardian!
The story sets Tsunami up for a hard lesson about how leadership requires communication and teamwork, and how sometimes talking and really listening is more effective than intimidation tactics. After all, learning to be less impulsive and value working as a group are strengths in and of themselves! The burden of responsibility is much lighter when shared, especially when that burden is a prophecy that has been called into question yet again. This time, readers are prompted to wonder just how authentic this prophecy is when seemingly every party with an interest in upholding it appears to have ulterior motives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Child death, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, Abandonment, Classism
Seven Days: Friday → Sunday / セブンデイズ by Rihito Takarai, Venio Tachibana
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
This second volume ties up all the loose ends, even for the side characters, as Yuzuru and Seryou come to terms with their feelings for each other.
What's really nice about their relationship is that, even though they are both flawed individuals, they aren't made to completely change themselves despite the fact that their actions also aren't entirely excused. They are allowed to be flawed and still be figuring things out as they learn to understand each other's needs and how to communicate. In that way, they feel like high school students overwhelmed by what they're feeling.
Overall, "Seven Days" is a tender story with a satisfying ending and characters you can't help but relate to.
What's really nice about their relationship is that, even though they are both flawed individuals, they aren't made to completely change themselves despite the fact that their actions also aren't entirely excused. They are allowed to be flawed and still be figuring things out as they learn to understand each other's needs and how to communicate. In that way, they feel like high school students overwhelmed by what they're feeling.
Overall, "Seven Days" is a tender story with a satisfying ending and characters you can't help but relate to.
Seven Days: Monday → Thursday by Venio Tachibana
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
A huge selling point for Seven Days is that the usual "but we're both guys!!" type of homophobia that seems to be a staple of a lot of other stories in the BL genre isn't present here, which makes it very refreshing to read. Aside from a few offhand comments from hopeful girls who don't believe Yuzuru and Seryou are dating, their relationship and feelings are simply accepted as perfectly natural if not confusing to navigate. So, the focus of the story becomes the process they undergo to identify and resolve the obstacles that pop up between them, both internally and externally.
This first volume perfectly showcases what it's like to fall in love where you least expect to. It starts with a curiosity or an interest in spending time with someone, then you start to notice little things about them that make you feel a certain way you don't have words to describe yet, and gradually develops into lingering stares and little touches and awkward fumbling moments that you quickly try to brush off or explain away - but deep down underneath it all, you're feeling your heart flutter in a way that feels both good and a little scary... and you're left wondering if the other person feels it too because you're not brave enough yet to ask outright in case the answer is a resounding "no".
The "seven days" premise serves as set dressing for Yuzuru and Seryou to experience all of these firsts after a string of failed relationships that had left them feeling hopeless. It is extremely sweet and wholesome to watch them try to navigate their feelings. The major conflict in the story is the misunderstanding hanging between them about this "expiration date" on their relationship and Seryou's ex-girlfriend who is most definitely taking advantage of him.
This first volume perfectly showcases what it's like to fall in love where you least expect to. It starts with a curiosity or an interest in spending time with someone, then you start to notice little things about them that make you feel a certain way you don't have words to describe yet, and gradually develops into lingering stares and little touches and awkward fumbling moments that you quickly try to brush off or explain away - but deep down underneath it all, you're feeling your heart flutter in a way that feels both good and a little scary... and you're left wondering if the other person feels it too because you're not brave enough yet to ask outright in case the answer is a resounding "no".
The "seven days" premise serves as set dressing for Yuzuru and Seryou to experience all of these firsts after a string of failed relationships that had left them feeling hopeless. It is extremely sweet and wholesome to watch them try to navigate their feelings. The major conflict in the story is the misunderstanding hanging between them about this "expiration date" on their relationship and Seryou's ex-girlfriend who is most definitely taking advantage of him.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship
The content warnings are about a pair of side characters for mentions of cheating on each other and one character forcing a kiss on a main character in one scene. The main relationship itself is extremely wholesome and sweet.