afi_whatafireads's reviews
589 reviews

With this book, its quite official that MW Craven is my go-to author and this one was so meticulously and smartly done, he's now upgraded from my go-to author to AUTOBUY author.

Personal Ratings : 5🌟

There's something about MW Craven's writing that captures you and will keep you wanting for more. Amongst the rest of the books in the series, The Botanist, quite seemingly, is amongst my Top 3. Its smart, its intelligent, and again, with what makes MW Craven's writing that became a preference of mine is how he build his characters and how with each case in each book, every single one is entirely different to a point that it makes you wonder how the heck he came out with such a brilliant story.

Craven EXCELS in characterisation, and even if its the first time you're picking up this book, its totally okay as you'll still understand the dynamics between the characters. But if you're a fan and has been reading it from the first in the series, The Puppet Show, followed by Black Summer, The Curator, Dead Ground and now The Botanist, you'll see how PERFECTLY WELL Craven built his characters and each one of them works so well with each other.

I absolutely love to read the dynamics between Poe and Tilly and the fact my girl Tilly has so many roles in here and she grew so much from the previous books in the standalone series made my heart swell. Its not often that Crime Thrillers can make you so very attached to the characters lives (Poe, Tilly, Estelle and Flynn), and also invested with the main plot of the story which in solving the crimes at hand. The case in here is so unique, and so well-done, it almost seemed like a perfect crime. By far, this is one of the most smartest, classiest and deadliest cases I've read and the ending had a bit of twist that concluded the whole book perfectly. Craven has a way with grand endings and this book definitely has a good twist that will make you go.... bloody hell.

All in all , I sincerely recommend to read books by MW Craven. Its funny, witty, very character-centric, and best of all, The Botanist is by far, one of the smartest and cruel cases I've read. Everything is well executed and what the heck, I even got the ANGSTY LOVE INTEREST THAT HAS BEEN BREWING FROM THE FIRST BOOK . This book is PERSONAL FOR ME OMG THIS WAS AGHHHH. ( Perfectly convinced that Craven can write an angsty-slow-slow-burn-romance come to life).

If you haven't picked a book from Craven already, I suggest you do! Paired with superbly good writing, well-executed plot, character and victim centric, and best of all, cases that won't be a bore and is super fast-paced, its PERFECT for anyone :)

Biggest thank you to @definitelybooks for this copy! I truly appreciate it :)

This was so draggy and boring and I can't it literally made me want to off myself. 
literally.
please send help.
please.

THIS VOLUME IS LIKE THE CUTEST EVER LIKE WHAT THE HECK

Chapters in Volume : Ch 50 - Ch 58

I just love everyone's interactions in here and REO IS SO JEALOUS PLEASE KAH KAH KAH.

This volume is Isagi trying to understand Barou and its interesting because he's already accustomed to Nagi and Barou's training regime as well.

Super interesting and I definitely can't wait for the next volume cause THE MATCHES WILL BE SUPER INTENSE DAMN.

I think I feed of the high that Blue Lock gave me, and this volume focused more on the weaknesses and the realization of Isagi to become stronger.

Chapters in volume : Ch 41 - Ch 49

There's nothing worst than losing, but honestly, I love how the simulation is done in this volume, and its told in a way that even noobies in soccer can understand too.

The start of Isagi breaking that team bond that he has and exploring new relationships is what I really liked. Its SUPER intense and its something that is just.. well... amazing.

Rin is ... well.. damn. Super impossible and yet so bloody attractive its just well-done.

4.25🌟

As the wave of emotions finally hits me, I'm currently crying and tearing up whilst writing my thoughts for this book, so please excuse whatever blunder this review might have. I'm in a state of emotional mess and turmoil.

Now... where do I start.

There's something hopeful and entirely ethereal reading this novel. How does a plot so simple, with almost no concrete base can contain so much things packed in one book.

The social criticism, forbidden love, abandonment, parental duties, social outcasts, different ways in handling grief, sibling relationships, relationship with food, motherhood and fertility ; these are some things that has been subtly highlighted, yet it leaves a big impact. As much as the book has almost 'nothing', it'll leave you flipping through the pages, invested in the lives of these three souls that are intertwined with one another, creating a bubble of their own; but also reflecting so much on the realities to the real world. Each part captivates you in a way that leaves you very depressed but also hopeful . The emphasization of I'll Go On and the importance for each character, in how they would try to cope with each of their issues literally altered my brain chemistry. The author's work reminds me of Banana Yoshimoto's novels and writing but it stands on its own league, in which will leave an everlasting impression on you, and lets you carry the burden and hope that the author left in your hearts as well.

The story is told from three different POV's, namely Sora and Nana who are siblings, and Naghi, their childhood friend whose family played a huge role in Sora and Nana's upbringing. Each individuals struggling with their own resentment towards the world, the author explores the the complexity of human's relationships, the relationship of a parent and their children and handling grief in ways that is mundane and yet impactful.

Personal Ratings : 4.75🌟

Honestly, the more I think about this book, the more I cease to know how to put my thoughts into words. I'm honestly glad I read this book at a time where my brain was blank and was able to absorb the emotions that the author had tried to portray in the book. The nuance is beautiful and breathtaking; its sort of threading into a cloud heavy with water, threatening to fall and become a rain shower anytime. Its breathtaking but also heartbreaking, in ways that I can't seem to find words for it.

I would like to first give a round of applause for the Translator; Miss Emily! She did such a fantastic job with this book to a point that it had made me wanted to look through the original text as well. Hwang Jungeun Emphasised on Word Play and The Repetition of Certain Phrases in a sentence. For example, the way she breaks down the etymology of the characters names and their meanings, to their origins, in which somewhat relates to the story of them as a whole. The empasization of I'll Go On in here makes this a hopeful yet a sorrowful story. The beauty of the word play in which Miss Emily had managed to bring the nuance and "feel" of the story so well, it had made us go through the feelings of the characters in each chapter.

Whilst Motherhood and Fertility are one of the topics that had been highlighted, another main theme that the author had brought forward was on Abandonment and The Effects of Abandonment on Children . Human relationships are complex, and Hwang Jungeun had cleverly written the story in the ways it relates to the stories of Sora and Nana from when they were younger, to how they survived with Naghi's family as their saviour. I love that the relationship with food and its co-relation with certain memories was highlighted as well. Within the Asian households, there will always be a certain type of food that will be made every year as a routine, in which these traditions holds not only the meaning and bond of a family, it also represents the deep bond and culture that was engraved within food-making. Its something so wholesome and yet, not everyone will get to experience it.

The complex relationship of Motherhood and Mother-Daughter Relationship is one that somewhat reminded me of The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante, only this time, we have the perspective of the children abandoned by their mother. Reading this made me wander how gray a human is and there is nothing black and white that can determine whether you're at fault or not. The act of abandoning your child is bad, but, the ways of coping with grief is not something that has been written in a manual. Hwang Jungeun wrote the character Aeja in a way that you'll come to both hate and love her. You'll hate her for being a bad mother, but you'll also emphatize with the pain that she's gone through. The way the author brought forward this topic will not only leave you breathless, it will also make you slightly unhinged.

Naghi's story is one that I felt just heartbroken for him. His own circumstances that leaves him void of this world, but yet, still can give love to the women in his life made me want to go in the book and give him a big hug. All the characters deserved a big hug and you can't seem to hate the characters, no matter how flawed they are. The imperfection in their character is what made the story alive and the author did a splendid job in relaying those emotions.

I feel that the more I talk about this book, the higher the chance I will take the joy of reading it from anyone looking through this review, so , my advice with this book, go with an open mind and read it at time where you need slightly need hope and you can take comfort in depressing stories. Hwang Jungeun stands to be in the league of her own. This book will leave a lingering feeling, imprinted in your heart and will stay forever ingrained inside you. It will leave you unhinged, fuelled with hope, break your heart but also provide warmth in it.

Bask in the story. It'll definitely be worth your while.

Biggest thank you to @definitelybooks for this copy. I am forever thankful.

Thank you to this book for cleansing something that I was listening (at the current time I finished the book) that literally fried my brain fuse :')

This was a quick and light read and one that struck me hard. Taken from the original series that was released in 1996 (Best Friends), this newly released in the form of a graphic novel with illustrations by Claudia Aguirre which tells a story of identical twins in finding their footing and own self-identity. Elizabeth and Jessica had always done things together from they were born. However, albeit sharing the same outfits and space, they have a totally opposite personality, in which Elizabeth is more quiet while Jessica is more outgoing. Of finding your true-worth and the deep bond between twins, is a story that is quite moving on its own!

Personal Ratings : 4🌟

Firstly, I loved the idea of the publisher in re-releasing this series in graphic novel, to be enjoyed by the audience of the current generation. There's something about evergreen stories that will always be relatable and relevant in this day and age. In the case of the Sweet Valley Twins, the story focuses on the identities of the twins and their struggles in coping without one or the other. Albeit being identical, twins often are the exact opposite of each other in terms of personality, in which will be more obvious as they grow older and they'll start to develop interests of their own. The author did a great job in giving insights to these struggles and how its important that their family and environment really gives an impact in the twin's relationships as they grow older.

I liked that there were a lot of moral values instilled in the story. Whilst Jessica is the twin that we will be annoyed with, I also loved how she would do absolutely ANYTHING for her sister, even if it means breaking a rule. Their character development in the first novel might be scarce, but we can see the progress of their relationship without outshining the other. I felt that the parents had did a good decision at the end in making them not share anything anymore as to let them develop their own personalities and interests, but can still enjoy the company of their twin. At the end of the day, is the bond between them that matters and their interests and personalities would not ruin the special connection that they have.

This is definitely a great book for middle-graders and even as an adult myself, I enjoyed it a lot! The graphics are so visually nice to look at and the colours are vivid and bright; and suits the whole theme of the story. Recommended!

This one was a sweet one, and I Declan's book >>>>> Rowan's tbh :')

Personal Ratings: 4🌟

There's something about this book that made me just squealed and laughed at the same time. Iris is a character that I really like, and I liked that she's not someone that just takes whatever Declan throws at her. She's a fighter and suited Declan, and it made reading this book a bliss :')

Some issues like abusive parents and dyslexia were highlighted in this book, and I honestly feel that, despite the cold-brooding man Declan is, he's very thoughtful of Iris and I loved their dynamics together. I love a book that is centred around family, and this one really brought forward the topic. It puts a smile on my face and I'm here just grinning. ALSO I CANT WAIT FOR CAL'S BOOK CAUSE LORD THIS MAN <333333333333333

Anyways, this book was good, but my fav Kane brother is Cal, so Final Offer is HIGH on my list and I'm def super happy and can't wait to read this <3

Chapters in Volume : Ch 32 - Ch40

THE WAY I BLOODY SCREAMED.

THIS

VOLUME

GIVES

ME

SO

MUCH

ADRENALINE

RUSH



I almost teared up and Goddamn look at Nagi
and ISAGI
AND BLOODY RIN ITOSHI FOR HAVING A WHOLE 3 PAGES TO HIMSELF GOOD LORD
IM DECEASED

AND AGHHHHHHHH THIS VOLUME IS FREAKING EVERYTHING!!!!!!

I need a bit of a break before continuing to vol 6 and 7 cause my heart can't take it gah.

Chapters in Volume : Ch 23 - Ch 31

THE WAY THIS MANGA KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER :')

Sports anime mangas can be a hit or miss in the way the mangaka portrays and relays the story in each panel, and in this case, for Blue Lock, the mangaka did an excellent job in making each chapter not only memorable but also, very dynamic . I liked how each chapters during each rounds in the tournaments and games are so vivid and basically very interactive, in the way that you can see the movement of each person even in just within the panels in the manga. The ability of the mangaka to deliver this is superbly well-done and I can't not say how GOOD this manga made me feel and the thrill and adrenaline rush from this is just insane.

So far, this manga hits all the good parts and I freaking love it. Diving into the next volume right after but best believe, this manga will definitely leave a permanent spot in my heart. Its bloody excellent.

5🌟 for this gem

This book was Draggy AF ngl. There were times I SINCERELY WISHED that some monologues would be cut down . Like significantly shorter....

But the more I think about it, the more I felt that this book is more than just a romance book. It has a very serious representation for Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Imposter-Syndrome to a point that, the spiralling felt annoying to be in the head of someone like that... but its definitely ... very very real. So, shoutout to Elsie Silver for writing this story. I feel that its very different from the rest of her books, but I also liked that she made Cole, the male lead to be this way, and showing that, mental health issues doesn't just go away when you're in love, or fell in love with someone, its wether you want to figure the shit out together enough with the person and work through your issues, whatever they may be.

“But light is tricky. It slips through your fingers. It’s fleeting. It comes and goes. We never get to possess it; you can’t hold it in your hand. We just get to enjoy it. And if you can figure out a way to just let go and enjoy it, well, Cole, you’ll be one of the lucky ones.”

Firstly reading about Cole will give you whiplash. You'll either want to choke him or love him, and when the actual reason about him being the way he is came out..... Honestly it all made sense, and that's when I kinda get why he is the way he is, and why his monologues are the way they are. You'll realize while reading the book, Cole's chapters are significantly longer, and there are a few times that you'll feel like DNF-ing the book, but honestly, just power through and towards the end, I actually teared up. Realities for PTSD patients are hard, but what I love about Cole is how he is open about going to therapy and that he TRIES HIS VERY BEST to work on his problems.

With this book, I liked Violet and Cole's dynamics. Violet is a character that I'm a bit 50-50 cause she can be a bit bratty sometimes, but in some sense, I also do get why she is like that (due to her brothers from Chestnut Springs series hehe); but what stands out most for Violet's character is how she handled Cole and how she fought for their relationship to the end.

“I know you see yourself as dark. But you aren’t. You’re swirling color, all different shades, a mosaic. You’re complicated and beautiful. And I’m not quitting on you, so you better not quit on me.”


In some ways, the complications for a person like Cole to be a relationship is very real. In a sense that it can get tiring and overwhelming for their partners, and I liked that she didn't want Cole to change for the better, but just to love himself enough to fight for their relationship. That to me... is something. Because at the end of the day, you can never change a person entirely, but would they be willing to fight for whats worth with you is the most important.

This book is definitely not for everyone. It has very vivid explanations of anxiety-spiraling, panic attacks and also deaths but its also one that I will cherish for myself. Its a book on knowing your worth and trying to overcome your demons to escape the loneliness that comes with it.

4.5🌟 for this one