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asipofcozy's reviews
206 reviews
Spy x Family, Vol. 3 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Absolutely loving this manga and each volume that comes out. The mangaka just knows how to write great characters and I loved the introduction to Yur's brother. Haha, it disturbs me how much he LOVES his sister...I mean should we be concerned? Probably. Also, Damien, cute evil little Damien. For some reason even though this kid is a punk he is too cute and I think he secretly likes Anya. The Forger family are just perfect imperfection!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Blood
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Nettle & Bone has to be one of the few books in the last year that I have come across that felt original, horrifyingly beautiful, and creative. While, I have moved passed my phase of "fairytales" and "retellings"...this one just stood out to me. I loved the premise/idea that the book had to offer and I didn't hesitate to delve in.
Where this novel held most traction was in the last 120-150 pages or so. The beginning started off strong in the first 20 pages and then became quite slow and dull in the middle to finally give us that fantasy horror element and fairytale like adventure towards the end. If the author would have expanded on the three challenges that Marra needed to accomplish to defeat the evil prince, and woven that into the story rather than gloss over it in 30 pages, then I feel like this would have been a really solid read. I wanted more oomph and it was quite lacking.
I would also say expand on those horror elements more. This is supposed to be a dark twisted fairytale about how prince's aren't really charming, fairy godmothers are wicked, and things can come back to haunt you. And when we were given that, in those small doses, they were outstanding...we just needed more!
We are also given a diverse cast of characters that are easily loveable and quite humorous at times. We have the dust-wife, a chicken possessed by a demon, a bone dog, a disgraced knight, a fairy godmother, and of course our main character Marra the princess. I have to say this book had to have had the best cast of characters I have read in awhile, and I could have read more about each of them. I feel like the author could create a book behind each of these characters - especially the dust-wife and the knight.
I enjoyed this, I think many others would absolutely love it, so definitely check it out!
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The trees were full of crows and the woods were full of madmen. The pit was full of bones and her hands were full of wires.
Nettle & Bone has to be one of the few books in the last year that I have come across that felt original, horrifyingly beautiful, and creative. While, I have moved passed my phase of "fairytales" and "retellings"...this one just stood out to me. I loved the premise/idea that the book had to offer and I didn't hesitate to delve in.
Where this novel held most traction was in the last 120-150 pages or so. The beginning started off strong in the first 20 pages and then became quite slow and dull in the middle to finally give us that fantasy horror element and fairytale like adventure towards the end. If the author would have expanded on the three challenges that Marra needed to accomplish to defeat the evil prince, and woven that into the story rather than gloss over it in 30 pages, then I feel like this would have been a really solid read. I wanted more oomph and it was quite lacking.
I would also say expand on those horror elements more. This is supposed to be a dark twisted fairytale about how prince's aren't really charming, fairy godmothers are wicked, and things can come back to haunt you. And when we were given that, in those small doses, they were outstanding...we just needed more!
We are also given a diverse cast of characters that are easily loveable and quite humorous at times. We have the dust-wife, a chicken possessed by a demon, a bone dog, a disgraced knight, a fairy godmother, and of course our main character Marra the princess. I have to say this book had to have had the best cast of characters I have read in awhile, and I could have read more about each of them. I feel like the author could create a book behind each of these characters - especially the dust-wife and the knight.
I enjoyed this, I think many others would absolutely love it, so definitely check it out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Cannibalism
Spy x Family, Vol. 2 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I am absolutely loving this manga series and where it is headed. And the art style is just so gorgeous and I am literally loving Twilight and how he is all "this is a mission" but you can actually see him oh so slowly start to blur those lines of "work" and "love". Also Yor's motherly instinct's and how she treats Anya as her real daughter, ugh my heart strings were pulled at!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
However, after 50 or so pages I was let down. This book, while focuses on that cult element and this very religious background moreso focuses on the found family and friendship of the queer rebellious group. In the first part of the book (50 pages or so) we are given a decent background into The Flood, the graces, the cult, and the coming of this new religious group. However, that soon dies off and we are left with a book that is more character focused. Which slowed down the story.
While I loved all the characters and am so grateful we finally have a book with so much queer and mental health rep...it just wasn't enough. I wanted both the representation and the world building...which could be asking for too much. I wanted to know more about the cult, the disease, and these monsters that were created. We were given so little and by the end of the book I was still left confused.
Also, the ending. *Sigh* I hate ambiguous/ open ended books.
However, don't let my review stop you from reading it, if you are into lots of queer rep, body horror, horror in general, monsters, creepy cults, and loveable characters then this book is for you.
dark
emotional
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
3.0
This is the first time I really delve into horror in literature. It's not that it's not my thing, it's just never intrigued me as a genre before. However, I will say I enjoyed what White was introducing to us within Hell Followed With Us.
I loved this idea of an apocalyptic world where a scientist created a disease that made monsters and said "it was god's doing" thus creating an insane cult group that goes on to destroy the rest of the world. It intrigued me and was what initially made me pick up the book, second to this having a rebellion group made up of all queer individuals (just love the rep).
I loved this idea of an apocalyptic world where a scientist created a disease that made monsters and said "it was god's doing" thus creating an insane cult group that goes on to destroy the rest of the world. It intrigued me and was what initially made me pick up the book, second to this having a rebellion group made up of all queer individuals (just love the rep).
God is an absent parent who demands loyalty despite never coming around.
However, after 50 or so pages I was let down. This book, while focuses on that cult element and this very religious background moreso focuses on the found family and friendship of the queer rebellious group. In the first part of the book (50 pages or so) we are given a decent background into The Flood, the graces, the cult, and the coming of this new religious group. However, that soon dies off and we are left with a book that is more character focused. Which slowed down the story.
While I loved all the characters and am so grateful we finally have a book with so much queer and mental health rep...it just wasn't enough. I wanted both the representation and the world building...which could be asking for too much. I wanted to know more about the cult, the disease, and these monsters that were created. We were given so little and by the end of the book I was still left confused.
I want to bludgeon his head against the cinderblock walls until his skull comes apart in my hands, seeping brain and shards of bone between my fingers.
Also, the ending. *Sigh* I hate ambiguous/ open ended books.
However, don't let my review stop you from reading it, if you are into lots of queer rep, body horror, horror in general, monsters, creepy cults, and loveable characters then this book is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Dysphoria, and War
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien knows how to write a grandeur adventure that is both whimsical and epic. I fell in love with his writing in Lord of the Rings, and reading the Hobbit is no different. I felt transported to a world of adventure, quests, meandering hobbits, and a looming war. This isn't a read you can sit down in one day and devour (though try I did). This is a book you savor over tea with the fireplace going and the Fall rain hitting the window (which may have been how I read this).
I could see myself rereading this many times in the future, just as I have Lord of the Rings. There is just something about the aesthetic of the book, the poetic writing, and the adventure that draws me in.
(p.s. - if you are picking this book up AFTER the movie, please be aware that you will see many differences and things that did not occur in the book.)
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I finally did it. After years of saying "I will pick up the Hobbit" or "I will pick up Lord of the Rings, I have finally read both, and dare I say, shame on me for taking so long to pick either of them up. One thing I am glad that I did was read LOTR first before reading The Hobbit. It was beautiful catching moments, quotes, actions, and situations that would transpire in LOTR. It made the world so much grander.
I am looking for someone to share in adventure that I am arranging.
Tolkien knows how to write a grandeur adventure that is both whimsical and epic. I fell in love with his writing in Lord of the Rings, and reading the Hobbit is no different. I felt transported to a world of adventure, quests, meandering hobbits, and a looming war. This isn't a read you can sit down in one day and devour (though try I did). This is a book you savor over tea with the fireplace going and the Fall rain hitting the window (which may have been how I read this).
I could see myself rereading this many times in the future, just as I have Lord of the Rings. There is just something about the aesthetic of the book, the poetic writing, and the adventure that draws me in.
(p.s. - if you are picking this book up AFTER the movie, please be aware that you will see many differences and things that did not occur in the book.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Racism, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.75
I could not for the life of me figure out what I wanted to rate this book. I yanked between a 3.75 and 4 star for the last hour and still my mind is warring with me.
The Stardust Thief is a story filled with magic, stories, flawed characters, and betrayal. I mean what more could a girl want. I instantly fell in love with the worldbuilding and the magic system. I felt immersed in the stories that were being told, and it was almost like I was transported into the world when everyone gathered to listen to the old storytellers.
We end up following the POV's of Mazen (the prince), Aisha (the thief), and Loulie (the merchant). There is nothing I love more than flawed characters that struggle with their inner beliefs and views of the outside world. It makes the story all that more enjoyable. Even when Mazen's naive characteristics drove me up the wall, I still enjoyed reading about his struggles of family duty and want of adventure. These flaws also make for great character develoment and complicated characters - which is a big win for me.
Where my rating debate comes in is the writing style and how the book reads. This is labeled as an adult, yet reads and comes across as YA. I wanted more intricate adult fantasy descriptions and in-depth knowledge behind the magic system that most adult fantasy's give. However, The Stardust Thief is lacking in this aspect. While I enjoyed the fast pacing plot and the quick action that had me turning the pages. I wanted those moments of deep imagery, especially in a world that is colorful and full of jinn and magic.
Given that, I still can't wait to pick up the next book when it releases.
The Stardust Thief is a story filled with magic, stories, flawed characters, and betrayal. I mean what more could a girl want. I instantly fell in love with the worldbuilding and the magic system. I felt immersed in the stories that were being told, and it was almost like I was transported into the world when everyone gathered to listen to the old storytellers.
We end up following the POV's of Mazen (the prince), Aisha (the thief), and Loulie (the merchant). There is nothing I love more than flawed characters that struggle with their inner beliefs and views of the outside world. It makes the story all that more enjoyable. Even when Mazen's naive characteristics drove me up the wall, I still enjoyed reading about his struggles of family duty and want of adventure. These flaws also make for great character develoment and complicated characters - which is a big win for me.
Where my rating debate comes in is the writing style and how the book reads. This is labeled as an adult, yet reads and comes across as YA. I wanted more intricate adult fantasy descriptions and in-depth knowledge behind the magic system that most adult fantasy's give. However, The Stardust Thief is lacking in this aspect. While I enjoyed the fast pacing plot and the quick action that had me turning the pages. I wanted those moments of deep imagery, especially in a world that is colorful and full of jinn and magic.
Given that, I still can't wait to pick up the next book when it releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Fangs by Sarah Andersen
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
This graphic novel was exactly what I needed to get out of a reading slump. A cute, romantic, opposites attract type of situation was all that I needed. And of course, it was a perfect read to begin the month of October. The art style was adorable, and I instantly fell in love with our characters.
When they say opposites attract, that is an understatement when it comes to Elsie, a 300-year-old vampire, and Jimmy, a werewolf. These two are facing all the joys of a new relationship plus a little more with their unique characteristics. This short graphic novel brought forth many of the realities in relationships - first times, finding out each other's quirks, fights, deep conversations, cute moments, and supporting each other in their own uniqueness.
I just loved it, and it felt so warm? cozy? bloody? lol all of the above!
When they say opposites attract, that is an understatement when it comes to Elsie, a 300-year-old vampire, and Jimmy, a werewolf. These two are facing all the joys of a new relationship plus a little more with their unique characteristics. This short graphic novel brought forth many of the realities in relationships - first times, finding out each other's quirks, fights, deep conversations, cute moments, and supporting each other in their own uniqueness.
I just loved it, and it felt so warm? cozy? bloody? lol all of the above!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Minor: Death, Sexual content, and Murder
Until I Meet My Husband by Ryousuke Nanasaki
One thing I am noticing readers gloss over is Ryousuke's first time. As an outsider and how it happened where it was a very much older man, and he called himself "daddy" and proceeded to videotape the whole thing...I would see that as nonconsensual. Never once in the manga did Ryousuke say yes, and even in the images, it's clear he is uncomfortable - both for the first time and in the situation. Now, this is a manga, and I understand it's harder to depict the situation accurately; however, that first time does not come off as consensual at all, and yet no one is saying anything.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
4.5
I can't express how this manga made me feel. To know that this is based on a true story, just hit home. What Ryousuke went through is what many of us in the LGBTQ+ community went through and it's finally touched on . In so many BL manga we get stereotypes of gay men and women, sexualizing us. Yet, this manga touches on the heart of what it means to be gay and the struggles/hurdles we face. It also touches on other countries perspective of gay individuals and how many countries, especially conservative countries, have a long way to go in accepting all minority communities.
As I can't touch on the character aspect of this manga (as it's based on real people), I can touch on the art. And can I say WOW. The art style is absolutely stunning. The lines, the details, the style. This is what I want to see more of in manga in general. I absolutely love this style, it was truly out of this world.
I would love to see an actual English translation of Ryousuke's essay to read as I have read in many reviews that the manga translation left out alot of scenarios and events that Ryousuke faced. Anyway, I think anyone that reads manga, or reads LGBTQ+ memoires should add this to their shelves. For the first time we have a BL manga that is portraying the gay community accurately.
As I can't touch on the character aspect of this manga (as it's based on real people), I can touch on the art. And can I say WOW. The art style is absolutely stunning. The lines, the details, the style. This is what I want to see more of in manga in general. I absolutely love this style, it was truly out of this world.
I would love to see an actual English translation of Ryousuke's essay to read as I have read in many reviews that the manga translation left out alot of scenarios and events that Ryousuke faced. Anyway, I think anyone that reads manga, or reads LGBTQ+ memoires should add this to their shelves. For the first time we have a BL manga that is portraying the gay community accurately.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
The Darkening by Sunya Mara
Whelp, that's it! I kinda look forward to the next book.
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
3.75
After many failed attempts at picking up any YA book and enjoying them (I guess YA is just not the IT genre for me anymore), I am happy to say that I actually enjoyed The Darkening by Sunya Mara. It was unique enough to capture my attention, and that was a good thing.
I loved the idea of a storm eating everything in its path and slowly consuming the city year by year. I especially loved the backstory to the story about a Great Queen fleeing from her husband and creating a storm in her wake. It was a unique concept and was done fairly well.
I also found the magic system to be interesting, the ikonomancy. It sort of reminded me of how runes work in the Shadowhunter universe; granted, I know little of those runes, but the concept was fairly the same. It seemed that drawing ikons were an important part of the magic system. Then there was the Wardana, the guardians of the city, that protect them against the monsters that come out of the storm. I can't wait to see more of the magic system developed in the next book.
Finally, applause to the rich and diverse characters and settings. I could imagine many of the settings in this book, the shadows from the dark storm encroaching the streets, the colors and brightness of the higher parts of the city. It was breathtaking in its telling. Also, chef's kiss to the side characters Cas and Izamal. The dynamic and banter between the three Wardana is perfecto!
I did enjoy the main character Vesper. While her naiveness got her into a lot of trouble and she could annoying at times, she was trying to save a father that she loved despite his disappointment in her. She just didn't always think her actions through.
What could have been better/expectations for the next book:
I loved the idea of a storm eating everything in its path and slowly consuming the city year by year. I especially loved the backstory to the story about a Great Queen fleeing from her husband and creating a storm in her wake. It was a unique concept and was done fairly well.
I also found the magic system to be interesting, the ikonomancy. It sort of reminded me of how runes work in the Shadowhunter universe; granted, I know little of those runes, but the concept was fairly the same. It seemed that drawing ikons were an important part of the magic system. Then there was the Wardana, the guardians of the city, that protect them against the monsters that come out of the storm. I can't wait to see more of the magic system developed in the next book.
Finally, applause to the rich and diverse characters and settings. I could imagine many of the settings in this book, the shadows from the dark storm encroaching the streets, the colors and brightness of the higher parts of the city. It was breathtaking in its telling. Also, chef's kiss to the side characters Cas and Izamal. The dynamic and banter between the three Wardana is perfecto!
I did enjoy the main character Vesper. While her naiveness got her into a lot of trouble and she could annoying at times, she was trying to save a father that she loved despite his disappointment in her. She just didn't always think her actions through.
What could have been better/expectations for the next book:
- More worldbuilding - While I understand this YA and I can't expect the intensity of worldbuilding like that in high fantasy, I am hoping for more explanation behind the Great King and Queen as well as how Ikonomancy came to be.
- Dual POV - I believe that The Darkening would have benefitted from dual POV over the singular POV of Vesper that we get the entirety of this book. I think it would have helped with some of the explanations of what was going on.
- Lackluster romance - Okay, so this isn't something I am necessarily upset about. Romance in books isn't my biggest focus anymore. I am glad romance wasn't the focus here; however, it was inserted and was weird at times However, I can see more potential for expanding on this in the next book. I am just glad the MC didn't have an instant-love situation and even acknowledged to herself that while she has growing feelings, her main concern is the storm and her father.
Whelp, that's it! I kinda look forward to the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and War
The Savior's Book Cafe Story in Another World (Manga) Vol. 3 by Reiko Sakurada, Oumiya, Kyouka Izumi
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.75
As I stated in volume 2's review, I love the whole premise of this manga - a middle-aged woman ends up in a fantasy world, creates a book cafe, and falls in love with a soldier. It's different than many of the manga I read, and the artwork is really beautiful.
I don't know how to deal with the lack of things going on in the book. Yes, it's the whole point, the main character wanted to go to this world and do all the background work and let others get credit, yet I just want to see some type of action. Also, still don't know how to deal with the "romance" I mean, it's cute, and I love how protective Il is of Tsukina. Just give me more cuteness!!!! I get they are older, but that doesn't mean romance should be dead. Also, do they have any other mutual interests outside of books? Where is the romance development?
Also, don't get me started on the obvious flirting of a certain someone!
And finally...did we just get a little bit of non-binary action in here? I am all for it. Give me more.
I don't know how to deal with the lack of things going on in the book. Yes, it's the whole point, the main character wanted to go to this world and do all the background work and let others get credit, yet I just want to see some type of action. Also, still don't know how to deal with the "romance" I mean, it's cute, and I love how protective Il is of Tsukina. Just give me more cuteness!!!! I get they are older, but that doesn't mean romance should be dead. Also, do they have any other mutual interests outside of books? Where is the romance development?
Also, don't get me started on the obvious flirting of a certain someone!
And finally...did we just get a little bit of non-binary action in here? I am all for it. Give me more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore and Violence