blairwyn's reviews
112 reviews

A Sign of Affection, Omnibus 1 (Vol. 1-3) by suu Morishita

funny informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

My perspective as a Deaf sensitivity reader. Contains mild spoilers.

So far I love this story. I’m impressed by the work going into representing a Deaf character. The major bonus is they have a “sign language collaborator” which seems to be equivalent to a sensitivity reader. They ensure the signs they are depicting are correct and clear. I adore Yuki. She is so cute. I will admit I was nervous at first but over all the story and the progression has been impressive. There are still a lot of typical hearing characters. For example they still just speak as if Yuki can understand everything even when it’s clarified that she wouldn’t be able to lip read 100% accurate. They still just, speak. However. There is a TON more typing and writing down then I would have expected and even more use of sign language then I would have ever dreamed of.

The amount of characters learning sign so early on is also, inspiring, and hopeful. Especially the main guy, Itsuomi. I adore that he instantly wanted to pick it up. I may be mildly obsessed with Oushi. I wonder why there wasn’t more of a romantic connection between him and Yuki during their time growing up and look forward to learning more about him.

There are few negative points thus far. The continuous speaking. But that is improving as the story progresses. There are some “hidden” conversations behind Yuki back, which is unpleasant. I find it mildly weird that some characters feel the need to explain her Deafness to other hearing characters, instead of just asking her.

But overall. I am enjoying the story.

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass

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adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-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

4.75

I enjoyed the read, overall.
I had hoped things would end differently with sawyer. But when the end of his story really came out, there was hope for character development that didn’t happen.

I enjoyed the cast of characters. Reading from highschool closest boy pov really takes me back.
I didn’t really feel the horror aspect of the book and found many of the descriptions to be confusing. Very pretty, but confusing.
Otherwise. I did enjoy the book. And I would like to read more from this author.

A Realm of Dark Fury by R.D. Baker

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adventurous dark emotional funny tense 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

4.75

R.D baker does not disappoint. Why did I have a crush on Theron for the majority of the books?? Pleasssssse have a sequel!

Ten Count, Volume 5 by Rihito Takarai

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3.0

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

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adventurous medium-paced

3.0

Favorite line from the book. Page 319
“And I did it without animal blood, bitch!”

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

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adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. It challenged all of my emotions almost simultaneously. I have loved Xiran Jay Zhao after reading the iron widow. This book solidifying my love for her writing even more.

Spoilers

While I am not apart of the cultural themes within this book, I still found many connections to my own. A very specific sections at the beginning mentioning if Zack was already friends with Simon, the only other Chinese kid in the school. People automatically assume that for me, usually the only Deaf person in the space. I found a lot of joy, while learning more about Chinese history and experience, seeing small connections to Deaf history and experience.

Reading about Zack took me back to my younger 12 year old self. Putting into words my feelings figuring out my attractions and the innocent thoughts that come with them. It was also nice that it was naturally included into the story, and wasn’t a main focal point or forced. This perspective made Zach as a character feel much more real and natural.

I enjoyed the character personality diversity. All of this to say. I really enjoyed the book and I’m excited to read more from this author :)

Ten Count, Volume 4 by Rihito Takarai

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medium-paced

2.0

The reason behind the germaphobic traits, felt weird. Unrealistic in many aspects.

Ten Count, Volume 3 by Rihito Takarai

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funny medium-paced

5.0

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma by Anne Camlin, Isadora Zeferino

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