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brenticus's reviews
694 reviews
Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Vol. 14 by Hajime Komoto, Hajime Komoto
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This last sequence of a series of shonen boss battles is a bit formulaic and the comedy only shows up every now and then. Lemon's fight is probably the best if only because immediately freeing and adopting the dogs is funny as heck.
The bonus panels are peak in this volume, though. Absolutely killed me.
The bonus panels are peak in this volume, though. Absolutely killed me.
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels
informative
fast-paced
3.0
Finally reading Marx and Engels' words on socialism and its progression is enlightening in many ways, and this is such a quick read that it's pretty much worthwhile for anyone to read through. I will say that there isn't a lot of meat to this - it is actually a manifesto, putting forth the ideas and comparing to others and advocating for a new future the authors are seeking, but lacking a lot of the theory, history, and economics behind it.
I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I'll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time, Vol. 4 by Mato Kousaka
adventurous
emotional
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
3.0
To some extent the overarching plot feels like it shows up out of nowhere, with a side character suddenly showing up and masterminding a huge conflict partway through. Also it almost feels like the volume dodged every possible way to move the narrative forward, so there are a few ways in which it feels like I was cheated out of more progress.
But generally I think the stuff with magic and the Dark Guild are interesting (although a bit odd) additions to the world, and it's nice to finally get the background on why Lowe is so sketchy. Alina and Jade are fun to follow as always. The overtime never ends.
But generally I think the stuff with magic and the Dark Guild are interesting (although a bit odd) additions to the world, and it's nice to finally get the background on why Lowe is so sketchy. Alina and Jade are fun to follow as always. The overtime never ends.
The Tower Treasure by Leslie McFarlane, Franklin W. Dixon, Walter S. Rogers
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Haven't read these books since I was a kid. It's honestly just a lot of fun. These kids should clearly not be involved in any of this stuff, but you know what? They're fine, it's the 20s, they're having a grand ol' time.
The Monarchy of Fear: A Philosopher Looks at Our Political Crisis by Martha C. Nussbaum
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This was a really good overview of fear, along with some closely related emotions, and how they affects people and politics. Most of the chapters focus on fear, disgust, misogyny, and similar concepts, while the last chapter tries to looks forward towards more productive idead of how to change things.
Other than that final chapter this book was fantastic, but the final chapter on hope felt rather naive and occasionally unfocused. The book was written after Trump's first election, and I read it shortly after his second; it may just be terrible timing, but it's Nussbaum's point feels like it isn't strong enough to combat the reality that this climate of fear has put us in.
Other than that final chapter this book was fantastic, but the final chapter on hope felt rather naive and occasionally unfocused. The book was written after Trump's first election, and I read it shortly after his second; it may just be terrible timing, but it's Nussbaum's point feels like it isn't strong enough to combat the reality that this climate of fear has put us in.
The Misfit of Demon King Academy: Volume 7 by Shu
adventurous
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? No
2.0
This one didn't really grab me. Despite practically resolving the underground arc it hardly feels like anything significant happened, Anos and his subordinates just kind of beat on a bunch of people. It happened.
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 12 by Natsu Hyuuga
adventurous
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? Yes
5.0
Even for a series where I love every volume, this one feels like a standout. We see Maomao pushed in a variety of different ways, showing capabilities and limits that we're occasionally privy to but not so directly. The development of Shikyou, Hulan, Chue, and Xiaohong are all interesting to see—especially seeing more behind the scenes of Chue—and the overall story arc was interesting to follow.
Very good volume, very excited for moreas always.
Very good volume, very excited for moreas always.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Buck is a good boy.
Ulysses by James Joyce
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I feel ill equipped to enjoy this book. Not that I don't understand what happened, or that it's something I dont think is my thing, or that it's too difficult for me to follow. No, there are just clearly layers and layers of stuff to sift through that I don't have the time or patience to sort out.
Like, this doesn't just talk about Irish home rule, it talks about the detailed specifics of Irish politicians in Joyce's time. I can get that, but the amount of research I need to do to actually understand what's being communicated in some sections is a lot.
I can see why there are whole courses dedicated to this book in some English programs. Holy hell.
Anyways, the prose is phenomenal, just flows directly into the brain making the whole thing feel like a fever dream, which it sometimes basically is, and I would recommend it just to see Joyce toy with the English language.
Like, this doesn't just talk about Irish home rule, it talks about the detailed specifics of Irish politicians in Joyce's time. I can get that, but the amount of research I need to do to actually understand what's being communicated in some sections is a lot.
I can see why there are whole courses dedicated to this book in some English programs. Holy hell.
Anyways, the prose is phenomenal, just flows directly into the brain making the whole thing feel like a fever dream, which it sometimes basically is, and I would recommend it just to see Joyce toy with the English language.
Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This book is roughly divided into two parts: why growth (and capitalism) is driving ecosystem and climate changes, and why degrowth (or moving away from capitalism) is the solution.
The first part is so brilliantly put together that it's hard to grapple with at times. Hickel isn't saying anything that hasn't been said a hundred times, but he pulls together a huge variety of sources to put forth a sweeping narrative covering centuries of growth and exploitation harming the environment. In a relatively short time he puts forth one of the most scathing and well-justified critiques of capitalism and the modern approach to combating climate change that I've ever seen.
The second part, explaining degrowth, is still good, but doesn't have the same vision and clarity behind it. The presentation jumps around between a variety of concerns and some of the more salient bits lack a bit of detail. A lot of the reasoning is self-evident based on the first half, but is covered more thoroughly, yet the path to get there is left half-formed. Enough to see it's possible, not enough to harass my MP about.
Overall it's an incredibly good read with a lot of interesting details to pick out. I learned a lot despite this being an area that I feel reasonably well versed in.
The first part is so brilliantly put together that it's hard to grapple with at times. Hickel isn't saying anything that hasn't been said a hundred times, but he pulls together a huge variety of sources to put forth a sweeping narrative covering centuries of growth and exploitation harming the environment. In a relatively short time he puts forth one of the most scathing and well-justified critiques of capitalism and the modern approach to combating climate change that I've ever seen.
The second part, explaining degrowth, is still good, but doesn't have the same vision and clarity behind it. The presentation jumps around between a variety of concerns and some of the more salient bits lack a bit of detail. A lot of the reasoning is self-evident based on the first half, but is covered more thoroughly, yet the path to get there is left half-formed. Enough to see it's possible, not enough to harass my MP about.
Overall it's an incredibly good read with a lot of interesting details to pick out. I learned a lot despite this being an area that I feel reasonably well versed in.