fors's reviews
30 reviews

I'm in Love with the Villainess (Light Novel), Vol. 02 by Inori

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3.0

Super awesome continuation! The foreshadowing that Rae kept mentioning in the previous volume took place in this one, and the leads finally had actual development and a story behind them. It introduced new characters – the romance was cute, and pulled together near the end of the volume. The earlier chapters were also entertaining to read through. Each of them were better than the last volume. Topics of transphobia and homophobia getting discussed in a chapter was definitely my favorite part, since there's not enough lighthearted queer media that talks about these issues, more-so if it's Japanese media.

While it was a fun read, it also had flaws. There were many characters, but most of them didn't feel like they had anything going on. Some of them had a backstory, but they felt like they were only there for plot-convenience. They don't feel like a person of their own, and it's a shame, considering that there is a ship that I think would be a cute side couple if they had more development.
Moreover, it would've been better if the last arc was a tad bit longer, since you'd be on the edge of your seat anticipating a fight or what-not, but it doesn't end up happening. This wasn't much of a problem, since the arc was definitely only there to further the development between the leads, and it definitely gets extra points for being able to keep it lighthearted.

The biggest ick, however, was that the author seemed like they have a thing for incest. The incestual couple from the first volume.... euhhgdghfsh I think it largely affected my rating for the volume.
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Vol. 1 by Piero Karasu, Piero Karasu

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2.0

A cute wlw romance <3 There was little world-building, which I felt was a waste, considering that the fundamentals of magic science could be a starting point for an engaging world.
The 1st half of the novel was more of an introduction to the fundamentals of magic and the characters. On the 2nd half, it gradually got more wholesome, and I've come to enjoy it by the end of it. The characters were likeable, the relationship between them was cute, plus it made me look forward to the progress of their relationship. Romance was not the focus of this novel, and it was more of a CGDCT with a tinge of action and slightly emotional scenes.
The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht

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3.0

2.5 Intriguing, but didn't live up to it's potential
I'd say that this is an example of a book that fell short since it was shorter.

It was a combination of both interesting and underwhelming, to say the least. A twisted novella with wretched characters and a dark atmosphere. There's not much to say since it's really short, but, much like everyone else, the ending confused me a lot. It felt like it was left ambiguous and open-ended. I have a few guesses as to what it could mean, but with no way of confirming.
Metaphorically, reading Monster of Elendhaven was like eating a meal that needed more spices; A book that needed more sentences in certain parts. Though, it wasn't a bad read overall.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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3.0

I was a bit skeptical to start this, since I'm not a big fan of orc protagonists. However, I saw cafe-owning fantasy with a wlw couple and decided to give it a try.

To be honest, though they were cute, I didn't feel much romantic development between the main couple. I didn't favor how the world was set up and it started to become a bit bleak once the antagonist was introduced, but, nevertheless, I had fun reading. The book was quite at a pleasing length too! If the book were any longer, my interest would've slowly diminished. It was nothing revolutionary or creative, but it would definitely be enjoyable for someone who enjoyed cozy fantasies.
SSS-Class Suicide Hunter by Shin Noah (μ‹ λ…Έμ•„)

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4.0

Review as of ch. 190
Personally, SSS-Class Suicide Hunter, for me, is an example of a novel that has flaws you can point out, but is far overshadowed by the enjoyment of reading. It was able to deliver heartfelt and emotional scenes, as well as give a balance of action, comedy and other genres.

It incorporates a lot of martial arts elements, mixed with magic and other power systems. The world-building isn't really something groundbreaking; so if you want to read a novel that focuses on the world, I wouldn't recommend this one. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the characters. They're all likeable, with different stories, different designs and different races.

In the matter of the story itself, each arc tackle upon different genres and the author often uses overused tropes, but does it right. Despite being really tropey and dense at times, it's well-worth the read since each arc progresses well, ends satisfyingly, and leaves a sweet taste in your mouth. Another thing I'd like to point out is the writing. the best part of this novel. It isn't about the grammar or the word use itself, but rather, the way it's able to hit the right spots. It was like I was connected to the protagonist, and I felt what he was feeling. The sadness and anger that he felt, as well as his thought processes in making his decisions.

I did have a problem with how the romance progressed, but I don't think it was that much of a problem that it will cause me to stay away from it. It's still an amazing read and I would definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to read something enjoyable, sad, and fun.
ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword! (Light Novel) Vol. 1 by Kiki

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3.0

An odd mix of grimdark fantasy and romance (that felt out-of-place).
Since I've only read the first volume, I'll keep silent about my other complaints until I've read the others.
To summarize the story, as the author said, it's a mishmash of different genres - executed well! There are large plot elements that sets up a big core mystery to the story, and is nothing short of interesting to read about. Although, plot is armor is very heavy and I'd have preferred if the characters were a tad bit older.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read and promises to deliver what it offered.