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livinliterary's reviews
1592 reviews
From Far Away, Vol. 1 by Kyoko Hikawa
The story is engaging, with a unique premise that blends fantasy with elements of mystery and adventure. Hikawa does a great job of creating a vividly strange world that immediately draws you in, making you curious about what’s going to happen next. The sense of wonder, mixed with the danger that surrounds Noriko, adds depth to the plot.
While I enjoyed the setup, I’m currently waiting on my library to acquire the next volumes to see how the story unfolds. The first volume left me intrigued enough to continue, but it feels like it’s just scratching the surface of what this series can offer. I’m looking forward to seeing how Noriko’s journey develops and what more this beautiful, strange world has in store for her.
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
From Far Away introduces us to an ordinary girl, Noriko, who is suddenly transported to a strange and dangerous world. This new realm is both beautiful and eerie, filled with unfamiliar creatures and customs. As Noriko grapples with the bizarre reality around her, she soon discovers that she may not be as ordinary as she once thought.
The story is engaging, with a unique premise that blends fantasy with elements of mystery and adventure. Hikawa does a great job of creating a vividly strange world that immediately draws you in, making you curious about what’s going to happen next. The sense of wonder, mixed with the danger that surrounds Noriko, adds depth to the plot.
While I enjoyed the setup, I’m currently waiting on my library to acquire the next volumes to see how the story unfolds. The first volume left me intrigued enough to continue, but it feels like it’s just scratching the surface of what this series can offer. I’m looking forward to seeing how Noriko’s journey develops and what more this beautiful, strange world has in store for her.
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
The story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Grace and Calvin, broken down by the days Grace stays at Calvin’s AirBnB. The first few days dragged on and felt slow, and the characters didn’t do much to pull me in. I didn’t care for either Grace or Calvin, which made it hard to invest in their story.
Despite the slow start, the action did pick up toward the end, and I enjoyed the final twist. I appreciated that Grace wasn't a victim but was planning Calvin’s demise all along.
While the writing was solid, the plot seemed to go nowhere for me. I kept waiting for something more—some deeper payoff that never came. Still, I was intrigued enough to finish the book, though I can’t say it left a lasting impression. It's one of those stories that had potential but just didn't quite reach it.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
You Shouldn't Have Come Here started with promise but ultimately fell short for me. The twist near the end was unexpected, but I think it could have been executed better. The budding romance, the small-town secrets, and the lingering question of what was in the basement kept me listening, but the plot as a whole didn’t quite deliver.
The story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Grace and Calvin, broken down by the days Grace stays at Calvin’s AirBnB. The first few days dragged on and felt slow, and the characters didn’t do much to pull me in. I didn’t care for either Grace or Calvin, which made it hard to invest in their story.
Despite the slow start, the action did pick up toward the end, and I enjoyed the final twist. I appreciated that Grace wasn't a victim but was planning Calvin’s demise all along.
While the writing was solid, the plot seemed to go nowhere for me. I kept waiting for something more—some deeper payoff that never came. Still, I was intrigued enough to finish the book, though I can’t say it left a lasting impression. It's one of those stories that had potential but just didn't quite reach it.
Spy x Family, Vol. 12 by Tatsuya Endo
One notable aspect of this volume is the progress in Yor and Loid's relationship. While it's great to see more interactions between them, some of the reasons for Yor's anger toward Loid feel a bit forced. That said, given that Yor is drunk during these moments, it adds a layer of humor to the situation, so it’s not overly distracting.
The main action highlight of this volume is the "Mole Arc," which delivers some excellent high-stakes tension and solid action sequences. However, readers should be prepared for a gut-punch ending—this volume closes on a brutal cliffhanger, leaving you desperate for the next chapter. It's a thrilling ride with a harsh stop, but it only adds to the excitement of what's to come.
Overall, Spy x Family, Volume 12 balances action, humor, and character development well, though the cliffhanger is a bit cruel!
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The twelfth installment of Spy x Family kicks off by wrapping up the tension from the previous "bus arc," giving us a chance to explore some key character development. This first chapter does a great job of addressing the fallout, and the fleshing out of certain characters adds more depth to their arcs, making the resolution satisfying.
One notable aspect of this volume is the progress in Yor and Loid's relationship. While it's great to see more interactions between them, some of the reasons for Yor's anger toward Loid feel a bit forced. That said, given that Yor is drunk during these moments, it adds a layer of humor to the situation, so it’s not overly distracting.
The main action highlight of this volume is the "Mole Arc," which delivers some excellent high-stakes tension and solid action sequences. However, readers should be prepared for a gut-punch ending—this volume closes on a brutal cliffhanger, leaving you desperate for the next chapter. It's a thrilling ride with a harsh stop, but it only adds to the excitement of what's to come.
Overall, Spy x Family, Volume 12 balances action, humor, and character development well, though the cliffhanger is a bit cruel!
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
One thing that stood out to me was how the dialogue and format take a bit of adjustment. Being in a child’s mind makes it hard to fully grasp the situation at times, but I think that’s intentional. It adds to the eeriness, evoking childhood nightmares, where things never quite make sense but feel terrifying all the same. The uncertainty and confusion only make the horror feel more real.
The visuals in this book were incredibly vivid, pulling me deeper into the unsettling atmosphere. And just when you think things might calm down, Malerman twists the story again, leaving you unsettled once more. If there’s one thing I’m still curious about, it’s the "monster" itself—I wish I knew more about its background. That lingering mystery, however, only adds to the unease.
Overall, Incidents Around the House is a disturbing and disorienting ride that’s sure to unnerve you, especially if you enjoy horror that plays with your mind. It certainly left me wanting more.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was my first experience reading Josh Malerman, and wow—his horror writing style is highly effective. Incidents Around the House reads a lot like a movie script, which I love, and it's told from the perspective of a child. Malerman's brilliance lies in his ability to give just enough information to leave your mind racing, constantly asking, "What on earth is going on?" The tension builds as you’re left wondering what's lurking just beyond the edge of clarity.
One thing that stood out to me was how the dialogue and format take a bit of adjustment. Being in a child’s mind makes it hard to fully grasp the situation at times, but I think that’s intentional. It adds to the eeriness, evoking childhood nightmares, where things never quite make sense but feel terrifying all the same. The uncertainty and confusion only make the horror feel more real.
The visuals in this book were incredibly vivid, pulling me deeper into the unsettling atmosphere. And just when you think things might calm down, Malerman twists the story again, leaving you unsettled once more. If there’s one thing I’m still curious about, it’s the "monster" itself—I wish I knew more about its background. That lingering mystery, however, only adds to the unease.
Overall, Incidents Around the House is a disturbing and disorienting ride that’s sure to unnerve you, especially if you enjoy horror that plays with your mind. It certainly left me wanting more.
Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
While I understand that this book serves as an introduction to a complex world, the delivery felt off-balance. The backstory and world-building were intriguing, and by the end, I was engaged once again—the conclusion certainly redeemed some of the slower sections. McGuire clearly put a lot of effort into crafting this fae world, so I’m hopeful that the next book in the series will have more consistent pacing and sharper execution.
One aspect I struggled with was Toby’s relationship with Devin. Toby was abused by Devin when she was younger, yet during her encounters with him, there’s a troubling tension as she experiences sexual arousal around him. I understand that Toby is tied to this halfway house and Devin for help, given her lack of other options, but her attraction to him felt uncomfortable, especially since he continues to exploit others. The idea of returning to an abuser for assistance could have been explored with depth, but the way her emotions played out left me uneasy.
By the end, I reluctantly admitted that I was more bored than engaged. The plot holes, inconsistent details, and dangling subplots pulled me out of what initially felt like an immersive experience. Despite the strong world-building, I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but there’s enough intrigue in the world that I might give it another chance.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.5
I walked away from Rosemary and Rue with conflicting feelings. The plot had great potential, but the execution left something to be desired. October "Toby" Daye, our protagonist, is a changeling private investigator, but her detective work left much to be desired. Throughout the book, she hops from one person or location to the next, seeking clues for her investigation, but for the most part, she doesn’t uncover anything new. Instead, I felt like I was being drowned in excessive descriptions of habits, traditions, and behavioral patterns that took precedence over Toby’s story.
While I understand that this book serves as an introduction to a complex world, the delivery felt off-balance. The backstory and world-building were intriguing, and by the end, I was engaged once again—the conclusion certainly redeemed some of the slower sections. McGuire clearly put a lot of effort into crafting this fae world, so I’m hopeful that the next book in the series will have more consistent pacing and sharper execution.
One aspect I struggled with was Toby’s relationship with Devin. Toby was abused by Devin when she was younger, yet during her encounters with him, there’s a troubling tension as she experiences sexual arousal around him. I understand that Toby is tied to this halfway house and Devin for help, given her lack of other options, but her attraction to him felt uncomfortable, especially since he continues to exploit others. The idea of returning to an abuser for assistance could have been explored with depth, but the way her emotions played out left me uneasy.
By the end, I reluctantly admitted that I was more bored than engaged. The plot holes, inconsistent details, and dangling subplots pulled me out of what initially felt like an immersive experience. Despite the strong world-building, I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but there’s enough intrigue in the world that I might give it another chance.
The Darkest Hour by Erin Hunter
Erin Hunter has a way of balancing the beauty of nature and the animal kingdom in such a compelling way that it draws you in, making it perfect for readers of all ages. Whether you're young or old, if you have a love for animals and nature, this series will captivate you.
The writing, storylines, and characters are excellent. You'll fall in love with Rusty (a.k.a Firepaw, Fireheart, and Firestar), Graystripe, and the rest of the clan. The Darkest Hour will leave you wanting more long after you’ve finished it. Bravo to Erin Hunter!
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
The Darkest Hour was one hell of a ride! Personally, I consider it to be the best book of the six in this series. Tigerstar (formerly known as Tigerclaw) is up to his tricks once more, and it's fascinating to see how everything unfolds. I could not put these books down—each chapter leaves you eager for more.
Erin Hunter has a way of balancing the beauty of nature and the animal kingdom in such a compelling way that it draws you in, making it perfect for readers of all ages. Whether you're young or old, if you have a love for animals and nature, this series will captivate you.
The writing, storylines, and characters are excellent. You'll fall in love with Rusty (a.k.a Firepaw, Fireheart, and Firestar), Graystripe, and the rest of the clan. The Darkest Hour will leave you wanting more long after you’ve finished it. Bravo to Erin Hunter!
A Sign of Affection, Volume 1 by suu Morishita
What makes it even more special is the thoughtful effort put into it including feedback from Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) Japanese contributors, which adds an authentic touch to the narrative. It’s absolutely precious—truly a fluffy romance that brings a smile with each page. The manga even goes back and explains the reasoning behind certain elements, ensuring readers fully grasp the choices made, which I appreciate.
The panels are stunningly drawn, with every character crafted so well. Each possesses unique traits that make them feel real and relatable. I particularly love how the illustrations capture the characters’ attempts at sign language, adding a beautiful layer to their interactions.
While I adore the dynamic between the characters, especially the romance, I do hope that in future volumes, the main character will focus more on herself and not always chase after Itsuomi. Regardless, this story is off to an amazing start, and I’m eager for the next volume!
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An absolute gem! I’m already obsessed with this series and can’t wait to dive into more volumes.
What makes it even more special is the thoughtful effort put into it including feedback from Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) Japanese contributors, which adds an authentic touch to the narrative. It’s absolutely precious—truly a fluffy romance that brings a smile with each page. The manga even goes back and explains the reasoning behind certain elements, ensuring readers fully grasp the choices made, which I appreciate.
The panels are stunningly drawn, with every character crafted so well. Each possesses unique traits that make them feel real and relatable. I particularly love how the illustrations capture the characters’ attempts at sign language, adding a beautiful layer to their interactions.
While I adore the dynamic between the characters, especially the romance, I do hope that in future volumes, the main character will focus more on herself and not always chase after Itsuomi. Regardless, this story is off to an amazing start, and I’m eager for the next volume!
A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter
The threats come from every direction, whether from the shadows of the forest or within the Clan itself. Fireheart must rely on his instincts as he walks the treacherous path laid out for him, one step away from disaster. The atmosphere of constant peril is so well-crafted that it feels like danger truly lurks behind every tree.
I was completely caught off guard by the ending—though I won’t spoil it for anyone! Let’s just say, it left me gasping and eager for the next installment. It’s one of those moments that you know will change everything.
If you’re a fan of intense action and emotionally charged leadership struggles, this book will not disappoint. But be prepared for some heartbreak along the way.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was... indescribable. With every chapter, the tension ramps up, and you’re left on edge, unsure of what will happen next. As Bluestar’s grip on reality crumbles, she leads her Clan with suspicion and distrust, believing she heads a group of traitors and cowards. It puts Fireheart in a dangerous position, forcing him to rise above the chaos and protect his Clan in ways he never imagined.
The threats come from every direction, whether from the shadows of the forest or within the Clan itself. Fireheart must rely on his instincts as he walks the treacherous path laid out for him, one step away from disaster. The atmosphere of constant peril is so well-crafted that it feels like danger truly lurks behind every tree.
I was completely caught off guard by the ending—though I won’t spoil it for anyone! Let’s just say, it left me gasping and eager for the next installment. It’s one of those moments that you know will change everything.
If you’re a fan of intense action and emotionally charged leadership struggles, this book will not disappoint. But be prepared for some heartbreak along the way.
The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 12 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
This volume sets up an intriguing new plotline, and I'm already hooked on where the story is headed. The tension builds wonderfully, but the cliffhanger—oh, the cliffhanger! It’s almost inhumane to end the volume like that, especially knowing we have to wait for the next one to be translated. The artwork remains incredible, with detailed and expressive drawings that bring the story to life.
This is The Apothecary Diaries at its best: funny, exciting, and visually stunning. I can't wait for the next installment!
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Volume 12 of The Apothecary Diaries completely swept me away—it's a delightful blend of humor, intrigue, and breathtaking art. I laughed to tears over the "frog" scene (you’ll know it when you see it!), which was the perfect mix of unexpected and hilarious. The exchanges between Jinshi and Mao Mao continue to be a highlight. Their banter is sharp, witty, and endlessly entertaining, bringing a spark to every page they share.
This volume sets up an intriguing new plotline, and I'm already hooked on where the story is headed. The tension builds wonderfully, but the cliffhanger—oh, the cliffhanger! It’s almost inhumane to end the volume like that, especially knowing we have to wait for the next one to be translated. The artwork remains incredible, with detailed and expressive drawings that bring the story to life.
This is The Apothecary Diaries at its best: funny, exciting, and visually stunning. I can't wait for the next installment!
Rising Storm by Erin Hunter
However, the ending frustrated me in the best (and worst) way—another cliffhanger! It’s both exciting and agonizing, as the wait to see how everything unfolds feels unbearable.
(Spoilers ahead!) This book was especially emotional for me, as some of my favorite cats didn’t make it through. Yellowfang's death was particularly heart-wrenching. She was one of my favorite characters, and her loss was deeply felt. The plot twist at the end was shocking and left me eagerly awaiting the next book.
If you're a fan of the Warriors series, prepare yourself for yet another gripping and emotional journey!
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Rising Storm continues the Warriors series with the same breathtaking intensity I expected. The constant climax building throughout the book is nothing short of a masterpiece. Erin Hunter keeps the tension high, making it impossible to put down. The stakes feel higher with each page, and the intensity of events hits hard as the story reaches its peak.
However, the ending frustrated me in the best (and worst) way—another cliffhanger! It’s both exciting and agonizing, as the wait to see how everything unfolds feels unbearable.
(Spoilers ahead!) This book was especially emotional for me, as some of my favorite cats didn’t make it through. Yellowfang's death was particularly heart-wrenching. She was one of my favorite characters, and her loss was deeply felt. The plot twist at the end was shocking and left me eagerly awaiting the next book.
If you're a fan of the Warriors series, prepare yourself for yet another gripping and emotional journey!