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1099 reviews
MADK, Vol. 3 by Ryo Suzuri
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I continue being on my knees for Ryo Suzuri for giving me the gift of MADK š§š»āāļø
This mangaka has solidified my absolute love and need for manga that explores queer horror šš¼ Truly need as much of it as humanly possible to be in my hands. I absolutely need more stories about obsession and terror and yearning and destruction. WE DESERVE IT š
Still. Itās bittersweet that this has come to an end. I wish weād gotten more volumes because I genuinely believe that with a little more wiggle room, this story would have blossomed even more incredibly than it already did. At the end of the day, though, this ended exactly how I wanted it to and expected it to.
This was always meant to be about cycles of obsession and how obsession and hatred only breed more. It was no surprise how the relationship between Makoto and J resolves. It was the only natural resolution to their dynamic.
Honestly, part of the true gift of this volume was how much we got to learn about Jās past. I wasnāt sure how much the mangaka would give us, but we got plenty to reinforce that there was only ever going to be one specific conclusion to the story.
Anyway. Long live my king Makoto šš¼ He became an evil bastard and now everyone fears him. As they fucking should. I needed him to destroy J, and in the pursuit become that which he sought to destroy. Now that is what obsession is all about! He let J destroy his soul, and heās left with all this power and no one at his level. He let J destroy his soul, and only for J to still have the last word. Only for him to live knowing J made him who he is, and he can never snap that tether. I love WINNING š©šš¼
*satisfied sigh* Now if only I could be Fjord and be Makotoās bestie at his side forever š Wouldnāt that be a dream?
This mangaka has solidified my absolute love and need for manga that explores queer horror šš¼ Truly need as much of it as humanly possible to be in my hands. I absolutely need more stories about obsession and terror and yearning and destruction. WE DESERVE IT š
Still. Itās bittersweet that this has come to an end. I wish weād gotten more volumes because I genuinely believe that with a little more wiggle room, this story would have blossomed even more incredibly than it already did. At the end of the day, though, this ended exactly how I wanted it to and expected it to.
This was always meant to be about cycles of obsession and how obsession and hatred only breed more. It was no surprise how the relationship between Makoto and J resolves. It was the only natural resolution to their dynamic.
Honestly, part of the true gift of this volume was how much we got to learn about Jās past. I wasnāt sure how much the mangaka would give us, but we got plenty to reinforce that there was only ever going to be one specific conclusion to the story.
*satisfied sigh* Now if only I could be Fjord and be Makotoās bestie at his side forever š Wouldnāt that be a dream?
Human Sacrifices by MarĆa Fernanda Ampuero
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a short story collection that is difficult to review. Mostly, the dilemma is that some of the stories were incredible and some of the stories fell flat.
For example, the first story in this collection, Biography, is brutal in the best way. It clearly showed the authorās ability to build tension and chill the reader to the bone. I literally had to take a break from the collection because of how impactful the story was. Thereās also stories like Sacrifices with a unique storytelling style that made it addicting to read. Without any description, the author fully pulls you in with the dialogue between a married couple. Itās amazing.
But then thereās stories like Edith where there is horror but to the point where I feel like the message of the story is muddled because of the perspective used to tell it. This actually happens frequently in the collection. The author picks a point of view that feels like a waste of the true potential of the story. Itās infuriating because the seed of something interesting is there, but then itās fumbled.
Anyway. Iām ultimately frustrated with this collection. I had to settle with a 3š because of the dichotomy of great stories with disappointing stories.
For example, the first story in this collection, Biography, is brutal in the best way. It clearly showed the authorās ability to build tension and chill the reader to the bone. I literally had to take a break from the collection because of how impactful the story was. Thereās also stories like Sacrifices with a unique storytelling style that made it addicting to read. Without any description, the author fully pulls you in with the dialogue between a married couple. Itās amazing.
But then thereās stories like Edith where there is horror but to the point where I feel like the message of the story is muddled because of the perspective used to tell it. This actually happens frequently in the collection. The author picks a point of view that feels like a waste of the true potential of the story. Itās infuriating because the seed of something interesting is there, but then itās fumbled.
Anyway. Iām ultimately frustrated with this collection. I had to settle with a 3š because of the dichotomy of great stories with disappointing stories.
Monster Pucker by Clio Evans, Ashley Bennett
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Honestly, this was just a fun, smutty monster romp. It didnāt have much depth, and it didnāt need it.
I read this in one sitting, and thatās what I wanted from it. I can enjoy a longer more developed monster romance, but Iām fine going for erotica š No beating around the bush. Hardly a semblance of a plot. Weāre just getting down and dirty. We love to see it. No notes in that regard.
Iāll keep reading Clio Evans and having a grand olā time āš¼
I read this in one sitting, and thatās what I wanted from it. I can enjoy a longer more developed monster romance, but Iām fine going for erotica š No beating around the bush. Hardly a semblance of a plot. Weāre just getting down and dirty. We love to see it. No notes in that regard.
Iāll keep reading Clio Evans and having a grand olā time āš¼
The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 3 by Mokumokuren
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The love I have for this series is unholy. Every volume is a BANGER. I absolutely love reading about Yoshiki and Hikaru š
I know itās been announced that this series will no longer have bl undertonesā¦but I donāt think the mangaka will be able to tear that out of the story. With what has already been established, nothing they do will stop the seeds they planted from growing.
Anyway. I did love seeing more of one of the side characters in this volume! I canāt recall her name right now, but it was fascinating what she brought in to the story because she recognized the otherness in Hikaru. She caused a momentary rift in Yoshiki and Hikaruās relationship that was vital.
Ugh! I just love this so much šš and the art style is incredible. I canāt wait to keep reading!
I know itās been announced that this series will no longer have bl undertonesā¦but I donāt think the mangaka will be able to tear that out of the story. With what has already been established, nothing they do will stop the seeds they planted from growing.
Anyway. I did love seeing more of one of the side characters in this volume! I canāt recall her name right now, but it was fascinating what she brought in to the story because she recognized the otherness in Hikaru. She caused a momentary rift in Yoshiki and Hikaruās relationship that was vital.
Ugh! I just love this so much šš and the art style is incredible. I canāt wait to keep reading!
Love Is an Illusion! Vol. 5 by Fargo
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Itās the way Chowon is the character I hate the most in this seriesā¦yet somehow Iām becoming invested in his romance with Kyungsoo š© Literally I hadnāt read any of the storyline with them before because (out of spite) I dropped the series at this point when I was still reading it online.
However, as insufferable as Chowon is, I appreciate parts of his dynamic with Kyungsoo. I think a large part of it is that even tho Chowon is an absolute MENACE TO SOCIETY, it doesnāt mean he doesnāt deserve a loving partner. Heās so focused on what he ādeservesā as a dominant omegaā¦that he fails to consider what he deserves as just A PERSON. In other words, he should be seeking someone who is head over heels for him regardless of his status.
Also. It was just hilarious reading about Chowon realizing how attracted he is to Kyungsoon ādespiteā him being a beta š He is so frustrated
Anyway šš»āāļøāØ Heesoo and Dojun supremacy. The absolute chaos from them in this volume was off the charts š Bless their hearts.
And as always Hye-sung and Dojin never fail to be the dumbest idiots in this series š They need someone to donate them so damn brain cells
However, as insufferable as Chowon is, I appreciate parts of his dynamic with Kyungsoo. I think a large part of it is that even tho Chowon is an absolute MENACE TO SOCIETY, it doesnāt mean he doesnāt deserve a loving partner. Heās so focused on what he ādeservesā as a dominant omegaā¦that he fails to consider what he deserves as just A PERSON. In other words, he should be seeking someone who is head over heels for him regardless of his status.
Also. It was just hilarious reading about Chowon realizing how attracted he is to Kyungsoon ādespiteā him being a beta š He is so frustrated
Anyway šš»āāļøāØ Heesoo and Dojun supremacy. The absolute chaos from them in this volume was off the charts š Bless their hearts.
And as always Hye-sung and Dojin never fail to be the dumbest idiots in this series š They need someone to donate them so damn brain cells
Death Note: Black Edition, Vol. 2 by Tsugumi Ohba
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I absolutely love Death Note. I continue to be on my knees for Light Yagami š§š»āāļø
Honestly, the only flaw in this is that thereās so much text. I think manga (and anything with a basis in art) shouldnāt have so much text overwhelming the text. Reading this volume I solidified that I think this story is better suited as an anime. Of course, I still love the story (hence the 5š rating), but thatās its biggest flaw. Plus, I just love the added drama that the anime has thanks to the voice acting.
ANYWAY. This is a review of the volume and not the anime š
Itās a delight to read this. I truly love reading about Light and L. The dynamic between the two is šš¼ I love how complex it is. L genuinely cares for Light even as he suspects him of Kira. Then thereās Lightā¦ Itās harder to say he cares about L, but he consumes a lot of his thoughts š Itās iconic
Also, since I know the ending of the story, I see Misa in a completely new light. Sheās fascinating to me, and her dynamic with Rem is equally engaging. All in all, loving everything about the story š
Honestly, the only flaw in this is that thereās so much text. I think manga (and anything with a basis in art) shouldnāt have so much text overwhelming the text. Reading this volume I solidified that I think this story is better suited as an anime. Of course, I still love the story (hence the 5š rating), but thatās its biggest flaw. Plus, I just love the added drama that the anime has thanks to the voice acting.
ANYWAY. This is a review of the volume and not the anime š
Itās a delight to read this. I truly love reading about Light and L. The dynamic between the two is šš¼ I love how complex it is. L genuinely cares for Light even as he suspects him of Kira. Then thereās Lightā¦ Itās harder to say he cares about L, but he consumes a lot of his thoughts š Itās iconic
Also, since I know the ending of the story, I see Misa in a completely new light. Sheās fascinating to me, and her dynamic with Rem is equally engaging. All in all, loving everything about the story š
Love Is an Illusion! Vol. 4 by Fargo
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
Genuinely, I continue reading these because Byul, Dojun, and Heesoo make it all worth it šš¼
I still wish this whole story had actually been about Dojun and Heesoo because theyāre far more interesting than the actual main characters. Regardless, I enjoy being able to continue reading about them. I totally get why Heesoo is all š for Dojun because I also world be. I certainly donāt love his ex-husbandā¦but whatever. As long as that NUISANCE continues to be handled, itāll be fine.
Also. There are parts of this volume that I donāt remember reading before, but others are still familiar š¤ Pretty sure it was because I was DEEPLY skimming at this point when I was originally reading this online š
Anyway. Hye-sung and Dojin continue to be idiots, and I canāt believe the end of this volume is trying to drag out the cheating drama š¤¦š»āāļø I swear these two donāt even share a brain cell. Thereās just nothing going on in those big heads of theirs.
P.S. The way basically every single volume doesnāt escape the PRISON of Hye-sung sayjng āstopā and Dojin not listening is my thirteenth reason š©
I still wish this whole story had actually been about Dojun and Heesoo because theyāre far more interesting than the actual main characters. Regardless, I enjoy being able to continue reading about them. I totally get why Heesoo is all š for Dojun because I also world be. I certainly donāt love his ex-husbandā¦but whatever. As long as that NUISANCE continues to be handled, itāll be fine.
Also. There are parts of this volume that I donāt remember reading before, but others are still familiar š¤ Pretty sure it was because I was DEEPLY skimming at this point when I was originally reading this online š
Anyway. Hye-sung and Dojin continue to be idiots, and I canāt believe the end of this volume is trying to drag out the cheating drama š¤¦š»āāļø I swear these two donāt even share a brain cell. Thereās just nothing going on in those big heads of theirs.
P.S. The way basically every single volume doesnāt escape the PRISON of Hye-sung sayjng āstopā and Dojin not listening is my thirteenth reason š©
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 2: Basking in Sunlight by Tama Mizuki
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Another cute installment in this series! š
I have to admit, I enjoyed the first volume of this series far more than this one. I think the biggest flaw of volume 1 (the pacing) was worse in this volume. It feels like the mangaka is in a rush to tell the story, and I feel like she needs to chill š This is a cute slice of life romance, it doesnāt have to go at breakneck speed!
Regardless, itās still plenty adorable and enjoyable. I donāt regret reading it, and I will probably be reading volume 3 soon āØ
I have to admit, I enjoyed the first volume of this series far more than this one. I think the biggest flaw of volume 1 (the pacing) was worse in this volume. It feels like the mangaka is in a rush to tell the story, and I feel like she needs to chill š This is a cute slice of life romance, it doesnāt have to go at breakneck speed!
Regardless, itās still plenty adorable and enjoyable. I donāt regret reading it, and I will probably be reading volume 3 soon āØ
The Bootlegger's Bounty by Adriana Herrera
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I wasnāt entirely sure what to expect when I started reading thisā¦but boy am I glad that I did!
This was horny as hell and entertaining as fuck. I read this in one sitting because I couldnāt pull away. I was engaged from beginning to end.
Truly the only reason this lost 1/2 a š was because of personal preference. Truly without Enzo this story would not have hit for me the way it does. I have this thingā¦this thing where I only tolerate dom men with a sub woman if theyāre in a monster romanceā¦or if the woman is a brat. In this one, although Rosi isnāt really a brat, Enzo sure as fuck is. And he is the true saving grace of this novella for me. Thereās nothing I love more than a brat annoying the shit out of his dom šš¼ Thatās a true giftā¦and Enzo looking like an angel while being an obnoxious pain in the ass is the gift that keeps on giving š I adore him. Thank you for your service, Enzo š¤
Let me reiterateā¦ The spicy scenes in this were HOT. If you enjoy a polyamorous relationship, this book DELIVERS. I loved the dynamic between Rosi, Enzo, and Cam. They were a delight to follow. The chemistry was definitely there.
Also. I should note that, although thereās plenty of spicy scenes, this does still have a plot line to follow in the background. Sure, itās not as significant in most of the story, but all the characters had troubles from their pasts that they were trying to escape. Itās part of what kept my interest beyond the smutty scenes.
Anyway. I loved this. I had a blast, and I would highly recommend it.
The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I will return to this when my brain isnāt incoherent screaming or weeps of despair.
All you need to know was that, I didnāt feel any particular way about Jean or Jeremy in the first 3 books. Now, however? I would risk it all to protect them and love them. I want them to be happy and together and healing ššš
All you need to know was that, I didnāt feel any particular way about Jean or Jeremy in the first 3 books. Now, however? I would risk it all to protect them and love them. I want them to be happy and together and healing ššš