A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai truly turned out to be a charming read I never expected to need in my | | | |
A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai truly turned out to be a charming read I never expected to need in my life. It’s the perfect combination of cute and sad, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who has lost his wife and a cat who, deemed ugly, was passed over by prospective adopters in favor of others.
With such a tragic beginning, readers are immediately drawn into the story, eager to know what might lie ahead for this seemingly miserable cat. Fukumaru, who has lost all hope of finding a family, believes he will die in the pet store without ever knowing the warmth of a home or a name. That is, until Kanda walks in and takes him home. The author does a fantastic job of drawing us in from the start, sparking our curiosity and gradually building an emotional connection with the characters we never saw coming.
The art style was another standout feature. It’s traditional, making it absolutely captivating, with a softness that enhances the tender moments between Kanda and Fukumaru. The illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story—cute, warm, and full of gentle humor, yet capable of conveying the quieter, more poignant moments. The expressive faces of both the characters and the animals bring an added layer of charm that makes the book an even more delightful experience.
But it wasn’t just the story that captivated me—it was the characters. Each one was utterly likeable and distinct, offering perspectives on life that felt deeply relatable. Their personalities added layers of charm to the narrative, enriching the story in ways I hadn't anticipated.
Overall, A Man and His Cat was a truly wonderful experience. It captures the quiet joys and challenges of being a pet owner, the unconditional love that turns pets into genuine family, and the simple beauty of unexpected friendships. It’s the kind of manga that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
My Love Mix-Up by Wataru Hinekure is truly unexpected in the best way possible. As the title suggests, | | | |
My Love Mix-Up by Wataru Hinekure is truly unexpected in the best way possible. As the title suggests, this is a love mix-up at its finest. What’s particularly interesting is that the realization of the mix-up doesn’t hit until later in the book, keeping readers hooked as they wait for the moment of clarity. It all starts when Aoki forgets to bring his eraser before a quiz. Hashimoto kindly lends him one, but when the sleeve of the eraser falls off, a name is revealed—only for the eraser to drop, and the person whose name is on it ends up picking it up. And thus, the mix-up begins.
The story strikes a perfect balance between funny and charming. The characters retain that youthful energy typical of high school stories, but they’re never annoyingly over-the-top. The plot itself is straightforward, yet it maintains a sense of intrigue that keeps you wanting to know what’s coming next. Even though it’s easy to predict where the relationship will end up, the journey is so enjoyable that it doesn’t diminish your desire to keep reading.
Reading My Love Mix-Up was truly an enjoyable experience. It could even work as a standalone book with how well it wraps up, though there’s no denying that anyone who picks up the first volume will be eager to get their hands on the next. As for me... I’m already on my way to grab volume 2.
“Your best friend or your lover. You can only rescue one. It’s the age-old dilemma. “What would
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“Your best friend or your lover. You can only rescue one. It’s the age-old dilemma. “What would you do?� They ask. Me? I don’t have either so it makes no difference� � Kaito
Reading a rom-com manga brings a delightful sense of nostalgia. It’s been some time since I last engaged with this genre, whether through manga or anime. As my reading preferences have shifted over the years, a dedicated rom-com hasn’t been my usual choice. However, revisiting this genre proved to be a refreshing experience.
I discovered Blue Flag by author and illustrator Kaito, while looking for a completed manga series, and the cover immediately hinted at a potentially charming story. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it lived up to that initial impression.
This volume excels in its portrayal of character dynamics. The interactions between the characters are both engaging and authentic, with their contrasting yet complementary personalities adding significant depth to the narrative. The pacing, though fast, maintains a smooth and captivating rhythm, ensuring that the story never feels rushed.
The plot follows Ichinose Taichi, a high school student who unexpectedly finds himself helping his classmate, Kuze Futaba, confess his feelings to his best friend, Mita Toma. Although the setup might seem mundane, the manga manages to present the characters and their relationships clearly, memorably, and engagingly.
What truly impressed me was how quickly I became invested in these characters. In many rom-coms, characters can sometimes feel over-the-top, but in Blue Flag, they feel genuine and relatable. Their struggles and emotions are portrayed in a way that resonates deeply, making the story both heartfelt and engaging. I’m looking forward to seeing how the narrative unfolds in the upcoming volumes.
“Someday you will understand, Isagani. You can’t save someone who is not in danger. You can’t punish someone who has not sinned. So this is not me being in danger. This is not my punishment. This is just departure. I’m ready� � Mervin Malonzo
Before picking up Tabi Po: Bloodlust by Mervin Malonzo, I had a vague idea of what to expect. Filipino works often evoke a sense of familiarity, whether written in English or Filipino, which contrasts with the predominantly foreign literature I usually read. Despite my initial interest, I had put off reading this story for quite some time. At one point, I even downloaded Cignal TV to watch the 2017 adaptation, hoping it would ease me into the narrative. However, I never quite found the right moment to dive in.
Years later, I received a thoughtful gift—a newly bound English translation of the book, translated by herself. From the moment I began, I was captivated.
The artwork immediately stood out. Throughout the book, I found myself repeatedly pausing to admire the full-page spreads and intricate details that filled each panel. The visuals alone were enough to draw me in, and they perfectly complemented the story’s darker themes.
The dialogue was another highlight, especially in scenes where words were sparse, and the characters� expressions conveyed everything. I was particularly impressed by how the translator managed to convey the nuanced Filipino language without compromising the meaning. The translation retained the cultural richness of the original text, making the story accessible without losing its essence.
Finally reading this story brought me a deep sense of satisfaction. There’s a certain pride in seeing Filipino culture, mythology, and folklore vividly woven into a fantasy narrative. While the book contains explicit content—gore, sex, and more—it’s a remarkable portrayal of a world inspired by Filipino culture, brought to life through captivating art and dynamic storytelling. This is a work that will resonate with anyone interested in exploring rich, culturally rooted fantasy.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Volume 4 introduces a new dynamic to the party with the addition of Sein | | | |
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Volume 4 introduces a new dynamic to the party with the addition of Sein, a potential priest. The volume delves into his backstory and motivations, providing valuable insights into his character. The growth of Fern and Stark is also evident, as they navigate their roles within the group and mature at their own pace.
Frieren's character remains an enigma, her detachment from human emotions is a stark contrast to the evolving dynamics of her companions. Despite this, her presence continues to be a captivating force within the narrative.
The series' signature blend of action and character development is once again on full display. The introduction of the mage exam adds an exciting new element to the story, promising future challenges and growth for the characters. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End continues to be a rewarding read, offering a unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and introspection.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Volume 3 delivers an exhilarating escalation of the series� core element | | | |
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Volume 3 delivers an exhilarating escalation of the series� core elements. Witnessing Frieren's raw power unleashed is a sight to behold. Her casual suppression of mana is mind-boggling, showcasing the true extent of her magical abilities. This volume truly highlights the depth of her character.
Fern's growth as a mage is evident, though she still heavily relies on Frieren's teachings. Stark's unwavering determination continues to be a cornerstone of the group. The dynamic between the three is a fascinating aspect of the story.
The volume expertly balances action-packed sequences with quieter character moments. The world-building expands, introducing new challenges and intriguing mysteries. This volume has reignited my passion for fantasy, inspiring me to revisit long-neglected books. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End continues to be a standout series, and this volume is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Frieren continues to be a captivating read. Volume two introduces us to Eisen, another member of Friere | | | |
Frieren continues to be a captivating read. Volume two introduces us to Eisen, another member of Frieren's former party, adding depth to the world and its characters. Like Heiter before him, Eisen seeks an apprentice for Frieren, further enriching the narrative.
The series' signature blend of adventure and serene pacing remains a strength. The story unfolds with a captivating rhythm, never feeling rushed or stagnant. The characters are endearing and well-developed, and the plot, while leisurely, delivers satisfying moments of excitement and intrigue. It’s a testament to the series' skill that it can seamlessly balance quiet contemplation with thrilling action.
Frieren's unique perspective as an immortal elf continues to fascinate. Her detached yet empathetic nature adds a layer of complexity to the story. While the series has a tranquil atmosphere, it doesn't shy away from dramatic moments, making for a truly engaging reading experience. Vol. 2 successfully builds upon the foundation established in the first volume, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Frieren's extraordinary journey.
Frieren took me by surprise and easily became one of my favourite manga series of the year. The story f | | | |
Frieren took me by surprise and easily became one of my favourite manga series of the year. The story follows an elf, Frieren, who is part of an eclectic party of warriors: Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen, tasked with slaying the demon king. What sets this story apart from traditional adventure manga is that it starts at the end. We meet the heroes for the first time as they are being thanked for their service, ushering in a new age of peace.
The art style in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is nothing short of exceptional. It's clean, engaging, and some of the best I've seen. The characters are expressive and the world-building is visually stunning. The art perfectly complements the story, adding depth and emotion to every scene.
The blend of adventure and slice-of-life truly sets this series apart, offering the reader ample space to relax with the characters while keeping you intrigued through the various unique elements of the story. I was particularly charmed by Frieren’s absolute lack of awareness when it comes to time. Due to her lifespan as an elf, it makes sense that she wouldn’t value time in years. It is only once she returns to visit her friend Himmel the Human, that Frieren reflects on the passage of time and how it does matter in the lives of people she has grown to love.
While the topic of time and its passage might seem serious, the series balances these ideas very well with light-hearted elements. Frieren, as an elf and a mage, wields immense power and strength, but she has made it clear her preference lies in the mundane or everyday joys of magic. A spell to grow a flower or perhaps remove a stain from a shirt—these are the spells Frieren seeks on her journeys.
The rest of the party offer insight, humour, and lessons throughout the opening book of this series. The series is primarily written in the third person but mostly focuses on the world of the titular character. The progression and pace of this story are beautifully crafted, allowing us to explore Frieren, her personality, and those of the characters around her. We learn how she connects with the world and its people, offering us a chance to reflect on our own journeys.
In summary, the first volume of this series introduces us to the hero’s party but more importantly gives us a wonderful introduction to the protagonist of the manga, Frieren. As she embarks on a journey not only of finding new spells and magic but also of learning about her true self, I was hooked from the first page and can’t wait to delve into the rest of the manga.
“Everyone in her orbit so dazzled by her, so blinded, that they hadn’t noticed a darkness that
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“Everyone in her orbit so dazzled by her, so blinded, that they hadn’t noticed a darkness that might’ve lurked beneath–not until it was too late.�
Pippa is unconvinced that Sal murdered Adie. Determined to right the wrong, she decided that this long forgotten case of murder should be dug up again. And so that sets for her final school project’s topic.
Firstly, I find it quite bizarre how any teacher in their right mind would allow their students to indulge in such a topic. I’m unaware of how the process for approving the topics for this school projects go, but I’m pretty sure the student would have absolute dedication to convince anyone and the teacher would have complete trust on their student to even think about it–let alone approve it.
The story was engaging to an extent. You reach a part when it treads a fine line of believability and it rattles your brain. The foundation for character’s relationship and overall vibe is flimsy. This, in turn, shakes the core that will give you even an inkling of interest in any of the characters in the story.
As I reach the end of the story, it was a crumbling mess. My eagerness to know the answer to the mystery was the only driving force that allowed me to push through the pages and go further. Then, I reach the end� I’m baffled by the decision of the author and why they did what they did. It could’ve been a strong book on its own already but they decided to give it a little taste of continuation which really didn’t work for me.
I cannot see myself proceeding to the sequel of the story. It was appealing to me to a point–the writing was accessible, it was a quick read being that this is a young adult fiction. I genuinely believe that this is something most people would enjoy. It’s just quite unfortunate that it wasn’t up to my liking.
“I’ll never stop wishing with all my heart that a future full of joy is out there somewhere, wa
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“I’ll never stop wishing with all my heart that a future full of joy is out there somewhere, waiting for my probably gay son.�
Endearing and wholesome, this second instalment is just as charming as the first. A very supportive mom tries her hardest to make her son feel loved and accepted despite his fear of rejection. And, a brother that is wonderfully understanding and keeps his older brother feeling safe and welcomed.
The most fascinating thing about this volume is the addition of a new character that adds a layer of complexity towards the story. Also, the point-of-view of the main character’s brother gave an extra insight on the relationship between the family.
“Who is the ‘waste� here? A ‘waste� by whose standard? If Mr. Tono is gay and is living his life the way he wants to, where is the waste in that?�
Despite all these, though, I still felt that the pacing of the story has a sort of repetitiveness to it. It aids in the engraving of values the book wants to relay, however, it gave a sense of ennui at a certain point and took away a level of excitement.
Overall, I saw this as an entirely enjoyable read. I love every second I spent with the story and its characters and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next instalment.
A truly engrossing and charming story about a mom who is aware of the interests of her son but waits fo | | | |
A truly engrossing and charming story about a mom who is aware of the interests of her son but waits for the right moment when her precious child opens up to her, and of course, a boy who can’t seem to hide his heart yet tries to keep it still.
There is so much to love about this book. The way each of the characters understand one another at such a level where they’re so comfortable with their situations and nobody forces anybody to say what they don’t want to say, to the difficulty of trying to cover your personality to the people you care about yet your heart still shows.
“When our son inadvertently spilled the beans about his ideal guy� he had such a lovely expression on his face. It made me wish we could talk about this kind of stuff more often.� It is interesting how the author chose to write the story in the perspective of the mother. It gives us such wonderful narration and creates a truly welcoming atmosphere � especially to those who are having a hard time coming out to the people they love. It enlightens us to the possibility of acceptance from our love ones and the probability that they’re also waiting for that right moment when we open ourselves up fully."
Moreover, I adore the choice of episodic chapters. Cutting each chapters and making them their own special episode yet still loosely connected to one another is a perfect length for digesting stories on a day when you just want something lite to read.
I think that this book was absolutely magnificent. The choices made by the author in how he initiated the story and told their readers what they wanted to tell was perfect. Also, the presented conflict within the story was so innocent yet it blew my mind how such small act can scale to something so big.
Brilliant, charming, and truly heart-warming, I Think Our Son is Gay is definitely something I would recommend all my friends and those who I’ll meet to read.
An e-copy of the book has been provided by the author, , in exchange for an honest r | | | |
An e-copy of the book has been provided by the author, , in exchange for an honest review.
With such a powerful beginning chapter, I was surely inclined to race through this novel; but, knowing myself, I had to have moments when I take a huge chunk of pause in between readings. What I find most interesting in how the story began was the psychological thriller vibe it gave me. Staring at the cover, you would have instantly assumed that this was a science-fiction novel; however, the introductory section of the book told me an entirely different narrative. Nevertheless, the effect it gave me was perfect!
There is something about this story that really caught my attention. It is, however, only up until a certain point in the story. Afterwards, it fell off for me. Not entirely, rather it shook me off and rattled my momentum. There were a lot of questions I needed answer to. The amount of fantastical elements within the story made me question the credibility of the “science� part of the story and made me think that there are possibilities that this isn’t entirely just sci-fi, but also fantasy.
My progress towards the book never failed to entertain. It offered a lot � from the most intriguing concepts, to the downright mysterious events. The eventual shaking of my momentum did ruin it all, though. As I question the mental capacity of our main character, the technological advancements that were being introduced, and all the casts dancing about within the story.
The casting of this story was enormous! I would much prefer if the chapters were titled to the POV as it gives a more straight-forward approach and it could have been something to look forward to. After all, with a huge character line-up, you are bound to having favourites. And that’s always a good way to tie readers in.
I find the story to be overall fascinating, the casts truly curious, and the concept truly remarkable. Reading through this book, I saw the amount of effort the author placed upon it and I truly appreciate that. Combined with his talent to weave words, I am impressed. Sadly, though, there were stuff that didn’t work for me and that’s just how it is. I am hopeful that the succeeding books in the series will provide me with more concrete information and I look forward to reading it!
“His costume glittered like a starry sky, and no matter what the haters said, it absolutely did
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“His costume glittered like a starry sky, and no matter what the haters said, it absolutely did not look like it was sequined.�
As much as I would like to deny putting any sort of expectation before I read this book, I had quite a bit � having read, and enjoyed, The House in the Cerulean Sea. It’s safe to say that the miniscule of expectation was trampled on by how the book was execurted.
The Extraordinaries follows a story of a young adult who has strong fascination for these real-life superheroes in his city. He adores them to the point that he even wrote a fan-fiction of them. Rainbow Rowell-esque.
In itself, the story was interesting. I find it charming to see a young man fascinated by this surreal human with extraordinary powers; however, it was thrown off balance by how predictable the entire story is. Perhaps it is part of what the author wanted to lay down, and if it is, it didn’t work as well as he thought it would.
Every part of the story is easily expected. One line leads to another and it’s as if you can stop reading the story when you reach a certain point of the book � it is more of an in-your-face kind of writing style that there was almost no room for your mind to think. Even the climatic portion of the story was pretty underwhelming. Given that it can easily be divined.
The characters of the story are fantastic. I love each and everyone of them and I think their role was pretty good in developing the main character’s personality. It was quite unfortunate, though, that the antagonist of the story was weirdly injected within a closed-knit group without any real tension aside from a juvenile fling.
I adore the way the book was written in connection to the personality of the main character. The amount of chapter break can be unnerving, at times, however, it perfectly encapsulated the distinct individuality of the main character of the book. It gave the readers an experience on how his mind can easily be distracted and that distortion with the writing pace created a good connection between the audience and the book.
There is one last thing that truly shook me off balance while reading this book. And that is how the book felt more of a long advertisement than a book itself (if you are Filipino and you’ve watched a certain film by Vice Ganda, you’ll know what I’m saying). The book felt like it was written to promote Marvel, and although the superhero aspect of the novel gives this perfect sense, I find it lazy. I believe that the author could have given us a better way for the book to show an appreciation for superheroes by creating its own set of heroic world. Compound it within his stories. Considering this is a series, it would’ve worked.
I think that The Extraordinaries was more of a practice tool for the author to see how well he can create a story that revolves around a superhero theme. It was entirely predictable, losing that climatic excitement. The characters were interesting, but they fell flat outside of their role to be eagerness to be a good friend of the main protagonist. And, of course, the entirety of it has the aura of an advertising than something that is made for itself. I swear I thought this was a ploy for me to read comics. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.
A long awaited read, The Read Pyramid is a book that’s been on my radar for quite some time now. I have | | | |
A long awaited read, The Read Pyramid is a book that’s been on my radar for quite some time now. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read the Percy Jackson series at a younger age and I was very much excited about it—not only because it was a themed around mythology, but also because it was such a good read. So, of course, upon discovering that Riordan has a series with an Egyptian theme, I knew I had to pick it up. Although it wasn’t until now, many years after, that I finally did it.
The story follows an epistolary format that changes between the perspective of the two sibling protagonist, Carter and Sadie Kane. They live two separate lives with respect to a history that will soon be entangled within the confines of this book. This separation will begin to collide as their father [Julies Kane] tries to fulfill a promise that involves the gods of Egypt and an association of mages that will do everything to stop the endeavour of Mr. Kane.
Epistolary has always been one of those literature formatting that I adore. It allows the reader to have a deeper relationship not only with the story itself, but with the character who shares the story. Despite being Riordan’s 3rd published series and 11th published book, it felt as though there was a huge experimentation going on with how he wrote the story. The interaction between the siblings, in writing, felt unnatural and forced—the commentary that we get here and there in the story. It is true that the juvenile nature of the protagonist plays a huge part of why it is so; however, it is quite random and made you think that if they were to act their age, it would’ve been a more frequent interruption than the feeling of trying to add some comic relief to the narrative.
“The gods do not think of relationships the way we humans do. Their hosts are merely like changes of clothes. This is why the ancient stories seem so mixed up.�
An exciting beginning, the story’s narrative began with a secret followed by an action sequence that will really exhilarate you as you go along in your reading journey. After a few chapters, though, you’d begin to notice how the book seem to lack any slow narration. Each chapter were headstrong and action packed that it’s quite a shock that I began to crave for slow parts that focuses more on the character arcs than any of the devices that will ignite excitement.
Alas, I have reached the end of the book—or, at least, tried my best to—and I was both unimpressed and underwhelmed by it. The characters felt clunky and one-dimensional, the plot was quite predictable, and the writing style induced a pretentious atmosphere that it seemed like the author was trying to experiment with his narrative.
It has become a habit of mine to reduce, or completely obliterate, any expectations I have for a book. Part of the reason why is because it allows myself less disappointment if the book ends up not being good at all; however, as I’ve always feared, it is quite a sad situation to be in when you read an author you so like and come across a work of him that doesn’t really connect with you as much as you would like. I tried to love the book, to like it and see the beauty in it but unfortunately, it just didn’t work with me.
Might I indulge you to try it still? I love the theme of the story and if you’re looking for a book that has magic, angry gods, and full of action, then this is just the right book for you! Take my review of it with a grain of salt. Not because I didn’t like it doesn’t mean you won’t too.
There are quite a number of moments when I stop reading the series, begin anew, and question why I even | | | |
There are quite a number of moments when I stop reading the series, begin anew, and question why I even stopped reading it. And this is one of those moments. Although, in all honest, it’s more because I’m trying to restrict my reading as to not catch up on the latest chapter and end up waiting for every part of it to get released. I’d much rather indulge myself in the series per volume than cut myself short with reading each chapter at a time.
Flabbergasted by the events that took place in the confinement of this volume, I am, up to now, in shock with everything that was thrown at me. The re-appearance of certain characters gave me chills and it was an interesting addition to the story. It wasn’t unexpected as I did believe that he is, or could be, a major part of the story; however, there was also that previous disappointment about his arc with which this portion of the volume did reinvigorate my desire to know more about the character.
What’s most exciting about this volume, though, is the focus on Mei Mei. She is an exceptional character and I find her arc to be curious. I’d be much willing to know more about her and her brother and would love the opportunity to read more as to how she became what she is now.
Another thing to take note is the complexity of the villains. Despite having complicated backstory for most of them, plenty of the protagonist are quite stupid. It does not take away any excitement as, in fact, it adds more entertainment as a purely comical relief. Additionally, I am mesmerized by Akutami-sensei’f effective infusion of his story with the character’s perspective—their analysis of situation and meticulous pondering of battle plans injected as a narrative to the story.
The input of science to the jujutsu magic also provides the reader with a grasp of reality and how the powers used in the story can be applicable in the real world regardless of the whimsical elements of it.
Overall, I find that the story was another boring one as it was strictly following an action based trajectory instead of laying down a base story as its foundation. It’s still purely my own fault and preference to the capacity of what a volume can tell. If that wasn’t the case, I think that the volume is superb.
As always, the volume began where the other left off, giving quick access to such an interestingly acti | | | |
As always, the volume began where the other left off, giving quick access to such an interestingly action packed story. Although, I do believe this would be better translated in an animated show rather than the still pages of a manga.
Following the capture of Gojo, the protagonists of the story are trying to solve the problem at hand and aide Gojo’s eventual release from the prison realm. It is quite intriguing how the artifact, despite being extremely powerful, has been overwhelmed by Gojo’s ability. At this point, I am not at all fazed by any new deliverance of information that regards Gojo’s powers. He is otherworldly and it is surprising that he even was caught.
There is an insane amount of events within this volume that I fear there wouldn’t be any other situation that’ll shock me anymore. I am mesmerized with Geto’s capacity to plan; however, I still find his precariousness rather shaky. You’d think that his meticulous planning will already see any possible situation of downfall and work his way around it, but no, that is not the case. I see this as a positive, in that it demonstrates the reality of these characters.
What I love most about the book is how it gave a long focus on the antagonists of the story. I guess you can assume that it is quite the case in most of the volumes in this manga series. Despite that, I still find it enjoyable. Moreover, I adore the way the situations are being laid out by the tactical planning of the characters—how the moments are being described as the characters think their way through the events.
The amount of revelations within this single volume, the action that keeps you on your feet, and all the unraveled potential of characters are extremely fun to read yet this, still, wasn’t one of my favourite volume to read. It felt like it lacked any real substance as it gave the entire focus on retrieving Gojo from the artifact. I believe that a shaky plot is to be expected in serial books, yet I still wanted a little more from it.
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