Manga, Novels, Comics, Anime, Movies & Shows

Rating things I have enjoyed

[bluebutterflyrose]

Volume 7 is mine now!!!

[mangatnt]

The Elevator

Author(s): Camilla Barceilla

Synopsis: Loretta Romano is wealthy, successful, famous, and a werewolf. No longer able to put up with the abuse she faced or her mater infatuation with her twin sister, she left her pack and family years ago, taking on a new identity and starting anew. However, her past catches up to her in the unexpected form of a stalled elevator.

My thoughts - Part A (Reading a lot into a Wattpad werewolf novel): This novel is an unexpectedly good critique on the price of martyrdom, the pitfalls of group think, and the advantages of confidence. The novel also spent a fair amount of time(I can’t say that it intended to do so) focusing on and partially critiquing the expectations and worth of the female characters who are pure, kind, and self sacrificing. The topics of forgiveness and retribution are also heavily explored, in ways that I both support and was not very fond of. All in all, a frustrating but highly entertaining read.

My thoughts - Part B (The rant): It’s easy to cheer for Loretta, but I often needed to take breaks and stop reading because of how frustrated I was. MILD SPOILERS AHEAD. I can’t hate Loretta for the choices she made as a character, knowing that abuse often affects how much someone can put up with, but I can and will hate on the direction the book almost went in. The fact that Loretta almost agreed to go back to the life she ran away from p, after a few half-hearted apologies is infuriating! It was such a near disaster, that I considered the author might have been persuaded by commenters to rethink the direction the story was going in. On a similar note, I hated all but 2-3 main and secondary characters in this entire novel, most of the characters were annoying, passive, unforgivable, etc. However, such a terrible cast made it even easier to root for Loretta. Finally, I am still on the fence about the romantic pairing. At the very least, it is a majorly entertaining hate read.

My rating: 7.9/10

[mangatnt]

Girl Crush

Author: Tayama Midori

Synopsis: Momose Tenka is a high schooler who is great at everything, and strives to be “perfect without flaws”. However she is hopeless at love. When her long term crush becomes interested in K-pop-obsessed Satou Erika, Tenka can’t help but try to compete against her. Instead Tenka finds herself drawn into the world of K-pop. The story follows Tenka and the young ladies she meets in her journey to become a K-pop idol.

My Thoughts: A step away from my usual posts, this manga is neither fantasy nor historical, but it is still such a good read! Erika may seem a little mean and cold-hearted at first, but she grows on you and you come to realize that she is still just a young lady trying to figure out who she is and heal her inner child. The art style, language, story plot are a beautiful merge of Japanese manga and Korean webtoons. The beautiful blending of these cultures and styles gives a lot of wonder visuals and dynamic scenes, as well as wonderful modern outfits! The characters who seem to be male leads are not my favorites.

My Rating: 9.7/10

[mangatnt]

Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu

Author(s): Tachibana Yuka , Syuri Yasuyuki

Synopsis: Sei, a 20 year old Japanese office worker, is suddenly summoned to another world along with a young high-school girl. After being ignored at the saints ceremony and informed that she is unable to return to Japan, Sei decides to hide her saint identity, leave the royal palace, and join the country’s research institute. But as Sei continues to use her magic and help the countries citizens, it is becoming clear to many that she may be a saint…

My Thoughts: The magical medicine manga genre has given us another classic. Sei is such a kind, understanding, down-to earth, and relatable character, so you very quickly start rooting for her. The manga also has some very good world building and explores the culture of the new world. There isn’t a lot of conflict in the story lines, so based on your preferences you may think it moves a little slow. I am usually not very interested in romance story lines but this one is especially bland. The main romantic relationship seems a tad unearned to me, and there is very little chemistry between the characters. Again I’m not very interested in the romance, so take that with a grain of salt.

My Rating: 8.2/10

[mangatnt]

The One Within the Villainess

Author(s): Makiburo , Shiraume Nazuna

Synopsis: Remilia- the villainess of an otome game- has been peacefully watching Emi- a young girl from Japan who reincarnated into Remilia’s body. However, after having her engagement annulled and being publicly shamed, Remilia returns to clear Emi’s name and seek revenge!

My Thoughts: Remilia is the kind of vengeful aroace goddess that I can only wish to be. The relationship between these two girls, who have never met, is fantastically heart warming. And, like the D4 ASpec that I am, I am thirsty for some good friendship content. Remilia also girl bosses into the sun. Her business prowess is top notch and (SPOILER ALERT!) she literally fights a god (No more spoilers). She is very overpowered, but only cares about using her powers for Emi’s sake. The business talk does get a little boring at times, but honestly,I just skip it and fill in the blanks.

Side note, I think Remilia gives solid C3.

My Rating: 9.8/10

[mangatnt]

My Mom Entered a Contract Marriage

Author: Siya

Synopsis: Lilica and her mother, a disgraced noble turned abusive alcoholic, live miserably in the slums. But everything changes when one day her mother wakes up, declaring “I must meet hothead Emperor!”From then Lilica’s life changes completely, the biggest change being her mother who begins to act different, stranger, and more loving.

My Thoughts (small spoilers!): This one is really cute! Lilica is a very sweet, lovable, smart, and adorable character. Ignoring how her mother behaved before returning, the mother-daughter relationship is extremely sweet; Lilica’s mother tried very hard to rebuild Lilica’s trust in her. Their relationship with the emperor and his family is also extremely adorable. The art style is amazing! The slight roughness of the lines combined with the cute vibrant color pallet and use of texture, is captivating.

My Rating: 9.7/10

[mangatnt]

Warau Kanoko-sama / Koi dano Ai dano

Author: Tsujita Ririko

Synopsis: Kanoko, a middle school 3rd year, who has transferred schools over 90+ times, entertains herself by people watching. As she starts to get involved with her classmates, Kanoko gets to experience friendship firsthand while using her observation and planning skills to invisibly manipulate incidents at school. In the sequel we get to follow kanaka through highschool.

My thoughts: A classic! This was one of the first Mangas that I’ve read and even re-reading it; it’s still amazing. Kanoko is such a lovable and relatable character in every way. The way that she keeps claiming that she is “only an observer “ but still cannot keep her nose out of anybody’s business, is proof that art imitates life. But, watching her have those pure and heartwarming moments with those around her, is my favorite part of this manga. The art style is very much 2000s, so, if you prefer the clean lines of the WebToons this may be a turn off (personally, I like the dynamic panels of this style).  Also, the plot gets a little bit stale at times, especially in the sequel. But, all things considered, it’s a superb read

My rating: 9.2 /10

[unimportnt]

I love a good scheme

[mangatnt]

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto / The apothecary diaries

Synopsis: Maomao, a woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, is taken to work in the Imperial court. Due to her natural curiosity, vast knowledge, great deduction skills, and obsession with creating medicines; MaoMao soon finds herself solving mysteries and saving lives.

My thoughts: As expected from me, another scheming goddess. Maomao’s seeming lack of regard or excitement about anything that isn’t medicine paired with her lack of regard for personal safety and willingness to criticize customs (despite her not being able to due to status) makes for a very interesting female lead. I also enjoy both the criticisms and admiration of customs, and the commentary on the abuse women often faced in past societies. There were a few moments that seemed to lull at times but a lot of details are referenced or important in later chapters and in the understanding of the bigger things that are at play.

My rating: 9.8/10

[mangatnt]

A transmigrators privilege / Preference for the Possessor

Synopsis: After getting into an accident a young woman transmigrates into a new world because she registered for a strange life insurance. She is reborn into the world of a deadly chick-lit novel as Eliette, a character fated to die. But with her life insurance purchase, sharp thinking, and social worker grit, she sets out to change her fate and live well.

My thoughts: I am obsessed. Eliette’s ability to scheme, hunger for money, her way of speaking, and general behavior are amusing to no end. Her interactions with her family, care for those around her, and genuine happiness warm my heart. I love the game-like interface, and the drawing style. A beautiful read.

My rating: 10/10

[mangatnt]

I'll Be The Matriarch In This Life / Ibeonsaeng-eun Gajuga Doegessseubnida

Synopsis: Florentia gets a second chance to protect her family name, save her father, protect the people she loves and avoid her death.

My thoughts: My goodness, I love Florentia. The gap between her scheming goddess side and “family’s angel” side is immaculate. She should teach Ivy League business classes. This is a long term favorite of mine, and I will continue rereading it.

My rating: 10/10