Shantanu

Just finished Absolute Superman, Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton and this one feels way more introspective and heavier than the usual Superman stories. The whole Krypton legacy angle carries a constant sense of loss throughout, which I really liked.

I was expecting a more drastic change to Kal-El’s origin in this new universe, but a lot of it still feels familiar.

What really stood out though were the fresh takes on other known characters, especially Lois Lane being an agent instead of a reporter. Overall, a solid start, even if it plays a bit safe in parts.

Days at the Torunka Café was like stepping into a quiet little corner of Tokyo where time moves slower and people cross paths in delicate, unexpected ways. It follows multiple storylines happening inside the same café, and I actually liked how the book lets different characters drift in and out. Each story has its own mood and message. But because the book keeps shifting tones between the different arcs, it didn’t always feel consistent to me. Some parts were emotional and gentle, others felt slightly detached, and that made the overall experience a bit uneven.

It’s definitely a cosy read, yes. The café setting is warm and comforting and there’s this underlying theme of people carrying quiet burdens, finding connection, and stumbling into small moments of healing. If you like reflective, subtle stories, this book fits the vibe perfectly.

But personally, I didn’t find it as interesting or engaging as I expected. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed Days at the Morisaki Bookshop so much, and I was hoping for that same emotional pull here or maybe, a linear story. Torunka Café has similar gentleness, but the plot isn’t as gripping and the characters didn’t connect with me the same way. Some moments hit nicely but others felt too slow or didn’t leave much impact.

Still, I think the book does what it sets out to do - it offers a few soft stories tied together by a comforting space, perfect for a quiet reading day. If you enjoy short, calming reads with emotional themes, this one is easy to recommend. It just wasn’t one of my favourites from Yagisawa.

Overall, the book is cosy and warm but not the most memorable for me.

“You should try not to talk so much, friend. You’ll sound far less stupid that way.” - Kelsier

Mistborn: The Final Empire was a really solid start to the trilogy for me. I loved how unique and well-explained the magic system felt; once Allomancy clicks, it’s genuinely so fun to read. The world is dark and interesting and the whole rebellion setup keeps things engaging. That said, while I enjoyed the journey and some big moments really hit (especially towards the end), I wasn’t completely hooked all the way through. Still, a strong foundation for what feels like a much bigger story ahead.

Score: 3.75/5

My guy Percy is back! A much stronger read for me than The Lost Hero. The slow start makes sense but once the story gets moving, it's hard to put down! Loved the introduction to Camp Jupiter, the new characters and some genuinely great plot reveals throughout.

A solid start to a new era of Percy Jackson's world. It initially felt like the story was trying too hard to expand the universe but once things settled in, I liked where it was going. Leo was easily my favorite, Piper was decent and Jason’s Roman background ended up being the most interesting part for me.