Decim
No matter how hard I tried to guess where the story was going, it always surprised me with a turn I didn't expect. Three Days of Happiness is a short masterpiece that captures life, regrets, and love in such a moving way. Simple yet unforgettable.
No matter how hard I tried to guess where the story was going, it always surprised me with a turn I didn't expect. Three Days of Happiness is a short masterpiece that captures life, regrets, and love in such a moving way. Simple yet unforgettable.
Infinite Dendrogram
I love how this volume continues to show that Ray, despite acquiring unique skills, his Embryo, and encountering lots of UBMs, is not an overpowered character and still has much to learn. Being a reader really feels like you are on the ride with him as he continues to unravel Dendrogram's mysteries.
My favorite part of this volume is how we finally get a preview of what kind of older brother Shu is. It is refreshing to see him portrayed as a cool, kind, and motivational brother instead of the usual trope. We also get some background on other side characters, which adds more depth to the story. These details make Infinite Dendrogram even more entertaining and exciting to read.
I love how this volume continues to show that Ray, despite acquiring unique skills, his Embryo, and encountering lots of UBMs, is not an overpowered character and still has much to learn. Being a reader really feels like you are on the ride with him as he continues to unravel Dendrogram's mysteries.
My favorite part of this volume is how we finally get a preview of what kind of older brother Shu is. It is refreshing to see him portrayed as a cool, kind, and motivational brother instead of the usual trope. We also get some background on other side characters, which adds more depth to the story. These details make Infinite Dendrogram even more entertaining and exciting to read.
I loved both books, but something in the first one of the two I read left me more hopeful only for this one to trample that hope into pieces. It hurts, but that is also what makes it powerful.
Where the companion book carries its own spark, this one adds a different perspective that makes the entire experience more layered and emotional.
Best read as a pair for the full effect.
I loved both books, but something in the first one of the two I read left me more hopeful only for this one to trample that hope into pieces. It hurts, but that is also what makes it powerful.
Where the companion book carries its own spark, this one adds a different perspective that makes the entire experience more layered and emotional.
Best read as a pair for the full effect.
Combined with its partnered book, To Me, the One Who Loved You, this story shapes the flow in a unique way. While it does not directly impact the ending, it deeply influences how both stories unfold, how you view the characters, and how you interpret the conclusion. I am not going to mention spoilers, but the experience of reading them together is something special.
I went in blind, and this book alone was enough to spark something in me. Sci-fi, time travel, and romance all in one, it is a mix that works beautifully and leaves a lasting impression.
Combined with its partnered book, To Me, the One Who Loved You, this story shapes the flow in a unique way. While it does not directly impact the ending, it deeply influences how both stories unfold, how you view the characters, and how you interpret the conclusion. I am not going to mention spoilers, but the experience of reading them together is something special.
I went in blind, and this book alone was enough to spark something in me. Sci-fi, time travel, and romance all in one, it is a mix that works beautifully and leaves a lasting impression.
Para Kay B is one of the few Filipino novels I have read, and it might just be the first that truly stayed with me. Opening this book feels like stepping into the unknown, and it proves itself right away - it is not a love story, at least not in the way you expect. Ricky Lee's writing is beautiful, raw, and deeply human.
This novel pulls you through a whirlwind of emotions, but it also stirs something greater: a quiet call toward reflection and even activism, especially in the context of the Philippines today. It is the kind of book that makes you feel, think, and question all at once.
I cannot wait to dive into the sequel, and I have no doubt it will be another masterpiece.
Salamat, Ricky Lee.
Para Kay B is one of the few Filipino novels I have read, and it might just be the first that truly stayed with me. Opening this book feels like stepping into the unknown, and it proves itself right away - it is not a love story, at least not in the way you expect. Ricky Lee's writing is beautiful, raw, and deeply human.
This novel pulls you through a whirlwind of emotions, but it also stirs something greater: a quiet call toward reflection and even activism, especially in the context of the Philippines today. It is the kind of book that makes you feel, think, and question all at once.
I cannot wait to dive into the sequel, and I have no doubt it will be another masterpiece.
Salamat, Ricky Lee.
Convenience Store Woman speaks about the status quo and society. We are humans with unique personalities, syndromes, and traumas, so why must we hold another individual to standards of belonging when we ourselves have our own weird quirks?
This book blends odd and dark humor with sharp observations, and it makes you wonder what it really means to be "normal." That question lingers even after finishing, which is what makes the story so engaging and thought-provoking.
Convenience Store Woman speaks about the status quo and society. We are humans with unique personalities, syndromes, and traumas, so why must we hold another individual to standards of belonging when we ourselves have our own weird quirks?
This book blends odd and dark humor with sharp observations, and it makes you wonder what it really means to be "normal." That question lingers even after finishing, which is what makes the story so engaging and thought-provoking.
The Poppy War is not your usual fantasy story where the main character is overpowered from the start. Yes, Rin was destined for something greater, but she worked hard, struggled, and proved herself. She was born to be great, but her journey also shows what it means to be human. You follow her from childhood to becoming a child of war, and it is impossible not to empathize with her.
R.F. Kuang does not hold back in making her characters suffer, and it is both shocking and powerful. The book takes inspiration from real historical events, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanjing Massacre, which makes it even more haunting and unforgettable.
The book is great, but some parts can get overwhelming, which is why I postponed picking up the remaining books. Still, I know I will read them soon.
The Poppy War is not your usual fantasy story where the main character is overpowered from the start. Yes, Rin was destined for something greater, but she worked hard, struggled, and proved herself. She was born to be great, but her journey also shows what it means to be human. You follow her from childhood to becoming a child of war, and it is impossible not to empathize with her.
R.F. Kuang does not hold back in making her characters suffer, and it is both shocking and powerful. The book takes inspiration from real historical events, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanjing Massacre, which makes it even more haunting and unforgettable.
The book is great, but some parts can get overwhelming, which is why I postponed picking up the remaining books. Still, I know I will read them soon.
After just two days of reading, I am completely hooked and already binged three volumes.
The events in this volume had me glued to the pages. The twists and turns caught me off guard, but in hindsight, they made perfect sense and added a lot of weight to the story.
I loved learning more about the characters. Even though, as the author mentioned in the afterword, Ray did not get much action this time, it did not bother me at all. The introduction and backstory of Marie made this volume more than worthwhile.
What I cannot stand though is Rook's job being called "Pimp." He is such a gentle and comforting character, and slapping that label on him is just distasteful. Out of everything else the author could have chosen, this one feels lazy and downright insulting. I do not know if it is a translation issue, but the constant reminder of it gets under my skin and undermines what Rook actually does. I just hope his job levels up soon so this nonsense does not get mentioned again.
After just two days of reading, I am completely hooked and already binged three volumes.
The events in this volume had me glued to the pages. The twists and turns caught me off guard, but in hindsight, they made perfect sense and added a lot of weight to the story.
I loved learning more about the characters. Even though, as the author mentioned in the afterword, Ray did not get much action this time, it did not bother me at all. The introduction and backstory of Marie made this volume more than worthwhile.
What I cannot stand though is Rook's job being called "Pimp." He is such a gentle and comforting character, and slapping that label on him is just distasteful. Out of everything else the author could have chosen, this one feels lazy and downright insulting. I do not know if it is a translation issue, but the constant reminder of it gets under my skin and undermines what Rook actually does. I just hope his job levels up soon so this nonsense does not get mentioned again.
Toradora! (Light Novel), Vol. 4
I would have loved to binge-read the entire series if it were not for this volume (and the 5th). There is just too much noise going on, and the constant shift of POVs for nonessential characters makes it hard to transition and stay invested.
I might still pick it up again just to reach the ending, since this is one of the OG anime romcoms. But honestly, this volume reads like it was written for 13-year-olds by a 13-year-old. Here is to hoping the next volumes get better, if I even decide to continue.
I would have loved to binge-read the entire series if it were not for this volume (and the 5th). There is just too much noise going on, and the constant shift of POVs for nonessential characters makes it hard to transition and stay invested.
I might still pick it up again just to reach the ending, since this is one of the OG anime romcoms. But honestly, this volume reads like it was written for 13-year-olds by a 13-year-old. Here is to hoping the next volumes get better, if I even decide to continue.
I came across The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at a book fair sale when I was in 6th grade but did not bother to read it until a decade later. My only regret is that I should have read it sooner.
This is what it means to experience a true thriller. The story had me hooked from the start, and I even finished it in one sitting. One particular part even scared me, yet it only pulled me in deeper.
I came across The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at a book fair sale when I was in 6th grade but did not bother to read it until a decade later. My only regret is that I should have read it sooner.
This is what it means to experience a true thriller. The story had me hooked from the start, and I even finished it in one sitting. One particular part even scared me, yet it only pulled me in deeper.
The Poppy War is not your usual fantasy story where the main character is overpowered from the start. Yes, Rin was destined for something greater, but she worked hard, struggled, and proved herself. She was born to be great, but her journey also shows what it means to be human. You follow her from childhood to becoming a child of war, and it is impossible not to empathize with her.
R.F. Kuang does not hold back in making her characters suffer, and it is both shocking and powerful. The book takes inspiration from real historical events, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanjing Massacre, which makes it even more haunting and unforgettable.
The book is great, but some parts can get overwhelming, which is why I postponed picking up the remaining books. Still, I know I will read them soon.
The Poppy War is not your usual fantasy story where the main character is overpowered from the start. Yes, Rin was destined for something greater, but she worked hard, struggled, and proved herself. She was born to be great, but her journey also shows what it means to be human. You follow her from childhood to becoming a child of war, and it is impossible not to empathize with her.
R.F. Kuang does not hold back in making her characters suffer, and it is both shocking and powerful. The book takes inspiration from real historical events, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Nanjing Massacre, which makes it even more haunting and unforgettable.
The book is great, but some parts can get overwhelming, which is why I postponed picking up the remaining books. Still, I know I will read them soon.
I came across The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at a book fair sale when I was in 6th grade but did not bother to read it until a decade later. My only regret is that I should have read it sooner.
This is what it means to experience a true thriller. The story had me hooked from the start, and I even finished it in one sitting. One particular part even scared me, yet it only pulled me in deeper.
I came across The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at a book fair sale when I was in 6th grade but did not bother to read it until a decade later. My only regret is that I should have read it sooner.
This is what it means to experience a true thriller. The story had me hooked from the start, and I even finished it in one sitting. One particular part even scared me, yet it only pulled me in deeper.
I stumbled upon Flowers for Algernon from a rapid-fire list of Amazon suggestions back in 2017.
This book takes you on a true rollercoaster of emotions. It is one of a kind, heartbreaking yet beautiful, and it lingers long after you finish. I honestly believe everyone should read this at least once in their lifetime.
I stumbled upon Flowers for Algernon from a rapid-fire list of Amazon suggestions back in 2017.
This book takes you on a true rollercoaster of emotions. It is one of a kind, heartbreaking yet beautiful, and it lingers long after you finish. I honestly believe everyone should read this at least once in their lifetime.
