Decim
Contains spoilers
Therapy. I honestly don't get what middle-aged woman would rather leave her spouse than deal with the conflict head-on.
The whole premise of the story being centered around an old bookstore is interesting, sure, but that's basically where it stops for me. The characters? Meh. I couldn't connect with any of them at all. The protagonist felt really flat, like her entire personality is just finding failed relationships and then suddenly discovering a love for books.
There is a sequel to this, but I don't think I'm picking that up anytime soon.
Contains spoilers
One word: Paradox
The last time I read about a journey to hell was Dante's Inferno. R. F. Kuang's Katabasis takes that familiar descent and twists it into something that blends romance, tragedy, self-discovery, and literally, hell.
I loved the references to Dante, the philosophical nods, and the way Kuang plays with ideas of punishment, desire, and identity. Her prose is still poetic as ever.
In all honesty, some parts felt slow. The middle chapters dragged at times, almost like reading a dense dissertation instead of a narrative. It didn't ruin the story, but it did break the momentum.
Professor Grimes popping back into the story near the end felt a bit abrupt, it's maybe intentional, maybe not, but it still left me wanting a little more. The ending, though? Satisfying. Alice finally broke out her shell.
Overall, I loved it. I just wish the pacing was tighter and the middle less heavy. This book is still a compelling and decent read.
Contains spoilers
Hate it or love it, this book made me shed a tear.
At first, I found Gon obnoxious and unlikeable. He was impulsive, rough around the edges, and hard to sympathize with. But as I kept reading, it really sank in that he was just a child longing for love and understanding. Both nature and nurture shaped him, and the lack of both made him who he was.
Almond slowly seeps into you. It makes you think about what it means to feel, or to struggle to feel, and how everyone carries their own kind of pain. By the end, I didn’t just understand the characters. I understood myself a little more.
This book makes you feel human.
I recently binged the last three volumes and genuinely enjoyed each one too much to even rate them separately. While many readers might dismiss Volume 6 as a filler, I'd say otherwise. It actually gives us a glimpse into Ray's real life and hints at the possibilities of him forming connections beyond the world of 'Infinite Dendrogram'.
The reveal of Shu's true identity was also a great twist, and it made me curious to learn more about their older sister and the lore surrounding their family.
That said, I do wish there was less unnecessary chatter and undermining of Nemesis. I wanted to see more of her growth and evolution into her later forms.
One thing I appreciated was Rook's previous job changing to Lost Heart, since that fixed one of my long-time icks with the series.
Overall, while a few side stories dragged and felt like background noise, the main plots and quests remain engaging and full of energy. The series captures the feeling of playing through an MMO perfectly, from being a total noob to unlocking a superior job. I'll definitely keep reading to see where the adventure goes next.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
This is what SAO wished it could be. Instead of another “isekai'd into an MMO” story, Infinite Dendrogram nails the immersion and worldbuilding. Honestly some of the best I have seen in RPG-style light novels and anime.
What really hooked me is the protagonist. He is empathetic, respectful, and refreshingly free of the usual “pervy MC” tropes. As a reader, you get to step into the game alongside him, a complete newbie, discovering the systems, the dangers, and the wonder of the game environment for the very first time.
The “Embryo” system especially reminded me of playing Path of Exile for the first time, that same thrill of the unknown, of not knowing what build or outcome you will get, and how every choice branches into unique gameplay.
I also love the role of the control AIs. They do not just feel like background code, they are practically alive, with their own consciousness and decision-making. It is not far from how AI is creeping into our lives today and the story hints that this will only deepen as the mysteries unfold.
The slice of life touches, cooking, casual banter, small character moments, balance out the big fights and strategy, giving the story a sense of warmth amid the adventure.
TL;DR: An immersive, thrilling VRMMO read. Imagine Ready Player One but with richer game mechanics and the thrill of discovery you would get from Path of Exile. If you want an RPG world that feels alive, expansive, and full of potential, this is it.
The plot is my cup of tea, but the amount of misogyny and sexism in this volume makes it really hard to continue.
Paul, being a rapist and a trash human being, somehow gets instant redemption, and his actions aren't even condemned. Characters are constantly given free passes to act like assholes with no regard for women, and the author writes it as if the women actually enjoy it.
It honestly reads like the author has zero real-life sexual experience, and it shows through the writing. Such a shame, because the world and story are strong, but I'll keep reading anyway.
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas is an anime adaptation I had always heard about but never tried to indulge in, until I came across its light novel. Lo and behold, it is not just a typical light novel. It speaks of chance, regret, and love in a way that feels both tender and devastating.
It is a true tearjerker, one that had me whining like a baby, and yet it left me with a bittersweet sense of warmth. That mix of emotions is exactly what makes this story unforgettable.
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.