Lonely Castle in the Mirror

It’s a hot Saturday, and I started this book at 7 in the morning. From then on, it’s been a day devoted entirely to reading; now, I am down to 100 pages left.

Japanese fiction has always struck me as fantastical and peculiar, blurring the lines between reality and imagination – and this book is no exception. As I immerse myself in its pages, I almost believe these characters could truly exist, convening at this mysterious castle. The narrative is captivating and refreshingly original, with well-developed characters that stir a strong sense of empathy within me. The exploration of mental health issues and the challenges of adolescence are skillfully woven into the story - I remain deeply engaged and able to relate even as an adult.

Damnit, the ending! It's delivered in such a beautiful way. While the major twists – the characters being from different times and the revelation about the wolf queen's herself being included in the list of characters with the 7-year age gap – didn't HIT me since I already had them figured out, the touching interaction between Rion and his sister, the wolf queen, left me with goosebumps. Learning the true identity of the kind-hearted teacher and the motivations behind her establishment of a school for marginalized children was equally moving. This book handles the delicate topic of mental health with grace and sensitivity. I'm grateful to my friend for recommending such a gem.