So, this is my review on Sorrow and Joy, Vol. 1

I had no expectations as to what I was gonna read. But this one really kept me wanting to know what happened next.

The prologue was pretty intense, giving some context as to what was going on before the main story.

Haruka’s character is sweet and caring, and it really makes you want to see her actually making out of any situation with a smile. Then when we see some action going on and Haruka having some headaches. This makes me feel like she must have been suffering from some kind of amnesia which could explain why her English is good and perhaps how she ended up in Japan.

It was definitely heart wrenching to see Nao go from sweet and fun loving to ruthless and monstrous in less than a few chapters.

Overall, it makes me want to know what Sorrow’s connection to Haruka is and why he’s so willing to help her. The story is definitely made in a style that I would see in Ghost in the Shell or Appleseed. But the slice of life and hospital setting kinda throw it off too. There are moments where I wonder why Sorrow doesn’t stick around to let Haruka know about him and why Nao decided to do this now of all times up to her death. It’s not cliche in its suspense and the action is well balanced enough. But if there’s anything that does bug me, it’s that there are times where it’s too serious or its raising even further questions.

For this book, I give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Here we are, back again! And tonight, I’m reviewing One Breath. Spoiler alert for anyone reading who hasn’t read it.

When I first skimmed through the prologue, I was wondering where this was going. I thought it was really gonna be nothing but horror, similar to other underwater stories I’ve read before. But actually, it was something special.

Kaia was this fearless and sweet girl who was willing to drown just to find out what happened to her family. Just something like that was inspirational.

When she got captured by the Gilled Ones, I was legit worried for her. Then when Olv came in, and noticing how quirky he was around Kaia, I knew they were going to be a great power couple.

The very tone of the story kinda reminded me of some of the Studio Ghibli movies I’ve seen like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. It had a wonderful blend of fantasy, comedy, and drama. You forget that most of what’s going on is underwater.

I was at times moved to tears when something seemed hopeless for Kaia or when Olv lost Kaia and was scared for her life.

The story was really well tailored and definitely different that most conventional stories. If I had any complaints, it’s probably just minor stuff like some typos and such. Because really, I think this story was well balanced and I’d go as far as to say it is great for anyone at any age.

This book gets the swordsman Seal of Approval. A solid 10 out of 10.