Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 9

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 9

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 9)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 256

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Seiichi's aunt and uncle have arrived to confront Seiko, and the truth has come out at last. The lies-- and his family-- are falling apart, and Seiichi is left to pick up the pieces...

But as he shakes off his mother's influence and faces police questioning, a shocking revelation about his past emerges!!"

My Rating: 5/5

This was one of my favourite that I've read in this series recently. So many truths are revealed and the main character is starting to figure out who he is. Obviously still unsettling as the author intends but I can't wait to finish the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 8

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 8

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 8)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Ordinary middle school student Seiichi Osabe receives love and care from his mother Seiko. Until one summer an incident changes the family dynamic forever. 

This is a story of a mother's love that has gone too far...."

My Rating: 4/5

This was also so fast-paced that I flew through it. The art style was enough to make me unsettled, but the arch of the plot is excellent. I appreciate the way the author has crafted the story and kept the plot twists coming.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 7

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 7)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Shigeru has finally awakened from the coma he's been in since Seiko pushed home off the cliff- but he remembers nothing of the incident, nor does he even recognize his assailant. Rather than setting Seiko's mind at ease, however, this only serves to disturb her further.

Meanwhile, Seiichi is determined to keep his promise to his mother- with devastating consequences for everyone around him."

My Rating: 4/5

The suspense in this volume was definitely higher. I felt like I was on edge the whole time reading it. The art style and the pacing are perfect for binge-reading.

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 6

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Vol. 6)

Genre: Adult, Manga, Horror

Pages: 224

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Beset by mental images of his mother, Seiichi flees from Fukiishi's embrace and returns home. Safety and reconciliation aren't the only things that await him there, however.

The Osabes have become one big happy family again... but at what cost?

Shuzo Oshimi's masterfully nuanced tale of familial horror continues to tighten its grip on the minds of its characters and readers alike."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one was also just ok. it had a cliffhanger that was better than the previous volume but there didn't seem to be quite as much build-up as I wanted from the first few volumes. Again i will be binging as many of these as I can get my hands on this month.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 5

Title: Blood on the Tracks Volume 5

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 5)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library)

"Encouraged by Fukiishi to stand up for himself, Seiichi exploded in a moment of rage, telling his mother Seiko, "I don't need you"- the first rebellious act of his young life. Now Fukiishi has offered him sanctuary in her room, hidden from her father and away from the watchful eyes of his own parents. But as Seiichi fumbles towards sexual awakening, his mother's spectre is never far from his mind...

Shuzo Oshimi's masterwork of psychological terror continues, as Seiichi struggles to navigate the tangled web of his competing emotions.

Meanwhile, Seiko's desperate search for her son brings her to Fukiishi's doorstep...."

My Rating: 3/5

This volume was just ok. Still unsettling and uncomfortable... obviously but not in the same way as previous volumes. I will continue on with the series but it just wasn't as good as some of the previous ones that I had read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Title: November 9

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 310

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon's last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben's relationship with Fallon- and simultaneously his novel- be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?"

My Rating: 4/5

For what this is, it was fun. The binge-ability of this book was higher than any of the other books I've read by the author. Do I think it's the highest of substance? No. But it sets out to do a thing and it succeeds. I will say that the part I disliked was the way the female main character needed a man to tell her how to feel about herself.  But the plot and intrigue for pure entertainment made up for it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red

Author: Kerstin Gier

Series/Standalone: Edelstein Trilogie (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 322

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook 

"Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended- and rather eccentric- family in exclusive London neighborhood. in spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to 'the mysteries' and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past. 

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any century..."

DNF @ 80%

My Rating: 1/5

This was something that had been on my TBR for so long that I thought I should get to it to see if it was a series that I want to continue with or if it just wasn't for me. It wasn't what I wanted it to be. I felt like things were supposed to be happening but nothing was happening and we were already almost at the end of the book and nothing was happening. I felt like it was a lead-up to nothing. Super boring. Wouldn't recommend reading now when YA has expanded so much.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 4)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Unable to process the horrifying events of the past few months, Seiichi's anger, fear, and frustration boil over. But even as he is haunted by the memory of his mother's hands around his throat, he finds his voice again thanks to his classmate Fukiishi. Their puppy love provides a tenderness he has been missing, but it quickly comes under threat from his mother's insane jealousy.

Torn between the two women in his life, Seiichi is forced to make a choice that could bring his whole world crashing down."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Again I binge-read this and it left me unsettled, but wanting to read more as soon as possible. The way the author writes the scenes and lays out the art just adds so much depth to the thrilling aspects of this story. The cliffhangers and the baseline emotions that are seen throughout help the reader remain in suspense. Can't wait to read more. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The last days of summer creep toward a violent climax....

Seichi's family begins to fall apart in the wake of his cousin's "accident," but nothing compares to the mental and emotional torture he undergoes as he tries to maintain some sense of self in the face of his mother's manipulations. Torn by his love for her, Seiichi is pushed to the breaking point and finds himself unable to speak, both literally and figuratively.

The tension continues to build in Shuzo Oshimini's masterwork of understated psychological horror, as Seiichi falls further and further into the abyss of his mother's unravelling psyche."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I pick up a new volume of this I feel more and more disturbed. I'm enjoying reading manga with a different vibe than the ones I have read in the past. Both the art style and the writing is so well done that it just puts the reader on edge. I look forward to binging the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Siren by Kiera Cass

Title: The Siren

Author: Kiera Cass

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 327

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover Copy)

"Love is a risk worth taking.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, and she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can't resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude... until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can't talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny... and Kahlen doesn't want to. 

Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean's rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen's feelings, she'll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart."

My Rating: 2/5

This was a fun audiobook to read and I like the concept of the ocean being personified. I think that this idea had such great potential but it definitely fell into the 2010 era of fantasy romance. I will say that I didn't realize how the characters' names were written because I listened to it on audio and I would strongly recommend that course of action. It was fun, it was quick, it was entertaining what more could you ask for for a casual audiobook?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz

 

Title: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Water of the World

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Series/Standalone: Aristotle and Dante Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 516

Publisher: 2021

Year Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Format: Audiobook

"In Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the Universe, two boys in a border town fell in love. Now, they must discover what it means to stay in love and build a relationship in a world that seems to challenge their very existence.

Ari has spent all of high school burying who he really is, staying silent and invisible. He expected his senior year to be the same. But something in him cracked open when he fell in love with Dante, and he can't go back. Suddenly he finds himself reaching out to new friends, standing up to bullies of all kinds, and making his voice heard. And, always, there is Dante, dreamy, witty Dante, who can get on Ari's nerves and fill him with desire all at once. 

The boys are determined to forge a path for themselves in a world that doesn't understand them. But when Ari is faced with a shocking loss, he'll have to fight like never before to create a life that is truthfully, joyfully his own."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and thought about it for a very long time, even rereading it a couple of times. I was surprised that the author decided to continue on with a second book but I was pleasantly surprised that this reads very similarly to the first one. Watching these two characters learn how to define who they are and shine bright in a world where the AIDs epidemic is sweeping the world was hard, but important to read. I love the way these are written and I would pick up anything else by the author. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen

Title: Bonded by Thorns

Author: Elizabeth Helen

Series/Standalone: Beasts of the Briar (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fantasy

Pages: 352

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Four beastly princess. One awkward bookworm. An enchanted world of fae, magic, and danger.

I've always loved fairytales. I never imagined I'd actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae. I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I'll do anything to save him... Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I'd end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they'll set me free. Sounds simple right?

It's not. Because against my better judgement, I'm starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince... He's handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?

But it's not just my freedom on the line. If I don't break the princes' curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil- and stupidly hot- Prince of Thorns. And I'm not letting my princes stay cursed.

Not after I've fallen in love with them."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This was not for me. It had so many elements that I thought would work for me and then when it came down to the moment, it just didn't hit right. The way the author pulled so much from the original content often took me out of the story. The princes were interesting and I was glad to hear their P.O.V but there wasn't enough smut to make up for the lack of content for me. The plot was fine, the concept was fun it just didn't land for me. This is definitely for someone and no shame if this is one of your favorites. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny