I always forget about this manhwa until I see someone post about the latest chapter, and then I’m without fail insanely invested all over again. That I always forget about this manhwa until I see someone post about the latest chapter, and then I’m without fail insanely invested all over again. That repeating cycle happened to me again today, but this time was different because oh my lord THE NEW CHAPTER (59)??? As a tjian lover I’m sick (affectionate). I hoard their flashback chapters like they’re gold and this one showed us the first time they crossed that line of friendship into more sixteen years ago. Doyak conveys intimacy and passion without words so beautifully throughout this story, and this might’ve been the best display of that yet.
I’m so serious when I say I want to eat Doyak’s art style. Their rendering/shading/colouring scratches my brain in the best way. Things aren’t really muted, but ambient lighting and dark backgrounds are often used to create really visually stunning scenes or character framings. The main three look incredible and the way their expressions convey so much nuanced emotion really impresses me. Love love love this manhwa, it’s definitely one of my favourites just visually alone!
Praying and manifesting for a tjian endgame, but I think Jo’s sweet too! My favourite trope is best friends to lovers, though, and the deep passion in TJ and Ian’s relationship—especially as is being revealed in the current chapters—really does it for me. Can’t wait to keep reading!!...more
This was so unserious, and so unbelievably funny without trying too hard to be. I've been meaning to read Scott Pilgrim ever since the new show came oThis was so unserious, and so unbelievably funny without trying too hard to be. I've been meaning to read Scott Pilgrim ever since the new show came out last year, since I saw it circulating the internet everywhere and it honestly looked great. I can't believe this first graphic novel was published 20 years ago; reading it now, everything about it seems so fresh!
I can't even find anything to nitpick at with this first issue. It was just mindless fun and dry humour and a really adorable art style. It was lowkey a jumpscare when 'Toronto public library' showed up, and then all of the Canadian t-shirts and beer bottles and references kept rolling in as I flipped the pages. Not used to my home city being the setting for such widely known and loved series, so that was an added bonus! I'm so so so happy to have found a silly little comic like this. Such a great palette cleanser between the heavy fantasy novels or manga I tend to read more regularly.
Wallace Wells is an icon I love him so much <3 Knives was really cute too, Scott better let her down easy!!! Scott himself was the perfect upfront, dry-humour protagonist. No idea what's going on with him and Ramona and their maybe magical dream thing... but I'm here for the ride.
Didn't expect such intense revelations about the island and the Kannagi's; this series has maintained a strong running plot alongside the romance thusDidn't expect such intense revelations about the island and the Kannagi's; this series has maintained a strong running plot alongside the romance thus far, which is really great to see. Plus, Alto and Elva are finally beginning to explore their relationship more deeply now that Elva is learning to process his feelings in a healthier manner. And Manieri!! I empathized so much with him once Alto got to know his situation, so I'm really happy he no longer has to live in isolation.
Kind of worried for what's to come with the darker plot twists, but I've been really enjoying every aspect of this manga so far. The art is stunning and the main characters so loveable. Can't wait to continue!...more
This manga is sickly sweet; the air of medieval magic paired with an innocent childhood friends to lovers romance creates the perfect cozy atmosphere.This manga is sickly sweet; the air of medieval magic paired with an innocent childhood friends to lovers romance creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. I adore both Elva and Alto, as well as the careful way their romance is currently progressing. Neither is willing to rush things for fear of ruining what they've so carefully built over the years, which is a nice change from what I'm used to in manga. The plot is also really interesting! I'm curious to find out the truth behind Kannagi's and how this village protector system initially started out....more
A boy forced to protect his town, fighting the curses in the sea every night while his hands and feet blacken with the effort, bringing him ever closeA boy forced to protect his town, fighting the curses in the sea every night while his hands and feet blacken with the effort, bringing him ever closer to death. What an interesting premise, one made even more intriguing when said boy, Elva, comes across an eager child named Alto that unknowingly causes the blackness under his skin to recede.
Watching these two strike up a friendship as children, and eventually grow up by each other’s side, was quite possibly the sweetest thing I’ve read all year. I didn’t know what to expect from this manga, but it definitely wasn’t a borderline wholesome romance. The art style is absolutely gorgeous as well, so now I’m completely hooked! Can’t wait to continue with their story....more
Starting pride month by getting back into this manga! I forgot just how meaningful and real this story feels. Ryo’s internal struggle with gender idenStarting pride month by getting back into this manga! I forgot just how meaningful and real this story feels. Ryo’s internal struggle with gender identity and sexuality represent that of real teens everywhere; his conflicting fear of coming out warring with his discomfort at being perceived as female is portrayed so realistically. Matters of the self are always messy, though they get better, especially with a great support system to guide you through it.
This volume has a lot more substance to it than the first, when Ryo and Jin were just starting up their fashion brand. Now, Ryo is navigating a part time job and relationships with his new coworkers. He’s met Wing, an openly queer beauty YouTuber that’s willing to help boost their brand. I like how Wing is the first person to encourage Ryo to just feel, instead of overthink his crushes because of his gender identity and the labels that come with sexuality. It’s so great seeing him gain the courage to come out to Shimada, and confide in Mizuki. Im really eager to continue with this manga!...more
"You're very beautiful," he said, eyes opening, hazy. Icarus laughed at Helios, louder than was safe. "You don't have to flatter me. I'm alrea
"You're very beautiful," he said, eyes opening, hazy. Icarus laughed at Helios, louder than was safe. "You don't have to flatter me. I'm already starting to want you."
Art theft, a hint of greek mythology, and touch-starved teenagers learning how to love? Finally some good food. This was one of the sweetest, most heartbreaking coming of age novels I’ve read, with the protagonist living through a strange home life of forced thievery and rules against forming close friendships. Getting to watch Icarus slowly break away from the things he’s been taught to do, and finally let himself have those precious relationships his father warned him against had my heart aching the entire way through this book. Truly a beautiful story.
Can't believe I have to wait another 72 years for another volume + the follow up to the cutest (and shortest) date of all time. Nicholas + Seiji both Can't believe I have to wait another 72 years for another volume + the follow up to the cutest (and shortest) date of all time. Nicholas + Seiji both individually acknowledging that its a date internally, but being oblivious with each other? ARGHHH they're so adorable goodbye. ...more
How am I supposed to live now that Seiji and Nicholas are going on a so called 'appointment'........ We've been waiting so long for this, and now that How am I supposed to live now that Seiji and Nicholas are going on a so called 'appointment'........ We've been waiting so long for this, and now that it's happening? I don't know what to do with myself. I love these stupid boys and their little fencing team....more
It feels like we’re nearing a climax, where everything is on the verge of collapsing. All of the most stunning art panels, backstory and fight scenes It feels like we’re nearing a climax, where everything is on the verge of collapsing. All of the most stunning art panels, backstory and fight scenes were in this volume. And Azuma?? Ishida has done a great job building dread towards the possibility of him being Chouijin X. If I wasn’t already invested in this series, this would be the moment that all changed....more
“In vain, I love you; in vain, the dawn streaming onto you, beside me; in vain, I want to be yours, your angel. Angel of love, angel of Michae
“In vain, I love you; in vain, the dawn streaming onto you, beside me; in vain, I want to be yours, your angel. Angel of love, angel of Michael.”
Painfully beautiful. Flowery and lyrical. Eventually haunting, conveying subtle horror and a rage so deep it feels tangible. A million ways to describe this book, yet none of them feel sufficient. I usually expect biblical retellings to evoke strong emotion, though Angels Before Man accomplishes much more than just that; here, the fall of Lucifer unfurls in a way that makes the initial brightness of his creation feel blinding, while his gradual fall from grace evokes sympathy that later morphs into something dark and ugly. Binge-reading this book made it feel as if I was going insane with Lucifer’s punishments and the turning of his thoughts; it was impossible not to be sucked in by the gorgeous storytelling, and the terrible fate that Lucifer would pave for himself because of love and hatred. What a stunning book.
‘I feel aged. I feel as if you’ve aged me with your own hands, Michael. Ripened me, like a red fruit, at the edge of a branch, hanging at it’s peak. Beautiful—and just about to fall.’
The portrayal of Lucifer’s emotions in this retelling truly pried at my heart. The author takes their time describing the great splendor of Heaven so that it feels bright and cozy, with the timid and eager-to-please Lucifer fitting right in as the most newly created angel. It was hard not to grow attached to Nicolás’ depiction of the angel in his innocent early years, since Lucifer’s initial insecurities and slow learning to love (both Michael and more importantly, himself) felt painfully human. Of course, Lucifer’s slow descent into madness was also stunningly written. The author’s take on God harbouring jealousy towards Lucifer finding love was an interesting twist. Lucifer’s initial punishment was terrible, so witnessing the angel’s sadness morph into an ugly hatred became simultaneously terrifying and cathartic. After enduring the brunt of God’s wrath, it was expected that Lucifer harbour some genuine rage in his heart. The way the slow bubbling over of those emotions was written took my breath away. Such vivid depictions of hate, and the sprinkling of sin whispered throughout heaven to the rest of the angels by Lucifer's lips. Nicolás’ writing is truly some of the most incredible I’ve read in a while, and certainly well suited for biblical retellings or that of ancient mythology. I'm eager to read their future works.
“We could do it, everything could be ours—the most perfect of the host. I want to make new things with you, build something bigger than this mirage of eternal pleasure. Haven’t you ever wondered why Father is so strict about out subservience? It’s because disobedience is creation,” a shivering breath, “create with me, Michael, and let’s call it sin.”
Lucifer’s relationship with the archangel Michael was so innocent and beautiful in the beginning, it hurt all the more to see their bond crumble alongside Lucifer’s corruption. Michael was such a sweet character, and his initial efforts to help the young Lucifer love himself really resonated with me. While Michael weighs on Lucifer’s mind throughout most of this book, their relationship is largely unspoken, with some on-page affection, and a lot of obsession on the younger angel’s part. As someone who didn’t really know much about Lucifer’s fall from Heaven, I was completely enraptured in the horror of the angel’s mind, and the destruction of his love for the archangel as punishment for all that he’s done. Even the side characters were great, with Rosier (the angel of fruit) being a favourite of mine. This was, undoubtedly, a stunning retelling with a fantastic sense of atmosphere, and beautifully tragic portrayal of the fall of God’s favourite angel....more
Books over 700 pages are scary. Vampires are, too, though they tend to be romanticized in a lot of modern fiction. Not here! I had no clue what to expBooks over 700 pages are scary. Vampires are, too, though they tend to be romanticized in a lot of modern fiction. Not here! I had no clue what to expect from Empire of the Vampire since I’ve only ever read Kritoff’s collaborative works, so I was pretty blown away when this beast of a novel snuck up on me to become one of my new favourites.
“In the darkness, we find our true selves.”
Surprisingly enough, one of my favourite things about Empire of the Vampire was its religious themes and commentary, as well as its dual perspectives and 'interview with the vampire' reminiscent storytelling. ‘Daysdeath’ has left the world in never-ending darkness. Upon being discovered as a half-vampire, our protagonist Gabriel is taken to a monastery to train as a Silversaint (vampire slayer) amongst other halfbloods where he is surrounded by believers and deeply entrenched in the One Faith from a young age. The dual timeline peaked my curiosity early on, since it perpetuated the contrast between the devout young Gabriel versus his significantly older, battle-hardened and faithless self. I was dying to know what events led up to his change of heart, and the result was a harrowing journey that contained a lot of insight and questioning that I—as a non-religious person who grew up in a somewhat religious environment—could deeply relate to.
“In the end, it is not immortality that we crave, but the memory of a life well lived.”
It took me a while to get into EotV. Really long books tend to have really long buildup, and while that wasn’t necessarily the case with this one, I just wasn’t attached to the characters in the beginning. Instead it was the world-building and constant, well-described action scenes that kept me flipping pages. The tension never stopped, with consistently creepy villains keeping the stakes high at all times. Once I started really enjoying the characters alongside the story, things became fantastic, and stayed that way. It was around the halfway point when I really started enjoying Gabriel as a protagonist, and also got the feeling that Aaron de Coste was creeping up as my favourite character. It’s been forever since I read a good enemies-to-friends arc, and the completion of Gabriel and Aaron’s was so beautiful it nearly brought me to tears. It warmed my heart so much to see Gabriel stand with and defend Aaron against the homophobia in the monastery, even when he initially had to step back and question his beliefs upon discovering Aaron and Baptiste together. His questionings regarding the supposed ‘sin’ he had noticed, as well as his comparison and reflection upon the sin he and Astrid were committing, all added onto my appreciation for the religious commentary in this book. I adored seeing Gabe finally embrace Aaron as a brother, while Aaron realized he never had to be distrustful of him. They were each other’s solace for a short while as teens, making their eventual reunion as adults so sweet.
“God stood with us, Baptiste and me, as we faced down a dark that seeks to consume all men. All men. And if your God would name my love a sin, then he’s no God I know.”
The final third of EotV blew me away. Every fight had me on the edge of my seat, worried for who would die next and what vampires would escape. Both perspectives were extremely entertaining, and I started finding that I had little preference for one over the other. The art in my edition heightened the story even further, with the art style feeling reminiscent of stained glass that might appear throughout the monastery Gabriel spent years of his life training in. The big twist about Gabe’s family broke my heart, though his demeanor in the older perspectives finally made sense because of it. Everything was unputdownable from then on, with really great fights and plot twists carrying this first instalment to its final page.
I’m glad to have waited a while before reading EotV, since the sequel is releasing soon! This book gives me hope for the resurgence of vampires depicted in a horror-y way, even though the story culminates to so much more than just that. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Empire of the Damned; this book was too good!
“Hope is a flame that can never truly be extinguished, no matter how dark the night becomes.”
Whatever changed between season 1 and 2 has me way more invested in this story. I became really emotionally attached to Yeon-oh after witnessing him tWhatever changed between season 1 and 2 has me way more invested in this story. I became really emotionally attached to Yeon-oh after witnessing him try to hold his family together while he dealt with the fallout of his father's gambling addiction, the loan sharks and his co-actors; he really could not catch a break for the better part Limited Run, so I'm glad it seems like the worst is finally over. And I'm definitely here for the incoming chasing arc on Jae-hyuk's part ...more
Add another diabolical book two cliffhanger to the list of C.S. Pacat's crimes! (I'm looking at you, Prince's Gambit). At this point, I'm convinced PaAdd another diabolical book two cliffhanger to the list of C.S. Pacat's crimes! (I'm looking at you, Prince's Gambit). At this point, I'm convinced Pacat keeps a jar of her readers' souls, all of which died after having to bear the stress of waiting for a series-finisher that'll resolve all that's been left to ruin. I waited over a year for this book, somewhat absolved of pain, but this??? This will be a true test of strength. Good luck and hold strong to my fellow Dark Rise enjoyers.
"He felt his eyes welling with tears. It was wonder and relief and rightness. 'It cannot be dark where there is light.' The old words rose to his lips. 'Where there is darkness, there will always be a Lightbringer.'"
On a more serious note, Dark Heir was an incredibly good sequel—one that builds upon its predecessor to greatly heighten the scope of the world, character backstories and general sense of impending doom. There felt a great shift in Will after his discovery about himself in Dark Rise, and I couldn't help the twist of excitement while witnessing him descend into uncertainty, and the pull of something from the past that may very well be out of his control. In Dark Rise, I used to think of Will as a sort of backseat protagonist who let the side characters shine above himself. Now, there's been a shift, and this time around its undoubtable that Pacat wields an even darker tone in order to make Will a more standout protagonist. His internal war with himself, and the uncontrollable desires connected to Sarcean—especially when James is thrown into the mix—make for some delicious tension.
Visander was another standout addition to this book. I've never read from the perspective of a 'reborn' character quite like him before, so his povs quickly became one of, if not the most intriguing to me. The twisted situation surrounding Elizabeth and Katherine served as the perfect background for his entrance: a back-from-the-dead girl who's not really said girl, but a male warrior of the light reborn into her corpse with every memory of his own life, and none of hers. I'm obsessed with him. Visander's discontent with the new world and determination to piss everyone around him off was never not funny. Though his genuine attempts to get through to Devon, and his newfound tension with Phillip were both real sources of intrigue towards his character and personal journey.
"James lay like a sleeping Ganymede, his enervated beauty belying the cruelty and destruction he had rained down on the Stewards.
Ah. Last but not least we have the problem child. James. My love for him is best represented by the shocked silences and genuine panic that ensued within me every time anything even slightly inconvenient happened to him in this book. And maybe whenever he acts or says things that are less than subtle about Will, you know, breathing in his proximity. Existing. The likes. (They make me insane) (the cliffhanger!!!!!!!!!!!!)
On the bright side, my most anticipated release of the year exceeded my expectations. I'm beyond excited to see what'll happen next, and if these characters will get the happy ending they deserve. Anyways, cheers to everyone that will be enduring this pain for another year-ish as we await the end of this trilogy!...more
It’s been more than ten years since The Foxhole Court was first published, and we all know how late additions to previously completed series tend to gIt’s been more than ten years since The Foxhole Court was first published, and we all know how late additions to previously completed series tend to go. That is to say I’m amazed at how perfect and true to the originals The Sunshine Court was, even with the complete shift from Neil’s narration to a new dual POV between Jeremy & Jean. Dare I even say this was the best AFTG book yet? I don’t think it’s much of a stretch with how heart-wrenchingly jean’s trauma has been laid out, and how carefully his slow journey to healing is being articulated, with no sparing of ups or downs and an incredible support system surrounding him.
To me, Jean’s story is somehow even more sorrowful than Andrew’s, Neil’s or Kevin’s. That’s something I never thought I’d say, but the juxtaposition of Neil having excessive boundaries surrounding his trauma, while Jean has nearly none because it’s the only way he can bear the pain? Oh I’m a mess. And Jeremy…. the ‘sunshine’ court being his team’s nickname can surely be attributed to him, Laila and Cat, because the careful kindness they showed Jean as he struggled to, but finally (with their help) accepted that he didn’t deserve the Ravens’ abuse broke my heart in a good way. Jean experiencing true friendships paired with kind words and affection for the first time really meant the world to me. I felt like I was on the verge of tears for Jean for almost this entire book (cried in a few places too), but the emotional whiplash all felt worth it as he began opening up little by little to not only those around him, but to himself. The self-deprecating lies he’d forced himself to believe in order to make sense of the abuse he’d endured were finally crumbling, and I was beyond overjoyed seeing Jeremy and the others work him through parts of it. I’m rambling so much but god, Jean has my heart and I loved this book so very much.
Then there’s Jean and Jeremy and their very unsubtle (and sickeningly sweet) pining for one another. I know these two both have their reasons not to make a move, but the trajectory of their relationship is abundantly more clear than it was for Neil and Andrew in TFC. Jeremy’s care for Jean’s well-being is unabashed and at times, painful. He wants more than anything to see Jean heal from his unspeakable trauma, and he refuses to give up the fight even when things seem impossible. On the other hand, Jean’s care for Jeremy is the unspoken kind; Jeremy is one of the only people who’s shown Jean an ounce of kindness, and the unfamiliarity of it all means he can’t help the urge to fight against Jeremy’s tender heart. Their attraction to each other is undeniable despite all of the pain lingering between them, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll come together in the next book (I can’t believe we’re getting another)!
This is one of the most rambly reviews I’ve written in a long time, but forgive me, I just finished TSC a couple minutes ago and the emotions are still fresh. I’ll probably fix this review up tomorrow and add a bit more when my thoughts are more settled. Either way, what a fantastic book, and a more-than-worthy addition to the beloved AFTG series.
Before reading
I feel like this was announced yesterday, what do you mean it’s already out?? Thankfully my last exam is tomorrow; its time for a summer AFTG reread so i can get into this asap!! so excited :P
Just when I thought my years-long Foxhole Court phase was over, I find out about this. -and it's Jean's story. With dual POVs. Meaning Jeremy??? Lord help this fandom, it's over for us. (I'm insanely excited)...more
Now that I think about it, I don't recall ever not liking a hockey romance. I've read a good number by now, and even still, Winging It is for sure oneNow that I think about it, I don't recall ever not liking a hockey romance. I've read a good number by now, and even still, Winging It is for sure one of my favourites! Dante was the perfect balance of witty and real, lightening the story with his sweet personality and humour while also being such an emotionally deep character. Gabe was his perfect counterpart, experiencing a lot of the anxieties that often keep people from chasing after what they truly want. It was great seeing him overcome the fears holding him back, letting himself love freely while climbing the ranks of his team and playing some kickass hockey.
The romance was so rewarding! I'm almost certain that Dante and Gabe were together before the halfway mark, yet nothing about their relationship felt rushed, just natural. It was so refreshing to see Dante unafraid to dive head-first into their relationship without a sexuality crisis, accepting his feelings immediately since liking someone is liking someone, you know? Most of the tension in this story came from outside forces; its impressive how Winging It manages to maintain a generally lighthearted tone without omitting some more serious topics. What a great read!!...more
THEY FINALLY RE-ADDED THIS TO GOODREADS??? I first read Dark Heaven a few years ago, and haven't been the same since. I swear it changed something in THEY FINALLY RE-ADDED THIS TO GOODREADS??? I first read Dark Heaven a few years ago, and haven't been the same since. I swear it changed something in me...
────── {⋆★⋆} ──────
After spending several nights bingeing this ‘till 2AM, I’m left but a shell of myself…. When I went looking for friends-to-lovers manga (my fav romance trope), Dark Heaven caught my eye as one of the highest rated results. Who was gonna tell me it would completely and thoroughly destroy my heart with its drawn-out portrayal of how senseless hate can ruin the most innocent bond of love.
I think I cycled through every human emotion while reading this story, it was truly incredible. I had no idea that JUNS would tackle racism, homophobia, addiction and several more heavy topics in such a hard-hitting manner. I cried way too many times for everything the main characters were put through; this certainly isn't one for the weak of heart.
~★~ What is this story about? ~★~
Conor, a Korean-American guitarist, and Simon, the lead singer of their band—Dark Heaven—have been best friends since middle school. Now, their band is broken up, Simon’s risen to fame as a soloist, and Conor is left in the shadow of their years-long-now-ended romance. What the public doesn’t know, is that a notorious hate group targeting homosexuals and people of colour found their next victim in young Conor, crushing his fingers so he’d be unable to play guitar again. Now, Simon’s life is falling to pieces without Conor by his side. With hate groups and murderers making the daily headlines, Conor is intent on finding Simon again…
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Everything about Dark Heaven makes me want to scream. I feel so strongly about Conor and Simon; the way they bonded as kids was so sweet to watch unfold, especially with how desperately Conor needed a friend. The way the timeline jumps back and forth really makes the love between these characters feel even more tangible, making it hurt all the more knowing it's been broken apart by the society surrounding them. I was rooting so hard for these two to find each other once again and reconcile their fractured bond, a journey which didn't dissapoint.
For all the pain in this series, there is both meaning and great payoff. I'll never get back all the tissues I needed while reading Dark Heaven for the first time, though I'll also never forget the way it impacted me. This is easily one of my favourite webcomics out there, and it deserves all the praise it already gets. Such beautiful art, with a meaningful love story that emerges from a pitfall of darkness.
Shutline got me through my first midterm season still sane, so I'm biased. The plot gets much better at this point in the series, especially with ShinShutline got me through my first midterm season still sane, so I'm biased. The plot gets much better at this point in the series, especially with Shin's foster brother Glens back in the picture to stir the pot a little (even if unintentionally on his part). One of the best things about this series is how Jake and Shin defy so many of the typical bl relationship dynamics. They're almost equally as assertive, and communicate surprisingly well for a violent gangster and street mechanic. Can't wait to continue this series, it's been so fun to read!...more
