October was a really fantastic reading month for me! I kicked some serious arse with novels I ended up devouring, and the vast majority of them were diverse, Asian literature books! I believe I ended up reading approximately 30 titles total! I have never, in all of my 30 years of life, had such a phenomenal four and a half weeks of reading. Today, I am finally going to share all of them with you! I’m deeply sorry that it has taken me so long to get this post up.
I will include the title and author, as well as the genres, a couple of things that I liked or disliked, and my overall rating for the book. Any relevant links to reviews shall also be provided. π
Hiyokoi Volumes 2-7 by Moe Yukimaru
π₯ ShΕjo, Romance, Slice-of-Life
π₯ The series follows a young girl named Hiyori who’s the shortest girl in her class. She ends up developing feelings for the tallest guy in class. They formulate a friendship and we watch as she navigates romance and new friendships.
π₯ Fantastic examination of social anxiety in both a metaphorical and emotional sense.
π₯ Very positive and feel-good.
π₯ 4.25/5 per volume.
Dreamin’ Sun Volume 3 by Ichigo Takano
β¨ ShΕjo, RomCom, Slice-of-Life
β¨ In this volume, we learn more about the character Zen and his relationship with his family, as well as some of the life aspirations that he has.
β¨Β Laugh-out-loud funny moments.
β¨Β The personal focus on a character aside from Shimana was wonderful and adds depth to the story.
β¨Β Positive and cute.
β¨ 4/5.
Tsubaki-Chou Lonely Planet Volume 6 by Mika Yamamori
π¬ ShΕjo, Romance, Slice-of-Life
π¬ In this volume, we watch as our protagonists embark on an awkward first date and discover what it means to be in a serious relationship.
π¬Β Sensei Akatsuki is such a hottie and his inner conflicts with how to act towards a girl he really likes is genuine and cute.
π¬ The awkward nature of first love is depicted rather well.
π¬ Stunning illustrations.
π¬ 3.75/5.
Devils’ Line Volumes 5-9 by Ryo Hanada
βοΈ Seinen, Crime Fiction, Supernatural
βοΈ In these volumes, a complex conspiracy begins to unravel as alliances and motives are unrevealed. Anzai begins blood-lust training and deciphers how to behave around the woman he has feelings for.
βοΈ Sensationally violent and graphic with strong sado-masochistic motifs.
βοΈ Original and engrossing storyline that’s equal parts dark, gritty, and contemplative.
βοΈ Wonderful illustrations.
βοΈ 4.5 to 5 for each volume.
Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya KΕgami Volume 3 by Midori GatΕ
π« Seinen, Cyberpunk, Crime Fiction
π« Inspector Shinya’s current case begins to become more clear with this third instalment, raising the tension a bit.
π« Complex cyberpunk setting makes for an absorbing read, especially with the unique nature of the case.
π« More fluid and easier to read when compared to the first two volumes.
π« Great artwork.
π« 3.75/5.
Fruits Basket Collector’s Edition Volume 1 by Natsuki Takaya
π ShΕjo, RomCom, Supernatural
π Tohru Honda is a young girl in high school who finds herself suddenly without a home. Through various events, eventually she’s invited to stay with a fellow classmate at his house. Upon arriving, she discovers that his family has a very strange family secret!
π Here’s the full review for this volume.
π One of the best manga for this genre that I’ve read in a long time.
π 5/5.
Happiness Volumes 1 & 2 by Shuzo Oshimi
π Seinen, Psychological Horror, Supernatural
π Okazaki is an ordinary boy who typically gets bullied. Then one night a girl falls on top of him and asks him of an ultimatum. The next day he begins to notice some strange physiological changes to his body.
π Very dark and unusual story that is suspenseful and tense.
π Super slow-paced, more so than necessary; makes it difficult to get into.
π Artwork consists of dark shading and sketches that can be confusing at times.
π 3/5 for both volumes.
Dragon on Trial (The Menagerie #2) by Tui T. Sutherland & Kari Sutherland
π² Middle-Grade, Fantasy
π² In this instalment, a dragon at the Menagerie is accused of a terrible crime. The kids get together to try and solve the mystery of what happened.
π² Cute humour that kids will love, especially in regards to modern pop culture references.
π² Good friendships.
π² Fast-paced, but rather simple and straightforward.
π² The MC’s personal conflicts don’t get enough attention.
π² 3.5/5.
Resident Evil 0: Zero Hour by S.D Perry
π¦ Science-Fiction, Horror
π¦ This is the novelization for the video game Resident Evil: Zero, which the prequel instalment to the franchise.
π¦ Very atmospheric and creepy.
π¦ Interesting critters.
π¦ Cheesy dialogue and good chemistry between the main characters.
π¦5/5.
Resident Evil 1: The Umbrella Conspiracy by S.D. Perry
π·οΈ Science-Fiction, Horror
π·οΈ The novelization for the video game, Resident Evil, which was originally released on the Sony PlayStation.
π·οΈ Wonderfully atmospheric and spooky; gross creatures.
π·οΈ Great action and interesting setting mechanics.
π·οΈ No Lisa Trevor since it’s the novelization of the original.
π·οΈ5/5.
The Butlerian Jihad (Legends of Dune Book One) by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
πΆπΌ Epic Science-Fiction
πΆπΌ Prequel series to Frank Herbert’s Dune Saga, taking place approximately 10,000 years before the events of Dune.
πΆπΌ Fantastic universe-building that pays tribute to original series.
πΆπΌ Diverse and humongous cast of characters that each influence the events in unique ways.
πΆπΌ Complex political climates and intense exploration of systematic oppression, psychological affects of religious devotion, and differences between social class systems.
πΆπΌ 5/5.
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
π Poetry
π A collection of poetry and the author’s debut book that focuses on harmful relationships, self-love, and self-harm.
π Here’s a full review of my thoughts on this book.
π Wholeheartedly disappointing and lacklustre.
π 2.75/5.
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
π» Poetry, #OwnVoices South Asian Literature
π» Kaur’s second poetry collection focuses on relationships, representation, and self-love.
π» Here’s a full review for this book.
π» Disappointing in quality and emotional depth in comparison to her first collection.
π» 3.75/5.
Heart: A Journey Through Love by Ayesha Khan
πΉ Poetry, #OwnVoices South Asian Literature, #OwnVoices Islamic Literature
πΉ A collection of poetry that focuses on love, spiritual struggle with faith, and self-love.
πΉ My full-review can be found here.
πΉ A lot of the poems resonated with me quite a lot, specifically the ones pertaining to faith.
πΉ 3.75/5.
Rangoli by Pavana Reddy
π Poetry, #OwnVoices South Asian-Fijian Literature
π A collection of poetry that explores what it means to be an immigrant, racism and representation, familial relationships, and romantic relationships.
π Check out my full review for this book here.
π One of the best collections of modern poetry that I have ever read; SO MUCH to relate to.
π 5/5.
A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes Book Two) by Sabaa Tahir
π‘οΈ Young Adult Fantasy, #OwnVoices South Asian Literature
π‘οΈ In the sequel to the bestselling novel, we follow Elias and Laia as they embark on a mission to save Laia’s brother’s from the clutches of the most dangerous prison in all the realm.
π‘οΈ Here’s my full review for this book.
π‘οΈ First half was boring, but the second half has phenomenal political intrigue.
π‘οΈ Helene has the best damn character development and story arc.
π‘οΈ Too much focus on love.
π‘οΈ 3.75/5.
The Crystal Ribbon by Celeste Lim
π Young Adult Fantasy, #OwnVoices Chinese Literature
π Li Jing is a 12-year old girl who is sold by her poor family to the Koh family as a bride so her family can survive the harsh season in Medieval China. They are very abusive and her life is filled with misfortune until one evening when she encounters a magical spider that helps her escape.
π Check out my full review for this title here.
π Author does a fabulous job of making Medieval China’s history, society, and challenges accessible to a younger audience.
π Rich with Chinese culture and customs.
π Advertised for middle-graders, but the content is a bit too strong for that level.
π 3.5/5.
Revenge by YΕko Ogawa
π Short Story Collection, Psychological Horror, #OwnVoices Japanese Literature
π A collection of stories that examine the macabre motifs that are all loosely connected to one another.
π Check out my full review for this book here.
π Brilliantly written with terse writing style.
π Chilling and contemplative.
π 4.25/5.
Noble V: Greylancer by Hideyuki Kikuchi
π± Science-Fiction, Supernatural, Japanese Literature
π± A prequel novel to the Vampire Hunter D novel franchise by the same author, taking place thousands of years before the events of D.
π± Here’s my full review for this novel.
π± Messy writing and choppy storytelling.
π± Wonderfully violent with a sensationally over-powered MC.
π± 2.5/5.
The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
πͺ Crime Fiction, Psychological Horror, Mystery, #OwnVoices Japanese Literature
πͺ A group of kids from a local university visit an island during their holiday to solve a grisly murder that occurred on the island approximately a year ago. Suddenly each one of the students begin to die in methodical ways.
πͺ Check out my review for this novel here.
πͺ A great homage to classic locked room mystery.
πͺ Slow beginning, but as the mystery unfolds the tension and suspense hook you well.
πͺ 3.5/5.
