Game of Destiny

Game of Destiny by Lina Ljunggren

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Found this through an ad for online novels for the Astra Novel reading app. Unlike most online reading apps, this doesn't require top offs and coins to unlock new chapters, though there are frequent short ads as a result. Sometimes the ads won't work and you need to restart the app to get the next chapter to unlock correctly, but it's still slightly better than paying for a ton of coins to temporarily unlock a book for reading.

The book itself doesn't have the best formatting or spelling out there, but if you read it just for the story and enjoying the characters, it's constantly moving and evolving, which makes for an entertaining read. Amie has a very unique experience and point of view, which she uses to her own advantage as she makes her way. Finlay was not on her radar at all to begin with, but she ends up drawn to him and her pack. Honestly, if things had turned out differently with the bond, there might have been a revolt from the readers, but it works out very well. There's more than a little bit of drama with twists and turns to keep it interesting. It wraps things up nicely with the epilogue as well, and the story is complete, so it isn't left hanging in addition to the unlocking requirements to read it online.

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Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince 9

Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince 9 by Mayo Momoyo

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This volume covers from the departer of Mia and her group of visitors up to the first part of the "wedding week," which kicks off with Aida's wedding and is meant to end with Mimi and Prince Renato's. Mimi's family is back on the scene as well, leading to more than a few hilarious encounters ans Mimi and Renato desperately want a few moments alone as a couple before their rather public grand debut, but it seems this is more and more unlikely, especially when Prince Renato goes missing. Originally, it looked like this could potentially be the final installment of the series if it covered both of the anticipated weddings, but it seems there is more drama yet to play out. If they can find a solid lead though, it's more than a little likely Mimi, and maybe her family with her, will be off to save the day, and the others will be hard pressed to hold them back or keep up.

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Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom 8

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom 8 by Mo9Rang

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Abigail very nearly self sabotages again, though it turns out she entirely misread the situation, and Nadia has no interest in Sabian at all. Now it seems to be the shoe is on the other foot as Sabian and Blanche both fear losing Abigail to her newest suitor. Abigail is so close to having her own happily ever after, if she can escape her fears and uncertainties about the past and her dual identity to truly accept what is being offered to her. It's clear the story has changed drastically, and they really are a rather adorable couple. They really just need to be on the same page, and a certain scheming politician to back off. Fortunately, for all of his maneuvering, Lady Karen seems happy in her place and doesn't want to see Abigail leave either.

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Beware the Villainess! 6

Beware the Villainess! 6 by Blue Canna

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The art isn't my favorite, at least not with the old man and distressed faces as it is too jarring for me compared to the rest of the art. The majority is well done and still a fascinating story. Melissa is finally starting to sort out her own feelings, but she still has more to solve with the story, and as she lays out very clearly, it's unlikely any of the original heroes will do much to help the situation on the horizon, yet she's still doing her best to at least get them on the stage. More surprises from the prince and Jake, but at least Peacock seems to go according to plan. We're left on a rather large cliffhanger, though, as they return werewolf territory. With all of these changes taking place, it will be interesting to see how they manage to hold off the monsters.

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Bride of the Barrier Master 5

Bride of the Barrier Master 5 by Odayaka

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There is something about the artwork in this series that adds beautifully to the story. We finally start seeing more of Hana and Hazuki's older brother, though he's still keeping his distance from the twins. Saku's old "friend" also enters the scene and doesn't seem to be winning any favors with his rough treatment of Hazuki. We start to see the friends pulling together to help Hazuki with her studies while Saku is doubling down on convincing her to forget their original contract and give up on a divorce. Aside from the unwanted interruption, the girl's outing is rather adorable and it's sweet to see the sisters getting along, even as Hazuki continues to learn just how much she really doesn't know - about Hana's life, the Association, and even what Saku has gone through to get where he is. There is a good bit of time between volume releases for this series, but each one is always just as enjoyable as the last one, so still looking forward to more.

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Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 3

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 3 by Nmura

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Hashimoto is clearly making an effort to be more assertive, at least when he isn't nearly panicking himself into an early grave over his lack of ability to measure up to being a good enough boyfriend. Oddly, it seems Shirase has these sames worries, though he's much better at hiding them most of the time. It is hilarious that they run into Kumada senior during their trip together, and while understandable that Shirase wanted to get out of there quick, might have resolved a lot of misconceptions had he stuck around until Hashimoto showed up again. Likewise, Kumada's younger brother probably could have proven his claims a bit more had he handed his phone to his friend for evidence or gone on speaker if they were at an apartment and not in public. It will also be curious to see if they ever figure out these past tie-ins with the umbrella and if we ever learn who this Makoto is or was and he shows up to join this odd group as well - just hopefully with slightly less misunderstanding and chaos.

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Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 2

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 2 by Nmura

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Oh my goodness. Just when it looks like the boys have sorted everything out, Kumada's older brother shows up and manages to somehow make everything even more confusing with his misunderstandings and vague assumptions. It looks like the roller coaster isn't over yet, but hopefully the boys are able to get things straightened back out again soon, especially since they're all in the game and work together, though the older Kumada doesn't know anyone's game avatar except for Hashimoto. Hashimoto is also still rather dense, but it's clear that he's trying and does care. He's super awkward sometimes with Shirase, but somehow it looks like overall they're on the same page at least when it comes to their relationship. Now if the boys could only stop jumping to the wrong conclusions and untangle this weird web of comedy they've ended up entangled in before it goes even further.

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Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! 15

Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! 15 by Yuu Toyota

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Tsuge is as awkward as ever in his relationship with Minato, though he really does mean well. It's hilarious that he goes to Adachi and Kurosawa for advice, though given Adachi is the only other person he's known with these same abilities and most likely the only same sex couple he knows, it makes sense why he turns to them for advise, especially given how much they seem to have accomplished together. This does seem to spark some small worry given not everyone at the company is aware of their situation and certain higher ups are pushing them to "move on and make an honest woman" out of their ring partners - if only they knew. This woman manager seems like she could be problematic as well, though we haven't seen any insight into their discussion yet other than her using Adachi as a lure to force Kurosawa to listen to her. With Tsuge potentially losing his power soon as well it will be interesting to see how things change for these couples and if the focus will remain on them only or if a new character will be introduced with this ability given the series title. While I can't find anything on a next volume release yet, it is hard to see this as the end of the series given the number of open ends and questions yet unresolved.

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Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 1

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! 1 by Nmura

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Hashimoto is so oblivious it's hilarious. Fortunately, Shirase is understanding and even seems to find this to be part of Hashimoto's charm, though it causes more than a few misunderstandings and let downs along the way. Add in the declarations and confusion from Kumada, and this turns into almost as much of a comedy as it does a romance. It will be interesting to see how things develop now that Hashimoto has committed to trying to have a real romantic relationship. Just what will that mean to him, especially after so long focusing on just the game and their friendly interactions? He sure jumped from 0 to 100 with that declaration at the end. It's a good thing Shirase is learning to read him, though it would be hilarious to see what happens if they do take that step forward.

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What it Means to Be You 3

What it Means to Be You 3 by Leebora

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is such an emotional volume and disappointing at the end. Winter finally knows what causes the body switching, but just in time to start to understand just how badly Violet feels like she needs to leave. Both of them seem to still labor under serious misconceptions when it comes to money - Winter that it will fix everything, and Violet that it is all Winter loves. Sadly, this may be a case of too little too late. It looks like Violet's gifts and the physician's letter will all arrive after this final stage has set, and who knows what condition Winter will be in at that time. There is another volume in the book still, so there may be some hope yet, but it's painful to see just how badly they are each struggling.

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The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 4

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


There isn't much continuity in this volume as it's a collection of stories that take place at various times in the tale, ranging from the author's experience when he first realizes he's a child in his own story to events years after the original story has reached it's conclusion. We even see a crossover from the original tale when the two Luo Binghes switch places until Shen Qingqiu's version returns. It's interesting to see the approach of the two OC characters as well where Shen Qingqiu has resigned himself to living this life as his previous one is forfeit from the time he realized where he woke up. On the other hand, our original author seems to be of the mind that he can and should return to his previous life, except he rather enjoys his encounters with Qingqiu and Binghe, and seems to have a potentially unhealthy addiction/relationship to Mobei-jun. On a whole, it's not much in the way of a continuation, especially where it chooses to leave off during Binghe's qi deviation, but it's enough to get a sense for how their lives have changed and how they are moving forward from the end of the original story.

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Mr. Holland's Opus

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is not the first time I have seen this movie, though it has been some time. Mr. Holland is a music teacher for a local high school, though it's clear this is not initially the career he wanted as he longs to write music. He finds a place in the school however, as he comes to understand the way that he can touch his student's lives and sees them grow. There are ups and downs, as with any life film like this, especially as Mr. Holland grapples with the reality that his son is deaf and can't share or hear his music in the same way. Even this becomes a learning point later on as a new understanding and acceptance is reached, leading to the culmination at the end of the film with his students performing his very own opus at the end. It could be seen as very bittersweet given the circumstances, but it truly is very touching all in all.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 3

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 3 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not as engaging as the last volume, but still an easier read than the first volume. This one jumps all over the place a big as we get a lot of backstory and plot hole filler. The system is even quiet for a good portion of the book between the whole mushroom arc and the various upgrades, but then when it does come back, it tends to have a lot to say. Shen Qingqiu learns a lot in this volume thanks to all of the plot filler quests and dreamscapes, though it makes it even more understandable why so many things are so confusing in the original volume with all of these missing details. On the plus side, it looks like most of the conflict has resolved, even though the rest of the cultivation world doesn't seem so willing to forgive and forget when it comes to Luo Binghe. Fortunately, Qingqiu seems content to make Binghe a priority for a change, surprising many around them, but also in a way accepting at least some of his role and importance in his life. According to the end of this volume, the original series that he was rewriting has been completed at this stage, so it will be interesting to see what remains in the next volume now that they're all free.

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The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 2

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 2 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a much more engaging and faster read than the first volume now that all of the premise has been explained and we have a better idea for whom is whom. There is also a lot less of the system interruptions, though when it does show up, it's as ridiculous as ever. We also finally see exactly what these magical mushrooms they harvested are expected to be good for, though it seems much has changed from what was expected when Shen Qingqiu rejoins the world once more. Luo Binghe's devotion and obsession is more than a little unexpected, though it seemed clear from the ending of the previous volume that there was an obvious misconnect between the two character's actions and motives compared to what was assumed or expected - on both sides. Now that Shen Qingqiu is really getting a clearer idea for Lou Binghe's feelings, it will be interesting to see how this new encounter goes given he wasn't able to hide for very long.

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The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 1

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong 1 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Starting this novel was rough. I picked it up originally because my daughter and I both really enjoyed Heaven Official's Blessing and Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, so of course we were interested in the character designs and story for this series, and it's a much shorter series too. What I did not expect, was to land in a cross between these cultivation series and Sword Art Online complete with system instructions and blocks as the character tries to navigate what they can or cannot do to survive. It reminded me a lot of old RPG board writings, which was not at all what was expected when the series started. The story does become more engaging later on, even with the system noticies and odd complaining about the original storyline still. Certainly didn't expect to find another transported character from the real world, let alone who they end up being, not that it seems to be helping much in terms of how these two might be able to change the story to survive the ending. It's also easy to see where the relationships are hinting at with these new changes, though of course Shen Qingqiu refuses to see this as a possibility, especially given the original course of the story. Hopefully the next volume will continue to pick up the pace and we'll see more growth and development.

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Pink Heart Jam 3: Beat 1

Pink Heart Jam 3: Beat 1 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This skips a lot of Haiga's high school time, though that makes some sense given the focus is still his relationship with Kanae, who's already graduated. Somehow, Haiga is rather popular with other club members, though he never seems to have a clue about it. Fortunately, the only time jealousy seems to be a factor is when Kanae's brother visits and shares some assumptions that make Haiga start to wonder. Despite their crazy busy schedules, it seems like they truly do have a good life together and make the most of what they can. Now that they're both in the workforce, it will be interesting to see if future volumes bring in more of their families and other activities. 

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Pink Heart Jam 2

Pink Heart Jam 2 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kanae is unintentionally sending mix messages, which has Haiga spinning as he wants to tell Kanae what he's discovered of his own emotions, but alternately feels like there is some hope or no hope given they have very little time together and Kanae seems to be withdrawing given his instructions not to come see him at work anymore. Time is running out with the end of the school year looming and Kanae oddly reaches out to one of their fellow club members for more information. The night is rather hilarious given how drunk Kanae is, but his memory is oddly clear and he certainly doesn't waste any time once he gets the answers he wants from Haiga. Guess the way their relationship started, it would be little to no surprise that it would seem like there are no restraints remaining once they're on the same page and know they want the same things.

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Pink Heart Jam 1

Pink Heart Jam 1 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Haiga seems to be rather innocent, but also very open and honest. Probably not the type of guy Kanae thought he would end up involved with on any level given his line of work. Haiga seems drawn to Kanae though, and with his own feelings slowly becoming clearer to him, it'll be curious to see just where this relationship goes. Even Kanae seems to realize there's more to Haiga than just another customer at this point, but not much beyond that given the story is from Haiga's point of view.

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Black or White 11

Black or White 11 by Sachimo

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It's been awhile since the last volume was released, which combined with the way the story jumps around in this volume, makes it harder to follow than usual. Shin finally gets to be on set with Shige, but the cost may be more than they can pay with this new blackmail strategy. Shin has a lot of people looking out for them, but they all seem just as stuck as he is beyond just not wanting him to be trapped by this CEO. The most confusing part is when Shin walks out, but then we have the birthday celebration/wedding proposal that seems to flow too naturally and is super sweet with neither of them seeming to be too worried about spectators. Of course, something that relaxing would only be a dream, or is it? Hopefully it'll be foreshadowing for the future as there are at least a couple of volumes still planned.

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I Hear the Sunspot 7: Four Seasons 2

I Hear the Sunspot 7: Four Seasons 2 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Taichi is learning first hand just what jealousy feels like while working to support Kohei and be sure they have time together. He still has a tendency to lead with his fists, though surprisingly that isn't the trait most likely to get him in trouble given Sendo's actions. Hopefully Ryu's warning won't come too late, though it's still surprising Kohei doesn't seem to have any idea Sendo is the same person from Ryu's gathering that set him off in the first place. While the job hunt continues for Kohei, and this company that his top pick is sending mixed signals as far as what sort working environment it would end up being, a lot of this volume focuses on Taichi's childhood and his relationship with his father. Kohei is making some surprising connections as he watches Taichi in this volume, though it's unlikely to change the way things are no matter how much they may wish they could protect each other from everything.

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I Hear the Sunspot 6: Four Seasons 1

I Hear the Sunspot 6: Four Seasons 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The chaos continues as we learn more connections between all the characters. Kohei and Taichi also have probably the strangest DIR (defining the relationship) discussion possible, especially after all of their discussions and declarations up to this point. It seems like more fireworks are primed to fly with the new worker at Sig-n, but it's put on hold in favor of drama with Kohei's ex-girlfriend. While it fortunately seems to be resolved for the best, and both boys are able to ultimately stay true to themselves and their relationships, poor Kohei is going to end up worrying himself to death one of these days. If only Taichi could learn to tame his trigger reactions a little bit at least when it comes to Kohei before he ends up with a permanent concussion.

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I Hear the Sunspot 5: Limit 3

I Hear the Sunspot 5: Limit 3 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Somehow, Kohei still doesn't seem to understand why so many other people like him or how he can react differently when he can't hear what people are saying to him without hurting their feelings (especially the girls who assume he's snubbing them when he genuinely can't hear their confessions, though he doesn't seem to realize that is what has been happening). Neither Kohei or Taichi seem to be coping well with this whole separation idea, leading to yet another incident where one of them nearly gets run over - seriously, need to pay attention to those crosswalks! The trip in this volume is unexpected but also humorous given the ir encounters with Hiro and some similarities to the other characters. Seems like there's a lot of digging into the past and realizing the intentions behind different choices and actions in this volume. Now if they can just remember those things and not spin things out of control again.

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I Hear the Sunspot 4: Limit 2

I Hear the Sunspot 4: Limit 2 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a very frustrating volume in the series. While our main couple both seem to want more time together and to understand the other, they tend to internalize and make assumptions leading to more distance and confusion. Kohei takes the cake on this one with the end of this volume, leaving Taichi in shock before our last flashback that seems to take them back to college together sometime between Kohei's first confession and their joint confessions. We see a lot more of Ryu and Taichi's co-workers as well, who all seem to have their own complex stories. Ryu comes off very abrasive and assertive, but in some ways similar to Taichi in his quick temper. Where Ryu tends to write off anyone not in the deaf community though, Taichi tends to not even notice and roll with it in stride as Kohei as observed. Truly a remarkable and surprising skill. Hopefully the next volume will bring things back together as we leave on a rather sour note in this part of the story.

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I Hear the Sunspot 3: Limit 1

I Hear the Sunspot 3: Limit 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Just when the boys seem to be on the same page, of course something else happens. It will be interesting to see if or when they learn that Ryu is related to Taichi's new coworker. In the meantime, they're both basically worrying about the same thing for different reasons. It's also amusing how they can seem so mature and serious one moment, and devolve into the most childish antics in the next. Hopefully they will talk sooner rather than later and find some real time for each other, otherwise this doubt and all of these naysayers will wear away the very happiness they want together.

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I Hear the Sunspot 2: Theory of Happiness

I Hear the Sunspot 2: Theory of Happiness by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Maya is a new addition that puts herself in between Taichi and Kohei, adding more jealousy, resentment, and misunderstandings to the mix. While Kohei seems very certain in his own feelings, he is very unsure when it comes to his interactions with Taichi and trying not to push him away. At the same time, Taichi is trying so hard to improve and do better that he completely misses his own feelings until it's nearly too late. While the confession scene is very touching, it seems like there are more hurdles to overcome still along the way. Between Taichi's temper and Kohei's disability, it's unlikely to ever be a dull moment even when they are doing so much better trying to connect with each other. Hopefully this camping trip won't turn into a total disaster.

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I Hear the Sunspot 1

I Hear the Sunspot 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kohei has a hearing disability that often leads to him being misunderstood and having difficulty with everyday activities in school that others take for granted. When Taichi just about literally falls out of the sky next to him, he has no idea what to expect, except he finds that oddly Taichi is easier for him to hear. As they grow closer, Kohei's hearing starts to get even worse, leading to awkward encounters, misunderstandings, and perhaps the most unusual confession possible, though no words are spoken even now. They really do balance each other out where Kohei is understandably more withdrawn and cautious, but Taichi tends to get into trouble thanks to his big mouth and fast fists. It's rather sweet the way they get along, though that also makes Kohei's seclusion even ore heartbreaking. Hopefully, we'll see more of these two as the series progresses given it appears to have several phases based on the titles.

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Dinghai Fusheng Records 2

Dinghai Fusheng Records 2 by Fei Tian Ye Xiang

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


What on earth is this obsession with matchmaking?! It's understandable why Xiang Shu is so cautious, but Chen Xing doesn't seem to have any clue other than the very forthright discussions that take place. Xiang Shu will most likely need some reason to negate those 16 "contracts" though given he didn't really agree to anything. Oddly, he doesn't seem to say anything whenever it is pointed out that Chen Xing could end up marrying him almost by default of their positions from the sound of things, leaving Chen Xing to puzzle things out and remind everyone that they really aren't that close.... yet. This mirror world takes things for an interesting turn, and even gets the pair working together again, even if rather begrudgingly. Truthfully though, Xiang Shu has fairly consistently been the one saving Cheng Xing while he somehow manages to stumble on whatever they need thanks to his "luck." Those tides may have turned with this latest encounter with the princess and all this resentful qui. The phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire" comes to mind.

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Dinghai Fusheng Records 1

Dinghai Fusheng Records 1 by Fei Tian Ye Xiang

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I haven't read the novels yet, so I had no expectations of what the story should be going into this. Chen Xing seems rather innocent and naïve all things considered as he relies a lot on his constellation and how things "should be." This leaves him for an unexpected realization when his heart light leads him to Xiang Shu, a condemned man with a record of slaughter, who is meant to be his divine protector. Despite separating paths quickly, they seem to end up on the same road regardless and, for all of Xiang Shu's denials that he will ever be Chen Xing's protector, he ends up doing just that at least until they reach their first destination. It seems there is more to this criminal's identity than meets the eye.

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I'm Here, Beside You 2

I'm Here, Beside You 2 by Tea Natsuno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This turns around drastically from the first volume where everything seems hopeless. While there's still some confusion and sadness, there's a lot more progression as we see Ibuki and Mikami truly get to know each other and grow closer. While this does have a mature warning attached, it is minimal at best and towards the end of the story as a natural progression and the two of them being entirely embarrassing and shy with each other stumbling through new stages to their relationship. It's far from how graphic many BL series tend to get, which is a refreshing change of pace. For all of the uncertainties and confusion, it seems they may indeed have found a way to change fate and find their own happily ever after.

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