**spoiler alert** Finally! A relatively happy ending! Thank goodness because I don't think I could handle another tragic ending like the last two. Thi**spoiler alert** Finally! A relatively happy ending! Thank goodness because I don't think I could handle another tragic ending like the last two. This book offers a surprisingly well-balanced view on abortion, especially focusing on the not so obvious reasons for abortion (beyond simply accidentally getting pregnant). It was an interesting social commentary that did try to include both sides. This book also seems to be trying to make up for something it did in a previous novel. When Petrichor was first introduced in volume 6, it was criticized by reviewers and transgender groups for using the shower scene to show that Petrichor was transgender. Through a conversation between Petrichor and Hazel within this book, the author seems to imply that that wasn't right. Personally, I think it's kind of refreshing to see a series that has an extremely diverse cast, but is also taking the time to ensure that they are represented properly. I was also very happy to see some of the characters again. I still like Upsher and Doff who came back briefly for this installment and I thought the moment between Ghus and baby Robot was very sweet. I admit I was REAL concerned about Friendo for a moment there. I also loved Hazel's moment with her almost brother, especially the funny lullaby (I'm still mad about what happened to Izabel). The ending itself was very touching and I'm kind of relieved that it ended on a positive note.
Merged review:
Finally! A relatively happy ending! Thank goodness because I don't think I could handle another tragic ending like the last two. This book offers a surprisingly well-balanced view on abortion, especially focusing on the not so obvious reasons for abortion (beyond simply accidentally getting pregnant). It was an interesting social commentary that did try to include both sides. This book also seems to be trying to make up for something it did in a previous novel. When Petrichor was first introduced in volume 6, it was criticized by reviewers and transgender groups for using the shower scene to show that Petrichor was transgender. Through a conversation between Petrichor and Hazel within this book, the author seems to imply that that wasn't right. Personally, I think it's kind of refreshing to see a series that has an extremely diverse cast, but is also taking the time to ensure that they are represented properly. I was also very happy to see some of the characters again. I still like Upsher and Doff who came back briefly for this installment and I thought the moment between Ghus and baby Robot was very sweet. I admit I was REAL concerned about Friendo for a moment there. I also loved Hazel's moment with her almost brother, especially the funny lullaby (I'm still mad about what happened to Izabel). The ending itself was very touching and I'm kind of relieved that it ended on a positive note....more
**spoiler alert** I should know better by now. The cute cover was just to lure me into a false sense of security.
Up until this series has been very w**spoiler alert** I should know better by now. The cute cover was just to lure me into a false sense of security.
Up until this series has been very well written. It had its dark moments but overall they felt like a natural part of the story. With this book, I can't help but feel like the author is engaging in a bit of shock value. The body count definitely ticked up a bit in this book and then left on a cliff hanger and I don't think I will be really thrilled about how it is resolved. There are two different ways that this could go, but I don't think either will be great. If a certain character lives, I will feel like it was deus ex machina plot device to accommodate the shock value ending. If this character dies, I will still be upset because I like this character and the plot will probably suffer.
I'm hoping that the author will somehow surprise me and restore my hope in the series because I do still really enjoy it....more
Dang it! I like Kanda. Why do bad things only happen to the characters I like?! Kanda shows up, takes care of business, and doesn't like sentimental cDang it! I like Kanda. Why do bad things only happen to the characters I like?! Kanda shows up, takes care of business, and doesn't like sentimental cliches. Dang it he can't die, my cynical self needs him to hang around. I'm not against all the hopeful bright-eyed characters (with the notable exception of Lenalee), but his snarky-ness is pretty refreshing! ...more
This one was not my favorite volume. Like I said before in earlier reviews, for some reason it really bugs me that there isn't a lot of explanation foThis one was not my favorite volume. Like I said before in earlier reviews, for some reason it really bugs me that there isn't a lot of explanation for some of the Biblical references in this series. Noah is usually portrayed as a good guy so why is his family serving as the main villains in this series. Also, I think this series can get a little overly philosophical. I didn't care for Allen's big revelation about akumas and humans. It seemed to take forever. I get it. You're doing it for both akumas AND humans. Cut. Print. Check the gate. Moving on! However, Kanda has returned and if nothing else he keeps things interesting. I'm looking forwards to the next volume....more
I'm not crying. You're crying! Oy that ending though! I've officially been reduced to a sobbing puddle of fangirl.
I love the crew, Mahoja, and Anita. I'm not crying. You're crying! Oy that ending though! I've officially been reduced to a sobbing puddle of fangirl.
I love the crew, Mahoja, and Anita. Crowley was also really entertaining in this one, in a maniacal sort of way. Though I have to admit I'm somewhat relieved that this particular arc is over. Maybe it's the black and white illustrations, but sometimes these action-packed panels can get a bit busy and it's difficult to tell what is going on. ...more
Yay our favorite head case is back! I love Miranda! Once again, I love the new character additions. Fou and Bak Chan are both very interesting. I alsoYay our favorite head case is back! I love Miranda! Once again, I love the new character additions. Fou and Bak Chan are both very interesting. I also like that there's a lot of action, but they give it a rest on the gore. I also like that Anita, Mahoja, Bookman and Lavi get a bit more focus in this book. In fact, the only character that I continue to really actively dislike is freaking Lenalee! I realize I'm in the minority here, but I still find her whiny and melodramatic. I wanted to high five Lavi when he called her out on it (Bookman kinda high fived his face after that, but that wasn't exactly what I had in mind). Gotta say, I liked this volume WAY more than the previous one....more
I know I say this every time, but once again there are new characters that are surprisingly interesting and well-developed. Tykki might be the first NI know I say this every time, but once again there are new characters that are surprisingly interesting and well-developed. Tykki might be the first Noah family member to have something vaguely resembling a conscience. I also felt for Crowley in this one. Poor heartbroken little vampire. This is a transition article that is shifting from one story arc to the next so it always feels a little disjointed to me, but overall it has an intriguing set up for the next story line....more
This volume introduces a few more really great characters. I like Lavi and Bookman separately and the way they interact with each other is quite enterThis volume introduces a few more really great characters. I like Lavi and Bookman separately and the way they interact with each other is quite entertaining. I also loved Krory, the vampire with a heart of gold. He is very sympathetic and you can't help but feel bad for him. The "vampire" angle of this arc was also pretty unique. ...more
This book introduced Miranda who I can't help but feel for. She tries so hard to do well and her recurring attempts after so much failure is admirableThis book introduced Miranda who I can't help but feel for. She tries so hard to do well and her recurring attempts after so much failure is admirable. This book also has Rhode who is an exceptionally creepy character. I have to admit, my unpopular opinion about this series is that I don't like Lenalee. To me, she's kind of the Daphne Blake of the group in constant need of rescuing. She's also a touch melodramatic. I'm also a bit confused about whether how the author is trying to reference Christianity. There's a ton of Christian icons in this series (mostly in the form of crosses and "Noah"), but the connection is never explained particularly well....more
So we go from Titanic with zombies to Easter egg hunts? Okay...
This book was not my favorite. It feels like this was an odd sort of transition book beSo we go from Titanic with zombies to Easter egg hunts? Okay...
This book was not my favorite. It feels like this was an odd sort of transition book between the two arcs. It had its moments, but it seemed a little bit all over the place compared to others. I also can't find Sebastian celebrating Easter a bit odd given what he is. Still, I really enjoyed Grell who still managed to play an extremely minor role in this book and Sebastian's line about the ship's maiden voyage being awful was pretty funny....more
The tension continues to build! I admit that I was in this series for the comedy more than the drama, but I am actually impressed with the writing andThe tension continues to build! I admit that I was in this series for the comedy more than the drama, but I am actually impressed with the writing and how complex Tamaki's family history is. The characters do terrible things to each other, but you can see that most of them are doing these things because they are so hurt inside. It leads to a lot of complicated feelings for the characters.
The one thing that I really dislike about this series is what has been done with Hikaru and Kaurou. I HATE how Hikaru treats Haruhi. Demanding answers about her love life, telling her what she HAS to do. It made me angry! I wanted Haruhi to say "Shove off Hikaru! It's my life!" And while Hikaru has become a controlling ass, Kaurou has more or less fallen to the wayside which is surprising since a main plot of this series has been the two finding their own identities apart from each other. Turns out there's not much for personality for either of them.
Despite my frustrations, I still enjoyed this series and eagerly await the conclusion!...more
I'll just be curled up in a ball whimpering if anybody needs me...
Once again, lots of new developments in this volume. The Mori/Honey duel was a bit oI'll just be curled up in a ball whimpering if anybody needs me...
Once again, lots of new developments in this volume. The Mori/Honey duel was a bit of a tease, but honestly I kind of expected that. With only a few books left in the series, I don't think they would have time to start a major character arc.
I'm surprised at the emotional reaction the latest volume brought out in me. I usually don't get invested in romantic relationships in books (I was initially here for the screwball comedy), but I actually like both Tamaki (for reasons I don't fully understand) and Haruhi and it is kinda painful to see two characters who don't normally get rattled (Tamaki because he's almost too optimistic for his own good and Haruhi because she is pretty calm and collected). It's suprisingly sad to see them go through this.
Also, I love Haruhi's dad. He's just a cool character. He's so different and he really respects Haruhi and her decisions. This is a refreshing departure from the "overprotective" dad trope that has been done to death. ...more
**spoiler alert** Excuse me, I'm just going to curl up into a ball and sob for a few hours. This novel ripped out my heart and stomped on it... more t**spoiler alert** Excuse me, I'm just going to curl up into a ball and sob for a few hours. This novel ripped out my heart and stomped on it... more than usual! Not only did one of my favorite characters meet their demise, but I was introduced to a whole group of new characters who I quickly learned to love and then were immediately wiped out. And the ending! Oh the ending! The artwork was good and the story is still interesting, but I really hope they have a happier installment next time!...more
Ever wonder what would happen if the RMS Titanic was invaded by zombies? Well now you have your answer! This book was pretty fast-paced and got to theEver wonder what would happen if the RMS Titanic was invaded by zombies? Well now you have your answer! This book was pretty fast-paced and got to the action right away. I must say that I like the new addition of Snake, especially because of his habit of translating on behalf of his reptile friends who happen to be named mostly after writers. I also like this new reaper, Ronald and his quest to avoid overtime, even if his upgraded version of a scythe (a lawnmower) is a tad gruesome. ...more
This could be described as the "parlor scene" in most detective stories. The moment where the detective, or in this case Sebastian, reveals how he disThis could be described as the "parlor scene" in most detective stories. The moment where the detective, or in this case Sebastian, reveals how he discovered the killer and his motives. I did feel a bit bad for the professor who was unduly freaked out by this whole turn of events. This is kind of a "wrapping up" book, completing one arc and setting up the next. That being said, the next story line seems interesting. It looks like we're moving from "And then there were none" to "Titanic". ...more
Curse you Saga and your evil cliffhangers!! Curse you!! This was another excellent installation, but as always I want the next one!! This one had someCurse you Saga and your evil cliffhangers!! Curse you!! This was another excellent installation, but as always I want the next one!! This one had some very touching moments and it is very interesting to see Hazel grow up (both how she develops as a character and how the illustrator draws her). This book also has some interesting developments. I really hope that Klara isn't out of the story for good because I still really like her as a character. I also really like Usher and Doff. even if I sometimes question their motives, they are a pretty cute couple. ...more
Now this is more like it! This book combined the black butler storyline with the classic mystery Agatha Christie style mystery. This is probably my faNow this is more like it! This book combined the black butler storyline with the classic mystery Agatha Christie style mystery. This is probably my favorite Black Butler book so far. I'm a sucker for the traditional stuck-in-a-mansion murder party theme. This has some pretty good twists too and I really need to get the next book....more
What the...? What?! What sort of cruel ending was that?! Not happy right now! Not happy! Hopefully, this whole Hikaru likes Haruhi thing will be resolWhat the...? What?! What sort of cruel ending was that?! Not happy right now! Not happy! Hopefully, this whole Hikaru likes Haruhi thing will be resolved quickly because I feel like this a pretty predictable setup. Haruhi will shoot him down in a way that allows them to preserve their friendship and then FINALLY Tamaki will let go of this incredibly uncomfortable "father" role and fall madly in love. Or at least that is what I predict....more
I'm not sure if I missed something from one of the earlier versions or if I'm running into a cultural road block, but I'm a bit confused about what a I'm not sure if I missed something from one of the earlier versions or if I'm running into a cultural road block, but I'm a bit confused about what a tanuki is. Anyway, that is one of the minor reasons why this one wasn't my favorite. I liked this series a lot better before everyone started falling in love with Haruhi. I thought their misguided attempts at seducing the student body was much more interesting and funny. I liked Tamaki's strange fascination with Haruhi, but the twins I've never really go on board with. The fact that all three of them came to the sudden realization that they love her at once seemed a bit forced. ...more
I still enjoy this series, but I liked it a lot better when only Tamaki had a crush on Haruhi and it focused on the actual host club. I didn't particuI still enjoy this series, but I liked it a lot better when only Tamaki had a crush on Haruhi and it focused on the actual host club. I didn't particularly care for Mei. Even though he was only briefly mentioned, I have to say that I love Haruhi's dad. He is pretty funny and has some good deadpan moments. ...more
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