Showing posts with label Contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary. Show all posts

Saturday, 10 October 2015

[MANGA REVIEW] Cat & Master Dog Cat & Master Dog by Ayano Yamane

Cat & Master Dog Cat & Master Dog by Ayano Yamane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Nope. Not what I was expecting and the ended was abrupt. I am never gonna get used to the seme being younger than the uke. Not my thing. The artwork was pretty of course. As expected from the works of the famous Ayano Yamane sensei.

* 12 August 2015

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Sunday, 22 February 2015

[REVIEW] Pregnant with His Werewolf's Baby (Lone Wolf Pack, #1) by Anya Byrne

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read from February 19 to 22, 2015 — I own a copy, read count: 1 


There are good and bad parts. Enjoyed a portion and the rest makes me cringe - especially the sex scenes; I could hear birds chirping, see unicorns prancing in the meadow with a brilliant rainbow background.

Then there's the usual glossed over mpreg technicality where one does not and should even start asking where's the womb and god forbid NEVER should you voice your concern over the birth channel. Just lay back and relax. Everything is going to be A-ok. You are carrying a miracle anyways.

A couple of the guys all of the guys in the book deserves a skirt each with a pack of complimentary tissues to catch those hormonal tears - pregnant or not.

Overall, the book gave me the impression of reading an online fanfiction rather than an actual book.


* Reviewed on 23rd February 2015



Tuesday, 30 December 2014

[REVIEW] Taken (Dragon's Egg #1) by Rennie Leigh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Recommended for: Mpreg fans
Read from December 21 to 25, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 
 


The generic storyline didn't stop me from liking it and I did enjoyed its premise quite a bit since it involves male pregnancy my all-time favorite theme. And the the dragon's reproductive system reminds me of another mpreg book called 'Acquainted with the Night' due to its almost similar impregnation technique of which by the way is like watching a birthing scene. Yet at the same time it made me wish for a prostate of my own.

I am happy that this time around the shifters involved aren't those overexposed furry kinds but of the scaly variety instead. While this is a shifters mating story whereby insta-love is common place like almost a given thing it is certainly refreshing to find the couple being rather rational with the attraction and deals with it realistically instead of tearing at each others clothes and sticking it in at the first opportunity. Much as I appreciate the slow burn romance I did also lament the long wait for some carnal action to take place. Almost half of the book was spent on courtship.

Although the book comes along with the BDSM tag, it was more like a garnishing on the side than anything substantial. The author was so very careful handling that extra seasoning that vanilla readers would not have problem reading it.

I find Sebastian a relatively likable character. Most of the humor comes from his cute awkwardness and straightforward personality. As for Gavin his alpha mate, his personality puzzles me sometimes. He lack the presence of an authoritative figure which he is supposed to be since he is a Dragon Lord with tons of underlings. He is too weak-willed to be a good leader.

While the story is considerably engaging the character's personality isn't very inconsistent. It's harder to connect with them when they are acting like they have multiple personalities when that's not supposed to be the case. The pacing needs a bit of fine tuning. And there is also some repetitions, typos as well as some plot-holes. Things like these isn't something I would expect from a non-indie published book. The publisher's editors should have polished all these rough edges before releasing the book.

Despite the hiccups I am still game on continuing the series as I am hoping for more breeding and impregnation scenes. An actual birth scene would be added bonus. I doubt Sebastian would be in the next book since series like this usually would leap onto different sets of couples for each installments. The most we could hope for was for Sebastian and Gavin to make more cameo appearances in future books within the series. I would miss seeing a very pregnant Sebastian being pampered by his overprotective mate.

This could have been a 4 stars but I would have to stick with a 3 stars for now.


Artwork by: The Queen of Owls
Art Title: Thorin/Bilbo Mpreg


BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Taken
Author: Rennie Leigh
Publication Date: December 17th, 2014
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-63258-709-1
Type: Novel, 53,690 words
Genre: Alternative (M/M), BDSM, Contemporary, Paranormal, Shape-shifter, Mpreg

Description:
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Consensual BDSM Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, capture, sex in partially shifted form, spanking, flogging, cropping, sex toys, HEA]

Life is simple. The only thing Sebastian Michael needs is a steady paycheck. Sebastian values his independence too much to let his secretive brother, Ed, pay his bills. He tried selling his paranormal romances with little luck. Looking for a steady job, he soon stumbles into a dragon's den pretending to be a BDSM club. Gavin Thorvald, the dragon lord and club owner, recognizes Sebastian as his mate and begins to woo the sweet human. Gavin worries about how to explain a dragon's reproductive cycle while Sebastian fears his past is catching up with him.

At the same time, hunters are attacking and Ed is taking an interest in Sebastian's new life. Just when Gavin has everything he wants, Sebastian is taken from him by the hunters. Gavin fears the worst as he heals from the hunters' attack. Once healed, Gavin begins a race against the clock to find his mate and save their egg.



WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| BOOKSTRAND ||★



* Reviewed on December 30th, 2014
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Monday, 10 November 2014

[REVIEW] Werecat: The Rearing (Werecat #1) by Andrew J. Peters

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read from November 02 to 09, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1


From day one Jacks met Benoit, the mysterious stranger was way creepy. Benoit was like a walking time bomb. Yet Jacks was curiously attracted to this imperious man with piercing green eyes that seems to dare him to stick around longer to make sense of this new feelings the guy invoke within him. They both seem to get on well enough and the sex was absolutely invigorating. Just when things are going swell, Jacks found himself on a crossroads situation when his summer vacation days was winding down and he needs to get back to college to finish his final semester. Benoit had given him an ultimatum; stay with him forever or leave and never see each other again. Was the amazing sex worth it? Did he really love Benoit enough to sacrifice his future for a guy he barely knew?

I liked the mysterious atmosphere, the dark undertone surrounding the story and it's non-traditional approach to a shifters story. Apart from that the werecat shifters truly display cat-like qualities in their behavior and personality. Cats are prideful, predatory and territorial. These traits are wonderfully portrayed in the werecat shifter. I also enjoyed the primal and animalistic qualities the story has.

So here comes the not so great parts. I found that the constant flashbacks disrupts the flow and tension of the story. I am don't mind stories that employs flashbacks but excessive usage of it is not a good sign especially when the last thing you ever wanted was for the reader to cool down after building up the story's intensity and pace. It's like fishing, you don't slacken the string once you got em on the hook. I felt like someone just interrupted the best part of a juicy story I was so engrossed on. Not one time but repetitively. Bummer right?

There's also the issue with weak execution of character's motivation which would abruptly yank me out of the story. I felt the need to question why the character would perform irrational or contradictory actions when there isn't sufficient motivation for it. Last but not least, was that some part of the plot defies logic so much so that it's rather jarring.

This story does have it's potential despite the shortcomings. I would still continue with the series since I have already bought book 2 and 3 in advance.

Overall, love the premise and descriptive writing even-though wonky execution fucked it up quite a bit.


BOOK DETAILS:
Publication Date: May 28th, 2013
Publisher: Vagabondage Press LLC
ISBN: 9781301415519 (Smashwords Edition)
Type: Novella, 21,130 words
Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance

Description:
or Jacks Dowd, a college senior who feels ungrounded from his family and life in general, an alcohol and sex-infused weekend in Montréal sounds like a pretty good escape. His Spring Break binge takes a detour when he meets Benoit, an admiring drifter with startling green eyes. A hook-up turns into a day, two days, and then a full week in Benoit's hostel, making love and scarfing down take-out food. But at the end of the week, Benoit demands that Jacks make an impossible choice: stay with him forever, or go back to college and never see him again.



WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★



* Reviewed on November 10th, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*



Previous Comments:
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Monday, 20 October 2014

[REVIEW] P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Read this ages ago in paperback. Back then this book was such a hype. Funny thing is I am not part of that worshipful crowd for this sappy romance. In fact, the protagonist gets on my nerve most of the time and I just felt like wanting to give her a good strong kick to help her out of that whiny, self-pitying existence. I even felt the same with the film adaptation of it. Ugh.

The only reason why I did eventually finish it was wholly because the of the engaging storyline and I do love it when characters goes pack a bag and wander off to exciting places, doing things they usually wouldn't dare to do.



* Read ages ago but reviewed on October 20th, 2014

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Monday, 13 October 2014

[REVIEW] Jimmy by Luke Hartwell

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Lena♥Ribka
Recommended for: Those who love slow burn romance and realistic stories.
Read from October 12 to 13, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1



A piercing arrow to the heart, followed by a cube of sugar to the soul soothing away the pain of regret. Then a glimpse of what may come to be for those courageous enough to seek.
Love is love. Love is gender-blind.
Love is without boundaries.

Poignantly evocative vignettes of innocent young love tested by hardship and separation. The story felt so real it could be happening somewhere right now at this very moment. A moving story of two childhood friends going through the trial of growing up. There's reminiscence of good times and laments of lost opportunities; of what-could-have-beens if only courage was within their reach where it counts most.



The story may be short and the pace was initially too slow for my liking then it grew on me and the last part stole my heart and breath away. Some might complain that the story is too short, yet I am in awe that in mere 6,050 words the impact is greater than a full length novel. I for one, wouldn't be forgetting this heartfelt romance anytime soon. I really dig well-paced slow burn romances. Aside from that, the impression the story made is deeper than I had first thought the longer I ponder on it. Somehow this story is like a short version of Brokeback Mountain although the storyline itself bears no similarities. It's just a feeling I had after reading it. Felt like having watched a good movie that lingers on your mind. I have to thank Lena♥Ribka for recommending this little gem to him. She's got good taste.

On a side note, I was reminded of these two quotes which I wholeheartedly agree with and find to be a great motivator in times of weakness.


Never say never. Why try to limit your possibilities? Just go out there and take that fall if need be, at least that way you wouldn't have to face a lifetime of regrets after it. Life is too short for self-doubts.


BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Jimmy
Author: Luke Hartwell
Publication Date: August 25th, 2012
Type: Short Story, 6,050 words
Genre: Gay Contemporary Romance

Description:
Rainbow Award-winning author Luke Hartwell once again explores the relationship between gay and straight best friends in this sparse, moving story. Chris has been in love with his best friend Jimmy since childhood. While Chris is at college, Jimmy is sent to prison. Now Jimmy is free once more and the two meet again.



WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★


* Reviewed on October 13th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*



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Saturday, 11 October 2014

[REVIEW] The Archers of Kynthos by K.M. Harty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: My Own Story Prompt at M/M Romance Group at GR
Read from August 09 to 17, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1



My name is emblazoned on this book and it's my first story prompt. How cool is that?

This story is based on my first ever story prompt. I finally had the courage to try writing one this year for Love's Landscapes the M/M Romance Group's yearly story prompt and writing event where both readers and writers come together creating countless free stories for the benefit of M/M fans.

Since I am those extra deviant type, I had to try my luck fishing for a story that blends two taboo erotica themes together; Tentacle Sex + Mpreg. In my case, it's the best of both worlds for me. Truthfully I have been waiting around for such a story to happen yet I couldn't find any so far. I knew I had to take take matters into own hands for the birth of such sexual boundaries pushing story and hope for it to be a catalyst to bring forth more of such stories in future.

THIS IS MY PROMPT PICTURE:
Artist: Rune Olsen
Sculpture Title: For Everything I Long to Do

I have hidden my prompt under this spoiler tag for the benefit of shortening the lenght of this review. (This is NOT A SPOILER. So click click click):
(view spoiler)


HERE'S MY FEEDBACK ON THE STORY:
I am going to draw a list here on the important parts.
~ Captivity/Confinement: All is well here other than why on earth did they need to be so abusive to the protagonist since he is someone the captor deemed as utmost importance and worth? Shouldn't he be pampered and kept safe for their later depraved usage?
~ Forced Breeding/Impregnation: Rough. Plain torture. There wasn't much details on the impregnation process just rough painful fucking.
~ Tentacle Sex: Uh oh, it didn't trigger my happy button here. Zero erection. Being a tentacles sex fan, getting aroused by those rapey perverted tentacles is a MUST. It's the climax of reading tentacles erotica. Sadly this was more of a horrific torture event than an arousing encounter. Besides I was really hoping for some forced orgasm action especially those forced multiple orgasm. It's unfortunate the tentacle sex here was used as a torture tool instead. Obviously it's a turn-off for tentacle sex fans since we would naturally look for the sensual and erotic appeal of tentacle sex.
Spoiler:
It was quite disappointing that the tentacles creature did not make any other appearances after that rape scene which was in the early chapter. And there's no longer any mention of it throughout the story. It serves merely as tool to produce that singular tentacle sex scene. Yet I did see it as a blessing as the poor MC need not suffer anymore excruciating sex. I would sing a different tune if that tentacle sex was orgasmic though.
~ Male Pregnancy on troubled waters: Love the way the MC struggles to adapt with his pregnancy; trying to come to term with his bizarre situation. Watching his coping mechanism alienates him from the baby in his womb. The explanation on how the pregnancy could occur was a bit vague but I do appreciate it was at least there.
~ Birth Scene: On-page birth scene just as I wish for.
Spoiler:
But FUCK. It's a freaking natural birth! Not that I don't appreciate it. It's just that I couldn't figure out how exactly the MC's plumbing works now? I've read Mpreg story with natural birth before but at least it was made possible with scientific manipulation and the mechanism was explained. Thing is, this story had left this important part out. So... does the MC even take a shit now? O.o
~ Forced Seduction & Forced Marriage: Not bad, I kinda enjoy the angst here. This is where the story rack up points from me.


Why 4 stars then? Well, irregardless of those niggling issues I still find this story to be engaging and interesting. Especially enjoyed the whole drama between the protagonist and his controlling borderline psychotic lover plus his denial about the whole pregnancy thing kept me reading and wanting more.

I am happy to say that K.M. Harty make it a point to deliver everything I've listed on my story prompt and more. For that, I am deeply grateful and thankful for her effort.


Hey, I just found another this other picture which has the view of what's happening at the other end.
Artist: Rune Olsen
Sculpture Title: For Everything I Long to Do

And this one is another perspective with a close up.
Artist: Rune Olsen
Sculpture Title: For Everything I Long to Do

Apparently this awesome sculpture was based on this PHOTOSHOPPED PICTURE
Sorry, I am too chicken-shit to post it here. So you will just need to follow that link to the goodies kay.


BOOK DETAILS:
Author: K.M. Harty
Publication Date: July 22nd, 2014
Publisher: M/M Romance Group
Type: Novella, 24,937 words
Genre: Gay Paranormal Erotica
Tags/Keywords: mpreg, tentacles sex, gods, cult, abduction, captivity, betrayal, mating, forced seduction, forced marriage, forced breeding, impregnation, dub/non-con, rape, torture, male giving birth, birthing

Description:
He was being held down, unable to control the thing that was now on top of him. He didn’t know how many arms, legs or tentacles this thing had, but they were all over him, and in him. With everything that was happening around him, all he was able to do was take what the monster was doing to him. Why they were doing this to him he had no idea, but all he could hope for at this point was death.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Dear Author,
He has been down here for a couple of days already; he could tell by the streams of lights through the small openings high up surrounding the edges of the high wall. At first he thought it would be stuffy and hot, curiously it was rather cold. It must be the damp packed-earth wall around him. The wall was at least several metres high. Even so, that was not the only deterrence stopping him from leaving this prison he had been unceremoniously dumped into. He knew that he would be a permanent fixture here unless someone saw fit to release him from the sturdy chain attached to the iron collar resting on his neck.

They would come in two or three persons, at fixed intervals each day, to provide him with sustenance and attend to his personal grooming. He had no idea why they were fastidious about his cleanliness and health. He couldn’t shake off the ominous feeling that he was being fattened up like a lamb before a sacrifice.

Photo Description:
A statue, that looks as if it is floating in water, of a man with an octopus surrounding the lower half of his body. The man appears to be fighting it off and in pain.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.



DOWNLOAD THIS FREEBIE HERE:


* Reviewed on October 1st, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*



PREVIOUS COMMENTS on 25th July 2014:
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Friday, 26 September 2014

[MANGA REVIEW] Oyaji! Arisawa-san'chi no Hanashi [Daddy! Arisawa Family] by Sakuya Kurekoshi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read from September 25 to 26, 2014, read count: 1

A fun coming-out story that explores single parenting. Would Tomoki and Naoya's relationship be accepted by his super macho straight dad? Since Tomoki's lover is one year older than him and they are actually childhood friends, would Naoya have a change of heart as her grows older? Inexperience and immaturity was also an issue that caused conflict in their budding relationship.

The story was quite engaging but the artwork could be confusing at times. I kept mixing up characters due to their similarities. I think the mangaka (manga artist) really needs to work on creating more distinctive characters to avoid such issues.


Thursday, 25 September 2014

[MANGA REVIEW] Hikaru no Go, Vol. 23: Endgame by Yumi Hotta

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Read on September 25, 2014 


Frustrating and Unsatisfying manga. I've been DUPED.

I have never before felt so UNSATISFIED with a manga that I have been fairly enjoying. This manga managed to capture my attention eventhough I have zero knowledge about the boardgame it was centralised around. Yet it is also one to let me down terribly.

I felt cheated since I couldn't even have a lick at that dangling carrot the mangaka had used throughout the story to command her reader's interest. Reading this manga has ZERO rewards since characters you root for wouldn't get the prize they rightfully deserved. And the long promised showdowns between important characters did not materialize. What further can I say? I felt duped. It's like telling the readers that hardwork is bullshit and unrewarding. Plus, geniuses can for fuck off!



Wednesday, 24 September 2014

[MANGA REVIEW] Hikaru No Go (Book 15) [ ヒカルの碁 15、さよなら] ] by Yumi Hotta

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Read from September 23 to 24, 2014, read count: 1 


2 Stars because I felt sad for Sai. What happened in book 15 is very unfair to him. It was like he is just a tool, a stepping stone to be discarded when no longer needed. Where is the reward? After waiting for a millennia and this is the answer?

I am glad Hikaru is in a slump now. He should be, as it serves him right since he dared to forget who brought him into the Go world in the first place, tutoring him and encouraging him all the way. I do agree that Akira could be the catalyst to rev up Hikaru's passion to succeed in the world of Go but without Sai guiding him Hikaru could not have attain such heights of success in such a short time.

Actually part of why I am reading this manga after I've finished with its Anime version was a tiny hope that the story in the manga would answer Sai's unresolved wish since the manga does continues where the Anime had left off. The other reason was simply because I am missing Sai very much.


Saturday, 26 July 2014

[REVIEW] Falling Angels by Cari Waites

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: ARC from author.
Recommended for: fans of dark fiction/tragedy
Read from July 04 to 17, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 



Innocent angels, desecrated by greed of man. Wings stolen and defiled they became Earthbound lost souls.

Falling Angels is definitely another dark, soul shattering story just like the rest of Cari Waites' work. Her stories are always unconventional and unpredictable. A story with sex trafficking as a theme combine with violence and torture of the body and soul is indeed heart-wrenching to read.

Despite feeling drained of hope, mutilated and stripped of humanity, Arkady is never ready to return to his maker. His will to live is like a self-sentenced prolongation of his agonies. He would live and breath and fuck for his masters. Their cruelty were relentless yet Arkady could never hate them. His biggest fear was to be worthless to his masters for that would only lead him to certain death. Arkady is crippled without a master.

Be warned that this book is not about love or redemption, it is about lost hope and dreams, total erasure of identity, harsh reconditioning of young men into mere sex object, a tragedy of lost innocence and lives. Even with most of the too hardcore stuff off-page, there's ample other disturbing events and elements to drag readers to the darkest void. Truthfully, I am actually finding it hard to feel the eroticism within its pages although it has body-modification which is one of my favorite kink in erotica.

Photo credit: Fotophi @ Deviantart


BOOK DETAILS:
Author: Cari Waites
Publication Date: June 27th, 2014
Publisher: Self-pub
Genre: Gay erotica fiction
Type: Short-story, approximately 12,600 words
Major characters:
Spoiler:
Dima aka Arkady (18 yo boy from Arkhangelsk, Russia), Marcus (Slave dealer/human trafficker), Mr. Grace (wealthy slave owner), Troy (detective/police), DCI Harper (Troy's superior)
Keywords/Tags:
Spoiler:
drugging, sold into slavery, pornography filming, human trafficking, sex slave, slavery, prostitution, Stockholm syndrome, rape, extreme body modification, piercings, tattoo, sensory deprivation, blindfold, bodysuit, bondage, castration, objectification, dehumanization, noncon, torture, abuse, violence

Description:
Arkady is a legend.
Arkady is an angel.
Arkady is a slave.

Troy is a voyeur.
Troy is a rescuer.
Troy may be a monster.

This 12 600 word story includes explicit content, including: m/m, non consent, slavery, violence and torture. All characters are 18 years or over.



WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| AMAZON ||★



* Reviewed on July 26th, 2014
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NOTE: This is an ARC (Review Copy) extended to me by the author.



Previous Comments on June 28th, 2014:

(view spoiler)


Friday, 25 July 2014

[MANGA REVIEW] Ai No ShintairikuAi No Shintairiku by Nari Yamada

Ai No ShintairikuAi No Shintairiku by Nari Yamada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A fun story of a vivacious high school girl who is actually a male following his true inner self to live as a female. Despite his family's objection and having to face a judgmental society, he wasn't fazed and his resolves remains strong. I admire that Nikomata kun does not let fear rule him as fear would only prevents life. Seeing him living each day so full of zest and determination is inspiring. Although the manga addresses a heavy subject but the comedic mixture (mostly of Nikomata's silliness) helps lighten the mood. Art wise this manga wasn't up to my personal expectation. The illustrations are simplistic and mediocre. Hence I could only give this a 3.5 stars.



* Reviewed on July 22nd, 2014

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Wednesday, 2 July 2014

[MANGA REVIEW] Kokou no Hito (The Climber) by Shinichi Sakamoto, Yoshiro Nabeda, Hiroshi Takano

Kokou no Hito, Volume 1-17 (Kokou no Hito, #1-17)Kokou no Hito, Volume 1-17 by Shinichi Sakamoto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Read from June 20 to 28, 2014, read count: 1



Dark, dramatic and powerfully captivating. Absolutely not a typical sports manga.

Kokou no Hito is a unique manga experience with dark and complex storytelling combined with breathtaking artwork that captivates the mind and soul. Since this manga was a Seinen category, both the plot and the theme focused on heavy subjects which are intense as well as disturbing in nature. The story explores role of emotion, morality, rationality in human reason when pushed to to the edge of survival. The mountains is no place for the weak, the same goes for those below the mountains. Above or below, only the fittest will survive and prosper.

This riveting manga series was inspired by Kato Buntaro, he is one of Japan's famous solo mountaineer of the early 20th century. Buntaro began his winter solo moutaineering career in February 1928 in the Hyōnosen mountains and from then on he couldn't stop climbing until he drew his last breath on Mount Yari.




In Kokou no Hito we follow an extremely introverted protagonist, Mori Buntarou as he progress from high school climbing to professional high-altitude mountaineering and later as a challenger of the untrodden K2 East Face. K2 was known as the holy grail of mountaineering and also as 'The Savage Mountain' due to countless lives lost to it. Even though it was only the second highest mountain in the world, it was far more hazardous than Everest. Until now the eastern face of K2 was untrodden land because it has the hardest and deadliest routes.


As opposed to many other readers who finds it hard to relate to the protagonist, I am completely enamored by him for I truly admire his character and personality despite his shortcomings. I do believe he can't function well with people around him due to severe anthropophobia. This makes him a true loner and an outcast to society. And it is also one of the reason why is he drawn to the mountains all the time. I find him fascinating and quite a romantic person. Romantic not in the sense of being in relationships but the sentimentality of his being. His heartstrings quivers at the slightest provocation and sometimes this trait of his maddens me. I am torn between wanting to embrace and protect him from harm and wishing to knock some sense into him, hard.

Despite not being a sports fan myself, I was highly intrigued by the mountaineering technical details presented in this series. The mangaka did so well with it that a layman like me finds it easy to follow and appreciate the mountaineering aspect of the story. The realistic portrayal of mental and physical challenges faced by the mountaineers was insightful and eye-opening. Apart from that what makes this manga unputdownable was the thrilling conflicts sparked by feuds and controversies in Mori's life especially in the world of mountain climbing. When it comes to extreme sport like mountaineering, your life literally lies in the hands of your teammates and theirs in yours. Therefore mountaineering as a team could potentially turn into harsh trial of humanity where ethics and morality are stretched as thin as the air in high-altitude.





































I would highly recommend this manga to matured readers especially to those with broad-minds and appreciative of visual metaphors. I am glad to learn that Kokou no Hito won an award at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival in year 2010. This exceptional manga absolutely excels in terms of its fine artwork, amazing character arc, compelling storyline and its great sense of place. There's also good balance between the sport and slice of life aspect, both elements blended really well together. I wish I could watch a film adaptation of this manga in the near future. I already felt like I am missing out because I couldn't read the original novel of this story by Jiro Nitta sensei as it was in Japanese and there's no translation for it at the moment. But I do count my blessings for the existence of this manga in English scanlation. I vow to own the entire series in paperback should one day Kokou no Hito was ever licensed in English. It is totally worth collecting.




BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Kokou no Hito (The Climber)
Associated Names: 孤高の人 / 孤高之人 / 고고한 사람 / Ascension / Koko no Hito / The Climber
Mangaka: Shinichi Sakamoto
Author: Shinichi Sakamoto (art and story from volume 4 onwards), Yoshiro Nabeda, Hiroshi Takano
Publication Date: 2007
Type: Serialized Manga (17 Volumes) based on the novel by Jiro Nitta
Genre: Seinen, Sports, Drama, Slice of Life, Contemporary
Tags/Keywords: dead friend(s), death, accidents, suicide, deliberate loner, guilt, hiking, loneliness, loner protagonist, rock climbing, mountaineering, soul searching, social outcast, time skip, tragedy, mature


Description:
On his first day of transferring to a new high school, a loner named Mori Buntarou, is cajoled by a classmate into climbing the school building. Despite knowing that one misstep could send him spiraling to his death, he moves forward, and upon finally reaching the top, Mori experiences a sense of fulfillment. That feeling, which seems to be telling him, "You're alive!" gives birth to an adrenaline for rock-climbing.

*From volume 4 on, Sakamoto Shinichi has done both story and art.



* Reviewed on July 2nd, 2014

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Tuesday, 27 May 2014

[REVIEW] Stockholm Syndrome (Stockholm Syndrome #1) by Richard Rider

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Aimee
Recommended for: Not able to recommend this.
Read from May 22 to 27, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1


DNF at 11%. I've tried. I had actually wanted to go beyond 20% to see if things would work out for me and if the writing would improve, but unfortunately it kept grating on my nerves ever since page one. I might try again if I have nothing better to do.

What didn't work for me:

1) Writing Style - it sucks!
- The narrative structure is a mangled piece of framework. To sum up, it was inarticulate.
- Spent half of the time trying to figure out who is talking, who said what. It's a major distraction, a story flow breaker.

2) Characterization - also sucks!
- Absence/lack of motivations in the characters makes it hard to understand them or make sense of their action and rationality. They are so daft it's a pain to read on. I felt like putting a bullet into Lindsay and Pip's empty heads.
- They have zero common sense and the things they do is utterly unreasonable. Brainless bunch really.
- Exaggerated reactions like wanting to pass out just from someone licking cum off his fingers. One would think the poor guy was locked in chastity for eons.

3) Far-Fetched Storyline
- Just too many unrealistic situations to recount. Conflicts was resolved so sloppily that it does not make any sense.
- I am SO not buying the attraction between Lindsay and Pip. This is not even instant-attraction it's sudden-attraction.

Okay so these are the reasons I couldn't go on reading. Besides that the so called sexy scene in the car at the beach gave me goosebumps. Not in a good way kind. Ugh! Pip is just so slutty and Lindsay was behaving like an overexcited fumbling teenager.

I would have to have the willpower of a saint to re-attempt this book again. I am still puzzling over all those 5 stars ratings. What really happened? Why all the rave and hype? Damnit! I am still curious bout this and I am dying to find out for myself. If only I could push on.



* Reviewed on May 27th, 2014

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Friday, 23 May 2014

[REVIEW] Mated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan

Mated to a MonsterMated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Recommended for: Not recommended
Read on May 23, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Promising premise. BUT... Characterization FAILED. Plot FAILED.

The story could have been great for me as I happen to love such premise.


So what sucks?

  • Info dumping (for example: describing the monster in one fell swoop)

  • Impossible vantage point (for example: how on earth could the MC tell if the monster have any tail on his behind when the creature was facing him and he has just finished describing its sexual organ to us?)

  • MC exhibits missing and inadequate motivations for actions makes him highly unrealistic (for example: how on earth can a person think of food when a hulking King Kong was inches from your face and you have no way of knowing if you might be his snack at the very moment?)

  • Lack of plot (this book has lots on eating, cooking and daily mundane stuff but nothing big ever happen nor did it have any conflicts to drive the story)

  • Odd/Weird Word Choices (for example: What the fuck is 'sitting tailor-fashion'? Then cum was replaced with 'white stuff' and 'creamy stuff'. Orgasm was described as 'discharging sperm' or 'squirting white stuff'. NOT sexy at all and this is supposed to be erotica damn you!)

  • Tons of telling and telling and telling and more telling (It was all about, this and that happened and then this this this and that plus more of this happened)


And damnit! My dream for another Bloodraven meaty arm-size peen busting tight ass was blew to smithereens!




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Monday, 19 May 2014

[REVIEW] Trigger by Susan Vaught

Trigger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Recommended for: Everyone from 14 years old and above.
Read from May 17 to 18, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Suicide victims often times are misunderstood by others. Many tends to be judgemental of them, calling them selfish, attention seeker or even mad. Suicides account for twice as many deaths as AIDS and over half of suicide deaths are by firearm.

Jersey Hatch is the voice of all those vulnerable, troubled teens out there. Vaught has crafted him based on her experience of working with young people as a practising neuropsychologist.

Jersey suffered permanent physical and neurological impairment after a botched suicide attempt. His sentences are often punctuated with random odd words in between and half of his body no longer work like it used to be. A big chunk of his memories leading to the day he shot himself in the head was obliterated after the tragic attempt to end himself. The Jersey After has no recollection as to why he pulled the trigger that day. Together we navigate along with him through his unsynchronized mind as he tried to piece everything together again while he faced hardships due to his disabilities and from his family, friends and teachers. Would the truth give him the peace he needed to finally settle down or would it cause him to want to pull the trigger for the second time?

Trigger gave us insights to a suicidal teen's mind enabling us to better understand this widespread devastating act of self harming. Aside from that it also explored the aftermath of suicide on family members, friends and those around the victim. The book represents a wake up call to us to start paying more attention to those we cared about, start to listen more, judge less, for you might save a life.

I would say that Vaught handled the theme of this book really well. It wasn't judgemental or clinical, she let the readers decide for themselves based on what they see -- this would create deeper impression on the messages within. As extra food for thought, she even managed to raise several other social issues such as parenting, school bullying and also the responsibility and risk of firearm ownership. Although Trigger addresses a heavy subject, it wasn't a difficult book read as I have first thought it would be. Vaught has included the right amount of humor to smooth out the rough edges. I admit to burst out laughing many times because of the humorous situations Jersey unintentionally created due to his runaway mouth.

Frankly there are some plot holes that chips away bit of the realism but it wasn't that big of a deal and since the book did achieved its aim on creating awareness on suicide, it didn't bother me that much.

I would highly recommend this book to older teenagers and to adults as well. In fact, everyone should read this book. Knowledge could save lives - even your own life. Prevention should always be the first step.


FACTS
Know that...


Consider this statement below before you act on your impulse or start judging others...
IMPORTANT to continue reading about the above statement here: Metanoia


BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Trigger
Author: Susan Vaught
Publication Date: April 10th, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary
Type: Novel, approximately 75,000 words
Main Characters: Jersey Hatch, Mr&Mrs Hatch, Leza Rush, Todd Rush, Mama Rush
Tags/Keywords:
Title of Spoiler:
brains, brain damage, patients, rehabilitation, gunshot wounds, suicide, wounds and injuries, teenager, depression, school bullying, firearm, parenting, stigmatize
Description:
Jersey Hatch seemed to have it all together-he played sports, was popular, had a great girlfriend, best friend, and supportive parents. But when he emerges from a recuperative care center, all that is gone, his legs and hands don't work right, his mouth says every word that pops into his brain, and he has to write down his thoughts so that he remembers even the most basic directions and details. Through it all, one question haunts him: why did he try to kill himself


This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:


WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| BLOOMSBURY ||★|| AMAZON ||★|| BARNES&NOBLE ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★



* Reviewed on May 19th, 2014

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