[SHORT REVIEWS] #37

Never say never.

Well, this is another Korean edition, because who knew I would find several interesting stories and some that are good!

BOOKS

KOR

Rosetta

I already posted an entire post about this story. But I still want to emphasize that so far it is such an entertaining story, with such a great main female character who is strong and kind and resourceful. Very positive male lead. A lot of fantasy-type content, intrigue. It's very fast-paced and great to me, so I hope the rest of this story is same great as it is now.

Venom Lady

This is such a rollercoaster. I love this type of unhinged female character.

You can say that she comes from Murim, to me it's similar to cultivation world. And when she was ambushed and had her soul extracted she reversed it to give to her little sister instead. She thought she would die from this but she wakes up in a completely different space, fantasy world. Very different from hers. And her situation is grim right now - because she is accused of poisoning her husband the Third Prince. But she is framed by that very Third Prince if we speak the truth.

We don't like him at the beginning, but you can feel the tension between them.

So how the things went, it's like first 20 chapters. She is woken up and realizes she resides in a body of a Rowan Oult, a girl who comes from a dangerous area full of poisonous flora and fauna (just right for our girl, dream home!) she wants to get there asap, but at first she needs to get rid of these people. Og Rowan was abused and taken to be the wife of third prince by the Empress, she should have poisoned the prince, but because she fell for the prince she ingested the poison herself, so she was in worst condition (best for our FMC she uses poison as cultivation). Now she is accused for poisoning the prince who lies as if dead, but he is not dead, hewanted to frame his wife for assassination before he will rise and create the legend. She woke up earlier because she is immune to poisons unlike him. But out girl made an antidote and fed him, stubborn prince didn't even want to wake up so she kissed him. Imagine the surprise.

But at least for prince everything ended as he planned, at least he created a legend about himself, Empress was pissed and FMC asked to be sent back since she's a suspect and she will wait for the investigation to be done, but everyone knows it won't happen. She happily goes home with minimum people. But before that with a bit of cultivation she collected she meets the prince and asks him for a divorce, but now the prince who is interested in her (really guessed randomly that there is new person in her body, but it was just a guess he dismissed) refuses to divorce her. They had a knife to sharp pin confrontation that was full of tension and her inner monologue about how he made her want to cultivate and beat his ass and drag that face through mud made me love her more. Is it weird?

Also I love that imagery is more detail at times. Like the picture doesn't feel as empty as it is in many stories.

They travel and one of the maid unsatisfied with her fate decided to run away with a knight but she also poured oil and wanted to lit it all on fire, creating "accident", but I like that like in movies the plan isn't perfect and there is always a human factor, one maid wakes up whose belongings were reached out for. They have a  fight, the fire starts and people run away except for a rigidly natured knight who thinks Rowan is inside the carriage (she is not) and a mute maid. The number of people accompanying decreased when those who ran away were caught and some even executed by Legion Vectus (I don't know, the name sounds cool to me). I also read Ruby's because it's more coherent. He provides home and thanks FMC for not letting the fire spread, but asks to leave soon since they have a curse, the girl after listening is like - nah, it's a poison and it's my thing.

Indeed it is, it's a huge poisonous salamander (see those little babies surrounding her on the cover, I think she will leave them fromt his time) and she defeats it, quite cool fight scene. She doesn't mind getting things dirty or getting hurt. I also like the details how it is described her nailtips getting black when she uses poison.

It is a pity that the cover doesn't really rely that she has different colored eyes, one is greener while other is more yellow. But she looks gorgeous. Pity they often use this modern type of dress for fantasy settings. But I love the colors. Dark green, very rare~

Can't wat to read mroe!

At the end of betrayal, I found paradise

I LOVED THIS.

I still ahve to finish it, but if this story will be as beautiful as it is now, it wll be a great reading experience for those who love historical romance.

The beginning is a bit cliche, with Helena being divorced by her husband because she couldn't conceive, but his lover (who is actually someone Helena found and helped) is now pregnant.

Although she is a victim, she is still talked about a lot and she can't do anything about it, she is shamed by her bitchy mother and sent to her grandfather to recuperate, but basically out of public eye, which is truly cruel. But Helena does have some issues now which is her fear of being in public and she feels like everyone knows her and discusses her, basically paranoia.

She arrives at her grandpa who she visits for the first time, again because of he rmother, and she starts her daily life.

But she is not the only guest resident, there is also Alexander, he is a war hero who refuses to be back to the capital, since he hates all the fanfare around him and wants a quiet life.

The two have absolutely great banter, they start with sparks that end in flames.

They also care for each other and begin the healing they needed so much.

I really didn't expect much from something with a catchy title like that, but it is a lovely story, the feelings are burning and Alexander is such a sweet man. But the only problem that stays between them is that he is not only a hero to everyone, but also a Duke. While Helena is a divorced woman. Alexander is ready to handle everyone and everything to protect her, but Helena does not want to be that blemish on him. She loves hima nd wants to be together, but is aware her past will drag him down.

I'm half-way through, I have my thoughts on how they might come to terms and be together through thick and thin, but I'm not sure if I'm right, we'll see. But it's such a great story, very tender, very romantic.

I seduced the mastermind with an aphrodisiac

That's such a melodramatic title, but the story itself is kinda like that.

Cynthia is a girl who grew up in abuse before her grandmother took her away from her family, she is currently a very talented apothecary.

We have our fmc who is reborn as her, she also is very knowledgable in medicine, so it fits like a glove. But the bigger issue is, the abusive family, her grandma is dead now (actually murdered) and her family presses her into unwanted marriage.

She thought she was a twin sister, but there is a mystery behind it.

To save herself she offers her help to a cursed duke whose days are numbered as they say, al about the dragon curse, he may be the most powerful mage, but he will die if he won't unite with the fated person. Everyone thought it was the twin sister and promoted it as such (again, conspiracy).

But Cynthia knew it wasn't so, the Duke's end is bad and her sister Iris loved the prince and wanted to be with him.

Iris is the very one-dimensional ambitious character who wants to climb, first be a wealthy widow of the duke, then join hands with imperial family and marry the prince.

Imperial family is involved in the whole thing because they want to get rid of the Duke.

Cynthia actually makes him feel better physically, unlike pervious physicians, and she becomes his personal apothecary. She resides withing his grounds, away from her toxic family. But as time goes by they fall in love with each other, but she promised only several months of help and he is planning to marry her sister, since she is supposedly the fated person because of her name (he has name Iris on his body). 

But as the fate has it when Iris arrives in the Duke's estate to establish herself before marriage a lot happens and eventual Cynthia leaves. She loves MMC but she also wants him to live.

On the other hand MMC is not afraid of spending the last days of his life with a beloved woman, even if the time is short. But here is the conspiracy that come to light.

She is not the daughter of her family, she was taken away from her mother as a child, it happened in the palace, she was also cursed, her original name was Iris, her father was killed (framed as accident) and her mother went into labor. Her family belongs to magic tower and Palace wanted to weaken them. Emperor made the olda lady take the child, otherwise death. She takes it to her son and because both girls were born around same time she asked to make them twins, also their daughter was named iris instead, get it? switcheroo. But because she came out of nowhere they abused her and out of guilt and love the girl was taken away by the old lady of the house. before the story started.

FMC leaves on orders from Emperor, otherwise death, but she stays with the mage tower family, not knowing she's their relative, she wants to decipher her grandma's diary and MMC follows her since he decided to spend the best days with her. They marry and they make love and he stays alive, hurray.

meanwhile in the capital Iris marries his phantom in front of others, MMC left it as decoy. But imperial family wants to get their hands on the duchy and with Iris they can do it, they think. But our couple returns and Iris is thrown out. She plans a smear campaign, claiming it is her who revived duke, but he wasn't even around. I'm waiting to see how she'll be dealt wih since the entire imperial family sucks. I can feel they'll be overthrown, otherwise who needs those fuckers.

Emperor also got backlash from the curse, since it was broken. Hahaha, got his ass!

very entertaining, a lot going on... I actually put out too many spoilers.

How to love someone arrogant like you

This is a lovely short piece, very nice read, I completed it in no time.

The story is about Andrea who is taken from the streets by her father, she is an illegitimate daughter who lived outside, but when he lost his wife and sons she was his only blood alive.

So it's a story of rags-to-riches. 

Andrea embodies many contradicting sides to her, because despite her seeing how her mother withered day by day in her delusion that the marquis will return and take her back did not stop her from facing love. She does not fear it and even embraces it, she shows its' full form. But when it comes to being with Crown Prince Michael she realizes like no one else that her standing in society is not ideal and the only thing they could have is this illicit relationship she initiated.

but to her those were the days of cherishment like a dream she will remember forever, she was also realistic and quiet, not demanding anything. Eventually she decides to step back, because the time is up.

Michael on the other hand is a pampered prince, he was born with such high status and good looks, the world seem to be laying at his feet. He wasn't a scumbag, he tried not to give false hope by giving her treatment that was beyond what he could offer, but at the same time the more time they spent the more it felt like he doesn't realize his own feelings and looks at it rationally.

Only when it hits him he realizes that he loves her and is ready to bear the responsibility of protecting her. This is what I found endearing almost, that the love matured as well, it's not just a dreamy season of fantasy that will not last long, but actually facing reality and taking steps towards things to be done to have the woman you love.

there is a side-tracked piece where Andrea is engaged to other person whom her father deems best option, but this person is kinda creepy since he sees his past love in her. At first Andrea was not bothered by it, but her close maid Maria told her honestly that she could do anything, she shouldn't be burdened, she deserves happinness. She decides to leave. And soon after found by Michael who proposes (he was on his way to propose when he found she disappeared) and confesses his love and that he did not realize before, he felt guilty for the words that definitely hurt her.

The story ends at the proposal part and there are no side-stories, which I think is such a miss, but still it was a fine read. It had basic storyline, concentrated a lot on romance, oh yeah spicy scenes were also present.

For the Cursed Duke

The story feels interesting, moves fast. Has also a mystery element to it, since while FMC resides in the Duke's house there are many rumors about the murders of young ladies that will be used ahainst the cursed duke.

He actually wears a mask, not really sure how it looks, only that it's black. 

FMC is hired to be somewhat a companion, interpreter, anyway weird combo of things. While she resides in the house a lot of things happen outside, which someone to push towards the duke since it is easy to accuse him, due to all the bad rep.

Will see how it goes, so far it's pretty entertaining. But looking at its' length I'm like.. does it really need to be that long?

Monster Bride

Didn't read much, but the premise is really inetersting, also more fantasy elements are involved (what can I do when previously a lot of romantasy reads did not have any of fantasy, so why call it like that).

Anyway, FMC is reborn into a different body, this world has people with different abilities, either they can execute them freely or need an enhancer type of medicine. FMC was one of those but eas discarded when she served her purpose. Now she resides as a bride to some infamous lord who had three brides before her and she arrives at this delapitated house where she learns more and realizes that the lord is unregistered ability user (they have their own terminology) and he may be connected to another country. She also realizes that the body can wield ability when enhanced, thus she decides to use everything surrounding her while she's still here. Plans to leave one day and live a quiet life, she has no desire for revenge because she accepted her end in that life (she took her own life).

Promising premise with lots of mysteries surrounding this lord etc. also you can't see his face and it's relevant because he is like walking cloud where you can not see his face distinctly at any moment, like you see it an ddon't at the same time.

I love that the FMC is so badass.

MANHWA

(that's her little sister on the cover)

I will become the ex-wife of the Beast.

READ IT if you want to have some fun time, it's new, but it's super fun, I say this story wins a lot of being manhwa drawn in such a humorous way. I had a lot of fun time reading what is out ther at the moment.

It's obviously its' own retelling of Beaty and the Beast. Bella who takes a place instead of her sister in a political marriage since her father failed on one of his ventures again arrives at the archduke's house with her little sister Rose. Lot of fun times, Bella now takes her sister's name Elia in front of others, don't know if it'll last long. The Archduke wears a mask in front of others supporting the claim that his face was destroyed by a curse, but he is actually handsome. They clash immediately and have good tension, so I wait for more. Little Rose also made everyone fall for the little girl (she is only 4) and she is so funny and cutely drawn.

I will fall with the Emperor

Damn this is crazy one ahahahAHAAHahahHAH

It's like romantasy, plus bit of Bachelor, lot of intrigue and sassy Queen, sorry Empress, but she is such a diva.

This story is pretty ridiculous and very surface-level, but it is still entertaining in a way when you want some melodrama, rebirth and revenge story. FMC takes the central place in all of this and story revolves around her.

She is someone who is reborn to the past before a deal from the Emperor arrives, in her previous life she lived in lies of her family who even dyed her hair black just to make her look less like royalty, but because of her sister she attacked the Empire and in the end her family blamed everything on her when she failed and was apprehended. So she was executed and before her death had seen the true faces of her family.

Her personality has such drastic changes because diva is acting like no one else, confident, strong, she has best magical ability, anyway she is something.

She joins the Emperor, becomes the only Empress, bu the also has several concubines (he never sleapt with any, they're like contractual win-win situation wives). Here I do not mind that a lot of cat fighting happens, since some of those ladies are ambitious and our main girl, I like to call her Ras, she occupies the Emperor with her skill and also they are compatible souls.

The main plot is all about territories and who is with whom and how we may use our knowledge and power to make it play out so her former country will surrender. Thing is they have peculiar position among other countries, so this took some time, but it was fine.

But except for gorgeous faces I laughed many times because it was obvious this is done in haste and just to make appearances, but a lot of time the frames suffered from what I call "empty frames". For example some conflict happens, but you see 3 vs 3 and in the background which doesn't make sense too. Anyway, I can understand that drawing more would require too much labor, but it doesn't make it less funny.

In the end Ras gets rid of those girls that are too vicious and leaves only those who have skills and have good hearts. She and Emperor also slowly progress, but honestly except for their sweet moments when they almost daily create a picture of marital bliss when he lays down on her lap and they talk, nothing more happens. I think even first kiss happens quite late in the story. It still has some time to be finished, but the main story with complete revenge is over.

The baddest villainess is back

Well, this looks interesting. Haven't read the original novel, but like what I'm seeing on screen, very pretty, gorgeous artwork. Even though the story is a bit cliche that a our main girl feels lingering feelings to the fact that she could have had a different life if she was more open and honest, voicing her concerns instead of tantrums. Before the life of her family was changed drastically.

Badass female character, we love those. She is reborn and decides to distance from her family, but instead finds that things aren't as she thought them to be.

A lot of intrigue and stuff like that is promised to happen.

Oh yeah, they even have a country ruled by a woman so yay. Badass dominating women.

ANIMATION

 

Rick and Morty Season 2, Season 3, Season 4 (partially)

I actually never thought I'd return to watching this show ever. It's raunchy, it's gooey, gory (it's so gory like wtf ahahaha) etc. etc. I bet any fan of this show will run after me with a big bat and ask me not to say anything bad about it. I don't really want to, but I think it's quite ridiculous one. I don't take it seriously and that's how it is possible to watch it with a good laugh.

Considering trash entertainment stuff I consume I can't criticise. I only want to say that either I was not in the mood or something, I didn't vibe with the first season. But then on YT it recommended me the cuts from several seasons on their official channel and curiosity got the best of me and while I was watching I though tto myself - damn, this is so ridiculous holy fuck - that I decided to watch the full episodes.

But nothing beats Pickle Rick.

The Secret of Kells (2009)

I must say, I watched this solely because it's the same guys who produced song of the sea, but at the same time I should be honest that I didn't vibe with it, it's not my theme, it's pretty depressing honestly. I mean it even depicts how vikings breach the doors of Kells and they slaughter people, it's not gory, but the tragedy of human lives lost is heavily implied.

I know guys love their folklore, but it was kinda.. two parts made me question it. Like the snake part which lost its' second eye to the boy. And the second time was when they escaped he never returned to check on his uncle because the book was far more important. Just rubbed me the wrong way. Sometimes things should be done, it's the same like for a sailor to be away for months from his family, but at the same the human touch should not belost.

Anywa, I can see the message, the animation is beautiful, but not my thing.

Firefly Wedding / ホタルの嫁入り

UNHINGEEEED

Lol, just watch this one. It's a new one, but so entertaining.

The summary sound like this - Afflicted with a heart condition, Meiji-era noblewoman Satoko is determined to secure a marriage that will benefit her family before she dies. But before she can realize her goal, she's targeted by a mysterious assassin named Shinpei. In a last-ditch effort to save her life, she asks her would-be murderer to marry her. Her proposal isn't sincere, but unfortunately for her, Shinpei loves as intensely as he kills.

The animation is gorgeous, the characters are somethng else, the story is something that I never predicted (never saw the manga it is based on). Shinpei is the male lead right out of dark romance. And I must say I am amazed by Satoko, since she has a tough decision to make, she amazes me by her nature.

But I'm sure it's a story not for one season only.

Hello, I Am a Witch and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion! / どうも, 好きな人に惚れ薬を依頼された魔女です.

This is surprisingly entertaining. The title is so melodramatic, but the content is cute and surprisingly good. The animation is also on par, so it's not some cheap-looking animation that I stumbled upon while looking for new stuff, it's truly gorge. This little witch had a crush on this knight for a long time, but then one day he comes and asks for a love potion and the girl stalls the process. The story has different moments. But I found it interesting so I left it for watching. This season my anime list is longer than usual.

To this you can add Apothecary Diaries I will come to eventually but the next one is from last season?

Goodbye Lara / さよならララ

Absolutely stunning animation, such bold solid colors that my eyes became teary from beauty. Very interesting character design choice and the story itself!! It's a new take on the Little Mermaid, but to me it looks more like Ariel version. The first episode is full of everything, it's so packed I was overwhelmed but it was so cool. Will continue watching of course, since it is one of those series I chose through what I call 'let's watch the first episode and see how it goes".

Last in this list will be anime from Kyoto animation, I had no ide ait belong to them, so uncharacteristic of their style, I mean character design is there, but overall feel is kinda different.

Nijuuseiki Denki Mokuroku: Eureka Evrika / 二十世紀電氣目録-ユーレカ・エヴリカ-

It is the summer of 1907. 15-year-old Momokawa Inako lives in the Fushimi area of Kyoto, and is the second daughter of a sake brewer. Nothing she does ever comes out right, and she receives a scolding from her father every day. Her only relief is the trust she places in her prayers to the gods. One day while at Fushimi Inari shrine, she meets a freewheeling young man named Sakamoto Kihachi. He rejects the gods, and boasts of the incoming age of electricity.

As Kyoto animation it is really pretty, but baiting as like they did in the past haha

But it's good to see something fascinating from them.

The last thing to mention is nothing much but I had a good laugh at the Wyrd Sisters which I re-watched. While animation style isn't the prettiest some of the scenes really make you life when they come to life through it.

[Korean BG novel] Not the female lead, but an extra / 여주 말고 엑스트라

Honestly speaking, if you like the FMC of this story you will vibe with it, if you forgive her for her silliness and the way she is a simple type of person. But if you won't vibe with her then the story will be a horrible experience and you will simply drop this the next second.

This is how it heavily relies on the main character Seraphina.

I actually already posted a review, but I wanted to dive deeper and with some spoilers I suppose. Who am I kidding, there is no depth to dive, this is a reverse harem, transmigrassion, oblivious heroine, saintess that should save everyone type of story.

Our main girl is now Seraphina, an extra who dies in a battle few years later and then the story is revolving around the main character who will replace her and will amaze everyone by her purifying skills.

That's right, this is heavily relying on "fantasy", but mainly it's the same picture you can imagine it easily, since author doesn't dwell much to make it interesting (I'm sorry for the harsh truth) and every "battle" if you can call it is the Seraphina who purifies walking dead, leeches and other ungodly dark creatures. Location + undead + purification. With little to no details.

I'm sorry I am a fan of Heroes of Might and Magic III and I love the visuals of that game so to me all that should look cool, but author is not very descriptive.

I digress.

Anyway, Seraphina who was a Korean janitor, she likes to clean, is now Seraphina, she was recruited as a purifier, since it's a very rare type. They can clean areas contaminated by the dead. She is now meeting the first male lead of the story, big spoilers he will be the final boy too, Johann is the current Emperor and he tried to train Seraphina physically since she's such a wuss. Which is good for her survival, but honestly they never assign her any guards while she travels, which was weird to me. But because of her temperament of inner monologuing, which should be our main form of humor and entertainment as a reader, she can't tell things she thinks outloud, because she is afraid the Emperor and other two heroes. They are the strongest people in the Empire and it's not an eptu sound, they indeed are.

Although Johann starts to feel affected by Seraphina, it is impossible not to let her go and do the thing they recruited her for - purification.

Note: She doesn't train her talent because she intiially was to be sent to a place where Holy Knights reside and be trained by Mihael who is the best with this magic, but fate had it she was sent to North that required help first.

Seraphina always nagged about exploitation, but she couldn't say no, since she was a purifier (sounds liek a device, I know).

This is why she came to the North and came to know the third hero - Claude. He is darkk-haired, red-eyed type that resides in the North and always goes on campaigns to erradicate the dead. But the difference of having Seraphina is huge, the only thing is - she can't really control her power well. She wasn't properly taught.

Then comes the moment when she has to go to South where Mihael, the second hero resides and he trains her in a peculiar way. Honestly, he makes you hate him because he simply pushes her of the dunes to meet the undead and she uses her powers in fright.

For some time Mihael who came to appreciate the talent of Seraphina, because our girl is special of course, end of the book reveal, he sticks more to her and doesn't want to let her go, but she is needed in other places.

Johann on the other hand also wants to bring her back and this time concocts an agreement between the three that each takes a turn (lounds lewd kinda) and she spends time equally in each place, but mainly in the capital, before she is requested to travel. It horribly backfires, because for few years (shortened and not described in details) she travels back and forth and has a lot to say about all three.

The main conflict or better to say danger is about the number of undead increasing, which is unticlimictic tbh after you hear who is behind it. Spoilers, but just some dead dude from the past who wants revenge, but we don't care.

Johann is the one who recognized his feelings first and he was set to win Seraphina's heart.

The problem with others was that they acted like love interests but not really, having feelings was the last thing that came to them, but also their portrayal. Mihael was just obsessed, while Caluse was so rigid almost all the time and you don't talk to a lady like that.

The problem with Seraphina for the longest time was when she was too oblivious to those feelings. She always thought they are treating her good because of her powers. It actually wouldn't change even if the og female lead arrived, but by this time Seraphina took a special place. Yet Seraphina was still afraid of the battle that took her life in og story.

For some period she managed to get away and live in seclusion, but the three people searched for her. They managed to find her almost at the same time, also did it through different sources. It's relevent to the cover picture, since it shows her in that seaside village she took her roots in.

She was helped by a friend named Cyril, but I honestly think he's kinda creepy, mostly helpful, but the way of his stalking-like ehavior of knowing everything about her was over the top. He also wanted to isolate her to slowly get closer. But the three guys still found her. Btw Johann is pretty active so he wins the beauty.

The last part of the story is the final battle in the North where a bone dragon appears. Basically, it's one of the strongest creatures out there and they took a long time to defeat it, but something interesting happens. Aveline, og female lead, should have been a big part of this battle, but she lost consciousness and was knocked out for the entirety of it. While Seraphina had to fully sacrifice her power. There is a spell that allows to channel the strongest magic, but only thanks to the old wand she had it was possible not to sacrifice her life force. But she disappeared when she defeated the dragon and others who turned to ash.

Only three heroes believed she might still be okay. And boy Johann found her when remembered the words of mihael that she will go to the source. Thanks to Seraphina's magical horse which has unicorn blood they found the place. Like that Seraphina who returned actually defeated the guy herself. But she was knocked out in the process and found by Johann, happy ending for them.

She officially became the hero and the future Empress.

Anyway.

What made Seraphina good is her simple nature, she does what she needs to do, grumpily but still. Never holds grudges for long. She often got swayed by the handsome faces of heroes when she forgave them inside her head, but then they went and did somehing again so she would cry - I never should have trusted them! So it was part of the humor. She is the type of fearful animal that is started at by free hunters, so she knew their strength and was kinda afraid of going against it, even though at some point she openly could do so, hard tobreak the habit. In case of Aveline she just thought since the og female lead is here her time is up and she can exit and retire, but who knew heroes thought differently.

Three heroes had their own perks, but not really. Since the story is quite shallow.

Maybe it's bad to say, but reading this type of story or not won't chane a thing. It's quite basic, just exists for the reader of this type of story to have fun. has pros and cons. Especially when it comes to FMC, I found that if you vibe with FMC you might finish, if she gets on your nerves, then don't struggle.

RATE: 2,5/5. Right in the middle, since it's mid.

[Korean BG novel] I Broke Off My Engagement Then Got Married / 파혼했더니 결혼당했다

How could I express it better, this was a quite an okay story. It has tropes, surely, but it is also dynamic. Because of two main characters there is no drama bordering on ragedy.

The FMC is a strong-willed noble lady who has a lot of good qualities about her and with the situation she finds herself in she doesn't mop around but takes action. I like such strong characters instead of the usual situation that is so prevelent where she loves him and he doesn't reciprocate feelings, but then she leaves and he chases her. Here is the opposite situation, MMC loved FMC for years since the first time he saw her and saved her in an accident, but his act of kindness was appropriated by a second prince. FMC misplaced her affection on unworthy person and for years she tried to uphold his dignity, he didn't really do anything bad, but he wasn't that good either before the events where we start this book take place, when he pronounces that he breaks the engagement with her for the sake of another woman. It all sounds so cliche, but I honestly liked the development from here. Even if the royalty in this story will annoy the f out of you by being vile and also kinda stupid.

So the second prince asks to break the engagement, while she is a heir and a daughter of a Duke who supported his sorry ass, he doesn't realize the consequences for himself, but also doesn't care for what happens to her, since she loses prospects of marriage.

And all for the daughter of the baron, the basic ambitious lady who plays innocent image with her looks but aims high, but she totally doesn't realize the intricate workings of society, not to mention imperial family.

At this moment the MMC omes into the picture, I don't mention names because they're a mouthful. MMC's goal is simple - contract marriage for three years. But he actually does it so he can win her heart within that time period. She agrees because it is the best option for her. She can't become the one talked about even if she was the victim of the situation. Good thing the story relies heavily on status and doesn't just pounce around. I mean in her situation even she became the sole heir to the Duchy but the event of the broken engagement would hinder her, but the situation doesn't end there because imperial family is truly horrible and they were going to propose to her becoming a consort to the crown prince (the second wife basically) which tbh is humiliating i itself, especially when her father holds such a high rank and they helped the imperial family for so long, greed doesn't know boundries.

This is why going North as the Grand Duchess is the best option. And so they do. The marriage and everything happen in the story pretty quickly. But also involves a bit of intrigue, because the sitation in the North is a bit peculiar.

Here is where FMC can fully shine, Lina (will use her shortened name, even if she dislikes it) actually been handling a lot of internal afairs in her own duchy, she also has a good eye for business, thus she introduces her own merchant branch to the North. She sees how North nobility is divided between her own husband who actually does things and his aunt who just sits around and preaches that she's an elder. But she is just a vain woman with inferiority complex who was involved in the death of the previous duke and she planned to usurp the Northern Grand Duchy. Of course that plan failed completely.  I could appreciate that knowing the can't just drag her out of her lair and accuse her they presented the whole thing in front of the nobles when she rushed to the castle the next second she heard the news. You might think how this woman who never repelled anyone with her own hands can lead anyone, and I would admit to it, that she doesn't realize her shortcomings, eventually her reign would be short. First of all she betrayed the North by uniting and killing the previous Duke, next even if the knights are loyal to a fault to person having the Speraum name (oh, I even can remember it), but her head which is filled with vanity won't be able to function properly, people who think they're good at scheming might be good at somethig of this petty level and backstabbing. her fate was sealed when she came to the castle only to find that Tartenon, MMC, is alive and waited for her arrival. he used this chance to justifiably illiminate his aunt he never cared for, even loathed for the death of his father.

the final act of the story is the finale to the struggle between North and the imperial family, it doesn't involve any battling and such, instead it was resolved with plans that played out in their own favor. It is good to see how people strategize and get ready to possible outcomes. So the final scene of confrontation wasn't some one-sided play, but it was more of a true confrontation between those "who is better with words".

Although it was more like tell instead of show when it came to what happened in the background I didn't mind.

The scene was as follows.

SPOILERS~

During the banquet held by the princess (now allied with FMC), Emperor and Crown Prince said that the baron's daughter (the one who stole the second prince) accused FMC of directing her to kill the second prince (priorly, the second prince being pressured started venting his anger on her since she brought him nothing and he woke up from his illusions of love, she was angered by him in the end and stabbed him, which wasn't fatal), because she hated FMC so much and just wanted to ruin her life. It was all heresay anyway. But they also tried to pull in the fact that FMC's father started second trading company which is illegal. But Tartenon deflected that North is behind the scenes. They tried to pull both families down when Tartenon asked why it's such a big deal, imperial family is not supporting the North which protects their lives from inavsion instead they accuse them etc. This is why I say it's good it's not some one-sided accusation, you can't just get away with it, Tartenon was ready to confront if it led to this, but they played it well eventually. Supposedly dead second prince ppeared as a witnes against his own brother, which was a change in character in a way, which made Crown Prince take action, although what would come out of it. tartenon only got rid of the knights that were disloyal and the Emperor killed his own son in rage (for holding him hostage and trying to kill him for the throne). In a critical moment princess pushed the Crown Prince away thus saved the situation. Which is very favorable for our characters since when Princess will inherit the throne she will be on their side. This part of the story is left there. And our characters move back to the North.

The romance is also the good part of the story, it doesn't dwell and there is no stupid questions of - why my heart is beating - hate those. She knows she falls for her husband, for accepting her for who she is. She actually has a lively personality but only after some time spent in north she realized how stiffled she felt being the center of attention. She held a position called Stella, which is basically a recognized person who is the most outstanding among noble ladies, for this she spent a lot of time among nobility. But she had to act appropriately and be elegant etc. in the north her real temperament showed up and she didn't hold back.

Instead of dwelling the confront their feelings readily, though Lina doesn't reciprocate at once. Of course after all through thick and thin they've been through it was easier to tell him that she loved him and while their contract is over they can now start living a true married life. Honestly, this story could survive without those r-18 chapters but whatever, it's nothing really, at least isn't describing it in a way that would be really too much.

Good point is that it was really easy to read, the story moved fast, everything was fast-paced. Sure it has such a cringe and tropey start, but to me the strong personality of Lina won me over. I love power couples.

Some might think it lacks depth, and it's not that deep honestly, so it's perfect for those who prefer such stories.

RATE: 4/5.

[NOVEL] Galvanism and Ghouls by Tilly Wallace

I say it's better to read less of the synopsis, because what it mentions happens half into the story and not a the beginning, all you need to know is the reference to Frankenstein with stitched-up someone prowling Chelsea and also UNDEAD HAND! No, really, imagine author added a thing like in Addams Family.

The story also is mainly about characters and less about investigation, even though it's a big part, but it's not a central piece for sure, so don't go looking for a mystery that is all about mystery of whodunnit.

A new unnatural horror is about to rattle Hannah Miles' quiet existence, and it's not the short-tempered viscount prowling the hallways. Someone is creating a monster by stitching together pieces of different people. When a limb makes an escape attempt, Viscount Wycliff is called to investigate. All of London knows there is one mad scientist among them capable of creating such an ungodly monster... Sir Hugh Miles.

Hannah's father is suspected of a most heinous crime and she is determined to clear his name, even as Wycliff works to see the murderer hang. Buried secrets that touch all their lives will be brought to the surface. One such secret belongs to Hannah and could tear her world apart.

With Hannah and Wycliff on opposing sides, can they find the real monster and will it be the hand that wields the scalpel, or the creature hiding in the dark?

Manners and Monsters. Book 2

Repeating myself again, the accusations towards Sir Hugh happen later in the story when the unrest grows, but no clue of who is Chelsea Monster that horrifies the locals.

The story starts from Wycliff investigating a pretty lively severed limb, that is arm. It is a mystery how it stays animated and lively. In this he reaches for help from Sir Hugh who is now allowing him to dwell as a tenant of sorts. Yes, the wraith Hannah is talking about that she sees at breakfast is no other than Lord Wycliff who is invited to stay with the family.

Hannah is most curious about the interesting find and as she always assists her father in his research she joins to marvel at their new appendige. They manage to find whom the arm belonged to, thanks to the hand itself which proved to be intelligent, but they are led to crematorium and the lead stops there.

But bodies still appear around Chelsea and people start speculating, after all they've seen someone huge prowling around in the dark.

Only with enough time that passed and no new leads that would point out who is doing the experiments, since they point to one source, the hand and the bodies, Sir Hugh is accused of being the Chelsea Monster (all thanks to some vindictive and unsee magistrate who has personal beef with Sir Hugh).

The mystery is resolved rather quickly at the end when we find the most needed clue, but tbh the hint to me was dropped rather early and it was a bit obvious.

Yet the mystery isn't the most shocking part of the story, it's the truth about Hannah and we also find out more about Wycliff.

I'll be honest I did not expect such revelations, it's one thing about Wycliff who is too obvious to be some hell hound. But Hannah is a whole different topic, no wonder the book ends as it ends.

To me I feel the greatest part of their relationship is how rocky it is. Hannah is someone who is quiet and obedient, she has her excitements, but otherwise she an obedient young woman, also kind-hearted. Wycliff on the other hand is quite rough. They had a conflict of interests since day one and still with his involvement in this case it left a mark on her heart. I love the idea that we can go somewhere from here, that we really went through something more than seeing each other just once and then proclaiming about undying love. I adore to see something happening that will slowly build the foundation and from there brick by brick will be built something new, something unexpected and something exciting.

I thank Tilly for her vivid imagination, a lot of cool references and also such a work done on two main characters.

I loved that the story did not invent anything for the story, the characters had their own complex emotions and decisions. It's a great mixed bag family, it's fun and interesting to read about them.

Also, seeing how the next book is called Gossip and Gorgons I can feel that we need to address that lousy newspaper that was mentioned so many times in this book. Because I don't read summaries of books I haven't read yet, not to spoil things, I had no idea what the third book is about and it's about a house party.. seeing back to it her best friend wanted to invite the two of them to a house party, I wonder if it's going to be the one, but seeing how it is described they were invited for ridicule, oh I so want some of them to meet the fists of Wycliff, because he can throw a punch. The society is so blind and cruel to the honorable investigatie work Wycliff does and the research work the Miles family carries, they see none of it and they don't care and we don't care about these petty people.

I left most delicious parts out, I want others also to have a bit of - oh~ - moment. 

RATE: 4,25/5.

[ANIMATION] Scavengers Reign (2023)

So this was supposed to be first season, but knowing the show was cancelled should not stop you from watching it, if it has or does not have a second season does not change the fact that the story can be viewed as completed and to me it is.

This show is so impressive.

I don't even know where to start.

Anyway, the first episode basically has the same premise as the original animation titled "Scavengers", where two people use things from their surroundings to achieve a certain goal. In the series we realize they do it not aimlessly, but for some reason flora and fauna of this planet can act as biotechnological form.

The two characters we meet at first are called Ursula and Sam and they try to use any means possible to land the spaceship Demeter 227, in this way they can escape this planet.

Demeter 227 as we figure out had an accident (which is repeatedly shown in the intro of the series, showing chilling images of the accident while a soothing melody is playing), some of the pods landed safely, while the fate of others is unknown.

We follow three separate groups. Sam and Ursula are the ones who want to land Demeter for their further escape. Azi and her supporting robot Levi. The last is isolated Kamen who unlike others had the worst landing in unknown territory, but his pod was surrounded by vegetation and he couldn't exit the pod, so plainly-speaking he was behind in knowledge and survival unlike others.

The planet Vesta is filled with chilling imagery of never-ending cycle of life. We never know which species are dangerous and which are not. I personally loved how we see different forms of life but one never overtakes the other (in case of parasites and such, you can see a dangerous growth, but then something happens that almost nullifies it). Each passing day brings new view as if it's a whole different eco system.

The coolest thing happens almost instantly when we see Levi infected with some organism that blurred the lines between biological form and technology, since Levi starts acting less like a robot. But before that the body of an animal that Sam enters reacts almost as if it's biotechnological.

The story touches upon human relationships, survival, philosophy. Something bad happened out of something good and something good happened out of something bad. I love that the life forms of these plants were so closely related to everything that happened to humans and humans are the invasive species that disturbed this cycle. Especially shown through Kamen.

I appreciated the most of how the story progressed, what happened to our characters and how the story concluded. And I did not see the need for continuation. After watching I understand why it has high ratings, but I can't bring myself to say that I wish they did more. Maybe if the creators had a different story to tell then maybe, but to me they made it into a story with conclusion and these characters don't need more.

(original animation)

That is to say they managed to create one of the best sci-fi shows I've seen. It's so impressive, unique, wonderful and sometimes brutal. Visually stunning.

If we walk a bit about spoilers, though I don't really want to bring up much, one can always go to Wiki where they have short descriptions of every episode, yet I think this show should be enjoyed without any prior spoilers or even viewing the trailer.

What I wanted to say is connected to the ending. And maybe why the show did not get a second season.

The show itself feels like a conclusion to a story and an open ending at the same time. Even if Demeter ship landed, even if some of the crew managed to get there, but we know that due to outsiders that heard the sos signal the saving shuttle ship left the planet before the last of the crew even woke up.

They could have had it all if not for the selfishness of one person. This is a pretty common theme here. But at the same time it's questionable since we saw the ending where that shuttle ship was invaded by the organisms of the planet and stopped functioning (like even if they flew away they could have not survived).

People who were still alive now live day to day life, maybe with hope for the future or maybe some were happy to be as they are.

It's interesting to think how to many questions the answer will be - human. Why the accident happened - human. Who let the unknown telepathic species grow and change - human. Who made the rest of the crew now live here - human.

But the ending is the ending, this is why I think some may not like it because it's not the usual happy ending where everything is good and dandy and someone lands and says - we've come to save you. I thought it was pretty realistic though. It was obvious from the beginning that the company will cut loose and won't do anything for the ship and crew. They might be saved one day, but who knows it's just assumption. This is the reality, they can't possibly wield and patch up the ship and say - yoohoo let's go home - it doesn't happen like that. Maybe in some unrealistic and super positive Hollywood blockbusters where they can build things from two wires, but not in something that tries to show how it could happen. I already think they showed enough positive sides like not dropping from every plant they chose to touch or use.

Impressive parts:

Levi. It was exciting to see how a robot that was connected to some biological form transcended every threshold.

How Sam started teaching Ursula how to do things after knowing that something bit him, and had enough will to crush the parasite even knowing that it'll end his life.

How different the situations were depending on a character, if they had prior knowledge or no. Since some of the crew (like the guy who randomly woke up) would simply not survive on their own.

I will repeat it a hundred time, it's visually stunning. The creativity of creators.

This just name few. 

At the end I can only say - damn, that was good.

RATE: 10/10.

[ANIME] Seihantai na Kimi to Boku / 正反対な君と僕 (2026) (Season 2)

Omg just watch this anime!

It's just so positive and lovely. Perfect for having a good time, if you like school romance but also a colorful crowd of schoolers who have their everyday situations.

The first season of course not only established but followed more about the main couple Suzuki and Tani, while the second season explores more into the secondary characters and secondary couple that appeared in the first season and had left us with a feeling that there is room for development.

Of course the second season also includes moments about Suzuki and Tani, but the overall focus shifts on a lot of backstory stuff I'd say. We see and hear more about those characters and how they lived until now (it's not presented in a boring way, it's just short snippets that give you the character's impression of that past time). Even if some of those worries they have feel a bit depressing, but good thing that overall feeling doesn't fall down, we get back up.

What really helps while watching is the anime style that keeps things light-hearted and positive. You can truly feel that all hese characters are individuals, they have their own personalities and habits and together they create a pretty contrasting group at times.

When you look at it and even if you know it's anime, but I still can't help but feel envious of such great friendships they formed during high school.

❤

[Korean BG novel] Rosetta / 로제타 (Part 1)

I usually don't post reviews on novels that I have not finished yet, but this time I was so excited to find two absolutely incredible stories that I had to post about them while I'm still in theprocess of reading.

The first one being Rosetta. A story that doesn't start from a flashforward or regression or anything like that, no, beginning is finally a beginning when Rosetta or Lottie as her husband calls her, moves to a Grand Duchy to married off by her family. Her story is super melodramatic because it involves a story of swapped babies, which we find out soon enough and this is how the story goes.

Montero family heard a theory that if you make a person suffer through so much pain that they eventually will wake up their magical talent. This is why they intentionally took someone's child and brought her up with abuse that followed daily. Did I mention? Yes, A child. Because the magical talent wakes up as latest as 10 years old. So Lottie lived in such environment for 10 years before her parents told her she is not their biological child. They took their own daughter home, but by that time her own biological parents were already dead and no one would bring Montero couple to justice because there is no proof or witnesses. Everyone thought they're a great couple who still cared for their adopted daughter, even if they destroyed her reputation left and right by fabricating rumors about her.

But all they did not know that Lottie woke up as alchemist, something that is legendary even the ancient times when magic was more abundant. She not only had an ability, but this ability made her feel enlightened. 

Lottie never told a soul about her ability.

From that point on she trained her magic in secret and also searched the mansion for clues, this is how she found out the truth about her own fate but also something that involved the royal family and framing of the former crown prince.

Enters the picture - Kaelion - he is a former crown prince who was framed by his half-brother and sent to Eastern lands to protect the people from monsters, he lives his life branded as a traitor by the people who live in the capita, while everyone under his lead know him as someone who spends almost his entire time fighting monsters and protecting people of the duchy.

Monster Duke they call him and this is the man Lottie marries.

When it comes to the story the plot really develops well, as well as characters. It's nice to see for a change the characters that communicate and understand the importance of honesty.

Lottie had no idea what was waiting for her in those unknown lands, but she not only found a place to belong to, but also someone who cherished her so much.

I love how the story unfolds step by step. Some of it belongs to plans that Lottie wants to see come to fruition, since they are connected to her personal revenge towards the Montero family. Honestly, you go girl, if you hear about those people you won't feel any sympathy for them at all.

But partially what start as just a plan for revenge becomes connected to things she starts doing for the people of teh duchy. To protect her identity, which is better to conceal for the longest time, nobody knows that it's her own creations that allowed people to finally see hope.

While people of the duchy, especially those who closely saw what her alchemy can achieve are loyal to the couple to nto let any of her secrets slip through.

This is how her path start evolving, love and care enter her own world where only thoughts of revenge existed and her plans start to change accordingly.

Kaelion on the other hand is a complete green flag man, it was so sweet to see him welcoming her with little prejudice.

I liked how someone said in this story that their idea of survival is the strongest and they don't care about some petty fights or attitudes.

Kaelion allowed Lottie to not only exist but granted her freedom of doing whatever she wanted. Through time he realized that she as himself hold a great deal of bad feelings towards Montero family. He is not fond of them because they supported his half-brother in achieving ascention to the throne.

But before Lottie he was actually drowning in guilt that he couldn't save only person he cared for - his mother - and this is why his actions are an attempt of atonement. He spends almost his entire time fighting monsters and protecting people.

Yet then Lottie appeared and he had given him a small light of hope.

Note: This is spoilers but at this point we're talking about the fact that his half-brother still uuses former Empress, kaelion's mother, encased in unmelting ice as a hostage, this is why with all his physical power he had to bow his head and bear infamy. But Lottie is an alchemist and she can do many things, yet Kaelion was against her joining him on this one, he promised her freedom and life without care, he couldn't involve another person he cares about into this mess. But what I liked the most is how Lottie is portrayed as the stronger one, she has courage even if he tells her that current Emperor has mages and sword masters, but she can do so much more, they can do it smartly. And also she could not bear to know that former Empress has to sufeer in the hands of people who betrayed her as well.

Current (not Empress, but everyone takes a note of her) figure close to Empress is named Opjelia, she is the biological mother of the current Emperor. She is the basic bitch tbh, her originas are subpar but she is ambitious, this is why while being a maid she seduced former Emperor. Current Emperor grew up together with kaelion but not his biol. mother, yet he still harbored such resentment and feelings of inferiority. He always likes to "torment" Kaelion not realizing that Kaelion and Lottie when they met for the first time in the story, just played along and made others think what they need them to think about the couple and not raise suspicions.

Other have no idea that Lottie already created unimaginable sources of wealth, but they invest it all back into the Duchy and she herself is not someone to indulge, but she gladly portrays herself as someone else, spoilt, who think the duchy is poor and she can't stand it etc. So no one will catch a hint the two are plotting something truly BIG.

This is quite an exciting part.

I love how Lottie lays down her plan and makes things work. Slowly things come to fruition but it's still a long way to go since I paused on ch53.

It's great to follow these two character who never expected to find what they needed in each other. The love and care develop naturally. they want to make things work.

Also on the side-note I want to mention again how I appreciate how the portraya of Lottie was shaped. Sure she is an alchemist and it's an OP thing, but she thinks nothing of it, she has enough kindness and courage in her heart. She is strong in spirit.As for her actions it takes a path I like more when characters do not disclose what they're doing, they lay low and take each step with care and consideration, this is why no one knows that a lot of what is happening is the result of Lottie's planning. Honestly, can't wait the fall of the house Montero, that trio deserves it all. And thaks to author to take care of the storyine so it can make sense of what and why, because too many times things in stories are too convenient.

Side-note. I usually always say and appreciate the covers, no matter how bad the story is, but art is art. But I love this cover especially since it fits what is happening in the story.

Also never say never, I'm glad I did not give up on exploring Korean novels completely, otherwise I might skip on these.

So far I'm liking this story immensely and can't wait to see how it goes.