What do you think?
Rate this book
狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #18
Spice and Wolf, Vol. 18: Spring Log
The long-awaited continuation of the tale of Holo the Wise Wolf and the merchant Lawrence! Over ten years after Holo and Lawrence open "Bathhouse Spice and Wolf" in Nyohhira, the two climb up the mountain in order to help at the festival in Sverner. But Lawrence has an additional objective: to find more information about a new hot spring town near Nyohhira...
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2016
28 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 10, 2017
A nice Spice & Wolf addition. It had a nice mix of dialogue, a bit of economics, and a good transition to the next book in the series.
The first story was a nice a touch (I was happy I guessed what was happening early on, and so wasn't too surprised by what happened), and the next two stories were also delightful additions. They combined some excitement, some mystery solving, and some more nice dialogue. There's nothing too outstanding from previous work in the series, but it is solidly done and I enjoy it.
The translator did a very good job with word choice and the rhythm of the prose works well.
I had worried with recent additions that the stories were getting a little weaker but this book makes me think that there still is some good story left to mine from the Spice & Wolf series, and I look forward to learning more about Myuri's adventures.
The first story was a nice a touch (I was happy I guessed what was happening early on, and so wasn't too surprised by what happened), and the next two stories were also delightful additions. They combined some excitement, some mystery solving, and some more nice dialogue. There's nothing too outstanding from previous work in the series, but it is solidly done and I enjoy it.
The translator did a very good job with word choice and the rhythm of the prose works well.
I had worried with recent additions that the stories were getting a little weaker but this book makes me think that there still is some good story left to mine from the Spice & Wolf series, and I look forward to learning more about Myuri's adventures.
March 16, 2018
Charming. A series of episodes in the Onsin years of Holo and Crafts' life. One of the stories is clearly based upon Favier's article on the importance of religious festivals and pilgrimages in medieval Europe as a catalyst for economic/cultural exchange (for those of you who do not know-Spice and Wolf is derived from Jean Faviers' book:" Gold and Spices"). Another story is also a fantastic snapshot of the dangers of market dominance -think Amazon, or Google-and Marx was right about monopolies. The last story-Parchment and Wolf, serves as an introduction to the spin off series about Holo's feisty, fun-loving daughter, Miyuri.
October 14, 2019
I had some mixed feelings about this book.
Originally, I thought it was a collection of independent short stories, and it was, in a way, but all but the last of the stories were connected in a rather clear way, and it was more like reading a book split into parts than a book of independent stories.
But oh well. At least now I know that's the case before I start reading the next book in the series.
When it came to the writing, it was as expected of the author. No big mistakes or messy language, but somewhat repetative and heavy. The same with the stories, but as usual, I've written independent reviews for each story, so here goes:
The Margins Of A Journey
I realized it would be something like this from the start, but I will admit I was surprissed at to the shape it took. An interesting way to do things.
Not the funnest one, but a good way to ease back into the series
3/5
Golden Memories
An ok story with some interesting info. The story had just enough mystery to keep me interested, but I'm notising how "slow" these books are compared to other stuff I read
3.5/5
Muddy Messenger Wolf & Wolf
I was glad to see them on the road again, and found the other couple interesting. I hope to see more of them in the future. The main story was really slow, though.
2/5
Parchment and Graffiti
A short story about Myuri and Col before they left the bathhouse. Sure, it shows how their relationship was before they went on their travels, but I feel like it was mostly there to make what's happening in the series ok, but I still have trouble with.
And I wish it was at the beginning of the book instead of at the end.
2.5/5
Originally, I thought it was a collection of independent short stories, and it was, in a way, but all but the last of the stories were connected in a rather clear way, and it was more like reading a book split into parts than a book of independent stories.
But oh well. At least now I know that's the case before I start reading the next book in the series.
When it came to the writing, it was as expected of the author. No big mistakes or messy language, but somewhat repetative and heavy. The same with the stories, but as usual, I've written independent reviews for each story, so here goes:
The Margins Of A Journey
I realized it would be something like this from the start, but I will admit I was surprissed at to the shape it took. An interesting way to do things.
Not the funnest one, but a good way to ease back into the series
3/5
Golden Memories
An ok story with some interesting info. The story had just enough mystery to keep me interested, but I'm notising how "slow" these books are compared to other stuff I read
3.5/5
Muddy Messenger Wolf & Wolf
I was glad to see them on the road again, and found the other couple interesting. I hope to see more of them in the future. The main story was really slow, though.
2/5
Parchment and Graffiti
A short story about Myuri and Col before they left the bathhouse. Sure, it shows how their relationship was before they went on their travels, but I feel like it was mostly there to make what's happening in the series ok, but I still have trouble with.
And I wish it was at the beginning of the book instead of at the end.
2.5/5
July 15, 2017
If you like Spice & Wolf, you'll still enjoy this book. Also, who doesn't want to read more about what troubles Myuri and Col are getting into? Personally, I can't wait for Wolf & Parchment.
September 12, 2017
IN SUMMARY
Lawrence and Holo are back! The four stories in this volume do an excellent job of showing how years of marriage have changed them as well as incorporating the elements of intrigue, fun, and money-making that characterized the series. Plus, we get a glimpse of the future in their daughter Myuri’s antics with Col. Spice and Wolf fans definitely need to pick this one up!
THE REVIEW
This eighteenth volume in the Spice and Wolf light novel series might have come as a surprise to you. It was certainly a surprise to me. After all, Hasekura-sensei wrote in Volume 17 that he was moving on to a new series. However, as he explains in the Volume 18 afterword, stuff happened, thus fans get another volume about Holo and Lawrence along with an upcoming spinoff novel about their daughter Myuri and Col. While Spice and Wolf: Spring Log provides a brief glimpse of the youngsters and their relationship in the 16-page story Parchment and Graffiti, the book focuses primarily on Holo and Lawrence.
As indicated by the subtitle “Spring Log,” the book does not relate a single grand adventure, but three separate events that take place in the same spring. Over a decade has passed since Holo and Lawrence met, and they are now residents in the hot springs town of Nyohhira. They also happen to be empty-nesters as their teenage daughter has followed Col to an adventure. While Lawrence is no longer a merchant, running a bathhouse also requires business sense, and The Margins of a Journey introduces his new line of work and the concerns that arise when rumors of the construction of a rival hot springs village reach his ears. The scheme Lawrence cooks up to keep customers seems just a pretext for a misleading opening scene, but the rest of the story does a nice job of bringing readers up to speed with their lives. For those who enjoyed Holo’s baiting and carefree attitude, there’s still plenty of that, but Lawrence has matured over years of marriage and is much better at handling it.
The next story Golden Memories moves us from business concerns to a mini mystery. Lawrence and Holo haven’t left the northlands in years, but travelers from all over visit their town. Thus, they play host to a peculiar guest who has the entire town scratching their heads. But once Lawrence figures out the man’s purpose for coming to Nyohhira, that brings up an entirely different puzzle, and Hasekura-sensei does an excellent job blending the mystery with melancholy and fun.
Melancholy and fun also figure into Muddy Messenger Wolf and Wolf. The longest work in the collection, it might have you running to The Coin of the Sun volumes for a refresher of the connections between Lesko, Svernel, the Debau Company, and the non-humans Millike and Hilde. Lawrence and Holo leave home to take care of business on behalf of Nyohhira at Svernel’s spring festival. As in their early adventures, Holo knows more about what’s happening, and Lawrence winds up playing the fool as a result. Lawrence’s participation in Svernel’s Festival of the Dead also makes for a boisterously entertaining scene.
Then the tone shifts with the introduction of new characters Selim and Aram. They have a quandary on their hands, but to Holo and Lawrence, they are an unwelcome reminder that Lawrence will die long before Holo does. Indeed, the narrative mentions over and over that Lawrence isn’t as hale as he used to be while Holo remains physically unchanged. Holo isn’t one to wax sentimental, but for those dying to hear Holo express her affections toward Lawrence, this is your chance.
The remainder of Muddy Messenger Wolf and Wolf has Lawrence figuring out a solution that will solve everyone’s problems. This is the weakest element of the story. I’m still unclear on exactly how Selim and Aram got their paws on their permit, and Holo and Lawrence’s brainstorming drags on while the plan’s execution rushes past. Still, our pair attain a satisfactory happy ending for themselves and others.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, seven black-and-white illustrations, bonus art from Jyuu Ayakura and Keito Koume, and afterword.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
Lawrence and Holo are back! The four stories in this volume do an excellent job of showing how years of marriage have changed them as well as incorporating the elements of intrigue, fun, and money-making that characterized the series. Plus, we get a glimpse of the future in their daughter Myuri’s antics with Col. Spice and Wolf fans definitely need to pick this one up!
THE REVIEW
This eighteenth volume in the Spice and Wolf light novel series might have come as a surprise to you. It was certainly a surprise to me. After all, Hasekura-sensei wrote in Volume 17 that he was moving on to a new series. However, as he explains in the Volume 18 afterword, stuff happened, thus fans get another volume about Holo and Lawrence along with an upcoming spinoff novel about their daughter Myuri and Col. While Spice and Wolf: Spring Log provides a brief glimpse of the youngsters and their relationship in the 16-page story Parchment and Graffiti, the book focuses primarily on Holo and Lawrence.
As indicated by the subtitle “Spring Log,” the book does not relate a single grand adventure, but three separate events that take place in the same spring. Over a decade has passed since Holo and Lawrence met, and they are now residents in the hot springs town of Nyohhira. They also happen to be empty-nesters as their teenage daughter has followed Col to an adventure. While Lawrence is no longer a merchant, running a bathhouse also requires business sense, and The Margins of a Journey introduces his new line of work and the concerns that arise when rumors of the construction of a rival hot springs village reach his ears. The scheme Lawrence cooks up to keep customers seems just a pretext for a misleading opening scene, but the rest of the story does a nice job of bringing readers up to speed with their lives. For those who enjoyed Holo’s baiting and carefree attitude, there’s still plenty of that, but Lawrence has matured over years of marriage and is much better at handling it.
The next story Golden Memories moves us from business concerns to a mini mystery. Lawrence and Holo haven’t left the northlands in years, but travelers from all over visit their town. Thus, they play host to a peculiar guest who has the entire town scratching their heads. But once Lawrence figures out the man’s purpose for coming to Nyohhira, that brings up an entirely different puzzle, and Hasekura-sensei does an excellent job blending the mystery with melancholy and fun.
Melancholy and fun also figure into Muddy Messenger Wolf and Wolf. The longest work in the collection, it might have you running to The Coin of the Sun volumes for a refresher of the connections between Lesko, Svernel, the Debau Company, and the non-humans Millike and Hilde. Lawrence and Holo leave home to take care of business on behalf of Nyohhira at Svernel’s spring festival. As in their early adventures, Holo knows more about what’s happening, and Lawrence winds up playing the fool as a result. Lawrence’s participation in Svernel’s Festival of the Dead also makes for a boisterously entertaining scene.
Then the tone shifts with the introduction of new characters Selim and Aram. They have a quandary on their hands, but to Holo and Lawrence, they are an unwelcome reminder that Lawrence will die long before Holo does. Indeed, the narrative mentions over and over that Lawrence isn’t as hale as he used to be while Holo remains physically unchanged. Holo isn’t one to wax sentimental, but for those dying to hear Holo express her affections toward Lawrence, this is your chance.
The remainder of Muddy Messenger Wolf and Wolf has Lawrence figuring out a solution that will solve everyone’s problems. This is the weakest element of the story. I’m still unclear on exactly how Selim and Aram got their paws on their permit, and Holo and Lawrence’s brainstorming drags on while the plan’s execution rushes past. Still, our pair attain a satisfactory happy ending for themselves and others.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, seven black-and-white illustrations, bonus art from Jyuu Ayakura and Keito Koume, and afterword.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
I enjoyed this continuation of Holo and Lawrence's story, though the timeline is a little unclear (whether this is the result of the translation or not I am not sure). I'm a little squicked out by everyone shipping Col and Myuri when there's a significant age gap and at the most Myuri is twelve or thirteen, but it's not unbelievable. Still leaves me going =/ though. I don't mind age gaps between adults but when one is barely a teenager (if she even is a teenager) I am less comfortable with it.
I did really love how we revisit Holo's grief over outliving Lawrence and how she's dealing (or not) with that--it's a topic that I feel would continually come up, but it's something that even once you decide how to deal with it is still going to hurt. A very solid three star short story collection.
I did really love how we revisit Holo's grief over outliving Lawrence and how she's dealing (or not) with that--it's a topic that I feel would continually come up, but it's something that even once you decide how to deal with it is still going to hurt. A very solid three star short story collection.
October 28, 2022
Revisting our main characters, the beloved Holo and Lawrence, is sure to delight long term fans of the series.
We are greeted by a continution of events from the conclusion of Vol 17. Although there is a fast forward in time, it's very much appropriate and is adequately explained.
This allows Hasekura to show us a new perspectives on our protagonists relationship, and a segue into the spin of sequel - Parchment and Wolf.
It's a strong entry, and I'm looking forward to continuing the Spring Log and diving into P&W.
We are greeted by a continution of events from the conclusion of Vol 17. Although there is a fast forward in time, it's very much appropriate and is adequately explained.
This allows Hasekura to show us a new perspectives on our protagonists relationship, and a segue into the spin of sequel - Parchment and Wolf.
It's a strong entry, and I'm looking forward to continuing the Spring Log and diving into P&W.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2017
it's so exciting to be back in the world of Spice & Wolf! these short stories were all extremely satisfying and cannot say enough about them. I especially liked the focus on Holo and Lawrence as opposed to any of the other characters. While I anticipate fully Wolf and Parchment, I'm glad Col and Myuri were, for the most part, left out of this volume. Isuna Hasekura, I need more of this series!
March 4, 2019
6 years after completing the story of Lawrence and Holo, Isuna Hasekura choose to return to their story. This book is a set of short stories set close to 15 years after the start of the series. Luckily, Isuna Hasekura's short story style has improved over the Side Color books. While not a complete light novel, the stories are set close together and paint a picture of the life that Lawrence and Holo have been built together.
The stories do continue the slightly bittersweet theme of mortality and choosing to embrace life in the face of it, but in my opinion are much more refreshing than the ones attached to volume 17.
The stories do continue the slightly bittersweet theme of mortality and choosing to embrace life in the face of it, but in my opinion are much more refreshing than the ones attached to volume 17.
October 22, 2017
YES, finally.
September 1, 2021
Absolutely perfect
September 27, 2019
Como começar a descrever isso? Eu não sei, é tão memorável que não me parece necessário e nem possível fazer isso. Por mais de um ano eu evitei ler esse volume por causa de """""spoilers""""" que na verdade eram o maior bait no qual eu já caí e descobrir a verdade foi um sentimento delicioso.
Esse livro foi dividido em 4 contos, tendo o último deles pouco mais de 10 páginas e sendo do ponto de vista do Col ainda enquanto ele e a Myuri viviam em Nyohhira, nada realmente digno de nota. No entanto, os outros 3 contos foram belos capítulos da perspectiva do Lawrence vivendo com a Holo após o início de Wolf and Parchment e todos eles realmente chamaram minha atenção (ainda que o terceiro tenha feito isso negativamente), principalmente por, apesar de poderem ser lidos separadamente, 2 deles terem um ponto em comum, que seria o estabelecimento de um concorrente do outro lado da montanha.
O primeiro conto: Esse é o mais lindo, sem dúvidas. Aqui é apresentado o plano de fundo que vem a ser ligado com o terceiro conto sobre o concorrente. Para evitar a diminuição dos clientes em Nyohhira, Lawrence sugere que a cidade realize o evento de fazer um funeral para os vivos e que se aproveite esse momento para dizer às pessoas aquilo que, por falta de coragem, não lhes seria dito em vida: "Everyone had one or two things that they wanted to say belatedly to someone important to them [...]. All that was needed was an excuse to say those words." (Pg. 48). A parte linda e maravilhosa, que eu espero não me esquecer, é que o conto se inicia com esse festival, sendo a Holo quem está sendo "velada" e é explicado só no final. Aquelas páginas foram cruéis e tristes, ao mesmo tempo que um pouco reconfortantes pelo futuro sofrimento que a Holo terá após a morte do seu marido, ponto que também foi explorado no terceiro conto. Bom, para resumir tudo isso, nada melhor que o trecho que me levou às lágrimas:
"'Everything fades with time.' From Holo's perspective, Lawrence, too, was nothing more than a lead that would be blown away with passing years. One day, their parting would come, and this moment would forever remain in the past." (Pg. 48-49)
Já o segundo não teve um roteiro grandioso ou qualquer coisa assim, foi apenas o velho que não sabia o idioma local tendo problemas para encontrar o sabor da bebida da qual ele foi encarregado de encontrar pela princesa de algum país. A simplicidade da história foi complementada pela simplicidade da resolução, e eu achei isso cativante, além, é claro, dos momentos bonitinhos entre a Holo e o Lawrence, que até mesmo os próprios personagens do livro reconhecem: "It's a thing among the guest. They say watching the couple that owns Spice and Wolf interact is much more interesting than the musicians and dancers there." (Pg. 66). E também, novamente, o tema da longevidade da Holo foi abordado na última página de forma melancólica, mas de forma maravilhosa: "A taste to recall this land, this moment." (Pg. 94)
Já o terceiro conto foi ruim. E longo: começou na página 96 e foi até a 187. Contudo, ele teve suas qualidades, não posso negar, e tem uma grande relevância para a história original, eu poderia dizer. É apresentando os dois novos personagens lobos que o autor parece realmente dar fim à história, ou talvez um novo início. Desde muitos volumes atrás já tínhamos o problema da Holo ser imortal exposto, e com esses dois a vida dela poderia continuar mesmo depois da morte do Lawrence, não fazendo dela uma solitária sem destino nenhum, como me pareceu que seria até agora.
Se eu tivesse que escolher um trecho preferido de todo o livro, de certeza que seria um desse conto, mas eu não sei qual:
"A wise man once said that no happy story lasted forever. One day, Lawrence would die, and only Holo would live on. In response to that, Lawrence found the answer together with Holo. They both decided to put on a brave show, saying, So what?" (Pg. 148)
"'But 'tis... 'Tis as though I am preparing for your death...'
'That's right. That's what it is. I've already mostly practiced for your funeral. And now it's your turn.'
[...]
'You are the wife of a merchant and you should act like one.'
'...?'
'It's insurance. Before you go on an adventure where you might lose everything, you prepare for when you've lost everything." (Pg. 154)
Bom, nada mais foi interessante nesse último conto, então nada mais será dito aqui.
Portanto, minha nota final para isso é, mais especificamente, 90/100; teve MUITOS momentos "bonitinhos", duas histórias envolventes, e o último conto, apesar de chato, teve a dose certa de melancolia e romance. Para falar a verdade, melancolia eu acho que é o que eu mais observei nesse volume; todos os três a tinham presente, em menor ou maior grau. Foi triste, mas agradável.
Esse livro foi dividido em 4 contos, tendo o último deles pouco mais de 10 páginas e sendo do ponto de vista do Col ainda enquanto ele e a Myuri viviam em Nyohhira, nada realmente digno de nota. No entanto, os outros 3 contos foram belos capítulos da perspectiva do Lawrence vivendo com a Holo após o início de Wolf and Parchment e todos eles realmente chamaram minha atenção (ainda que o terceiro tenha feito isso negativamente), principalmente por, apesar de poderem ser lidos separadamente, 2 deles terem um ponto em comum, que seria o estabelecimento de um concorrente do outro lado da montanha.
O primeiro conto: Esse é o mais lindo, sem dúvidas. Aqui é apresentado o plano de fundo que vem a ser ligado com o terceiro conto sobre o concorrente. Para evitar a diminuição dos clientes em Nyohhira, Lawrence sugere que a cidade realize o evento de fazer um funeral para os vivos e que se aproveite esse momento para dizer às pessoas aquilo que, por falta de coragem, não lhes seria dito em vida: "Everyone had one or two things that they wanted to say belatedly to someone important to them [...]. All that was needed was an excuse to say those words." (Pg. 48). A parte linda e maravilhosa, que eu espero não me esquecer, é que o conto se inicia com esse festival, sendo a Holo quem está sendo "velada" e é explicado só no final. Aquelas páginas foram cruéis e tristes, ao mesmo tempo que um pouco reconfortantes pelo futuro sofrimento que a Holo terá após a morte do seu marido, ponto que também foi explorado no terceiro conto. Bom, para resumir tudo isso, nada melhor que o trecho que me levou às lágrimas:
"'Everything fades with time.' From Holo's perspective, Lawrence, too, was nothing more than a lead that would be blown away with passing years. One day, their parting would come, and this moment would forever remain in the past." (Pg. 48-49)
Já o segundo não teve um roteiro grandioso ou qualquer coisa assim, foi apenas o velho que não sabia o idioma local tendo problemas para encontrar o sabor da bebida da qual ele foi encarregado de encontrar pela princesa de algum país. A simplicidade da história foi complementada pela simplicidade da resolução, e eu achei isso cativante, além, é claro, dos momentos bonitinhos entre a Holo e o Lawrence, que até mesmo os próprios personagens do livro reconhecem: "It's a thing among the guest. They say watching the couple that owns Spice and Wolf interact is much more interesting than the musicians and dancers there." (Pg. 66). E também, novamente, o tema da longevidade da Holo foi abordado na última página de forma melancólica, mas de forma maravilhosa: "A taste to recall this land, this moment." (Pg. 94)
Já o terceiro conto foi ruim. E longo: começou na página 96 e foi até a 187. Contudo, ele teve suas qualidades, não posso negar, e tem uma grande relevância para a história original, eu poderia dizer. É apresentando os dois novos personagens lobos que o autor parece realmente dar fim à história, ou talvez um novo início. Desde muitos volumes atrás já tínhamos o problema da Holo ser imortal exposto, e com esses dois a vida dela poderia continuar mesmo depois da morte do Lawrence, não fazendo dela uma solitária sem destino nenhum, como me pareceu que seria até agora.
Se eu tivesse que escolher um trecho preferido de todo o livro, de certeza que seria um desse conto, mas eu não sei qual:
"A wise man once said that no happy story lasted forever. One day, Lawrence would die, and only Holo would live on. In response to that, Lawrence found the answer together with Holo. They both decided to put on a brave show, saying, So what?" (Pg. 148)
"'But 'tis... 'Tis as though I am preparing for your death...'
'That's right. That's what it is. I've already mostly practiced for your funeral. And now it's your turn.'
[...]
'You are the wife of a merchant and you should act like one.'
'...?'
'It's insurance. Before you go on an adventure where you might lose everything, you prepare for when you've lost everything." (Pg. 154)
Bom, nada mais foi interessante nesse último conto, então nada mais será dito aqui.
Portanto, minha nota final para isso é, mais especificamente, 90/100; teve MUITOS momentos "bonitinhos", duas histórias envolventes, e o último conto, apesar de chato, teve a dose certa de melancolia e romance. Para falar a verdade, melancolia eu acho que é o que eu mais observei nesse volume; todos os três a tinham presente, em menor ou maior grau. Foi triste, mas agradável.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2018
Another wonderful entry in the Spice and Wolf universe, this novel is a special one that was written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Spice and Wolf novel. Coincidentally, the stories in this novel also take place about 10 years since the events of volume 17. It features three stories involving Holo and Lawrence and one story with Col and Myuri. The later story also serves a sort of prelude to the new novel series Wolf & Parchment, Vol. 1: New Theory Spice & Wolf.
The majority of the topics discussed involve the future of Lawrence and Holo in regards to the remaining time they have together before their eventual permanent parting. Regardless, each story is still very nice and shows off how incredibly close Lawrence and Holo have become.
I’m looking forward to reading the next two volumes and learning about the continuing adventures of this adorable couple!
The majority of the topics discussed involve the future of Lawrence and Holo in regards to the remaining time they have together before their eventual permanent parting. Regardless, each story is still very nice and shows off how incredibly close Lawrence and Holo have become.
I’m looking forward to reading the next two volumes and learning about the continuing adventures of this adorable couple!
February 10, 2021
Spring logs are so lovely.
December 2, 2019
This was a really sweet tale. Definitely enjoyed the continuation of Lawrence and Holo's story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews