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私の正しいお兄ちゃん [Watashi no Tadashii Onii-chan] #1
私の正しいお兄ちゃん 1 [Watashi no Tadashii Onii-chan 1]
大学生の理世はアルバイト先のスーパーで働く海利と出会う。眠れない海利に肩を貸すうち、幼いころ別れた兄の思い出を重ね、理世は好意を抱くように。しかし、海利のアパートで彼が人を殺したという日記を見てしまい衝撃を受ける。好きになった人の正体は一体? 次々と明らかになる真実と海利への愛が理世を追いつめる! モリエサトシが贈るジェットコースター・クライムサスペンス&ラブ!!
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2019
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Satoshi Morie
41 books14 followersMORIE Satoshi: モリエサトシ
Twin sister of TAKAGI Shigeyoshi
Twin sister of TAKAGI Shigeyoshi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 23, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this to read and review.
This was... ... ...
I'm completely at a loss as to how to even begin to review. This was...weird and most definitely messed up. Both the MC H and MC h have SEVERE issues, which the MC h at least could have dealt with by actually, I don't know, LOOKING FOR HER DAM BROTHER!!
Seriously, this isn't set in Medieval days where once someone left, they were gone. Does the internet not exist in this world? A phone book?!? PIs? Ok, she may not have had money for the last one, but people have AGENCY. She could have done some research, figured out how to find someone and then DONE it. She wasn't helpless, but she sure acted like it and it really irked me. She was so passive the entire time, I assume she has some very deep issues that need to be resolved.
And I saw that ending coming a mile away. The more I think about it, the more I am not a fan of this book. I can see some people really liking the darker aspects of it, and will not hesitate to suggest this to them, but for me this just didn't work.
I also didn't buy this as a romance. This was two deeply messed up people in a co-dependent relationship, using each other to be somewhat stable.
2, I wish the MC h had the ability to think beyond her hurt and ACTED rather than let the world act on her, stars.
This was... ... ...
I'm completely at a loss as to how to even begin to review. This was...weird and most definitely messed up. Both the MC H and MC h have SEVERE issues, which the MC h at least could have dealt with by actually, I don't know, LOOKING FOR HER DAM BROTHER!!
Seriously, this isn't set in Medieval days where once someone left, they were gone. Does the internet not exist in this world? A phone book?!? PIs? Ok, she may not have had money for the last one, but people have AGENCY. She could have done some research, figured out how to find someone and then DONE it. She wasn't helpless, but she sure acted like it and it really irked me. She was so passive the entire time, I assume she has some very deep issues that need to be resolved.
And I saw that ending coming a mile away. The more I think about it, the more I am not a fan of this book. I can see some people really liking the darker aspects of it, and will not hesitate to suggest this to them, but for me this just didn't work.
I also didn't buy this as a romance. This was two deeply messed up people in a co-dependent relationship, using each other to be somewhat stable.
2, I wish the MC h had the ability to think beyond her hurt and ACTED rather than let the world act on her, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
At its core, this is a darker story about a lonely woman who obsessively misses the brother she hasn't seen since she was a child, and the relationship she strikes up with a co-worker who has a dark past.
The storylines being set up here in this first volume are interesting, but the way the writing went about it felt off - like there was no real reason for things to be happening, other than the story needs it to. Why do Rize and Kairi connect further in the first place? He just happened to fall asleep on her shoulder and realizes it's the only way he can get pure restful sleep so he asks her to help. How does Rize find out about Kairi's past? She stumbles upon his diary that lays everything bare. Why does Rize's policeman neighbor care enough to research where her brother might be? Oh, he just feels bad for her and the case nags at him so why not.
The characterization of the main characters Rize and Kairi don't feel too solid either, beyond two big parts about them - Rize is obsessed with her brother, and Kairi has that big secret and can't sleep because of it. The snippets of their lives and workplace don't mean much and feel like they pass in a blur when the story isn't focused on the co-dependent relationship developing between the two.
As for the realationship...I can tell that everything here is being done on purpose. This isn't an accidental toxic relationship being touted as true love and a romance to aspire to. These are two broken individuals who have found each other and found co-dependent ways to need each other - and now other aspects of their lives are entwining them even closer together. My only issue is that I can't tell what the purpose of this is. I suppose reading further volumes will bring that more to the forefront, and I think I'll check out a couple more just to see where the main storyline is going.
The art is fine...it feels a little amateurish and the world doesn't feel real or lived in.
This is an interesting opening volume to a story I'm not quite sure how I feel about, but I'm interested to see where it goes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read and review this!
The storylines being set up here in this first volume are interesting, but the way the writing went about it felt off - like there was no real reason for things to be happening, other than the story needs it to. Why do Rize and Kairi connect further in the first place? He just happened to fall asleep on her shoulder and realizes it's the only way he can get pure restful sleep so he asks her to help. How does Rize find out about Kairi's past? She stumbles upon his diary that lays everything bare. Why does Rize's policeman neighbor care enough to research where her brother might be? Oh, he just feels bad for her and the case nags at him so why not.
The characterization of the main characters Rize and Kairi don't feel too solid either, beyond two big parts about them - Rize is obsessed with her brother, and Kairi has that big secret and can't sleep because of it. The snippets of their lives and workplace don't mean much and feel like they pass in a blur when the story isn't focused on the co-dependent relationship developing between the two.
As for the realationship...I can tell that everything here is being done on purpose. This isn't an accidental toxic relationship being touted as true love and a romance to aspire to. These are two broken individuals who have found each other and found co-dependent ways to need each other - and now other aspects of their lives are entwining them even closer together. My only issue is that I can't tell what the purpose of this is. I suppose reading further volumes will bring that more to the forefront, and I think I'll check out a couple more just to see where the main storyline is going.
The art is fine...it feels a little amateurish and the world doesn't feel real or lived in.
This is an interesting opening volume to a story I'm not quite sure how I feel about, but I'm interested to see where it goes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read and review this!
November 6, 2023
I may have found a new obsession with this one! The twists and turns in this first volume were great. Some predictable, some not. If you like series like Something's Wrong With Us and Yakuza Fiance, then I think this one is right up your alley. Similar vibes, but also different enough that it will keep you guessing. Can't wait to see what is to come in the next volume!
October 25, 2023
This is a disturbing book, but not the way consuming anime and manga may have led you to believe. College student Rize was separated from her older brother when her parents divorced during her childhood, and she's dreamed of reuniting with him ever since. Despite the evidence in her memories that he was likely abused (possibly by their parents), he was the one solid support in Rize's life, and being separated from him left her unmoored. Her mother remained a largely absent figure during her growing up, and now all that seems to keep Rize going is hoping to reunite with her brother one day.
At first, Kairi looks like the perfect substitute - he's just like she imagines her brother would have been and his insomnia allows her to relive the shared safe space of the futon she shared with her brother in childhood. But when she discovers that Kairi killed someone, she's not sure what to think - and things just escalate from there. Both Rize and Kairi can only find solace in each other, but it doesn't take a seasoned mystery reader to figure out what happened two years ago...
At its core, this is a book about unhealthy relationships and how they get used as coping mechanisms. It's not overtly upsetting, but the subtext comes through loud and clear. I suspect that I'll be compelled to read volume two, not because I think I'll enjoy it, but because this is a slow-motion trainwreck...and I so desperately don't want it to be.
At first, Kairi looks like the perfect substitute - he's just like she imagines her brother would have been and his insomnia allows her to relive the shared safe space of the futon she shared with her brother in childhood. But when she discovers that Kairi killed someone, she's not sure what to think - and things just escalate from there. Both Rize and Kairi can only find solace in each other, but it doesn't take a seasoned mystery reader to figure out what happened two years ago...
At its core, this is a book about unhealthy relationships and how they get used as coping mechanisms. It's not overtly upsetting, but the subtext comes through loud and clear. I suspect that I'll be compelled to read volume two, not because I think I'll enjoy it, but because this is a slow-motion trainwreck...and I so desperately don't want it to be.
November 17, 2023
I do like the art style and I like how the characters look. However, I am quite disappointed with the plot and the romance. The relationship seems blurry and there’s nothing much to the plot. The main lead seems quite obsessed with the idea of her big brother which does sit quite well when this is related to the love interest. Well, let’s look forward to the next volume.
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the advance reading copy.
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the advance reading copy.
October 4, 2023
Oh goodness the drama.
October 29, 2023
My mind is completely blown by that ending!! What a plot twist!! 🤯🤯🤯
I'll confess that I really struggled to get into this manga at first. I was warned that it wasn't a romance exactly and was dealing more with psychological stuff than love, so I should prepare myself for no fluffy romances. Goodness am I glad I was warned because this is definitely nothing like I expected!
I don't think I HAD any expectations going in as I couldn't even remember what the book was about, but for the story being slow-going, it was still interesting and became more interesting the further I read. While Rize has a very…odd(?)…obsession with her brother and that plays a huge role in her perspective of the male lead, it was probably her relationship with the male lead that had me most disturbed. I'm guessing that was part of the point, but those last 20-ish pages definitely had a lot of emotion behind them that it genuinely left me reeling.
Here I was thinking this whole time that Kairi is not good news, but I think it's only the tip of the iceberg for how unhinged Rize is going to be compared to him. I'm VERY curious as to what happens next and NEED to know what happens because even if it took me a while to get into this volume, I am seriously debating just sucking it up and paying full price for the second digital volume so I can know where the story is going!
Hard to say if I would recommend this, but I'm engaged enough personally to want to keep reading!
*(I received an e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
I'll confess that I really struggled to get into this manga at first. I was warned that it wasn't a romance exactly and was dealing more with psychological stuff than love, so I should prepare myself for no fluffy romances. Goodness am I glad I was warned because this is definitely nothing like I expected!
I don't think I HAD any expectations going in as I couldn't even remember what the book was about, but for the story being slow-going, it was still interesting and became more interesting the further I read. While Rize has a very…odd(?)…obsession with her brother and that plays a huge role in her perspective of the male lead, it was probably her relationship with the male lead that had me most disturbed. I'm guessing that was part of the point, but those last 20-ish pages definitely had a lot of emotion behind them that it genuinely left me reeling.
Here I was thinking this whole time that Kairi is not good news, but I think it's only the tip of the iceberg for how unhinged Rize is going to be compared to him. I'm VERY curious as to what happens next and NEED to know what happens because even if it took me a while to get into this volume, I am seriously debating just sucking it up and paying full price for the second digital volume so I can know where the story is going!
Hard to say if I would recommend this, but I'm engaged enough personally to want to keep reading!
*(I received an e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
October 15, 2023
This manga was messed up in the best way.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this manga from the start. We follow 2 colleagues, who work at a supermarket and have a ton of baggage. It makes him feel anxious and in fear all the time and unable to sleep. And it makes her delusional and addicted to sleeping.
When they both fall asleep during a break, he on her shoulder, he realizes that that might be the only way he can sleep. So he asks her to borrow her shoulder sometimes. She agrees with it because he reminds her of her brother. She misses her brother a lot, her rock throughout their rough childhood, who she used to share a bed with. She even pretends her stuffed animal is him, all the time.
It’s strange but cute until she gets jealous when she catches him sleeping on someone elses shoulder. He breaks down when she tells him he can’t borrow her shoulder anymore and she feels bad for him and takes him to his house and stays with him until he falls asleep. There she finds his diary which reveals his secret, the reason why he’s so anxious and fearful and sleep deprived. An awful secret but he keeps being so nice and doing the nicest things for her so she just forgets about it I guess and pretends everything is fine.
They develop a very strange relationship, still kinda cute tho, until…
This was just great!! How I easily ignored certain signs because these were two nice and normal people, with a few quirks okay and some bad things in their past. I even thought this would just be a nice slice-of-life cozy romantic manga until pretty far in. I accepted more and more of their strange relationship and that made me completely blind to what was going to happen so it hit me like a bus and made me love this manga even more!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this manga from the start. We follow 2 colleagues, who work at a supermarket and have a ton of baggage. It makes him feel anxious and in fear all the time and unable to sleep. And it makes her delusional and addicted to sleeping.
When they both fall asleep during a break, he on her shoulder, he realizes that that might be the only way he can sleep. So he asks her to borrow her shoulder sometimes. She agrees with it because he reminds her of her brother. She misses her brother a lot, her rock throughout their rough childhood, who she used to share a bed with. She even pretends her stuffed animal is him, all the time.
It’s strange but cute until she gets jealous when she catches him sleeping on someone elses shoulder. He breaks down when she tells him he can’t borrow her shoulder anymore and she feels bad for him and takes him to his house and stays with him until he falls asleep. There she finds his diary which reveals his secret, the reason why he’s so anxious and fearful and sleep deprived. An awful secret but he keeps being so nice and doing the nicest things for her so she just forgets about it I guess and pretends everything is fine.
They develop a very strange relationship, still kinda cute tho, until…
This was just great!! How I easily ignored certain signs because these were two nice and normal people, with a few quirks okay and some bad things in their past. I even thought this would just be a nice slice-of-life cozy romantic manga until pretty far in. I accepted more and more of their strange relationship and that made me completely blind to what was going to happen so it hit me like a bus and made me love this manga even more!
October 24, 2023
2.5 stars out of 5
This is an interesting story, to say the least, and I am glad I gave it a try but I don't know if this is a series I will continue. The synopsis sounded pretty wholesome and while reading it at first I was a little worried about it being too loving between siblings but this wasn't like that thankfully. I think it is actually a pretty good representation of other ways people grieve the loss of family and how they try to fill the void or find their loved ones in others. I didn't really enjoy the twist and I typically like thriller manga but the twist is just a little too much for me, especially after the reveal at the end. I also don't like the romance aspect because of the theme of this story but that could just be me.
Disclaimer: I received an arc copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
This is an interesting story, to say the least, and I am glad I gave it a try but I don't know if this is a series I will continue. The synopsis sounded pretty wholesome and while reading it at first I was a little worried about it being too loving between siblings but this wasn't like that thankfully. I think it is actually a pretty good representation of other ways people grieve the loss of family and how they try to fill the void or find their loved ones in others. I didn't really enjoy the twist and I typically like thriller manga but the twist is just a little too much for me, especially after the reveal at the end. I also don't like the romance aspect because of the theme of this story but that could just be me.
Disclaimer: I received an arc copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2023
4/5
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
Despite being super duper predictable just after a few pages this turned out into a very good read.
I love these types of mysteries, they are lighter than the usual thrillers but very very entertaining.
I'm so looking forward to V2 considering how this one ended and I could tell already that this could turn into a very good series.
I liked the set of characters, I liked the drawings and of course the story.
That's definitely my favorite element. It's fast but easy to follow and it has that perfect amount of surprise effect.
I really hope to be able to find V2 once it's released somewhere.
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
Despite being super duper predictable just after a few pages this turned out into a very good read.
I love these types of mysteries, they are lighter than the usual thrillers but very very entertaining.
I'm so looking forward to V2 considering how this one ended and I could tell already that this could turn into a very good series.
I liked the set of characters, I liked the drawings and of course the story.
That's definitely my favorite element. It's fast but easy to follow and it has that perfect amount of surprise effect.
I really hope to be able to find V2 once it's released somewhere.
October 4, 2023
I received my copy from Netgalley
Kairi has a secret that he is anxious to keep hidden to the point that he develops insomnia and only takes little catnaps.
Rize working in the same supermarket as Kairi observes his habits and they figure it out that he can take restful naps on her shoulder and in her near presence. they make a habit of having sleepovers until Rize finds out that Kairis reason for not being able to sleep is his guilt that he killed someone.
Meanwhile Rize bases the foundation of their relationship on the delusion that she is still yearning for her big brother who disappeared when their parents divorced. The paths untangled left me reeling and , just, like, wow... I never thought of that. It was all messed up but real good messed up.
Kairi has a secret that he is anxious to keep hidden to the point that he develops insomnia and only takes little catnaps.
Rize working in the same supermarket as Kairi observes his habits and they figure it out that he can take restful naps on her shoulder and in her near presence. they make a habit of having sleepovers until Rize finds out that Kairis reason for not being able to sleep is his guilt that he killed someone.
Meanwhile Rize bases the foundation of their relationship on the delusion that she is still yearning for her big brother who disappeared when their parents divorced. The paths untangled left me reeling and , just, like, wow... I never thought of that. It was all messed up but real good messed up.
December 6, 2023
The summary and cover intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to discover this story. Rize's character is interesting and you quickly become attached to her. We soon wonder what happened to her brother, and even though we quickly get suspicious and I quickly guessed the plot, the twist is pretty cool.
As for Kairi, we don't get much information about him, apart from the fact that he's rather endearing and running away from something in his past. The two make a rather unlikely duo, but one I really enjoyed. Volume 1 ends on a cliffhanger, and once again, even though I'd guessed it, I really want to read the sequel because I'm so intrigued by how things will turn out for these two!
As for Kairi, we don't get much information about him, apart from the fact that he's rather endearing and running away from something in his past. The two make a rather unlikely duo, but one I really enjoyed. Volume 1 ends on a cliffhanger, and once again, even though I'd guessed it, I really want to read the sequel because I'm so intrigued by how things will turn out for these two!
October 7, 2024
Bellissimo. Adolescenziale.
October 11, 2024
Whaaaaat is going on
November 1, 2023
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Rize likes nothing more than sleeping, reminiscent of sleeping with her big brother when they were little. Separated by their parents divorce, Rize now lives a normal life studying at university, working late nights at a supermarket while hoping to one day meet her brother again. One day, she grabs the attention of her co-worker Kairi who struggles with insomnia. Thus begins their relationship until everything comes crashing down and there are more questions than answers.
Kairi’s secret is what kept me reading this volume until the end. The relationship between Rize and Kairi as well as the romance developed too quickly for my liking. For strangers who hadn’t met before, and to be able to bond over, simply sleeping is a little surprising for me. Not to mention that as the volume progressed the red flags were growing in this unhealthy relationship. Honestly, Kairi’s secret kept me enticed because he genuinely seemed remorseful, burdened and scared for what he’d done.
I liked the depictions of emotions in this volume. Kairi’s struggle with trying to lead a normal life even though he committed a crime was probably the most intense and emotional for me. As well as Rize’s hope to one day meet her brother and her reluctance to be near Kairi were well depicted. This volume is fast paced so the depictions weren’t very long but sizable enough to get a well rounded picture of how much the characters were suffering.
The artwork is simplistic using a heavy shading technique. I find the latter helped depict an air of suspense, darkness and troubling circumstances, as well as the night scenery. The dialogues are short and to the point with nothing said between the lines. I did, however, have trouble finding when a new chapter started because the chapter numbers were well hidden in the artwork.
A huge part of this volume is the mystery. It’s pretty evident with the overlapping stories, but was executed decently in my perspective. There is a limited number of characters involved, where many play a side role and are not critical to Rize’s and Kairi’s relationship.
Overall, this was a troubling yet interesting read. I liked the artwork, pacing and story. The characters weren’t really my favorite but the depiction of their emotions was clear, which I liked. I’ll definitely be picking up volume two as we ended on a sudden revelation which might just make things complicated.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Rize likes nothing more than sleeping, reminiscent of sleeping with her big brother when they were little. Separated by their parents divorce, Rize now lives a normal life studying at university, working late nights at a supermarket while hoping to one day meet her brother again. One day, she grabs the attention of her co-worker Kairi who struggles with insomnia. Thus begins their relationship until everything comes crashing down and there are more questions than answers.
Kairi’s secret is what kept me reading this volume until the end. The relationship between Rize and Kairi as well as the romance developed too quickly for my liking. For strangers who hadn’t met before, and to be able to bond over, simply sleeping is a little surprising for me. Not to mention that as the volume progressed the red flags were growing in this unhealthy relationship. Honestly, Kairi’s secret kept me enticed because he genuinely seemed remorseful, burdened and scared for what he’d done.
I liked the depictions of emotions in this volume. Kairi’s struggle with trying to lead a normal life even though he committed a crime was probably the most intense and emotional for me. As well as Rize’s hope to one day meet her brother and her reluctance to be near Kairi were well depicted. This volume is fast paced so the depictions weren’t very long but sizable enough to get a well rounded picture of how much the characters were suffering.
The artwork is simplistic using a heavy shading technique. I find the latter helped depict an air of suspense, darkness and troubling circumstances, as well as the night scenery. The dialogues are short and to the point with nothing said between the lines. I did, however, have trouble finding when a new chapter started because the chapter numbers were well hidden in the artwork.
A huge part of this volume is the mystery. It’s pretty evident with the overlapping stories, but was executed decently in my perspective. There is a limited number of characters involved, where many play a side role and are not critical to Rize’s and Kairi’s relationship.
Overall, this was a troubling yet interesting read. I liked the artwork, pacing and story. The characters weren’t really my favorite but the depiction of their emotions was clear, which I liked. I’ll definitely be picking up volume two as we ended on a sudden revelation which might just make things complicated.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
April 22, 2022
Empieza interesante: una muchacha a quien le gusta dormir se vuelve cercana con su extraño compañero de trabajo quien no puede conciliar el sueño, ¿por qué?
Ah, y después descubre que el man mató a alguien.
Ah, y después descubre que el man mató a alguien.
February 9, 2024
Summary:
Rize is so very lonely. It feels like she's been alone ever since her brother left. He went with her father during their parents' divorce. Now, all these years later, Rize still hopes she'll find her brother and bring their little family back together again.
Meanwhile, Kairi is a chronically tired co-worker. As it turns out, he struggles to sleep and happily accepts Rize's shoulder to sleep on. Being around her seems to chase the demons away, while being around him comforts Rize.
Review:
Okaaayyy. There's a lot to unpack here. Searching for My Perfect Brother Vol. 1 is the start of a new mystery series, and it's odd, to say the least. I'm not even sure where to start. Because wow.
Rize's obsession with her brother is unhealthy, to be frank. Yes – it's totally fine for her to want to find him. I get that. But how she thinks about him feels more like a romantic partner than a brother, and it's messed up.
It helps to explain how she ended up so tangled with Kairi, a guy who also could use a lot of (professional) help in his life. There's a big twist on the horizon between these two, and most readers will probably get an idea of it long before the big reveal.
There are a lot of questions left to be answered, but I'm not sure I'm motivated enough to find out. I think this romance is just not the one for me.
Highlights:
Manga
Mystery
Romance
Missing Brother
Trigger Warnings:
Depictions of a graphic nature
Child Abuse (flashbacks)
Murder/Suicide
Will I continue the series? Nope
Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Rize is so very lonely. It feels like she's been alone ever since her brother left. He went with her father during their parents' divorce. Now, all these years later, Rize still hopes she'll find her brother and bring their little family back together again.
Meanwhile, Kairi is a chronically tired co-worker. As it turns out, he struggles to sleep and happily accepts Rize's shoulder to sleep on. Being around her seems to chase the demons away, while being around him comforts Rize.
Review:
Okaaayyy. There's a lot to unpack here. Searching for My Perfect Brother Vol. 1 is the start of a new mystery series, and it's odd, to say the least. I'm not even sure where to start. Because wow.
Rize's obsession with her brother is unhealthy, to be frank. Yes – it's totally fine for her to want to find him. I get that. But how she thinks about him feels more like a romantic partner than a brother, and it's messed up.
It helps to explain how she ended up so tangled with Kairi, a guy who also could use a lot of (professional) help in his life. There's a big twist on the horizon between these two, and most readers will probably get an idea of it long before the big reveal.
There are a lot of questions left to be answered, but I'm not sure I'm motivated enough to find out. I think this romance is just not the one for me.
Highlights:
Manga
Mystery
Romance
Missing Brother
Trigger Warnings:
Depictions of a graphic nature
Child Abuse (flashbacks)
Murder/Suicide
Will I continue the series? Nope
Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
November 3, 2023
Well... to be fair, I was not expecting that - and I say this in a VERY good way ;) -.
Have you read the title? What did you think about it? In my case, I thought I would encounter a very nice and lighthearted comedy about a big sister and her efforts to make a regular person out of her little brother (FYI, I usually don't read synopsis). But I couldn't be further from the truth.
This manga falls very far from lighthearted, comedy or a normal siblings relationship. It's actually the kind of story that makes you consider how willing are you to ignore society's norms if that meant that the story goes the way you intend it to go. The rollercoaster of emotions and plotwists rendered an ending that left my heart beating and eager for more.
What I liked the most about this story is that the story-telling pace is completely perfect for the topics at hand. You definitely don't get bored but that doesn't mean that the story doesn't takes breaks when needed. Nowadays, in this maelstrom of times, it is quite hard to find a story that knows when to take a break, and that is why I loved this story so much and why I'm eager to see it to the end.
Another thing I really liked about this manga is the depictions of the characters. I'm not sure why but, somehow, everyone looks so authentic... I really liked reading a story with a diverse group of characters (even if they don't have that much "story-time").
Beware of the warning posted at the official website of Kodansha (here quoted): "This series contains mildly graphic depictions and discussions of child abuse, murder, suicide, and sexual violence. It also deals with controversial topics such as incest and occasionally includes non-explicit depictions of sex and nude human bodies. Reader discretion is advised.". Therefore, be mindful before deciding to give it a try (which I still recommend though). Even though the warnings are many, I can assure you that all sensitive topics are treated with outmost respect and it's really easy to sympathize with the characters and their decisions, therefore it becomes a bit hard to judge (especially since it is the first volume and we all know the story still has a long way).
Have you read the title? What did you think about it? In my case, I thought I would encounter a very nice and lighthearted comedy about a big sister and her efforts to make a regular person out of her little brother (FYI, I usually don't read synopsis). But I couldn't be further from the truth.
This manga falls very far from lighthearted, comedy or a normal siblings relationship. It's actually the kind of story that makes you consider how willing are you to ignore society's norms if that meant that the story goes the way you intend it to go. The rollercoaster of emotions and plotwists rendered an ending that left my heart beating and eager for more.
What I liked the most about this story is that the story-telling pace is completely perfect for the topics at hand. You definitely don't get bored but that doesn't mean that the story doesn't takes breaks when needed. Nowadays, in this maelstrom of times, it is quite hard to find a story that knows when to take a break, and that is why I loved this story so much and why I'm eager to see it to the end.
Another thing I really liked about this manga is the depictions of the characters. I'm not sure why but, somehow, everyone looks so authentic... I really liked reading a story with a diverse group of characters (even if they don't have that much "story-time").
Beware of the warning posted at the official website of Kodansha (here quoted): "This series contains mildly graphic depictions and discussions of child abuse, murder, suicide, and sexual violence. It also deals with controversial topics such as incest and occasionally includes non-explicit depictions of sex and nude human bodies. Reader discretion is advised.". Therefore, be mindful before deciding to give it a try (which I still recommend though). Even though the warnings are many, I can assure you that all sensitive topics are treated with outmost respect and it's really easy to sympathize with the characters and their decisions, therefore it becomes a bit hard to judge (especially since it is the first volume and we all know the story still has a long way).
October 23, 2023
2.75 ★
---
"Searching for My Perfect Brother" es una lectura "interesante". Por la portada y descripción, esperaba un slice of life, tal vez algo de misterio por el hermano desaparecido, pero no que se transformara en un drama retorcido.
Dicho eso, una vez establecido que iba a estar más cercano a un thriller, algunos plot twist del final se volvieron evidentes. No tenía sentido mencionar cierta información si no iba a tener una conexión con el desenlace.
En lo personal, creo que habría disfrutado más la historia si la protagonista hubiera tenido personalidad propia en lugar de ser funcional al interes romántico cuestionable. Por otro lado, gran parte del enamoramiento se basa en que se parece a su hermano perdido y eso le da ciertos tintes de incesto a la historia.
Sin embargo, creo que es un manga que tiene potencial de relectura una vez que este completo, para recontextualizar ciertas escenas con la información completa, así que esperaré el siguiente tomo a ver cómo sigue.
Gracias a Netgalley y al editor por proporcionar una copia gratuita del libro a cambio de una reseña honesta.
---
"Searching for My Perfect Brother" is a wild read. For the blurb, I was expecting a slice of life, there was a mention of a secret but I was not ready for something dark.
Still, once you realize that this is going to be closer to a thriller, some plot twists become more evident. Otherwise, why mention it?
Personally, I think I would have enjoyed the story more if the romance hadn't given me incest overtones. Our FMC infatuation is based on the fact that the MMC reminds her of her lost brother.
However, I think it is a manga that has the potential to be reread once it's complete and some scenes can be recontextualized with the complete information, so I will wait for the next volume to see how it goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
---
"Searching for My Perfect Brother" es una lectura "interesante". Por la portada y descripción, esperaba un slice of life, tal vez algo de misterio por el hermano desaparecido, pero no que se transformara en un drama retorcido.
Dicho eso, una vez establecido que iba a estar más cercano a un thriller, algunos plot twist del final se volvieron evidentes. No tenía sentido mencionar cierta información si no iba a tener una conexión con el desenlace.
En lo personal, creo que habría disfrutado más la historia si la protagonista hubiera tenido personalidad propia en lugar de ser funcional al interes romántico cuestionable. Por otro lado, gran parte del enamoramiento se basa en que se parece a su hermano perdido y eso le da ciertos tintes de incesto a la historia.
Sin embargo, creo que es un manga que tiene potencial de relectura una vez que este completo, para recontextualizar ciertas escenas con la información completa, así que esperaré el siguiente tomo a ver cómo sigue.
Gracias a Netgalley y al editor por proporcionar una copia gratuita del libro a cambio de una reseña honesta.
---
"Searching for My Perfect Brother" is a wild read. For the blurb, I was expecting a slice of life, there was a mention of a secret but I was not ready for something dark.
Still, once you realize that this is going to be closer to a thriller, some plot twists become more evident. Otherwise, why mention it?
Personally, I think I would have enjoyed the story more if the romance hadn't given me incest overtones. Our FMC infatuation is based on the fact that the MMC reminds her of her lost brother.
However, I think it is a manga that has the potential to be reread once it's complete and some scenes can be recontextualized with the complete information, so I will wait for the next volume to see how it goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this graphic novel, in exchange of an honest review.
La verdad, el principio del tomo fue tranquilo y un poco meh. Me pareció extraña desde el comienzo la fijación de la protagonista con su hermano mayor... y su un poco ridículo y forzado "amor por dormir". En fin, dejé pasar eso para seguir avanzando con la lectura, pero lo que vino después fue más extraño.
El primer "giro" de trama fue inesperado, no había leído nada similar, me sorprendió en ese sentido. Pero ese misterio que comienza a crecer, transforma la historia de mi típico romance shojo en una novela de suspenso y no me gustó el cambio. Ni menos la reacción de la protagonista a este. Onda, la sorpresa y estrés por ella, le duraron re poco... lo dejó pasar por el "poder del amor", lo que en este caso yo no vi nada justificado.
Ahora, de cara al final del tomo, el nuevo y más sorpresivo giro de trama sí fue predecible :( Y no por ello más agradable. Al menos ahora, la prota sí reacciona con la angustia que esperaba, pero bueno.
En general, no me gusta este tipo de tramas.
En fin, no continuaré con la historia, porque no me gusta el ambiente general de la novela, y me estresan sus personajes principales, tanto la chica poco consecuente, como el chico doble cara. De todos modos, esta historia podría gustarte, así que por favor, dale una oportunidad si no te molesta leer sobre personajes con moralmente grises/negros y amor tóxico o tramas lentas de suspenso y misterio.
Eso sí, por favor ten en cuenta el contenido sensible que se trata en la historia, entre ellos:
La verdad, el principio del tomo fue tranquilo y un poco meh. Me pareció extraña desde el comienzo la fijación de la protagonista con su hermano mayor... y su un poco ridículo y forzado "amor por dormir". En fin, dejé pasar eso para seguir avanzando con la lectura, pero lo que vino después fue más extraño.
El primer "giro" de trama fue inesperado, no había leído nada similar, me sorprendió en ese sentido. Pero ese misterio que comienza a crecer, transforma la historia de mi típico romance shojo en una novela de suspenso y no me gustó el cambio. Ni menos la reacción de la protagonista a este. Onda, la sorpresa y estrés por ella, le duraron re poco... lo dejó pasar por el "poder del amor", lo que en este caso yo no vi nada justificado.
Ahora, de cara al final del tomo, el nuevo y más sorpresivo giro de trama sí fue predecible :( Y no por ello más agradable. Al menos ahora, la prota sí reacciona con la angustia que esperaba, pero bueno.
En general, no me gusta este tipo de tramas.
En fin, no continuaré con la historia, porque no me gusta el ambiente general de la novela, y me estresan sus personajes principales, tanto la chica poco consecuente, como el chico doble cara. De todos modos, esta historia podría gustarte, así que por favor, dale una oportunidad si no te molesta leer sobre personajes con moralmente grises/negros y amor tóxico o tramas lentas de suspenso y misterio.
Eso sí, por favor ten en cuenta el contenido sensible que se trata en la historia, entre ellos:
October 5, 2023
Judging by the cover, I thought that this was a sweet slice-of-life/romance manga, but by the end of the first chapter, I was proven wrong. Searching for My Perfect Brother is a mystery thriller, and if it is a romance manga, than it definitely is a disturbing one.
Rize, the FMC, is a diligent college student who works part-time at a supermarket. She harbors a secret crush/admiration for Kairi, her fellow colleague who is an insomniac. Rize also imagines Kairi as her long-lost brother, who she dearly misses ever since they were separated due to their parents' divorce.
Rize can fall asleep very easily in the supermarket's break room, so the insomniac Kairi became intrigued and asked her for tips to sleep better. As their relationship deepens, secrets unravel and pasts are dug open, and Rize realizes that Kairi's life is far, far darker than she assumed.
Searching for My Perfect Brother is an odd and disturbing tale. This manga lets your guard down with panels of sweet and wholesome scenes, and then surprises you by its twists and turns. I often am shocked by the quite abrupt change in tone. The pacing felt clunky sometimes due to the suddenness of the scenes, and I often wonder whether Satoshi
Morie wanted to write a romance or a psychological manga. Maybe Morie wanted to do both, but for now I don't really believe it's working that well. It just feels awkward and random to me.
Regarding the art, I thought it was very pretty and expressive. The art is very shoujo-esque, what with its soft and calming artstyle. But the author draws the thrilling scenes really well, so it really keeps you on your toes.
Nevertheless, I'm really intrigued by this manga. This manga is part of a series, so I'm excited to read the sequels as I really wanted to know what the real truth is. There's just so many things that aren't revealed yet, so you best believe that I will be following this manga till the end of the series.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha USA for the e-ARC!
Rize, the FMC, is a diligent college student who works part-time at a supermarket. She harbors a secret crush/admiration for Kairi, her fellow colleague who is an insomniac. Rize also imagines Kairi as her long-lost brother, who she dearly misses ever since they were separated due to their parents' divorce.
Rize can fall asleep very easily in the supermarket's break room, so the insomniac Kairi became intrigued and asked her for tips to sleep better. As their relationship deepens, secrets unravel and pasts are dug open, and Rize realizes that Kairi's life is far, far darker than she assumed.
Searching for My Perfect Brother is an odd and disturbing tale. This manga lets your guard down with panels of sweet and wholesome scenes, and then surprises you by its twists and turns. I often am shocked by the quite abrupt change in tone. The pacing felt clunky sometimes due to the suddenness of the scenes, and I often wonder whether Satoshi
Morie wanted to write a romance or a psychological manga. Maybe Morie wanted to do both, but for now I don't really believe it's working that well. It just feels awkward and random to me.
Regarding the art, I thought it was very pretty and expressive. The art is very shoujo-esque, what with its soft and calming artstyle. But the author draws the thrilling scenes really well, so it really keeps you on your toes.
Nevertheless, I'm really intrigued by this manga. This manga is part of a series, so I'm excited to read the sequels as I really wanted to know what the real truth is. There's just so many things that aren't revealed yet, so you best believe that I will be following this manga till the end of the series.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha USA for the e-ARC!
October 17, 2023
No grazie. Questo manga è decisamente troppo creepy per me e sinceramente non riesco a capire come la protagonista possa continuare ad avvicinarsi al protagonista maschile.
Ho continuato a sperare fino all'ultimo di sbagliarmi riguardo a quello che era successo al fratello di lei, e speravo sinceramente che la storia non sarebbe stata cosi banale, ma che l'intrigo fosse più complesso e ci fosse qualche tipo di fraintendimento... ma il comportamento tra i due rimane davvero inquietante.
Non fa per me purtroppo e decisamente non ho nemmeno voglia di sapere come continua. I gialli decisamente non fanno proprio per me. Pensavo che sarebbe stato un normale shoujo dalla copertina...e invece.
Grazie Netgalley per avermelo fatto leggere in anteprima!
---------------------------
No thank you. This manga is definitely too creepy for me and I honestly can't understand how the protagonist can continue to get closer to the male protagonist.
I continued to hope until the end that I was wrong about what had happened to her brother, and I sincerely hoped that the story would not be so banal, but that the plot would be more complex and there would be some kind of misunderstanding... but the behavior between the two remains truly disturbing.
Unfortunately it's not for me and I definitely don't even want to know how it continues. Mysteries are definitely not my thing. I thought it was going to be a normal shoujo from the cover...but i was wrong.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read it!
Ho continuato a sperare fino all'ultimo di sbagliarmi riguardo a quello che era successo al fratello di lei, e speravo sinceramente che la storia non sarebbe stata cosi banale, ma che l'intrigo fosse più complesso e ci fosse qualche tipo di fraintendimento... ma il comportamento tra i due rimane davvero inquietante.
Non fa per me purtroppo e decisamente non ho nemmeno voglia di sapere come continua. I gialli decisamente non fanno proprio per me. Pensavo che sarebbe stato un normale shoujo dalla copertina...e invece.
Grazie Netgalley per avermelo fatto leggere in anteprima!
---------------------------
No thank you. This manga is definitely too creepy for me and I honestly can't understand how the protagonist can continue to get closer to the male protagonist.
I continued to hope until the end that I was wrong about what had happened to her brother, and I sincerely hoped that the story would not be so banal, but that the plot would be more complex and there would be some kind of misunderstanding... but the behavior between the two remains truly disturbing.
Unfortunately it's not for me and I definitely don't even want to know how it continues. Mysteries are definitely not my thing. I thought it was going to be a normal shoujo from the cover...but i was wrong.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read it!
October 5, 2023
Wow! What a trip! Searching for My Perfect Brother follows a young woman who was separated from her brother when she was 6 and hasn't seen him since. She is absolutely obsessed with finding him and being with him again. At work, she meets a guy called Kairi, who has trouble sleeping, and makes a deal with him that he can sleep on her shoulder, which is apparently the only place he can sleep without nightmares. Little does she know, Kairi has actually killed someone! As she starts to fall for Kairi, we find out some crazy info about his past. Will this be the end of their relationship?
This manga was super fast paced an I couldn't put it down. I was totally engaged the entire time, and NEED the read the next book in the series! The genre is kind of like a thriller romance, because the main girl is falling in love with someone who killed someone...and she knows this, but she also is obsessed with him! I'm usually not one for thrillers, but this manga was crazy engaging!
The artwork was really detailed an beautiful. I love how the characters were drawn, and the amount of detail in each character's face and clothing, etc.
I really enjoyed this manga and look forward to volume 2! 5/5 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This manga was super fast paced an I couldn't put it down. I was totally engaged the entire time, and NEED the read the next book in the series! The genre is kind of like a thriller romance, because the main girl is falling in love with someone who killed someone...and she knows this, but she also is obsessed with him! I'm usually not one for thrillers, but this manga was crazy engaging!
The artwork was really detailed an beautiful. I love how the characters were drawn, and the amount of detail in each character's face and clothing, etc.
I really enjoyed this manga and look forward to volume 2! 5/5 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 10, 2023
Intense and exciting
„Searching for my perfect Brother” by Satoshi Mori caught my eye because of the beautiful cover. Satoshi Mori's drawing style immediately appealed to me.
The protagonist Rize is still suffering from her parents' divorce and the associated loss of her big brother, whom she misses dearly. When the student meets her colleague Kairi at her job in the supermarket, who has trouble sleeping, the ball starts rolling I have a sweet and fast-paced story about a sister who is looking for her brother. But I got a story about a young woman who still longs for her brother and pursues her longing with naps that she used to take with her brother. The atmosphere in the manga quickly takes on a dark atmosphere as Kairi's secret slowly comes to light and Satoshi Mori caught me off guard with the twist.
I really like Rize. She is a very nice person who leads a quiet life. However, I found that we haven't had a very deep insight into her life, especially her past is largely in the dark. I find Kairi quite exciting. Almost nothing is known about him and when his secret came to light, I only asked myself more questions about you!
In any case, I'm very excited about the second volume in the series.
Thanks to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
„Searching for my perfect Brother” by Satoshi Mori caught my eye because of the beautiful cover. Satoshi Mori's drawing style immediately appealed to me.
The protagonist Rize is still suffering from her parents' divorce and the associated loss of her big brother, whom she misses dearly. When the student meets her colleague Kairi at her job in the supermarket, who has trouble sleeping, the ball starts rolling I have a sweet and fast-paced story about a sister who is looking for her brother. But I got a story about a young woman who still longs for her brother and pursues her longing with naps that she used to take with her brother. The atmosphere in the manga quickly takes on a dark atmosphere as Kairi's secret slowly comes to light and Satoshi Mori caught me off guard with the twist.
I really like Rize. She is a very nice person who leads a quiet life. However, I found that we haven't had a very deep insight into her life, especially her past is largely in the dark. I find Kairi quite exciting. Almost nothing is known about him and when his secret came to light, I only asked myself more questions about you!
In any case, I'm very excited about the second volume in the series.
Thanks to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Like many others, I went into this expecting a sweet and wholesome type of story. Instead, I got a psychological drama with a touch of mystery and some thriller elements. Talk about whiplash. As the story progresses you slowly start to realize Rize's "wholesome dream" isn't really at all wholesome, but rather a state of delusion she keeps herself in order to maintain daily function. I do find the stories slide from a seemingly slice-of-life story into psychological drama to be interesting. The way it draws you in with the expectation of it being a charming cozy story, only for it to slowly reveal what it actually is was done in a clever way. The romantic elements of this felt like they were shoddily added in, to add some more dramatic tension. The "romance" also felt like it was another one of Rize's delusions, but it also had some not great implications behind it. The dramatic plot twist I guess from the very first chapter. If you have even a slight bit of experience with this type of story, it was obvious. I will admit though, the way the novel ended does make me want to seek out the rest of this series. It really makes me want to know how it all ends.
Like many others, I went into this expecting a sweet and wholesome type of story. Instead, I got a psychological drama with a touch of mystery and some thriller elements. Talk about whiplash. As the story progresses you slowly start to realize Rize's "wholesome dream" isn't really at all wholesome, but rather a state of delusion she keeps herself in order to maintain daily function. I do find the stories slide from a seemingly slice-of-life story into psychological drama to be interesting. The way it draws you in with the expectation of it being a charming cozy story, only for it to slowly reveal what it actually is was done in a clever way. The romantic elements of this felt like they were shoddily added in, to add some more dramatic tension. The "romance" also felt like it was another one of Rize's delusions, but it also had some not great implications behind it. The dramatic plot twist I guess from the very first chapter. If you have even a slight bit of experience with this type of story, it was obvious. I will admit though, the way the novel ended does make me want to seek out the rest of this series. It really makes me want to know how it all ends.
October 17, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for a copy of Searching for My Perfect Brother!
"There's nothing in the world Rize likes more than to curl up in her warm bed and doze away like she used to with her big brother when they were kids before they were separated by their parents' divorce. Working late shifts at a supermarket while attending university, she dreams of someday finding and reconnecting with her lost and now grown-up-big brother. Her penchant for being able to nap in the break room draws the attention of Kairi, a co-worker who struggles with insomnia. Something about him reminds her of her big brother, and she finds herself growing closer to him…but when she discovers his secret, her whole world will be turned helter-skelter."
Ok this was WILD lol. What a great cozy, romance turned psychological thriller--and I love how the art reflects that. There were panels that went from "aww" to "oh shit". Searching for My Perfect Brother is not very dark but uses hints and character quirks to show how messed up people can be underneath. It's hard to review this without spoiling much, but I highly, highly recommend it to anyone wanting to branch out to psychological thrillers!
"There's nothing in the world Rize likes more than to curl up in her warm bed and doze away like she used to with her big brother when they were kids before they were separated by their parents' divorce. Working late shifts at a supermarket while attending university, she dreams of someday finding and reconnecting with her lost and now grown-up-big brother. Her penchant for being able to nap in the break room draws the attention of Kairi, a co-worker who struggles with insomnia. Something about him reminds her of her big brother, and she finds herself growing closer to him…but when she discovers his secret, her whole world will be turned helter-skelter."
Ok this was WILD lol. What a great cozy, romance turned psychological thriller--and I love how the art reflects that. There were panels that went from "aww" to "oh shit". Searching for My Perfect Brother is not very dark but uses hints and character quirks to show how messed up people can be underneath. It's hard to review this without spoiling much, but I highly, highly recommend it to anyone wanting to branch out to psychological thrillers!
October 24, 2023
Rize is a college student who works part time at a supermarket. There she has bonded with her coworker, Kairi, who struggles to sleep. When she is the only one who can help him sleep, their bond grows, but secrets also begin to unravel.
When picking this up, I thought that I would have a cute manga. Maybe something with a little bit of grief and healing, but I was not expecting what I got.
Searching for My Perfect Brother starts off sweet and unsuspecting. I thought it was going to be a romantic manga and then it quickly took a turn. A complete turn that took me by surprise, but also gripped me.
While I liked the change it was sudden and could be jarring at times. From time to time I was confused as to what the story wanted to be as it would still flip back and forth a little bit between more mystery/thriller and cute slice of life.
The art was expressive and good. It managed to get across a number of emotions. It does an excellent job of adding to the story!
The cliffhanger has gripped me. I want to know more I want to know the truth. I will be continuing this series to get all the answers that this volume brought up.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When picking this up, I thought that I would have a cute manga. Maybe something with a little bit of grief and healing, but I was not expecting what I got.
Searching for My Perfect Brother starts off sweet and unsuspecting. I thought it was going to be a romantic manga and then it quickly took a turn. A complete turn that took me by surprise, but also gripped me.
While I liked the change it was sudden and could be jarring at times. From time to time I was confused as to what the story wanted to be as it would still flip back and forth a little bit between more mystery/thriller and cute slice of life.
The art was expressive and good. It managed to get across a number of emotions. It does an excellent job of adding to the story!
The cliffhanger has gripped me. I want to know more I want to know the truth. I will be continuing this series to get all the answers that this volume brought up.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2023
Thank you netgalley for the copy in exchange for the honest review.
Okay to start I just have to say this is a story you need to have an open mind for to understand and appreciate. The main character has had a really hard life and the only good memories she had was her older brother she lived with the first six years of her life. Due to her family separation she didn’t get to see him after that so she held onto the safety he offered and pictures a future in which she would be reunited and safe with him again. Current day she is working part time at a grocery store, going to college, and living alone. She has a coworker who is beloved by everyone who is the same age her older brother would be so she looks up to him but it develops into romantic feelings after a while. She learns his secret however and it’s hard for her to continue to be close to him. There is elements of mystery and physiological thriller at times that has this being a dark and twisty read. Also there is some undertones of incest which you have to kinda overlook because the rest of the book was fantastic. The story, writing, art styles and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat and has me so eager for volume 2.
Okay to start I just have to say this is a story you need to have an open mind for to understand and appreciate. The main character has had a really hard life and the only good memories she had was her older brother she lived with the first six years of her life. Due to her family separation she didn’t get to see him after that so she held onto the safety he offered and pictures a future in which she would be reunited and safe with him again. Current day she is working part time at a grocery store, going to college, and living alone. She has a coworker who is beloved by everyone who is the same age her older brother would be so she looks up to him but it develops into romantic feelings after a while. She learns his secret however and it’s hard for her to continue to be close to him. There is elements of mystery and physiological thriller at times that has this being a dark and twisty read. Also there is some undertones of incest which you have to kinda overlook because the rest of the book was fantastic. The story, writing, art styles and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat and has me so eager for volume 2.
August 6, 2024
In Darkness We Thrive
This story is, honestly, pretty messed up. Just in case you didn't read the description this is in no way a story for younger readers with content as discussed there but the biggest take away from this story is broken people can help each other and fate is a harsh mistress though to tell you why would involve revealing the end of the book. Dark though the story may be I would question the definition of romance even if there is some intimacy in the volume. Due to Rize's obsession with her long lost brother and Kairi's overwhelming guilt from the past it appears they are both using each other like a crutch to mutually comfort the darkness in themselves but hey...they say misery loves company so who am I to judge a fictional relationship.
Now that I read what is revealed as well as some potential foreshadowing elements in the book (as well as the description mentioned above) I have a feeling Rize's past is less Brocon and more survival instinct with possible memory loss though we do not have any real details being only the first volume. Honestly it is the only reason I can think of besides fear of being rejected that she would not reach out to her brother after they became adults.
This story is, honestly, pretty messed up. Just in case you didn't read the description this is in no way a story for younger readers with content as discussed there but the biggest take away from this story is broken people can help each other and fate is a harsh mistress though to tell you why would involve revealing the end of the book. Dark though the story may be I would question the definition of romance even if there is some intimacy in the volume. Due to Rize's obsession with her long lost brother and Kairi's overwhelming guilt from the past it appears they are both using each other like a crutch to mutually comfort the darkness in themselves but hey...they say misery loves company so who am I to judge a fictional relationship.
Now that I read what is revealed as well as some potential foreshadowing elements in the book (as well as the description mentioned above) I have a feeling Rize's past is less Brocon and more survival instinct with possible memory loss though we do not have any real details being only the first volume. Honestly it is the only reason I can think of besides fear of being rejected that she would not reach out to her brother after they became adults.
October 4, 2023
ARC review; it's available through NetGalley!
Rize is a young woman longing for her big brother. They were separated after their parents divorced and she misses the deep connection they had. She meets Kairi, a co-worker who reminds her of her brother, but she soon finds out they're connected in a very tragic way.
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I loooooved the drawings. The story, on the other hand, is not great, but it's easy to read and it does leave you wanting more. I say it's not great because the dialogue can be bland, I found the comparisons between her love interest and her brother a bit icky at times, and I guessed the twist very quickly, but I still want to know what happens next.
More specifically, I want to know how this relationship progresses now that Rize found out how Kairi's secret affects her. She was pretty quick to brush it off when she first discovered it because he's nice and they have a connection. But now that his secret is the source of her pain, I want to see how she deals with it.
Overall, I'm intrigued and it's well-drawn, so I'll keep an eye on it. This will be out on October 17!
Rize is a young woman longing for her big brother. They were separated after their parents divorced and she misses the deep connection they had. She meets Kairi, a co-worker who reminds her of her brother, but she soon finds out they're connected in a very tragic way.
-
I loooooved the drawings. The story, on the other hand, is not great, but it's easy to read and it does leave you wanting more. I say it's not great because the dialogue can be bland, I found the comparisons between her love interest and her brother a bit icky at times, and I guessed the twist very quickly, but I still want to know what happens next.
More specifically, I want to know how this relationship progresses now that Rize found out how Kairi's secret affects her. She was pretty quick to brush it off when she first discovered it because he's nice and they have a connection. But now that his secret is the source of her pain, I want to see how she deals with it.
Overall, I'm intrigued and it's well-drawn, so I'll keep an eye on it. This will be out on October 17!
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