October 6, 2024

Pretty forgettable, but with a memorable gimmick

I want to give this a 2.5 because it's just fine, but I think in this case it'll be rounded down to a 2 instead of up to a 3.

I just listened to the audiobook (from audiobook.jp) while doing other things and didn't read along. Only note I have re: the audiobook is that Karen's voice actor had the most horrible, grating voice I've ever heard. Maybe I'm misremembering but wasn't she supposed to be 10 when she went missing? She sounds 4 years old.

I usually read a buuuuunch of reviews before deciding if I want to commit to a book, but I was looking for an audiobook to listen to while multitasking/commuting and I like this author, so I just picked it up.

I think it's the weakest of this author's books that I've read, which I find quite surprising as it's his most popular book! I preferred the autumn book over this one for sure (this is part of his seasons and SF themed series), although that one appealed to me more with its brand of SF twist. As with all of his books that I've read, the language is easy and everyday. If you're looking for an author to multitask to, Hachimoku Mei is one.

I will fully admit that I was only half paying attention for some bits, but I did leave the book a bit confused as to what kind of person Hanashiro was. She just seemed to jump all over the place to whatever was the most convenient personality for her to have at the time imo.

I also found the romance........ cringe is the only word that comes to mind. I muuuch preferred the MCs' dynamic in the autumn book.

I think it kind of dipped in the middle and then picked up again at the end. I will say I'm more interested in what happens after the book to these characters now compared to the autumn book though! I'd actually really enjoy a more introspective short story or something taking place after this that deals with the fallout of losing years and years to the tunnel and emerging in a different world, the MC technically being an adult but looking like a child still, etc.

Gradings:7
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ruby graded
on November 16, 2024
ruby graded
on October 12, 2024
ruby graded
on October 12, 2024
harder than終焉ノ栞L26
ruby graded
on October 12, 2024
ruby graded
on October 12, 2024
ruby graded
on October 12, 2024
easier thanミモザの告白L29