2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE 2015
>
K.C.'s 2015 Challenge


I read all the way through this series hoping that it would improve with time, but it didn't. It really just didn't.
The story didn't really progress at all - there was virtually no story at all. A human with blood deeply desired by the vampires. It was predictable that it would turn into a harem, but harems can have tales and can work to develop the story and the characters. But this fell incredibly flat.
Speaking of characters. There was nothing to make you feel for them. The main female character had to deal with not having a lot of courage when it came to the man she fell in love with, while others where also pining after him. And one of the other characters that actually had a back story wanted to be a vampire hunter and determined who was a vampire based on how large their breasts are. That was her issue. She had small breasts.
Let me tell you something, having large breasts are not that great. It's not something you should judge someone on, and having small breasts is nothing to be ashamed of. Having large breasts causes a lot of pain and are often times harder to play with (on either end, playing with yourself or playing with someone elses breasts).
On that subject, the breasts were not drawn realistically. The author/artist obviously didn't know how to draw them in proportion to body style, or how they move, squish and bend naturally. (They also flip-flopped between actually drawing nipples and not drawing them by covering with a couple strands of hair - which doesn't actually happen).
Needless to say, I didn't care for this one. It wasn't even good as porn. It was a shame and a difficult read, I'm just glad I'm done with it.
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
View all my reviews

Well, I'm new to the Doctor Who fandom, so it was exciting to read a book in that universe.
But the few favorite series I would have to say is the Death Gate Cycle, Momoiro Heaven, and the Penryn and the End of Days series. All have been quite a wild ride. :D

I want to watch Doctor Who, but I'm such a wimp when it comes to watching scary things that I can't do it. All of the Doctor Who monsters are fascinating though, and I know I can do scary/thrilling books (it's really about me being able to control my mental movie). Anyway, I've thought about reading the books in order to learn more about the fandom, but I wasn't sure if they were any good compared to the TV series.

The fandom has been pretty good for me so far. :)


What a ride this series is, haha.
In this issue we get to see a little more of Rin's and Sesshomaru's relationship (and Jaken's constant judging of said relationship).
But probably the most important thing, Inuyasha's sword is broken and he reveals a transformation. He becomes more of a Yokai - which scares everyone on the team. But Kagome is able to "soothe" his inner beast. it's not the new power that scares her, it's not the face he assumes when he transforms. It's the thought of losing him from her life. That's what scares her the most. (I can't help but love thier relationship).
Finally, Naruaku is a little shit.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


It's not a horrible read, but I find that a lot of Yuri falls short in story.
This is a collection of single chapter short Yuri stories. So while there isn't enough time to get attached to the characters, there also isn't a lot of time for the writer/artist to mess up the story.
I do enjoy some Yuri and Yaoi, all the gay. It's some of the funnest stuff to read at times.
But Yuri often is really bad when it comes to the story. Very quickly in most of the Yuri I've read the story either stagnates, falls apart, or compeletly looses all logic - but the art is usually amazing. While Yaoi often has the worst art, but amazing stories.
Yuri artists should work with Yaoi writers.
But this is a cute series that I can read in my spare time when I can't pick which other series to read.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


Just finished volume two~!
Pretty much the same as the first volume, this one had a little more "fetish" oriented subjects in it, but it's not a bad read. It actually goes by really quickly. (Fetishes: Teacher/Student, Sadist/Masochist, Religious School)
In this volume there was actually a part two to one of the stories in the first one - not a bad continuation, it expanded on the emotional issues that where solved in the last volume. The one who was always secretive started opening up emotionally to her partner. Her partner also confessed to some insecurities.
Instead of using this to read when I'm between series or can't pick a series, I may end up getting caught up on this tonight or tomorrow. I wasn't expecting it to read this quickly.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


Some of these have started playing a little more of the psychological aspects of the short stories presented. More than just the sex.
It touches upon weight. A model not being able to eat the way she wants because of the job she has. While her girlfriend thinks that she's overweight, mentally overweight to the point she starves herself (if you look at her body she is a healthy, normal weight).
Being in love with someone whom you can't have just for yourself because of either the job they are in or because they love someone else.
They are playing a little more on the emotional aspect, but I still think they would be more interesting if they were full stories. Some of these stand out against some of the negative Yuri out there whose art is good while the story is bad.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


One of the chapters was purely playing on emotions. Then right back to the formula: sex + feelings + crying.
After reading this far in the series, I'm starting to get a little bored with the series to be honest. They all seem to be pretty similar to each other. While each story is different, they all follow the same type of story with the same type of outcome - only a few are standing out.
Plus the consistent change in art style is a little annoying. The early chapters all had a similar style, but now they are venturing away from that. (This coming from an artist - I get a little picky when reading.)
But I've come this far in the story, I may as well continue - but it'll probably be tomorrow.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


I'm caught up with what they have published online now. (Part way through volume 8).
It's still the same old same old.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


The site I use skipped volume six. So I'm just going to leave it in my To Read section. The numbering system is all messed up with this series on MangaHere.co
Again, all the stories are starting to blend together. None of them are really standing out.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


I love the unique way each of the characters stand out from each other, they all follow certain character types, but each of them are quite different from each other - both in looks and in personality. I feel that it really helps the story overall.
I'd also like to comment that Inuyasha's sword being too heavy for him reminds me of another scene, in Rurouni Kenshin. Because of the pure weight and size of his newly fixed sword Inuyasha is having problems swinging the sword, it's a slower more labored swing. And in the fight that is found in this volume, that slow swing allowed the enemy to jump onto the sword.
In Rurouni Kenshin, Sanosuke's Zanbato had a similar way about it with its weight and handle-ability. In his battle with Kenshin, Kenshin was also able to jump onto the Zanbato and use it as a way to get close to Sanosuke.
The battles are quite different, but there are similarities that came to mind while reading this issue. Just an interesting observation.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


The series overall I would say is a 4ish star, but this volume. THIS VOLUME.
I am not sure how much more my heart can take, this volume was so feelsy, I just can't stand it. Inuyasha is indecisive when it comes to love, and Kagome was not firm with her feelings in the beginning. It was so feelsy, I don't know how I'm going to live with it. XD
I'm going onto the next one.
MY HEART
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


I'm definitely enjoying it. It's a fun read.
I'd say it's worth picking up, especially if you just want something to power through, or something to read while in between series. That's how I'm getting caught up on a lot of the bigger series - reading them while waiting for updates.
(If you would like to read it online, here's the link: Inuyasha Manga.)


While I do enjoy stand alone novels, some of them are really amazing, I do tend to buy a love of series.
I think series, when done right, provide a better way to explore the world. You have more opportunities to get to know the world and the characters.
If you notice that a lot of the books I've read this year are Manga (Japanese Comic Books), which are almost always in series format due to the nature of the medium worked in. (Granted Yuri Hime Wildrose is a collection of short, once chapter stories). In fact, I plan on going into this field myself and working as a comic book illustrator.
However, most of the novels have been series, I think it shows some great dedication from the author to stick to a series for a while. My TBR has a couple stand alone novels in it (6 of 16) a lot of them are me trying to finish the series that I have been reading.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that both have wonderful merits, but a series allows you to develop a deeper connection to the characters and the world. The building of both character and world is a complex one that is really beautiful and difficult (I dabble in writing as well as art). In a series it allows the author more chance and ability to develop.
I hope you found my thoughts helpful. Feel free to shoot me any other questions you may have - I would be happy to help you and discuss your journey to become a more active reader.
(Sorry if this was a little long winded - and welcome to GR and the group.)

While I do enjoy stand alone novels, some of them are really amazing, I do tend to buy a love of series.
I think series, when done right, provide a better wa..."
Thank you so much for replying so quickly. :) I appreciate it.
I see you're point. I guess I do feel more 'invested' in a series, as opposed to a single book; although the right book leaves me craving a sequel. But it is a commitment from the author, and the reader, to truly delve into the characters and the environment being created.
I find that the downside is waiting for the next installment. Unlike movies, sometimes it is quite awhile between novels. Also, there's always a chance the series won't continue...but many writers are under contracts for multiple books, so I guess that can be a pro or a con, depending on the author.
Again, thanks for the support and your time. I look forward to chatting again sometime.

While I do enjoy stand alone novels, some of them are really amazing, I do tend to buy a love of series.
I think series, when done right, prov..."
No problem. :) I was happy to reply.
I agree that waiting for the next installment can be troublesome, but a lot of the novels that I am interested in are the older ones. So It's usually not as much of a problem for me.
Feel free to drop a line any time.

I tend to wait until all the books in a series have been published. Sometimes, that doesn't work out well because either I didn't know the book was part of a series, or the author changed the length of the series mid-writing (Inheritance Cycle 4-Book Hard Cover Boxed Set (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance) in particular caught me. No good.)
However, there are stand alone books which I think are best stand alone. It's not necessarily about a commitment from the author so much as what is the story they are telling? Are these characters and their story done? For example, The Night Circus was a perfect standalone book for me; those characters have no more to tell.
But, that's just my two cents.
Good luck with all your reading!

Both stand-alone novels and series, have great merit on thier own. :)
Thank you so much, and good luck with you as well.


I love Hee-Joon Son's art style. It's really cute and works incredibly well for the stories that it accompanies.
This is an interesting take on the world of Oz, and I'm definitely interested in reading more of it. (I think there are only four volumes out, which is sad because it's another ongoing series, but whatever, I'll keep reading.)
The first series I read by this author was PHD: Phantasy Degree, so when I found out who this one was written and illustrated by, I was super excited.
This volume was more of and introduction to the series, so here's to more reading! (I'm not really sure what to write about it yet.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


Read here: Link
I have read a lot of manga and a lot of stories, and in all my time reading, I always seem to come across these types of stories. Where are all the healthy relationships?
The main character is emotionally abusive and manipulative. The main male character is "in love" with two different girls, and instead of dealing with his feelings in a healthy manor and discussing his issue with the aforementioned girls, he uses both of them.
The girl on the cover is aware of the situation and abusing it herself. She has taken it upon herself to be the "mistress" character, a role she is beginning to enjoy. While the other girl who the main male character is officially dating is unaware of all that is happening behind her back, is even good friends with the mistress.
As if that wasn't bad enough, the characters personalities are despicable.
Main Male Character: Refuses to come clean of his actions and handling anything in an adult way - he chooses to keep the girls the way they are, one of which in the dark. His excuse? He doesn't want to hurt them. I mean really, that's just pathetic.
Mistress Character: Immensely enjoying living the lie that will inevitably hurting her friend. She wants to continue abusing the male's life for sex and power.
Girlfriend Character: She is so childish and naive it's almost painful. She is so kind and naive that she doesn't pick up on the fact that her boyfriend is cheating on her, but she is willing to "loan" him to the mistress to hang out for a while because the mistress was sad.
I get tired of reading all these abusive relationships, they grow old and irritating after a while. Manga involving the LGBTQ community is notoriously bad for the rape/abusive relationship standard. Which is a real shame. (Perhaps I should make one or more of the webcomics I have planned in the LGBTQ community with a healthy relationship? Would you like to read one?)
The only reason I can see me continuing this series is to see if the main, abusive character gets what his character deserves. That and the art is actually decent (for the girls anyway).
There are more volumes available than what GoodReads has on here.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


It's definitely an interesting take on the folklore, but I really like it. (Not to mention I love the art.)
This issue has some feels in it - we get to see a death and are starting to get a bit of a back story for how and why Mara has appeared in Oz. We also get to meet the Scarecrow is is beyond cute - and unable to articulate his words well due to amnesia.
A great story so far, on to the next!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


Each volume ends in a cliff hanger! Hardly fair says I!
I'm starting to really get into the story. Abee is adorable, Mara is frustrated but interesting and there is always something interesting.
It's definitely a unique take on the Wizard of Oz world, fairly original compared to all the other ones I've read.
On to the next chapter! (I almost don't want to finish it because it hasn't updated in FOREVER).
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


We get to meet the Tin Woodsman! (I read a lot of online chapters today, oh my goodness.)
This was another great volume, but alas, the story is not completed, and there are no more volumes. I have no idea why there isn't more. I guess I'll have to look into it, but it saddens me greatly that there aren't any more, considering I was really enjoying this series.
At least I am caught up if there are more that get posted.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


In this volume we get to learn a bit more about the transformations that occur in Inuyasha after he relinquishes the sword and his life is in danger. Put simply, bad things for him and his friends.
Seeing the emotional trauma this is causing is definitely interesting.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews

![知ってるよ。[Shitteru yo.]](https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1421901216m/23282490.jpg)
This wasn't a bad couple of stories, it was a cute little one-shot manga.
The first story follows the younger brother finding love in someone he's admired for a long time. It was cute and simple. My only real problem with thier story was that he HAD NO EYEBROWS. There are only a couple people who can pull that off (Whoopi Goldberg and Gaara for example). Once I got a ways into it I got used to the whole no eyebrows thing, but it still bothered me a little. It was weird.
The second story followed the older brother coming to terms with his brother complex and accepting his younger sibling being in a homosexual relationship while at the same time coming to terms with is own feelings. His best friend who he always felt comfortable and safe around has had feelings for him for a while - and now he must discover his own heart.
The second story was far more interesting to me. And like all yaoi, good story, not so good art.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


2 stars because the art has good potential.
I did like the art, and went into it knowing that it was going to be explicit and short, and aware that it was a yuri, none of that was what bothered me. (A lot of people are bothered by those things, I don't mind those elements.)
But what bothered me is I didn't care about any of the characters. I found them boring and the age difference (I want to say it was ten years, but I am not positive) seemed a little forced. The one girl looked way to young to be in a sexual relationship with someone, especially someone who looked that much older.
It was a rather boring read, and I won't recommend it to others. (So many explicit series forgo storytelling for porn, which is why a lot of them get bad ratings from me.)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


So far I preferred the anime (which is rare), mostly because this is a lot less complete than the anime was. And it is a little less coherent than the anime was, Kazuma's life was explained in more detail in the anime as I remember. But I believe the anime was based on the light novel and not this manga, I can understand that.
Also, from what I have read in the comments, this will leave off at a very odd place because of the death of the writer - another reason I believe the anime was based on the light novel (which I have not read yet).
All that aside, I really do love this series and would recommend it to others. There is a bit of romance between cousins, which can be a little weird for some people. But if you look past it, the series is really amazing. It has a really unique world and story, and it really draws you in.
And the art is really nice. So that's always a plus.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


This volume was much more action packed and intense than the first volume. And to put it simply, I loved it.
Kazuma shows a lot more of his personality and determination to live and save others because he knows what it's like to be beaten down to the point of feeling absolutely worthless without a friend in the room. Ayano even tells him that if she had been there, she would have reached out to him a hand of friendship.
That was a powerful volume, the self-sacrifice and loyalty of them, it was powerful.
The main conflict is with Misao, who wants revenge and is controlled by someone, using that revenge. Once she is broken free from the control, realizing what she has done. What would anyone do at the point other than wish death. But Kazuma teaches her a valid point, that is touched upon in a lot of mangas.
"Stop kidding yourself! Do you think you can cancel out your deeds by dying?" -Kazuma (Kaze no Stigma)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews

Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day by Nick Abadzis
I've read over 800 comics just this year, so I don't plan on putting them all on here, but I picked this one up on my kind..."
I'm a new Whovian as well, did you know there is a whole book series?
The Clockwise Man

Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day by Nick Abadzis
I've read over 800 comics just this year, so I don't plan on putting them all on here, but I picked this on..."
Welcome to the fandom!
I've seen a few different series on the show pop up either in stores or on here, but I have only read two, one being the one you replied to and the other being Deep Time.
I would really like to read all of them. XD Eventually. I just need to get the books, haha.

Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day by Nick Abadzis"
Oh man. I just got into the TV show; I just wrapped up David Tennant's time. I didn't need to know there were books and comics... ;)

Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day by Nick Abadzis"
Oh man. I just got into the TV show; I just wrapped up David Tennan..."
Tennant was always my favorite doctor. I love all the doctors I have watched, but Tennant was the first one that I watched and the first one that got me into the series.
I've read the one free comic book day comic, and the book Deep Time

Who is your favorite companion? I loved Donna.

Who is your favorite companion? I loved Donna."
I'd probably either Donna or Amy Pond. It's such a wonderful series.


Another good volume in the series.
I know it took a little longer for me to read this one (I read the chapters online, so it's not like sitting with an actual book). But I flip between reading this and reading various other series, for a number of reasons. The main reason is life doesn't always allow me to read on my computer (my phone's screen is a bit too tiny to read manga comfortably). The other big factor is that this series really walks you through everything - they repeat themselves and state outright what is going on. It's impossible to get confused.
Don't get me wrong, having something really quick and easy to read is great, and I love this series, but I get bored with it after sitting and reading several volumes in a row. So I go and look for other series.
This volume was interesting in seeing how easily the Shikon no Tama is easily corrupted and purified by whoever is holding it, or in the general area. The other thing I thought was really interesting about this volume is Kikyo's threats to the dark miko and her acknowledgement that Kagome is as powerful as she is.
Well, I'll probably read a few more chapters tonight. On to it~
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews

Wow, you beat goal of 12 by a mile. You seem to love series so I was wondering if you're considering finishing the Hunger Games series. I lean toward sticking with Book 1 only. Can't compete with Inuyasha, I'm sure!!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was actually a pretty decent book. I picked it up to see what all the hype was about, and I wasn't really..."

Wow, you beat goal of 12 by a mile. You seem to love series so I was wondering if you're considering finishing the Hunger Games series. I lean toward stickin..."
Yeah, I beat it by a lot in numbers, but in actual novels (and not Manga) I am just on track. :) And I actually discussed reading series versus stand alone book earlier in this discussion - either are good for me. It really depends on the story. :D
The person I was going to borrow the second and third volumes of The Hunger Games moved away. To be honest, I'm not too keen on reading the other ones because I felt the first one didn't live up to all the hype.
It was an okay book, but there was so little development in my mind that it was a bit boring at times. The concept was there, and it's really good for a younger audience, but I prefer more in depth and developed stories. (I actually changed the rating to a 3 I think).
Like I said, it was a good book, but I just didn't feel it, ya know? :D

If you read all the Divergent books, you definitely should read all of Hunger Games. I personally like Hunger a Games much much better. But if you weren't addicted to the first book, well, you might not want to read the rest.
I feel that way about Ender's Game and the trilogy which follows.

If you read all the Divergent books, you definitely should read all of Hunger Games..."
I haven't read the Divergent series, I think I have the first one on my TBR to try it out, and see if that one lives up to the hype - but I can't comment on those yet, haha.
What keeps me from wanting to read the other two in the series is that I felt the first one was so under-developed. When I read a book I like to be challenged, and grow with the character. But to me the character development and world building just wasn't there. But then again, that's just me. I'm glad you liked them though.

Don't succumb to the pressure of reading them if you don't want to. It's important to spend your time on books you loved. I only learned recently that if you start a series you don't have to finish it. And it was quite a liberating lesson to learn!

Don't succumb to the pressure of reading th..."
Indeed! That is a wonderful attitude to have towards books, if a series doesn't do it for someone, then they should find one that does. Life is too short to read every book out there, and too short to waste time on books that aren't for us. :D


This is actually a series, but I can't find any of the other volumes on here. Since I'm not sure how many volumes are in this series or how many pages and such are in each volume, I don't feel confident to submit the volumes onto this site.
So I'm going to put up a review for what I have read so far, as of right now, I am starting volume 3. (I'm reading them online, so I can only read how ever much they update and when they update.)
It's kind of a cute story, but it really plays upon the gender roles, which is a bit of larger issue where I am right now. He enjoys sewing and cheer-leading, all the things a girl would like. While she is into kendo and is overly driven. And somehow they find love together.
I don't mind them switching gender roles like that, there are some psychological reasons behind each of them (not all of which I have figured out yet). But I don't think the author is going about it the best way. I actually am a bit bored at times with the story. But I'll keep reading it as they update.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
View all my reviews


I took a little bit of a hiatus from reading this, but I picked it back up again. Some days I just don't get much time to read, others I get too much time and no energy, and yet others all I do is read. I kind of go in spurts.
Anyway, this volume was interesting and funny, I especially laughed when Inuyasha, Kagome and Shippo were spying on Miroku and Sango, and Inuyasha's inability to comprehend their relationship.
We also get to meet a new offspring of Naraku - a man with "no face." It'll be interesting to see him develop more.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
Books mentioned in this topic
Green Lantern, Volume 1: No Fear (other topics)Green Lantern, Volume 2: Revenge of the Green Lanterns (other topics)
Green Lantern, Volume 3: Wanted: Hal Jordan (other topics)
The Magic School Bus Gets Caught in a Web (other topics)
The King's Justice (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Wendy Pini (other topics)Geoff Jones (other topics)
Jeanette Lane (other topics)
Stephen R. Donaldson (other topics)
Dr. Seuss (other topics)
More...
I enjoyed the sweet scenes once again. The love triangle has become more of a love pentagon.
Considering Inuyasha and Kagome are the two main loves. A high school boy (his name escapes me because I don't care about him in the slightest) and Koga both love Kagome. And Inuyasha and Kikiyo are still a thing.
At least this time Kagome didn't stay very long in her own world - it's tedious and annoying when she's there.
And we're back to Naraku's plans. And the various problems other yokai that are either a part of him or otherwise. I'm glad the story is moving towards everything again.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews