somnia's manga / #hell yea(95)

Read the novel, so I might be biased- but I think the story's pretty good for the most part. One of the better revenge reincarnation stories in the shoujo genre, though there's puddles of cliche content here and there. Everything's kinda super easy for FL to master and overcome, though in most cases you have the hourglass to make you feel comfortable about it if you aren't into those power fantasy vibes like me. The only thing I don't understand is why they had to add this whole bit about FL and ML meeting when they were little kids on the street. Literally doesn't add anything to the story or their relationship - they're already a tight-knit couple, so it feels like someone just yeeted it in because they thought it was cute and not aware of how nonsensical and outdone gags like that are.

Super cute read about a deaf girl and her first love, a uni student acquaintance who loves traveling and learning all sorts of languages. It's a good read just to feel wholesome and loved. Though when I finished it, it didn't feel like the end despite the manga being completed. All I can think is that it was something intentional- something like them still having a long journey ahead together, potentially. Also loved how the mangaka used the gestures and sign language to portray their feelings later on after they were explained the first time. Not only does it show that ML and the creator actually cared to learn about sign language, but it also gives gives the scenes and emotions so much more depth than they would've had otherwise.

I love torturing myself, so I'm very very hooked on this manga right now. From the title you'd think it's gonna be easy-going, but maaan, the anxiety, the risks and the actual severity of Haru's situation is made crystal clear. Honestly, imo it feels wrong to call this smut. Sure, there's lot of tiddy and all, but man there was no point in the story where I felt horny. I want to say that the feeling these prostitutes have towards sex (it being just part of a job and a day to day thing that happens) also carries through to the readers, at least that's how I felt. Anyhow, the angst is keeping you on your toes, the characters are all interesting enough and make you wonder what they might be up to or how they'll be in the future, the twist to the typical medival isekai story is refreshing for isekai trash like me, and plot seems to be slowly taking the stage. So, to summarize: 11/10, nice.

Reinelle is reincarnated as a crow, yet she still finds herself meeting a main love interest of the otome game she used to play. Honestly this one's good. It's more of a light read, but it also has more serious moments to hype and cry along to. Lore-wise it's also holding up well. The only thing I was gonna complain about is this cliche anxiety of Reinelle. You know this moment when the FL feels like she "stole" the ML, or feels their relationship is in danger bc of the incoming original FL. Now, I'm glad that was dealt with nicely here. She brought up here and there, but her life was moving along and didn't have to take up chapters of dialogue. Thank god. Speaking of og FL (Spoiler) I love that they made her into a bestie rather than some, idk, evil demon witch sent in as a spy or what have you. It's cute. Kinda sneaky how now that Reinelle and her future hubby are solid cannon, the author introduces a new type of possessed character with her own romance in sight. Me likey.

So basically, FL is a famous prisoner who managed to escape a few times. When she's captured again, ML (also a war hero and the opposite of FL's anti-hero sort of reputation) ends up "escorting" her to a high security prison island. Of course, she's trying to get an advantage by lying and what not, but ML never falls for any of it. But there's more to their relationship than that and that's where the story really hits good. Ngl, all characters so far felt like they matter and are a part of the whole thing, and also have interesting relationships and backstories. They all tie into questions and different perspectives regarding death, life and justice in a post-war setting. We're still not that far into it all, but it's super promising.

It's really nice so far. A refreshing perspective from the pov of a court jester. No, after reading so many shoujo webtoons/wanhwa which often star borderline if not full on Mary Sues, this is hella refreshing. Honestly, It's lowkey genius. You get a bit of every perspective and can grasp the characters personalities better because our MC is powerless and compassionate... and he does so without giving the vibe of a dumbass. Overall, there's a tragic undertone to the story- and lord knows I can see this becoming a tragedy in no time- while it has bright moments (mostly thanks to our MC being a literal jester) the overlaying tone is defined very clearly. Props to author for sure. I also like how clear cut the characterization of MC is. He's so dependant on/dedicated to playing the jester that we don't even know his name yet. He's only a jester for now, but he's slowly trying to fulfill a bigger role.