King's Maker
list - masterlist, unique 120+ season 1 is one of my absolute favorites, but season 2 was a lot more messy/incohesive and I barely have any interest to read season 3 at all. It really fell off so I have to take it off my favorites list, but it's still a good read. Season 1 can be a stand alone honestly and an excellent work if it was. Shin and Wolfgang's adult relationship was a lot different and more frustrating than I thought it would be, and not for the right reasons. I thought we'd go into what was hinted at the end of season 1, the curse of power on the royal bloodline and Wolfgang struggling with that and the want to own and control or with tyrant tendencies, but he's remained a good egg (the best!). Instead the drama stemmed from Shin overworking and overthinking as always, and while I do understand him and defended him, it was just so drawn out and overcomplicated for no reason. I wanted to see more of the romantic side and them reciprocating each other's feelings, but Shin is still too reserved/tsundere that it's not satisfying. He was a lot more honest and forward as a child. Then what seems like the entire drama of season 2 is solved so conveniently in season 3 by....magic... like literally created a magic baby out of thin air to be the heir. Very unserious and unraveled a lot of the depth of groundwork of season 1. The magic/fantasy element was there a little in season 1 and served to add a little interest, but the more they delved into the magic/fantasy aspect without really a clear framework, the more convoluted and nonsensical the story became. It really fell off and that's so sad to say bc I love these characters and really loved season 1. ➼ historical / royalty / unique plot / interesting characters / political intrigue / full color ➼ charismatic good-hearted seme x reserved intelligent uke Great writing with characters that you'll easily fall in love with - Season 1 Gorgeous full color art ❖ Mature version of season 2: http://www.mangago.me/read-manga/king_s_maker_triple_crown/ ∴ pederasty - not between mcs and not romanticized
Perfect Buddy
list - enemies to lovers Tension
Two Souls
list - masterlist, unique, 9.5+ 70+
Barbarities
list - wip 30+ I like the art and characters but the plot drags on a bit. It’s wordy and I don’t get what’s going on sometimes. Kind of over the main couple too, more interested in the prince and his slave manservant.
A Painter Behind the Curtain
list - masterlist, favorite, unique, hidden gem, 9.5+ 70+ I still love this so much, it has a great writing and a story like reading a classic romance novel. Historical with some politcal/revenge plot intertwined slightly between the growing love between two characters. A ruthless and selfish man who puts on a smile but will use people to further his goal for revenge without a second thought, and a talented prodigy of a painter who has been abused and learned not to want too much happiness otherwise his suffering will become unbearable. They chance upon each other and while initially Raymond is only really interested in using Ian to further his own goals, and they are drawn to each other from the beginning and find comfort and solace in each others embrace. Ian is the long suffering character type that somehow still manages to be kind and find beauty in the world, but while sweet and generally timid he's not afraid to make his own decisions and is not so naive as to not understand his own situation. He's not optimistically happy go lucky either, he has his trauma that he carries with him, but is learning to grow and heal. His journey to find love and happiness is quite beautiful and well deserved after all he's been through. Raymond has always been gentle with Ian and treated him with affection, but his selfishness in initially using Ian for his own goals and then later insisting on keeping Ian by his side despite his upcoming marriage are what hurt Ian the most. His character growth was also commendable, his chasing arc was satisfying and he's not just given a tragic backstory but actually shows his moments of weakness and desperation so that you can truly tell how much he cares for Ian. He's also always treated Ian with affection even when he was only planning to use him. They are so sweet to each other and you can truly feel their love and passion. I'm so glad they found their happiness, it's every bit deserved for them both. One of those stories that stays with you, I get sucked right back in on my re-read as well.
Retsujou PARADOX -Banken ha Yoru Kiba wo Muku-