But hey, I'm actually reading, so that's something. About halfway through The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, and now I'm reading two visual novels Neighbor (horror) and Code: Realize - Guardian of Rebirth (steampunk fantasy romance).

The Miracles of the Namiya General Store: I really don't know how I feel about it - it's somehow both emotionally manipulative and somewhat emotionally distant. It's made me cry a few times, but it's not on the level of, say, A Man Called Ove.

Neighbor: I'm at chapter 10+ (not sure, exactly). The main characters have been introduced to the horror next door, a woman who is literally seeping through the walls, and now they're trying to figure out who she is and how to stop her, because Kae's lease won't let her move out early unless she forks over six months worth of rent. The apartment's previous resident lasted about three months before she had to be committed. Kae has only been there for about two days.

Code: Realize - Guardian of Rebirth: I got this for my Switch Lite, which I'm still avoiding using much due to horrible hand and arm problems (my guess is arthritis combined with a more recent injury to my elbow, but I have a doctor's appointment next week, so I'll know more soon). Luckily, Auto Mode means I hardly have to touch the Switch at all. I only just made it past the prologue, but so far I'm liking it. The heroine, Cardia, reminds me of Beatrice in The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter due to the poisonous nature of her body, and for all I know they may be based on the same literary character. It would make sense, since all or most of the visual novel's other main characters are also based on literary characters. For example, the first person Cardia meets is a very flirtatious Arsene Lupin.

#Paranormal, #Romance, #5Stars

The world as you knew it has gone. All that is left is fear and survival. These are the tenets of April's childhood, ever since she was left in a sewer by her parents. Her brother is missing, presumed dead. America is ruled by eight cruel vampires, called The Council. And then it gets worse... the Italians show up! April is determined to stay off the radar, even though she is trying to help a couple of other people, plus a dog, Mutt. Through one circumstance and then another, she ends up meeting the Italians, and her life changes for good.

This was an amazing story that swept me up within the first few paragraphs. Maya Daniels has such a descriptive way with words that you are immediately able to visualise what April is going through, and how much she fears, and also how much she wants to live. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and April, and I can't wait to continue with their story, as I'm sure the sparks will continue to fly. April is no pushover, and Sebastian is used to getting his own way. Just how Andrei and Marcus are going to fit in, I'm not sure, but like I said, I can't wait to continue.

Completely enthralling, from start to finish, this book sets up the scene, draws you in, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to continue with their story! Highly recommended by me!!!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

A Blood War prophesy. A darkness growing inside her. Can she find the seven powers before the trial grounds are lost forever?

The Oracle’s powers need a new vessel and everyone wants the talisman that will give it to them instead of the prophesied successor. In a race against time, Crystal must train herself to survive the trial grounds deep within the Underrealm and find the seven powers to obtain the talisman before anyone else; or it won’t be just her soul at risk, but the whole supernatural realm as she knew it.

The war between good and evil rests in the hands of a novice all while she battles her inner demons confused between following her heart or her mind, saving herself or everyone else.

If you like hidden magical realms, fresh new takes on vampire lore, and heartfelt journeys of self-discovery, then you’ll love Stevie McCoy’s spellbinding coming-of-age tale.

Christopher Priest is well known to me, and I especially loved his take on the Inhumans in Once and Future Kings.   

That being said, I'd heard that his Deathstroke was particularly good, so I ended up rereading the first volume and then this issue, the final one on Comixology Unlimited for now.   This is excellent, in that it takes someone who is pretty much a robot - emotionally speaking at least - and humanizes him by emphasizing what he doesn't say, how he says it in other ways, what he does, and especially the people around him. 

It shouldn't really work as well as it does, but it does - because it's Priest. 

Lovely art, lovely story about dirty politics and how that plays out.   Not exactly pleasant, but lovely in how Priest will tighten the noose around Deathstroke.