• Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

Wading Through...

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 25

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 25

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2024

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to assume complete control over Fushiguro’s body, Sukuna schemes to kill Tsumiki, whose flesh Yorozu has possessed. Meanwhile, Itadori and the others attempt to use the power of Kurusu and the Angel, who have barely escaped death, to bring back Satoru Gojo! Sukuna is the strongest sorcerer in history, and Gojo is the strongest sorcerer of the present day… These two heavy hitters will finally clash!

Everything really feels like it’s coming to a head in this volume. Gojo has been released. Sukuna has taken over Fushiguro’s body. They are locked in combat. Kenjaku is still lurking around. And the rest of our crew is on the sidelines watching everything go down. I was on pins and needles the entire volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.25.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 24

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 24

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Military forces from foreign countries invade the culling game, seeking to harness the unlimited potential of cursed energy. However, the soldiers soon find themselves facing off against a horde of cursed spirits! While the merger with Tengen forges on, Fushiguro tries to help his sister leave the culling game and its endless cycle of killing…

Bringing the military into the story was a bit of a strange choice, but I understand that we needed to acknowledge the rest of the world at least. Japan does not exist in the world by itself. I was much more interested in the storyline featuring Fushiguro. And goodness! What an ending! I did not see that coming at all.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.24.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Currently #11

Reading: I have officially fallen down the fan fiction rabbit hole. A friend and I have been sharing our favorite stories, series, and authors. It has wrecked my regular reading stack, but I am okay with it. Just excited to read the next story every day.

Watching: We dove back into our Nic Cage quarterly. In the last week, we’ve watching four of his movies.

Listening: ATEEZ’s new album In Your Fantasy is on repeat this week. I am loving all the solo songs but especially Mingi’s and Yeosang’s songs. So good!

Making: For brunch yesterday, I made apricot and coconut and ham and cheese scones. I do love baking scones.

Feeling: The temperatures have skyrocketed and I am hot and uncomfortable. It’s going to be a terrible week.

Planning: I’m putting the finishing touches on our Homeschool plans for this coming year. I need to do one last run through and then put library books on hold.

Loving: Yesterday on the way back from the park, my Stray Kids shuffle had a string of five absolute bangers! God’s Menu, Topline, Wolfgang, Domino, and S-Class!

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Currently
categories: Life
Tuesday 07.22.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday - ATEEZ "Cyberpunk"

It’s a K-Pop summer! After doing my Top 10 Stray Kids songs, I decided to focus on some other K-Pop groups and people that I enjoy. Let’s embark on my Top 5 ATEEZ songs.

I really enjoy the electronic rock sound of this entire EP, but love “Cyberpunk” the most.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg
black butler.jpg
jujutsu26.jpg
jujutsu27.jpg
antidote.jpg
tags: ATEEZ, K-Pop
categories: Music
Monday 07.21.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 23

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 23

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Sukuna reveals that he is the Disgraced One whom the Angel wants to kill. While Itadori grapples with this terrible news, Kenjaku has set in motion plans involving various nations, throwing the culling game into further confusion! To make matters worse, Kenjaku then shows up at the Tombs of the Star Corridor where Master Tengen exists in seclusion!

Our larger plot moves forward a ton in this volume. We do a big check in with our major players and see what happens when Itadori realizes who is inhabiting his body. I enjoyed learning more even if Gojo is still missing from the story.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 07.19.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

A mysterious cursed spirit with a grudge against Maki flies into Sakurajima Colony. It evolves with incredible speed from cursed womb to adult form and threatens to overwhelm Maki and Noritoshi. Just then, two more combatants join the battle…

Very excited to see a volume focused more on Maki. She’s become one of my favorite characters in this entire series. And after the development with her sister, I am more and more intrigued. We get a great extended action sequence showing off her revelations and new skills. I cannot wait to see how see fits back into our motley crew of heroes.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 07.19.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Seoulmates by Susan Lee

Title: Seoulmates

Author: Susan Lee

Publisher: Inkyard Press 2022

Genre: YA Romance

Pages: 314

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Lotus and Lei (AAPI Author); Cover Lover - POC

Where I Got It: Library

Hannah Cho had the next year all planned out—the perfect summer with her boyfriend, Nate, and then a fun senior year with their friends.

But then Nate does what everyone else in Hannah’s life seems to do—he leaves her, claiming they have nothing in common. He and all her friends are newly obsessed with K-pop and K-dramas, and Hannah is not. After years of trying to embrace the American part and shunning the Korean side of her Korean American identity to fit in, Hannah finds that’s exactly what now has her on the outs.

But someone who does know K-dramas—so well that he’s actually starring in one—is Jacob Kim, Hannah’s former best friend, whom she hasn’t seen in years. He’s desperate for a break from the fame, so a family trip back to San Diego might be just what he needs…that is, if he and Hannah can figure out what went wrong when they last parted and navigate the new feelings developing between them.

Two friends recommended this book because of my love of K-Pop and K-Dramas. I went into it knowing very little. One of those things is that I didn’t realize that it was YA until I got the physical book. Not my usual cup of romance tea, but I thought I would try it. And overall, it was good. Not great, but good. There is some teenage angst sprinkled, but not too much. Mostly I was annoyed by the whole “let’s pretend to be dating to make my (IMO worthless) ex-boyfriend jealous so he takes me back.” UM, girl. Step away from the bland boy who clearly does not see you at all. I did want to see more adventures between Hannah and Jacob around San Diego. There was a lack of fun! I wanted to really buy them as a couple. So ultimately, I ended up giving this one 3 stars. Good, but nothing to get super excited about.

cover lover 25.png
Romanceopoly 2025 Board Light Skin Brown Hair.jpg
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Susan Lee, young adult, romance, Cover Lover, Romanceopoly, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.18.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

  • How can we have so much food in this house and yet I have no idea what to make for dinner?

  • Looking forward to my fall plans for homeschool and our social group. So many great ideas on tap these next few months.

  • Multiple pool days this week are great but also tiring.

  • I’m still reading, but will admit that I’ve been reading a ton of fan fiction instead of traditionally published books. I’m okay with that; I’ve found so many good ones. But it does mess with my reading wrap numbers.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 07.17.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 21

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 21

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 216

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Hakari and Panda head for Tokyo No. 2 Colony in search of Kashimo. When they enter, they get separated, and Hakari faces Charles, a culling game player and wannabe manga creator! Meanwhile, Panda encounters Kashimo and finds himself overwhelmed by their difference in strength!

Meh! I was not really excited by this volume at all. We focus on some other characters and fill the pages with confusing action panels. Seriously, this volume felt more chaotic than usual. It just wasn’t holding my attention very well. I ended up skimming more pages than usual. Oh well. Guess I will just move on to the next volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, Finishing the Series, 3 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 07.16.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 20

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 20

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Fushiguro and Reggie have nearly crushed each other to death. Reggie makes a move to break the stalemate and bring their battle to its climax! Meanwhile, Okkotsu disrupts the four-way standoff between jujutsu fighters in the Sendai colony, leading to a fierce battle involving reincarnated sorcerers and a special grade cursed spirit!

More chaos within the culling game. We finally get to see Okkotsu and Rika again amid all the chaos. I loved the sections of this volume focused on them. We get to see a bit more of the larger plot and plan to help end the game. But mostly, we focus on a ton of action.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, Finishing the Series, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 07.16.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Title: A Drop of Corruption (Shadow of the Leviathan #2)

Author: Robert Jackson Bennett

Publisher: Del Rey 2025

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 465

Rating: /5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Where I Got It: Library

In the canton of Yarrowdale, at the very edge of the Empire’s reach, a Treasury officer has disappeared into thin air—vanishing from a room within a heavily guarded tower, its door and windows locked from the inside.

To solve the case, the Empire calls on its most brilliant and mercurial detective, the great Ana Dolabra. At her side, as always, is her bemused assistant Dinios Kol.

Ana soon discovers that they are investigating not a disappearance but a murder—and one of surpassing cunning, carried out by an opponent who can pass through warded doors like a ghost.

Worse still, the killer may be targeting the high-security compound known as the Shroud, where the Empire harvests fallen titans for the volatile magic found in their blood. Should it fall, the Empire itself will grind to a halt, robbed of the magic that allows its wheels of power to turn.

Din has seen his superior solve impossible cases before. But as the death toll grows and their quarry predicts each of Ana’s moves with uncanny foresight, he fears that she has at last met an enemy she can’t defeat.

Another fascinating mystery involving Din and Ana! I thoroughly enjoyed this intricately plotted murder mystery set in a fascinating world. We get to learn more about Ana and Din as well as explore a new-to-us part of the Empire. We get more info on the Leviathans and how all of these alterations come to be. I loved unraveling the murder mystery with our main characters. I loved seeing Din make a new friend and feel more secure in his place in the world. I loved the weird trippy nature to the murder and the lingering threat of the leviathans. This was exactly the type of mystery I have been craving. I cannot wait to see if Bennett writes another in this series. I really really really hope he does!

Shadow of the Leviathan

  • #1 The Tainted Cup

  • #2 A Drop of Corruption

star-rating-remains-the-most-important-part-of-a-review-cad0047.cad0047.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Robert Jackson Bennett, fantasy, mystery, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 07.15.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday - ATEEZ "Bouncy"

It’s a K-Pop summer! After doing my Top 10 Stray Kids songs, I decided to focus on some other K-Pop groups and people that I enjoy. Let’s embark on my Top 5 ATEEZ songs.

First up, the absolute banger “Bouncy.” If you don’t want to dance to this one, I don’t know what’s wrong with you.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg
black butler.jpg
jujutsu26.jpg
jujutsu27.jpg
antidote.jpg
tags: ATEEZ, K-Pop
categories: Music
Monday 07.14.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Life Right Now #20

Right now I am: Leaving for our Homeschool Co-op Steering Committee Meeting at a local coffeehouse. It shouldn’t be a long meeting, but we still have things to discuss.

Thinking and pondering: What else do I need to do to finish preparing for this next year’s homeschool plan? I feel like I am missing some things, but not sure what exactly.

On my bedside table: I have many choices from the library, but not really sure what to read next.

On my tv this week: We continued our currently airing shows and started the new season of Foundation. I also continued with Hometown Cha-cha-cha

Listening to: Mostly just K-Pop. ATEEZ dropped their new album and I am obsessed. So good!

On the menu for this week:

  • Monday - Lamb Kebab Sliders

  • Tuesday - Shrimp Feta Pasta

  • Wednesday - BBQ Pork Sandwiches

  • Thursday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

  • Friday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Cheddar Quesadillas

  • Saturday - Fish and Chips

  • Sunday - Chili Verde

On my to do list: After this meeting, I think that it’s time for a brain dump of to-do tasks. I’m not sure exactly what I need to add to do next.

Happening this week:

  • Monday - Home day

  • Tuesday - Pool afternoon

  • Wednesday - Pool afternoon

  • Thursday - Enrichment co-op

  • Friday - Pool party at a friend’s house

  • Saturday - Home day

  • Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Nothing much. Maybe next weekend I can actually work on my Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Not being in pain, good fan fiction stories, laughing with friends (even when my depression has been creeping in)

Looking around the house: The boys need to sweep the floors and clean the bathroom while I am gone this morning. When I get back, I have laundry to do… so much laundry.

From the camera: I did not take a single photo this week. It was a weird week.

tags: Life Right Now
categories: Weekly Wrap-up
Sunday 07.13.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Darcy Myth by Rachel Feder

Title: The Darcy Myth: Jane Austen, Literary Heartthrobs, and the Monsters They Taught Us to Love

Author: Rachel Feder

Publisher: Quirk Books 2023

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Reader; Retreat Recommendations

Where I Got It:

You already know Mr. Darcy—at least you think you do! The brooding, rude, standoffish romantic hero of Pride and Prejudice, Darcy initially insults and ignores the witty heroine, but eventually succumbs to her charms. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers plot, and one that has profoundly influenced our cultural ideas about courtship. But what if this classic isn’t just a grand romance, but a horror novel about how scary love and marriage can be for women?

In The Darcy Myth, literature scholar Rachel Feder unpacks Austen’s Gothic influences and how they’ve led us to a romantic ideal that’s halfway to being a monster story. Why is our culture so obsessed with cruel, indifferent romantic heroes (and sometimes heroines)? How much of that is Darcy’s fault? And, now that we know, what do we do about it?

I got this as a recommendation from friends at the retreat and they are getting really good with their recommendations. I dove into this slim book not knowing what to expect except for the title and subtitle. Turns out this is a hilarious deconstruction of Austen’s most famous hero and the (sometimes not great) lessons in romance we have learned from him. Even after reading the book, I still love Mr. Darcy. But I do understand how he doesn’t give us the best example for real romantic relationships. Feder brings in other famous bad boys of literature and television/movies to back up her arguments. I really enjoyed every page of this one. And she’s absolutely hilarious!

nonfiction 25.jpeg
Retreat Recs 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Rachel Feder, Jane Austen, nonfiction, Nonfiction Reader, Retreat Recommendations, literature
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 07.12.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to add a rule that will serve as a loophole in the Culling Game, Itadori and Fushiguro set their sights on a player named Hiromi Higuruma, who has 100 points. But when they enter Tokyo Colony No. 1, the two get separated. They both find others willing to help them, however…

This volume is all about the action of the Culling within Tokyo. A lot of action sequences in this volume. Less about the characters themselves or any big reveal. But we do get a push forward on the large plot. We get to see our main characters attempt to find Higuruma to force a rule addition but of course they are separated and have to encounter a few red herrings in the search. I did enjoy this one, but cannot wait to see what happens next.

Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

  • Volume 10

  • Volume 11

  • Volume 12

  • Volume 13

  • Volume 14

  • Volume 15

  • Volume 16

  • Volume 17

  • Volume 18

  • Volume 19

  • Volume 20

  • Volume 21

  • Volume 22

  • Volume 23

  • Volume 24

  • Volume 25

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: comics, manga, horror, Gege Akutami, 5 stars, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.11.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles #2)

Author: TJ Klune

Publisher: Tor Books 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 416

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Quarter of a Century - 2024; Cover Lover - A Lighted Window

Where I Got It: Library

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.

He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there's the island's sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.

But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.

And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

Honestly, I think that my expectations for this book were too high. The House in the Cerulean Sea was an absolutely amazing book. I loved every page. And then we waited years for the sequel. I think I was too excited and built this one up too much to truly enjoy it. In this book, we focus on Arthur’s history. I was intrigued about his mysterious past while reading the first book. This one just doesn’t seem to have enough content to actually fill out a 400 page book. I found the pacing to be very frustrating. Long stretches of the book could have been edited out as they do nothing to development characters or the plot. Really I wanted more and more from the relationships between Arthur, Linus, and the kiddos. A pretty big disappointment for me.

Quarter of a Century 25.png
COYER-2025.jpg
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: TJ Klune, fantasy, 3 stars, Quarter of a Century RC, Cover Lover
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 07.11.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Divine Intervention by R.M. Virtues

Title: Divine Intervention (Black Rose Auction #2)

Author: R.M. Virtues

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 219

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered

Spice Rating: 7

In this Goldilocks remix, a witch must work with her ex's father (who she betrayed) and an angel to steal a magical chalice from the auction floor. But things get scorchingly complicated when all three agree that revenge is best served in the bedroom...

And that's just the beginning. Accept your invitation to this exclusive auction. You never know who you might see there...

After the success of Katee Robert’s story, I went into this one with high hopes. Unfortunately I could barely make it through the story. The author uses my least favorite romance trope “daddy play.” I just could not keep hearing the FMC call her lover “daddy” especially considering that he was the actual father of her husband. I have very few icks when it comes to romance. This is one of them. Definitely not a story for me. I mean I really should have known from that tagline. Nope.

Black Rose Auction

  • #1 Wicked Pursuit

  • #2 Divine Intervention

  • #3 Stolen Vows

  • #4 Irresistible Devil

  • #5 Shattered Innocence

  • #6 Royal Heart

Unread Shelf 25.png
Star Ratings.png
Spice Meter.png
Finishing the Series 25.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: romance, Unread Shelf Project, UnRead Shelf Project RC, 2 stars, fairy tale stories, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.10.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Wicked Pursuit by Katee Robert

Title: Wicked Pursuit (Black Rose Auction #1)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered!

Spice Rating: 7

A mafia heiress meets her match when a dangerously obsessed stalker claims her as his own. In this scorching reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, bestselling author Katee Robert pulls back the curtain on a world where forbidden tastes are explored, loyalty is lethal, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

I had seen this series teased on Katee Robert’s instagram for months. Unfortunately I do not pay for her Patreon and so had to wait until it was published more traditionally. Thankfully that was in March and I snacthed this up. I didn’t get around to reading until just a bit ago, but devour it I did. We get a Little Red Riding Hood retelling where Red is not so innocent and the Wolf is wearing many disguises. I do love a good stalker romance as an escape fantasy. I don’t often turn there, but I trust Robert to not lead me astray. I could have used a bit more meat to this story, but I understand that they are supposed to be novellas and started as an author challenge. I cannot wait to read the stories from the other authors.

Black Rose Auction

  • #1 Wicked Pursuit

  • #2 Divine Intervention

  • #3 Stolen Vows

  • #4 Irresistible Devil

  • #5 Shattered Innocence

  • #6 Royal Heart

Unread Shelf 25.png
Spice Meter.png
Star Ratings.png
Finishing the Series 25.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Katee Robert, fairy tale stories, romance, 4 stars, Unread Shelf Project, UnRead Shelf Project RC, Finishing the Series
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 07.10.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 8

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 8

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“ONE OF YOU HAS TO DIE IN THE END.”Just when all hope of unearthing Raeliana’s memories seems lost…enter Iosa Ben! The dark priestess has the ability to awaken truths long since buried—and Raeliana is damned if she doesn’t finally get answers. But along with those answers comes Iosa’s ominous warning that her days are numbered, and she and Noah can no longer afford to stay on the defensive. As soon as they think they’ve finally got Beatrice backed into a corner, though, the ex-heroine turns around…and frames Raeliana for murder?!

AHHHH!!!! I have been so sucked into this story. I am desperate to see how the entire things concludes. I cannot believe the reveal about Beatrice and who she really is. And the political intrigues and Vivian and the high priest and priestess. And there’s still some lingering mysteries with Adam. I devoured this volume in one feverish sit-down. Unfortunately I have to wait until October to find out what happens… Boo.

Why Raeliana….

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

Finishing the Series 25.png
Star Ratings.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: manga, romance, Milcha, Finishing the Series, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 07.09.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 7

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2022

Genre: Manga

Pages: 284

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES MY HEART RACE EVER SO IS YOU.”Raeliana is off to save Noah from the terrorists’ trap, gun in hand and ready for action! But when the ominous sounds of explosions reverberate, she is horribly unprepared to find Noah gravely injured. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raeliana finally lets her big, body-jumping secret come tumbling from her mouth…and in the heat of the moment, so too follows a confession of love! With all laid bare between them, the couple should finally be on the path to their happily ever after, right? But the book this world takes place in is called Beatrice, not Raeliana, and the true heroine is fed up with waiting to take her rightful place. She’ll kill Raeliana with her own hands if she has to!

All the things are finally seeing the light of day! I really love where the relationship between Raeliana and Noah is going. I feel like they are finally actually getting not he same page. I do love it when characters finally talk to each other. I heartedly dislike the miscommunication trope. And we get to dig into Beatrice and why she seems so intent on killing Raeliana.

Why Raeliana….

  • Volume 1

  • Volume 2

  • Volume 3

  • Volume 4

  • Volume 5

  • Volume 6

  • Volume 7

  • Volume 8

  • Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: manga, romance, Milcha, Finishing the Series, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 07.09.25
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
Newer / Older

Powered by Squarespace.