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konskara's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
hotsake's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This started a bit scattered but ended in an intriguing manner. On to the next book which picks up where this one leaves off.
lapingveno's review
4.0
The narratological framework of these LNs is jarring (but I love that sort of stuff, really, so I'm on board). The multiple perspectives all at once isn't quite like Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, but it reminds me of it nonetheless.
I'm excited to see how all the plotlines tie up in VS. Imaginator Part 2!
I'm excited to see how all the plotlines tie up in VS. Imaginator Part 2!
justuhdumbweeb's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joreadsbooks's review
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve been really feeling the boogiepop this week because I wanted something unsettling, but atmospheric. This series of light novels absolutely delivers.
In this non-linear series, our titular shinigami isn’t even all that present. There are very real human forces at play, both in terms of fear and organizations. There’s Towa, who have uncertain goals, and, most importantly, the Imaginator themself. Kind of a ghoul, they take on the appearance of others while also trying to steal their essense.
This entry, however, is more subtle, I found, with regards to its plot. It’s established that it takes place a year before Boogiepop and Others, and Boogiepop truly only appears as an urban legend, an excuse for violence but also a means to prevent other supernatural entities from gaining power. Here enters Imaginator, who’s obsessed with the core of humanity. The imagery is scary, with roots and flowers both metaphorical and literal. I found this entry a lot more introspective and, as a result, there’s a lot more to pay attention to, especially as perspectives and characters shift per chapter. Unmooring and intense, I read this so quickly, I had to immediately dive into the second part.
readwithclaire's review
3.0
The second installment in the Boogiepop novel series and it's a bit of a weird one...
Plot: This volume introduces a whole new antagonist, a mysterious organization corrupting people for a certain mission. VS Imaginator was published in two parts so the plot is still unclear to me. The first volume of VS Imaginator (this one) introduces parts of the conflict and some of the antagonists at play. Overall, nothing is clear.
Characters: A new cast of characters is introduced including some familiar ones from the first volume of Boogiepop, but some highlights below.
Asukai Jin - A cram school counselor who is able to be see people's hearts and their flaws. Uses this ability to counsel students knowing that his advice is a temporary solace to those he gives it to. He comes into contact with a mysterious entity.
Taniguchi Masaki - A transfer student recently arrived from overseas. In love. If he sounds familiar, he is Kirima Nagi's (character from the first novel) little brother.
Orihata Aya - Mysterious and seems to have a mission to accomplish. In love?
Anou Shinjirou - A sexually confused young man who gets wrapped up into the previously mentioned mysterious organization.
Nothing really happens. The main players and some events are introduced, but promises made at the beginning of the story are not fulfilled by the end. This is most likely because this installment was published in two parts meant to be read one after the other. I did really like the characters in this volume and felt attached to them quite quickly. Asukai Jin as a sort of anti-hero, Masaki and Aya experiencing young and confusing love, and Shinjirou, unable to understand his attraction to Masaki.
I think it's a bit unfair to say anything about this book without reading Part 2, which I will be doing shortly. I'm excited to see how this plot develops and is resolved~ Rating may change by the end of the second as all the story lines are woven together in Boogiepop fashion.
Plot: This volume introduces a whole new antagonist, a mysterious organization corrupting people for a certain mission. VS Imaginator was published in two parts so the plot is still unclear to me. The first volume of VS Imaginator (this one) introduces parts of the conflict and some of the antagonists at play. Overall, nothing is clear.
Characters: A new cast of characters is introduced including some familiar ones from the first volume of Boogiepop, but some highlights below.
Asukai Jin - A cram school counselor who is able to be see people's hearts and their flaws. Uses this ability to counsel students knowing that his advice is a temporary solace to those he gives it to. He comes into contact with a mysterious entity.
Taniguchi Masaki - A transfer student recently arrived from overseas. In love. If he sounds familiar, he is Kirima Nagi's (character from the first novel) little brother.
Orihata Aya - Mysterious and seems to have a mission to accomplish. In love?
Anou Shinjirou - A sexually confused young man who gets wrapped up into the previously mentioned mysterious organization.
Nothing really happens. The main players and some events are introduced, but promises made at the beginning of the story are not fulfilled by the end. This is most likely because this installment was published in two parts meant to be read one after the other. I did really like the characters in this volume and felt attached to them quite quickly. Asukai Jin as a sort of anti-hero, Masaki and Aya experiencing young and confusing love, and Shinjirou, unable to understand his attraction to Masaki.
I think it's a bit unfair to say anything about this book without reading Part 2, which I will be doing shortly. I'm excited to see how this plot develops and is resolved~ Rating may change by the end of the second as all the story lines are woven together in Boogiepop fashion.
adambarone's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
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