Review: The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe (Vol. 1) by Shinobumaru

Title: The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe (Light Novel Vol. 1)

Series: The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe Light Novel #1

Author: Shinobumaru

Genre: YA, light novel, fantasy

Publication date: June 2019

Published by: Seven Seas

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: An atmospheric fantasy series for bibliophiles and fans of Japanese ghost stories! (And don’t miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas.)

Kaori lives in an otherworldly bookstore with her adoptive father. Together, they provide books to the strange denizens of the spirit realm. But Kaori's peaceful days come to an end when she rescues an injured boy from the streets--a human, like her, from the mortal realm. The boy's name is Suimei, and he's an exorcist, the natural enemy of all spirits. Can Kaori convince Suimei that the line between human and spirit is far hazier than he thinks? A touching supernatural tale where humanity and Japanese folklore intertwine!

My rating: ★★★⯪☆

“Welcome to the haunted bookstore!" I declared. "It's old, run-down, and a bit cramped, but please make yourself at home.”

This was my first light novel, and tbh, I didn’t really know what to expect. There was something about the writing that I found strange, but I can’t quite place my finger on what exactly it was. It didn’t read like a normal novel, which I guess it shouldn’t because it’s not. Lol. But I did like this! I liked the premise and I could definitely imagine an anime playing in my head as I read.

Review: Sakamoto Days (Vol. 6) by Yuto Suzuki

Title: Sakamoto Days: Vol. 6

Series: Sakamoto Days #6

Previous books in this series: Sakamoto Days #1 | Sakamoto Days #2 | Sakamoto Days #3 | Sakamoto Days #4 | Sakamoto Days #5

Author: Yuto Suzuki

Genre: YA, manga, adventure

Publication date: March 2022

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Taro Sakamoto was once a legendary hit man considered the greatest of all time. Bad guys feared him! Assassins revered him! But then one day he quit, got married, and had a baby. He’s now living the quiet life as the owner of a neighborhood store, but how long can Sakamoto enjoy his days of retirement before his past catches up to him?!

Dangerous serial killers clash with the Order and Sakamoto’s crew clash! As the battles rage on, Sakamoto undergoes an unexpected transformation. Meanwhile, the evil mastermind X reveals his true intent, which sends shock waves through the assassin world!

My rating: ★★★⯪☆

I am obviously still enjoying this series. Lol. It's really fun, has a ton of action, and I just really love the characters. The banter between Lu and Shin, in particular, cracks me up. I love it! 😆

Review: Monsters and Men (Five Ghosts Vol. 2) by Frank J. Barbiere

Title: Monsters and Men

Series: Five Ghosts Vol. 3

Previous book in this series: The Haunting of Fabian Gray (#1) | Lost Coastlines (#2)

Author: Frank J. Barbiere

Illustrator: Chris Mooneyham

Genre: Adult, comic book, fantasy

Publication date: August 2015

Published by: Image Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: The critically acclaimed literary pulp adventure continues! Fabian Gray journeys to Eastern Europe on a quest to save his closest ally while battling his own inner-demons.

My rating: ★★★★☆

This volume was so stressful! So many bad things happened to both Fabian and Sebastian, and I was not okay 😭 And on top of it all, they still haven't gotten Silvia back.

Review: The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

Title: The Caretaker

Author: Marcus Kliewer

Genre: Adult, horror

Publication date: April 21st 2026

Published by: Atria/Emily Bestler Books/12:01 Books

Source: eARC from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis: Follow the Rites...

Nothing less than the survival of humanity is at stake.

From Marcus Kliewer, a new “titan of the macabre and unsettling” (Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author), comes a supernatural horror about a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist, only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY:
Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY.

Macy Mullins can’t say why the job posting grabbed her attention—it had the pull of a fisherman’s lure, barbed hook and all—vaguely ominous. But after an endless string of failed job interviews, she's not exactly in the position to be picky. She has rent to pay, groceries to buy, and a younger sister to provide for.

Besides, it’s only three days’ work…

Three days, cooped up in a stranger’s house, surrounded by Oregon Coast wilderness.

What starts as a peculiar side gig soon becomes a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property—and Macy Mullins might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.

Follow the Rites...

Follow the Rites...

Follow the Rites...

..--- / ..... / ---..

My rating: ★★★★☆

This book had me hooked right from the beginning because that opening was SUPER creepy. I loved it!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #463: It Was SO Cute, I Can't Get Over It

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.