Stigmata - Aikon
Really cool! I loved it! I really loved reading the first story "Stigmata - Seikon Sous" and then reading this (the sequel) right after. It was really cool to see the evolution of the characters and the story! Loved everything about this!!!
The Beast Must Die
Fascinating, disturbing, and deeply sensual, this story explores violence and the human condition in a way I have never seen before in the BL genre. The artwork is breathtaking and the sex scenes are incredibly intense. But the thing that sets this BL apart is the character development and the way the story unfolds. In every chapter new information is presented that alters your perspective of what came before. Simply Thrilling, you won't be able to look away! ***Spoilers thoughts*** I felt that the most valuable asset to this story was in some ways also its Achilles heel. (last chance spoilers ahead) That would be Kang Moo being a criminal psychopath, while psychopathy is a spectrum it is communicated that Kang Moo has "no emotions." In many ways this is the story's most invaluable asset because when characters do not act on their emotions it is impossible for the audience to anticipate their actions, thus making the story incredibly intriguing. However, despite the murder and intrigue at the heart of The Beast Must Die is a "romance" between Kang Moo and Lee Kirin. We are shown on several occasions that Lee Kirin is deeply emotionally attached to Kang Moo. But Kang Moo states that he is a psychopath and has no emotions, any time he shows concern it is him displaying his "learned behavior." This is where things began to get vague for me. It was hard to truly enjoy their relationship when Lee Kirin clearly wants to be with him and loves Kang Moo, while Kang Moo is not able to feel anything. But there have been several examples throughout the story of Kang Moo acting in ways that were not logical or would not benefit him purely because Lee Kirin was involved. So here's the rub, we are asked to accept that Kang Moo feels nothing for Lee Kirin but also that he will make choices based on emotional responses to Lee Kirin. I loved this story and it will forever be on my top 10. However, I wish that their relationship was not left so ambiguous. It is clear that they are going to be together for the rest of their lives, and I'm not saying that the author should have included an "I love you" moment between the two of them because that just wouldn't have fit. But I feel that there should have been a clear moment when Kang moo communicated to Lee Kirin that he favored him in some emotional way, and for Lee Kirin to accept those feeling and reciprocate. These are of course my own thoughts and opinions in any case I loved it! Thank you to the author!
Haunted by Desire