asexual

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Lenni Reviews: “I Want to Be a Wall” Vol. 2, by Honami Shirono

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Yuriko and Gakurouta are still figuring out their fake marriage and in this volume we finally see how they met.

Their relationship is wholesome as they become better friends and learn more about each other. The how we met story is hilarious and a little bittersweet as Gakurouta’s love is still unrequited. The story also has space to teach us more about how Yuriko’s asexuality. I’m sure every person who identifies as such is different but it was still cool to know about. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I Want to be a Wall” Vol. 1, by Honami Shirono

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Yuriko and Gakurota appear to be like any other newlywed couple but behind the scenes, Yuriko is asexual who loves yaoi and Gakurota is gay; hiding his unrequited love for his childhood friend who also  happens to be the gardener for the house they live in.

Other than Gakurota’s feelings, this is pretty low angst and more slice of life. Yuriko still tries to be a good wife, and Gakurota tries to be a good husband despite them not being in love at all. You don’t see many asexual characters around and Yuriko is funny and likable. They both settle in to life together, attempting to share interests and be a “normal” couple. I wonder how this will play out in future volumes; if it will stay as breezy as it is now or take a darker turn. But I want to read more! 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Alchemy” by Marie S. Crosswell

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In this gender swapped and modern take on Sherlock Holmes; Holmes and her partner Watson are assigned to a case where a homeless woman has been murdered and Holmes’ name is carved into the corpse. But with her nemesis, Moriarty firmly in jail, Holmes must track down the killer before more people die with her name on them.

The idea of a female Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade is cool but I think this should have been a full novel rather than a short story. The concept buckles under a lackluster resolution to the mystery itself, which is kinda important when you’re adapting or parodying Sherlock Holmes. The representation of Holmes’ asexuality, Watson being a lesbian, and a budding romance between Holmes and Inspector Lestrade is done really well and I enjoyed those parts but it wasn’t enough to balance out my disappointment with the mystery. That’s a shame considering such a great setup and good writing! 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Antisocial” by Heidi Cullinan

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Xander Fairchild isn’t a fan of people in general but preppy frat boys in particular. So, when Skylar Stone asks Xander to be the subject of his school assignment, Xander would rather hide in his art and be left alone. But Skylar, smitten completely by Xander’s art, manages to break through that hard outer shell and the pair grow closer over the course of the summer.

Despite the initial enjoyment of our two main leads coming together, this story limped through to the conclusion. Halfway through, this book became work; including minute detail into side plots and endless fan worship of Japanese culture, manga, and anime. I wanted to like this; especially with the added exploration of “grey sexuality” or asexuality but yikes, the slog to get to the end was merciless. I give this book a 2 out of 5 for making me feel like I was doing homework.

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Lenni Reviews: “Black Angel” by Kyell Gold

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Meg, an asexual otter, is having strange visions of another life. As these visions become more vivid, she grapples with her feelings about her friend, Athos; who has obvious interest in her.

This is a YA, fantasy, furry novel and while it is so important to have all types of sexuality represented for young adults, I had SO much trouble getting into this book. When it gets to the point – meaning the meaning behind Meg’s visions – it is interesting. Otherwise, it’s a slow journey through scenes I skimmed just so I could get to the point. I wanted to like this, I really did and it is very likely this book missed its mark because I am NOT the target audience but I didn’t enjoy this book. I give it a 3 out of 5 for being competent and representing a sorely ignored demographic.

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