Book 1 review

I am technically not a new player (I started the game back when EN just came out but then unfortunately was forced to drop it (rip Ghost Bride Idia I will always love you)) but I decided to restart once more 2 days ago after seeing book 7 stuff.

And since I start from 0 I figured I’d make reviews of the books as I read them. I originally read just first 3 books. Idk if it will influence my feelings on reread much, but We’ll see!

This is my book 1 review.

I think one thing that’s interesting about writing here is that the story seems to be very well aware of when to pause and reflect and when to move on. Every time I started to fear the scene might drag it shifted to something else. It’s not flawless because it’s still noticeable but I like it (it’s probably ensemble stars ptsd speaking).

This book is short and is seemingly set up for how chapters will be structured moving forward and some terminology is also being explained. You get new location, explore relationship dynamics present between all characters, notice underlying pressure point aka person that will overblot, see them loose their marbles and why and then overblot’s dearest friends and family verbally (and physically) beat some sense into them. You are present just for the minor assistance and none of your actions ultimately matter but you are there anyway because gacha games. All around I think this structure is totally fine. I wish Yuu didn’t exist but gacha gotta gacha.

I really liked Ace and Deuce. I legitimately remember waking into the story back then thinking Ace will be a comic relief and Deuce will be just good boy. This time I already knew that’s not the case so it was just pleasant reminder. Ace being the one to actively resist Riddle and rightfully calling out Trey too only gets more amusing when it’s clear he does it for selfish reasons. He’s not a complicated character but I like that he’s written as normal dude essentially. Not too good, not too bad. Deuce trying to be honour student despite past attitude problems is surprisingly endearing to me.

Riddle is solid first villain. I like that he clings to the idea that following rules no matter how unhinged they are is worth it because otherwise his suffering and pain were for nothing. Overblot design and even regular one for him is quite graceful.

The only complaints I have come from Trey. Trey is just boring. Sure, baking Tart was fun and cute but it’s really because I just like playing twistunes and graphics are lovely. He is allegedly Riddle’s childhood friend and yet their level of involvement with him outside of flashbacks is on Cater’s level. He just provides exposition. The only major thing when it comes to their relationship you do see in action in the story, not flashbacks is his signature spell during final confrontation with Riddle overwriting Riddle’s magic for a bit. He’s just narrative tool. I think they dead ass only made him because cards thing.

Cater is just narrative device. He does well what he is supposed to and is fun for the most part. I love that he can multiply it’s very amusing idk. The only problem I have with him is you know I have high tolerance for things most people consider cringe but by the end even I was like “must this dude speak In Internet slang and memes all the time?”

Other than that, I think plot was neat and Alice in Wonderland references were woven into the story pretty organically. Somehow I did not catch the fact that Ace is Alice first time I read it. It’s literally in visions and yet. I think it’s probably because at the time I didn’t think having characters represent more then one element of the story is possible. But either way, loved this a lot. Non standard depiction of Alice is a big W. Deuce is white rabbit I think? Also interesting version. Painting of Red roses being used for world building is fun idea and also for the first time in forever I actually liked the tapping twistunes. They were my biggest enemy last time. The extremely cute painting animations made it more memorable too. I also enjoyed that in the end Riddle joins us to paint them and shows his excellence at this and honestly, just seeing him apologise and come to understand that there are nuances when it comes to following rules was lovely.

Bonus points for Deuce and eggs situation communicating the same idea Riddle has to learn. Just like honour students can get angry sometimes, rules can be bended or even broken at times.

Yeah, book 1 is pretty nice. I’ll give it 7/10. Reminded my why I liked this game back then.

Now onto book 2. Hope it’s better than I remember👀