WHAT TO READ THIS SUMMER

A) The Last Kingdom
This historical novel takes place in 19th-century ロンドン. I have to admit, the first hundred pages were incredibly slow and filled with unnecessary descriptions of streets and clothing. I almost gave up. However, if you push through, the narrative suddenly picks up pace and leads to a completely mind-blowing twist in the final chapter that I never saw coming. It’s definitely worth the initial struggle just to experience that ending.

B) Neon Dreams
This science fiction epic tries to do too much. The author has created a fascinating futuristic world, but there are so many parallel timelines and minor characters that the main plot becomes extremely confusing to follow. Despite the chaotic storyline, the protagonist’s emotional journey is written brilliantly. You really connect with her internal struggles and personal growth, which is rare for a heavy sci-fi novel.

C) Whispers in the Wind
This is a profoundly moving biography based on the true story of a journalist in the 1950s. The author’s use of language is incredibly poetic and beautiful; every sentence feels like a work of art. Fair warning, though: keep a box of tissues nearby. The story deals with loss and hardship, and the conclusion is so heartbreakingly sad that it stayed with me for weeks after I finished the final page.

D) The Midnight Shadow
If you are looking for a fast-paced detective thriller, this is it. The action starts on page one and doesn’t stop. I found it so gripping that I stayed up until 3 AM and read the entire 本 in a single sitting. My only slight criticism is that the identity of the main villain was a bit too obvious. I guessed who the bad guy was halfway through the book, but the chase was still entertaining.