Natsu Hyuuga

Third book into the series (as of 5/4/24 there are 10 books in the series) and I'm not sure if I'm willing to get the 4th book. I'm still interested in the quasi-historical alternate Chinese world, but the characters are beginning to wear on me. (I understand from background info that the author is not particularly fond of the story or characters. I think it's showing.) It's still _interesting_ from a political machination stance, and the herbalism is also interesting, but the characters are fighting to develop while being tightly restrained in their roles by the author(? maybe editors? maybe fan demands?) I understand the particular mindsets given to the characters, the non-typical ways minds operate, but I'm also tired of the tease going on, which is perhaps done for humor (which I'm not finding). So maybe I'll pause in the series for a bit and see if I soften toward it. Right now, my enthusiasm is waning.… (meer)

A break in my usual light novel fare, I am surprised how much I'm enjoying the change. The main character is acerbic, single-minded, very aware of the facts of her part of the world, and just wants to live quietly -- but her curiosity and intelligence, her sense of justice, and her own peculiarities drag her into one curious problem after another. As yet, it isn't high stakes reading, but there are 9 more books (currently) in the series, and things are bound to get more interesting as it goes on.… (meer)