Boogiepop in the Mirror: "Pandora"

ブギーポップ [Boogiepop] (Publication order) #4

by Kōhei Kadono, Kōji Ogata

Do You Believe In Fate? Six boys and girls with psychic powers. A tentative alliance from which friendships emerge. But when Boogiepop and a mysterious little girl start showing up in their visions of the future, the six friends find themselves caught up in a chain of events that could put the entire world at risk. With both their lives and their newfound bonds on the line, can they protect each other--and the secrets they’re still keeping?

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Supernatural, Science Fiction

Paperback

First published December 10, 1998

About the author

Kōhei Kadono (上遠野浩平 or Kouhei Kadono) is a Japanese author, best known for the Boogiepop series, which has also been adapted as a live action movie, manga and anime.

Reviews

[Burden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing my way through the Boogiepop universe, I have now arrived at the fourth instalment and the first new Boogiepop release in over a decade. With all that anticipation piled on this book, I must say I was left feeling a little disappointed. That's not to say this isn't a good book, but it is not Boogiepop at its very best.

In many respects, this didn't really feel like a boogiepop novel. Sure, some of Kadono's trademark writing mechanisms were present, but in a more diluted fashion. On top of that, the dynamic has now shifted away from the core characters to a completely new cast. That being said, the new crop of protagonists were all quite likeable and some of the old cast did make small cameos, but it still felt kind of wrong.

In addition to those complaints, I also felt the writing got confusing and overly technical when describing Kit's powers. Also, the ending felt unfinished and arrived far too conveniently. Unfortunately, I feel like this could end up becoming a trend within the franchise.

Despite my adverse comments, this WAS an enjoyable book and I hope the new characters will remain a part of the boogiepop franchise in future instalments. But a return to the status quo would also be appreciated. Still, I cant wait to see what volume 5 has to bring!

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining book filled with likable characters. The only downside was that Boogiepop was barely featured.

[Kahlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Boogiepop so much

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

7

[Hayley]

I don't know how to explain what this series is about to anyone help

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.8/10
Wasn't as strong as previous entries in the series. However, I must say I loved the characters in this story and was sad to see them split off. The ending was a bit lackluster. Like, I felt sad it ended but I guess I would have liked the gang back together one last time in some shape or form.