The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe (Light Novel) Vol. 4: Memories of a Spring Breeze and the Fox Mask's Wish

The Haunted Bookstore Light Novel #4

by Shinobumaru, Munashichi (Illustrator)

An atmospheric fantasy series for bibliophiles and fans of Japanese ghost stories! (And don’t miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas.)

Ever since she was three years old, Kaori has lived in a bookstore where the boundaries between the mortal realm and the spirit realm are blurred. Her adoptive father, who lives with her in this magical space, is a spirit himself. One day, Kaori comes across a bleeding young man who has stumbled into the spirit realm just as she did when she was a small child. Though the young man is an exorcist who has vowed revenge against all spirits, Kaori decides to embrace kindness and help him find his way back home. This supernatural book series focuses on a different adventure in each volume and features stunning wraparound cover illustrations by Munashichi.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Paranormal

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2020

Reviews

[Pieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 4 of the Haunted Bookstore does not disappoint. A start with a chapter or two about Japanese local folklore thematically tied in with the story and then the main story. As always I greatly enjoy this mix, it might skew the pacing a bit, but I always loved mythology and folklore.

The romance progresses as well even if it comes with some minor irritations. Suimei is rather overprotective to the point of it becoming stifling, understandably from his perspective, but that does not make it less exasperating. He is proven both right and wrong, although I do find Kaori oddly defenceless when it comes to spirits. I would expect somebody raised among them to be a bit more knowledgeable and guarded. The twist at the end did not came completely unexpected, but I do find Kaori and Suimei being remarkably calm under the situation, then again, it might be something that comes up in the next volume.

All in all, a good addition to the series.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooo this was fascinating. You get to learn a lot more history about the Tengu twins in this one. As well as some pretty interesting stuff about the larger overarching plot across the series.

[Loreley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ქრინჯი დიალოგებით ანადგურებს ყველაფერ კარგს რასაც დანარჩენ წიგნში ქმნის -.-

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting and beautiful

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to really enjoy this series! I am surprised how dark this one got, but I am still enjoying it!

[Elle Hartford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet and a fun dive into Japanese folklore! To be honest, I had a tough time with the last chapter . . . But I did enjoy and appreciate where we ended up. :)