The Haunted Bookstore – Gateway to a Parallel Universe (Light Novel) Vol. 2

The Haunted Bookstore Light Novel #2

by Shinobumaru

For as long as Kaori can remember, she has run the spirit realm's only bookstore alongside Shinonome, the spirit who is her adoptive father. But Kaori begins to fear that her bond with Shinonome has frayed. He's keeping secrets from her, and they have something to do with his mysterious friend, the story-seller Tamaki. Worse, Kaori finds herself questioning the purpose of the bookstore itself—what if the stories she and her father bring to the spirit realm are doing more harm than good?

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Audiobook, Paranormal, Supernatural, Slice Of Life, Japanese Literature

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2020

Reviews

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The ✨atmosphere✨
A+ atmosphere! I did not realise this in volume 1 (The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe (Light Novel) Vol. 1), but each volume seems to center around one particular season. The going-ons of volume 1 happened during summer while volume 2 had quite a lot of emphasis on how summer is ending while autumn draws near. The imageries of autumnal food, climate and colours were just so beautiful and warm!

The writing:
The dialogues were a little clunky and awkward but I really enjoyed the plot and themes of this volume. There are also hints at a larger overarching plot that will be addressed in later volumes which is exciting!

The characterisations:
As I've also highlighted in my review of volume 1, the protagonist, Kaori is unfortunately one of the less interesting characters in my opinion and the chapter I enjoyed reading the most was the chapter written from Suimei's perspective. It's a mild little irk though, and I'm still invested enough to collect more volumes for sure.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

Another fantastic adventure in the spirit realm featuring the human daughter of a spirit, an ex-exorcist turned apothecary, and the power of found family. It's autumn in the spirit realm and the season is alive with good food, friends, and celebrations. But Shinonome is keeping a secret from Kaori, making her self-conscious about her place as his adopted daughter.

As with the first book, this consists of various stories that then build into a larger one. We join Kaori as she makes delivers for the bookshop, encountering interesting spirits along the way.

There is enough explanation of major events covered in the first book, which serve as a nice refresher and makes it so you don't necessarily have to read the first book, though it is also a fun exploration of the spirt realm.

Filled with adventure, folklore, entertaining characters, heartfelt moments, and developing dynamics, this is such a great read. A wonderful world to dive into.

[Elle Hartford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like with the first book in this series, I just love the deep dive into Japanese folklore. But where the first book dealt a lot with Suimei getting used to spirits, this book deals with family dynamics. Kaori's relationship with her adoptive father is sweet and her worries are relatable, and I liked this focus for the book. However, I have to say--there's a short story/chapter in the book that is from Suimei's perspective, and that was the one that made it for me. I cried. (It hit me at just the right time, given other things going on in my life!)

Overall, I really enjoyed the expansion of the world and the side characters in this sequel. I did see a few of the plot twists coming, but the emotional reward of seeing them resolved was what I was really in it for. ;) I love the simultaneous adventure and familiarity of this series. If you like fantasy or slice-of-life anime & manga, this adaptation is a great one to try! The best kind of "escape" reading!

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I took my time to finish this book. Beautiful and contemplative, it's perfect to read on days when you feel the need to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In the second book of the series, the author focused on the tender father-daughter relationship between Kaori and Shinonome. The sub-plots, divided into chapters, all worked harmoniously, with 'Playing with Butterflies and Becoming Human' the turning point in the story, as Suimei got to meet his mother as well as finally acknowledging his feelings for Kaori. Set during autumn time. As with the first book, I learnt interesting facts about Japan's culture, such as the Kurama Fire Festival.

52 Book Club 2024: #40 Set during a holiday I don't celebrate (festivities are included in my personal definition)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment of the series even more than the first. We get to learn more about the main characters parental figures and that goes a long way in explaining how they all are the way they are. I really like that the books seem to be paired to seasons as well. Yay for more character interactions and budding relationships.

[Scott Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not as great as the first novel, this was still an amazing story. As in the first novel Kaori helps her "dad" run at bookstore in the demon realm. This volume deals a lot with Family and what it means to be a family when the members are not the same species. While not a lot of action the storytelling and dramatic moments really make the story shine.

[Chrysanthemum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. A couple times the storyline felt a little weird to me, like why it would go that direction, but it was a minor quibble for me. Overall if you're looking for a light heartwarming and cheerful read it's wonderful. I can't wait to read the next one!

[The Bookish Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, a heart-warming tale. I was drawn into the story, and while there are serious topics, like the abuse Suimei went through during his training, and many other topics like death, this story still has a lightness to it, a sweetness, that I just adore.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! Give me more! (This one had a sad moment though.)

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly wonderful

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lilkadykitty :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read.

[Pieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like volume 1, the book starts with what appears to be several short stories about Japanese folklore with its modern twist (including a reference or two to Western stories). Stories that also reveal a thing or two about Kaori and Suimei. The stories tie in to an overall theme though and the overarching story. This volume resonated with me even more: parents, children, family and mortality. Throw in that folklore and its unique creatures and I loved the book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Jaime Ellis-Sonnen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to the Haunted Bookstore series. This book added character growth between Kaori and her dad and added backstory to a few different characters. I believe it lacked a certain depth of emotions that the first book had, but it was still really good. We learned about the truth of glimmerflies and Shinonome San's backstory. Lots of spirits and book quests and maybe even some budding love.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale about family and love

I liked this one a lot better than the first book in the series. There's less info dumping and the chapters get to the point with the right amount of tension.