Status Updates From La Boîte du dragon

End chpt 43. Crazy that the reason the puzzle was made was due to sexism lol i wasnt expecting that for sure. I liked the scene where Mike solved the puzzle table, it was interesting and fun to follow the clues. The Sedge guy and the chase seems silly, a literal evil billionaire seems kinda cheesy but it’s fine given the rest of the weirdness of the story. There just isn’t strong connectors to everything going on

End chpt 36. Another example of writing I dislike. There were multiple chapters where Sakura tells Mike solving the puzzle will help him and yet as hes about to solve the next step, she questions him starting to solve it because it might be dangerous? That makes no sense. Ive also started noticing inconsistencies in descriptions which confuse me and make me turn back pages to make sure im not crazy.

End chpt 32. Good example of what i don’t like about the story/writing. Sakura tries to explain why this jewel is so important to the faction but it literally makes no sense. Theres no real explanation. And then the vague statement that solving the puzzle will solve Mike’s struggles with his mind is just comical. The action is fun but the books premise is like mist at best. It barely exists

End chpt 30. The real action has started up, mike has started solving the puzzle but was attacked by Sakura’s sister ume. I still enjoyed Ume’s chapters. The twist reveal was fine, but im not overly surprised by anything happening. At least it is entertaining and easy to read.

End chpt 19. The book reads better when its just regarding the events of the puzzle adventure and isnt lore dumping past events. The chapters with ume are oddly well done compared to the other characterization chapters. Wonder what gives. I dislike when the author retells a point she already made a few chapters prior, sometimes verbatim. At least the story has picked up pace

End chpt 10. Easy read, not a great read so far. There has been 80% telling and 20% showing. It’s not my taste at all. Puzzle box premise is intriguing but the characters don’t act like people and have muted or ridiculous reactions to crazy things. So much back story but no emotional connection at all. Feels like a hollow story telling so far.