Slight Spoilers*
This is a lovely novel. It might be one of the better stories I’ve read recently. The prose is poetic and descriptive. The fantasy elements of the story are revealed in a steady, slow drip that builds with mystery. The plot goes in numerous different directions than I expected. What starts off sweet and innocent becomes a rather dark, somber story of maturity and intimacy, all framed around a beautiful grove in Japan.
Hazuki and Naoe are immediately relatable and charming. Their bond is very easily established, which makes the tragedy that unfolds all the more sad. Their love and friendship is believable and grounded, even when framed around centuries-old mystery. Their hardships mirror one another without being redundant. Naoe’s revelation chapter in particular was a standout gut-punch. Knowing everything she has gone through reveals her to be the strongest character in the entire novel. Hazuki is never overly heroic, more just a real young man confronted with never ending hardship, and the journey he goes on is quite complex.
In the end, this is a love story centered on learning to love oneself and not let the brutality of the world destroy how you see yourself and others. The romance is dramatic and sweeping, with lots of crying and reflection, but it never felt tacky or melodramatic. The scenes of intimacy straddle what might be nsfw, the even then, the eroticism serves to move the characters and story forward.
Even at the end of the novel, I found myself wanting more time with Naoe and Hazuki, just as they wanted more time together. I highly recommend this story, and commend the author on giving us a lovely novel.