XOMatsumaeohana
The general: Normally I wouldn't give five stars. But six books later, I can see how much the author has improved. I wish her luck for this contest. If she continues improving her writing and listening to suggestions. I'm sure this book will reach further heights than her other books. The book: It starts of with a preview of the future. Sumire is telling her daughter how she first met her husband (the girl's father). That daughter is Terashima Lila (Dream Star's protagonist). So the book is a epilogue for DS. This book has more sweet romance vibes than her other ones, but the emotional aspect is still there. It's very easy to relate to the characters because of this.
*poof* popping in for the first time in Matsu-san’s book! From the start, I had already fallen in love with the synopsis. My first thought was how the author has a way with words. The synopsis was beautifully written that it instantly drew my attention. I have never read any of Matsu’s book before, but this “Eternal Melody” feels like it’s calling me. I absolutely did not regret picking this up. When I read it, I feel the subtle emotion conveyed through the writings. It’s subtle but powerful enough to intrude me emotionally. I feel conflicted with all these complex feelings coming at me at the same time. Nostalgia, sadness, heartwarming, soothing until it becomes heartbreakingly beautiful. The story may not come out strong at first but it will slowly push you to the corner, until it all come pouring. Matsu-san you really caught me off guard midway. Lastly, I’m so very much fond of your writing style. Yes, it may need certain editing for the typos but nevertheless, I love the simplicity your portraying. It is clean, lean, concise, and without too much adornment and yet, you r able to speak so much through ur writing. If any of you readers ever read Murakami or Raymond Carver works you’ll know what I mean. Matsu-san fits the same category. Ahhh I really love your work, Matsu-san!! And lord, the theme of your story fits Japanese literary so much. Your choice choosing Japanese culture is the 😁😁
When you're feeling low and don't know where to go—this melody shall stay by your side, eternally and forever yours. As a first time reader of Matsu's book, I was curious on what pulled many readers to her story and I think I can now understand. She has the ability to depict a story that lets you deeply connect with the characters and you find yourself rooting for them and curious of what will happen next. The capacity to immediately draw you in with the characters? That is a talent. There may be more polished stories with impeccable grammar... but somehow they'll appear bland and lifeless. This story is alive and bursting with harmonious melody. It is an unpolished gem, but a precious gem nonetheless! Unlike other stories that start with the female lead and male lead meeting for the first time, Matsu portrayed two characters who have already been in each other's lives for a long time. It was a perfect choice, a wonderful choice that gives it a fresh perspective and view when compared to other stories. The chemistry between Sumire and Yuhi is truly amazing and this story is a beautiful canvas—brushed and marked with the hues and shades of their love.
Author's Review (´・ω・`) Spirity Awards Entry: Theme - Sweet Love Hello everyone, the author here. This is my entry for the spring contest. Actually this is a completed book from three/four years ago, which I am rewriting and editing. Most chapters are rewritten and will only use the old one as reference. Three books which I will put together, which means it will be very long. I'm unsure whether I will break it down into two books or just one. This is Book 0 and can be seen as a prequel to Dream Star. I hope you enjoy it and support me for the contest. - XOMatsumaeohana
213 chapters later and I can safely say this is the authors best book. I've never had an issue with her previous books. But this one feels more real, more personal. The way she writes her characters emotions in this one is beautiful and I can relate more. Writing quality? It has improved a lot. It could still use some polishing here and there. But with the way the author works hard, I know she will achieve it gradually. I am not reading this book for perfect writing. No writing out there is perfect, people will always have preferences. I am reading this book because the authors words are beautiful. I have never read a book where the characters emotions seem so real and genuine. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing how this masterpiece ends up.
There was many discussion recently about why this book is near the top? Why do people vote for it? But is that the right question? People vote for books because they like it. Why do they like it? Please try to read the book first before you judge. I understand this isn't everybody's cup of tea. But I've never read a book like this before. The author deals with serious topics such as depression and suicide but she writes it well and not half hearted. The female lead Sumire, her pain and suffering. Us readers can sympathise with because the author converts it very well. A book like this gives people hope. "There is somebody out there who is like me. Someone who understands." I think the message of the book is quite clear. Again this is my opinion, but I do not wish to see comments about it being "boring" from readers who don't actually read. I hope the author continues to write her beautiful stories.
I still have more chapters to read. But based on what I have read so far, this book could potentially be XOMatsumaeohana best work. The vibe of the book is different from her other works. Writing emotional scenes and character development has never been an issue for the author. This time too, she writes it so well like she is writing based on experience. It doesn't feel forced.
Another great book from the lovely XOMatsumaeohana. From a popular reader to a rising author. 😌 She knows what hooks the readers. I will continue supporting whatever books she writes in the future. Looking forward to seeing how Lila's parents fell in love. In DS (Lila's story) we saw brief scenes of it, but I've always wanted to read more. So I'm glad the author decided to wrote this.
I am sure that as the story continues there will be more interesting facts that we will learn about the main lead. The start is good and intriguing. I left a comment on the first chapter with four questions as I look forward to them being answered! Thank you for this new work XOMatsu. I hope to be able to keep up on this one but as the schedule is packed full it'll be interesting. Please update soooooon. 💖💖💖😍😍😍
If you have read the author's other book Dream Star. You will know that this book is connected to it. You don't have to read this one first to read the other. But I think it will help. In DS there were a lot of things the author couldn't complain, due to the context of the story. However I believe with this book she can explore those themes more. The nature of hanyou's/powers. I believe she is gradually doing this and for fans of her other book, this is a good thing. I hope the author continues to develop and grow.
What can I say? GREAT START! Tho I really have nothing to say just yet as it was the first chappie, I liked how it started. It offered the readers a glimpse of the current time of the FL yet, the vagueness of it will make you wonder if the heartwarming vibe will remain as it is. Nevertheless, this will keep you hook! Give it a try! 💖 To author-nim, goodluck! 💖