Claude recommended me this book after I pasted in a bunch of the titles which I had read recently and steered it towards some particular themes. It’s my first “ai-recommendation”.

I really struggled to get going with this book. I liked the premise but it took me some time to get over the density of the Japanese stylised language. I understand the intention but it felt like it got in the way. Especially things like units of time left me completely in the dark - a quick google showed me that I was in good company with other readers as well.

Having said that, the story itself was really powerful. I even found myself quite emotional after the battle as Misaki is reflecting on the loss of Mamoru. It’s not often that stories like this work through the aftermath and ramifications rather than finishing after the climax of the battle.