Blossoming Tales

Recensio Libri III 1/20/25

Book Title: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Author: Gordon Doherty

When I was young, I was drawn to games because I admired the strength of the female characters. I think, deep down, I was searching for role models to look up to. When I immigrated to America by myself, I often felt weak and inadequate, especially since I could barely speak English. During that time, manga and anime became my escape—they provided me with role models and inspiration, offering a sense of stability in a world full of unpredictable human experiences.

The first game I was introduced to was Secret of Mana III, thanks to a childhood friend. Later, I discovered Assassin’s Creed while browsing a Barnes & Noble bookstore—a treasure trove of knowledge. I don’t recall whether it was an art book or a strategy guide, but it was on sale for $9.99. What captivated me most was the character design and the mystique of being an assassin. The historical architecture, background art, clothing designs, and rich color palettes immediately caught my eye. Each illustration seemed to tell a story steeped in mystery and darkness.

My introduction to Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey came through my hairdresser, and it brought back nostalgic memories of the Assassin’s Creed series. I read the summary on Steam to learn more about Odyssey, and it mentioned Spartans, which reminded me of the movie 300. As a child, I couldn’t fully appreciate historical stories like that, so I wasn’t particularly drawn to the Spartan theme. However, what intrigued me was the part of the summary about a girl who was cast out of society but fought her way back. That resonated deeply with me.

The story of overcoming trauma and rebuilding oneself is one I connect with on a personal level. I’m eager to see how her journey unfolds, how she grows through her struggles, and how her character develops. I hope reading this book will inspire me to find strength and rebuild my own path, just as she does.

Recensio Libri II 01/20/25

Book Review: The Witcher: Ronin
Author: Rafał Jaki
Illustrator: Hataya

I was first introduced to The Witcher while browsing Netflix. What initially captured my attention was the stunning character design and the fantasy-based storyline. I was instantly hooked. The show’s dark fantasy elements were incredibly intriguing, and the monsters were crafted with carefully developed personalities and unique abilities. The main character was fascinating, but what stood out even more was Yennefer’s story. Her sacrifices to create a better life for herself were arduous and painful, yet her strength and resilience were truly remarkable.

When I stumbled across The Witcher: Ronin at the library—a Japanese-themed twist on The Witcher—I couldn’t resist picking it up. I’ve always loved Japanese folklore. As a child, my grandmother would share stories like Momotaro, the Peach Boy, with me, especially since our culture was heavily influenced by Japanese traditions. I’ve always been captivated by traditional Japanese clothing, flower arrangement classes, and even tea ceremonies, which were part of my school curriculum growing up.

Seeing this manga—a blend of Japanese and Western influences within a dark fantasy setting—was like a dream come true. My eyes lit up at the gorgeous illustrations, and I’ve already fallen in love with the art. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds!