Blagica Jankuloska
God Complex of a Suicidal Freak
A Surprisingly Delightful Journey Through Darkness and Light
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
I finished this book a few days ago, but it took some time to gather my thoughts and put my feelings into words. Here’s the thing—I absolutely loved it. The experience was such a delightful surprise, especially because I didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. What a wonderful reminder to step outside of my comfort zone!
The addition of pictures, for example, was something I hadn’t anticipated loving. I’ve never been a fan of comics, anime, or graphic novels, but in this case, the illustrations added an undeniable charm that elevated the storytelling. They brought an extra layer of emotion and vibrancy to the story, making it even more engaging.
This book tackles heavy topics in a way I’ve rarely encountered. The main character’s struggles with his mental health are cloaked in sarcasm and nihilism, creating a tone that resonates throughout the entire narrative. Many stories that address this subject focus almost entirely on the protagonist’s pain, but here, while Zero’s challenges are treated with the seriousness they deserve, the narrative also weaves in compelling subplots and unforgettable characters that draw you into the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else—until the story circles back to Zero’s inner turmoil, hitting you with a sobering reminder of how it all began. These moments are grounding and impactful, a stark contrast to the lighter elements, and they keep the stakes clear without overshadowing the story’s heart.
There’s a constant tension running through the book, making you wonder how long Zero can keep balancing on the edge. Living for someone else is portrayed as both beautiful and precarious, a high-wire act that could lead to redemption or ruin depending on how things unfold. The central question becomes whether Zero will find the strength to see his own value and purpose—or whether the weight of everything will prove too much.
And yet, despite these serious themes, this book is unexpectedly, effortlessly funny. The humor was such a pleasant surprise and brought a much-needed balance to the heavier moments. Zero’s wit is razor-sharp; his quips and internal commentary had me grinning constantly. But the humor isn’t just confined to him—other characters bring their own unique comedic energy. Marina, for instance, is an absolute standout. Her dynamic with Zero is a highlight of the book, full of snarky banter and bickering sibling vibes that are pure gold. Every interaction between them sparkles with chemistry and charm, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.
This book is a masterful blend of weighty, emotional storytelling and light, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that such a balance is struck so seamlessly. I’m thrilled to know there’s a Volume 2 because I’ll be diving into it with no hesitation. This is a reading experience I’ll treasure for a long time, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
A Surprisingly Delightful Journey Through Darkness and Light
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
I finished this book a few days ago, but it took some time to gather my thoughts and put my feelings into words. Here’s the thing—I absolutely loved it. The experience was such a delightful surprise, especially because I didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. What a wonderful reminder to step outside of my comfort zone!
The addition of pictures, for example, was something I hadn’t anticipated loving. I’ve never been a fan of comics, anime, or graphic novels, but in this case, the illustrations added an undeniable charm that elevated the storytelling. They brought an extra layer of emotion and vibrancy to the story, making it even more engaging.
This book tackles heavy topics in a way I’ve rarely encountered. The main character’s struggles with his mental health are cloaked in sarcasm and nihilism, creating a tone that resonates throughout the entire narrative. Many stories that address this subject focus almost entirely on the protagonist’s pain, but here, while Zero’s challenges are treated with the seriousness they deserve, the narrative also weaves in compelling subplots and unforgettable characters that draw you into the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else—until the story circles back to Zero’s inner turmoil, hitting you with a sobering reminder of how it all began. These moments are grounding and impactful, a stark contrast to the lighter elements, and they keep the stakes clear without overshadowing the story’s heart.
There’s a constant tension running through the book, making you wonder how long Zero can keep balancing on the edge. Living for someone else is portrayed as both beautiful and precarious, a high-wire act that could lead to redemption or ruin depending on how things unfold. The central question becomes whether Zero will find the strength to see his own value and purpose—or whether the weight of everything will prove too much.
And yet, despite these serious themes, this book is unexpectedly, effortlessly funny. The humor was such a pleasant surprise and brought a much-needed balance to the heavier moments. Zero’s wit is razor-sharp; his quips and internal commentary had me grinning constantly. But the humor isn’t just confined to him—other characters bring their own unique comedic energy. Marina, for instance, is an absolute standout. Her dynamic with Zero is a highlight of the book, full of snarky banter and bickering sibling vibes that are pure gold. Every interaction between them sparkles with chemistry and charm, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.
This book is a masterful blend of weighty, emotional storytelling and light, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that such a balance is struck so seamlessly. I’m thrilled to know there’s a Volume 2 because I’ll be diving into it with no hesitation. This is a reading experience I’ll treasure for a long time, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.