Beachloves's manga / #Psychological(222)

What an interesting story! Not only are the sex scenes insanely hot but the characters are interesting and the plot is well laid out. Highly recommend!

5/9/21 A very sad and introspective take on a relationship that is the most important and devastating thing in either of their lives. We see two characters who under different circumstances would have loved each other dearly for a lifetime. Instead, violence, trauma, and mental instability forced the two of them to walk different paths. *Spoiler* But in the end ***spoiler*** the main character would rather sacrifice his life rather than sacrifice his love, no matter what atrocities the object of his love has committed. This one defiantly made me think. What the main character had in his heart was true love and undying devotion, does that in some way absolve his lover of sin? Should I want them to have a happy ending? I still don't know. Review update 8/25/21 This review is for the 8 extra chapters which have been added to the end and follow the relationship between detective Koh and the Chief. I am glad I had a long break before reading this extra/side story because it is entirely removed from the main story. I think that this is a great addition to the main plot because it ends on a more positive note, leaving us with bit of hope rather than complete emotional desolation. ***Spoilers*** I am really impressed by the art style for this 8 chapter extra. Many sequences are shown in a blur, or we are unable to see every aspect of the scene. The color tones are muted and only specific ones stand out in each panel. Many times we view the characters or scenery as though we are looking through a fogged or glass with a fine layer of frost obscuring our view. It feels so aesthetically attractive and in some contexts erotic. Because in life our experience is selective. When we try to remember events of a specific day often we are left with only a few images and sensations. Sometimes even in the moment, we are unable to take in every part of our surroundings. For example, during the passionate sex scenes, the author chose to focus on snapshot images and blurred moments. Focusing on the visceral feeling of bodies colliding and emotions cresting, rather than showing the sex in its entirety. For this story, I felt that the art style and the story were perfectly paired and it was very satisfying to read. For future readers, if you don't want to read a tragedy read the extra! It could also easily work as a stand-alone story and is really good.

Ok... So 5 stars because the story was well-drawn, well-composed, and had a clear narrative arch. It was clear that the author knew what kind of story they wanted to tell from the beginning and they accomplished this goal. However, this story deals with some themes of co-dependency and abusive behavior that were a bit hard to stomach for me***Spoiler*** (being held against your will, being threatened to be neutered). But again it is clear from the beginning what kind of story this was so the fact that it wasn't my favorite is more my personal opinion than a reflection on the work.

Really cool! I loved it! I really loved reading the first story "Stigmata - Seikon Sous" and then reading this (the sequel) right after. It was really cool to see the evolution of the characters and the story! Loved everything about this!!!

Two people with severe attachment disorders have a passionate relationship built on manipulation and lies. But the drama is fun to watch! 4/5!

Fascinating, disturbing, and deeply sensual, this story explores violence and the human condition in a way I have never seen before in the BL genre. The artwork is breathtaking and the sex scenes are incredibly intense. But the thing that sets this BL apart is the character development and the way the story unfolds. In every chapter new information is presented that alters your perspective of what came before. Simply Thrilling, you won't be able to look away! ***Spoilers thoughts*** I felt that the most valuable asset to this story was in some ways also its Achilles heel. (last chance spoilers ahead) That would be Kang Moo being a criminal psychopath, while psychopathy is a spectrum it is communicated that Kang Moo has "no emotions." In many ways this is the story's most invaluable asset because when characters do not act on their emotions it is impossible for the audience to anticipate their actions, thus making the story incredibly intriguing. However, despite the murder and intrigue at the heart of The Beast Must Die is a "romance" between Kang Moo and Lee Kirin. We are shown on several occasions that Lee Kirin is deeply emotionally attached to Kang Moo. But Kang Moo states that he is a psychopath and has no emotions, any time he shows concern it is him displaying his "learned behavior." This is where things began to get vague for me. It was hard to truly enjoy their relationship when Lee Kirin clearly wants to be with him and loves Kang Moo, while Kang Moo is not able to feel anything. But there have been several examples throughout the story of Kang Moo acting in ways that were not logical or would not benefit him purely because Lee Kirin was involved. So here's the rub, we are asked to accept that Kang Moo feels nothing for Lee Kirin but also that he will make choices based on emotional responses to Lee Kirin. I loved this story and it will forever be on my top 10. However, I wish that their relationship was not left so ambiguous. It is clear that they are going to be together for the rest of their lives, and I'm not saying that the author should have included an "I love you" moment between the two of them because that just wouldn't have fit. But I feel that there should have been a clear moment when Kang moo communicated to Lee Kirin that he favored him in some emotional way, and for Lee Kirin to accept those feeling and reciprocate. These are of course my own thoughts and opinions in any case I loved it! Thank you to the author!

WOOOOOW!!! This shit is intense!!! Like no balls this did not let up for a single second. Just when you think you know the score, nope! A really interesting story woven from the musings of an imperfect protagonist. Highly recommend!

What a FUCKING WILD RIDE! My god! This thing is ridiculous! It's graphic, disgusting, and appalling. **Warning!** This story features *Rape, *Insest, *Child Abuse, *Graphic Violence, and *Homophobic comments & slurs. BUT it is also darkly entertaining. The characters are so twisted I couldn't take my eyes off of them for a moment, and the ending is sheer perfection! If you are looking for an adult Mafia story with BL in the middle this is for you.