"IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS"

Jokes aside, the HakoMari series sways toward the psychological side with very dark themes. If you are not comfortable with concepts such as murder, suicide, rape, abuse, and self-hatred, don't bother reading the light novel. When I say murder, I mean extremes like cutting people up with a chainsaw or grouping people in a building and burning them alive.

Initially, I read a few reviews for the series. I can confidently refute that the concept of Boxes is not vague and with no logic behind it. Sure, the first one or two volumes made me want to drop the light novel immediately, but just keep reading. Explanations are given that make the book clearer and more understandable. You might need to work your head a little to process what is going on though. Otherwise, you might be inclined to drop a one as the rating.

For the story, protagonist Kazuki lives a normal life with his high school friends. As the plot moves on, he can be called anything but normal. His life is changed with phenomena appearing one after another, with the source originating from "Boxes" that grant people the power to work towards their own wishes. The seven volumes focus on the main characters' roles in the anomalies while introducing their backstories.

The art is very unique, especially the intermission covers. The last few volumes were not able to maintain the luster, but all ends well. In regards to the characters, every one of them is explained in great detail. At least enough to where you can sympathize with them. Still, with all the developments and interactions going on, I can't call favorites on one character over another. I am not fond of any one of them with an intense passion neither.

The enjoyment aspect was a different matter altogether. Without the characters, there was still the plot to enjoy. The series had a unique premise and there was a lot of action. So much that there was little comical relief and pause to the events happening. Retaining so much information in so little time doesn't work out well. The confusing parts discourage readers from consuming the material, leading to disinterest.

With all things being said, this series is worth a read. I don't like stories with vague and unexplained phenomena. Trust me, HakoMari contrasts from Seishun Buta Yarou's quantum physics or Kimi no Na Wa's musubi concept. Give it a try and go break a leg. 8.5/10