Strange Pictures — No matter where you are, everyone is always connected

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, another Uketsu review! I have to say, after reading both Strange Houses and this one, I actually prefer Strange Pictures. The story feels more engaging, more characters involved, and I love how their lives all connect in unexpected ways. It’s like uncovering a puzzle, starting from small fragments until you finally see the bigger picture.

I would sayyy this one definitely woke up my brain that's been collecting dust trying to connect all the dots. It’s not the deepest plot out there, but hey, it’s got enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages. I appreciate how it gives my mind a break from the classics and research papers, yet still keeps me hooked and curious all the way through.

Strange Houses — Left me curious but confused

Strange Houses by Uketsu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As an architect, this book hit differently. It honestly turned me into a detective, trying to piece together all the bizarre floor plans. The intro alone had me hooked, and the dialogue-driven format made it feel like I was part of the investigation.

The way Uketsu weaponized architecture was clever. Dead spaces, rooms that make zero sense, layouts that scream... ‘who tf would actually design this?’ It even had my undiagnosed adhd mind wondering: what if I designed my own prototype murder house, but better? You know, exclusively for killer clients, complete with customization options so they can tweak it to their… tastes. lol just purely hypothetical 👀

Not gonna lie, I kind of lost interest reading the ending. It felt rushed and open-ended, leaving you hanging and a little clueless, basically handing the job over to your imagination. That can be intriguing, sure, but also frustrating if you’re the type who prefers neat closure.

No Exit — Trapped in thought (literally)

No Exit by Taylor Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was one of those thrillers that had me flipping pages fast. The setup is simple but intense: a snowstorm, a group of strangers, and a situation that quickly turns dangerous. From there, it becomes a game of tension, trust, and survival.

I liked how the book captured that claustrophobic, edge-of-your-seat atmosphere. The pacing is quick and very cinematic, almost as if you are watching a movie unfold, with each chapter ending in a way that makes you want to keep going.

While it’s a solid and entertaining read, it didn’t really stick with me. I feel like I’ll forget most of the details soon, but I could easily see this story working really well on screen. For me, it’s more of a thrilling ride than a memorable story.