This is a hard one for me to rate because the writing is, without a doubt, some of the best I've seen in the FVN community. Shiroooo's subtlety is on point, and he works wonders to create imagery in a VN without sprites. The man knows his iceberg theory.

Plus it's gritty midwestern realism, and that's right up my alley. It's a remarkably refreshing take amidst a genre full of portal fantasies and passive protagonists.

Also the music! Pretty great. It adds a distinct flavor to the novel that I appreciated.

That said, I do feel like the VN pulls its punches a bit too much. I noticed this the most near the end, but, looking back now, I would say the beginning lacks punch too. It's not bad by any means, but it does make me yearn for something more impactful physically or emotionally in the plot. Maybe this was a symptom of the lack of sprites? I'm not sure.

Still, I highly recommend this read. I say this especially to FVN authors who are trying to write snappier dialogue and cut out fluff (which is basically all of them, including myself). Eager to see what comes next in the shirooooverse.

EDIT 3/8/25: The shirooooverse has rolled on, but this is the title that sticks with me. Bumping it up to a well-deserved 5/5.