Land of the Lustrous 1 by Haruko Ichikawa

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Gems are crystalline organisms that live in a world that has been destroyed by six meteors in the far future. Each Gem is given a role to play in the fight against the Lunarians, who attack the gems in order to shatter their bodies and utilize them as decoration on the moon. Phosphophyllite, also known as Phos, is a youthful and vulnerable Gem who wishes to aid their allies in the war effort. Because of their fragile nature, they are instead instructed to compile an encyclopedia. Phos encounters Cinnabar, an intelligent gem that has been assigned to police the remote island at night due to the corrosive poison their bodies produce. After seeing how unhappy Cinnabar is, Phos decides to find a role that both of the rejected Gems can enjoy. Land of the lustrous follows Phos' efforts to be useful and protect their fellow Gems.

Strengths of the story:

The concept for Land of the Lustrous is really creative, and the character designs are attractive to the eye. Each character is complex in their own way, and the story does an excellent job of explaining their backstories.

Weaknesses of the story:

It’s hard for me to find something that I would change. But maybe the author could’ve explored the relationship between Cinnabar and Phos, because to me The relationship mostly depends on one-sided conversations and the occasional jab at Phos for being fragile. I’d like it if they had more going on.

My opinion of the story:

I love this story and would recommend it to all my friends who are interested in reading graphic novels for the first time. I adore the incredibly creative ideas that the author gives us and the world building is incredible.

Ten short questions about the book:

1. How long did it take you to read the book?

2-3 days.

2. What made you choose to read this book?

My sibling recommended it to me.

3. In which country does the story take place?

It’s a future earth and the only land that isn’t covered by water is a small island.

4. Who is the main character / characters?

Phosphophyllite.

5. Who is your favourite character in the book? Explain why.

Antarticite, because they accepted Phos’s effort is helping them.

6. Is it a happy or sad book? Explain why.

It’s a bittersweet book. Though Phos found someone to relate to, they still can’t compete and has to try harder to fit in.

7. What kind of person would enjoy reading this book?

Someone who enjoys complex story writing and sad truths.

8. Where did you get this book from?

Kinokuniya.

9. What did you learn from this book?

You can’t always perfectly fit into a community.

10. What would you change about the story?

I’d change some relationship dynamics.