. . .were the shining stars of this novel!
Too bad they were only really introduced in the last 1/3 of the novel. Their complicated and violent relationship of emotions and actions towards each other; the exploration of their motivations and desires; and their bizarre, dangerous balance together, were what redeemed this novel and made it live vibrantly! The author and the artist both mention that they would like to explore these characters further. I hope they do!
The main story's setting of this unusual world was understandable without having read the manga by the same name. The Waking Dream World was described clearly, intricately and beautifully, without becoming dull and verbose. The focus remained on the interplay of feelings between the characters.
Yuugo and Tomoki were interesting characters, but not fascinating like Kanon and Shiki. Yuugo fell a little flat because I felt like he was always a little closed off or inaccessible, his person and deep feelings not really being explored. Tomoki was likeable with his innocent and easy, if somewhat slow, nature. He was the main character, and Yura-sensei explored his hesitant emotions. There was always an element of 'cut off' with these two boy's interplay, though.
The artwork, by Kisaragi-sensei, as always, was mood-setting, brilliant, vibrant and beautiful!