8-gatsu no Soda-sui

For this short story, I will keep my review short. Story - 6 Art - 8 Character - 6 Enjoyment - 6 Overall - 6.5 (7) Soda Water of August is probably what I would call a hidden gem in that its story isn't anything special, but its simplicity works out to be really well. There is nothing groundbreaking in concerns to pretty much every element I have rated as a whole. But its selling point is that it has a nice, relaxing feel to it you can read in about 1 hour. Definitely something worth a shot. The story is set in the Cape of Suiyo with who seems to bea child for an MC, Lisa Umibe, living with her Grandma. During this time wandering around the Cape of Suiyo with her friend Kureda Monako. They go forth on adventures based on simple ideas of collecting and discovering new things, mostly with magical/supernatural attributes, which are conveyed with a childlike viewpoint. It's as simple as that, that is pretty much the entire story. The characters aren't the most interesting although their experiences learning about their living area make for a better story rather than the physical characters themselves. Saying this, the characters aren't completely 2D, they have some personality to them and are interested in the weird and wonderful people in the Cape of Suiyo. Again, simple characters, but they fit this story. The art of the story seems quite nostalgic, art from a children's book is pretty much used here, it is very pleasing to view and actually one of the reasons why I took up the time to read this. I wouldn't be surprised if this was made for children, but the fact remains that this looks like art from a children's book. It is used to its highest potential too with constant blue and white colours to reflect how life near the sea looks like. Certainly a good piece of art. Enjoyment, again, simple story, so it isn't anything phenomenal or spectacular. But it was a nice read to go through. Anyways if you have around 1 hour to spare I would at least take a shot at reading this. It isn't anything special, you might even forget you have touched it, but it is an almost nostalgic story on new experiences at a learning stage of life.