After School Nightmare

Like most teenagers, Mashiro Ichijo has a secret. But Mashiro's secret is that he is neither fully male nor female. So far he has been able to live his life as a boy, but all that is starting to change. The premise is a dark psychological drama about identity and fear, where a dream-world reflects a young person's inner turmoil.The strength is the imagery. The dreamlike and eerie scenes are striking, and the story treats its protagonist's identity with sensitivity. The tension between who he is and who others expect him to be is powerfully drawn.The weaknesses are about tone and structure. The story is disturbing at times, and the fragmented dream sequences can be hard to follow. Readers wanting a grounded story may find it hard going.Recommended for readers who enjoy surreal, emotionally complex stories about identity. Expect an unsettling, thoughtful read.