I came across tilted axis as I began to explore more specific translated titles. I didn't realise that there was an absolute treasure trove of backlist stories which await me.

I started with the first title 'one hundred shadows' (and hope to continue to explore the entire catalogue, currently at 42 titles).

This is set in an electronic market in central Seoul; I can picture Mr Yeo's shop within one of the routes around Gwangjang Market.

We follow Mujae and Eungyo (both who left formal education to work as Mr Yeo's repair shop assistants in an area which is set to be demolished and gentrified) as they follow shadows, discuss shiftchanging Whorls, and their occasional meetings with others who have also been left as a social minority.

I chuckled at everyday pettiness, feigned ignorance as part of social custom, and loved how organised chaos was described. Everyday details played a great part in the worldbuilding, and almost the unevitable.

I really enjoyed the narration style of Jungeon; at times it feels like a whimsical ongoing stream of consciousness, and then suddenly charged with the ferocity of adolescence.

This story is part surreal and at the same time, it feels dystopia. As the characters poses questions around consumerism, entitlement, and the ethics of thriving within a capitalist society.