I would like to start this review by saying that I'll be covering all 6 volumes of the light novel in this review. While the first volume might be used as the framework and even the basis of the entire novel, the volumes that followed Volume 1 are equally important and I'll try to focus on the series as whole instead of talking about the almost flawless first volume. [If you see me say Hakomari it is another title for Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria. It's just easier to type]

Story - 10/10
Assuming you have read the synopsis of this novel you'd have some kind of idea about the setting and atmosphere of the story. I feel that the synopsis really doesn't describe the novel as a whole and even though it focuses on outlining the first volume's plot, it fails to encompass the entire theme and idea behind the novel. Hakomari's first volume flawlessly expands on the synopsis provided to create one of the most intriguing and complex stories that you'll find. You will constantly attempt to solve the mystery yourself and while the story may provide clues to the reader you will often find yourself mistaken in many aspects of this story. The novel does this throughout its entirety and although Volume 2 falls slightly in this regard the rest of the novel is almost perfect. The story is constantly evolving, changing and twsting itself into a seamless expanse of "mind-fuckery" (as I like to call it).

Art - 8/10
I would have liked to leave Art out of the review as I felt it played no part in the novel whatsoever apart from putting a face to my beloved characters. I've given it an 8 simply because it didn't feature prominently in the novel and wasn't an integral part of it. Added to that is the art itself. I liked it but I felt something was off. No idea how to describe it.

Characters - 10/10
Hakomari might seamlessly twist and weave a story that leaves you wondering what's up and what's down but it is the characters presented in the story that manage to steal the spotlight. Throughout its entirety, Hakomari creates some of the most fleshed out and developed characters that you'll ever find. I'll take for example, Kazuki Hoshino, who begins a transformation in the latter half of the 6 volumes that leaves him as a completely different person. Eji Mikage manages to make this transformation seamless as Kazuki slowly but surely transforms into one of the most amazing characters. He's my favourite character for a reason as his transformation uses some of his most defining features and amplifies them due to his obsession with someone. I used Kazuki as an exaple but I can promise that every single character is just as fleshed out and many of them do go through transformations or personal makeovers due to their indivual challenges.

Enjoyment - 10/10
Hakomari is my favourite light novel for a reason. the very first volume takes place in literally one classroom and for most of the volume the setting never changes. Even though the setting doesn't change the story and characters are phenomenal and I was simply drawn in and wasn't let go until I finished all 6 volumes. All 6 volumes are unique, diverse and above all interesting and enjoyable. Hakomari is simply a masterpiece.

Overall - 10/10
I wish more people would recognise the masterpiece that is Hakomari. Today's manga and anime industry is flooded by copy-paste, bland and unoriginal content that uses the same formulas. Hakomari surpasses these constraints and manages to pull off a unique concept flawlessly. If you haven't done so already go pick up Hakomari now and get nice and comfortable because you're about to go on a ride that you'll likely never want to get off of.