Takane & Hana, Vol. 9

Today's manga post is on Takane & Hana, Vol. 9 by Yuki Shiwasu. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Hana, Okomon, and Takane on it. As it is the ninth in the series, you need to have read the read the first eight volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes humorous, slow burn love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Hana’s father makes the deal of a lifetime and moves the Nonomura family into a huge mansion… But what the Nonomuras didn’t plan on was Takane moving in with them! Just how are Takane and Hana going to adjust to living together?

Review- Takane's grandfather is putting him under a lot of pressure. Both in his job and in this relationship with Hana. Because of that Takane is being more difficult than usual. So Hana has to annoy him more than usual to get him out of it. Then Okomon just confesses to her and that is going to make things more complicated. I like how much communication there is in this volume. Between all the characters, from Hana and Takane to Hana's father and Takane's grandfather, there are no real misunderstandings in this volume. I am very curious about how Okomon's confessions is going to affect the story from here out. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 7

Today's manga post is on An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 7 by Maki Enjōji. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Nanse and Kairi on it. As it is the seventh in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes mature love stories with a medical twist. There is no language, no sex, and no violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. Before Kairi travels abroad to study, the two decide to do the things that lovers do. Their love deepens during their limited time together, but a problem arises concerning Kairi’s succession in his family’s business. What will happen to their romance?

Review- Kairi has decided that he is going to study in America for three years. Nanase decides that she is going to support him and study to become a better nurse herself in Japan. I like how honest they are with each other from what they want to their plans for the future. This is has been a adult romance with two characters who learn and grown over the course of the series. The roamnce in the story was a vehicle for the character growth, as they grew together both Nanase and Kairi were forced to face themselves and their faults. This was a very good series and I would like to read from Maki Enjōji.

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Waiting for Spring, Vol. 9

Today's manga post is on Waiting for Spring, Vol. 9 by Anashin. It is 178 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Mitsuki and Kyosuke on it. As it is the ninth in the series, you need to have read the first eight volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes first love stories, shojo manga, and coming of age stories. There is no language, no sex, and no violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- LOVE TRIANGLES
The pressure is on now that Aya and Towa have both professed their love to Mitsuki! Fortunately, she has a reliable mentor in Nanase, who is happy to offer what advice she can. But in the course of the conversation, Mitsuki hears some news so troubling that she forgets her own romantic woes...Are Ryūji's hopes doomed to come crashing down around him?!

Review- Things are getting more intense in this volume with Aya getting injured by protecting Mitsuki from an accident. So he can't play basketball and she feels guilty. To be fair to Aya, he doesn't want her to feel that way. He just wanted to keep her safe. But that does make things harder for Ryūji, as she is spending time with Aya as he is recovering. But Mutsuki learns that she really likes Ryūji. This is a very cute coming of age story and I look forward to the next volume. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 4

Today's manga post is on Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 4 by Ryōsuke Takeuchi and Hikaru Miyoshi (Illustrator). It is 208 pages long and is published by Viz Media. The cover has John Watson on it. As it is the fourth in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes mysteries, re-imaging of classic literature, and intense plots. There is mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Mycroft Holmes gives MI6 a top secret mission to put an end to the Third Anglo-Afghan War. William believes Colonel Moran, who once fought in the war, is the right man for the job and asks Albert to recruit the colonel. But will old memories from Moran’s past hinder his efforts to assist the mission? Meanwhile, more dark figures lurk in London’s nobility, spreading further chaos in the country…

Review- This volume is about one of Moriarty's men and it is very interesting to see his background and what made him join Moriarty. I like seeing this story lines that focus on Moriarty's men and why they would join him and do things that will be seen as bad. Moran is shown to be both a good agent and a good leader. But of course Moriarty knows who he chose to join him on the quest. I hope that we see Holmes in the next volume but this was a good volume.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Knight of the Ice, Vol. 6

Today's manga post is on Knight of the Ice, Vol. 6 by Yayoi Ogawa. It is 176 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Kokoro in a new skating outfit. As it is the sixth volume in the series, you need to have read the first five volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who is interested in sports love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this series. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- EASIER SAID THAN DONE
Thanks to a magical last-minute kiss with Chitose, Kokoro defends his title as Japan’s National Champion, and afterward, the two of them meet up for a short date to work out their relationship issues. Just as the couple gets a moment to catch their breath, Team Kokoro sets off for both the Four Continents Championships and Worlds. But instead of being focused on the ice, Kokoro’s focus is on Louis and Kyle…after he catches them in an intimate moment! Meanwhile, Chitose finds herself still worried over Kokoro’s rumored fiancée… With all these new developments, will the Japanese skaters still be able to secure enough points to guarantee Japan’s entry into the Olympics?

Review- Chitose and Kokoro are getting closer but he is worrying about getting into the Olympics when he gets injured. it causes some friction with other skaters but the important thing is the arranged marriage of Kokoro. This continues to be a fun series. With interesting characters and lots of drama, both on and off the rink, I am having a good time reading this. The art is good, the setting is unique, and the characters are fun. It also has some good representation of LBGT characters. I look forward to the next volume. 

I give this volume Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Captive Hearts, Vol. 05

Today's manga post is on Captive Hearts, Vol. 05 by Matsuri Hino. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Megumi and Suzuka on it. As it is the fifth volume in the series, you need to have read the first four volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes magical, shojo love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Convinced that finding the jewel of the Dragon God will release the Kuroishi family from their curse, Megumi and Suzuka travel to China together. Will they succeed in their mission and finally break the captive spell?

Review- A good conclusion to a series. Suzuka and Megumi are bound and determined to finally break the curse on Megumi's family. In doing so, they discover that others have been cursed by the Dragon God and why. The Dragon God fell in love with a girl from the village but villagers feared her and got themselves cursed. Suzuka wants to free everyone. This ending is good with all threads from previous volumes and the Dragon God's reasons are explained. A good, solid shojo series, it does not break the mold but it does deliver what the reader wants from the genre. I would recommend this series and the author. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Daytime Shooting Star, Vol. 7

Today's manga post is on Daytime Shooting Star, Vol. 7 by Mika Yamamori. It is 208 pages long and is published by  Shojo Beat. The cover has Mamura and friend on it. As it is the seventh volume in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes coming of age stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Suzume. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Suzume has moved to Tokyo and is living with her uncle. Suzume and Mr. Shishio take a trip together for the first time. But something weighs heavily on Mr. Shishio’s mind. Meanwhile, Suzume’s worried about being caught on a romantic outing with her teacher.

Review- So much drama in this volume. Suzume wants more from her relationship with Mr. Shishio but she is also afraid because they could get into trouble. So Suzume goes to a Yayaka for help on what to do. At the end, it looks like Suzume and Mr. Shishio are going to end things but I know that we have more drama coming. I hope that Suzume will start growing as a character, now that she has experienced this heartbreak. Mamura has some good growth and he is worried about Suzume. I am curious about what is going to happen next. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 4

Today's manga post is on The Promised Neverland, Vol. 4 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu. It is 92 pages long and is published by Viz. The cover has Emma, Norman, and Ray on it. As it is the fourth volume in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shonen manga, tense horror plots, and heist stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Life at Grace Field House is good for Emma and her fellow orphans. While the daily studying and exams they have to take are tough, their loving caretaker provides them with delicious food and plenty of playtime. But perhaps not everything is as it seems…
Just as the plan to escape the orphanage is coming together, Mom viciously breaks Emma's leg and reveals that Norman's days are numbered. Emma and Ray will do anything to save their friend from being eaten by the demons, but can they outsmart their devious foe?

Review- With the escape plans to close, the plot is getting more intense. Mom is on to them and she knows that Emma wants to save everyone. So Mom makes the first move by breaking Emma's leg and moving Norman's due date up. By doing these things, Mom hopes to trap the children in despair and stop them from making different plans. But Ray and Emma will not be stopped so easily. This series just keeping getting better with how intense the plot and the ticking clock behind our characters. There is a good cliffhanger in the volume, so I am very excited to read what is going to happen next. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Sweat and Soap, Vol. 9

Today's manga post is on Sweat and Soap, Vol. 9 by Kintetsu Yamada. It is 208 pages long and is published by Kondansha Comics. As it is the ninth in the series, you need to have read the first eight volumes to understand the story. The cover has Asako and Kotaro on it in an emotional scene. The intended reader is someone who likes mature love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Asako. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the back of the manga- COME WHAT MAY
Now that Kotaro and Asako have gotten used to living together, they've started to think about what their future holds. It's an exciting—and somewhat terrifying—prospect, one made all the more difficult when the haunting reappearance of a ghost from Asako's past threatens their happily ever after...

Review- Things are pretty intense in this volume with Asako dealing with her childhood trauma. Of course she is trying to just push it away instead of dealing with it and her relationship with Kotaro is sufferings for it. But Kotaro knows her pretty well now and he is not going to let her go without a fight. I like seeing that Asako deal with the trauma of bullying and how it just does not go away when you become an adult, how it can effect your life. I think that Asako and Kotaro continue to have some of the most realistic relationships I have read, with problems and communication. I like that not everything is just okay, that they have to choose to be in this relationship. I look forward to the next volume.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 23

Today's manga post is on Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 23 by Mizuho Kusanagi. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the princess of Xing and her bodyguard's on it. As it is the twenty-third volume in series, you need to have read the first twenty-two to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and some action violence in this series. The intended reader is someone who is interested in political shojo stories with strong action themes and a slow burn love story. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Yona gets caught in the middle of the nation of Xing's civil unrest after she discovers that Princess Kouren wants war against the kingdom of Kohka! As Princess Kouren stokes the fire of the pro-war faction, Yona must find a way to save the Dragon Warriors and her home country!

Review- This volume is very tense with the dragons being hurt and taken captive. Yona and Hak must try to get to Su-Won. The first princess of Xing is sure that Kohka is going to attack Xing and she wants to protect her country. So everyone is under the gun and in danger. This volume really brings into focus what happened before King Ill was king and the wars that his father waged for land and power. Now Yona has to save the dragons and hopefully stop a war from happening. Another great volume in a great series, I cannot wait to read the next volume. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 07

Today's post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 07 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has three of the Celestial Warriors on it looking serious. The intended reader is someone who likes high fantasy mixed with historical fantasy, and star-crossed love stories. As it is the seventh in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Seven Celestial Warriors have been found...but Takiko has just learned that eight are needed. To win the arrogant, powerful Hagus over to her side, Takiko promises to rescue his twin brother, Teg, who embodies the lost half of his Celestial power. Deep in enemy territory, Takiko prepares to face Prince Temdan and his followers. As the war for Genbu begins, the Celestial Warriors leap into the fray...but the first battle will exact a terrible price!

Review- Lots of drama in the volume with Takiko and Soren being held as captives. Tomite had been badly hurt during the last battle and is blaming himself for them being taken. We also see what condition Teg is in and it's not good. Also we see what Teg's power is and he can stop the other Warriors from using their powers at all. now people are starting to die, for a Yuu Watase series, there has been a very low body count but I think is going to start changing now. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen now with the deaths starting. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

Kiss Him, Not Me!, Vol. 7

Today's manga post is on Kiss Him, Not Me!, Vol. 7 by Junko. It is 176 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has gaint Kae in a red sress and the boys all around her. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this volume. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga tropes and comedy. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Kae. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- It's me, Kae! After resolving my differences with Shima-chan, the gang is all together again for a special trip to visit the shrine of a beloved anime character...I mean, historical figure! Things get steamy at a hot springs inn-communal baths, pillow fights--seeing these gorgeous guys together is just too much!!
But it's not all fun and fantasies when Igarashi buckles down to win me over. Are these feelings I get around him something more than friendship? Mustumi-senpai has also stayed close after his confession, and a strange turn of events o our vacation gives him the chance for more alone time with me.
Back at home, the other boys' progress has Nanashima feeling left out in the cold, without some otaku common ground, he doesn't know how to get closer, but his little sister's anime obsession might be the answer he needs! He's really working hard now, and after all that effort, he makes a shocking move to declare his feelings.

Review- All of Kae's friends are still trying to win her over but she is still unsure about her feelings or what she wants. The best part is when they go to a haunted island and Kae accidentially helps the ghosts there by being a fangirl. Asuma-senpai and Kae have moment on the island and I like him the best, as he liked her before she lost weight and he supports her interests. I look forward to whatever craziness is going to happen next. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga wiht my own money. 

An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 6

Today's manga post is on An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 6 by Maki Enjōji. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the two main characters on it, Nanase and Kairi. As it is the sixth in the series, you need to have read the first five volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, mild sexuality, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Nanase. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Nanase became a nurse to chase after Dr. Kairi Tendo. Now the two are finally starting to act like lovers. They’re busy enjoying blissful days until Kairi’s older sister Ryuko goes missing!

Review- This volume is really about Kairi dealing with his past and how it could affect his future. Nanase has some good moments in this volume with her insight into what Kairi really wants to do and she supports him in making a big decision. I like how much both characters have grown over the course of the series. Nanase is much more comfortable with herself and expressing what she wants. Kairi is more honest with himself and his fears. I look forward to the next volume and seeing how this series will wrap up. 

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money. 

I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!

Today's manga post is on I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!, Volume 2 by ＡＴＡＫＡ. It is 192 pages long and is published by Tokyopop. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The cover has two main characters, Mystia and Eric on it. The intended reader is someone who likes isakai shojo stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- From what Mystia remembers of the game, her character is spoiled, cruel, and despised. So why is Mystia's arranged fiancé, Raid Nocter, refusing to end their engagement, despite being fated for the protagonist? Not only that, but the game's famed womanizer, Eric Heim, called Mystia "my lady" and declares he will marry her. The only conclusion she can draw is that the game is bugged!

Review- This volume wraps up Mystia's childhood, I think. Most of the volume is about her relationship with Eric and how she influences him to be better. I like that Mystia does believe that the boys in life really feel that they say but she does think it is a glitch that she caused. The 'real' heroine should be in the story now and I am curious about how this is going to play out. 

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant, Vol 4

Today’s post is on Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant, Vol 4 by Seo Gwijo. It is 348 pages long and is published by Editio. The cover has Cheryl Diel on it. As it is the fourth volume in the series, you need to have read the first three to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes humorous fantasy stories. There is mild foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this novel. The story is told mostly from first person of Scarlet but it does change perspectives as needed. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Can they vanquish this evil once and for all?
Join Charlemagne and Scarlett as they embark on a perilous journey through the mystical Diel territory, unraveling secrets and uncovering the enigmatic nature of the so-called female lead.
With the fate of the three great houses hanging in the balance, our heroes must forge an unbreakable alliance to confront the formidable dark wizard.
Will they succeed or will darkness prevail? Find out in the series finale of Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant.

Review- A fun end to a fun series. Scarlett and Charlemagne work out their problems and have their happily ever after. There is less silliness in this final volume but that’s okay as the rest of the series makes up for it. Scarlett is still over the top and Charlemagne still scares the daylights out of everyone. The big bad is a god who wanted to be the only god and Cheryl dies for him. It was very pitiable death for a villain but that’s what happens when you worship an evil god. The last hundred or so pages are a short story following some of the side characters and tying up their storylines. I did enjoy this series, it was fun, silly, and very cute. I would recommend it if you like that.

I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.