Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 10

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 10 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Takiko Uruki, and Filka on it. As it is the tenth volume in the series, you need to have read the first nine volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, mild sexuality, and action violence in this volume. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, tragic love stories, and intense plots. The story is told from third person close of the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the back of the manga- Takiko has returned to the Universe of the Four Gods! As the Celestial Warriors search for the scroll of the Four Gods, Takiko uncovers the truth about the prophecy that turned Uruki and his father into bitter enemies. But while they begin a new chapter in their adventures, Takiko struggles to conceal a terrible secret about herself from the Celestial Warriors...

Review- Takiko has returned and Uruki wants to marry her. But that would mean that Takiko cannot fulfill her destiny as the priestess. Because that would mean innocent people would continue to suffer, she refuses. Plus Takiko is hiding that she is dying from the Warriors, so the fate of the priestess doesn't brother her. Lots of plot happen in this volume as the story only has two more volumes after this one. Takiko finally meets Uruki's father and learns about this prophecy told upon his birth and the truth behind it. All the main actors are coming together and time is running out for the Warriors and Takiko, I look forward to seeing this all the way to the end. 

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. 09

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 09 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Takiko in front of her Warriors. As it is the ninth volumes in the series, you need to have read the first eight volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy, romance, and shojo manga. The story is told from third person close of the different characters. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence. 

From the back of the manga- Determined to live the life of an ordinary girl in Tokyo in 1923, she returns to her father's home and concentrates on being a loyal daughter--and, soon, a dutiful bride. But she can't leave her other life behind. And while Takiko struggles to cool her still-burning heart, the Celestial Warriors battle through a new ice age!

Review- Back in her own world, Takiko tries to be normal but discovers that she has the same disease that killer her mother. So facing the fact that she is going to die either way, Takiko chooses to go back to Uruki and the Warriors. I'm not sure how I feel about that plot twist with Takiko going to die not matter what. I feel that makes her future sacrifice less emotional because there is no other way for the story to end. But I am going to see this story to the end and maybe I will feel differently. 

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

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 25

Today's manga post is on Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 25 by Mizuho Kusanagi. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Yona and So-Won on it. As it is the twenty-fifth volume, you need to have read the first twenty-four volumes to understand the plot. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy stories with political plots and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the back of the manga- Yona comes face-to-face with Su-won and tells him that waging war against the nation of Xing would be disastrous. Later, she rushes back to Princess Kouren, but assassins and more dangers await in Xing! Will the Four Dragons be able to protect Yona from all who threaten her life?

Review- Yona has learned more about ruling in her time travelling and should not be underestimated. She maneuvers Su-Won into meeting with Princess Kouren but there are forces at work within Xing that don't want a peace talk to happen. I love seeing Yona being the ruler that she was born to be and how she will bend others to her will. Yona is walking more and more like the queen and those around her are starting to react to that. That is driving fear into Su-Won's advisors, especially the ones who talked him into the murder. I want to see Yona out play them all and win back her place. 

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. 

Prince Freya, Vol. 4

Today's manga post is on Prince Freya, Vol. 4 by Keiko Ishihara. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Freya and Julian on it. As it is the fourth volume in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and action violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes political manga with a strong female lead. The story is told from third person following the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- The unexpected arrival of horned warriors at Fort Leren is all that saves the Tyrish troops from the Sigurdian seige. But the Kelds have no interest in joining forces with Tyr—they only intervened to cause pain to their old foe. While it is a disappointing decision, it opens Freya’s eyes to other paths of resistance. Tyr might have no allies, but Sigurd has many enemies!

Review- This volume picks up where the last left off with Freya pulling her men together and they withstand the siege. But the cost was high and not just to Freya but to her friend, Alex. He was saved by a god and made a pact with it. Then Freya meets the king and while he knows that she is not his son, the king gives her his blessing. The politics is starting to get thick now with the villains getting more time on page. But their true motives are still unknown. Freya has a long road in front of her and I am pulling for her and her soldiers. 

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

Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 4

Today's manga post is on Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 4 by Hiromu Arakawa. It is 256 pages long and published by Viz Media. The cover has Riza Hawkeye 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 intense, shonen manga with great characters. There is mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Finding themselves at a crossroads, the brothers seek the guidance of a teacher, but her lessons are harder to master than any alchemy.

Review- This volume is a lynch point volume. The reader gets a lot background for Ed and Al. We see everything that happened from their childhood and how brilliant Ed has always been. The main plot is paused for this volume but for this background that is fine. The reader not only seeing Ed and Al from a younger age, we see others in the cast, like Mustang and King Bradley. But most importantly, we see The Truth. It is very important for plot and character development and I cannot wait to see how this is going to play out in the end. I cannot wait to get my hands on 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. 

I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!, Volume 3

Today's manga post is on I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!, Volume 3 by ＡＴＡＫＡ. It is 176 pages long and is published by Tokyopop. The cover has Mystia and Victor on it. The intended reader is someone who likes isekai, shojo stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this magna. There story is told from third person close of the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Mystia Aren is desperate to prevent her predicted dead end from the Kyun-Love otome game, but all the game's potential love interests- and even the game's protagonist, Alice!- are making things incredibly difficult for her. Will Mystia be able to get Kyun-Love's main events back on track, or will all the otome game boys continue to fall in love with her?

Review- So the main plot of the game has started but nothing is going as planned. Mystia is continuing to be a normal person, who cares about others and that is all it takes for the boys in this story to fall for her. Alice is fine but she doesn't compare to Mystia. There is more than person who comes the real world and knows the plot. I still don't know where the story is going but I'm along for the ride. 

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.

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 8

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 8 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. As it is eighth volume in the series, you need to have read the first seven volumes to understand the story. The cover has Takiko, Uruki, and Soren on it. There is no foul language, no sex, and action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Takiko helps Uruki grieve for the loss of a loved one--a loss she knows only too well. But now that the Qudong army knows how to fight Celestial power, Takiko and the Celestial Warriors have no time to lose. As they prepare to rescue Teg, Uruki learns the truth about the prophecy: to summon Genbu, the Priestess will have to sacrifice her life. Refusing to let another death happen, Uruki vows to send Takiko back to the safety of her own world…by any means necessary.

Review- So much happens in this volume. From Uruki mourning Soren to the Celestial Warriors learn what will happen when Takiko fulfills her duty as the Priestess. So the Warriors want Takiko to go back home and live. Of course they don't talk to her about it. So Takiko is feeling very rejected and alone, then she gets sent back home. So much drama and of course sending Takiko back will not stop anything. Fate is in motion now and nothing can stop it. I look forward to the next volume and seeing how Takiko is going to get back. 

I give this manga 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. 

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 06

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 06 by Yuu Watase. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Takiko and two of the Celestial Warriors on it. As it is the sixth volume in the series, you need to have read the first five to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, epic historical fantasy, and slow burn love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Takiko has found another Celestial Warrior--in a house of ill repute! But the proud, bitter Inami has no interest in following the priestess, and she intends to test Takiko's mettle in a duel. Can Takiko's skill with the naginata withstand a full Celestial attack? And when a dark force engulfs the women of the brothel, can Takiko and Inami join forces to save them?

Review- Takiko has found the next Celestial Warrior but she does not want anything to do with her or summoning Genbu. She has had a very hard life and just wants to protect what she has. But of course with fate and the heavens moving, there is no hiding now. Then they discover that one of the Celestial Warriors is working for the enemy. The plot continues to be strongest aspect of this series with action moving the plot forward more than the characters. But works in this manga. I would like more in-depth time with the characters but the story is so interesting, that I do not mind being pulled along. 

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. 

Prince Freya, Vol. 3

Today's manga post is on Prince Freya, Vol. 3 by Keiko Ishihara. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Julius with his sword drawn and Prince Edvard reflected in his sword. As it is the third volume in the series, you need to have read the first two volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes epic historical stories with a strong female lead. There is no foul language, no sex, and violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Freya. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Freya is determined to help the soldiers trapped in the besieged Fort Leren, but with reinforcements days away, the only thing she has to offer them is her presence and everything it represents. But how can she embody the Prince of Hope when she is consumed by anger?

Review- This volume picks right where the last volume left off. With Freya still trying to learn how to lead and how to handle her emotions about all the death around her. Julius is trying to help her as best he can but Freya has to find her own way. When they are betrayed from within the fort, Freya has to pull herself together and lead. The plot is the main focus in this manga and it is a very driving force, so much so that the characters are secondary to it. Not what I normally like but it is a nice change of pace for me, so I am willing to see where this story goes. Very intense plot and the battle scenes are very intense too. This manga is not for everyone but I would recommend trying it. 

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

The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess Vol. 2

Today's post is on The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess Vol. 2 by Akiharu Touka. It is 163 pages long and is published by Yen Press. The cover has three of the characters on it. The intended reader is someone who likes the isakai fastasy tropes and playing with them. There is mild foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from first person close of the main character, Konoha. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- "I'm really happy to hear the irl I like missed me."
Konoha Satou has a dark history. After all, she spent her teen years writing self-indulgent fantasy romance fics-  like her Dark History. But since she's become its most despicable villainess, remembering every last detail is not a matter of life-and -death. Having avioded the frist couple of death flags, Satou's suddenly left in the dark when a mysterious stranger returns from the Lily Kingdom- a character she doesn't recall writing in the original script. Although Yomi claims to be ally, can Satou as Iana really trust a character she knows nothing about in such a dangerous world?

Review- This is a very funny manga if you know the tropes that Touka is making fun of. From the villainess younger sister and the magical heroine, Touka pulls out all the stops and it is hilarious. SO she has moved past where the villainess sister dies, so Iana is having to try and remember every single character she wrote in the original text from when she was fourteen. It is over-the-top and so silly but also very good. Iana is doing her best and her own story is working against her. I look forward to seeing what trouble comes her way 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. 

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 05

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 05 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Uruki and Takiko on it. As it is the fifth in the series, you need to have read the first four volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close of Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- In the midst of a heated battle, Takiko is transported back to her own world. There, all the problems she escaped through her father's book are waiting for her: her mother's funeral, her father's disapproval, and her reunion with Mr. Ohsugi, her first love. But with the wisdom and strength she's found as the Priestess of Genbu, Takiko knows what she has to do. And when she discovers that the wishes of the Priestess really do have power in her world, she realizes that she must find a way to return to the Universe of the Four Gods!

Review- Takiko is back in her home world but she wants to get back. She wants to finish her mission as the Priestess of Genbu and bring peace to the kingdom. Of course when she returns, she has to deal with her feelings for Uruki and his for her. They decide to put them aside until after the mission is done. They also find the next Warrior and she doesn't want to go back and help. The plot continue to move forward at a good pace and the love story is becoming more important. I look forwarding to seeing why the next Warrior doesn't want to help and what trouble is coming 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. 

Strike the Zither

Today's post is on Strike the Zither by Joan He. It is 368 pages long and is published by Roaring Brook Press. the cover is an illustration of the main character Zephyr. The intended reader is someone who likes Asian inspired fantasy. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and some action violence in this novel. The story is told form first person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the dust jacket- The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty, and chaos abounds. A puppet empress is on the throne. The realm has fractured into three factions and three warlordesses hoping to claim the continent for themselves.
But Zephyr knows it’s no contest.
Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist of the land and serving under Xin Ren, a warlordess whose loyalty to the empress is double-edged—while Ren’s honor draws Zephyr to her cause, it also jeopardizes their survival in a war where one must betray or be betrayed. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp to keep Ren’s followers from being slaughtered, she encounters the enigmatic Crow, an opposing strategist who is finally her match. But there are more enemies than one—and not all of them are human.
An epic YA fantasy about found family, rivals, and identity, from New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, inspired by Three Kingdoms, one of the Four Classics of Chinese Literature.

Review- An interesting and imaginative fantasy inspired by classic Chinese literature. Zephyr is the most brillant strategist and she is loyal to the weakest lordess in the realm but the most noble. Her lordess Xin Ren is trying to save the empire and Zephyr is devoted to her and the cause. But there is a twist about Zephyr that not even she knows about herself. This novel is well written, interesting reimagining of the classic novel Three Kingdoms. The author Joan He is doing very interesting work that also connects with her culture. I'm very curious about how the story is going to turn out and if Zephyr can pull Xin Ren from failure into glory. 

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

Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant: Volume II

Today's post is on Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant: Volume II by Gwijo Seo. It is 298 pages long and is published by Editio Publishing. The cover has Charlemagne on it looking very imperial. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first one to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy stories. The story is mostly told from first person of Scarlett with some scenes from a different character's perspective for plot. There is no mild foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this novel. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Things are starting to get serious for Scarlett Arman as she helps Charlemagne turn over a new leaf and reconciles with her half-brother, Isar. Now, the only thing on the reformed villainess’ mind is petty revenge on her father, the Duke. But darker forces have other plans for the would-be heroine, and after failing to sacrifice Isar to the demon god, they set their sights on her! Things become especially complicated with the transmigrator being flung into yet another story within a story, locked in a never-ending loop as a new character with an unnervingly similar story to Scarlett’s original timeline. What secrets will be revealed as Scarlett traverses this new fictional world? And can Charlemagne and Isar rescue her from the dark mages who hold her in their clutches? All will be revealed in the second volume of Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant!

Review- Scarlett is up to her elbows in trouble in this volume. The villains' now think that she is a problem, she is not dead, Charlemagne acting different, and nothing is going as planned. So they decide to curse her and send her into a book. But of course nothing goes as planned for the bad guys and Scarlett uses her brains to start working the system again. This series is pretty funny and over the top with plot and the twists but I'm having a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing where Scarlett is going next and what trouble she'll cause there. 

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

Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant: Volume I

Today's post is on Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant: Volume I by Gwijo Seo. It is 280 pages long and is published by Editio Publishing. The cover has the female lead on it with three fairies around her. The intended reader is someone who likes silly, romance fantasy stories. There is mild foul language, no sex, and mild action violence in this novel. The story is told from first person perspective of main character, Scarlett with the occasional scene from someone else's. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The only way out of this marriage is to act crazy! When a transmigrator wakes up in the body of the fictional villainess Scarlett Arman, a few things become abundantly she is a minor character, destined to die like so many other antagonists in The Private Life of the Tyrant ; her fiancé is the tyrant (and killer), and she has been transmigrated to a time period before the story has even started. Scarlett quickly realizes that her only chance to escape death is to get out of her betrothal and get rich on her own... but how to break off an engagement with a tyrant? As Scarlett does everything that she can to show herself as unfit for marriage-from pouring wine all over her dress to singing an off-key love song to his face-little does she know that the tyrant has learned what she is up to... and is more endeared than before! Will Scarlett's wish to be dumped come true, or will all of her plans backfire? With fairy-luring fruit trees and a cast of hilarious characters, Ten Ways to Get Dumped by a Tyrant is the perfect comedy of errors to add to your isekai romance collection.

Review- A very fun novel and a good start to a series. Scarlett is from our world, she remembers dying somehow, but now she's woken up as a secondary villain in a trashy romance she was reading. But she is not going to die like the original Scarlett. The writing is fun, the characters are fun and funny, Scarlett is the best. She is not going down, so she comes up with so many plans to get him to dump her, from pouring wine on him as a magic trick or creating a song to express how much she missed him. She is so silly but so focused on not dying. I also like the male lead, he is smart, not an asshole, and very amused by the whole situation. I'm look forward to reading the next volume and seeing what trouble Scarlett causes next. 

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

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 04

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 04 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has two of the Celestail Warriors and the orcale on it. As it is the fourth in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and some violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes magical girl manga, intense plots, and hopeless love. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Takiko now knows where to find the remaining Celestial Warriors, but, with spies around every corner and the army of Qu-Dong on her trail, she may not survive the journey. When Tomite accidentally lets slip that Takiko is the Priestess of Genbu, she's kidnapped by villagers in order to be sacrificed to a dragon! And in a confrontation with the Celestial Warrior Hikitsu, Hikitsu's power over water my be more than the other Celestial Warrior's can handle... and those who gaze into his eyes see more truth than they can bear!

Review- In this volume the reader sees more of much the Priestess of Genbu has been lied about. Everywhere she goes, people are trying to kill her, even one of her own Warriors. Hikitsu doesn't understand what the priestess really is and so he acts without understanding. Takiko's own fears are also on display in this volume, from Uruki leaving her to her father's own emotional distance. This plot is very good with lots of emotional depth. 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. 

The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time and Aims to Become the Ultimate Villain (Light Novel) Vol. 1

Today's post is on The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time and Aims to Become the Ultimate Villain (Light Novel) Vol. 1 by Bakufu Narayama and ebisushi (Illustrator). It is 400 pages long and is published by Airship. The cover is a very pretty illustration of the main cast. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy romance stories with mild dark themes. There is mild foul language, discuss of sex and sex work, and mild violence in this novel. The story is told from third person mainly following Claudia. 

From the back of the book- In this fantasy tale of time travel, revenge, and aristocratic intrigue, a doomed noblewoman sets out to turn the tables on those who wronged her in her past life! And don't miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas!
Claudia, daughter of a duke, is tricked by her wicked half-sister and sold off to a brothel. Unwilling to accept defeat, Claudia uses the tools at her disposal and becomes one of the most successful sex workers in her new home. That’s when she dies–only to be thrust back in time to age fourteen! Gone is the gullible girl of her academy days now that she’s got street savvy and hard-won seductive skills. It’s Claudia’s turn to play the evil villainess, and there’s nothing she won’t do to protect what’s hers!

Review- An interesting story about a girl who get the chance to relive her life and make some huge changes. Claudia dies and then wakes up as her younger self. She remembers everything from her previous life and she is not going to live it again. So she begins to use what she remembers to change her standing in life from her family to the prince. It is a fun story,, nothing ground breaking but I enjoyed it. If you are looing for a starting place for the villainess type Korean novel, then is a good one to try out and see if you like the genre. 

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.

After the Forest

 

Today's post is on After the Forest by Kell Woods. It is 375 pages long and is published by TOR Books. The cover is green with different forest themed elements like leaves, wolves, and like on it. The intended reader is someone who likes fairy tales and their retellings. There is mild foul language, implied sex, and mild violence in this novel. The story follows the third person close of the main character, Greta. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the dust jacket- Ginger. Honey. Cinnamon. Flour. A drop of blood to bind its power.
1650: The Black Forest, Wurttemberg.
Fifteen years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people recovering in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, the witch's grimoire, secreted away and whispering in her ear, and the recipe inside that makes the most sinfully delicious - and addictive - gingerbread.
As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her intoxicating gingerbread is a source of ever-growing suspicion and vicious gossip.
And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta's own powers - magic she is still trying to understand - may be the only thing that can save her ... If it doesn't kill her first.

Review- A interesting look at the Hensel and Greta folk legend with an eye to how women are seen in their communities. Greta and Hans are barely surviving when a new baroness raises the taxes and starts demanding payment in flesh. Greta wants to protect her brother from the baroness but she also has her won problems to deal with. This is was a good read, if you like fairy tales and folklore, which I do. The writing is good, the characters are believable, and the setting is immersive. Woods did a good job and I would like to read more from her. 

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

Prince Freya, Vol. 2

Today's manga post is on Prince Freya, Vol. 2 by Keiko Ishihara. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Alek on with his brother reflected in his sword. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes intense plots with wars themes. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Freya. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Freya finds her charade as Prince Edvard difficult to maintain as she battles her own crushing grief and treacherous Tyrish nobles. With the help of her dear friend Alek and her new guardian Sir Julius, however, she’s determined not to give up. But will her new resolve and impulsive nature send her straight into the jaws of danger?!

Review- This volume picks up with Freya seeing one of her guards being kidnapped and she chases after them. In this volume she learns more about how corrupt the nobles are and what Prince Edvard was really fighting against. She has to prove herself and continue to fool everyone else that she is the real prince to save her kingdom. I am enjoying the very heavy political themes in this manga but I am not sure where the story is going, this is a story about getting free from an evil empire or a story about a girl becoming a true leader of her people? I also do not know what genre this manga is yet but I am enjoying it and I look forward to seeing what Freya is going to do 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. 

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 03

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 03 by Yuu Watase. It is 189 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Celestial Warriors Limdo and Namame with the Orcale Anlu. As it is the third in the series, you need to have read the first two volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo, epic story lines, and beautiful art. There is no foul language, no sex, and violence in this manga. The story told from third person following different characters as needed for plot development. There Be Spoilers Ahead. 

From the back of the manga- Takiko has found three Celestial Warriors, but four remain hidden. While she and her friends journey to the Oracle Anlu, who may have the power to locate the remaining warriors, Limdo travels undercover with the army of Qu-dong. At Turning Point Rockfield, their destinies will intertwine again...and Takiko will learn that her quest is more difficult than she imagined. If she's already located three of the seven warriors, why does the Oracle claim there are five still to be found?

Review- Takiko knows that she has more enemies than friends, so she decides to seek help in finding the other Celestial Warriors. But she is hunted from all sides and her enemies are willing to kill any who help her. Takiko learns a lot in this volume, not just about the world around her but about how she needs to interact with it, with an open heart. She has been holding herself back, because she plans to go home, so she has not fully committed to this quest until faced with the newest Warrior, Namame. I liked seeing her embrace her chosen path and I look forward to seeing where her new resolve will take her. 

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.