Manga Review: The Ancient Magus' Bride, Volume 2, by Kore Yamazaki

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Seven Seas

Release Date: 2015

Volumes: 6+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Great power comes at a price...

Chise Hatori's life has recently undergone shocking change. As a sleigh beggy--a person capable of generating and wielding tremendous magical power--she has transformed from an unwanted child to a magician's apprentice who has been introduced to fae royalty. But Chise's newly discovered abilities also mean a cruel fate awaits her.

Review:

The first part of this volume concludes the cat story. It’s sad and a little horrifying and it exhausts Chise’s power supply. Which leads to us meeting the faerie queen and king, which is quite comedic and sure to lead to something later on. There’s a bit of calm, with Chise settling into her new home, and then she goes on another job with Elias, and comes another cliffhanger.

I’m enjoying Chise’s character, and I like seeing how she’s getting used to her new home and family. She’s never had anyone be so nice to her as Elias, and it takes some getting used to, but she's growing attached to him. There’s also more chemistry between her and Elias forming; before, it seemed more fatherly, but there were actual romantic attachments between them in this volume, even if nothing’s happened yet. Given that she’s supposed to be his bride at some point, this is a nice development.

We’re also learning with Chise what her magic is doing to her, and what it could lead to in the long run.

This is a slow, subtle series. Small moments of development and humor, a lot of different characters and creatures introduced. I’m enjoying it so far.

Manga Review: The Knockout Makers, Volume 3, by Kyoko Hashimoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~2

Publisher: Tokyopop

Release Date: 2008

Volumes: 3.

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 2.

Add on Goodreads.

RightStuf Synopsis:

Be they homely, happy, chubby or busty, the Knockout Makers exist to help girls feel beautiful, inside and out. They'll tackle any tangle, blush any cheek, and even cross dress if they have to, all in the name of feminine beauty. But after five years and nearly a hundred makeovers, are makeup artist Toshihiro, hair stylist Nobuo and fundamentals expert Ryouhei ready to retire?Story and art by Kyouko Hashimoto.

Review:

Meh. I’m just disappointed and underwhelmed with this one.

Three guys work together, in a secret, special group, to make women feel beautiful and happy about themselves.

Most of this is quite shallow, which is annoying. But mostly there was so little development. The cases are all episodic, understandably, but we barely got to know the three guys. There were glimpses of pasts and personalities, and even possible romances, but none of it went anywhere. No real development, nothing serious, and then it just kind of ends.

I wanted more, and so I’m disappointed.

Manga Review: Big Hero 6, Volume 2, by Haruki Ueno

Rating (Out of 5): ~1.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: 2015

Volumes:  2.

Spoilers?: Yes.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Hiro teams up with Baymax to resolve the mysterious disappearance of his brother and role model, Tadashi. With four reliable friends and an upgraded Baymax by his side, Hiro finally confronts the masked man, the one who holds the key to the truth!! Spurred by his desire for revenge, Hiro corners the masked man,but then something goes wrong with Baymax?! Read the wonderfully miraculous conclusion to the story of a boy and his kindhearted health-care robot!

Review:

This volume brings this small series to a conclusion, and I’m just so disappointed.

The big moment where Hiro’s revenge and sorrow grow to climax happens, but it’s not as powerful as the movie. The reveal about who is behind everything happens, as are his reasons, and it’s not powerful at all. There’s no more development with the side characters, little development with the villain, and even with Hiro.

There’s one change from the movie—the villain’s daughter and his reason for revenge, is changed to a kid in this version, as opposed to an adult in the movie. And this just makes no sense to me. The little development behind it doesn’t make it any more powerful, any more sympathetic. But mostly, why would he put his daughter in such a terrible position, one where she could die? And how is it okay for him to do that to her, when she’s not even old enough to decide for herself to do it, unlike an adult? How could he do that?

My biggest disappointment, though, is that Tadashi’s ending isn’t any different from the movie. He’s still dead. Why change his death to one of uncertainty, instead of absolution like the movie had it? That’s just hurtful, for no reason.

Then there’s the whole resurrection of Baymax, and how Hiro and his friends are superheroes now. But by that point I was done, and it was so briefly mentioned, there was no importance or power behind it.

I’m just disappointed with this whole thing. I almost wish I hadn’t picked it up in the first place. Ugh.

Manga Review: Barakamon, Volume 10, by Satsuki Yoshino

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: April 2016

Volumes: 13+

Spoilers?: Light.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 9. 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Don't lose sight of what you set out to do!

The cold north wind sets in on the island and handsome young calligrapher Seishuu Handa longs for his winter clothes. But instead of Kawafuji making the delivery, Handa's parents decide to make their island debut--and come bearing much more than just winter clothes...! Double the trouble arrives on the island in this chaotic, hot 'n' hearty comedy! Go back to the country and back to the basics in Volume 10 of Barakamon!

Review:

I just eat up every volume of this series. I love it so much at this point.

This was another humorous, fun volume, full of antics.

In this volume, the main point is that Handa’s parents come to town. They get to see the place that Handa has been living, the tiny town he’s staying in, and the group of people that he’s formed friendships with. It’s not quite what they expect, and his mother especially doesn’t know how to handle it. Naru, in particular, gives her a huge scare at one point.

Handa also forms an understanding with his father, whom he has always thought didn’t like him and who he’d never measure up to. Being forced into a calligraphy competition with him shows him a different side of his father, while also an ego-blow at times.

Then there was that cliffhanger…

I can’t wait for the next one, this series is always a delight to read.

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn, Volume 2, by Mizuho Kusanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Volumes: 21+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A red-haired princess loses her family and her kingdom… Now she must rise and fight for her throne!

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!

While on the run, Yona and Hak head to Hak’s hometown, where she attempts to heal her broken heart. However, she can’t rest there for long once she discovers that Su-won may soon become king! What will Yona choose to do in the wake of this news?

Review:

Yona and Hak arrive in his hometown, where they take shelter for a little while. Yona gets a sense of where Hak grew up and what his family and friends are like. But during all of this bonding time, they know that there are people after them, right on their tail.

Which leads to them going back on the road, and the run.

I do really enjoy Yona and Hak's relationship, and enjoy seeing how close they are and how much they care for each other. It's good that their bond is so solid from the very beginning. It gives Yona something to hold onto and someone to lean on as she's trying to get back on solid ground. It also gives her something to defend, someone to care for enough to push herself harder as she gets stronger on her own.

I'm happy to see how strong she is getting already, that she's already taken a step toward standing up for herself and seeing what she needs to do. She needs a lot more work, of course, but it's a good start.

I'm already really enjoying this series. I am a rather big fan of Kusanagi at this point, and I'm happy to see how much better her writing and pace has gotten; the characters have always been great.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Teaser Tuesday[229]: The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily (Dash & Lily, #2) by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

-----------------------------------------------

The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance; Christmas

Publisher: Knopf (Random House)

Release Date: October 18, 2016

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Goodreads Synopsis:

 
New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan are back with a life-affirming Christmas romance starring Dash and Lily.

Dash and Lily have had a tough year since readers first watched the couple fall in love. Lily’s beloved grandfather suffered a heart attack, and his difficult road to recovery has taken a major toll on her typically sunny disposition.

With only twelve days left until Christmas—Lily’s favorite time of the year—Dash, Lily’s brother Langston, and their closest friends take Manhattan by storm to help Lily recapture the holiday magic of New York City in December.

Told in alternating chapters, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily reunites two beloved characters and is bound to be a Christmas favorite, season after season.

Excerpt:

“Lily went to the base of her bookshelf and picked up a tissue paper-wrapped package. 'Here,' she said, handing it over.” (ARC, pg. 41)

What are you reading?

Manga Review: Black Clover, Volume 3, by Yuki Tabata

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Asta and his teammates head deep into a magical dungeon in search of treasure. However, waiting below are mages from a rival kingdom! Can Asta summon the power to defeat an enemy even Yuno couldn't take down?!

Review:

Still in the midst of the battle scene, we get some history on Mars, and the connection between Mimosa and Noelle. While it is better in this volume than the previous, and it does work well, I can't help but feel that this is rushing a bit. We're getting a lot in a short time; some of it isn't as well written or paced as it could be—not to say that it's all badly done, though, and it is easy to read.

Aside from that fight, we see that Asta has made a girl fall in love with him, and then they get to meet the wizard king. Lastly, the volume ends on a new fight ensuing, this one from a wizard wreaking havoc on a city.

Mostly, though, I really want to see more of that tiny little fairy that Yuno summoned somehow with that book. I want to explore that some more, and I do hope we get to see what Yuno is doing on his own when he's away from Asta.

This is a straight-up shonen series, lots of fighting and competing and magic. I'm rather enjoying it so far, though. It's easy to like.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: That Wolf-Boy is Mine!, Volume 1, by Yoko Nogiri

Rating (Out of 5): ~3-3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: August 2016

Volumes: 4.

Spoilers?: Very Light.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Komugi’s not sure what to expect when her family moves to the remote northern island of Hokkaido, and she starts at a new high school. But she certainly didn’t expect a boy to come up to her and say, “Gee…you smell good, somehow!” That boy is Yu Ogami, and Komugi finds herself strangely drawn to him. But when she sees him in an unguarded moment, she discovers he’s a werewolf! Now she has a choice to make: to keep his secret, or to ask for help and risk angering a wolf-boy?

Review:

I was hoping to like this series from the very beginning. And while I do think it will grow on me, I'm not entranced yet.

It's slow to start. We meet Komugi, and she's trying to keep a low profile after being bullied at her old school. And then she meets Yu, and he turns into a wolf in front of her. This leads her to meeting his other kin, some of whom are not quite so open to her presence.

While it's slow to really get a feel for the characters, and I'm not really attached to any of them, the story is actually a little rushed, or at least not developed very smoothly. I don't quite believe Komugi's change in character, it was too fast for me. I do like the cliffhanger, though, and the twist that it gives to the older style of shojo stories. I'm interested to see where that goes next.

I definitely see the Fruits Basket reference, of course, only they turn into animals when they want to. I'm not as attached so far as I would like to be, though.

Manga Review: Shuriken and Pleats, Volume 2, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Volumes: 2.

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The creator of Vampire Knight returns with a tale about a female ninja in modern Tokyo.

When the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family.

With her final mission as a ninja fulfilled, Mikage strives to lead the life of a normal high school girl. But the shadows of her former colleagues threaten to mar the peaceful skies. Mikage encounters someone she thought she’d never see again...

Review:

I wasn't quite expecting a wrap-around, closed ending, but I like that that's how it's worked out. It feels more settled and resolved that way.

Mikage is trying to have a normal high school life, like her previous master wanted. She just keeps getting dragged into ninja business, though; she can't help but wanting to help, it's ingrown into her. Even going so far as continuously saving this boy in her school, who just shines so bright she can't handle it.

And then there's a new reveal with her master.

I won't spoil it, but I was surprised by the reveal. I didn't expect the story to go in that direction, but I guess it makes sense. The romance I didn't expect to go there, either; I guess I believed it was going to start fresh? I don't mind the way the story went, though I expected to. It fit.

This was a cute little series. It was a little harder to get into as some of her previous ones, but I still enjoyed it, and I'm happy with the ending.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Teaser Tuesday[228]: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

---------------------------------------

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Genre: YA Supernatural; fairy-tale Alice in Wonderland retelling/interpretation

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)

Release Date: November 8, 2016

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

In her first stand-alone teen novel, the New York Times-bestselling author dazzles us with a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Excerpt:

“'What were you and Jest talking about, anyhow?' asked the King.

'Oh. Uh—you, Your Majesty. And your phenomenal croquet--'” (Hardback, pg. 121)

What are you reading?

Manga Review: 7th Garden, Volume 2, by Mitsu Izumi

Rating (Out of 5): ~3-3.5

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Volumes: 6+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The high-pitched battle is on between powerful angels, sexy demons and innocent humans to dominate a world rife with political intrigue and to win the heart of one hapless male!

Awyn Gardner will do anything to protect the beautiful mistress of the equally beautiful estate gardens he lovingly tends even enslave himself to an also beautiful demon bent on world domination!
Awyn and Vyrde are engaged in a savage battle with angel Uri when a mysterious young yet powerful boy appears on the scene. What is the child s relationship to Vyrde? Do demons even have relations? Then, because the other angels aren t conveniently showing up for Vyrde to slay, she follows their trail to a neighboring nation embroiled in regicide. Is tenderhearted Awyn willing to fight back against a cute young princess who happens to be wielding an angel-powered weapon capable of annihilating both him and Vyrde?!"

Review:

 We get away from Awyn's garden for most of this volume. Instead, the fight in the previous one draws to a conclusion, only for Vyrde to drag him off for another one. We continue getting clues as to what happened to Vyrde.

We meet another angel, who's horrible. I really don't understand the ideology here. The angels are clearly awful, and really aren't better than Vyrde, who is supposedly the only demon here. I don't get it, mostly because it seems obvious to me that the others aren't really angels? But if that's supposed to be a revelation later down the line, then why is it so obvious? There must be something deeper going on here, and I really don't understand what's happening with that.

We meet an interesting friend of Vyrde's. The reasons behind the angels actions has me intrigued, but only a little. The side character we met here was nice—a younger girl who's being pushed into her sisters crimes—but mostly I want to see more of Marie. I like her a lot, and the dynamic she has with Awyn.

I really do enjoy the contrast of good and evil, aside from the whole angel thing. Seeing the bright world of Awyn's garden and home, and then the darkness of Vyrde and the underlying dark side that Awyn is hiding. I want to see more depth of that as well.

I'm rather enjoying this series so far, surprisingly. I want to read more.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Say I Love You, Volume 14, by Kanae Hazuki

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: June 2016

Volumes: 17+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 13. 15.

Goodreads Synopsis:

"Mei Tachibana has no friends—and she doesn't need them! Ever since her ""friends"" betrayed her in elementary school, she's sworn off friendship entirely. All it leads to is betrayal and heartbreak, and she's well enough on her own. But everything changes when she accidentally roundhouse kicks the most popular boy in school! However, Yamato Kurosawa isn't angry in the slightest—in fact, he thinks his ordinary life could use an unusual girl like Mei! He won't take no for an answer, and soon Mei and Yamato embark on an unwanted friendship that will change both of them forever.Praise for the anime: ""Surprises with its honesty, its sensitivity, its quality. Always it is smarter, more poetic, more touching, just plain better than you think it is going to be."" —Anime News Network"

Review:

Reminiscent of the beginning of the series when Mei first made friends, the group goes on a trip to the beach. Only this time, it’s not so awkward and a lot more fun and carefree, with each of them paired off in a couple. It’s sweet and relaxing, something all of them need. Mei and Yamato are particularly adorable in this volume.

In the background, we see Ren, and how he’s starting to form light feelings for Mei. And then we get to see how Rin and Kai are doing. Rin is a bright girl, dramatic and optimistic, but it’s obvious that Kai doesn’t like her the way she likes him. Things aren’t working out so well. We especially see it when Kai has scars and Rin doesn’t quite know how to react. And now Megumi is back, a big change from when she left, and with an older boyfriend.

I’m still wondering what’s going to happen there. Other than that, it’s nice to see them all growing up.

Manga Review: My Love Story!!, Volume 10, by Kazune Kawahara and Aruko

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Spoilers?: Light.

Volumes: 13.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 9. 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A gentle giant with a heart of gold finally stops being a love underdog in this hilarious romantic comedy by the author of the best-selling series High School Debut!

Takeo Goda is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don’t want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn!

Pastry chef Ichinose thinks he is best suited to be with Yamato and tells Takeo to break up with her! Takeo becomes discouraged, but he takes a stand against Ichinose even though Ichinose swears to declare his love to Yamato after he wins a famous pastry competition. Will Takeo and Yamato’s relationship survive the high-stakes baking contest?

Review:

The drama with Yamato's boss draws to a conclusion here. Even though Takeo is worried about it the entire time, sure that she's going to dump him for the "better guy", all it takes is for her boss to confess. She's caught off guard, but she's honest and upfront about her feelings for Takeo. It's sweet to see him finally seeing how much she loves him in return.

There are a few smaller chapters here, a school festival and Takeo getting a new phone. The most fun here, though, is when Takeo hears that Sunakawa is lonely now, and Takeo immediately vows to spend some alone time together, and keeps confessing his feelings and hopes that they'll stay friends forever. Sunakawa is embarrassed through all of this, just wanting to shrink away. It's a very good bromance moment and it's adorable.

Then we get a small cliffhanger before the two groups leave for a school trip, while Takeo is afraid of his want to constantly touch Yamato and is pushing her away and confusing her because of it. I can't wait to see how she reacts to this, what she does next. This series is just plain adorable and I love it.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!