Manga Review: Again!!, Volume 2, by Mitsurou Kubo

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: April 2018

Volumes: 12.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

To Keep the Flame Burning

Kinichiro's traveled back in time, and whether this is reality or just an incredibly realistic dream, he's doing high school all over again. He's decided that bringing the school's ouendan cheer squad back from the brink of dissolution is the key to a better high school life, but it might take some begging to get there. Kinichiro's not much good at begging--but a former ouendan member known as the "Master of Groveling" might be able to pull it off...

Review:

Kinichiro is determined to make this ouendan club a success at the assembly, and so he tries to get the old members to come back, and he tries to get the current members to not ditch at the last second. He has quite a failure attempt at it, too, which is disheartening to him, and leads to him going it alone.

It's rather an uphill battle for him.

It leads to a temporary success for him, as he officially gets to join the club. Afterward, we get to see, once again, that Aki is messing up her new school life. She's so used to her great present time, that she's screwed everything up, since she forgot to act like she used to. Ruining the future and acting all uppity has ruined her friendships, and now her future boyfriend thinks she's crazy. It's not going so good for her.

Now that they've passed one hurdle, I'm not sure what's coming up next for the Ouendan club. But I'm definitely enjoying their personal life changes and struggles.

Manga Review: My Hero Academia, Volume 17, by Kohei Horikoshi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2019

Volumes: 23+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 16. 18.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Midoriya inherits the superpower of the world’s greatest hero, but greatness won’t come easy.

What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called “Quirks”? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless?

The raid on the Hassaikai gang is in full swing, and the heroes plunge into the darkness toward their ultimate confrontation. Lemillion engages Overhaul in an attempt to rescue Eri, and the battle reaches a new level of intensity. Midoriya is desperate to help his mentor, but what fate has Nighteye foreseen for them all in this clash? And does the key to Midoriya’s survival lie in Eri herself?

Review:

We get to see why the villains joined the yakuza, and it's a rather iffy cooperation. Two of them have agreed, temporarily and on shaky grounds, to help the yakuza.

When they finally reach Overhaul and Eri, it's rough. Mirio is set on helping Eri and doing everything he can to get her safe. There are a lot of battles going on, and they're all rough on the heroes. The villains, too, I suppose. The villains are determined to hurt and stall and win, while the heroes have hope and belief that they can do this, and they're putting everything they have into winning.

I really like Mirio, and I think him and Deku can make a good pair. They both have a strong sense of what's right and they do everything they can to accomplish that and to save people. They both have very good, strong spirits.

We see glimpses of Mirio's history here, and glimpses of what's happened to Eri and what's broken her. Finally getting to see hope bloom inside her, when she realizes she might be able to get out of this and not hurt people, and that these heroes are doing this for her, is a really strong moment. It's a really powerful message, too.

I'm really impressed with how all of this has been handled so far, the meaning and what's happened to the heroes. I'm wondering how it's going to wrap it all up.

Manga Review: Takane & Hana, Volume 7, by Yuki Shiwasu

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2019

Volumes: 14+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A strong-willed high school girl and a hot young scion of a business empire can’t help trying to outwit each other every chance they get… But could these opposites be conning themselves out of the perfect match?!

After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to be her stand-in to save face for the family. But when these two utter opposites pair up, get ready for some sparks to fly!

Stripped of his wealth and now penniless, Takane has to learn how to cope with being poor. He refuses any help from Hana, but she isn’t about to let him brush her off! Takane is as difficult as ever, but Hana can’t seem to leave him alone. Is she finally ready to admit she has feelings for him?

Review:

As Takane continues to get used to being “poor” and finding value in himself as a normal person, Hana is starting to come to terms with her real feelings for Takane. Hana's acceptance of her feelings is exciting to me, but I also understand why she wouldn't want things to change. It's more than the risk of losing their current relationship, because they kind of have an agreement for what they have now. But mostly, I just want her to kiss him already.

Ideally, this could be a more mature relationship, and yet it's actually very high school. They're immature together, and I seriously love their dynamic. The teasing and one-upping each other, and the genuine feelings and caring they showed in this volume. It's forming a really sweet, fun relationship for them.

In the last part of the volume, we got to see Mizuki's point of view regarding Nicola. It's complicated, because she's always tried not to be girly, and she's trying to understand that he's a flirt by nature. But she also likes him, and it's clear that Nicola feels something for her. It was a nice insight to see, and I honestly do really like Nicola. He might be my favorite after the main pair. He's so much fun.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's really fun to read, and I love the main relationship dynamic. I'm curious where the plot is going, as I want it to form quickly, but also I love the slowness of it now. I'm curious about Takane's work/family issues; honestly, I really liked seeing him humbled and bumped down, but it looks like he's trying to change that very quickly already. I'm conflicted about that, cause I don't think he's learned enough yet. We'll see.

Manga Review: Princess Jellyfish, Volume 3, by Akiko Higashimura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: 2016

Volumes: 17 Volumes/9 Omnibus.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

CHIC COUNTER-ATTACK

Inari, the aggressive vixen of redevelopment, ramps up her efforts to buy out Amamizu-kan, where Tsukimi and her friends live. But Kuranosuke has a fabulous plan of attack--turn Tsukimi's jellyfish designs into a reality! Will becoming real fashion designers be more than Amars can handle? Meanwhile, Shu's interest in Tsukimi drives Kuranosuke to confront some feelings he's never dealt with before...

Review:

It's been a while since I read the last volume, and I'm not quite sure why I waited, but now I definitely want to catch up.

Halfway through this volume is where the anime ended, so most of this was new content to me, and it was very exciting. I'm so glad we finally get to see more of the story, how things are really going to turn out.

Now that the possibility of Amamizukan being torn down is more plausible, we're getting more of the story. Originally, I wondered why it was such a huge deal—why couldn't the owner just buy a new rental/house with the money she's given? She'd probably still make a profit.

But, now I see that the owner is Chieko's mother, who has been letting them live there despite their being NEETs, and I see that she's sick of supporting them. And, that, I completely understand. They shouldn't really get to live there if they can't afford it; they should just get jobs. I'm not sympathetic to that, honestly.

And still, I don't see why they can't just find somewhere else to live. This might be a great deal, but they can find something else.

Despite all that, it looks like they're working hard to make these jellyfish dresses a real thing, and I respect that. The dresses are really pretty, and they're a very good idea. The work they put into it is also admirable, and I like seeing Kuranosuke help and push them and make them grow for this.

I really love the crazy characters in this series. Mayaya is still one of my favorites, and I love seeing her be bribed to model. Jiji kind of bothers me. We met a new doll-obsessed girl, who is very odd, and a little disturbing as well. Then there's Tsukimi and Kuranosuke, and Shu, all who I really like. I'm really enjoying the development between those three, in particular.

This series is crazy and so much fun. I'm excited to read more.

Manga Review: Barakamon, Volume 16, by Satsuki Yoshino

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: September 2018

Volumes: 18 (+1 extra).

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 15. 17.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Now that Hiroshi has graduated, he's off to Tokyo. It's Rina's last chance to tell him how she feels, and she's going for it! Meanwhile, Handa-sensei hasn't given up on recruiting students to his calligraphy school, and he's not above handing out candy to do so. But with his personal chef and food supplier leaving soon, how will Handa-sensei survive? It's a bittersweet farewell in Volume 16 of this hot 'n' hearty island comedy!!

Review:

It's graduation! Which means that Hiroshi is finally graduating, and going off to Tokyo to pursue his dreams and grow up. It's a big move, both sweet and sad, although of course with some odd mess-ups and humor thrown in. Like when a girl who's had a crush on him forever kind-of confesses, and he mistakes it for something else.

He's so dumb sometimes. Him and Handa, honestly.

Among all the reminiscing, and the fun other plots in the volume, there are still these sweet little moments. Like all the angsting Handa does regarding Naru's dad, but in the end we see the joy she gets anyway, whether he's hiding his efforts from her or not. It's sweet.

I really do quite love this series. It's mostly fun and a bit crazy, but there's also sweet moments in it. It's very easy to come back to.

Novel Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Ember (Random House)

Release Date: 2015

Spoilers?: Yes, with warning.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

The Cover:

I think this cover is very simple and pretty. While I do like how it relates to the drawings and whatnot inside now, it didn't really catch my eye before I read it. It's definitely a nice cover, though, and I like how it's not at all embarrassing to carry around.

Review:

Maddy is sick and has been on house arrest her entire life, pretty much. After losing her brother and father, it's only been her and her mother, and her nurse Carla. She takes classes online, and she loves architecture. And then a new family moves in next door, and Maddy meets Olly through the window.

Maddy and Olly get to know each other through looks and gestures first, and then through text, before they get to meet. They get along straight-away. Despite being stuck inside always, Maddy is pretty optimistic and easy-going. She doesn't let it bother her. And Olly makes her laugh. He's energetic and loves black, but he also has a fun sense of humor and isn't afraid to act a little weird. He also worries about Maddy, and he just wants her to be okay.

I like Maddy's struggle, it felt realistic. She wants to get to know Olly from the beginning, but at one point she decides that it would be too risky, to let herself want something she can't really have. When she decides that love and life, and experiencing things, is worth the risk, I respect that. I admit her decision is rather impulsive, but I still respected it.

(Spoiler!) The twist at the end I didn't expect. The signs were all there, but I still fully expected this to be a sad, diseased-girl leaves her safe environment and gets sick kind of story. I didn't think it was going to be one where she's actually been lied to. That plot twist made me like the story even more, though—I'm a sucker for those kinds of plots. I also really appreciated how Maddy handled it. I think she acted how she should have—sure, her mother had something mentally wrong, but she also wronged Maddy. And Maddy deserved to be angry about that.

My only thing is that I wish there had more past the ending. I wanted to know what happened with her mother next, where she goes from here. (End Spoiler.)

This was a really fun book. I liked the writing style, and how it included all these drawings and short book reviews, and a lot of quirky little things strewn out. It was very fast, and fun, and then that twist definitely made it for me.

Manga Review: Anonymous Noise, Volume 13, by Ryoko Fukuyama

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 2019

Volumes: 18.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 12. 14.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Music and longing collide in this ballad of unrequited love!

Nino Arisugawa, a girl who loves to sing, experiences her first heart-wrenching goodbye when her beloved childhood friend, Momo, moves away. And after Nino befriends Yuzu, a music composer, she experiences another sad parting! Luckily, Nino reunites with Momo and Yuzu in high school, but things haven’t played out the way anyone expected…

Unable to sing because she has nothing left to yearn for, Nino is caught between her love of music and her love for Momo. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Sailing concert series has begun, and In No Hurry is taking the stage with a singer who has lost her song…

Review:

The bright part of this volume is when Kurose and An go to the concert together. It's kind of a date, and we get an idea of what happened to An when she runs into old “friends”. Kurose steps up in a really sweet, necessary way for her here. I really like seeing their relationship form, as I think they'll be sweet together.

Most of the rest of the volume is taken up with Momo, Yuzu, and Nino. Yuzu is still dealing with family stuff, which is messy. Now that Nino has Momo, she's seemed to have lost her will to sing. Now that she's with him, she doesn't have anything else to sing for. Even though the band has other events to do, it's all very moody for her.

This whole thing really bothers me. I just don't get why she needs her childhood love in order to be able to sing. I get that she's been singing only for him for so long, but she could also want to sing for herself, or for the audience, or because she loves singing. It also doesn't help that I get no sense of how she's singing, so when someone comments that she's off or really going all out, it's hard to tell.

I have issues with this plot line, but we shall see how it turns out.

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

Manga Review: Haikyu!!, Volume 29, by Haruichi Furudate

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2018

Volumes: 37+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 28. 30.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shoyo Hinata is out to prove that in volleyball you don't need to be tall to fly!

Ever since he saw the legendary player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?

Review:

They're still in the first set of their game with Inarizaki. The twins are a new kind of opponent for Karasuno, and despite it feeling like they're up against a whole other level of teams, they're really quite evenly matched.

First of all, Karasuno's cheer squad shows up. They're there to show those other teams up, to prove that Karasuno also has some loud and active fans, some real support. It's super sweet to see them all show up (though too bad for Tsukki's brother), it makes me happy to see them being cheered on (and I loved seeing Shoyo's reaction to being cheered for directly—so adorable!), but it's also good for this particular game. Inarizaki's cheer section needed to be quieted, to be countered so they were less distracting.

Inarizaki takes a lead, but it doesn't take long for Karasuno to catch up, and even try to surpass them. It's an intense start to the game. There are some mess-ups (Hinata gets stuck in his head and focused on trying a new technique a few times), but there are also some really good plays by their members. Inarizaki proves to be a tough competitor, as they show Karasuno that they're also quick learners and willing to try a new technique mid-game. Hinata and Tsukishima both play a particularly good move in this volume.

There's a lot of emphasis in this volume that Karasuno doesn't have the luxury of giving up, and it's a nice sentiment, and also true for them. Karasuno has worked very hard to get where they are, and they don't have the time to worry about what's happening, to waste feeling depressed or upset or disheartened. They have to take what's happening and continue trying hard, continue trying to win over the other teams.

I think this is going to be a long game, and I'm curious to see what happens next.

It's kind of crazy how in-depth and utterly captivating just one game of volleyball can be in this series, especially to a non-sports fan.

Manga Review: Princess Jellyfish, Volume 2, by Akiko Higashimura

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: 2016

Volumes: 9.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

ARMED WITH STYLE

With the geeky paradise of Amamizu-kan threatened by redevelopment plans, Tsukimi and the Amars must spring into action. Buy the wily Inari and her hold on Shu forces Kuranosuke to pull out all the stops: money, blackmail, and...fashion?! Though Amamizu-kan still struggles with Kuranosuke's stylish ways, the neighborhood fashionista has too much to lose, whether it's a hidden identity or priceless friendships. Tsukimi gets the chance to make her jellyfish dreams into a glamorous reality, but that means breaking out of her bubble! Can these misfit princesses save their castle?

Review:

I was thinking that the Saving-Amamizukan story line would be resolved relatively early and then they would move on to something else, but I'm starting to think that this plot is going to last the series. I think I'm okay with that, though.

There's a surprising amount of romantic undertones in this series. I didn't feel this much in the anime, so I didn't expect it. But there are quite a few moments between Kuranosuke and Tsukimi, mostly where they later freak out and deny it. Tsukimi is very much crushing on Shu, as well. So it's very complicated, and I'm not actually sure who I prefer. I like all of them quite a lot.

The Amars are also very much in denial—I don't see how they accept Kuranosuke's crazy stories to believe he's still a girl. I do love them, though. They're crazy otaku and they're so funny. Especially Mayaya—she's so over-the-top and it's great.

I love seeing Tsukimi get to work on the jellyfish dresses. She gets so passionate, and they truly are beautiful. They make an attempt, and then they get a success—and it's so pretty! I can't wait to see more of them, and I'm intrigued by where the plot will go next for that crazy plan. Kuranosuke's ideals are pretty vague.

I love this series. It's crazy and dramatic and cheesy. It's so much fun and I'm so glad it's being released. I can't wait to read more.

Manga Review: Flying Witch, Volume 5, by Chihiro Ishizuka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Release Date: March 2018

Volumes: 7+

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Makoto gets her first official job request from a Society Witch, and while the job seems mundane at first, a bit of immature magic makes for an unexpected situation. Makoto uses the payment from the job to buy a magical item that reveals the invisible. Chinatsu’s gift from Beachy starts to wreak havoc, until it’s reduced to a form that lets her use a spell...

Review:

Makoto gets her first job as a witch, and it's babysitting a little boy, who makes it rain when he cries. Since this is a slice-of-life, light-hearted series, this turns out fun instead of worrying. After that, Makoto's sister gets conned into buying a “magical” fishing rod, and then Kei gets hiccups that won't go away.

Chinatsu isn't really a witch yet, but she's trying to get there. She goes with Makoto to get paid, and they both try out a magical item that lets them see creatures that are normally hidden. And afterward, she gets a magical item of her own.

This series is honestly too fast, but it's such a fun, easy read. It's rather delightful.

Manga Review: Love at Fourteen, Volume 6, by Fuka Mizutani

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: 2017

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

As Class 2-B makes landfall in Kyoto, everyone's talking about who's going to confess to whom. This prompts Kanata to realize that despite their developing romance, Kazuki's never actually told her how he feels about her. There's love in the air, but for Kanata and Kazuki, will this momentous confession--if it ever comes-just be too little, too late?

Review:

They finish up their class trip in this volume. Kanata and Kazuki have to figure out ways to meet without anyone noticing, and subtle, hidden ways to touch or share things without being figured out. They end up meeting in the middle of the night, but they're both a little influenced by the talk in their shared rooms—talk of love, and breasts.

When they get back, it's school festival time, and Hinohara tells Nagai that he's going to sing at it. It's a battle of wills and hidden intentions between them leading up to it, as we figure out whether Nagai will go through with it or not.

In the latter half of the volume, Kanata discovers that she's gained weight. This was handled okay, and I did like that in the end she realizes it's okay, and even enjoys the current height difference between her and Kazuki. This is always a touchy subject, and while it could have been pushed more, I didn't think this series would make that a message anyway.

It's been a while since I've read this series, and this was a good way to get back into it, I think.

Novel Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5-4

Genre: YA Realistic

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Random House)

Release Date: 2014

Spoilers?: No.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

The Cover:

I actually really like this cover. It's simple and not at all embarrassing. The scene is fitting for the characters and the island they live on, and I think the blurring effect works really well with how the story goes.

 

Review:

I must admit, I didn't see that coming.

I knew that a big twist was going to come, but I didn't think that would be it. Literally not until it pretty much spelled it out. And even then, I didn't want to believe it. For one, because I didn't realize this was going to be that kind of book. But for another, because it's just so awful, and unfair, and sad.

It leads up to it really well. You get to know each of the characters, and there's some mixed feelings and some really close friendships. Slowly, the tension on the island grows, and slowly you discover why. Part of Cadence's brain was filling in the pieces of what she was missing, in odd ways and odd memories and stories. Looking back, I quite enjoyed the little fantasies she created and how it evolved into the truth. And how it all adds up makes perfect sense, and the events leading up to it were realistic. I was even behind the groups decision, up until we realize how wrong it went.

Even though this is “that kind” of book, I think it handled it really well. How it wraps up in the end, how the goodbyes are handled, I thought was really sweet. It, maybe, softened the blow a little bit.

I was surprised by this book, and I did rather enjoy it. Or, more accurately, I definitely think it was worth reading.

Manga Review: Ao Haru Ride, Volume 3, by Io Sakisaka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2019

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The popular shojo manga series that was adapted into the Blue Spring Ride anime!

Futaba Yoshioka thought all boys were loud and obnoxious until she met Kou Tanaka in junior high. But as soon as she realized she really liked him, he had already moved away because of family issues. Now, in high school, Kou has reappeared, but is he still the same boy she fell in love with?

Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. She realizes her feelings for Kou are not because of who he was in the past but who he is now. When she discovers that her friend Yuri has a crush on him too, Futaba is unsure what to do.

Review:

Futaba tries to be in denial about her feelings, but that doesn't last very long. I really appreciate how maturely all of this is handled. Futaba accepts her feelings, and then she understands that she needs to be honest and upfront with Yuri. Despite how dramatic this could have been, it's handled in a really sweet manner. It's a little rough for both of them, but it ends up forming a nice friendship between the three girls.

Of course, it could go either way at this point. Love rivalry can be messy.

Despite how roughly the group started in the previous volume, they've somehow formed a rather close friendship, and they get together to try to help Kou up his grades, even if he protests and tries to keep them away.

It's a little iffy where this is going next, and we're close to where the anime ended, so I'm excited to see how it continues.

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