Manga Review: King of Eden, Volume 1, by Takashi Nagasaki and Ignito

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: September 2020

Volumes: 6.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Entire villages are going up in flames across the globe, with the same man left standing at the scene every time. Meanwhile, rumors abound of a highly contagious virus where those infected fly into a blind rage, killing anything and everything that crosses their path. As the death toll rises, agencies from nations around the world get together, looking for answers-How are these incidents connected? Who is that man? And most importantly...can the massacres be stopped before humanity is doomed? 

 

Review:

 

A mysterious man keeps showing up right before these small towns come down with this terrible killing virus and then burn to the ground. The government and scientists aren't sure who's behind it all, or what this virus really is, but they're pulling in some scientists and archaeologists to go after the answers.

There are a lot of different people moving around in this series, what with the different government officials and the different black market sellers of the virus, plus the different villages being experimented on and then set on fire. But we do get two main characters, Rua and Teze, who coincidentally were classmates a long time ago. Rua is a very smart historian and archaeologist, and she's pulled in because she's familiar with the history of where this virus potentially originated. Then there's Teze, who appears to know a lot more about this virus than anyone else, from personal experience.

The virus is definitely a horrifying thing, with how quickly it transforms people and what wolf-like monsters they become, plus the potential of it being a weapon. But it also has a really deep history that I'm intrigued by. There's a lot of real history being woven into it, some theories that are thrown out there and some that are clearly going to turn out to be true. It's a historical sci-fi that I'm more intrigued by than I expected, since I don't usually get into the deeper historical ideals.

The artwork was really good in this, and that along with the writing set up a really good thrilling and ominous feel to the story. There are a lot of characters already, but we are getting to know the main ones slowly, but enough to help the story along.

While this might not usually be my type of story, I could get into it. It was really well written and kept me interested, and reminded me of some similar thriller/horror movies.

 

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

Manga Review: NonNonBa by Shigeru Mizuki

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Release Date: 2012.

Volumes: 1.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

The first English translation of Mizuki's best-loved work

NonNonBa is the definitive work by acclaimed Gekiga-ka Shigeru Mizuki, a poetic memoir detailing his interest in yokai (spirit monsters). Mizuki's childhood experiences with yokai influenced the course of his life and oeuvre; he is now known as the forefather of yokai manga. His spring 2011 book, Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths, was featured on PRI's The World, where Marco Werman scored a coveted interview with one of the most famous visual artists working in Japan today.

Within the pages of NonNonBa, Mizuki explores the legacy left him by his childhood explorations of the spirit world, explorations encouraged by his grandmother, a grumpy old woman named NonNonBa. NonNonBa is a touching work about childhood and growing up, as well as a fascinating portrayal of Japan in a moment of transition. NonNonBa was the first manga to win the Angoulême Prize for Best Album. Much like its namesake, NonNonBa is at once funny and nostalgic, firmly grounded in a sociohistorical context and floating in the world of the supernatural.

Review:

This is a big, done-in-one volume of manga. Featuring Mizuki as a kid, the lessons regarding yokai from his grandmother, and how those played out in real life and in his imagination.

This was a really fun volume. We're introduced to some really interesting legends of yokai, and some odd yokai creatures. How they might portray in the real life. And all followed with his grandma, kind of a crazy old woman, but the kind that you love dearly.

It's based in a past time, and the art style is also more childish and not-modern, but in a really endearing way. Big circular heads and cute facial expressions. I quite enjoyed it, even though it's not something I would normally pick up.

Manga Review: Black Butler, Volume 28, by Yana Toboso

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: October 2019

Volumes: 29+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 27. 29.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The truth of what happened three years ago comes to light, as the past Ciel sought to erase is thrust back into his face. The revelations shake the Phantomhive manor to its foundations, and even Sebastian, the resident devil, can only look on in admiration at the consummate gamesmanship at play. The Phantomhive blood, it would seem, runs thick with the thirst for vengeance...

Review:

This was kind of a crazy volume to read.

We get to the end of the back story, and then the rest of the reveals happen. We find out how this “real” Ciel is here, what happened that our Ciel doesn't know, and what he's been doing behind the scenes to ruin things for our Ciel. Some of it, I think, is supposed to make sense but kind of just feels convenient. And then there's this moment with Elizabeth that I just hate. I truly love her, and I love her and Ciel together, and I do not like this new stance of hers. I'm not okay with any of this.

Everything is turned over on Ciel's head and twisted to make him seem terrible, and it's honestly one of the few times we get to see him truly shaken. He can't protest to much of this, and he doesn't even really know how to react at first. It takes a bit for it to really hit him and for him to decide what to do about it.

I will admit that I think some of this plot has lost its momentum at this point. I was behind it at first, but now it's lost me a little bit. I'm still going to stick with it, and I want to know where it's going next, but I'm not as behind all of this as I was previously.

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn, Volume 20, by Mizuho Kusanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2019

Volumes: 31+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 19. 21.

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!

Betrayal leads to Yona and Riri being abducted by the nation of Sei! Forced to work as slaves, the two stubbornly refuse to be controlled, but their situation is dire. In order to save Yona and Riri, Hak and the Four Dragons split into two groups and sneak into enemy territory!

Review:

After that last cliffhanger, we discover that Yona and Riri haven't been taken to immediate danger, but are put to work where danger is going to come over time, whether they do or don't do what they're told.

It's interesting to see the group separate like this. Yona and Riri are apart from the rest, of course, but the dragons and Riri's guards also split up, in order to check the locations that Yona and Riri might be. And then Su-Won shows up, and we see a couple more surprise characters that might just complicate things more.

It's easy to forget that the dragons and most other characters don't know what happened to Yona, and don't know Su-Won or all the connections there. They're very separate experiences for most of the characters. But on the other hand, it's also nice to see what friendships have formed around all these events. Su-Won has made connections. But also, Hak has grown close to the dragons, despite whether he wanted to or not—they all care for each other, and it's nice to see that acknowledged, as they reassure and watch over Hak, when they're all worried about Yona.

This cliffhanger is even worse than the last. And this plot line is getting more complicated and terrible as it goes. I immediately need to read the next, because I cannot wait to find out what happens.

Manga Review: Kaze Hikaru, Volume 26, by Taeko Watanabe

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2018

Volumes: 42+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 24. 27.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A historical romance set in the time of Rurouni Kenshin!

In the 1860s in Japan, a new era is dawning. During this time fraught with violent social upheaval, samurai of all walks of life flock to Kyoto in the hope of joining a band of warriors united around their undying loyalty to the shogunate system. This group becames one of the greatest (and most infamous) movements in Japanese history…the Shinsengumi!

Kondo, disillusioned by the weakened state of the Shogunate, returns from Hiroshima in despair. Upon his return, he moves in with his mistress Mikyuki. Hijikata is on high alert, and he observes the couple very closely. What are Miyuki’s true motives?

Review:

There's some drama between Kondo and his new bride, Miyuki-Dayu in this volume. She's been denying him, and he's trying to be understanding, while his council are not quite as much. It's causing some issues, and when she explains why she's having a hard time to Kondo, he tries to help as much as he can.

Okita is basically an observer during this. They talk and he helps where he can, but Miyuki is running most of this show. And when her sister shows up, even more conflict shows up. I was wary of Miyuki during most of this, and while the concluding decision is a bit sad, it's also kind of sweet. It's a hard choice to make, between sisters and romantic love.

We see another sad parting in the last part of the book. It's sad, but honorable, I suppose.

I'm not big on historical stories, but I do like the way this is told. It's not too serious, but still handles serious matters and relationships. The art style makes it fun, I think.

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

Manga Review: Ooku: The Inner Chambers, Volume 14, by Fumi Yoshinaga

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: VIZ Signature (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2018

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 13. 15.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Eisner-nominated Fumi Yoshinaga’s alternative history of Edo-era Japan, the men of Japan are dying out, and the women have taken up the reigns of power—including the shogun’s seat!

In Edo period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country's men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen by seventy-five percent. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected. And the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the shogun's Inner Chamber...

With the death of her monstrous father, Iesada is finally assured that she can have a consort who will survive life in the Inner Chambers. And she is delighted that the new spouse chosen for her is intelligent, kind and considerate of her past trauma. But the consort Taneatsu comes to the court with a past of his own—and an assignment from his liege lord that could pit him against his beloved shogun.

Review:

Iesada takes a new husband in this volume, makes it official. She's become so used to not letting men close, though, that she tries to keep him at a distance. This works for a while, but he shows he's committed to her, and wants to do right by her. It's a process, but he grows closer.

At the same time, Abe Masahiro grows ill. She's made a lot of progress, and yet her time is coming much quicker than any of them expected. It's a sad couple of scenes with her, and for Iesada, who had grown very close to her.

I'm not much of a history person, or a historical reader, but I don't mind this series. There's a lot of nuances and politics, but it's still interesting. They're smart about what they do, and I like seeing the women taking charge when they're able. 

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

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn, Volume 16, by Mizuho Kusanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2019

Volumes: 29+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 15. 17.

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!

A large fleet of ships from South Kai heads to Sensui at drug trafficker Hyo’s behest. Will Yona and her friends be able to thwart Hyo’s nefarious plans and stop these enemy forces? And what will happen to Yona when an infuriated Hyo attacks her?

Review:

Finally, the confrontation between Hak and Su-Won. Yona's been dealing with it without causing conflict, but by watching and being guarded. Hak has a very different reaction, because his main worry is protecting and avenging Yona.

No one else understands what's happening until later.

After that big moment, they seem to forget about Hyo. They've dealt with him somewhat, and it seems like they're leaving Riri to help with what she can without them. I do appreciate that Riri has grown stronger, how Yona was able to help her and impress upon her. It was a good relationship for both of them, I think.

I'm still a bit conflicted about Su-Won. I want to hate him, but he also appears conflicted. He did what he thought he needed to, but he still has a bond with Yona and Hak, and he doesn't seem to want to hurt them. That doesn't mean he won't, though. It's hard to tell what he plans next and what he's willing to do.

I'm a bit confused by the ending of the plot with Hyo, because Su-Won seemed to take all of the rest of the volume. I'm not sure where they're going next.

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

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn, Volume 15, by Mizuho Kusanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 2018

Volumes: 28+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 14. 16.

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!

A drug known as “nadai” has spread throughout the Water Tribe territory, so Yona and Riri, the daughter of the Water Tribe chief, are determined end this drug crisis. However, their task is an uphill battle, and they couldn’t have imagined the dangers that await them!

Review:

I'm so impressed by the quality of Kusanagi's work. Her earlier series were very good, with a lot of potential and usually good character development, but some were a little weak, and some of them had badly placed/too much humor for the plot. This series is so perfectly balanced, with on-key humor and plot, and such intense serious moments. And the characters are the best. Sometimes I think about this, and I'm just so impressed, and so happy about it. I just love this series so, so much.

Okay, anyway.

Yona is badly injured, but she continues to fight anyway. She stays strong, and it inspires Riri. The dragons and Hak, on the other hand, are extremely worried, and feel awful for not guarding her correctly. Yona, on the other hand, feels bad for not being stronger. It's a sad, touching moment, seeing them all struggle with this.

During the fight, though, Yona gets on the bad side of Hyo, the man behind all of this. But, while his pride is wounded and he wants her dead, they're all in search of him just as seriously. More so, even.

There's a surprising turn of events in the latter half of the volume, as we see Su-Won again. I really want to hate him, but he intrigues me, and then he does something good... I'm conflicted about him. But it's interesting to see him and Yona actually interacting; they are on very uneven ground with each other, but they also kind-of have an understanding. I'm curious about where that's going to go next. I'm also curious about Zeno—it's a little unclear what his power is, what his position and what he knows.

This series cannot come out fast enough. I need more.

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

Novel Review: And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga, #1) by Kiersten White

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Genre: YA Historical, Romance

Publisher: Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House)

Release Date: 2016

Spoilers?: No.

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

Teaser Tuesday. Wishlist Thursday.

Goodreads Synopsis:

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

The Cover:

I love these covers. I will admit that it gives me a somewhat different impression of the book than the contents felt--Lada does not feel nearly as fierce as this cover makes me feel; it also wasn't as intense and focused more on the potential romance than the cover makes me think it will. But it's still a gorgeous cover.

Review:

I have loved all of Kiersten White's books, and I've always admired how she can change her style of writing so perfectly. I'm a little disappointed to say that I didn't really enjoy this book, at times.

I will admit that I'm not typically a historical fan. I didn't think it would matter much here, but it's still true. Long stories of history are not of my interest, and stories that combine that with political dealings are apparently especially so.

We meet Lada and Bogdan and her brother Radu as the book starts. They start as children, and slowly grow older until they're teens during this book. Lada is the daughter of Vlad, and at first she tries hard to impress him and prove herself. Radu is her weaker brother. Bogdan is her bodyguard/servant boy who she actually orders around.

This book was very slow going. It took a long time for them to grow older, and at several points in this book I wondered where it was going, and when it was going to get there.

I liked Lada at first, and I thought she was going to be fierce from the beginning. She is fierce, but then I think she loses herself about halfway through the book. Romance shows up, and she seems to lose herself and her ambitions with it. I realized at some point in the book that I didn't particularly care for Lada all that much.

Radu, on the other hand. Radu is at first her weak little brother. But while he doesn't have physical strength or much of a mean streak at all in him, he has smarts instead. He learns how to listen, and how to play nice and make conversation and get a person on his side very easily. It's a struggle when Lada realizes he has this and she does not, and really it's more of a point on his side than hers.

I really liked Radu, quite a lot. I think my least favorite character turned out to be Mehmed. When we first meet him, I thought I liked him. But after a while, I realized that I really didn't like the effect he had on Radu or Lada. He kind of ends up ruining them, I think.

Radu becomes so focused on his love for Mehmed, that I think it brings him down. He could be doing a lot more, and he could be seeing the other people around him better, if Mehmed weren't there. It's the same with Lada. She loses sight of what's most important to herself, because of her affection for Mehmed. And it frustrates me so much because it's not requited to the extent that either of them need. It's helping Mehmed, when he doesn't deserve it, and it's bad for both Radu and Lada.

I really hope that this book was setting up for something bigger. It definitely seems like Lada is off to start something big, and I hope that it gets more intense from here. This book was very long and tedious, and usually I like character development like that, but it didn't hold my interest enough in this context. It was frustrating at times.

But the concept is still so interesting to me, and Kiersten White is one of my favorite authors, so I'll be reading at least one more book.

Manga Review: Black Butler, Volume 26, by Yana Toboso

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5-4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: August 2018

Volumes: 27+

Spoilers?: Yes.

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

Volume: 1. 25. 27.

Goodreads Synopsis:

While Earl Ciel Phantomhive and his indomitable butler, Sebastian, are away on the trail of Blavat and the Blue Star Cult, the sound of gunshots echoes through the halls of their London townhouse. What chaos awaits master and servant upon their return home? And why is the young earl shaken to his core by the message left behind by the invader?

Review:

I'm conflicted about this.

So, we conclude the cliffhanger from last time, and it's honestly awful. I didn't really want to believe that's how it would end, and it is really sad. I feel so bad for Soma.

During the aftermath of this, it's clear that something is bothering Ciel. Something is haunting him, and he's asking odd questions... All of this leading to a truly surprising reveal, to discovering that our Ciel is actually not Ciel at all.

I don't know how to feel about this. On one hand, it's so overused to throw in a secret twin. And it's rather unbelievable. It makes me distend my belief a bit too much. But on the other hand, it's pulled off rather well, and the backstory we get regarding it is very interesting. I'm interested to see how it all leads to Ciel being where he is when we start the series. It also makes me wonder about his deal with Sebastian—does him pretending to be someone else complicate their contract?

I'm conflicted over this turn of events. But I'm also very interested to see where that cliffhanger goes. What bad things happen next? What led to Ciel being where he was, and making a deal with devil?

Manga Review: Ooku: The Inner Chambers, Volume 13, by Fumi Yoshinaga

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: VIZ Signature (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 11. 14.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Eisner-nominated Fumi Yoshinaga’s alternative history of Edo-era Japan, the men of Japan are dying out, and the women have taken up the reigns of power—including the shogun’s seat!

In Edo period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country's men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen by seventy-five percent. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected. And the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the shogun's Inner Chamber...

After the discovery of the Redface Pox vaccine, the male population of Japan has nearly recovered, and men have again become used to being in public life and government. So as the first female shogun in over 60 years, Iesada has many challenges to face, such as an Inner Chamber unused to a woman’s needs. But the greatest threat comes from her own father’s unhealthy interest in her…

Review:

I'm not a history fan, but this really is an impressive, thoughtful historical series. It's in-depth with the inner workings of these positions, and how it all connects and moves around behind the scenes. Who is honest and who is using who, who has selfish reasons and who has devious ones.

We meet Iesada in this volume, and we get to see her grow into the proposed next Shogun, with an overbearing, unhealthily attached father. At the same time, we're following Masahiro's climb up the ladder. At a time when men are deciding to take back power, now that they're healthy enough and women had been doing it for so long, these two women are attempting to take positions equally. It's a gender struggle, at the same time that Japan is considering opening it's gates to other countries after years of isolation.

There are good and bad moments in this volume, as we see them take a step forward, and struggle to stay where they are. I mostly feel bad for Iesada, as she has attempted taking a husband a few times, but she has been forced by her father to harden herself to people. It's sad to see.

This was an interesting volume for me. It felt a bit like a new arc, which I'm happy for, since I haven't read the previous ones. I'm interested to see what happens next, too.

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

Manga Review: Requiem of the Rose King, Volume 8, by Aya Kanno

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: May 2018

Volumes: 10+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 7. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The intrigue and royal conspiracy in the Bard’s Richard III is given a dark manga twist that will appeal to aficionados of both comics and the classics.

Richard, the ambitious third son of the House of York, believes he is cursed, damned from birth to eternal darkness. But is it truly fate that sets him on the path to personal destruction? Or his own tormented longings? Based on an early draft of Shakespeare’s Richard III, Aya Kanno’s dark fantasy finds the man who could be king standing between worlds, between classes, between good and evil.

Ten years after the king’s death, things have changed for Richard. His feud with his sibling has deepened, and the witch Jane tempts the new king with her mysterious charms. In this swirl of human desire, Richard reaches toward his own future and rises again in defense of the York family!

Review:

 This is a new phase for Richard. He still has big, specific plans, but no one is really aware of it. Except Anne, who he kind of blackmailed into marriage.

Nothing good is to come any more. There don't seem to be any high/happy points in this series any more.

In this volume, there's a party, poison, and lots of sneaking around. Family members sneaking around and making lots of silent moves, and a witch making waves. And it all leads to the big cliffhanger, which is really, truly awful. I don't know what has been happening to him since we last saw him, and I don't think I want to know.

It's... just... awful.

The feel of this series is dark and ominous and horrible, and I'm not sure what is going to go wrong next.

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