Manga Review: Behind the Scenes!!, Volume 5, by Bisco Hatori

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5-4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 2018

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ranmaru Kurisu comes from a family of hardy, rough-and-tumble fisherfolk and he sticks out at home like a delicate, artistic sore thumb. It’s given him a raging inferiority complex and a permanently pessimistic outlook. Now that he’s in college, he’s hoping to find a sense of belonging. But after a whole life of being left out, does he even know how to fit in?!

Love is in the air at Shichikoku University, until it plummets to the ground to be trampled into the dirt by uncaring feet! Ranmaru, Ruka and Soh are all suffering from various levels of unrequited interests, and all three deal with their painful affections in different ways. Will any of their strategies succeed, or will they just get further tangled in the tortuous net of love?

Review:

So the theatre group does a lot this volume. They help make fans for a boy band, they help make costumes for halloween, and they help on a set for a play Soh is in. Maasa helps a girl find out how to really represent herself, though that ends unhappily for Maasa, who's oblivious to the one guy who actually pays attention to her.

During all this, Ranmaru is struggling with his feelings of insecurity around Goda, because he wants to be like him, and because of his feelings for Ruka. Ruka is dealing with some family stuff at the same time, and Goda is acting indifferent to her. There's a lot of unrequited feelings going around right now.

This is a fun series, and the releases are much too far apart. I forget how much I miss Hatori's humor and characters between each book, because it's such a fun ride when I pick them up.

Manga Review: Requiem of the Rose King, Volume 7, by Aya Kanno

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 10+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

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.

Review:

We see the realization at the beginning of this volume, and the subsequent downfall after. It's honestly heartbreaking.

Richard is reeling from this new knowledge, and he doesn't quite know how to cope. Cecily has no issues continuing with her plan, though. The two queens continue with their determinations for battle, and it ensues. There's manipulation and secret-identities; lots of blood and potential deaths.

It appears that York has won, but not happily. It's rough. And then, when Richard goes to see Henry, it's apparent that Cecily has gotten to him first.

This is honestly heartbreaking, and the worst moment I've read so far. It's awful, and I don't want to imagine what happens next. It can't be good.

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

Manga Review: Haikyu!!, Volume 21, by Haruichi Furudate

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 2018

Volumes: 32+

Spoilers?: Hints.

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

Volume: 1. 20. 22.

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?

The fifth set of the Miyagi Prefecture qualifier round finals continues. With Tsukishima out of the game, Karasuno's defense is starting to fall apart. However, they're determined to keep it together. With both teams physically and mentally exhausted, which one will keep it together the longest and move on to Nationals?

Review:

So this game is rounding ever closer to the end, the points are raking up, and each time is giving each other a fight. It's nearing the end when Tsukkishima finally gets released to rejoin them, and both teams have used all the time-outs they have. The specific rivalries are heating up—Tsukki wants to beat Ushijima as much as Shoyo does. Aside from that, each character is trying to prove a point. Karasuno wants to prove that they deserve to be there.

During this, there's the reminder of Aoba Josai's captain watching, waiting to see who will win this one. An interesting point is when we see Shiratorizawa's coach watching Shoyo, and his background that is a direct contrast to Shoyo. He was a short volleyball player who didn't get to shine, and he is practically determined to stick with those old prejudices. Shoyo is very directly fighting that.

I will admit that I expected this to turn out differently. I didn't think they would go this far this fast. (I guess it has been over 20 books? Is that not fast?) But at the end of the volume, we get a hint to the Tokyo team's starting round. And it, sadly, looks like we'll get to see whether Fukurodani or Nekoma move forward.

I don't know how I still have things to talk about every volume, but still all I want to do is gush. I love it so much. I wanted to cheer with them at several points in this book.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 5, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

IN CIRCLES Summer vacation is in full swing! When Mitsuki and her friends go to the amusement park together, she’s faced with plenty of romantic date spots and superstitions. When she finally works up the courage to ask Towa to ride the Ferris wheel with her, her plans are interrupted and she has to think of another way…but just when Mitsuki’s about to throw in the towel, Towa picks up the game right where she left off. Alone together on the Ferris wheel, Towa’s confession of a secret past may be more than Mitsuki is ready to hear.

Review:

This volume contains the end of their vacation trip, and then Mitsuki finally goes on her “date” with Aya. Mitsuki is still trying to see Aya as a boy, while Aya is trying to compete with Towa for her affection, when Mitsuki is also still trying to get the courage to do anything with Towa. It's a very conflicted triangle, especially when Aya is the only one being upfront about his feelings.

There's some sweet tension between Mitsuki and Towa in this volume, particularly as they're growing close enough to hug and whatnot. The little touches between them is very cute and innocent, and I'm a big fan.

It feels like they're trying to make basketball a big part of this series, but I'm just not feeling it that much. They're using it to up the competition, at least, and as something for the boys to focus on. It is nice to see Mitsuki taking on some other responsibilities on her own, though, as something for her to grow from.

This is a fun school shojo series, and I'm really having fun reading it.

Manga Review: The Promised Neverland, Volume 4, by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: June 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: Hints.

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

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The children of the Grace Field House orphanage must escape a macabre fate before it’s too late.

Life at Grace Field House is good for Emma and her fellow orphans. While the daily studying and exams they have to take are tough, their loving caretaker provides them with delicious food and plenty of playtime. But perhaps not everything is as it seems…

With Norman scheduled to be shipped out, the children try their best to save him. Emma and Ray come up with a new plan, but then Norman makes a surprising decision.

Review:

This series is brutal.

After that last cliffhanger, things don't get better. Emma and Ray are determined to do what they can, but... Norman thinks it's all too risky. He wants everyone else to be safe more than himself. It's honestly crushing.

I acknowledge that the last shot we have of Norman could mean something different than what the scenes before and after indicate, particularly seeing Mother walk back to the house with his hat. I admit to a tiny sliver of hope for that. But I have doubts, because I don't want to get my hopes up. Because the reality otherwise is just so awful.

Afterward, we know that Emma and Ray's time is coming to a close very quickly. Their birthdays are approaching, and Ray's is first. The whole thing with Norman puts them in a depression, and Mother takes advantage of that.

I will admit that, with the twist at the end, I didn't see it working out like that. There were quite a few twists thrown in, in a very short time. I'm both excited to see what happens next, and dreading parts of it. This series is honestly awful, it's cruel and disturbing, and I am utterly impressed and entranced with it.

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

Manga Review: Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Volume 29, by Karuho Shiina

Rating (Out of 5): ~4.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: May 2018

Volumes: 30.

Spoilers?: Hints given.

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

Volume: 1. 28. 30.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sawako “Sadako” Kuronuma is the perfect heroine…for a horror movie.

With her jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor, Sawako “Sadako” Kuronuma always had trouble fitting in. But her whole life changes when she befriends the most popular boy in class, Shota Kazehaya. Can love trump her cursed life?

Review:

The first half of the volume is the conclusion to Ayane and Pin's potential romance. She takes some persuading to actually go to him, and he's worried and rooting for her to pass her exams. And coincidentally, it's valentine's day.

I will admit that I'm a little disappointed. It makes sense, and isn't necessarily surprising, and I won't spoil it beyond that. But I was kind of hoping for a different ending.

After that, it's graduation. Kazehaya and Sawako get a little time together, there's a lot of tears as everyone is saying goodbye. Sawako gets to make a speech, as the valedictorian. Afterward, there's the tradition of button-stealing and whatnot, with a super cute moment between the main couple (and some between every other relationship).

There's only one volume left, and I'm super upset that this series is ending. It's definitely one of my favorites, and I'll miss it, but I can't wait to see how it ends.

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

Manga Review: Children of the Whales, Volume 3, by Abi Umeda

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: VIZ Signature (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 2018

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: Some.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this post-apocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.

In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, most dying young from the very powers that sustain them.

The Mud Whale is in dire trouble. In four days, the imperial apátheia soldiers will return to destroy all its inhabitants. But the Committee of Elders would rather kill everyone on board than wait for the “mercy” of the empire, and the fighters of the island will do the elders’ bidding without a second thought. Now Chakuro and the other children are forced by circumstance to rebel against the adults in order to save their home and their lives.

Review:

The children stand up to the committee in their decision to save the island, to stop this while they can. Having one of the allied army there, and seeing Neri possibly sacrifice herself, seems to have put a stop to it.

Afterward, they decide to start training to fight. They know how long they have till the next attack, and they want to defend themselves and fight if they can. During this, is the start of the Sand Festival on the island, a time for them to celebrate and find joy in something after all the devastation.

They strategize, and they use the sand storm to their advantage. Despite the small reprieve we get in the middle of the volume, at the end it's back to the fighting, and the possible impending massacre. It's real bad.

This is an intriguing series, for sure. I'm a little unsure of it, and it's not generally my genre of book, deep in lore and violent. But I'm intrigued by it. And it's very pretty.

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

Manga Review: Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Volume 2, by Rin Mikimoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sardonic rom-com manga, Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight is perfect for fans of shojo like My Little Monster and Kare Kano.
Hinana prizes her reputation as a serious high school student, too focused on getting into college to pay attention to boys. But she's a secret fairytale romance freak, sneaking away from her studies to see A Roman Holiday and tucking pop idol magazines into her textbooks. When her celebrity crush comes to her school to film a TV episode, she has to pretend to be totally uninterested even as she desperately tries to get close to him. However, she's not the only one who's not what she appears... her dreamboat isn't just a pretty face either!

Review:

In the first volume, I was a little iffy, unsure if I really wanted to continue. After this volume, I'm still iffy, but it was more enjoyable going in, I think because I knew more of what to expect.

The humor and silly faces is not quite to my taste, but I do think it's growing on me a little.

Given that Kaede is famous, they're both getting some pressure for public appearances and what they should do. While Hinana is swayed to be wary and pull back, I do like that at first she stuck with her initial belief about Kaede. I think it showed she has pretty good instincts and can be strong in them. Kaede has also shown that he can be firm and hold his ground if he needs to. They've also both proven that they like each other, though, and that they don't want to back down from that. I like that they've both been honest about what they want with each other.

We got the start of a love triangle in this volume, and I liked how Kaede dealt with it. At the same time, we got hints of drama starting with Kaede's old band. Both of these are just starting to develop, though, so I'm not sure which will be more important.

While I'm a little unsure, I did enjoy this volume more. I think it's growing on me a little.

Teaser Tuesday[273]: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

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!

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

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publisher: Dutton (Penguin)

Release Date: October 2017

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis. Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. In his long-awaited return,

Excerpt:

“Davis was right: Everybody disappears eventually.” (Hardback, pg. 82)

What are you reading?

Manga Review: One-Punch Man, Volume 13, by One and Yusuke Murata

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: January 2018

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 11. 14.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Life gets pretty boring when you can beat the snot out of any villain with just one punch.

Nothing about Saitama passes the eyeball test when it comes to superheroes, from his lifeless expression to his bald head to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking guy has a not-so-average problem—he just can’t seem to find an opponent strong enough to take on!

Class-A heroes struggle in their fight against the giant monster Multieyed Octopus. Wait, is that Class-S hero Flashy Flash joining the fight?! Unfazed, the Monster Association continues ramping up its attacks, but its goal remains a mystery. Meanwhile, the martial arts tournament reaches the semifinals!

Review:

A large group of heroes are downtown attempting to defeat these invading monsters. Some are too weak, and then Flashy Flash steps in but is showing off a bit much, so Tornado interrupts to take care of it. She don't have time for that shit.

Elsewhere, it looks like bad things are happening within the hero committee...

Meanwhile, One-Punch Man is still masquerading in the tournament, and it's finally reached the finale. Of course, he's taken out all of his opponents with one hit. But his last competition is supposedly extremely strong, and people are excited to see this. Instead, Saitama only pisses him off, when he continuously dodges and remains untouchable, even as he's knocked around. Saitama is so utterly bored, that he's trying to make this last as long as possible. It's almost sad, honestly.

This series is a lot of fun. I love seeing Saitama's antics, as he attempts to find some kind of fun in the world.

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