Mount TBR 2016 discussion

I have finished my first climb of 36 and I want to try for 24 more! Wish me luck!

Congrats Lynn and good luck!

Wow, nice! You can do it!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 13 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin on it looking very cool. It is the thirtenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twelve in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- The Great Kyoto Fire behind them (and casualties relatively slight), Kenshin and the others consider their next move. The Oniwabanshu may indeed be allies this time ("Now there's a weird twist," as Sano says), but their leader, Shinomori Aoshi, is not. Is Kenshin truly, as it is claimed, the only one who can bring peace to the former Okashira or "head" of the Kyoto-based spy group...? Elsewhere, madman Shishio Makoto has made his own plans for Kenshin and the others, plans involving a "man-to-man," death match-style battle to the finish…



Review- So the first big fight of the Kyoto Arc has begun and Sano is the one up. He must fight with the monk that trained using the same technique. But of course they must go over their reasons for fighting for or against in this battle. With Kenshin and others in the background we get to see what Sano can do with his new fist. Shishio is having some trouble with his second in command, who wants to make sure that Shishio wins at any cost. But Shishio wants to face Kenshin in one-on-one combat. But the second does get what he wanted in the end and trouble is headed back to Kaoru and the others at the inn. More fights, more drama, and more action ahead!



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

37 down and 23 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 14 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and villains on it looking very cool. It is the fourteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first thirteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- As the Juppongatana or "Ten Swords" move to attack those at Aoi-Ya (Kaoru, Yahiko, Misao, and the rest of the Kyoto-based spy clan), Kenshin--accompanied by Sanosuke and Saitô--squares off against one of his most powerful opponents yet: Shinomori Aoshi, former Okashira or "head" of the Oniwabanshû. Bound by promises to both return Misao's "Aoshi-sama" to her safely, and to face Shinomori himself in a climactic, decisive battle, the time is now to learn once and for all who has the will to live, who has the will to die...and who has the will to fight.



Review- We begin with finish Sano and Anji's fight. Sano makes him remember why he was kind in the first place. Anji warns them about what is to come and the heroes move forward. This volume has Saitô's first fight in it and it is the best in the volume. I like Saitô's fights because they are short. He just gets right to the point and does not hold back. Saitô does his thing and undermines his opponent by seeing through him. Then Saitô kills the guy by cutting him half. Saitô is not one for mercy, unlike Kenshin. Most of the volume is Kenshin's fight with Aoshi. They talk and fight and Aoshi comes back to himself at the end. The next volume will pick up with them. At the Aoi-Ya things are going to get rough but other than that nothing much happens there. This volume is really just one short fight some the beginnings of some long ones. No character development, no new plots twists, just over-the-top action but I still had a good time with it.



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

38 down and 22 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 15 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and Kaoru on it looking very cool. It is the fifteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first fourteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- At the madman Shishio Makoto's headquarters, the long-delayed duel between Kenshin and Shinomori Aoshi concludes, while at Aoi-Ya, those left behind wage their own, desperate battle against Shishio's Juppongatana or "Ten Swords." The strength of one swordsman in particular seems monstrous, and defeat imminent...that is, until Kenshin's former Hiten Mitsurugi master, Hiko Seijûrô, takes the field. Will the respect of one warrior for another succeed where all else has failed? Elsewhere, Kenshin and Sôjirô cross swords at last. Although well-matched, Kenshin's victory is by no means certain...



Review- This volume is a group of three battles. Kaoru and company at the Aoi-Ya, Hiko Seijûrô and a giant, Kenshin and Sôjirô at the end. Kaoru does a wonderful job of keeping the others focused on what is going and not worrying about what could be. Yahiko makes Kaoru proud and Hiko saves not only the Aoi-Ya but the giant who faced him. The volume ends with Kenshin facing Sôjirô, who is a creepy kid. Shishio trained him and he has no emotions, no desires, and no way to stop. Kenshin, of course, at the beginning of the fight is not fast enough and that is where the volume ends. But Sôjirô did not kill when Sôjirô thought he had landed a killing blow. More action scenes, more drama, and more over-the-topness ahead!



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

39 down and 21 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 16 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and Kaoru on it looking very cool. It is the sixteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first fifteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- Is there such a thing as divine will or guidance...? Seta Sôjirô, stopping for a moment in mid-battle with Kenshin, may be beginning to think so. When Sôjirô made the fateful decision to ally with the monomaniacal Shishio Makoto, his family paid the ultimate price. But is the flesh of the weak truly the sustenance of the strong, as Shishio insists? Kenshin, whose Hiten Mitsurugi school places the protection of the helpless before all else, would surely disagree. In a world where might makes right only too often, what choice have "the wronged" but to wait for a savior? And when that savior comes too late...what then?



Review- This volume has only two fight in it. The ending of the fight with Sôjirô and the first round with Shishio. Kenshin makes Sôjirô questions himself and we get to see his background and how he came to be with Shishio. Then at last the final fight begins with Shishio. Kenshin and Shishio trade verbal barbs before beginning. At first it looks like Kenshin is going to win then Shishio does a trick with gunpower and Kenshin is down at the end of the volume. Only one volume left in the Kyoto Arc and I just do not see how Watsuki is going to be able to rap all this up but I am sure that he will. More fights, more action, and more drama ahead!


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

40 down and 20 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 17 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin on it looking very cool. It is the seventeenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first sixteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- The madness of Shishio Makoto may know no bounds, but what of his body? An eleventh-hour revelation suggests a possible weakness, but will the news come in time to help a critically wounded Kenshin, whose own strength is reaching its limit? In this new era of Meiji, it's getting harder and harder to tell the innocents from the outlaws. Perhaps, as Kenshin says, it should be for history to decide which side was right, and which side was wrong. The time for hitokiri such as Kenshin and Shishio has passed; let not the man decide the age...but the age, the man.



Review- The Kyoto Arc is done. Kenshin holds true to his vow but Shishio kills himself in the end. All the side characters get a chance to go at Shishio and Shishio's final men get their chance too. Kenshin would have killed Shishio because Shishio makes him that angry by killing Yumi. Kenshin saw Kaoru in her and Shishio killing the woman who loved him just to get at Kenshin was more than he could stand. In the end Shishio's own body turns on him and he kills himself in a round about way. Kenshin also keeps his promise to Miaso that he will bring Aoshi back to her. The volume ends a month later with Kenshin mostly healed up and everyone getting ready to go back to Tokyo. I did enjoy this arc but I am glad to moving on the next thing.



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

41 down and 19 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 18 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin, Kaoru and Enishi on it looking very cool. It is the eighteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first seventeen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- He may be one of the "good guys" now (as Misao insists) but, even a month later, Kenshin still is haunted by Kyoto. How can he not be, when it was in Kyoto that, as the feared "Hitokiri Battôsai," he once made the streets flow red...? And yet, before he departs this place of so many memories, there are ghosts which must be put to rest. It's said that, when strong feelings are attached to a particular wound, so long as those feelings persist, the scar will remain. How did Kenshin get that cross-shaped scar on his face, and who was it that gave it to him?



Review- We finish up with Kyoto and start the final arc of Rurouni Kenshin. The finishing in Kyoto including Kenshin to someone's grave to pay his respects. Sano has really injured his hand and we will see how this comes into play for the final arc of this series. The villain Enishi does not come near Kenshin. He gets five others who have revenge to settle with themselves and sends them to the end of this volume. I really hate what is going on with Kaoru at the moment. She is very damsel in waiting and I am afraid that she is going to be that way for the rest of the series. But the plot is set and I am very curious to learn about this new villain. So more drama, more action, and more fighting ahead!



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

42 down and 18 to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 19 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshinon the bottom with Enishi on top and Tomoe between them. It is the eighteenth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first seventeen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- It began with a sin, committed by Kenshin, back during his bloody days as hitokiri or a government-sanctioned slayer of men. Although stopping most of the assassins who still come seeking revenge should be easy enough, what of the innocent--Sanosuke and Yahiko (Kenshin's comrades), everyone at Akabeko Inn (Kenshin's friends), Kaoru (Kenshin's...?). For once there was another love in Kenshin's life, one which--given his nature--must by definition have been tragic. Can Kenshin escape the shades of his past, and find the will to fight for the real world--for the living--for reality?!



Review- We finish the two fights from the last volume and at last Kenshin's past is going to be revealed. Kenshin meets Enishi as he is returning to the dojo after his fight. Enishi explains what he is doing. He wants Kenshin to suffer and he knows that just punishing or even killing Kenshin will not make that happen. He is going to destroy everyone who has even spoken to Kenshin in passing. Enishi's very presence is playing with Kenshin's mind. He is starting to see things like skulls all around him and Tomoe beside Enishi. Now with some of the villains that Kenshin has fought they were driven, or greedy, or mad. But from I have seen of Enishi so far is he just insane. He talks to Tomoe and hears her response to him. I am very excited about this last arc in Rurouni Kenshin and to see where everyone is going to end up.



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

43 down and 17 to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 20 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in the foreground and Enishi in the background looking over his shoulder. It is the twentieth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first nineteen in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- To build a new age, must one truly be mad enough to turn from the extreme justice that political allegiance requires? Deep in the Japanese countryside, far from the gore-spattered streets of the capital, a man who never knew what happiness was begins a new life as husband to a woman who claims to have nowhere else to go. If a man cannot fight to protect the woman he loves, what will become of the nation? Can one woman alone be enough to hold back the madness?



Review- We continue with Kenshin's tragic past in this volume. How he met Tomoe, how he fell in love with her, and the volume ends with him fighting to save her from the people she was working for. The story moves very quickly and is full of historical facts for the history lovers. We get to see Enishi as a child and he is not very different from the man he will become, just a little less crazy. We do get a break from the very sad tale to see what Enishi is doing. He is lying to the men he is working with and while I think that Enishi is going to make it out alright I cannot say the same for those men. Whatever Enishi is planning is going to pretty terrible. The volume ends with Tomoe refusing to sell Kenshin out and Kenshin is in a fighting rage. More Action and Drama Ahead!



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

44 down and 16 to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 21 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in the foreground and Tomoe in the background looking at the reader. It is the twenty-first volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- Though he once killed in the name of the nascent Meiji government, even an infamous manslayer such as "Hitokiri Battôsai" might grow weary and vow never to kill again. As a new age dawns, there are those who yet cling to the ways of bloodshed, and see the days of peace and prosperity Kenshin and others like him fought so hard to bring forth as betrayal. In ten days' time, the enemies of Kenshin will come for him, and all who stand beside him are in danger. Is the time of earthly justice truly at hand?



Review- We get the last bit of Kenshin tragic past in this volume and it ends with Tomoe's death. Everyone is trying to decide what they think about it. Kaoru handles it very well and leads the rest to peace with Kenshin's past too. Kenshins is surprised when Kaoru sort of admits how she feels about him. That made me roll my eyes a little but whatever his character is a more than a little clueless about so much so why not this too. Kaoru also has a great idea about how to end Enishi and so bringing Misoa and Aoshi into the last arc. But they are going to be late to stop the attack. The volume ends with the attack on the dojo starting. We get a hint about what Enishi is really going to do and I cannot wait to see what it is. More Action, More Drama, and More Over-the-Top Fighting Coming Soon!



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

45 down and 15 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 22 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin looking at the reader. It is the twenty-second volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-one in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- The ghosts of Kenshin's past come to wreak havoc on his future as the fight is literally brought to the doorstep of Kamiya Dojo. Three great battles--three great warriors! Myôjin Yahiko, the student of swords not yet a man, takes on a fighter more than twice his age. Sagara Sanosuke, the free-wheeling street fighter, learns a new humility and becomes stronger for it. And Himura Kenshin, the former slayer of men, begins to see a way to atone for the sins of the hitokiri ...



Review- This volume is all fighting with little in the way of plot or character development. The biggest problem I have is Kaoru is just put in the back. She does nothing for the whole volume but stand there. Yahiko fights but Kaoru just watches. She is the master of Kamiya Kasshin-ryū but Yahiko, who is only ten years old, is the one to fight on of the big bads. How much Kaoru has just been wasted for so much of this series has been annoying me lately. She is good enough a swordsman to teach others how to fight but she cannot fight to protect herself or her home? That really dampened my enjoyment of this volume and it may start to affect the series as a whole. But Saito is back at the end of this volume so I may enjoy the next volume more than this one at the very least.



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

46 down and 14 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 23 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in front and Kaoru in the background. It is the twenty-third volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-two in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- In order to discover more about the relationship that binds Kenshin and Enishi, Saitô Hajime makes a surprise appearance at Kamiya Dojo--only to find the aftermath of Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko's desperate life-or-death battles with Enishi's cabal of fighters. One member of the "Six Comrades" remains standing--the mysterious and deadly Yatsume Mumyôi. Will the strength of Saitô's Gatotsu be enough to fell this freakish warrior-of-the-shadows?!



Review- Saitô's fight like all his other ones is short but it is great. Saitô and Kaoru have an interesting conversation as Kenshin and Enishi are fighting. Of course Saitô is not going to help her if Enishi comes for her but he does warn her to run. Kenshin and Enishi's fight is very interesting. Enishi learned to fight with a style that was designed to defeat samurais. But Enishi underestimates Kenshin's love for Kaoru and Kenshin keeps fighting when he should be down. But the volume ends with Kaoru facing Enishi alone. The fight scenes were great fun and I cannot wait to see where the plot is going from here.



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

47 down and 13 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 24 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin and Yahikio in color and Kaoru in the background greyed out. It is the twenty-fourth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-three in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- To defeat an enemy in combat is one thing. To destroy an enemy's spirit by striking at what he holds dearest is another. Kenshin always felt that, so long as he wielded a sakabatô, those within his sight could be protected from harm, yet while he is incapacitated by the gargantuan Kujiranami of the "Six Comrades," Enishi seizes upon the opportunity to cripple Kenshin's resolve, and will to fight, for good. If Kaoru dies, will Kenshin's dream of a new Japan die with her?



Review- So much happens in this volume. Enishi finishes his revenge and it is terrible. Misao and Aoshi get to Tokyo too late and discover the aftermath. Kenshin is really not present in this volume because of Enishi's revenge. Aoshi is really starting to come back to himself and he has the best fight in this volume. He shows his brilliant mind that won his side of the war. The only reason that pushes him is Misao and how heartbroken she is over Enishi's revenge. Kaoru is real danger but I feel that she is being more than just a the love interest. She does stuff in this volume and I am glad to see it and I hope that continues. More drama, more action, and more fighting ahead.



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

48 down and 12 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 25 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin, Yahikio and Sanosuke looking cool and ready for a fight. It is the twenty-fifth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-four in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- Kujiranami, the giant whose right arm Kenshin severed during the Bakumatsu, escapes from prison and goes on the rampage. He is armed with a frightening new weapon, and the police force is helpless against his wrath. One warrior has the courage to stand up to him: Myôjin Yahiko, Kenshin's youthful ward and Kaoru's only student in Kamiya Kasshin-ryû. And while it's true that Yahiko's skill has increased, will he alone be able to stop a deranged Kujiranami? If Kenshin doesn't do something quick, this will certainly be Yahiko's greatest--and last--battle!



Review- This volume is about Yahiko fighting someone who can and will kill him. Tsubame goes running to Kenshin for one last attempt to get help. Kenshin has been totally gone but because Tsubame calls to him for help, he reponses. The old man who has been sitting with Kenshin says that revenge would not reach Kenshin because he does not care about revenge. But someone, anyone, needed help Kenshin will always response to. Yahiko pulls the few police that are in Tokyo together to try and stop Kujiranami. He faces Kujiranami himself to give innocent people time to get out of his way. Kujiranami sees Kenshin in Yahiko and that drives him even crazier. Not much happens with Kaoru and Enishi; just getting ready to face Kenshin and friends. Aoshi and Saito find where Enishi is, so everything is ready for the beginning of the final face off. More action, more drama, and more fighting ahead!



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

49 down and 11 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 26 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 185 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kaoru and Tomoe in the foreground with Kenshin and Enishi behind them. It is the twenty-sixth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-five in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- If there's one thing tough-as-nails street brawler--and ex-Sekihô Army cadet--Sagara Sanosuke can't stand, it's hypocritical, loudmouthed braggarts who talk the talk but are incapable of walking the walk. Finding himself in the middle of a provincial squabble between an old man and the local yakuza, Sano returns to his old "fight merchant" ways and agrees to do some ad hoc butt kicking for pay. But the old man he's hired to tangle with might be his strongest foe to date.



Review- Most of the volume is Sanosuke dealing with his past. He goes home to think about everything that happened with Kenshin and Kaoru. He gets hired to fight some old man who is in the way of the local bad guy. Sano wants to fight someone because that helps him works stuff out. But the old man is his father.Sano gets some nice character development. We get to see the family that he comes from and they are interesting themselves. Back to Tokyo, Kenshin wakes up because Tomoe smiled and spoke to him in a dream. He is finally ready to face Enishi and rescue Kaoru. Everyone is there for the showdown. The volume ends with Enishi's partner trying to steal his revenge from him. More fights, more drama, and more action ahead!


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

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 27 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin int he foreground and Enishi behind him. It is the twenty-seventh volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-six in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- Kenshin and his comrades have finally discovered the location of Enishi's island compound, but to free Kaoru from captivity, a good deal of fighting will be necessary. Woo Heishin, Enishi's mysterious second-in-command, meets them on the beach and brings his deadly bodyguards, the Sû-shin or the "Four Stars," to serve as a welcoming committee. Yahiko, Sanosuke, Saitô and Aoshi dive into combat with Woo Heishin's warriors as Kenshin prepares himself for his fateful, climactic duel with Enishi. Each of them a ferocious fighter, the Sû-shin are set on stopping Kenshin's friends dead in their tracks.



Review- At last we get the meat of this arc. This volume starts with Kenshin and company waiting for Enishi to come and face him. But Enishi's former second in command decides that he wants to stop Enishi from getting his revenge on Kenshin by having his bodyguards kill him instead. Of course Kenshin's friends are not going to let that happen. We get four quick fights and like all the other Saito's is the best. But they are all good fights with Yahiko having a a good moment. The best interaction in my mind is between Maiso and Aoshi. She just asks him to help Kenshin and he says right. Aoshi was not going to step into the fight before but Maiso asked him and was willing to go. I cannot wait to see how everything ends. Only more volume of drama, fights, and I hope a little happy ending for everyone.



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

51 down and 9 more to go!

Today's post is on Slimy Underbelly by Kevin J Anderson. It is the fourth in his Dan Shamble, P.I. series. It is 304 pages long and is published by Kensington. The cover is dark blue with Dan in the center and tentacles coming up behind him. The intended reader is someone who has read the previous three novels, likes over-the-top humor, and quick reads. There is mild foul language, no sex, and comedy violence in this novel. The story is told from first person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From back of the book-There's something fishy going on in the Unnatural Quarter. Bodies are floating face-down, the plumbing is backing up, and something smells rotten—even to a zombie detective like Dan Shamble. Diving into the slimy underbelly of a diabolical plot, Dan comes face-to-tentacles with an amphibious villain named Ah'Chulhu (to which the usual response is "Gesundheit!"). With his snap-happy gang of gator-guys—former pets flushed down the toilet—Ah'Chulhu wreaks havoc beneath the streets. While feuding weather wizards kick up storms and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes continues their reign of terror, Dan Shamble is running out of time—before the whole stinking city goes down the drain.…



Review- Another funny Dan Shamble story. This time we are really getting into classic horror with some other bits added in. I have had fun all this novels and this one is no different. The puns is are good in this one but I like puns. All the cases that Dan is working in this book are just over-the-top. We get stolen voices, lawn gnomes on the run, and weather wizards fighting to win the vote. The writing is fun and Dan is a really fun character to follow around this Unnatural Quarter. I hope this is not the last Dan Shamble but I think it is. If that is the case then this one is a good one to go out with.



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

52 down and 8 more to go!

Today's post is on Rurouni Kenshin volume 28 by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Kenshin in the foreground and Kaoru behind him. It is the twenty-eighth volume in the long running series. You have to have read the first twenty-seven in the series to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes historical stories, manga, and interesting characters. There is no foul language, no sex, but some violence in this series. The story is told from third person close following different characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- As the feared assassin of the Bakumatsu, Himura Kenshin killed in the name of the new era. As the rurouni of Meiji, he wielded a sakabatô to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, all along holding true to his vow to never take another life. Now Kenshin's fight with Enishi has entered its final stage, as has his quest for atonement. Will another life be required to complete the circle? The road of redemption has been a long one for the world-weary swordsman, but now that Kenshin has found the will to live, can he muster the strength to survive?
Find out in the final, unforgettable volume of Nobuhiro Watsuki's international manga sensation, Rurouni Kenshin.



Review- Everything comes down to Kenshin's self forgiveness in this volume. Enishi will not be stopped but Kenshin knows that the only way he can pay for his sins is to live a life that protects now. The final battle comes down to protecting Kaoru and Enishi cannot allow a woman like his sister to die. Enishi escapes from the police and goes to find his own answer about how to live. All the side characters leave either to go help people like Megumi or on the run like Sanosuke. The last chapter takes place five years in the future and it really about Yahiko getting a hit on Kenshin and becoming a man. Kenshin and Kaoru are married with a small child. Kenshin's scar is lighter because he is living in the present not the past. All in all a very fun, exciting story and I had a great time with this series.



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

53 down and 7 more to go!

Today's post is on Beast Master volume 1 by Kyousuke Motomi. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. It is the first in Motomi's Beast Master duology. The cover has the two main characters on it looking at the reader. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this series. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, sweet stories with sweet characters. The story is told from third person close of the main female character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Taming a Beast was never this dangerous!

Leo Aoi looks like a crazy animal with wild eyes--and no one at his new high school will go near him! He does seem to have a special connection with animals though, which intrigues overzealous animal-lover Yuiko Kubozuka. In reality, Leo isn't as frightening as he appears, but Yuiko finds out that he goes berserk whenever he sees blood! Will Yuiko be able to get through to Leo during these violent fits? Or will Leo's ferocious side eventually devour her?



Review- This is an adorable story! The main character Yuiko loves animals too much so she scares them. But she is a very good judge of character so when she meets the new boy Leo, she is not afraid of him. So they make friends and we have our very sweet love story. Leo is very mysterious without meaning to be. Yuiko thinks about that she does not really know much about Leo's life before but that is not important to her. Leo wants to make friends but he is very intense when he looks at people. The plot is really about Yuiko and Leo becoming friends and starting to fall in love. I cannot wait to read the second volume and right now I wish that it was more than two volumes long.


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

54 down and 6 more to go!

Today's post is on Beast Master volume 2 by Kyousuke Motomi. It is the second in Beast Master series. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the two main characters on it looking at the reader. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga and sweet love stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this volume. The story is told from third person close from Yuiko perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Taming a Beast was never this dangerous!

Final Volume! Leo's 18th birthday is around the corner, but celebrating seems impossible as someone is after Leo's life! Can Leo overcome the dangers of his past? Or will this beast-like boy be separated from his beloved "master"...forever?



Review- I wish this series could have lasted longer because it was so cute! Yuiko and Leo's relationship is going along nicely when plot happens. Leo is the heir to a huge fortune and is about to get it when he turns eighteen. Leo's family is trying to kill him and that is the main conflict for this volume. It scares Yuiko because she cannot protect Leo from this very horrible people. They are both scared and do not know how to talk to each other about it. But this is a happy shojo manga so they are together in the end and it is so sweet. The last chapter is about Yuiko and Leo confessing their feeling for each other. I really enjoyed this series and I want to read more from this author.



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

55 down and 5 more to go!

Today' s post is on Monster Collection volume 1 by Itoh Sei. It is 168 pages long and is published by CMX. The cover is blue with the main character in the center and monster behind her. The intended reader is someone who likes high action series with humor added in to keep it from getting too dark. There is mild foul language, implied sexuality, and lots of violence in this series. The story is told from third person god perspective but it closely follows our brave heros. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Kasche Arbadel is the most gifted yet reckless summoner in her school. When an artifact of immesne power if stoeln. It's trail-by-fire when Kasche is sent in pursuit!

He who controls the most powerful monster can control the world. Kasche may have a talent for controlling beast, but she's got a lot to learn about self-control before she can become a full-fledged Summoner. When disaster strikes, her principal chooses her to avert it. Joined by allies both human and not, Kasche must recapture the relic from an evil Summoner before he can use it to unlock the Encyclopedia Verum, and call up the most powerful monsters ever seen!


Review- This is an interesting and funny shonen manga. The main character is Kasche. She is powerful summoner but very silly. She loves her monsters to the point that she feel kill to protect them when they are to protect her. She gets a new monster, a Lamia, and frees her from the bad guy. She also hires the thief, who is really a highly trained warrior from a race of warriors, to help her get the Encyclopedia Verum back. It ends with our heroes getting their strength back to start chasing the bad guy. The plot is promising with lots of interesting magic, lore, and world building. I look forward to seeing what Kasche and company get into.


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

56 down and 4 more to go!

Today' s post is on Monster Collection volume 2 by Itoh Sei. It is 168 pages long and is published by CMX. The cover is blue with the main character in the center and monsters behind her. The intended reader is someone who likes high action series with humor added in to keep it from getting too dark. There is mild foul language, implied sexuality, and lots of violence in this series. The story is told from third person god perspective but it closely follows our brave heroes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Not all Summoners share Kasche's love for living things...

Kasche's hunt for the stolen Guardian of Knowledge gas led her to the once-peaceful city of Wallace, where rebellion in brewing- but the truth is more sinister than a mere coup! With the aid of mercenary Cuervo and the lovely demoness Nastasha, not to mention a little assistance from a mysterious and lecherous lizard-man, Kasche must infiltrate the palace and steal back the guardian before it can be used to unlock the dangerous Encyclopedia Verum!


Review- So we get the plot really going in this volume with some fast action fights. Kasche and company find and recover the Encyclopedia Verum and they get caught by the villain who turns out to the same race as Cuervo. He wants to rule the world and is prepared to burn it to ash in the process. Cuervo and Kasche get to know each other a little better and that means for Cuervo that he sees how powerful of a summoner Kasche is. One of Kasche's creatures is killed in the fight and she experiences its death too. We get more world building with this volume and a better idea about the things that live in it. We have lizard men, humans, all kinds of magic, and fallen angels who can be defeated by sheer will. The volume ends with Kasche having to do something dangerous to save the day in the next volume.


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

57 down and 3 more to go!

Today' s post is on Monster Collection volume 3 by Itoh Sei. It is 162 pages long and is published by CMX. The cover is blue with the main character in the center being attacked by a monster. The intended reader is someone who likes high action series with humor added in to keep it from getting too dark. There is mild foul language, implied sexuality, and lots of violence in this series. The story is told from third person god perspective but it closely follows our brave heroes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- Is There Any Price Too High To Save A Human Life?
Kasche abd ger small fellowship have faced all manner of summoned beasts in their quest for the Guardian of Knowledge, but they could be at quest's end. Whilst in fierce combat with Duran DeBrancy and his evil summoner, Eclipse, fortunes with change and a difficult decision will be forced upon the heroes. Will they have the strength to stay the course or will the price be too high?


Review- This volume is pretty much all fight scene. About two-thirds of the way through we get some plot with the villains and with the separating of the party. Kasche is with the villains and she was what they wanted for some mysterious reason. Cuervo and Nastasha have the Guardian of Knowledge and in exchange for Kasche's life they are going to meet the villains at Spiral Island. With the plot being a little thin in this volume I wanted to talk some about the humor in this series. Most of it is bathroom/ physical humor but with some of the darker tones in this volume it was a welcome break. The darker tones come from the back story of one the villains. He just revenge on the Holy City for killing his entire people. He gets a whole page to himself and the destruction that he alone survived. I cannot wait to see what is going to happen on Spiral Island.


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

Today' s post is on Monster Collection volume 4 by Itoh Sei. It is 170 pages long and is published by CMX. The cover is blue with the main character in the center summoning with a monster behind her. The intended reader is someone who likes high action series with humor added in to keep it from getting too dark. There is mild foul language, implied sexuality, and lots of violence in this series. The story is told from third person god perspective but it closely follows our brave heroes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- A Summoner's secret weapon- the power of friendship!

Kasche is being held captive on mysterious Spiral Island, resting place of the Encyclopdia Verum. It also happens to be one giant anthill, home to the frightening and lethal Crimson Ants! Cuervo and Nastasha have come to rescue their fearless leader, but must make a hard choice- will they exchange the Guardian of Knowledge for her life and doom mankind? Or will the ditzy young summoner's love and friendship give them strength to fight?


Review- We get some idea about what the real villain wants from all this. He wants Kasche alive because she is like him in some way. We get to see that Cuervo is a real badass. He fights with the fallen angel and wins. Of course that does not stop the fallen but Cuervo was very cool looking. He shows his brains in this long fight. Most of the volume is fighting and running with some moments of real plot development. Kasche is continuing to hear the voice of some really big creature that she could summon but she does not that yet. She can be really thick sometimes. She is summoner and she does not get that the big woman who is calling out to her to summon her is a creature that Kasche can summon. /sigh. But that is my only annoyance with this volume. I cannot wait to see where the story is going next.


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

59 down and 1 more to go!

Today' s post is on Monster Collection volume 5 by Itoh Sei. It is 162 pages long and is published by CMX. The cover is blue with the main character standing in the rain with lightening behind her. The intended reader is someone who likes high action series with humor added in to keep it from getting too dark. There is mild foul language, nudity, implied sexuality, and lots of violence in this series. The story is told from third person god perspective but it closely follows our brave heroes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.



From the back of the book- The Sleeping Dragon Awakes!
Centuries ago, summoners of the ancient empire transferred their collective knowledge into a giant, organic super-computer- the encyclopedia Verum. Now, Lord Duran, agent of chaos, has tapped into it, seeking control over all the world's creatures. But the great blue dragon that was enslaved to guard the Encyclopedia is nursing a grudge. With Kasche and friends outnumbered against Duran's forces, their only hope might lie with unleashing her- the most dangerous creature ever summoned.


Review- Lots of action in this volume. The fallen angel is finally beaten by Cuervo and it gives some of its power to him. Kasche must go into the mind of the great dragon to try and get her free. But they are still surrounded by the fire ants and the evil summoner who wants to kill everyone now because it makes him happy. To free the great dragon, Kasche must first stop the defenses that the Encyclopedia has to protect itself from intruders. Kasche ends up summoning something that she may not be able to control and the volume ends with that thought. This is only volume to have nudity it in so far and that is when Kasche is in the spirit realm trying to get to the great dragon. It is used to give her vulnerability but it turns a little sexual towards the end and I feel that was unnecessary. But it does not last long so there is that but still it was not needed.


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

60 down! I am going to finish the manga series that I am currently working on ( as it is only one more volume) and put the review up here but I am done with this years Mount TBR pile!

Awesome job this year!