Mount TBR Challenge 2023 discussion

I'm back and I'm going for 60 to start with, see you at the top!

Good luck, Lynn! See you there.

Good climbing, Lynn!

Natália wrote: "Good climbing, Lynn!"
Thanks!

Today's post is on Skip Beat!, vol 29 by Yoshiki Nakamura. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. As it is the twenty-ninth in the long running series, you need to have read the first twenty-eight volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, humorous over-the-top plots, and good characters. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this series. The story is told from third person close of Kyoko and at times Ren. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- On the wat to the Dark Moon wrap party Kyoko bumps into her cast mate Kijima. He's never paid her any attention before, but he heard that people called her beautiful in her Natsu role. Kijima can't contain his curiosity and buys Kyoko a total makeover for the party. But is his interest innocent, or does he have wicked plans in store?!

Review- Kyoko gets to see some of Ren's jealously over her and of course she does not know what to think and just glosses over it. The meat of the volume is Ren and Kyoko playing the Heel siblings again and Ren causing from trouble as Cain Heel. He is playing his role well and is annoying another castmate. Kyoko is much more comfortable in her role now and I look forward to seeing what trouble they cook up as the Heel's.

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.

1 down. I would be further along but my appendix burst and I haven't been able to do much but sleep for the whole of Jan. I hope to make up some ground this month.

Today's post is in Queen's Quality, vol 4 by Kyousuke Motomi. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Fumi on it in a crown with the queen of hearts card in her hand. As it is both the fourth volume in a series and the second series following these characters, you need to have read the previous volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes urban fantasy, shojo manga, and magical girls. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Fumi and Kyutaro. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Bug handler Ataru offers Kyutaro a deal- he'll reveal everything about Fumi's past if Kyutaro will do what he asks in exchange. Although Kyutaro knows this must be a trap, he goes to see Ataru... what devastating effect will Ataru's evil plan have on Kyutaro and Fumi?

Review- This is just the start and Kyutaro is never fooled by Ataru. In fact the plan is try and clean out his heart, so that Ataru can be saved from his madness. Ataru is being controlled by the real bad guys and he does not even know Fumi, he is making Fumi take another's place in his mind. But that is also part of the bad guys plans, they want Fumi and Kyutaro to try and cleanse Ataru and that is where the volume ends. This world is very interesting and I enjoy how Motomi is revealing it to the reader. She does not overwhelm the reader will all the details and magic at once but gives the information bit by bit, so that the reader learns as Fumi does. I look forward to the next volume.

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

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Lynn wrote: "1 down. I would be further along but my appendix burst and I haven't been able to do much but sleep for the whole of Jan. I hope to make up some ground this month."

Ouch! Hope you're feeling better!

CinCO wrote: "Lynn wrote: "1 down. I would be further along but my appendix burst and I haven't been able to do much but sleep for the whole of Jan. I hope to make up some ground this month."

Ouch! Hope you're ..."

I am finally home and that helps a lot!

Today's post is on Moriarty the Patriot, Vol. 2 by Ryōsuke Takeuchi. It is 208 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has Sherlock Holmes on it. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and ,mild violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes reimaging of Sherlock Holmes and mystery plots. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- After successfully establishing a foothold in Durham and cleansing the city of some of its corruption, William James Moriarty sets his sights on London. To make headway there, he needs the aid of his brother Albert. But while on his way to London, William is kidnapped by a gang of criminals! Will Albert be able to save him in time?

Review- This volume has a lot going on from William dealing with kidnappers to bringing another corrupt nobleman down and meeting his rival Sherlock Holmes. The kidnapping plot is all planned to help get Albert into running MI6 and thus William into the heart of the government itself. The main story is dealing with nobleman, who likes to hunt and kill commoners for sport. The plot to stop him is very twisty and the reader is going to have a fun ride with it. Holmes is well done and the last chapter is following him as he meets Watson for the first time. I look forward to seeing what trouble William is going to stir up 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.

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Today's post is on Sweat and Soap, Vol. 7 by Kintetsu Yamada. It is 208 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has the two main characters on it, Asako and Kotaro. As it is the seventh volume in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes mature manga. There is no foul language, mild sexuality, and no violence in this manga. There is story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Scents of Self
After lots of discussion and planning (and so many Post-It notes), Asako and Kotaro move in together, and a new era of their relationship dawns! But will these meticulously-laid plans stand up to the pressures and annoyances of real life? Pressures like... meeting the family? Kotaro's managed to smooth things over with Asako's family so far, but his own relatives haven't had the chance to meet Asako yet. She's excited to see how Kotaro grew into the genius scent designer he is today, but she's also apprehensive. Will she leave the right impression, or will that familiar panic overtake her once again?

Review- We get to meet Kotaro's family and see the tea farm he grew up on. His family loves her but of course Asako has to learn to express herself with new people. But Kotaro's family seems to understand her and they make her welcome. This series does so many things right from character's acting like real adults so showing Asako dealing with her anxieties. Her feelings are considered valid and matter to the people in her life. The relationship is shown to be quite realistic, with little fights and misunderstandings, but most importantly Asako and Kotaro talk it out and they find a middle ground that works for both of them. I recommend this series strongly.

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

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Today's post is on Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa. It is 270 pages long and is published by Viz Media. The cover has Edward Elric on it looking confident. The intended reader is someone who likes mature shonen stories, historical urban fantasy, and intense plots. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and some violence in this series. The story closely follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “auto-mail” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother’s bodies… the legendary Philosopher’s Stone!

Review- This is one of the best selling manga of the modern day. This is the story of the Elric brothers as they try to repair their lives after making a horrible mistake as young children. It starts with the brothers traveling to a small village after hearing rumors about miracles. They uncover a priest who is using a whole town and has very grand plans for himself. After this introduction into the world and our main characters, we travel with Ed and Al until the end of the manga where things gets serious. This is a very strong first volume and the edition itself is beautiful with color inserts and color matching end pages. I would highly recommend this series.

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

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Today's post is on Yakuza Lover, Vol. 5 by Nozomi Mino. It is 170 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Yuri and Oya on it, dressed up for a date. As it is the fifth in the series, you need to have read the first four to understand the story. There is some mild foul language, sex and sexuality, and mild violence in this series. The intended reader is someone who likes dark romance, mafia love stories, and strong horeines. The story closely follows Yuri and at times Oya. There Be Spoilers Ahead,

From the back of the book- Choko, a hostess working at a club under the Oya syndicate’s protection, has her sights set on Oya. Determined to have Oya all to herself, the femme fatale arranges for Yuri to be attacked so she can play the hero and use it as an excuse to get closer to Oya. Oya discovers Choko’s plot, but it’s part of the Oya syndicate’s creed to never lay hands on a woman. So how is he going to settle the score with her?

Review- This volume is really about Choko and her obsession with Oya. we do see Yuri as she buys a birthday present for Oya and Oya dealing with Choko but the main focus of the story is Choko and what she will do to get Oya. Of course Choko doesn't understand that Oya is not playing with Yuri, that he is in love with her. So because of that mistake, Choko is going to lose access to Oya forever. I liked this volume following another character for a more in depth look into her motives. Choko was a good side villain, she willing to do just about anything to get who she wants. But the ending was focused back right it should be, which is on Yuri and Oya. I look forward to 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.

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Today's Manga Monday post is on Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 2 by Hiromu Arakawa. It is 264 pages long and is published by Viz Media. The cover has Al on it. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first volume. The intended reader is someone who likes shonen manga, adventure stories, and funny heroes. There is mild foul language, no sex, and some violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Ed and at times other characters for plot development. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. The brothers’ search for the Philosopher’s Stone leads them to a secret alchemical document which contains a gruesome truth.

Review- This volume picks up right where the last volume ended with Ed facing a mystery man, who destroyed his metal arm. But Ed and Al are saved by other state alchemists and the man is revealed to a war survivor named Scar. He kills alchemists and he is hunting in the main city. This volume has a good piece about the past and what happened to Ed and Al after and they discover what a sorcerer's stone really is and how to make one. We get to see more of other state alchemists and why alchemists are disliked in the world. The worldbuilding is starting to get strong and the reader is getting a feel for the place that Ed and Al have. I am excited to read what is going to happened to them next!

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.

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Today's Manga Monday post is on Waiting for Spring, Vol. 7 by Anashin. It is 176 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Mutsuki and Towa on it. As it is the seventh volume in the series, you need to have read the first six volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters, Mutsuki and Towa. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- One-On-One
Mitsuki has been working so hard to prepare for the school festival that she passes out from exhaustion. When she wakes up, she finds herself in an unfamiliar bed...
It turns out to be Aya who's come to her rescue, like he always used to. Meanwhile, Towa comes to an important realization on his own- he resolves to confess his feelings to Mitsuki, ad the day of the school festival may be his best chance!

Review- Mutsuki does a lot of growing in this volume. She is reaching out and finding out that she likes being around other people and being involved in school clubs. Towa has been thinking about his feelings, Mutsuki and Aya. So some big things happen in this volume. The plot is more the focus and moving forward. I hope that we get more character development in the next volume with all the plot movement in this one. I want to see how Mutsuki is going to face her own feelings and how she is going handle both boys. I am looking forward to the next volume and seeing what is going happen 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.

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Today's fiction post is on Slayers: The Ghosts of Sairaag by Hajime Kanzaka, and Rui Araizumi (Illustrator). It is 226 pages long and is published by J-Novel Club. As it is the third novel in the Slayers series, you need to have the first two novels to understand the story. The cover has Lina on it looking pleased with herself. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and action violence in this novel. The story is told from first person perspective of Lina. There Be Spoiler Ahead.

From the back of the book- All me and Gourry wanted was a peaceful little road trip, but we can’t take one step without wannabe heroes showing up to “vanquish” us! You’d think there was a bounty on our heads or— Wait, there IS?! Ah, crap. Better head to Sairaag to get this whole mess sorted out! Sure hope it’s just a big misunderstanding and not some complex plot by an old enemy to lure us into a— Wait, WHO issued the bounty? Oh, boy...

Review- This is novel is very good, it is back to Lina and Gourry on the run from bad guys and trying to figure out what is really going on. They run into my favorite character again, Zelgadis, and he is a good addition to this novel. He is a very unique perspective and he is good with magic so Lina has someone to talk about magic with. The action is very fast in this novel, with every scene adding more to the plot and expanding the world for the readers. The villain is very good in this novel, nice and evil and very powerful, so our heroes have to think outside of Dragon Slave to stop him. Kanzaka is really warming up to his world and the characters in it. I am looking forward to the next novel and seeing what is going to happen next.

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

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Today's post is on Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, Vol. 2 by Naoko Takeuchi. It is 343 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Sailor Mercury on it. As it is the second volume in the series, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, magical girl manga, and classic manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and some violence in this manga. The story closely follows the main character, Usagi. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the flaps on the book- The guardians in sailor suits return in this definitive edition of the greatest magical girl manga of all time! Features all-new cover illustrations by creator Naoko Takeuchi, a glittering holographic coating, an extra-large size, premium paper, French flaps, and a newly-revised translation!
Teenager Usagi is not the best athlete, she's never gotten good grades, and, well, she's a bit of a crybaby. But when she meets a talking cat, she begins a journey that will teach her she has a well of great strength just beneath the surface and the heart to inspire and stand up for her friends as Sailor Moon! Experience the Sailor Moon manga as never before in these extra-long editions (about 300 pages each).

Review- So much happens in this volume. We get so much plot and everyone's basic back story from the Silver Millennium, and we met Sailor Venus and the Sailor Scouts defeat the first major bad guy, Queen Beryl. Usagi and Mamoru remember who they were and how they died the first time. The action is very paced with a lot happening as Takeuchi wraps up the first major arc for the series. The ending is someone claiming to the Usagi, who is looking for the Silver Crystal, holds a gun at Usagi and Mamoru. This arc was very interesting with so much going for it, I can understand why Sailor Moon became a classic, just from this first story arc. The art is just beautiful, in this edition there are many full color pieces, that add so much to the series and really shows off Takeuchi's beautiful art style. I am looking forward to reading the next volume and seeing what is going to happen to Usagi next.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Skip Beat!, Vol. 30 Yoshiki Nakamura. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Kyoko and Ren on it all dressed up. As it is the thirty volume in the series, you need to have read the previous twenty-nine volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this volume. The story is third person close following the main characters mostly. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Ren’s new cast mate Taira Murasame used to be a biker, and he sees show biz as just another gang to get to the top of. Normally Ren would have no problem dealing with a punk, but his role as BJ requires him to tap his darkest depths. When Murasame and Ren have to fight on camera, can Ren remember that it’s only acting?!

Review- This volume is mostly about Ren and him dealing with how this role is making him remember his past. But there is also him getting into the role both on set and alone with Kyoko. Kyoko is a little worried about him because she is so in tune with Ren and his feelings. The rest of the volume is the normal over the top humor. Ren getting into a 'real' fight with Murasame, Kyoko being Setsu and causing some mild drama. I am really enjoying this silly arc with both Kyoko and Ren pretending to be this weird, tough siblings. But it is also nice to get some background trauma for Ren when he lived in America. I look forward to seeing what nonsense they are going to get into next.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Takane & Hana, Vol. 7 by Yuki Shiwasu. It is 200 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. As it is the seventh volume in the series, you need to have read the first six to understand the story. The cover Hana and Takane looking very dramatic on the cover. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes over the top characters and silly plotlines. The story is told from third person close mostly following Hana. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Stripped of his wealth and now penniless, Takane has to learn to cope with being poor. He refuses any help from Hana, but she isn’t about to let him brush her off! Takane is as difficult as ever, but Hana sticks by him. Will she finally admit she has feelings for him?

Review- Takane is still learning how to live as as a normal person but he is getting back to his normal silly self. Hana is having to deal with the fact that she has grown to like Takane for himself. That unsettles her and that adds to the humor in this volume. But there is good character growth in this volume from both Hana and Takane, so that was enjoyable. But the plot is moving slowing in comparison to the character growth. I hope that we more plot in the next volume to add to the growth the characters have done in this one. More silliness to come!

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get mothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

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Today's manga post is on Kiss Him, Not Me!, Vol. 4 by Junko. It is 168 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Kae, Nanashima and Shinomiya on it. As it is the fourth in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo and high school rom-coms. The story is told from third person close of mostly Kae. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Hi again! It's me, Kae! After sweating it out with the boys, I've slimmed down again, but the fujoshi in me will never fade away!
After everything that happened in the last volume, Igarashi has now fallen in love with the true me. je's decided to continue his pursuit, but this time, he means business!
Igarashi's new resolve also spurs a change in Nanashima, and he doubles his efforts to win me over, it's great that they're both so fired up, but what's firing me up the thought of them possibly getting hot and heavy with each other...

Review- This volume is more about the boys and their inter-relationships and Kae is in the background having her fujoshi fantasies. But Kae is also learning to be real friends to the boys and getting to understand them. There is a little moment with some other boys are not good are hearing the word 'no' and Kae has to be rescued by her friends. The manga is really sinking into the silly theme and exploring the characters that live in this world and even in Kae's imagination. I would like to see some growth from Kae, maybe start thinking about the boys as real people, not just there for to her have fantasies about.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Vol. 2 by Yū Tomofuji. It is 192 pages long and is published by Yen Press. The cover has Sariphi, Cy, and Clops on it. As it is the second in the series, you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, love stories, and court intrigue. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Sariphi. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- When an array of rival princesses descends upon the palace, Sariphi gains an unlikely ally in the princess of the reptile clan. A hopeless romantic, Princess Amit is determined to push her erstwhile sacrificial friend into the king's arms! But even with Amit cheering her on, will Sariphi be able to carry out the absurd set of tasks Chancellor Anubis concocts to prove she is worthy of being queen...?

Review- Sariphi has to actively choose if she wants to be queen in this volume. All the princesses have come to try and marry Leo. The cat princess even tries to kill Sariphi but Anubis is the real threat to her. He wants to out of the castle and for Leo to choose the right bride, not a human one. Also Sariphi gains a friend in the lizard princess, who becomes her personal attendant. Sariphi has many challenges in this volume but her faith in herself and in Leo is strong. There is world building in this volume with the reader seeing magic and the cost of doing magic. I am enjoying this series and I look forwarding to seeing Sariphi succeed.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 01 by Yuu Watase. It is 189 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has two of the main characters on it, Takiko and Limdo. This is a prequel to the first Fushigi Yûgi series, but you do not have to have read it to understand the story. There is some mild foul language, no sex, and some violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Takiko. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- When schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy her father's translation of "The Universe of the Four Gods," she is instead literally sucked into the story, becoming the Priestess of Genbu in an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors!
In her first encounter, she meets the mysterious outlaw Limdo, a Celestial Warrior with a tattoo of the Chinese character for "woman" on his chest. Limdo can not only summon the wind as one of his special powers, but he can also transform into a woman!
Takiko meets up with the bowman, Chamka, who is hunting Limbdo. It seems Chamka is one of the seven Celestial Warriors as well...

Review- A great start to the prequel of a classic series. Takiko has been caring for her mother as they wait for her father to return from wherever he wondered off to. When he returns, he is still obsessed with a book called "The Universe of the Four Gods," and is not there when Takiko's mother dies. In her anger, Takiko tries to destroy the book. That is when she is taken into the world of the Four Gods. The story is strong with Takiko having a strong will and she makes choices in her life. The two warriors she has met are interesting and they have strong powers. The bad guys know that she is here and they are ready for her. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next.

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

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Today's manga post is Frau Faust, Vol. 4 by Kore Yamazaki. It is 160 pages long and is published by Kodansha Comics. The cover has Faust, Marion, and Mephistopheles on it. As it is the fourth in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Faust. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the manga- The Devil you know
After a surprise reappearance by a recently defeated demon, Johanna and her companions find themselves under attack. The demon Ino has been ordered to capture Dr. Faust, and this time, nothing will stop Ino from accomplishing her goal. Soon, Johanna finds herself in the heart of enemy territory, but the Doctor's smirk as she faces her captors seems to suggest that the series of events leading to defeat may have all been according to plan...

Review- We start with Faust and co. running from trouble and into the demon Ino. Faust gets taken into the cathedral where Mephistopheles' head is. But she is very hurt and passes out. Then we get to see more of her past as she remembers in her dreams. Everything is starting to wrap up with all the threads coming together, from who is pulling Ino's strings to what really happened to Faust. Faust is no fool, she knows that she is running out of time and she is willing to do whatever is takes. The art continues to be wonderful and a wonderful addition to the story telling. I am looking forward to seeing how everything ends.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Golden Japanesque - A Splendid Yokohama Romance, Vol. 1 by Kaho Miyasaka. It is 163 pages long and is published by Yen Press. The cover has the main character, Maria on it. The intended reader is someone who likes historical romance, shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Maria. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- In Meiji-era Japan, sixteen-year-old Maria wishes she can change her appearance. If only her eyes and hair were different, maybe she wouldn’t be met with such fear, and maybe her own mother wouldn’t be so ashamed of her. But when Maria encounters a handsome yet mischievous boy named Rintarou, her understanding of beauty—and herself—begins to change. To him, Maria’s not just pretty; she’s straight out of a fairy tale! A historical romance unfolds on the streets of Yokohama…

Review- A good start to a new series. Maria is half-western and half- Japanese and she has been mistreated because of it. She has golden hair that her mother puts ink on every morning and Maria never lifts her head. But she gets involved with the son of a social higher family, Rintarou. From meeting him, Maria's world expanded and she began to question her reality and experiences. The story is interesting, the art is just wonderful, and the characters are good. I am interested in what is going to happen to Maria and I hope that she finds herself on this journey.

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

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Today's fiction post is on Vampire Hunter D Volume 6: Pilgrimage of the Sacred and the Profane by Hideyuki Kikuchi , and Yoshitaka Amano (Illustrator). It is 178 pages long and is published by Dark Horse. The cover has D and his horse in the moonlight on it. The intended reader is someone who likes dark adventure stories with stoic characters and strange monsters. There is mild foul language, mild sexuality, and violence in this novel. The story is told from third person god narration. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The Cruel Desert between the Inner and Outer Frontiers has a mind, and heart, of its own.
Granny Viper is a "people finder," a searcher for lost souls along the roads of the forbidding wasteland of 12,090 A.D. Her latest mission: the safe return to her family of an "abductee," a young woman named Tae, kidnapped eight years ago by vampire Nobility and held in Castle Gradinia on the far border of the Frontiers. Rescuing Tae was only half the battle- Viper knows she can't make the rest of the journey with the across the formidable expanse to the town of Barnabas alone. But the wizened crone makes a fatal mistake in hiring the mercenary Bullow Brothers to help her, and when she turns to the legendary Vampire Hunter D for salvation the two women and D finds themselves in a race for their lives across the blinding desert sands.

Review- Another interesting adventure for D and the world that he lives in. In this novel he meets another dhampir and they have some very interesting interactions. The action is mostly about the characters just trying to survive the desert, which has a will and plans for all of them. The most interesting part of this novel is interactions between D and the other dhampir. They a lot in common and that makes their conversations very important and add depth to the world and world building. The art in this novel really add to the story and we get a good look at D's face in this volume. All in all this volume was a great read and added so much to the world building and to D's overall character.

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

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Today's manga post is I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! Vol. 2 by Haru Harukawa (Artist) , and Reina Soratani (Original Story). It is 180 pages long and is published by Seven Seas. The cover has the crown prince on it. As it is the second volume you need to have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes villainess stories, rom-coms, and shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is story from third person close of the main character, Violette. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- All the World's a Stage
The daughter of a duke, Lady Violette, attempted to murder her half sister out of jealousy and was thrown into prison for her crime. After losing consciousness in jail, she wakes up one year in the past. This time, she decides to avoid attention and live a quiet and normal life. But the people around her can't help but notice that something's different. Despite her attempts to lay low, during a study session Violette crosses paths with the handsome price and student council president Claudia, as well as his closest confident Milania, and her childhood friend Yulan! And now her half sister Maryjune won't leave her alone, either!

Review- This volume picks up right where the last one left off with the prince about to go on stage. Violette helps him because she can without thinking about it but now the prince has noticed her. Of course now that Violette is just living her life without trying to get anyone to notice her, the prince is all over her and I am will her on being annoyed about it. In addition we see some of Violette's past when she was a child and the abuse that her mother did. Her mother made Violette dress as a boy and pretend to be her father. It was very twisted but it shows why Yulan is so attached to Violette and why Violette so badly wants to be loved for herself. I am looking forward to the next volume.

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.

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Today's manga post is on The Promised Neverland, Vol. 3 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (Illustrator). It is 192 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump. The cover has the children running and defended themselves. As it is the third volume in the series, you need to have read the first two volumes. The intended reader is someone who likes horror, dystopian manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and some mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the different characters moving as needed. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Destroy!
In order to escape the orphanage where they are being raised as food for demons, Emma, Norman and Ray begin recruiting allies. But convincing the other children to believe them may not be an easy task.

Review- This volume is very tense with the adults both moving, against the children and each other. Sister Krone wants to be a mom and she knows that the children are planning to escape. So she proposes a alliance, help for the children to escape and help to bring down mom Isabelle. Of course nothing goes as planned with Sister Krone giving her life to help the children in some mysterious way and mom Isabelle saying that Norman's day is here. The tension is getting greater as the children are very aware of time running out for them and they still know so little about the outside world. I hope that we get the escape soon because Grace Field House is just getting more dangerous for everyone, even Isabelle.

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.

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Today's manga post is on Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 20 by Mizuho Kusanagi. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Gija on it. As it is the twentieth volume in the series, you need to have read the first nineteen volumes in order to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes fantasy, action shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Yona and Riri wind up in the nation of Sei after being betrayed by a trusted acquaintance! 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- Yona and Riri are in danger but they are going to just let things happen to them. They discover and learn about the people who are kidnapping for slaves. Hak and co. quickly discover that Yona is missing and they go on the hunt for her. But with Riri being the daughter of the Water Tribe leader, all of the kingdom get involved. This volume is about building relationships as the plot takes a back sit and it is important to see the bonds between the characters. Yona and Riri survive by trusting and helping each other. It ends with a cliff hanger and Riri in danger, so I am looking forward to the next volume.

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.

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Today's manga post is on The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 8 by Kousuke Oono. It is 168 pages long and is published by Viz Media. As it is the eighth in the long running series, you need to have some other volumes to understand the story. The cover has Tatsu ironing and looking very intense. There is no foul language, no sex, and comedy violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes comedy manga with over the top gags. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the manga- Housework without Honor or Humanity.
The cozy yakuza comedy continues as everyone's favorite househusband finds himself in even more crazy high jinks. Between a donut showdown and a new lady cop on the beat, Tatsu may have finally met his match! It's just another day for the Immortal Dragon.

Review-Another prefect volume of great comedy. Tatsu gets himself into and out of some great silliness in this one. At the end of the volume there is a special Poli-Cure episode, that is Tatsu's wife's favorite show. It was fun and funny to see Oono take on the magical girl tropes. Tatsu continues to be the best, most oblivious former yakuza ever. From trying to find a home for a hamster and hiding like a gun to trying to out man one of his friends in a steam sauna, there is a little bit of everything in this volume. I love this series so much and I cannot wait to read the next volume.

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.

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