It’s maintenance time for the kami who serve the kotodama users of the Mitou family, which provides an opportunity to introduce some members of the extended family. Volume three dealt primarily with the couple of Genma and Himi, an arc that carries over into the first few chapters of this volume. Himi, who had once been the kami of Genma’s father, protects his new master … [Read more...] about ZE 4 by Yuki Shimizu: C+
Boys' Love
ZE 3 by Yuki Shimizu: C+
From the back cover: When a kotodama-sama dies, his or her kami-sama—a healer made of living paper—typically chooses to die as well, returning to a blank state as "hakushi." But when Himi's master passes away, a deep sense of obligation forces him to choose another path. Instead, Himi becomes kami-sama for his master's estranged son, Genma. Genma is everything Himi's former … [Read more...] about ZE 3 by Yuki Shimizu: C+
Our Kingdom: Arabian Nights by Naduki Koujima: B-
This one-volume spin-off of Our Kingdom stars Raoul, a former supporting character of that series, as he attempts to recover from heartbreak by taking a trip to a swanky Middle Eastern resort. His plans go astray when he is captured by a good-hearted yet foolish prince named Ashif, who plans to use Raoul as a pawn to ensure his sister’s marital happiness. Raoul is naturally … [Read more...] about Our Kingdom: Arabian Nights by Naduki Koujima: B-
Physical Attraction by Tatsumi Kaiya: B
Physical Attraction is a collection of BL stories about adult men—either college students or professionals—and is bookended by two tales about the same couple. In “Physical Attraction,” Kurata and Narusawa have been having a sexual relationship for some time, but when Kurata belatedly realizes that he loves Narusawa, he wonders whether it’s too late to try to steer things in … [Read more...] about Physical Attraction by Tatsumi Kaiya: B
La Satanica by Momoko Tenzen: B+
When Shoji Mashita spots his classmate Motoki Matsushima lovingly caressing his (Mashita’s) desk, he abruptly realizes that Matsuhima has feelings for him. He narrates that he’s okay with this, since he respects Matsushima as a friend, but he can’t resist tormenting him since his reactions are so violent. Eventually, Mashita realizes that he has feelings for Matsushima, too, … [Read more...] about La Satanica by Momoko Tenzen: B+