On Bended Knee is a collection of short stories featuring professional adults (pediatricians, chefs, professors, et cetera) linked together by, as the back cover points out, the common theme of learning to accept one’s true feelings for another. Although too brief to achieve greatness, each story is a pleasant enough read and all are free from the nonconsensual scenes that … [Read more...] about On Bended Knee by Ruri Fujikawa: B-
Manga
Boys Over Flowers 24 by Yoko Kamio: B
From the back cover: Tsukushi has been unconscious for two days and wakes up in Tsukasa's cousin's home! This terrifying man saved her life and now he's courting her! What is the secret behind this mysterious cousin who so closely resembles Tsukasa, and what could be the reason for his intense hatred of Tsukasa? Why does Tsukasa not know anything about him? Review: I find I'm … [Read more...] about Boys Over Flowers 24 by Yoko Kamio: B
Papillon 3 by Miwa Ueda: B-
Ageha grew up in the shadow of her beautiful twin sister, Hana, but lately, with the help of her school counselor, Ichijiku-sensei, she’s been gaining confidence. As volume three begins, Ichijiku and Ageha have begun dating, but it doesn’t last long, as devious Hana dupes Ichijiku into believing she’s Ageha and behaves obnoxiously on a date, causing him to call off the … [Read more...] about Papillon 3 by Miwa Ueda: B-
The Lapis Lazuli Crown 1 by Natsuna Kawase: B
In the country of Savarin, about 20% of the population can perform magic. Seventeen-year-old Miel comes from a long line of sorcerers, and though the family has fallen a bit since the days when their services were sought after at the palace, they’re still very respectable. Miel doesn’t have much interest in improving her own skills, though, until she meets Prince Radian (also … [Read more...] about The Lapis Lazuli Crown 1 by Natsuna Kawase: B
Bleach 27 by Tite Kubo: B+
From the back cover: Orihime's return from the Soul Society is interrupted by the Arrancar Ulquiorra, who has a different, terrifying path for her. Using duplicitous tactics, Ulquiorra convinces Orihime to accompany him to Hueco Mundo, which brands her as a traitor in the Soul Society's eyes and therefore unworthy of rescue. Ichigo refuses to abandon his friend, and sets out to … [Read more...] about Bleach 27 by Tite Kubo: B+