These seven volumes leading up to the conclusion of Boys Over Flowers, which now has the distinction of being the longest shoujo series I've read, feature some pretty drastic reversals of fortune. Through spontaneous trips to New York City, love confessions from unexpected sources, kidnappings, deserted islands, stabbings, and amnesia, Tsukushi and Tsukasa endure a whirlwind of … [Read more...] about Boys Over Flowers 29-35 by Yoko Kamio: B
Shoujo
Black Bird 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji: B-
Misao Harada has always been able to see spirits, but when she turns sixteen, things suddenly get a lot worse. Kyo Usui, her childhood friend and first love, returns after a ten-year absence just in time to inform her that she is “the bride of prophecy,” and that now that she is sixteen, all sorts of demons are going to want to drink her blood, eat her flesh, and/or marry … [Read more...] about Black Bird 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji: B-
Crimson Hero 11 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B
The Crimson High girls’ volleyball team has made it to the third round of the Newcomers’ Tournament and is facing its first serious challenge. Things are going well and they win the first set, but when the opposing team intentionally wounds Crimson High’s star setter, there’s no one who can fill in. Instead, the Crimson High girls rearrange their strategy to protect their … [Read more...] about Crimson Hero 11 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B
Tsubasa: Those with Wings 2 by Natsuki Takaya: C+
Oh, if only Tsubasa: Those with Wings were as good as its gorgeous cover suggests! Former thief Kotobuki and her companion/love interest, erstwhile Army officer Raimon, are still searching for Tsubasa, a legend rumored to grant wishes. But first, they must slog through an excruciatingly dull plot about the Army enlisting the help of Raimon’s gun-smuggling foster father to … [Read more...] about Tsubasa: Those with Wings 2 by Natsuki Takaya: C+
Boys Over Flowers 28 by Yoko Kamio: B+
From the back cover: Tsukushi's friend Yuki is still fixated on Sojiro*, a member of the F4. While struggling to understand him she immerses herself in a mysterious event from his past. Meanwhile, spies continue to track Tsukushi and Tsukasa's every move. The two of them will have to take some outlandish steps to outsmart the snoops and get some "alone time!" * The back cover … [Read more...] about Boys Over Flowers 28 by Yoko Kamio: B+