From the back cover: Amberground is locked in darkness. A man-made star casts only a dim light over the land. The pitch-blade wilderness is infested with Gaichuu—colossal insects with metal exoskeletons. The Gaichuu make travel between the cities of Amberground extremely dangerous. But thankfully the Letter Bees, a brave corps of messengers, risk their lives in order to keep … [Read more...] about Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee 2 by Hiroyuki Asada: C
Sci-Fi
Karakuri Odette 2 by Julietta Suzuki: B+
In this gentle and episodic comedy, teenage android Odette has just entered her second year of high school and is joined by fellow android Chris, a former attack bot now reprogrammed by Odette’s creator, Hiroaki. Although Odette has learned much from being among humans, some concepts still elude her, like why a girl’s heart would beat faster near a particular boy or why some … [Read more...] about Karakuri Odette 2 by Julietta Suzuki: B+
Steal Moon 1-2 by Makoto Tateno: C
As in the related series Blue Sheep Reverie, Makoto Tateno has gone beyond the call of BL duty to craft a science fiction plot of some complexity. One hundred years in the past, a computer on the moon called “Isis” was created to protect the president then in office. Now it’s rumored to be spying on the populace and seasoned street fighter Nozomi is recruited to help put it out … [Read more...] about Steal Moon 1-2 by Makoto Tateno: C
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl: C
From the back cover: Now that he's won the chocolate factory, what's next for Charlie? Last seen flying through the sky in a giant elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket's back for another adventure. When the giant elevator picks up speed, Charlie, Willy Wonka, and the gang are sent hurtling through space and time. Visiting the world's first space hotel, … [Read more...] about Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl: C
Immortal Rain 1-2 by Kaori Ozaki: A-
Machika Balfaltin’s grandfather, Zol, was a renowned bounty hunter/assassin, but there was one man he could never catch: Methuselah, an immortal with a price on his head. Machika, like your typical fourteen-year-old, is convinced that she can do anything and is determined to settle her grandfather’s unfinished business. Her attempt to capture Methuselah goes wrong, however, … [Read more...] about Immortal Rain 1-2 by Kaori Ozaki: A-