From the back cover: The skies are always clearer after a storm... After her boyfriend of seven years dumps her, Minami realizes she's shut out everything else in her life. Now, at twenty-seven years old, ambitious Minami throws herself into her advertising job and experiences life—and love—for the first time. From Mari Okazaki, the edgy, provocative author of Sweat & … [Read more...] about Suppli 1 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Blade of the Immortal 1 by Hiroaki Samura: A
From the back cover: Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men! His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers. His quest ends only after he has spilled the blood of a thousand! Review: Wow. I had no idea … [Read more...] about Blade of the Immortal 1 by Hiroaki Samura: A
Shinobi Life 1 by Shoko Conami: B+
Well, it’s happened again. I receive a review copy for a title with a premise that makes me expect the worst, only to end up liking it a great deal. Not only that, I’m willing to spend my own money to obtain subsequent volumes! It’s all an evil plot. Beni Fujiwara is the daughter of a rich and powerful man, and has grown accustomed to being kidnapped. She even gives pointers … [Read more...] about Shinobi Life 1 by Shoko Conami: B+
Bogle 1-2 by Shino Taira and Yuko Ichiju: C
When Asuka’s brother lands his dream job as a detective, he and his sister relocate from Okinawa to Yokohama. Asuka begins attending a private high school where the principal secretly finances “the chivalrous burglars rocking the world, Bogle.” Bogle consists of a pair of good-looking boys (and their faculty advisor) who specialize in retrieving precious items for their … [Read more...] about Bogle 1-2 by Shino Taira and Yuko Ichiju: C
Papillon 1 by Miwa Ueda: B+
When I was in the sixth grade, a particular series of books was very popular. It focused on a pair of blonde twin sisters, the older of whom was kind and thoughtful while the younger was selfish and scheming. Most of the time, the good twin allowed her conniving sibling to have her way, but when it came to a certain boy, she drew the line. Their names were Elizabeth and Jessica … [Read more...] about Papillon 1 by Miwa Ueda: B+