So very much happens in volumes thirteen and fourteen of NANA that one could easily expend 1000 words on plot synopsis alone. Hachi grows somewhat stronger, Nana sustains some painful blows, several of the fellows aren't on their best behavior, and some peripheral characters grow in importance. In a way, this feels like a new phase in the series, and these two installments … [Read more...] about NANA Project #7!
Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+
When I reviewed Madarame's Cute Devil, I mentioned that I wanted to see what she'd achieve with more likable characters. Well, Scarlet provides the answer. The title story is somewhat disturbing, but that makes it interesting, and I really liked the tale of a one night stand between two coworkers. You can find my full review in the latest BL Bookrack column at Manga … [Read more...] about Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+
Midnight Bloom by Rico Fukiyama: C-
What a disappointment! I usually like books in DMP's DokiDoki imprint, but aside from a blandly cute title story, this one's full of shallow stories and off-putting relationships, including a particularly ick-inducing student-teacher romance. You can find that review here. Review copy provided by the publisher. … [Read more...] about Midnight Bloom by Rico Fukiyama: C-
There’s Something About Sunyool 2-3 by Youngran Lee: B+
Sunyool Lee’s life is full of disreputable accomplishments. If only she had something to show for them! Volume two picks up four years after the dissolution of Sunyool’s six-month marriage to Sihyun Park, a wonderful guy with whom she was perfectly compatible. After a two-year stay in Paris, where she attempted to forget her pain and honed her pastry chef skills, she returned … [Read more...] about There’s Something About Sunyool 2-3 by Youngran Lee: B+
Geek Chic: The Zoey Zone by Margie Palatini: C
From the back cover: MEET ZOEY Age: Eleven. Well, almost eleven. Backspace. Halfway to eleven. Factoid: 198 days to sixth grade. Problem: Coolability (see glossary inside). Connect the dots: A bad hair situation... Growing earlobes... WANTED: 1. A fairy godmother. 2. A molto chic makeover [molto = very in Italian]. 3. A seat at the primo lunch table. [Primo is also Italian. It … [Read more...] about Geek Chic: The Zoey Zone by Margie Palatini: C