When Chouko Mizushima was in her first year of high school, she lost both parents in a traffic accident. The shock and grief left her unable to speak and she was shuffled around amongst various relatives before finally ending up with her father’s cousin, the reclusive and cold-seeming author, Kei. Kei sets some conditions for living with him that include tending to his decrepit … [Read more...] about The Name of the Flower 1 by Ken Saito: A-
CMX
The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 4 by Nari Kusakawa: B+
This is the story of Cello, an aspiring Palette or “color magician,” who has had to repeat her first year of training school because her abilities are a bit different than those of her fellow students. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is a very episodic series, and this volume is no exception. On the agenda are a separation from her avian partner that prompts Cello to strive to … [Read more...] about The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 4 by Nari Kusakawa: B+
The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 3 by Nari Kusakawa: B
From the back cover: Cello meets Fenne, a fellow Palette-in-training who’s been having problems with his abilities ever since his bird-partner died. Despite his sarcastic attitude, Cello is determined to both help him find a suitable new bird and to become his friend. Then Olga—Dr. Guell’s jealous bird—decides that Cello is taking up way too much of Dr. Guell’s time. So now … [Read more...] about The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 3 by Nari Kusakawa: B
The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 2 by Nari Kusakawa: B+
From the back cover: It's Christmas time on the island of Opal, and a visiting young Prince introduces holiday traditions to its residents. What could be more festive than the powers of the color wizards unleashed upon the season? But Dr. Guell is jealous of the relationship between the Prince and Cello and adds a sour note to the happy celebration. Then, find out more about … [Read more...] about The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 2 by Nari Kusakawa: B+
The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 1 by Nari Kusakawa: A-
From the back cover: On the island of Opal live the world's most colorful birds. The birds have attracted a school for aspiring "Palettes"—wizards who have the ability to borrow color from one object and paint its qualities on to another. Young Cello has the potential to be a great Palette, but she just can't seem to control her power. As the end of freshman year approaches … [Read more...] about The Palette of 12 Secret Colors 1 by Nari Kusakawa: A-