Mars: Vol. 4

by Fuyumi Soryo

Synopsis
Just when things are beginning to heat up between Kira and Rei, Rei's old girlfriend shows up and confesses that she never stopped loving him. When Rei tells her not to come around again, she walks into traffic and Rei is forced to rescue her. His act of heroism only intensifies her obsession, and soon the exiled ex refuses to get out of bed or eat until Rei agrees to see her. When Kira tries to give him some girlfriendly advice on the matter, Rei lashes out at her and reduces her to tears. Emotions continue to escalate until the anniversary of Sei's death, when repressed memories are unearthed and hidden secrets revealed.

Review
This volume kinda reads like a soap opera, with the introduction of the ex-girlfriend, Shiori, who tries to wedge her way in where she doesn't belong. On top of that, she's not that nice, or actually, she plays nice to get what she wants. She's very selfish and spoiled, probably so that the readers won't like her at all. But she does have her own motivations, too, and she doesn't feel introduced just so that Kira and Rei's relationship will stop developing, she feels like a natural addition to the story. One thing that I really appreciated was how easily Rei saw through her. There was potential for him to be an idiot and think that she was genuine, but fortunately, the characters are smarter than that.

What else is interesting is everyone has their own idea for why Sei committed suicide. Rei says it was teenage impulsiveness, while a friend says it was because Rei stole Shiori from Sei. At the end of the volume, Rei says he remembers the real reason, because their father wasn't their father. But we'll have to wait until the next volume to find out more, because it ends there.

This is a really good series. It's interesting without having to contrive conflicts, and the characters are believable.

Final thought: I have to read the next book!

From Far Away: Vol. 11

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis

After a terrorist bomb catapults her into an alternate universe full of magic and mystery, teenage Noriko finds herself the central figure in a political power struggle over a dark prophecy she's destined to fulfill, turn the man she loves into a monster that could ultimately destroy the world.

Hiding from their dark fate in yet another backwater town, Noriko and Izark cross paths with a formidable new foe: Hydran, a corrupt politician with ties to some of their worst enemies. When they discover that Hydran is set to assassinate a potentially powerful ally, our bad of outcasts plans a dangerous mission to spring their fellow fugitive.

All the while, Noriko and Izark must deal with their growing attraction to each other -- and the realization that the closer they become, the closer they are to destroying both themselves and everyone they know!

Review
Another volume where a few small things happen, but nothing extraordinary. Their main enemies are still looking for them, while Noriko and Izark are finding allies in unusual places. This ally believes in the idea that the prophecy has been misinterpreted, and that the sky demon can be used for good. This is what convinces them to rescue him from an imminent execution. Their plan works, but their current enemy won't give him up, and send some freakish inhuman brothers to stop them.

Izark and Noriko have really come to depend on each other, and they seem very close at this point. They are both terrified about losing the other, which is understandable. That's what happens when you're in love. Noriko really has changed Izark, though. In the beginning of the series, he had one expression: serious. But now, he's still serious, but he often smiles, looks worried or sad, and he jokes often with Noriko. It's great to see character development in him, too.

Final thought: I'm almost to the end!

Red River: Vol. 5

by Chie Shinohara

Synopsis
Ancient Hittite royal Prince Kail and modern teen Yuri continue to battle to save Kail's kingdom and to be with one another! The two journey to the city of Malatia to prepare for battle with the enemies armies. Yuri plots to foil the plans of the Prince of Darkness. If her attempt fails and she becomes a prisoner of the evil prince, she may have to surrender her relationship with Kail -- and her way back to modern-day Japan!

Review
The story is interesting at least, although sometimes I wish the characters were smarter. The war with the Mittani continues as Kail and the Prince of Darkness keep trying to outsmart each other.

As a romance, though, it's mediocre. Though I wouldn't have said that the first time I read it, simply because I didn't know better and have knowledge of future events. Yuri keeps trying to avoid Kail's advances, because she's not ready, which is fine, except she doesn't have the courage to tell him that. Did it not occur to her that if she did, he'd stop chasing her? I have problems with this because later on in this book, she's very strong and says what's on her mind to an enemy, so why not Kail?

So then, foolishly chasing the MacGuffin-ish Dragon's Eye (which controls people's minds) Yuri gets captured by the Mitanni. What's strange about the Dragon's Eye is it disappears and is never heard about again. Ever. After this and that, the Prince of Darkness finds her and puts her in his seraglio (harem), thereby showing the Mitanni that Ishtar supports them now, and to send a message to Kail. Of course, Yuri is horrified by this, as she's worried that if Kail thinks the Prince of Darkness has slept with her, he won't want her anymore. It seems obvious to me how ridiculous this is. What, no man has ever accepted his lover back after she's been raped? Really, now. And if he doesn't, doesn't that tell you what kind of loser he is? But fortunately for Yuri's purity, the Prince of Darkness has no interest in her sexually. How convenient.

One part that I did like was how Yuri won her life back. The Prince of Darkness was going to kill her, but she won a bet with him, by escaping from the pit and the lion where she was going to be killed. It's fascinating to watch, and makes you think that maybe she really is a goddess. She then acts calm and confident when she asks for better treatment for slaves, rather than to leave. I really like strong characters like this, but I wonder why she can't be this way all the time? What's the difference in being confident with the Prince of Darkness or Kail? It's weird, to say the least.

Final thought: I'll read the next volume.

Tail of the Moon: Vol. 4

by Rinko Ueda

Synopsis
Usagi is the granddaughter of the leader of prestigious ninja village, but she's such a klutz that she's never made it out of the kiddie class. Frustrated with Usagi's lack of progress, her grandfather sends her to marry Lord Hanzo and have lots of ninja babies. But the lord has no interest in her or her childbearing potential!

Usagi will remain in Ieyasu's household forever, apart from her beloved Hanzo, unless she can come up with and elixir of eternal youth. Usagi journeys to a mountain to find a hermit who supposedly knows how to create such an elixir, but he has no intention of sharing his knowledge with her. Even if Usagi is successful, there are others who don't want to see her free to return to Hanzo's arms.

Review
There's really nothing wrong with this volume, but the story keeps playing out naturally, and it doesn't feel forced or artificial.

Usagi still has her goal of reuniting with Hanzo, and fortunately, she does in this book. It was interesting how the elixir of eternal youth arc played out. She actually did get ahold of it, but Yuki burned it out of jealousy. But in the end, it was for the best, as the hermit explains how difficult living forever really is. One sees all their beloved family members and friends die. That and no one can succeed you if you don't relinquish your position. So, somehow Usagi manages to convince Tokugawa that he doesn't need it either, and it's more important to focus on the next generations. This has the effect of motivating Tokugawa to unite Japan, which is cute if you know anything about Japanese history.

One hilarious part was when Usagi was imagining how she might make babies with Hanzo, and she got a nosebleed. (If you don't know, it means lust.) I thought it was rather refreshing that the woman would feel that way for once, as it's usually men who do.

Final thought: I'll keep collecting this series.

Fairy Cube: Vol. 2

by Kaori Yuki

Synopsis
Ian and Rin used to just see spirits. Now Ian is one. Using the Fairy Cube, Ian must figure out how to stop the lizard-spirit Tokage from taking over his life and destroying any chance he has of resurrection.

Crown of Thorns
Tokage has troubles of his own when he gets involved with the Gotoh Group, conspiratorial fairies aiming at world domination.


Review
This is really a very fascinating manga. There's nothing wrong with it, very little that bothers me, and it continues to be interesting. I especially love the use of Celtic mythology that gives it a more authentic flavor. It's interesting that some characters, whose purpose was unknown become more developed. I'd actually like to see more of that, more about fairy characters and what life is like in the fairy world. But I probably won't, because that would shift the focus of the story too much.

There is just one little thing that bothers me, and that is the author's layouts. Sometimes things happen, and it doesn't flow in my mind, so I have to stop and re-read, to make sure I understand. Sometimes, I think if the author would show just a little bit more, I wouldn't get so confused.

Final thought: I'll read the next volume.

Platinum Garden: Vol. 6

by Maki Fujita

Synopsis
Old scars bear new wounds in Maki Fujita's shojo masterpiece... Kazura travels to the Magahara estate looking for answers, but instead finds herself an unwitting guest at an elaborate party! With Mizuki off training with the judo club and Shizuku disposed by doddering old relatives, Kazura's rescue from the taunting Magahara family members will come from the least likely of people -- Mizuki's sister, who has a grudge against Mizuki!

Review
All right, I've come to a decision about this series. It is not a romance. I will not see it as a romance, expect romance from it, or hope for romance anymore. It's just a story about a girl promised to a certain person, and she uses her spunk and sassiness to improve others' lives. Maybe now I can stop being disappointed about the lack of development of Kazura and Mizuki. I suppose they will always remain the way they have since volume one: silently caring about each other, but outwardly hostile.

This volume introduces more characters for Kazura to help: Mizuki's half-sister, Akari. She was supposed to be in Mizuki's place, apparently, but was unexpectedly deposed. Really, a lot about this family has been revealed: their odd powers, their dependence of the head to keep them alive, and now that these "soul returns" use up the user's life energy. They're a formidable force for Kazura to have to deal with, and I think her brashness is refreshing, considering how uptight the Magahara family is. This series continues to be interesting, despite the lack of romance, and I'm really curious about what more secrets we'll find out about this family.

Final thought: I'll keep reading.

From Far Away: Vol. 10

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
After a terrorist bomb catapults her into an alternate universe full of magic and mystery, teenage Noriko finds herself the central figure in a political power struggle over a dark prophecy she's destined to fulfill, turn the man she loves into a monster that could ultimately destroy the world.

Noriko and Izark are hiding out in the quiet rural region of Aibisk. But their retreat is short-lived as they are soon stalked by both bounty hunters and a powerful new enemy.

As their feelings for each other grow, Noriko must seriously contemplate her fate. Will she end up destroying the warrior she has grown to love?

Review
This series continues to be good and interesting. This volume is another bridge volume, where a lot of small things happen, but nothing momentous. The "evil" is growing stronger, and it seems to be able to influence people, and make them disagreeable, more apt to get angry, fight over small things, thus leading to wars, and evil people coming to power.

There was also some information about the light that Noriko's friends saw when Izark transformed the last time. They said that that light was their only hope against the growing darkness. This is interesting, as it's supposed to be Izark who destroys the world, yet he can save it, too? I guess we'll see.

Final thought: I have to finish this series!

Sensual Phrase: Vol. 2

by Mayu Shinjo

Synopsis
Working side-by-side on the set of Lucifer's brand-new music video, singer Sakuya and lyricist Aine discover they can no long deny their sexual attraction to one another.

But before sparks turn to flames between the two songbirds, the president of Lucifer's record company decides he wants a pieces of pretty Aine for himself. If she doesn't succumb to his desires, he's vowed to sabotage Lucifer's hit-making future!

Aine is forced to make a difficult decision. Does she rebuff her new suitor, or does she sacrifice herself for the love of Sakuya? Things get even more twisted when she discovers the president of Metro Records is, in fact, the half-brother of the man she loves!

Review
Well, one thing I'll say about Shinjo, she doesn't really prolong things unnecessarily. Maybe that's because she realizes she's writing mature material, not playing around with little teenage girls who aren't supposed to read naughty things anyway. I mean, she does tease a little, but then gets to the point, if you know what I mean. Of course, this does have the problem of eliminating the sexual tension, so how else is she supposed to keep the reader interested? The answer to that is to make a soap opera-like story, including highly improbable events that constantly happen. In this volume, it's the rich half-brother of Sakuya, who's bent on destroying Lucifer for some reason that's not really explained. I suppose that he's supposed to be like his father: he takes what he wants without asking.

I don't usually like soap operas, because their stories get out of hand and become so ridiculous that they're unbelievable, and I can no longer relate or remain interested in the story. So, while I don't mind the story yet, I guess we'll see how long I can stand it.

Fortunately, there isn't much of the music part of the story in this volume, so I didn't have to be bored or skip over parts. The author puts bios in, though, which I guess if you're interested in that kind of thing, you'll love it, but as for me, I thought it got in the way. Also, I wonder if the author should be showing you some of these things in the story, rather than telling you as an aside. Oh well.

Final thought: I'll read the next book.

Dokebi Bride: Vol. 6

by Marley

Synopsis
Alone and abandoned, Sunbi flees Seoul for the coast in an attempt to reconnect with her past. When she accidentally leaves the train at the wrong stop, she finds herself stranded in a tiny rural village where she encounters a woman full of resentment toward her elderly and decrepit mother. Still plagued by vague, haunting memories of her own mother, Sunbi must find a way to free the woman from the past that torments her -- and, in doing so, comes face-to-face with her own demons? Meanwhile, Sunbi's dokebi "husband" Gwangsoo searches for his beloved everywhere, so desperate that he even agrees to join forces with a mysterious stranger who also claims to be Sunbi's groom! Their hunt culminates in a supernatural reunion that raises even more questions about our heroine and her fateful destiny.

Review
I still don't know where this is going. Apparently Sunbi has some sort of destiny, which might explain why she can see supernatural spirits, and has been tormented by them her whole life. But then comes this interloper. I'm sure the author doesn't see him that way, but I sure do. He was introduced in the last volume, and now has some sort of connection with Sunbi. I don't know what to make of him, as he feels like he was "deus ex machina-ed" in, since there's been no previous mention of him, especially if he's supposed to be important. I call him an interloper because I see him getting in the way of Sunbi and Gwangsoo's relationship (call me strange, but I prefer him). I don't really have enough information right now, so I guess we'll see where this goes.

The rest of the volume contains the story of the troubled woman and her mute, hunchbacked mother. It's an interesting story, and pretty sad, but I don't know what it had to do with Sunbi as she was just a bystander.

Final thought: I'll keep reading.

Kare Kano: Vol. 1

(aka Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou)
by Masami Tsuda

Synopsis
Yukino Miyazawa has it all -- perfect grades, looks, the admiration of her peers. She's the #1 student at her school... at least she was until he showed up. The new boy, Souichirou Arima, one-ups her in every department. And the worst thing about it is that he's sincere! With her ego in jeopardy, Yukino will do whatever it takes to regain the spotlight, but falling in love was never part of the plan.

Review
This is another series where the anime is pretty popular compared to the manga. I checked it out because the anime didn't end well. In any case, I'd say this manga has been "relegated to obscurity" if not completely obscured.

I really like this manga for its straightforwardness. It shows the characters clearly, tells you exactly what's going on, and the development happens naturally, even rather quickly, at least, more quickly than it would normally happen in a manga. It's fascinating to watch Miyazawa, who begins a chapter one way, and simply because of Arima, ends up completely changed not two chapters later. Arima, too, seems one way at the beginning, but when we see his chapter, he ends up changed and developed too. Actually, I'm surprised the author could make a series out of this. I personally think that three chapters was sufficient for what she was trying to achieve.

It's pretty dialog and thought heavy, which is not something I mind at all, but it means that the author does a lot of telling, rather than showing, but sometimes, showing the change in one's thinking isn't "showable."

This series isn't bad, I'm just not sure where else it might go.

Final thought: I'll read the next volume.