manga series

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet – Manga Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Fumi Oono, second-year high-school student. Stuck with the debts of her father, she needs a job—fast. While she did indeed manage to find one as a housekeeper for THE Akatsuki Kibikino, it leaves much to be desired. After all, the novelist has a mean glare and an even worse attitude…And on top of that, she has to live with him?!  —Goodreads

Thoughts

So far I’ve read the first two volumes of this series, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Mika Yamamori is a fantastic storyteller, and artist! I would recommend this series to readers 16 and up as that is the official age rating for the series, but also because of the relationship currently building. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if this ends up like their last work, Daytime Shooting Star–which I’ll add is a great series, I just hated the main relationship (so many red flags)–then I wouldn’t personally want to recommend it to anyone younger than that.

Age gap relationships in manga are very common, especially in shojo, however as I’ve become an adult myself, I see what’s wrong with it. When I was in high school, I honestly didn’t think twice about series like Me and My Brother’s, or Dengeki Daisy. And although I still enjoyed these stories, the relationships in them and how they’re handled gives me major creep vibes. Especially in Me and My Brother’s…that’s a whole mess of things, that I don’t think I even want to unpack right now. Maybe I’ll reread it for a future blog post?

That aside, I’d rather readers were aware of this with my reviews before going into a series. Often times, especially in older series these types of relationships like a high school student and teacher (Daytime Shooting Star), are glamourized. Thankfully, I can say Daytime Shooting Star kind of flipped that trope on us partway through the series, but if you want to know more, and aren’t worried about spoilers I’ll leave a link to my review here: Daytime Shooting Star Series Review

Now, Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet…it is so cute! The artwork, the unreliable dad trope, the grumpy rival and hyped up best friend. I love that. I’m curious to see where the relationships go in this series, mainly because of how Daytime Shooting Star ended. Our leading lady, slowly starts crushing on her employer in this series by volume two, and I think it will be interesting to watch how this develops. I also just feel sorry for her. Her dad owes so much money, and she’s working to pay it off. It shouldn’t be a kids responsibility. I’d like to see her eventually having time to spend with friends outside of school. She’s a really funny, and engaging character to follow. I love the facial expressions she makes in certain panels!

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Both volumes one and two were rated five stars after I finished reading them! I’m excited to see where this series is headed, and can’t wait until volume three releases over here.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

No Longer Heroine – Manga Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Every girl dreams of starring in her own love story. Hatori also firmly believed that one day she would marry her childhood friend, Rita—but things are never that simple! The agony of a heartbroken young maiden is laid bare in this uproarious comedy! 

Thoughts

This was such a fun read. I decided to take a chance and start up a new series, while waiting for others to update, and I was happily surprised. The artwork is fantastic. I love that the lead, Hatori’s hairstyles and accessories change throughout. It’s been such a long time since I’ve read something where this happens. I also appreciate how hilarious and flawed she is, and that the story occasionally breaks the forth wall. Highly recommend for those who enjoy shojo with comedic elements, and flawed characters.

Also, I love how the artist, Momoko Koda, went and made the background characters look like villains in a shonen manga. That was honestly, fantastic. There are so many different, playful elements to this manga that I think many readers can appreciate.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Ima Koi Vol. 1 – Manga Review

About Sometimes the greatest romantic adventure isn’t falling in love—it’s what happens after you fall in love! After missing out on love and dating because she…

by Ardin Patterson

Those Not-So-Sweet Boys Series Review

| Ardin Patterson

I’ve officially completed volumes 1-7 for this series, and thought it was about time that I do a complete review of the series.

Please note that this may contain a few spoilers.

Okay! So, I found this series to be very cute overall. Although the ending seemed a bit rushed to me, and I wish that there was a bit more tension throughout with the whole love-triangle tease, I was satisfied with how it all wrapped up. Each of the characters were well rounded, and it didn’t take me long to choose favourites.

Like Love in Focus though, and as I mentioned above, some parts of the story felt a bit rushed, as if the author was just trying to wrap things up as quickly as possible. This is their longest series so far, so it could be that they just struggled with how to conclude the events of the story without it dragging out too long.

I absolutely adore the art style of this series, and loved how the children, teens and adults were all designed. It was also a fun, light read.

Overall I would give this series a 4.5 because although I enjoyed it and found it cute, I felt as though things could’ve been taken a little further to raise the stakes in certain books throughout the series. Other than that it was a nice, cute shojo series, and super enjoyable.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Anonymous Noise Vol. 2 – Review

About Nino Arisugawa, a girl who loves to sing, experiences her first heart-wrenching goodbye when her beloved childhood friend, Momo, moves away. And after Nino…

by Ardin Patterson

Daytime Shooting Star Series Review

| Ardin Patterson

After completing the entire series, I thought I’d do a quick, spoiler free review of my thoughts on Daytime Shooting Star as a whole.

If you’ve read my previous reviews of the series, you’ll know that I was not a big fan of Mr. Shishio. I didn’t like how insecure and vulnerable he made Suzume, nor the positions he put her in. That entire relationship was fairly uncomfortable to read…however, I really enjoyed the series.

Most of my ratings were between 4 and 5 stars for this manga, and since I mentioned that I didn’t want to spoil anything, as I’d like others to be able to go into this series and see events transpire for themselves, I’d say that it was a fun read. It was filled with moments of drama, and some cute moments as well.

Out of all the characters in the story Mamura was one of my favourites. His character really grows on you during the first few volumes, and it continues from there.

I highly recommend checking out this series, if you enjoy shojo romance, however if you’re like me and find say…Ezra and Aria’s relationship in Pretty Little Liars really problematic, you’ll probably feel as I did towards Mr. Shishio. I can say…and this may be considered a bit of a spoiler, that I was very satisfied with how the series ended.

Overall, I would give the series a full 5 star rating.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Happy reading everyone!

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Cheeky Brat Vol. 1 – Manga Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Basketball club manager Yuki has a secret-she’s in love with the team captain! But when Naruse, her cheeky kouhai, discovers her big secret, she’s in a tight spot! Just how long is he going to keep teasing her about it!? Stupid pretty playboy… — Goodreads

Thoughts

This book was recommended to me by a handful of people, so I thought I’d check it out. It was super cute! I really enjoyed Yuki, and all of the characters in this manga, including the random unnamed members of the basketball team.

I’m not sure why, but the artwork reminded me of a two series I liked when I was around 11 or 12, Monkey High and Lovely Complex. I should note, that I was a few years too young for these series, but I borrowed them from my local library, and I don’t think they themselves understood the manga age ratings at that time. I still go back and watch the Lovely Complex anime every now and then haha.

The character designs, and the relationship dynamics definitely gave me a nostalgic feel, so when the series was recommended to me by a couple of high school kids I was assisting at work, I figured, “Wow I rarely get book recs from customers! I should give it a shot!” and I absolutely loved it.

I’m fighting myself not to buy the next volume just yet because I’m trying to save money, and I have a bunch of ARCs to read this month for books releasing May – August, but once I’m halfway through my pile I’m jumping on it!

I’ve thankfully been super lucky with my reads recently, nothing’s disappointed me or fallen short of my expectations, and for that I’m super grateful. There was a while there previously, where I was in a bit of a reading slump because I read a handful of books that I had high expectations for that just weren’t my cup of tea. I’m also so happy because this was recommended by a group of kids who frequent my work when school lets out, and I’m usually recommending them my favourite new series haha.

I wish more customers would recommend books to me. Well, actually, I have gotten lots of good recommendations from our younger customers, around 3 and 4. It’s almost always Peppa Pig, but I appreciate it.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

October book haul

A bunch of the books I ordered arrived this week, on top of the ones I’d purchased in store. I am so excited to read…

by Ardin Patterson

September Manga Reads

This month I’ve been trying to catch up on my manga TBR…and I actually got through it last night which now means I can order…

by Ardin Patterson

Living-Room Matsunaga-san Vol. 2 – Manga Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

With the help of her housemates, high schooler Meeko begins to adjust to her new life away from her parents. Even the initially frightening Matsunaga-san helps her out—and between one kind act and another, Meeko finds herself falling for him. After an accidental kiss while enjoying takoyaki, Meeko ends up confessing her feelings!

Thoughts

In my review of the first volume back in Dec. 2020, I said that I’d be “giving this series another chance is because the supporting cast of character’s were incredibly charming” since I’d only given the first volume a 3 star rating. I didn’t really connect with Miko in the first half of the book, but volume two definitely made up for what I felt was lacking with her character in that first volume. I can’t believe it took me until 2022 to get back into the series! I’d read some very meh shojo around the same time, so I believe that’s why I was hesitant to jump back into this series too quickly. I like to give books a fair chance…and I’m thrilled that I waited because I really liked Miko in volume two! She seemed more fleshed out here, and wasn’t as flat. I was happy to see that the other characters were more present as well because it was fun seeing the dynamic between all of her roommates, her friends from school, and Miko and her mom. I had high hopes that this series would be something I’d enjoy, and I’m glad I decided to give it another shot.

Rating

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Anonymous Noise Vol. 2 – Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Nino Arisugawa, a girl who loves to sing, experiences her first heart-wrenching goodbye when her beloved childhood friend, Momo, moves away. And after Nino befriends Yuzu, a music composer, she experiences another sad parting! Luckily, she reunites with Yuzu in high school, but Nino still yearns to see Momo again. In a bid to get Momo’s attention somehow, Nino strives to improve her singing skills. She soon lands an audition that’s being held by a “Momo Kiryu”—could he be her Momo?!

Thoughts

I read volume one way back, (it took me forever to get my hands on the second) and I really enjoyed it. My review of book one was 4 stars (really 4.5) because I thought the character introductions, mainly the parts about Nino’s childhood with Momo and Yuzu were very lengthy, and I would’ve liked to have seen those parts split up here and there throughout the series…kind of like little reveals.
Now, reading volume two, I can completely understand why all of that exposition was added in so early on, especially in Momo’s case. Without having that there, it wouldn’t have given either of the boys equal footing when it comes to Nino, and wouldn’t have allowed for the big reveals in the second volumes! Of course, I won’t give any spoilers…but I’m looking forward to completing this series, and I wish Yuzu all the luck in the world while collecting his milk points…since I too was a short high schooler…and I stayed short lol.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

My other manga reviews…

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Laughing Under the Clouds Vol. 1 – Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Under the curse of Orochi, the great demon serpent reborn every 300 years, Japan has been shrouded in clouds for as long as anyone can remember…

The era of the samurai is at an end, and carrying swords has been outlawed. To combat the rising crime rates, an inescapable prison was built in the middle of Lake Biwa. When brothers Tenka, Soramaru and Chutaro Kumo are hired to capture and transport offenders to their final lodgings in this prison, they unexpectedly find themselves faced with a greater destiny than any of them could have imagined.

Thoughts

I really liked this first volume, and definitely had a few friends in mind who I knew would enjoy this series. My favourite thing about this volume was the relationships between all of the characters in this story, both past and present, and I’m excited to see these relationships grow throughout the rest of the series.

I find it a little funny that this is listed as shojo on Goodreads, because it gives me more of a shonen vibe given the art-style and tropes. This has happened with a handful of shonen series listed on Goodreads, which makes me wonder if it’s possible that they’ve been shelved this way accidentally? If this is in fact actually a shojo due to the minor romance subplot of the story, then I apologize, but also like that’s awesome, because I’ve never read a shojo like this in my life. I know this might be a weird comparison but I liked this, the way I loved Beyblade and Yugi Oh growing up…because the bond between these characters was already so strong from the beginning, and there are overlapping storylines that help build the world. I’d compare the romance subplot to something like Ray and Mariah (Rei and Mao in the Japanese version) in Beyblade. It’s just enough where it doesn’t pull the reader away from all the other things happening in the story. It raises the stakes! Plus the story was cute. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll leave it at that.

I had so much fun with this story, and loved the world building and characters so I gave it a full 5-star rating!

I think a better comparison than Beyblade would be a film like 47 Ronin, since it has that romantic element to it but it’s an action, adventure with fantasy thrown into the mix. So if you’ve seen that film, you’ll definitely like this manga.

I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series!

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Vampire Dormitory Vol. 1 – REVIEW

| Ardin Patterson

About

Mito has no family to rely on. She lives on the streets, disguised as a boy. Ruka is an otaku vampire interested only in 2D girls. After Ruka saves Mito from a perilous situation, he makes her an offer: “Become my subservient thrall and let me drink your blood whenever I wish! In return, you can live with me—in the boys’ dorm!” But to stay with him, Mito must hide the fact that she’s a girl. Every day is a new danger—to say nothing of that bloodthirsty vampire!

Thoughts

I decided to read this book because of the Boys Over Flowers reference on the back. It was actually really funny, although I’m not sure if it was supposed to be? Either way, it was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to checking out the other volumes.

I have to admit, with the introduction, I actually expected this book to be a little more serious…although the blurb suggests otherwise. It’s just how Mito is introduced in that first scene, and because I’d never heard of this series before, I didn’t know what to expect. The illustration on the back of the book with the tagline “Blood over flowers” which caught my eye, and the next thing I knew I was reading and then buying the book. I was surprised I had fun reading it when the story began to get a little goofier. I think what made me laugh was how ridiculous the situation was, and how off the bat series like Boys Over Flowers, Ouran High School Host Club and other popular shojo’s were being referenced in one way or another within each chapter.

Despite giving this a high rating, I am a little concerned that I may not like the series in its entirety mainly because so many of the references being made in this first volume. I appreciate them and most were subtle, but having that there for a good chuckle may not be enough to hold readers attention throughout an entire series. I think 4 stars is fair seeing as how I laughed a lot, and I actually like the main character, Mito…plus vampire stories are fun sometimes, and I don’t mind a fluffy vampire comedy every now and again.

I think I was expecting a Vampire Knight story, and instead I got a Vampire who is secretly obsessed with anime, who adopts a human…which is definitely not the vampire story I expected, but regardless I think the series has potential. It was silly and dumb like The Simpson’s. It didn’t take itself seriously, and that’s probably what made it so fun. Sometimes you need stories like that. I hope the future volumes hold up.

Rating

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

Manga Recommendations

I’ve been plowing through my manga TBR lately and I’m pleased to say each of the new series I’ve started has been wonderful. A lot…

by Ardin Patterson