Shojo

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!

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!

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

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!

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

Ima Koi Vol. 1 – Manga Review

| Ardin Patterson

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 was too shy to confess her feelings, high school student Satomi blurts out how she feels the next time she gets a crush—and it’s to her impossibly handsome schoolmate Yagyu! To her surprise, he agrees to date her. Now that Satomi’s suddenly in a relationship, what next?

Even though she can hardly believe it, Satomi is dating Yagyu. Being in love as part of a couple is now Satomi’s everyday reality. With how fast everything has gone and with Satomi still clueless about how dating is supposed to work, can she actually enjoy being in love?

Thoughts

This manga was incredibly cute, and totally worth the wait. I’d seen Shojo Beat advertising for it for a while, and had been desperating trying to get my hands on an ARC, but ended up buying it on release day at the store!

I fell in love with the character’s instantly, and I can’t wait until the second volume comes out!

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I thought I posted this review in March, and realized today that I saved it as a draft versus scheduling the post…oops! Anyway, I highly recommend checking it out, especially if you’ve read manga like Honey So Sweet.

Check out my other manga reviews and recs!

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.

Let Me Save You – Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Seventeen-year-old Nila Izawa’s life in small-town Japan is orderly, simple, expected. On the walk home from school before winter break, Nila finally sees that she is crumbling under her mother’s strict expectations, both of them fueled by resentment towards Nila’s absentee father. Nila reaches for the courage to break free, but her fear of failure is overwhelming.

Wavering on the edge of stability – and adolescence – rude, annoying, beautiful Kai Kento’s insults, at last ignite Nila’s resilience.

Thoughts

This novel reminded me of some of my favourite emotionally charged shojo series like We Were There and Peach Girl. I think the reason Peach Girl kept coming to mind was because Nila’s father called her Peaches growing up.
The doll house thing made me cry so much. I also built one with my dad as a kid, and I could understand how Nila must’ve treasured doing something so special with her dad. I won’t say anything more about it because I don’t want to spoil anything.
I loved all of the character’s in this novel! I especially drawn to Kenji as he developed throughout the story. I think Kida was my favourite side character. She gave off cool big sister vibes, despite being Nila’s best friend, and she almost reminded me of a combination of Claudia and Stacey from the Babysitter’s Club. She was just cool, and it was obvious her and Nila truly cherished their friendship.
I cried throughout the last half! So much happened. I felt like I was right there with Nila, throughout all of the chaos…Nila’s voice was so clear throughout the story. You could sense her anxiety, joy, and defensiveness within each chapter. There was such a clear reasoning behind her actions, and her initial hesitance with Kai. Even her frustration with Kida, which I’ll be vague about to avoid spoilers, was understandable. Nila was hurt by the very people who were supposed to love and protect her, and although she responds differently to situations and people than her brother Kenji, who is more abrupt and rash, it is clear that the two of them need to lean on each other along with the love and support from Kai and Kida to pull them through. Nila is a force. I loved her story so much. She really blossomed as a character.
Kai was cheeky in a good way. He was adorably sweet. He really pushed Nila to come out of her shell and I don’t think it would’ve been possible if he hadn’t been so open and charismatic. Kai’s very upfront and forward, whereas Nila’s more reserved and in her head about things. I loved how honest he was with her, and how the two of them grew together. It was so cute watching Nila fall in love with him.
Lindsey-Anne Pontes did an incredible job of capturing those glittery…petal covered, panels you might see in a shojo manga, and also included some of my favourite tropes from the genre! It was so cool how she created the feeling of reading those emotionally raw scenes in this medium. Especially with the flashbacks!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of manga like We Were There, Orange, and Mars or coming-of-age novels such as The Steps or Star Girl. I think you’ll adore this book.
The ending was extremely satisfying!

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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!

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

Falling Drowning – ARC Review

| Ardin Patterson

About

Honatsu just started her second year of high school, and already rumors are floating around that she’s dating her childhood friend, Toma. While Honatsu isn’t totally opposed to the idea, she’s not sure what she feels for Toma can really be called love. But when aloof transfer student Shun Tachibana appears, the waters get even muddier… How does Shun connect to the past she can’t remember? And can Honatsu decide what she truly wants, when her head and her heart are pulling her two different ways?

Thoughts

I fell in love with this manga by the end of the first chapter! It was absolutely perfect. I loved the dynamic between each of the friends, along with the smooth character introductions, and how I was instantly introduced to the plot without too much backstory or exposition.
I loved the art, and character designs as well. I was drawn to the book based on the title and cover art, was incredibly pleased to find that this was both a romance and mystery. I liked reading about the authors creative process in between the chapters, and had fun imagining what this first volume would’ve been like had it followed the original mystery-drama idea. I’m super glad that’s still in there because it is a genre I absolutely adore!
I don’t want to give any spoilers but I’ll definitely be buying a copy of this book once it’s available at my local bookstore!

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC. Falling Drowning is currently available for purchase at book retailers as of Feb. 8, 2022.

The Kings Beast Vol. 1 Review

| Ardin Patterson

Summary

The Kings Beast by Rei Toma is set in the same world as Toma’s Dawn of the Arcana series in which humans and Ajin live amongst each other. Some Ajin are gifted special abilities and those who are get assigned to serve the princes of the imperial palace as beast-servants.

The Kings Beast follows Rangetsu, as she disguises herself as a man to get close to the prince who her brother once served. She suspects the prince of murdering her twin brother only to find that prince Tenyou is not who she expected him to be.

Review

I was absolutely thrilled to find out that The Kings Beast would be taking place in the same world as Dawn of the Arcana. I can remember getting the first volume of Dawn of the Arcana with my grandparents at this little Coles bookstore at the mall where they live. I was drawn to the cover immediately and ended up finishing the book the same day. I loved the lore created around the world, the artwork and the way that the character’s were introduced.

In The Kings Beast I felt certain moments were rushed, and I feel that this is because there is the assumption that readers of this series have already completed Dawn of the Arcana. I think this quick introduction to “the gifts” that the Ajin possess is fine for those who know this series lies within the same world and who were previously introduced to that, however it could be a bit confusing for those who have never read or heard of Dawn of the Arcana.

Rangestu is perceived as weak in stature, many believing that she is a young boy. Some of the comments made by prince Tenyou remind me of when I played Viola in Twelfth Night back in university (and I played Viola a lot). He comments on her small frame, her boyish voice, her long lashes–those unfamiliar with Twelfth Night could compare this to Mulan when Li Shang is entranced by her while believing she is Ping.

Rangestu has spent years trying to become the best fighter, in order to be considered a good match for the prince whom she believes has killed her twin brother Sogetsu. There is a coldness in her frames, some of which where she is shown putting on a pained smile. She has one goal and that is to avenge her brother’s death.

Personally, I would have liked to see Rangetsu and Tenyou dance around each other a bit before it is revealed that he was not the one who had her brother killed. I like that Tenyou comes to the realization that she’s related to Sogetsu, but it would have been interesting to have that revealed near the end of this first book rather than earlier on. I also enjoyed watching others close to Tenyou, test Rangetsu but I found at times Rangestu was too outspoken for an Ajin.

It is mentioned early on in the book that Ajin are viewed as lower class, and that if they attack or speak out against a human they can be killed, so having Rangestu in the palace being so outspoken seemed a bit off to me. I wish that she had taken the time to try and hide her true intentions, mainly because she has worked so hard to get to this point.

Overall, despite a few small criticisms I enjoyed this first volume and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy, shojo and historical manga’s. I would also highly recommend this to those who are familiar with Rei Toma’s work, especially Dawn of the Arcana as it was fun being reintroduced to this world and seeing how things are for different Ajin and human’s living in another region.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

4 Stars