Author: atthequillsmercy

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “No Guns Life” Vol 7 by Tasuku Karasuma

48757859._SX318_
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

While Juzo takes on another gun like himself, Tetsuro can’t seem to shake his naive desire to save everyone and be a hero.

It may just be me but, I felt there was more fanservice in this volume than in previous ones but it has some great set up with the clones and some grand conspiracy stuff still happening. It feels like this volume is setting up all the dominoes in place and is ready to knock them down in the next one. This also had a decent balance of plot and action, even with the prostitute side story. 4 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Jealousy” Vol. 2 by Scarlet Beriko

50891123
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+.

In this volume, more of Akitora doing crazy things to try and be with Rogi and join the yakuza. Their relationship is further complicated by Akitora meeting Rogi’s wife.

While Akitora and Rogi are all hot and play off each other well, the highlights for me in this volume are the bodyguard Asoda and Asami; Rogi’s wife. Asoda is funny and Asami is just a badass. I like how she sees Rogi’s attachment to Akitora but retains her place as a yakuza wife.

Also, trigger warning for a gang rape scene.

Overall, this was a strange, meandering sort of volume. I was interested in the drama but at the same time, I could have lived without the gang rape and I feel like the story with Hachi living with the older Rogi isn’t getting the attention it deserves. Akitora’s tale is good but I’d like to see them both interwoven more. 3 out of 5.

 

 

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Given” Vol 1 by Natsuki Kizu

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Ritsuka Uenoyama is bored with everything. High school drama, his music, basketball; all of it. But when he finds Mafuyu Sato napping in his favorite spot with a broken guitar and Uenoyama begrudgingly offers to fix it. When he plays the guitar to test it, he finds his passion for music rekindled.

Watching Uenoyama become passionate about music again is sweet and whatever is lurking in Sato’s past is compelling enough for me to want to know more. It looks like there may be a possible romance between the two but for now, I’m content to watch them just be happy about life again. 4.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Revolutionary Girl Utena: After the Revolution” by Chiho Saito

51323374
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This manga celebrates the 20th anniversary of the original series release in Japan.

Damn, I’m old…

This takes place years after the original story and is a series of shorts featuring the cast coming in contact with Utena and the magic of the revolution. It’s a cute but trippy dive back in to the world and characters of Utena. The stories are very quick and beautifully drawn; hitting all the nostalgic feels. In the end, it doesn’t make much sense because I don’t get why any of this is happening other than ‘it’s the 20th anniversary of Utena.’ I give it a 3.7 out of 5.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: ” Koimonogatari: Love Stories” Vol. 1 Tohru Tagura

35171888._SX318_
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

When Yamato comes out to a friend that he has a crush on a male classmate, Yuji overhears. When they end up in a study group with some other kids who flake out and they end up alone, Yuji lets Yamato know that he knows he’s gay and wants to be supportive.

This was… Okay. The whole volume felt like a set up for things to come later so it moves slow. However, Yuji’s clumsy way of being a friend and learning about the LGBT community is kind of adorable since it’s coming from a place of a genuine desire to learn about what he doesn’t understand. He seems to really care and that’s great! I am waiting for the fallout of him borrowing his mother’s computer to look up information, though.

I’ll give this a 3.5 because of the nice art and how much I liked Yuji. I’ll reserve broader opinions once I get my hands on the second one.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Levius/est” Vol. 6 by Haruhisa Nakata

50891206
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

After Natalia’s bout, it takes four superior fighters to subdue Balthus and clear the field for the main event, the last day of The Southern Slam: Oliver vs Levius in a fight to the death.

Adding an extra edge to the fight, this is also Oliver’s retirement match and being one of the longest active fighters ever, Levius isn’t going to have many fans in the crowd. There’s also the introduction of the legend of an ancient god called Est, who came to Earth during the Blood Moon; which happens to be the day of the match.

I had a feeling this volume would end on a cliffhanger but it’s not the type that feels like a punch in the gut. I felt excited to get the next one and willing to wait and glad to re-read this one for more details. This volume has the perfect mix of action and plot but what makes me concerned is it is a fight to the death. Is this going to drag out too far or paced as well as it has been so far? We shall see but this volume is a 5 out of 5 for me.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Beastars” Vol. 8 by Paru Itagaki

50891194
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Vowing to protect his friends and fellow students, Legoshi has Gohin train him to control his desire for meat. Meanwhile, Louis wants to cut ties with school and his father and in his mob dealings, he meets an herbivore stripper named Cosmo. The final story features Sheila, a predator who is tired of being used as a social media prop for herbivores wants a real friend.

I keep ending these volumes wanting more. One day, I’m sure the omnibus editions will fly off the shelves. Haru pops in to remind us how adorable she is, Legoshi is on his way to being a cute but badass wolf, and Sheila’s shopping trip with a sheep names Peach is sweet and genuine. I hope the series keeps on getting better in the future. 5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “The Way of the Househusband” Vol. 4 by Kōsuke Ôno

50891209
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In this volume, Tatsu:

  • Goes to buy a fish and a cat steals it
  • Meets a neighbor for a BBQ
  • Helps out a friend with his food truck
  • Takes a trip to the dollar store
  • Reads to children at a storytime
  • Plays volleyball at the beach
  • Helps a kid with his summer school work
  • Hangs out with other housewives

And we get a couple side stories about his wife, Miku, and a cute cat story.

I know I keep saying this but the fact everything is played so straight and with such intensity with these otherwise mundane tasks is just gold. This series never fails to put a smile on my face; especially after reading a Junji Ito collection. Tatsu is just so passionate and well-meaning, I have no problem just watching him shop in a dollar store. 5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Venus in the Blind Spot” by Junji Ito

49081449._SX318_
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and suggested for mature readers.

In another great collection, we get a nice selection of more of Ito’s signature nightmare-inducing tales; including one about how his interest in horror grew as a child. What sets this collection apart is some color pages! They look beautiful, even if Ito’s art is fantastically effective in black and white. If you are a fan of horror, this will fit the bill with ghoulish perfection. 4.9 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Patience & Esther: An Edwardian Romance” by SW Searle

53966531._SX318_
(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

In order to earn money for her family, Patience gets a job as a housemaid for Mrs. Sweet. To learn the ropes, she’s paired with Esther, the head housemaid, and now Patience’s roommate. As they get to know one another, their feelings deepen, and a passionate relationship blooms.

Not only is this a lesbian romance set in Edwardian times, but it’s also body-positive and interracial. As to that last point, I expected a LOT more overt racism but I’m not sad it’s left out. There’s enough of that in real life these days. And the sexy scenes are tastefully done. But to put the romantics out there at ease, this is a happily ever after that I found very sweet. And the side story at the end with them set in modern-day was really cute. 4.9 out of 5

Follow me on BlogLovin.