Book Reviews

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Lenni Reviews: “Old-Fashioned Cupcake” by Sagan Sagan

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

Nozue is feeling like he’s in a rut. He may be the oldest and most popular person in his office job but all he does is go to work and come home. When speaking with his coworker, Togawa, the younger man decides to help with what he calls “andropause” by helping Nozue experience more of life. Togawa’s intentions are kind but it is clear he has a crush on the older man.

This is a fun May/December romance. There are some intimate scenes but they’re not super graphic. Togawa is the stern type, doing a poor job at hiding his feelings, and Nozue is the oblivious one who needs a roadmap to see he’s the target of a crush. As they come together, we get some nice slice of life moments. It’s nice to see older characters – even though 40 is hardly “old” – and it’s a quick read that makes you smile. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Alice in Borderland” Vol. 6, by Haro Aso

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

This volume features the climactic ending of the King of Clubs game, then begins the Jack of Hearts game; where the players have to trust each other to read their assigned card suits on the back of their necks.

I like this section but I feel like the tension in the show for the Jack of Heats game was much higher than in this manga. It’s still amazing and a nail biter; providing the same thrills despite Arisu taking a breather for most of it. The Jack of Hearts game is less gruesome than others as in there is less on “screen” violence and it’s more implied. But as usual, there is plenty of death. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Beast Complex” Vol. 3, by Paru Itagaki

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

This volume includes:

  • The Python and the Hyena
  • The Japanese Deer and the Snow Leopard
  • The Turtle and the Sheep
  • The Wolf and the Seal
  • The Lion and the Rabbit
  • The Alligator and the Cow

These stories are weird but interesting and in some cases very touching. Legoshi comes back The Wolf and the Seal and gives us some more insight into how the aquatic beasts are on an entirely different level from the land beasts. While there are plenty of new characters, its nice to see some from Beastars come back in (also in The Lion and the Rabbit). I do wonder if the new ones will be recurring in this series as there are plenty of dynamics I can see being explored further. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 4, by Uoyama

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

As Morio and Yukiko spend more time together, Morio’s close friend Tono becomes jealous of Yukiko, as she became close to Morio due to childhood bullying. Yukiko decides the two need to have a good conversation.

This is such a great series to get an adorable little romance along with some education; weaving in some information about how people with visual impairments navigate through life. I also enjoyed the side stories and the origin behind Morio’s scar (not to spoil it but, what the fuck, my guy…). I am really interested in the stories of the other characters now. This is overall very enjoyable. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbow Days” Vol. 4, by Minami Mizuno

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

Keiichi falls for the school nurse but his older brother, who is a teacher at the school, warns him not to get involved with her. Meanwhile, the girls of the class make joke cream puffs for the boys in the class and they decide to get revenge by making joke takoyaki.

There’s also a trip they all take together and a story about them working at a host club. Other than the creepy thing with the school nurse, this volume was fun to read. It’s a decent slice of life story but I didn’t feel like there was much forward momentum as far as the characters go. Things just happen then it moves on to another story. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 25, by Tomohito Oda

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

Now a third year, Komi is running out of time to make 100 friends before she graduates.

A lot of this volume is spent on a school wide Nerf battle where a fellow student, Shiina, is more cynical than most of the people Komi tries to befriend. Of course this manga is as light hearted and won’t give Komi much trouble but that was an interesting way for Komi to come out of her shell more. But, I gotta be honest, way too much of this is that Nerf battle. It’s a cute premise but it went on forever. I’d rather have more moments for Komi’s development. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love” Vol. 6, by Ayuko Hatta

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

While Satomi and Yagyu continue to date, Satomi’s friend, Mira, also has a crush she wants to confess and is working up the courage to tell Tenma she likes him.

Most of this is Mira and Tenma, which is fine since their personalities are completely different from Satomi and Yagyu – who are pretty established at this point. They’re energetic and funny, so they’re entertaining while Satomi and Yagyu are doing their slice of life thing. Again, this is a nice series for a chilled out YA romance. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Call of the Night” Vol. 12, by Kotoyama

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

As Ko considers his options concerning his best friend and Kiku, another vampire Kiku had turned showed up as well as a vampire woman looking to clean up Kiku’s mess.

This volume is fast paced, throwing out a lot of action and information. It can feel a little like this volume is about to do an info dump but it goes right back into some awesome vampire battles. Ko is developing into a very interesting character and I can’t wait to see what he can really do from here on out. 4.8 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Dragon’s Betrothed” Vol. 2, by Meguru Hinohara

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

Angry that Rin is attached to a human, a fox spirit named Tenko attacks Chiharu; leaving Rin scared he will scare off his beloved bride.

Now, in this volume we earn out 18+ rating. There is also the issue of the prophesy and what sort of future a human can have with a god. There’s a mutual understanding and it was nice to see Rin back to his goofy self; even with the intensity of his actions in smexy times. And the art is really pretty. I love the style as it alternates between the fantastical and the mundane. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 2, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Ganta and Isaki are enjoying their club but the school insists they meet certain requirements for it to continue. They look into former member of the previous astronomy club – who has since graduated – named Yui, who helps them come up with an event to make the club legit.

Most of this is prepping for the stargazing event. Meanwhile, Isaki and Ganta are growing closer. It’s cute and I like seeing the club coming together. If you’re in the mood for some young adult slice of life, this is nice. Especially when they talk about looking at the stars. 3.9 out of 5.

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