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

Satoko is a Meiji Era noblewoman with a heart condition who has a duty to her family to get married; as she feels it will prove her worth. She knows her time is limited so when she is kidnapped, she offers the man hired to kill her – Shinpei – her hand in marriage in exchange for her life.

This manga manages the seriousness of the situation and the doofyness of our main pair very well. One second they’re fleeing Satoko’s captors in a bloody massacre and the next Shinpei is gushing about what married life will be like with the biggest puppy dog eyes. So, be aware there’s a ton of violence. I actually hope they work this out and get together as he’s really interesting and Satoko is stronger than most characters give her credit for. She’s like a less annoying Akemi. I am so excited to see what happens next. 4.9 out of 5.

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December 17, 2024December 14, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Witchcraft: A Graphic History” by Lindsay Squire

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

Told through a young girl named Lindsay visiting Biddy, a the early 19th century Irish witch, this book tells the history of witchcraft through the ages.

First off, the art style if perfect for this. It captures the beauty of nature and magic; even gives biddy a knowing glint in her expressions. It’s exposition heavy in places but the book is trying to teach the reader. It’s a perfect entry point for someone curious about what witches do; past and present. It’s cute to me as a practitioner with 30 years under my belt but for someone new, this is an enjoyable introduction. 3.7 out of 5.

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December 12, 2024December 7, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “The Elusive Samurai” Vol. 13, by Yusei Matsui

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

After the loss at Sagami River, Yorishige faces the consequences of supporting the Hojo rebellion. But Tokiyuki refuses to allow it, offering Ashitaka a challenge: If he can kill Tokiyuki, he wins. But if Tokiyuki escapes, Ashitaka loses everything.

I want Tokiyuki to win using all these abilities and lessons we spend 12 volumes watching him learn; to finally see everything come into play and feel satisfying. But, I felt kinda bored reading this one. At least the scene with the challenge was effectively done. Other than some of the creepier enemies I’ve seen in this series, it was nice for a one-on-one with “normal” combatants. 3 out of 5.

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July 8, 2024September 19, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Shadows on the Ice: The 1972 Andes Disaster”, by Frédéric Bertocchini, Thierry Diette & Pacal Nino

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

This graphic novel details the events of the 1972 Andes disaster, where in Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed in the Andes mountains and the survivors had to do whatever they could to live long enough for rescue.

While I am vaguely familiar with this story, these details added by survivors are chilling (no pun intended) and so sad. If even half of this is true, it’s a tragic tale and really shows the various ways the strength and will to live a human being can really show itself. I’m not usually a fan of this art style; I find it blocky and a bit confusing sometimes but it’s just fine for this story. The bleak and cold are shown very well and overall the book treats this story with the dignity it deserves by not being overly gory. 4 out of 5.

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