Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 5, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Despite the disappointment of the viewing party, Nakami and Isaki pivot to finding the perfect shot for the photo contest and head out with Isaki’s sister, Haya, to get some good pictures of the sky. All is going fairly well until Haya goes off with her boyfriend leaving the two of them alone.

Along with our couple just being fucking adorable, we learn more about Magari’s childhood and how Isaki’s insomnia started. They’re sadly relatable and make you hope they can find peace in the future. Other than that, it’s a relaxing read; not too much drama when Haya’s involved, which I’m glad about. I like the tone of this series and I hope it doesn’t change into something either too angsty, too overblown with drama, or too dark. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Boy’s Abyss” Vol. 5, by Ryō Minenami

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

Ms. Shiba starts meddling with Reiji and Chako’s friendship as well as pulling some real conniving shit with Reiji’s mother.

This is absolutely miserable. That’s the best way to describe this series. The adults are all terrible, Reiji and Chako deserve better, and Ms. Shiba should go under the jail. I guess it’s a good thing I feel so viscerally disgruntled since the story and writing is doing it’s job but I’m starting to wonder if I want to stick with this series because it makes me so mad. I hope things turn around soon. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” Vol. 2, by Daruma Matsuura

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

With Tsuki gone and his memory tampered with, Konosuke struggles to get through the day as he knows he has lost something important. Meanwhile, a traveling medium named Aki has the ability to see a person’s fated death and through a chance encounter she learns her fate is entwined with Konosuke’s.

Now the real story is coming into play with a strange request for Tsuki and her captors going after Konosuke, who of course is going to try and get her back. Aki is a hoot as well as a capable addition to Konosuke’s quest. I did wonder where this was going to go after how the first volume ended and I see a lot of potential in this adventure. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Marriage Toxin” Vol. 2, by Joumyaku & Mizuki Yoda

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

After Hikaru does battle with a water master to save Hemekawa, an art thief, his next assignment is to be the bodyguard of a young woman with social anxiety who has been targeted by a sound master.

While this can get goofy when Hikaru tries to be romantic, this volume has a lot of fighting and action with challenging opponents for Hikaru. He’s a force to be reckoned with so I think his family should just let the man work because he’s a brilliant assassin and it’s not like he’s super old and can’t sire the required heir later on. Let the man cook, geez… But still, it’s really entertaining and creative. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 29, by Tomohito Oda

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

While the kids are at a study camp, Tadano’s old crush, Rami Kawai, is also there with her friends. When she finds out Tadano is with Komi, she challenges Komi to compete for Tadano’s attention.

This rivalry is the main focus of this volume and it seems Tadano is none the wiser about it. I actually like that because after all this time, we know this kid and he wouldn’t be jazzed about Rami interfering the way she is. I guess this is going to work itself out to Rami becoming another friend on Komi’s list but I wouldn’t mind if she just backs off and goes away because not everyone is worth forming a friendship with. 3.7 out of 5 because I really dislike Rami.

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Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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

Mikako is working with her friends to get their club going but Tsutomu brings in a new girl, Ayumi, and Mikako lets her jealousy get the better of her.

I’m on the fence about how quickly Mikako and Tsutomu worked things out. Was it too easy or am I glad the back and forth wasn’t needlessly drawn out with a bunch of contrivances to keep up the angst? Either way, it’s resolved so the rest of the volume is prepping for the flea market and some conflict with Mikako’s father making it a very dramatic volume. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbow Days” Vol. 9, by Minami Mizuno

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

On the senior school trip, both Mochizuki and Natsuki want to confess their feelings to Anna but in the process, Mochizuki contemplates why he feels the way he does about Anna.

This is mostly the two boys trying to get Anna alone as the girl is completely oblivious to their attentions. It’s pretty fun to read as these characters try to work things out so it’s better than some other volumes as a successful, cute, YA romance. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni reviews: “Pink Heart Jam” Vol. 2, by Shikke

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

After a camp trip, Haiga realizes his feelings for Kanae but since his finances took a hit, Haiga has to take as many work hours as he can get to try and see Kanae at the brothel. But Kanae doesn’t want Haiga at his brothel anymore and he is also grappling with his developing feelings.

While the official summary implies a lot of drama, this is actually pretty wholesome and honest, even with the smut. I like when stories have some suspense for the couple but don’t lean on repeated misunderstandings or other contrived conflicts. Those can be entertaining but can also grow tiresome so it’s interesting to see characters talk things through. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 6, by Uoyama

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

One of Morio’s ex’s runs in to him and Yukiko on a date and while Yukiko wonders about Morio’s past as this is her first relationship, but he’s hesitant to tell his new love about his past.

It was sweet to see Yukiko and Morio get closer and understanding each other in new ways, especially since Yukiko has never felt this way about anyone before. The addition of Morio and Aono bonding about how Morio feels about his friend, Hachiko, dating now was fun; especially considering she’s still in love with Morio but trying to move on. It’s all very insightful and touching. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Mao” Vol. 16, by Rumiko Takahashi

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

Mao tries to reach Daigo, who is only an empty shell manipulated by the Goko Clan and Byoki. they also assist in the case of a missing girl and a string of mysterious fires followed by robberies.

The missing girl case allows us to see more of Hyakka, his abilities, and other similar fire wielders. I won’t spoil any details but it’s a well done story that doesn’t feel like filler whatsoever as whatever is going on with Daigo takes a pause. I found this story interesting with some cool powers that I’m sure will come into play as the main plot progresses and makes Hyakka a cool character. 4.5 out of 5.

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