shojo

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Like a Butterfly” Vol. 12, by Suu Morishita

(Image Source)

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

This volume is spinoffs, one-shots, and bonus chapters, changing some perspectives and some what-if stories.

While cute, these feel like they could have been divided up and put at the end of previous volumes, not sold on their own in a separate volume. I mean, if you’re desperate for more content with these characters, it may be worth it for you, but for me, I was skimming most of this. And I’d be annoyed if I’d paid for this. In this economy? No thanks. 2.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Wolf Girl and Black Prince” Vol. 13, by Ayuko Hatta

(Image Source)

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

Despite Kyoya’s warnings, Erika tries to play matchmaker. After the trip, Erika’s parents want Kyoya to come over to formally meet him, and he takes Erika out for her birthday. There is also a side story where Takeru tries to tell Kyoya he shouldn’t be so blunt.
Takeru is a decent guy, and it’s nice to see someone be a friend to Kyoya. Overall, the bungled birthday date was the most amusing part. Kyoya was really trying to put forth some effort with the date and meeting her parents was off the rails; it gave me emotional whiplash, which was NOT appreciated given I haven’t forgotten what happened last volume there, kiddo. You’re still an asshole. 2 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 4, by Luka Kobachi

(Image Source)

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

This volume has our secret couple Nanoha and Chidori going on their first beach trip with their friends as well as introducing Igarashi; Chidori’s first love that broke her heart.

It’s interesting to see how f/f relationships are seen in Japan. I remember reading/watching somewhere that these little intimacies are seen as cutesy things you grow out of as life gets “serious,” then you go on to have a family. My mother believed something similar. It was so fucking sweet to see Nanoha put her foot down and say Chidori is her girlfriend. They’re still a secret to their friends but this isn’t a passing thing for them. While this isn’t a flash forward 20 years in the future to see they’re still together for a real confirmation but I’ll take it. They are so damn adorable. 3.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Let’s Do It Already!” Vol. 5, by Aki Kusaka

(Image Source)

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

Due to the restrictions placed on their relationship, Keiichiro is planning something special for Yuri’s birthday; a three day trip to Kyoto.

I love how Keiichiro throws himself into things wholeheartedly. Yuri’s struggling with a class? He organized a whole damn curriculum to help her. He wants to have an overnight trip within the constraints of his family’s rules? He makes that shit happen. Bless that young man because he just wants to do his best and do right by the love of his life. The comedy isn’t bad, but it’s mostly all about Keiichiro being a sweetheart. 3.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 34, by Tomohito Oda

(Image Source)

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

Rumiko still hasn’t responded to Wakai’s confession and Komi gets accepted to her first-choice school. Their class is gearing up for another festival and decides to do a ramen stand.

The ramen stand was a funny event. Komi’s come a long way from not speaking at all to leading the class to play for an event and having a great time. I like that this volume keeps most of the focus on this event with only a couple side stories like Rumiko and Wakai. The volumes with a ton of different little stories have been hit or miss but this volume was just some cozy fun. 4.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Sakura, Saku” Vol. 7, by Io Sakisaka

(Image Source)

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

Iryu is tempted to interfere with Haruki’s relationship; meanwhile, Saku thinks Haruki still has feelings for Hazuki.

Okay, I know they’re teenagers but seriously. Saku has doubts about Haruki so she snubs him and immediately goes to the other guy who likes her? And to just dismiss him when he says what’s past is past? Spoilers I guess, but to me, it felt like she was doing her hardest to sabotage this relationship. It really annoyed me because Haruki was so earnest and open with Saku, and she just closed it off. This is seven volumes in now, you’d think she’d know him better than that. 3 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Let’s Do It Already!” Vol. 4, by Aki Kusaka

(Image Source)

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

Yuri’s plan to become a maid at Keiichiro’s home to be closer to him over the summer doesn’t work out like she thought, resulting in hilarious consequences once summer break is over.

This volume has some great comedy, but it’s starting to feel like Yuri is learning the same lesson over and over again. She does something wacky then realizes that Keiichiro deeply cares for her and she should just chill out about what she expects from their relationship and all these rules. I like them and root for them, but this volume was just okay. I’d like to see a bit more growth from her. 3.5 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “My Special One” Vol. 9, by Momoko Koda

(Image Source)

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

Sahoko and Kata go on a trip with Emiko tagging along, wishing Kanato could be there with her.

It starts off with the trip but the standout here is Emiko freaking out about being intimate with Kanato but she’s a virgin. These two are gonna rot my teeth they’re so sweet. They still have a few misunderstandings but it’s nowhere near as bad as when they first were trying to get together. It’s an entire volume about how lovey-dovey they are and while sweet, it’s very slice of life. 3 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Rainbow Days” Vol. 14, by Minami Mizuno

(Image Source)

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

Not that the second term has started, the boys are thinking about college. Keiichi has no motivation to grow up and Tsuyoshi’s plans may not be in line with his girlfriends’s.

This volume really gives you the feeling of going from the small world of your high school to realizing how big the world is outside of it. It’s all the bittersweetness of growing up. Other volumes in this series have been hit or miss; some are dryer than others but this one is great at handling all the different emotions. 4 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Sakura, Saku” Vol. 6, by Io Sakisaka

(Image Source)

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

Saku remembers when she met Iryu as a child and he is starting to have feelings for her. At the school festival, Saku plans to spend time with Haruki but Iryu also wants to see her.

Oh, we’re fully in love triangle mode now. Iyru and Haruki are wasting no time pursuing Saku, who is mildly annoying with her passivity and milk toast reactions. She’s just going along with whatever each guy is doing at the moment. I like her but I’m hoping she’ll be a little more active in all this in the future. The boys clearly have no issue with this. 3.7 out of 5.

Follow me on BlogLovin.