YA

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 12, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha decides that vocational school in Osaka is the path for her, but that means Chidori’s school in Tokyo is three hours away. While making plans, they enjoy the last school festival for the literature club.

While this volume moves quickly from point to point – we’re up to November again by the end of it – it’s really an adorable set of slice-of-life stories. We get a bit more backstory about when Nanoha first saw Chidori and was trying to befriend her. Our main couple is surprisingly mature and in love. It’s very sweet. However, it was strange to see Chidori with long hair. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 10, by Luka Kobachi

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

While Nanoha has decided to attend confectionary school in Tokyo, Chidori is still unsure. She is only certain she wants to follow Nanoha to Tokyo.

If Chidori isn’t able to get into a school close to Nanoha, it brings the possibility of having to be in a long distance relationship. I have to say, they’re being very mature for a YA manga. I suppose since this has been a fairly cozy slice of life so far, it’s not going to make a pivot to big dramatics. Which is great! It’s a healthy relationship and they’re adorable together. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hima-Ten!” Vol. 3, by Genki Ono

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

Tenichi goes to Kanna’s place to clean and he ends up going shopping with Himari and Kanna. There is also the school camping trip.

This is cute but I’m hoping this doesn’t turn into a harem manga. Tenichi is just a decent dude and it’d be a shame that just being decent would be enough to have ALL the girls fawning over him. But, it is nice to see Himari and Kanna’s relationship. They’re co-workers in a way and have the common situation of being driven in their careers (even tough it’s still damn creepy for a teenager to be a pinup model). They seem to be in a civil and supportive relationship and I’d be happy to see that explored more. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell” Vol. 1, by Asato Shima

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

After her father’s death, Mizuka moves in with her uncle to a town know for Dragon Folk. Her uncle has another boy boarding with him, a Dragon Born named Tenshin and despite her cheerful efforts. he remains aloof and cold.

This is really about two outsiders finding a place where they can be comfortable together. We have a bit of lore about the dragon children but the core of this is Mizuka and Tenshin becoming a little found family with her uncle, Yoshinaru, who is a goofy, well meaning scientist. The art is beautiful and creative in the way it shows the dragon transformations and how they fit into the modern world. It’s sweet so far and I look forward to see what else is explored here. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hima-Ten!” Vol. 2, by Genki Ono

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

Tenichi is still cleaning for Himari, but as he has a crush on Honoka, he goes on a date with her.

Even though Tenichi is crushing on Honoka, the dating pool is heading into harem territory. I don’t know if I like that as it doesn’t seem to quite fit the tone we’re established, but we shall see. We introduce Kanna, a model Tenichi runs into who happens to be friends with Himari. And when I say model, this HIGH SCHOOLER does sexy pinup work. They could have picked something more appropriate for Kanna like maybe a regular model? Another business owner like Himari? Hell, make her a secret gaming v-tuber or something. It’s a sizable stain on this previously silly, fun series. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I’m No Angel” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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

Now that Midori and Akira are dating, elements of Akira’s past come up to cause strain on their relationship.

This series reminds me of how BIG things seemed to be in high school. Since I’m so much older, I’m having trouble relating to this or really enjoying it. I’ve been very honest about how much I enjoy other slice of life media but this? It’s so bland to me… 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “A Star Brighter than the Sun” Vol. 7, by Kazune Kawahara

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

Sae and Kamishiro are headed into winter break and rumors of how other couples will be spending their time makes Sae wonder what the next step in their relationship will be.

It’s silly to see them fumble around. And in the “aww, you young people” type of silly. They’re almost too wholesome, so we have Sui trying to confess to Ayukawa to provide some conflict. It’s all still pretty low stakes and the characters are mostly levelheaded for teenagers. 3 out of 5 because it’s cute, but not doing anything new.

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Lenni Reviews: “Daydream Darling” Vol. 1, by Io Sakisaka

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

Iroha Hosho avoids chatting with her classmates and spends her time daydreaming outside with her only confidant, Sou Akutsu. One day, another student sees her outside, revealing the secret Iroha had been keeping.

This can be like Komi, but Iroha is very different. And so far, the cast is kinda fun! Nobody’s being a bully or weird at all. They’re pretty mature, actually. For a second, I thought this would have a darker vibe but it’s a nice slice of life with a clear budding romance in the works.

As for why I thought this was gonna get dark. *SPOILERS* the reason is that at the start the Sou Iroha is talking to is in her head. He’s the daydream. I thought we were gonna go full on psychosis but nah. Iroha is just an awkward people pleaser who needs to be more confident. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 11, by Luka Kobachi

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

Chidori helps Nanoha study but when Nanoha makes a new friend, Minami, Chidori get jealous of her taking up Nanoha’s time.

Minami is the vehicle used to fine out how Chidori and Nanoha met. They also have a date for Chidori’s birthday and head into Summer break. As with other volumes, this is just a sweet slice of life with very little drama. I like that the addition of Minami was just adding another nice person to the group. It’s just sweet to see this couple together in a fairly healthy relationship. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 7, by Miyu Morishita

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

Yutaka is doing a lot if inner work on his feelings and making friends; including his student council duties and helping Tsumiki make Valentine’s Day treats.

Much like with Komi, Tsumiki’s earnest and positive attitude is so refreshing and nice to read. I would like to know more about other beings – Raizen’s portion was interesting – but our main two are adorable. You can tell Tsumiki is working slyly to help Yutaka. 4 out of 5.

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