young adult manga

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

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*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.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 1, by Miyu Morishita

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

Mythical creatures are now mainstream and integrated with human society. Yutaka Shinso wants to get to know more of them so, he transfers to a more mixed school where he meets Tsumiki Ogami, a werewolf who inspires him to become as confident as she is.

This is a fun little high school fantasy. We don’t go into many different creatures as the main focus is on Tsumiki and her friendship with Yutaka. It’s still just the first volume so, it’s very slice of life but it’s very sweet. A light read with some comedy and heartfelt moments that made me smile. 3.7 out of 5 for the good start.

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

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*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.

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

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*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.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 3, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha and Chidori are heading into their first summer as a couple and their first official date at an aquarium.

We have our usual sort of episodic misadventures where we learn Chidori is great at cooking, Nanoha has a sleepover with all her friends, but her little sister, Kaede, figures out their secret. Still, something is brewing about Chidori’s past. I’d expected Kaede to be a little shit and cause trouble but nah, she was fine. I don’t anticipate this series going super dark and have everyone turn on them, but Chidori clearly went through something that’s really bothering her whenever it crops up. Everything is lighthearted and sweet so, while my guard is interested, it’s not at full attention yet. 4 out of 5. 

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

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*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.

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

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*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.

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Lenni Reviews: “Cat Companions Maruru and Hachi” Vol. 1, by Yuri Sonoda

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

Maruru lived with a nice family until he chased a flock of sparrows and got lost. Now living on the streets, he runs into Hachi, who eventually takes the housecat under his wing to survive as strays together.

While adorable and heartwarming at times, it’s also heartwrenching. Stray cats don’t have easy lives and while this doesn’t pull a Watership Down and shock us with blood and gore; their lives are still rough and have a ton of risk. They struggle to find food and clean water, to stay warm in the winter, have turf disputes, and rely on the rare kind person who will help them out. The volume does a good job at getting you connected to the characters. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna leave some cat food on the porch. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 2, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha and Chidori’s relationship is still a secret from their friends and Chidori thinks back on her past love.

This volume continues the very light, slice-of-life tone. Just a bunch of cute moments of their relationship as they study, hang out, etc. Since we still don’t have any particular stakes, it’s a cozy read where the reader can just enjoy seeing these girls be happy with each other and live life. I appreciate the positivity after some of the depressing stuff I’ve been reading (you’ll see those reviews soon) but it can get repetitive. Every chapter starts with how they’re keeping their relationship a secret; as if each one was serialized in separate issues so it could be picked up in any spot. It’s not as enjoyable when it’s all put together, though. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 1, by Luka Kobachi

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

High school students Nanoha and Chidori are dating but they keep their relationship secret; only known to their classmates as best friends.

This is very slice of life, especially when compared to the same setting for yaoi manga. It’s just so cute and sweet. Not a bit of smut to be found. It gets repetitive because each little story starts out with “we’re dating and keeping it a secret” and there are no obvious stakes to them keeping their relationship a secret. It doesn’t seem like their friends are homophobic or anything. Everything is very lighthearted and calm; a lot of blushing and meaningful glances. It’s decent but maybe a little more depth to it would make me like it more. 3.5 out of 5.

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