young adult

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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: “Books, Iced Coffee & a Side of Dragons” by Amanda Lovelace & Raquel Travé

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

Lucinda owns Little Lighthouse Books, a struggling book store. She deals daily with the antics of her dragon and her crush on Aster, the owner of the coffee shop next door.

This does have Tea Dragon Society vibes in that this book has the coziest vibes and beautiful colors. The drama is very low stakes and grounded. This has great representation and while it’s not subtle, it doesn’t need to be. It’s a cute little sapphic romance and a slice of magical joy that’s sorely needed. 4.5 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: “Shinobi Undercover” Vol. 3, by Ippon Takegushi & Santa Mitarashi

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

After guarding Aoi on a school trip, Yodaka joins an infiltration mission and faces the fugitive ninjas Ban and Kawasemi.

I’m glad this is mostly action. The teen drama stuff is fun, but lingering in the background is why Aoi would need such protection in the first place. And, like Marriage Toxin, this series doesn’t let you forget that these people are dangerous. It’s not all fun and games. The dichotomy keeps things interesting. 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: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 3, by Aoi Makino

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Kamiyama ponders what being an idol means to her while Miku askes Hikaru to guard her after she was assaulted.

Miku is just the worst and I mean that in a couple ways. First, she’s just a manipulative jerk plotting to turn people against Kamiyama because profit? I have no idea. Then the book goes back and forth as to whether or not she’s lying about her assault. And spoilers but I am NOT happy about Miyu’s suicide fake out. Those two things make whatever message this story is trying to say about how women and girls are used and perceived as objects really muddled. Exploring the way exploitation can impact people, victim blaming, and objectification is important but this doesn’t seem focused on that and just wants drama. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 2, by Aoi Makino

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Karen/Nina has allowed Hikaru to be closer to her, making their classmate, Miku, jealous.

I’m gonna call her Kamiyama for now since going back and forth between Karen and Nina is confusing. Again, trigger warning for more victim blaming and sexual assault. I was pretty spot on in that this comic is about Kamiyama struggling to feel safe again but there’s also the questionable things she was pressured to do when she was an idol. She was absolutely taken advantage of by an industry that would sexualize her EVEN AS A MINOR. Remember, she’s in high school at the time this series begins, meaning she was even younger doing racy pictures before she was attacked and quit. Just gross. And Miku… It bothers me that we’re going back and forth about if her assault happened. It’s so weird. I’m in this more for Kamaiyama’s journey. 4 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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