Reviews

xxxHolic, Vol. 4 by CLAMP

mehsi's review

4.0

Rating will stay a 4 star. I found Domeki and Watanuki's interactions just frustrating and Domeki certainly didn't make things better by stealing that Valentine's treat and also doing some other things. It is like he wants to piss off Watanuki. :| This time some backstory on Watanuki (that apartment building, is that from Chobits, it wouldn't surprise me if it was), twins and the power of words, Valentines day (with a soul-stealing Zashiki Warashi who I like later on but now I just found it rude that she does this), white day pops around, and it is time for snacks and creepy hands. We also meet with the other Mokona again! Plenty of things and plenty of hints here and there that I just LOVE to bits. The art is still wonderful (and always will be as it is Clamp).

natixii's review

emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

sashas_books's review

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Yay, good supernatural times!

Watanuki has to make Valentine’s Day chocolatey thing (chocolate/Valentine’s Day combo is a big deal in Japan, in case you didn’t know) for Yûko, and he is wonderfully mad at her about it. The very last chocolate fondant is for Himawari! But she’s sick! On Valentine’s Day, of all days! And then Dômeki casually strolls by and eats it. I agree with Watanuki, this kind of sucks. But maybe, just maybe, it doesn’t deserve the drama he makes about it? Teenagers… :)))

But then Dômeki is in big big (supernatural) trouble, and Watanuki feels he has to help. There is a short, exciting adventure, and it all ends well. Phew. (You guys are such great frenemies.)

Watanuki keeps making delicious lunches for Dômeki in this volume as well. Is this going to be a thing? (Not that I mind great food.)

The story with the twin sisters and words as bonds was very nice and touching, but not very interesting. It didn’t add much. The last few pages featuring the ghost hand were creepy, though... 

b00kdragon's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

silberfederling's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

kitsunebi_reads's review

5.0

xxxHolic volume 4 finds Watanuki and Domeki pulled in to an other wordly relationship with twins and Yuko teaches Watanuki that words have life. Words we say not only effect those around us, but can cripple ourselves. Only by their intervention can they change the lives of these twins.

Volume 4 also brings us a few more yokai sighting of a shy Zashiki- Warashi and the Karasu Tengu's that guard her and her soft heart from those who may make her cry.

As always the stories in this series are fresh and interesting, combining the best of Japanese traditions and myths. Worth every single star.

ankita1996's review

adventurous dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

nesdy's review against another edition

3.5

I really liked the story about the twins.

xaijar's review

funny inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I love the quote from Yûko: "Where is the problem in adopting a custom that is 'abnormal' if it has no negative effect on the world at large?" In many cultures, customs often expect certain genders to carry out specific tasks or roles. Breaking from those traditions have commonly been viewed as taboo. But I agree that anyone can be involved if it doesn't hurt others.

I also like the quote: "words have life". Energy and power can be drawn from words. They can manifest their intentions on ourselves and others when spoken out loud. When we internalise the meanings behind words they can effect us physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. This can happen with positive and negative vibes.

opalamber's review

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0