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belle_fiction's review
4.0
4.5 stars
A very strong start to what promises to be an engaging, charming and magical story. I went into this manga completely blind and have never read anything by the mangaka before so I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by this historical fantasy.
We follow a schoolgirl named Nanoka who passes through a shopping precinct (of sorts) and ends up transporting back in time to the Taisho era where she meets an aloof and somewhat blunt exorcist named Mao and his “apprentice”, Otoya wo is adorable!
When she returns to present day she finds she possesses some new abilities (e.g. running incredibly fast and leaping on to rooftops!) which is somehow connected to the time she spent with Mao and Otoya.
What is also very intriguing is Nanoka’s backstory - she was in a car accident where both her parents perished yet she was outside the car (despite the car being locked) and lying in the sinkhole that opened up beneath the car! It was here she saw a demon…
And this same demon may be Byoki - the cat demon who has cursed Mao and his sword. However, Mao is the only person who should be able to wield it but when Nanoka uses it when they are facing a spider demon, the two of them may share the same curse! *gulps*
I loved the story, the artwork and the lead characters who are all precious in their own way and I can’t wait to follow them on their next adventures <3
A very strong start to what promises to be an engaging, charming and magical story. I went into this manga completely blind and have never read anything by the mangaka before so I was pleasantly surprised and entertained by this historical fantasy.
We follow a schoolgirl named Nanoka who passes through a shopping precinct (of sorts) and ends up transporting back in time to the Taisho era where she meets an aloof and somewhat blunt exorcist named Mao and his “apprentice”, Otoya wo is adorable!
When she returns to present day she finds she possesses some new abilities (e.g. running incredibly fast and leaping on to rooftops!) which is somehow connected to the time she spent with Mao and Otoya.
What is also very intriguing is Nanoka’s backstory - she was in a car accident where both her parents perished yet she was outside the car (despite the car being locked) and lying in the sinkhole that opened up beneath the car! It was here she saw a demon…
And this same demon may be Byoki - the cat demon who has cursed Mao and his sword. However, Mao is the only person who should be able to wield it but when Nanoka uses it when they are facing a spider demon, the two of them may share the same curse! *gulps*
I loved the story, the artwork and the lead characters who are all precious in their own way and I can’t wait to follow them on their next adventures <3
ivyinthepages's review
4.0
Rating: 4 leaves out of 5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Shonen
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yeah
I really haven't read any of her work. I was introduced to her when I began Inuyasha way back in the early 2000s. It had first came to the US. I loved it and it held close to my heart. So I thought to give this manga a go.
I liked it enough. It feels familiar and I like the characters. The story is paced nicely and I can't wait to read the second volume.
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Shonen
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yeah
I really haven't read any of her work. I was introduced to her when I began Inuyasha way back in the early 2000s. It had first came to the US. I loved it and it held close to my heart. So I thought to give this manga a go.
I liked it enough. It feels familiar and I like the characters. The story is paced nicely and I can't wait to read the second volume.
droar's review
4.0
Fun! I really like that Takahashi has two modes of writing (Hooliganry & Demons) and this one loooks like it's gonna fit in both (maybe with a heavier demon leaning). I especially enjoy Mao's little assistant, he's the best!
molly_dettmann's review
4.0
This series has more of a paranormal mystery element to it in comparison to demon fighting action manga. I’m intrigued by the curse and our main character’s connection to everything. Great artwork as well! Rates T+ because it is pretty violent.
joraud's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
oolymee's review
4.0
This is such an interesting premise, and I am really excited to read the next one. I will say that this particular art style in mange is not normally my favorite, but I actually enjoyed it in this story.
kitsunebi_reads's review
5.0
I was super excited to see that Mao had been released in English. I have been a longtime fan of Takahashi's work for years starting with Ranma 1/2 back in the 1990's. Mao is very similar in style to Inu Yasha and in true fashion there is curses, spirits and time travel.
The story does a great job of introducing the characters and setting up the story. We follow Nanoka who appears to be a regular girl going to school, meeting friends, having dinner with family, etc. Until she goes through a portal that transports her back in time to the Taisho era. Here, she meets Mao, and exorcist and physician to the yokai (and some humans). She learns that Mao has been cursed by the cat demon Byoki - who wants to possess his body - and he is out to kill Byoki.
In a moment of fear during Mao's battle with Byoki. Has Mao lays on the ground. His sword thrown away. Nanako grabs it and attacks Byoki to protect Mao's life. But how could she use Mao's sword? His sword was cursed by Byoki's blood and only those cursed by his blood can wield the sword?
The story does a great job of introducing the characters and setting up the story. We follow Nanoka who appears to be a regular girl going to school, meeting friends, having dinner with family, etc. Until she goes through a portal that transports her back in time to the Taisho era. Here, she meets Mao, and exorcist and physician to the yokai (and some humans). She learns that Mao has been cursed by the cat demon Byoki - who wants to possess his body - and he is out to kill Byoki.
In a moment of fear during Mao's battle with Byoki. Has Mao lays on the ground. His sword thrown away. Nanako grabs it and attacks Byoki to protect Mao's life. But how could she use Mao's sword? His sword was cursed by Byoki's blood and only those cursed by his blood can wield the sword?
sashas_books's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
When your sister-in-law cleans out her book shelves, you get free books! Here is #3.
Dear Rumiko Takahashi, it’s nice to meet your stories again. I like them so much :)
The premise here is very similar to Rin-Ne: a girl who takes no nonsense from anyone meets a boy who needs to work on his social skills a bit. The boy has special powers and fights ghosts and demons.
The story here is more mysterious and creepy (if you think the idea of cat demon sounds cute, think again). Mao is a cursed exorcist, and when he is not busy exorcising he is a yokai doctor (awww!). Nanoka is tougher than she realizes. She has a horrific backstory – was the accident that killed her parents truly an accident? And what kind of connection do Nanoka and Mao have? Is it possible they share the same curse?
I liked how Nanoka travelled back in time to a parallel universe, and almost without batting an eye, stated helping Mao defeat demons. Because why wouldn’t you?
Here is Mao, confronting a demon:
“Shall we join him, Miss Nanoka?”
“Sure.”
That spider lady was very scary though, I hope I won’t dream of her tonight. *Shudder.* Nanoka saved the day, though. I wonder how on earth Mao had managed without her before? ;)
This first volume is very promising, shaping up to be a cool and scary series with adorable characters. It’s a pity I don’t have more volumes right now…
ladyk2387's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kayjchan95's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Love rumiko takahashi. Can’t wait to read vol 2.