Scan barcode
bluehairedlibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
When the Media Betterment Committee tries to silence a writer, the Library Forces jump into action. It also happens to take place when Iku and Dojo finally go on their date-not-date for the first time. In order to trick MBC members, they have to pretend to be a couple and feelings cause lots of delightfully embarrassing things to occur between them.
I love these characters and I love how this author storyline is lasting a bit longer than most of the others, allowing the full impact of what the censorship battle has put on the line.
I love these characters and I love how this author storyline is lasting a bit longer than most of the others, allowing the full impact of what the censorship battle has put on the line.
tbirckhead's review against another edition
4.0
The love and war part of the title really shines through in this volume.
sumyungguy2005's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Another amazing volume of Library Wars! I was so glad to see Iku stand up to Instructor Dojo's unwarranted aggression, and it seems like the Library Forces are finally on the path to ending censorship! Also, it's funny to read a book taking place 'in the future' written in 2014, where the 'future' is my current year, 2022.
Additionally, the 'bonus mangas' are usually hit or miss with me, but I actually really enjoyed this one! The Valentine's Bonus Manga filled me with intense feelings of yearning (especially since one of the drawings showed a shop display that said 'Valentine's 2022, which is just around the corner!), specifically, for a handsome boy who I could give heart-shaped chocolates to, and also, shower with gifts... Maybe some day.
Additionally, the 'bonus mangas' are usually hit or miss with me, but I actually really enjoyed this one! The Valentine's Bonus Manga filled me with intense feelings of yearning (especially since one of the drawings showed a shop display that said 'Valentine's 2022, which is just around the corner!), specifically, for a handsome boy who I could give heart-shaped chocolates to, and also, shower with gifts... Maybe some day.
peyton_'s review against another edition
5.0
Things are building so much and there are only two books left! I’m going to be so sad when this is over. T.T
chelseaj91's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
4.0
princess_starr's review against another edition
4.0
So, I just found out that there’s only one volume left in this series, and I’m a little sad. I’ve really enjoyed Library Wars since it first came out, and although the story did meander at times with the Iku/Dojo love-hate relationship, I still thought it was a lot of fun and I really do enjoy reading the series, even though the releases are so far apart. (I think one volume left—someone asked about simultaneous releases on the Shojo Beat Tumblr page, and I think they said volume 14 is going to be the last one? Also the fact that the anime is coming out in the States later this year! WOO! I mean, it’s the vanilla, subtitled only edition, but still.)
Volume 13 does definitely read like the beginning of a final arc. Iku and Dojo have come to some understanding about their feelings for one another (although they haven’t fully admitted that they love each other yet), and things between the Library Defense Force and the Media Betterment Committee are beginning to come to a head with the targeting of Toma-sensei. There are still a number of threads that don’t feel as explored yet, especially with Director Kawahara, but I do think that the ending is in sight.
The thing that got me interested in Library Wars in the first place was the light-dystopia angle of the Media Betterment Act and how it’s affected this world since its implantation. Although this series has examined the negative effects of the MBA and how the general public has spoken out against it, there really hasn’t been a nationwide outcry against it in the series until now. I really like that this series not only explores the characters’ reactions to political developments, but also the civilian aspect as well. We get a few man on the street reactions throughout this volume, and I think this has shown a lot more of the civilian outrage than the previous volumes. I don’t know if the series will end easily for any of the characters, given the tendency for the MBC to either stall important developments or to go in with guns blazing. (I also like how it’s Iku who unknowingly comes up with the best solution for Toma-sensei to continue writing while still adhering to the MBC ruling.)
The other thing that I really enjoy about Library Wars is that I really don’t know how the story is going to turn next, so while the long wait between volumes doesn’t keep me excitedly jumping up and down (and admittedly going “Okay, what happened last time?”) , it does surprise me whenever the story goes into a different place. (Really, I ought give the entire series a big reread before the final volume comes out. The problem is that the majority of my manga collection is in storage bins and until I move out of my house and I can actually go through and arrange everything, I can’t really do a reread and clean some stuff out.
…my manga collection is large and terrifying. So much shojo manga. So many sparkles and flowers.)
That said, I do really love Library Wars as a manga series—it’s had a spot in my heart since I’ve read the first volume, and I’m really sad to find out that it’ll might be ending soon. But I have high hopes as what may happen in the next-hopefully-not-last-volume and I’ll wait patiently until it finally makes its way over stateside.
Volume 13 does definitely read like the beginning of a final arc. Iku and Dojo have come to some understanding about their feelings for one another (although they haven’t fully admitted that they love each other yet), and things between the Library Defense Force and the Media Betterment Committee are beginning to come to a head with the targeting of Toma-sensei. There are still a number of threads that don’t feel as explored yet, especially with Director Kawahara, but I do think that the ending is in sight.
The thing that got me interested in Library Wars in the first place was the light-dystopia angle of the Media Betterment Act and how it’s affected this world since its implantation. Although this series has examined the negative effects of the MBA and how the general public has spoken out against it, there really hasn’t been a nationwide outcry against it in the series until now. I really like that this series not only explores the characters’ reactions to political developments, but also the civilian aspect as well. We get a few man on the street reactions throughout this volume, and I think this has shown a lot more of the civilian outrage than the previous volumes. I don’t know if the series will end easily for any of the characters, given the tendency for the MBC to either stall important developments or to go in with guns blazing. (I also like how it’s Iku who unknowingly comes up with the best solution for Toma-sensei to continue writing while still adhering to the MBC ruling.)
The other thing that I really enjoy about Library Wars is that I really don’t know how the story is going to turn next, so while the long wait between volumes doesn’t keep me excitedly jumping up and down (and admittedly going “Okay, what happened last time?”) , it does surprise me whenever the story goes into a different place. (Really, I ought give the entire series a big reread before the final volume comes out. The problem is that the majority of my manga collection is in storage bins and until I move out of my house and I can actually go through and arrange everything, I can’t really do a reread and clean some stuff out.
…my manga collection is large and terrifying. So much shojo manga. So many sparkles and flowers.)
That said, I do really love Library Wars as a manga series—it’s had a spot in my heart since I’ve read the first volume, and I’m really sad to find out that it’ll might be ending soon. But I have high hopes as what may happen in the next-hopefully-not-last-volume and I’ll wait patiently until it finally makes its way over stateside.
greyscarf's review against another edition
4.0
Our issue opens with the Defense Force confronting the MBC outside Kanto Base, where the MBC agents have been waiting for a chance to nab author Kurato Toma, the author currently under the Force's protection. Orikuchi writes a blistering expose & Toma is moved to Inamine's house. But the sense of safety doesn't last as the MBC forces Inamine's housekeeper to give up what she knows. Kasahara & Dojo get the author away in time in an impressive action sequence. Genda (yay!) returns from the hospital & convinces Orikuchi to rally the media against the MBC. Satoshi discovers that Eto has been making his own plan of action & forces him out. As the media coverage turns up the heat on the MBC & Toma's case makes it's way through the courts, Kasahara suggests that Toma defects to highlight his oppression.
Another issue with some great action! Inamine's weaponized wheelchair is so over-the-top it becomes wonderfully ridiculous. But readers will cheer through the giggles! And guess who's behind the whole car-chase-shipping-container-flight-to-safety? Genda! Who's back & in charge & just as crazy as before. I would love to see a spin-off of his adventures--Shibazaki brings him some juicy intel & he executes his bonkers-intricate plots. The romances here take a back seat but we do get to see Komaki & Marie have a special afternoon together. Their moments together still make me cringe a little--I get it, she's young & innocent, but there's still this desperation about her. . . yuck. At least we can rely on Kasahara being awkward & punch-happy to break up the drama. Oh Kasahara, you'll grow out of the awkwardness one day, I promise.
Another issue with some great action! Inamine's weaponized wheelchair is so over-the-top it becomes wonderfully ridiculous. But readers will cheer through the giggles! And guess who's behind the whole car-chase-shipping-container-flight-to-safety? Genda! Who's back & in charge & just as crazy as before. I would love to see a spin-off of his adventures--Shibazaki brings him some juicy intel & he executes his bonkers-intricate plots. The romances here take a back seat but we do get to see Komaki & Marie have a special afternoon together. Their moments together still make me cringe a little--I get it, she's young & innocent, but there's still this desperation about her. . . yuck. At least we can rely on Kasahara being awkward & punch-happy to break up the drama. Oh Kasahara, you'll grow out of the awkwardness one day, I promise.
knitchick's review
5.0
My new favourite manga!! I'm working on my master's in library science and I work as a cataloger in a public library so this is right up my alley. I'm totally Shibazaki, I know my call numbers very well :) I love love love that the librarians have formed into a military force to protect the freedom to read. The mention of book burning makes me think of Fahrenheit 451, which has always upset me, so the librarians working to combat that is awesome. It makes me squee when Kasahara is looking for the books and they're throwing out call numbers. ;) This is a great manga and it makes me sad that I have to wait so long for the next volume to come out. Definitely a must read if you're anti-book banning or a librarian!!
More...