Scan barcode
susani_'s review against another edition
2.0
I am going to stop at volume 5. It’s a cute read, however, it reads too young for me. I don’t think I am at the right age anymore to enjoy it.
n1kk1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
saramarie08's review against another edition
4.0
Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
We begin with the conclusion of Iku's parents visiting, in which Iku finds an advocate in an unlikely place. Next, we are introduced to Marie, a young woman who has a condition that is destroying her hearing. She is friends and neighbors with Instructor Komaki, and he always finds the right book to recommend to her. In her latest visit, Komaki recommends a book with a heroine suffering from the same condition. Bystanders at Marie's school report Komaki because they think he is cruel for giving her a book that focuses on her deafness, and officials forcibly remove Komaki for questioning and investigating into the alleged "abuse" of a disabled person. Of course, Iku can't wait for the rest of the squad to come up with the plan to save Komaki, so she puts things in motion for herself. In the Bonus manga of this volume, there is a story of a Publisher Party where the Library forces are providing security. Iku ruins her clothes, so she has to borrow a dress and get all dolled up, and she doesn't understand why all the men are hitting on her!
Iku is definitely a hot head, but after seeing her interaction with her parents, I think we can understand why she is defensive and is quick to act. I like the storyline with Marie, but I think some readers will be a little concerned for the age gap - she's in high school, and he's post college. In Japan, 16 is the age of consent in most prefectures, and it isn't that unusual to see large age gaps in relationships. In the U.S., this would be ghastly, so readers just need to keep in mind the difference in cultures between the U.S. and Japan.
Overall, I might be biased towards this series coming from a library background, but I think this series has a decent blend of action and romance to keep many readers happy.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
We begin with the conclusion of Iku's parents visiting, in which Iku finds an advocate in an unlikely place. Next, we are introduced to Marie, a young woman who has a condition that is destroying her hearing. She is friends and neighbors with Instructor Komaki, and he always finds the right book to recommend to her. In her latest visit, Komaki recommends a book with a heroine suffering from the same condition. Bystanders at Marie's school report Komaki because they think he is cruel for giving her a book that focuses on her deafness, and officials forcibly remove Komaki for questioning and investigating into the alleged "abuse" of a disabled person. Of course, Iku can't wait for the rest of the squad to come up with the plan to save Komaki, so she puts things in motion for herself. In the Bonus manga of this volume, there is a story of a Publisher Party where the Library forces are providing security. Iku ruins her clothes, so she has to borrow a dress and get all dolled up, and she doesn't understand why all the men are hitting on her!
Iku is definitely a hot head, but after seeing her interaction with her parents, I think we can understand why she is defensive and is quick to act. I like the storyline with Marie, but I think some readers will be a little concerned for the age gap - she's in high school, and he's post college. In Japan, 16 is the age of consent in most prefectures, and it isn't that unusual to see large age gaps in relationships. In the U.S., this would be ghastly, so readers just need to keep in mind the difference in cultures between the U.S. and Japan.
Overall, I might be biased towards this series coming from a library background, but I think this series has a decent blend of action and romance to keep many readers happy.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
stephs_bookshelf's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
keeley_allen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jay_mack9712's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
THERE IS SO MUCH TO SCREAM ABOUT IN THIS VOLUME!!! TORTURE!!!! FORBIDDEN LOVE!!! A PARTY !!! A DRESS!!! SHE"S MINE!!!! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!
schnoebs13's review against another edition
3.0
Even though these volumes always put a smile on my face and I love Iku Kasahara, these volumes have never gotten to a 4 star for me. I really enjoy the story line and all the bonus content but I think it's because they aren't as memorable as I would like them to me. The story line with Marie Nakazawa was great though because it provided an excellent source of disability rep without over doing it and it showed her a strong female character who deals with all the same stuggles of growing up as anyone else; only difference is that she loses her hearing. The bonus manga at the end of the volume was probably my favorite part with Iku having to dress up after getting soaked in her uniform. The blindness to guys hitting on her was great but the confidence she had while doing her job in the outfit was even better.
library_kb's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I liked the arrest side plot in this one, even though I still can't differentiate between some of the reoccurring characters. Not head over heels about the series yet, but this was more promising than the last volume.
missprint_'s review against another edition
5.0
These books are everything I want in my life *heart*
oliviak07's review against another edition
4.0
I know, I know, I said I was going to savor this volume until the next two in the series arrived. But to be fair, how many bookworms have said that only to divert from the original plan!?
Until proven otherwise, Kiiro Yumi's fifth volume in the "Library Wars: Love & Wars" series is by far my favorite. Yes, it is most likely due to the intersection of themes that are dear to me (the library, allying with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, friendship and love, etc.), but I am not ashamed of that! Other readers near and far may agree.
Fans of the series will continue to see their favorite characters open up, and share their vulnerabilities. Whether you enjoy Kasahara, Shibazaki, Dojo, Tezuka, Komaki, etc. you will see another layer to what makes them "them", and what inspires their inner drive. They will also see some of the best moments of self-advocacy and courage from new characters, that in turn will inspire the reader to do the same for themselves when the time calls for it.
Alas, I must now wait for volumes 6-7, and while they cannot come soon enough I know that is Kasahara can be patient then so can I.
Until proven otherwise, Kiiro Yumi's fifth volume in the "Library Wars: Love & Wars" series is by far my favorite. Yes, it is most likely due to the intersection of themes that are dear to me (the library, allying with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, friendship and love, etc.), but I am not ashamed of that! Other readers near and far may agree.
Fans of the series will continue to see their favorite characters open up, and share their vulnerabilities. Whether you enjoy Kasahara, Shibazaki, Dojo, Tezuka, Komaki, etc. you will see another layer to what makes them "them", and what inspires their inner drive. They will also see some of the best moments of self-advocacy and courage from new characters, that in turn will inspire the reader to do the same for themselves when the time calls for it.
Alas, I must now wait for volumes 6-7, and while they cannot come soon enough I know that is Kasahara can be patient then so can I.