scipiokento's reviews
259 reviews

Ayakashi Triangle, Vol. 1 by Kentaro Yabuki

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 "Anything for post-worthy content." 

Matsuri and Suzu have been since they were kids. Over the years Matsuri started to protect Suzu from the ayakashi that always seem to flock to her. Suzu doesn't seem to know why Matsuri does it but she knows that his intentions are good. Their usual routine is upended when they run into the king of ayakashi, Shirogane. 

This one didn't grab me as much as I had hoped. Don't get me wrong, there are several pros to this volume. The art is great, the author gives you a lot of information and world building without making it feel too dense, and Shirogane is hilarious; honestly, he's what kept me going for the most part. I appreciated the fast pace however the characters have particular characteristics that don't usually draw me in.

For example, Matsuri seems to be so determined to keep Suzu unaware of any important information. She keeps having to stumble across it on her own or get it from the ayakashi who are trying to eat her. Suzu is sweet and kind but it feels like that's the full depth of the character.

All in all, this was a great introduction to a series and the author established the foundation for what could be a great story while giving you a few laughs along the way. I'll be interested to see where it goes if our paths cross again.

Loved Circus by Nemui Asada

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

4.25

 "There are plenty of ways to live and I finally felt like I could rise to the challenge." 

I really loved this story. It only gets 4.25 stars because I wish there had been a little more to it (Possibly a second volume to really fortify the story instead of just a one-shot). Getting a small glimpse into these character's stories was so heartwarming. I appreciate how the author brings these characters into light and gives them dignity. Through this narrative, the author reminds us that people are still people and no matter where you come from you can find yourself between a rock and a hard place. We all deserve respect of our choices and I feel that is represented well here.

Shiro's choice to stay in a place that brought him so much trauma and yet brought him so much comfort. Kei's choice to give all of his money, happily burying himself in debt because he thought he was helping someone in need. 

These characters made decisions with hard consequences. With the camaraderie that developed between them within the Circus, these characters helped each other to continue navigating forward, each bringing their own unique method to the table. 

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii Vol. 1 by Asuka Konishi

mysterious medium-paced

3.25

 

"He's right behind you."

This story threw me for a loop! I get that you can kind of gather that from the synopsis but it still caught me off guard. Not necessarily in a bad way? The best I can liken it to is cruising at 45mph for a good minute and then with no warning you start flying at 100+. I thought I knew what was happening but I surely did not. I am currently the confused John Travolta meme when it comes to how I felt at the end of this. I'm still just recovering from being...jilted? Haha! I genuinely don't want to dissuade anyone from reading this. It revolves around Yakuza so it is going going to be accompanied by familiar themes present in that story genre. My best advice for someone going into it; drop your assumptions as well as your predictions and just let the story lead you. I am intrigued and want to give the second volume a go as well to see where this will take us because the author made a well established point from the start that this will not be the same story you've read a hundred times before.

 

The Titan's Bride Vol. 1 by ITKZ

adventurous funny fast-paced

5.0

 "I find you completely captivating."

Kouichi is magically transported to a new world of titans where he meets Prince Caius who, upon first glance, declares Kouichi his bride to-be. Because of an ominous prophecy, Prince Caius cannot wed anyone from his world and is determined to win Kouichi over.

This series is Mature. With a solid capital 'M' on the front of that. At least, I'd say, half of this volume depicted what earned the series that capital 'M.' Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining! I had a great time! Caius is so, so sweet to Kouichi and yes, things escalate very quickly, but their relationship is still one I can easily cheer on. This was an easily consumable read, as well as funny and it easily ticked a lot of boxes for me. I really enjoyed it!

Romantic Killer, Vol. 1 by Wataru Momose

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 "You're so weird."

This book was hilarious! I originally picked this up randomly on a dopa-mining manga buying spree and I'm thrilled that I did!

Essentially, this series is a Shojo parody and while poking fun at all of the genre's usual tropes, we are also watching a sweet romance develop. It was definitely over the top and eccentric, in the best ways possible, which had me cackling (very elegantly, of course) for most of it.

I appreciate that the author doesn't take themselves too seriously; if the manga itself isn't proof enough, I suggest taking a look at the author note. The fun they had making this series is clearly translated into the foundation of the story itself. With so many funny moments to keep you entertained (honorable mention to "those things" and the slice of cake stand-in) it doesn't take long for the story to really start moving.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys chaos, as well as Shojo and isn't afraid to poke fun at the things they love while in good company.

 

Devils' Line, Volume 5 by Ryo Hanada

adventurous dark funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

 "You can decide for yourself where you belong." 

This series continues to hold strong for me. In this volume, we meet new characters who are adding new perspectives to the story. We also gain more insight to other more secondary characters and past experiences that have helped navigate their choices.

Anzai and Tsukasa continue to explore and push new boundaries in their relationship. Devil/human relationships are fairly unexplored territory as it is known to be extremely dangerous for the human participant. The risks they continue to take in order to remain in each other's lives continues to feed the romance addicted goblin in my brain. 

  Also, Mom and...DAD?!?!

Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

How did we ever make it out of the dark?

This was a re-read for me and I still thoroughly enjoyed it the second time around. The vibe of this book was very cozy to me; creepy cloak-and-dagger, dreary Pacific Northwest. Also, seeing musicians that I listen to that aren't regularly referenced in my day to day brings a smile to my face. The author is concise and excels at making every word count, giving you just the right amount of information but not bogging you down with information. Her writing style made this all the more enjoyable to me and I am very excited to read more of her work.

A big highlight for me: I love the dynamic between Leon and Rae; the back and forth, the duality of their relationship, the trust instilled into one another as the story progresses. Both characters show a tremendous amount of growth throughout the book. The author does a great job of depicting how each character's presence in the other's life inspired and fostered change, but they each did their own internal work for themselves. Sure, they were an anchor for each other but both characters surmounted their own internal struggles with only the support of the other. I love that message and the unique packaging that it comes in with this book. 

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Content Warnings

As always: check your trigger warnings!

Devils' Line, Volume 4 by Ryo Hanada

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

"There are a lot of things you're happier not knowing about."

Tables are turning, character alliances are shuffled, and there are endless mysteries yet to be solved. A dramatic turn of events leads Anzai and Tsukasa towards making an impactful decision. One that leads them both into unknown territory. Shadows of Anzai's origin are still skittering close by waiting to strike. The duality exhibited in this volume was wonderfully impactful and is a great representation of, for a lack of a better phrase, what it is to be human...or devil.

デビルズライン 3 by Ryo Hanada

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

"This guy's veins are full of ketchup."

Pressure is building! It seems like every volume we are getting new groundbreaking information but this volume takes the cake! Still weary of new information that could possible change the way he lives, Anzai is also dealing with the consequences of the events playing out around him. So many plot points are detonating around every character, paving the way for so many new avenues that the author could take us down and I am thrilled to be along for the ride! 

Devils' Line, Volume 2 by Ryo Hanada

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

"A devil who looked human...A human like a devil."

Vol 2 definitely did not disappoint! The author continues to manage points of plot development in an entertaining and engaging way rather than bogging you down with information, which is a huge bonus for me. I'm loving the tension that continues to build up from the previous volume as the story moves forward at a steady pace. More light is shed on different character motivations, all of which I am excited to see play out. Anzai and Tsukasa remain to be the small bright flame in the chaotic reality surrounding them. I find the tentative care and devotion the main characters are already showing to one another to be so sweet and endearing. Needless to say, this series continues to sink it's claws into me, especially when you add in the bit of information dropped in the last few panels. 👀👀👀