Manga Review: The King’s Beast Vol. 2-7 by Rei Toma

Title: The King’s Beast Vol. 2-7
Author: Rei Toma
Genre: YA Manga / Fantasy / Romance
Publication Date: May 4th, 2021 – August 2nd, 2022
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody dynastic intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace!
Rangetsu knows she must keep a low profile in the palace if she’s to have any hope of tracking down her brother’s killer. But when an Ajin is wrongly accused of murder, can Rangetsu stand idly by knowing that Prince Tenyou has the power to prevent another horrible injustice?” (Goodreads)

This series just gets better and better!

I’m glad that my library had them all to borrow because I binged them all in one day, haha.

Rangetsu and Prince Tenyou are definitely great characters and I love how their development is going. It also has a great trope of secret identity which makes for some jaw dropping moments! One in particular wasn’t my favorite though because it had to do with taking advantage of someone which kind of just felt icky.

The solving of the murder has been slow going, but I understand why. It is very complex and Rangetsu must get to know the other princes since they are all suspects. Each of the princes are very different and so are their beast servants. She can get under their skin easily but I also think she makes them better in some ways as well since her view of the world is very different. She is committed to seeing her kind be treated differently and she won’t stop until it happens.

Their has been hints of romance with Tenyou being more forward. I wouldn’t say there is a love triangle but you can tell that one of the other princes wants more from Rangetsu. It adds a lot of jealousy!

Overall, this has been great so far. I love the illustrations and the development of the characters. There have been some major cliffhangers going on so I am looking forward to seeing where it all goes.

Advertisement

Manga Review: The King’s Beast Vol. 1 by Rei Toma

Title: The King’s Beast Vol. 1
Author: Rei Toma
Genre: YA Manga / Fantasy
Publication Date: September 26th, 2019
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

“Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody dynastic intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace!
Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings? (Goodreads)

I’m pretty sure I have had this one on my shelf since it came out. I am finally now just getting around to it, lol. Oopsie!

After finishing her other manga series that is set in this same world, I’m so happy she has made more about the Ajin because they are my favorite.

This first volume is a bit slow but I like what has been offered so far when it comes to the two main characters Rangetsu and Prince Tenyou. I love a woman in disguise and I can tell that Rangetsu will be a favorite character of mine. You can kind of tell there will be romance eventually and I am here for it.

The plot has so far been set around a murder and politics. I am very curious on where it will go. It has started off a bit slow but I am willing to give it all a chance since it is the first volume.

Overall, it was good and I can’t wait to continue.

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn Vol. 36 by Mizuho Kusanagi

Title: Yona of the Dawn Vol. 36
Author: Mizuho Kusanagi
Genre: YA Manga / Fantasy
Publication Date: June 7th, 2022
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

“Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!
Emperor Chagol’s wily concubine Meinyan runs into Hak in a Hiryuu Palace prison cell! When Hak turns down her offer to escape together, what will Meinyan’s next move be? Meanwhile, tension mounts in South Kai, where Emperor Chagol is still waiting for Meinyan’s return from Kohka! ” (Goodreads)

Another great volume!

Things are really heating up when it comes to going to war with South Kai. There were some sad moments and I’m not sure how my heart will get through the next couple of volumes if this is the lead up. I am very worried, lol.

Yona is still doing her best to get things done and protect those who need it. I do admire her gift for peace and I know that my girl will help when it all comes tumbling down. Su-Won is not doing well and Yona is there at his side as well. It shows how strong she is to be there for him after what he did to her family.

I am very curious where our newcomer will fit into the story. She has already shared some interesting details in the last volume as well as letting them know that South Kai isn’t a pushover. I do hope that she gets a much deserved happy ending but I honestly doubt that. I really like her!

There is a lot of set-up in this volume, which does include some action. It wasn’t slow and even if some parts felt that way I still was intrigued to continue to read on. I just binge each volume in one sitting.

Overall, I enjoyed my time reading it. The artwork is always well done and I can’t wait for the next volume.

Manga Review: Those Not-So-Sweet Boys Vol. 6 by Yoko Nogiri

Title: Those Not-So-Sweet Boys Vol. 6
Author: Yoko Nogiri
Genre: YA Manga / Romance
Publication Date: April 5th, 2022
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“After his confession at the school festival, Rei and Midori are finally a couple! Things are going well until one day, Midori is scooped up by Rei’s grandmother and forced to attend the Ichijo matriarch’s birthday party. Overwhelmed by the difference between her world and Rei’s, and facing intense pressure, Midori retreats… only to find that Rei is now more distant than ever.” (Goodreads)

After the cliffhanger from the last volume I knew I needed to pick this one up as soon as possible! Sadly, with moving around and what not it had to wait.

I’m glad I finally had time to get to it because it was good to see Rei and Midori get over a hurdle caused by his family. I don’t think that the drama is completely over because it seems his grandma is not one to give up so easily. In that aspect her and Midori are a lot alike.

My favorite part of this volume wasn’t even Midori and Rei, it was Ieiri. He was very surprising. I wasn’t sure about him at the beginning of this series but he has definitely turned over a new leaf for me. I think he still has some underlying mission but I can’t say that I dislike. He is sweet in his own way.

Overall, this was another enjoyable volume and I can’t wait for the next!

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring Vol. 13 by Anashin

Title: Waiting for Spring Vol. 13
Author: Anashin
Genre: YA Manga / Romance / Contemporary
Publication Date: September 1st, 2020
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Towa and Mitsuki are finally a couple, but Mitsuki feels like she needs to step up her game to make his heart race. She goes to the ever-composed Kyōsuke for help, and he suggests a surprise birthday party for Towa. However, when she brings her boyfriend to the party venue, she finds an even bigger surprise waiting for them both!” (Goodreads)

Yes! Yes! Yes! This volume made that last cliffhanger worth it.

Everything is starting to fall into place for each of the guys, especially Towa and Ryuji. I wasn’t sure how it would end for Ryuji and his crush but I am glad that it worked out in his favor, even if it isn’t the way he exactly wanted it. They are making it work and that is all that matters!

Towa and Mitsuki are adorable as ever as she tries to make it all feel normal now. She is still working through the shyness, but I’m glad that she didn’t let the plot twist steer her away. They had precious moments alone together that had me swooning.

Aya does make a couple quick appearances and I was here for it! I’m glad that he is giving Towa a chance and I am looking forward to seeing how it all goes in the next volume which is sadly the last. Boo!

Overall, I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring Vol. 12 by Anashin

Title: Waiting for Spring Vol. 12
Author: Anashin
Genre: YA Manga / Romance / Contemporary
Publication Date: December 31st, 2019
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Waiting for Spring manga volume 12 features story and art by Anashin. Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet the five quickly hit it off. Will true love ultimately find Mizuki in this latest volume?” (Goodreads)

I am very happy with how this manga series has went! I just love Towa and Mitsuki together. I am on the hype train for them! There are still some issues that arise but it is nothing that they can’t handle together. They would both do anything for each other. It’s precious!

I’m also excited to see that Aya is still in the game even if his feelings weren’t matched by Mitsuki. He still wants what is best for her. It’s also cool that Towa tries to be friends with him even if Aya is hesitant. Their enemies friendship is hilarious and I love it.

There is also another romantic relationship at stake and that is where the manga ended with a huge cliffhanger! I’m glad that the next volume is already out because I need to what will happen for Nana-chan and Rui.

Overall, another sweet volume. They are all precious and I can’t wait to continue.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring Vol. 10 by Anashin

Title: Waiting for Spring Vol. 10
Author: Anashin
Genre: YA Manga / Romance
Publication Date: January 22nd, 2019
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the caf� where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she’s been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include… love?” (Goodreads)

I have been meaning to get back into this manga series and so here we are! I did it!

The love triangle for the plot has been very long and drawn out. Sometimes I feel like I lose a little bit of interest because it is the same old same old thing happening. I am glad that there has been some feelings shown by Mitsuki to one instead of testing out the waters. I’m hoping that since the series is almost finished that there will be more in the next volume.

I liked the change of scenery and that it wasn’t solely focused on basketball. We got to see them hang out and have fun. It was nice.

I am curious to see what will happen next. It seems that Mitsuki really wants to focus on herself and since character development has slowed down a bit, I’m looking forward to see what happens with her.

Overall, a good volume.

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn Vol. 30 by Mizuho Kusanagi

Title: Yona of the Dawn Vol. 30
Author: Mizuho Kusanagi
Genre: YA Manga / Fantasy / Romance
Publication Date: June 1st, 2021
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!

While the Kingdom of Kohka and Sen Province armies battle, Hak goes all out on the front lines and ends up fighting North Kai leader Ying Kuelbo one-on-one! Meanwhile, Yona remains a prisoner in Sen Province and must find a way to overcome Priest Gobi’s treachery!” (Goodreads)

This was another great volume!

Yona and Hak have finally made progress and I couldn’t be happier for them! I literally can’t take the cuteness of them together. I’m hoping that since Yona is out of danger at this point there will be some sweet and alone moments between them. They deserve it after that last battle.

There is one character that keeps showing up I wish would die already! I hate him to no end, ha.

Other than that, this volume had a lot of love. It showed what truly matters to those and I just liked all of the happiness even if it there was war in the beginning. Sometimes it takes bad things to show you want matters the most.

Overall, I enjoyed this one!

Manga Review: Love Me, Love Me Not Vol. 10 by Io Sakisaka

Title: Love Me, Love Me Not Vol. 10
Author: Io Sakisaka
Genre: YA Manga / Romance
Publication Date: September 7th, 2021
Publisher:  VIZ Media LLC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Fast friends Yuna and Akari are complete opposites—Yuna is an idealist, while Akari is a realist. When lady-killer Rio and the oblivious Kazuomi join their ranks, love and friendship become quite complicated!

Love and friendship have become quite complicated for these four friends. Inui finds out Akari has confided in Ryosuke about her problems with her parents. Feeling jealous, he tells Akari he wants to hear about her problems too. Ryosuke is moving in quick, and Inui still hasn’t told Akari how he feels about her!” (Goodreads)

I’ve been curious to see where Akari and Kazuomi’s feelings would go in this one. I’m a little disappointed that they are still stagnant and whenever they get one step forward it always has two steps back. They can’t ever catch a break! I do think that having a bit of a love triangle does add to Kazuomi feeling like he needs to move faster which is always good. He also is standing up for himself when it comes to his family and since that is where this volume ended I will be curious what that decision has in store for him.

I can’t put all of the blame on him either when it comes to not sharing feelings, although Akari has done it once and he brushed her off. Ugh, boys! I do hope that if she is serious about him that she will try again.

Yuna and Rio are the cutest and I love the fact they are together. They also try to help their friends with their feelings and it’s nice to see that their friendships are still strong. It’s one thing I do enjoy about this series.

Overall, this was a good/enjoyable volume. I do hope there is more between Akari and Kazuomi in the next one though.

Manga Review: Love Me, Love Me Not Vol. 9 by Io Sakisaka

Title: Love Me, Love Me Not Vol. 9
Author: Io Sakisaka
Genre: Ya Manga / Romance
Publication Date: July 6th, 2021
Publisher: VIZ Media
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Love and friendship have become quite complicated for these four friends. Yuna and Rio have started dating, and Akari and Kazuomi are growing closer. But now that Akari’s ex-boyfriend wants her back, will Kazuomi find the right time to tell Akari how he feels?” (Goodreads)

I have finally caught up with this series!

I was happy to see Rio and Yuna once again but I did get frustrated a bit because of Yuna’s insecurities creeping up again. I do understand that it’s normal to have the feelings that she did. I’m sure that I was the same way and can even be insecure now as a married woman. I get it. I just think that it has been played up a lot through the series and so it just feel repetitive.

Akari and Kazuomi are still trying to figure out how to tell each other that they like each other. I did hope that the love triangle was just for the last book but it did pop up again. I do usually like love triangles but since we don’t know much about the other guy so I just don’t feel much for the trope. I do hope that since it ends on a cliffhanger between them that Kazuomi will take the opportunity to just say it!

Overall, this was another good one even if I didn’t like everything.