Activity

Summary:

Keisuke Shizuki was burned once by a popular and pretty girl, and he swore to himself that it would never happen again. He used his transition into high school as an excuse to overhaul his life.

First, he changed his looks and style, and last, he worked hard to come off as “normal” and “average” (and not nerdy) as possible. Everything was going according to plan until he bumped into Kusunoki, a girl from his old school. It seems like she had a similar plan but needs some help to achieve her goals.

Review:

Hooray, it's time for another manga with a long title! But seriously, Kusunoki's Flunking Her High School Glow-Up Vol. 1 is not what I expected. First, there's the obvious - I thought that Kusunoki would have been the main POV (the title and cover indicate that), but it's actually Keisuke Shizuki.

There's a reason for it, and the sort of twist works out. It's not the deepest manga out there, plus it has fun with the whole romantic comedy meets coming-of-age trope, with a high school overhaul twist.

I think I would have liked the story more if more of the characters felt…real or human? Keisuke Shizuki learns to hate women/girls because of one bad experience (which, okay, it was pretty bad, but still). This is one of many examples of girls behaving badly or just not acting like people. It's not the best look/take. Even Kusunoki seems helpless without a male lead. I don't know; maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Highlights:
Romantic Comedy
Coming-of-Age
High School Drama

Will I continue the series? Maybe

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Ichiro is a dedicated member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Security Bureau. As such, he’s always been good at taking orders…even if those orders mean ignoring the obvious and not following through on a cause close to his heart.

That is, until he gets a new assignment. He’s been tasked with getting close to an infamous Yakuza, Shiro. It just so happens that Shiro and Ichiro’s goals coincide, putting these unlikely two together.

Review:

If you’re looking for a quirky murder/mystery manga with forced proximity, Kei X Yaku: Bound By Law Vol. 1 is the read for you! But seriously, this manga surprised me again and again, and I have to read the rest of the series.

The setup is pretty solid: an agent is sent undercover to romance a Yakuza member; only things aren’t what they seem. The two have reason to work together but must keep up the pretense.

In other words, it’s a classic forced proximity trope with a few twists. The overall vibe makes the whole story more enjoyable, and I’ll be curious to see where their story leads. I also really want to know more about the case of missing a person, so I’m invested at multiple levels.

Highlights:
Yaoi Manga
Officer x Yakuza
Forced Proximity

Trigger Warnings:
Missing Person

Will I continue the series? Yes!

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Chika is a high schooler who has never felt love. This fact has always made her feel a bit alien, especially now, as she’s prepping for college life. But this new change in life could be exactly what she needs—a chance to learn about herself.

After years of misunderstanding, Chika will finally learn terms that make her realize she’s perfectly healthy and normal. Her journey is one that many people will resonate with, even if her terms don’t define them.

Review:

Is Love the Answer? Is the story of one woman trying to understand her sexuality. As such, it’s a great resource for anybody going through a similar journey. It’s an informative read with a plot, essentially.

My reason for not giving this manga a higher rating is that sometimes the plot felt more like a device for the info, so the lesson could have been more carefully worked into the story (translation: info-dumping or out-of-character actions to justify an explanation).

Aside from that, I really enjoyed Is Love the Answer? It has some fantastic representations (including, but not limited to, asexual and aromantic characters). It’s important to feel seen, and there aren’t enough ace books in this world.

Highlights:
Contemporary Fiction
Slice-of-Life Manga
LGBTQ+
Asexual Journey

Trigger Warning:
Attempted Sexual Assault

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
 

Summary:

Hikari hasn’t experienced love for herself or ever really craved that. Instead, she’s become addicted to shipping her friend, Mari, and a cute guy in class. It started out as a fun way to pass the time and was harmless. After all, she was merely rooting for her shy and pretty friend.

But then Hikari started confusing the events in her mind with reality, and things began to get a bit messy. This change was but the first step into chaos and confusion, forcing Hikari to rethink what she wanted.

Review:

I See Your Face, Turned Away Vol. 1 is a funny and sweet story worth checking out. It’s also not the most memorable story out there, so dive in, enjoy it, and move on.

This tale has some classic elements, including Hikari’s shipping of friends and her confused feelings. It makes for a solid story. It might have been better if it delved a little deeper. Hey! Who knows, maybe that will happen in later volumes?

Things to note: The pacing is a bit on the slower side, which may result in readers struggling to stay invested. Meanwhile, the artwork is entertaining and sweet. It’s perfect for the story, and I would happily read something else by this author for the artwork alone!

Highlights:
Slice-of-Life
Contemporary Romance
Coming of Age

Will I continue the series? Nah


You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
 

Summary:

Molly Song just had the biggest heartbreak of her life when her girlfriend broke up with her before traveling abroad. The good news is that she has friends willing to stay and support her through this.

The bad news is that Molly’s feelings are all messed up. Combine that with the freedom of freshman year, and Molly is poised to make a whole lot of mistakes in her life. Will she make it through, or must she learn how to grow and change?

Review:

I'll admit, this is probably the most conflicted I've felt about reviewing a book in a long, LONG time. On the one hand, I enjoyed the brutal reality that comes with relationship drama. On the other hand, it felt a little…forced and heavy-handed at times.

How Could You is a story about a group of four characters all dealing with a break-up (two initiating, two blind-sided). Naturally, that means we get to see very different reactions to said break-ups. Guilt, freedom, devastation, betrayal, the works.

I enjoyed how raw and emotional How Could You felt, even if most of the characters' actions took them out of the realm of relatability. Then again, we all messed up when we were young, right? So, sometimes, messiness comes with life.

Highlights:
Coming of Age
LGBTQ+ Romance
Finding Yourself
Chaos of Relationships

Thanks to Oni Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
 

Summary:

Cocoa recently joined a group that meets up every month. This group lets the girls meet up and share treats, all while chatting about the things they love. There’s just one catch - Cocoa isn’t a girl. Her real name is Satoshi.

Fun fact! Satoshi isn’t the only one keeping secrets in this friend group. Nor is his secret all that different from at least one another. This begs the question - what secrets do the other two have?

Review:

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I dove into I Cross-Dressed for the IRL Meetup 1. It had the potential to be really cute and sweet or go in the entirely opposite direction and get a bit too gross for my liking.

Thankfully, this manga stays wholly in the cute and sweet realm. Our characters are attached to one another and admittedly could have been better at communication, which is how they ended up in this situation.

There’s more to the story than I’ve described, but I don’t want to spoil everything. It delicately handles many of the elements teased in the title (such as shaving concerns, makeup, etc.), which was a pleasant surprise. Likewise, it was never the butt of a joke, or at least that’s how it felt to me.

Highlights:
Cute Romantic Story
LGBTQ+

Will I continue the series? Nah

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
 

Summary:

Nokoru has gotten used to living a hectic life thanks to his demanding job. So it’s a bit jarring when he suddenly has to start working from home, courtesy of the lockdown. The time saved from his commute is…more than anticipated.

So, he finally puts time and energy into his apartment. In doing so, he gets to know his neighbor, Natsu. They bond over their time together, enjoying their patio space and extra time.

Review:

Home Office Romance is a relatable and sweet story; I can’t recommend it enough. This romance is pretty much the epitome of pandemic romances, and despite the lighter content, it’ll hit hard for a lot of readers.

The story follows two characters with very different lives. They have only two things in common - living next door and dealing with pandemic lockdowns. However, it’s a timely meet-cute concept that I can’t get over.

I loved the down-to-earn nature of Home Office Romance; it felt wholesome and so real at the same time, providing the perfect break from reality. While this volume contains the full story, I would continue reading if given the chance.

Highlights:
Slice-of-Life
Manga
Romance
Working from Home
Sweet & Endearing

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
 

Summary:

Our favorite duck family is back; this time, they’re dealing with tweens/teenagers. It’s a harrowing time, to be sure. Yet they’ll get through it, thanks to the humor (often dark) they possess.

Brian Gordon’s sense of humor brings reality to these comics, creating slice-of-life style comics that are utterly relatable. Whether you’re a teen (or were one many years ago) or a parent, you’ll relate to these moments.

Review:

Fowl Language has done it again! Tweenage Wasteland was a hilarious and delightful read from start to finish. As always, the comics are short, sweet, to the point - and very relatable. As I mentioned in the summary, it doesn’t matter if you’re a teen now or were a teen once; the content is gold (In reality, it’s undoubtedly even funnier for parents of teens).

If you’re trying to get a feel for the humor in Fowl Language: Tweenage Wasteland, I’d suggest taking a good look at the cover. That honestly sums it up better than I ever could (and will hopefully give you a good chuckle while you’re at it).

The artwork is always so bright and fun, even when the darker humor creeps in a bit. It’s the perfect balance, comedically and stylistically. Each comic is in a slice-of-life fashion, though they’re usually connected to the same (duck) family.

Highlights:
Famous Webcomic
Teenage Humor
Duck Family Chaos

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Amber and Nico are very different people - but that’s why their friendship works. Amber is headstrong, loves joking around, and may have a bit of a temper. Meanwhile, Nico is shy, calm, and self-conscious. They’ve been friends forever.

When Amber’s wish comes true - a wish to share a dream with Nico - they suddenly realize that there might be more to this friendship. Now, they never want the dream to end. They don’t want to go back to reality.

Review:

Dreamover is a cute story with a solid foundation. The core of the world is friendship and connections between individuals. I have always loved a good story that explores these boundaries and how they ebb and flow, so I knew I had to read it.

The story is written on the younger side and designed to appeal to younger audiences. It’s very smart, human, and emotionally intelligent. It’s a great resource to help kids understand their own feelings and relationships.

The artwork really surprised me here. It’s not what I expected, based on the cover. Likewise, the art changes depending on location (reality vs dreamscape), which I appreciate. It’s a nice touch.
If you’re looking for a sweet, semi-magical, and highly emotional graphic novel, you’ve got to check out Dreamover. It’s worth checking out, especially as it’ll tug on your heartstrings.

Highlights:
YA Romance
Friendship & Discovery
Sleepovers & Dreams

Thanks to Top Shelf Productions and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

The Lamb was foretold to end the rule of the old gods, so it was ordered to death. Yet, by targeting the Lamb, they set about the very events they hoped to avoid. Now the Lamb is back, fighting and establishing their own cult.

Lamb’s journey is far from easy. He must battle, collect followers, and learn to trust again. Likewise, there are many difficult decisions to make along the way, including how to lead and who to save.

Review:

Ahhh! As a massive fan of the Cult of the Lamb game, I was excited by the news of a graphic novel adaptation. Better yet, it seems like Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1: The First Verse may be the first in a series? I can hope!

I think it's important for readers to be aware of this book's content (and content warnings). The cover looks cute, but it deals with very dark themes. I hope the title helps give some indication of that. Check out the TW below for more information.

Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1 covers the history of the world, the introduction of our leading character (the Lamb), and the stakes. It's heavy and depressing sometimes, but there's always a reason behind it all.

This story did a great job of capturing the gameplay elements and turning them into something readable. Given that at least half the gameplay is a roque-lite, I worried about how it'd translate. The good news is that there was already a strong plot, so adapting it worked brilliantly.

Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1 is absolutely worth checking out if you played (and loved) the game. It'll help fill the void between playthroughs.

Highlights:
Based on the Cult of the Lamb video game
Horror & Fantasy
Characters & Lore

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Elements
Death & Murder
Sacrifice

Thanks to Oni Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Nobara Sumiyoshi just transferred to a new school, and she’s struggling to find a way to fit in. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t entirely know what she wants to do with her life. So she risks and tries to join the high school volleyball time.

Unfortunately, her mother wants her to do anything but volleyball. More accurately, she’s expected to spend all her time working at the family’s Japanese restaurant. So, a decision must be made: should she follow her new dream or support the family?

Review:

If you’re looking for a fun manga full of sports and a dash of coming-of-age-like storytelling, check out Crimson Hero, Vol. 1. This one originally came across my desk because I was looking for a good fit for my reading challenge (sporty book), and I’m happy to have read it.

We’ve all gone through those teenage years of uncertainty about what we want in life. Likewise, most of us have probably had to decide if it was worth it to go against the grain and expectations set upon us. That makes Crimson Hero a very relatable story to dive into.

The artwork and overall style of this series (so far) is very 90s. That’s good and bad, obviously. It’s fun and playful but feels just a bit dated (and nostalgic, so fun times there).

I’m not an avid sports fan, so I definitely didn’t appreciate this series as much as I should have or could have. Again, the main reason I even gave Crimson Hero Vol. 1 a try was to complete a reading challenge goal. Still, I’m happy I gave it a chance and stepped outside my comfort zone.

Highlights:
Sports Manga
YA Romance
Shojo

Will I continue the series? Nah

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Yuma is a young boy living in the year 2038. As with many little boys, all he can think about is the Arville Comet, who is due to return soon. That is until he sees something truly out of this world, changing life as he knows it forever.

Now, Yuma and his friends have a huge secret to share and protect. What does their secret say about the past? What will their secret mean for the future of humanity? Read to find out.

Review:

I was immediately drawn to Break of Dawn, thanks to the promise of being perfect for Cowboy Bebop fans. Who could resist that sort of temptation, right? That said, I loved this tale much less than I hoped.

Break of Dawn is a coming-of-age story in a far-flung future, so it is pretty cool, right? But the stakes are pretty high, with our main characters finding a secret that could save (or doom) humanity. Yikes.

My biggest problem with Break of Dawn is that I just had trouble…caring. I didn’t get into the story, which had a slow pace and never gave me a reason to care about any of the characters. In other words, it’s pretty dull.

That said, there’s no denying the potential of this one! So I’ve got to respect that, even if I wouldn’t read more of it, given the chance.

Highlights:
Sci-Fi Manga
Futuristic Story
Otherworld Experiences
Coming-Of-Age

Will I continue the series? No

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

A lifetime ago, he was known as Count Vlad Dracula. Now he's been reborn again, this time in an alternate-history Europe, in the body of a young woman. Now she's fighting the good fight against many enemies—including a new one.

After saving a young girl (Clara), Dracula finds herself going up against an organization known as Cerberus. Their paths were doomed to cross eventually, given the organization's mission of hunting and studying monsters of the world.

Review:

Dracula as a sword master in the modern world? Well, color me curious. Blood Blade Vol. 1 is a dynamic beginning to a world where Dracula has been reborn, again as a vampire, but this time as a woman with katana skills.

It’s unique, to say the least. I know some people will hate the concept right off the bat, and that’s fair. These stories aren’t for everyone. Nor are they all equal. For example, I don’t hate the core concept, but I do feel like this one fell a little flat.

The concept of our leading lady having to protect Frakenstein’s monster from monster hunters is pretty fun, though. Again, this combination of elements is not going to be for everyone. These plots do better when the creators don’t take themselves (or the story) too seriously. That said, I don’t feel like Blood Blade Vol. 1 worked to push any boundaries with this mash-up, losing the potential it had.

Highlights:
Dracula retold in Manga
Rebirth & Vampirism
Female Dracula

Will I continue the series? No

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Bianca has only ever known war and pain. She was raised by a blacksmith, destined to become his apprentice until her world turned upside down - again. Forced to flee, Bianca's world has only just begun to change as forces around her get set into motion.

Her fascination with the BirdKing statue proves to be her savior. But how deep does this tie go, and what does it mean for Bianca's future? She'll have to survive to find out.

Review:

How did I miss this story when it first came out? No, seriously. It's so much fun. Birdking Volume 1 is a rich and dark fantasy world with interesting characters and high stakes. What's not to love?

Bianca's story is very carefully crafted. It's the right balance of the chosen one and the tortured backstory—not too much in either direction. It sets the character (and readers) up for an epic quest—at least, I assume. This is only the first volume.

Something about the art style feels so nostalgic; I love it. The colors are bold yet organic (lots of green and stone tones), lending well to this story's landscapes and primary settings. Likewise, the more magical elements really pop, thanks to these backgrounds. I really enjoyed looking over each panel as I went.

Highlights:
Blacksmith & War
Lores & Legends
Survival & Sacrifice

Trigger Warnings:
War & Death
Familial Loss

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Joe Yabuki is no stranger to fighting - he’s lived in some rough places over the years and knows how to take care of himself. Yet one fight in the slums of Tokyo may just change everything for him.

This latest fight caught the attention of Danpei Tange, a former boxer and coach. He immediately sees the potential in this young man and knows exactly what to do with him. If only he could get him to listen.

Review:

Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m terrible at reading/watching a lot of the classics. You know, the stories that affect pop culture for years to come? I’m trying to remedy that. So here I am reading Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow 1. I should probably plan on checking out the anime, too, right?

I can see why this series was such a hit. We have a stubborn yet down-on-his-luck kid with a lot of potential. It quickly turns into a boxing tale with touches of social commentary, coming-of-age, and other essential tropes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I wish we had more of a chance to get to know the characters or the world before it all began. I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the ring and had to fight to catch up. Then again, maybe that was the intent?

Highlights:
Manga with an anime
Action & Adventure
Boxing

Will I continue the series? Maybe

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Never Meet Your Heroes - You Might Find Out More Than You Wanted To. Seriously, this book takes that age old saying to heart in its basic premise... and then spins it on its head in the actual execution of the tale at hand and in showing all that has transpired in these characters' lives.

This is one of those inventive enough tales that it seems almost completely implausible... and yet real enough that it feels all too real at the same damn time. Surely, *nothing* could be *this* convoluted, right? (Says the guy whose mother in law is best friends with her husband's ex-wife and whose grandparents lived together on the same property - at times even in the same house - even after they divorced and remarried.) In other words... yes, life can get quite messy at times, and this book does a tremendous job of showing this to great dramatic effect.

This is one of those women's fiction/ romance genre benders that actually has the *cajones* to walk right up to the RWA/ RNA gatekeepers and say "Really? You're going to try to tell me that *this* isn't a romance for the ages?". There is even at least one element of this book that will certainly, if the book reaches enough people, prove quite controversial indeed, and while I know *exactly* what those arguments will be and who (in general) will be making them, revealing even the specific nature of that particular debate pretty well spoils what this element is, so this is about as close as I can get to noting its presence without spoiling it.

Releasing late in the year when Yankees are seemingly already snowed under and largely inside their might-as-well-be Igloos for the winter and thus needing much reading material (at least that is how this Southern boy who has never lived any further north than the Atlanta exurbs tends to look at these things), this is going to be one of those great ones to read while huddled up trying to stay warm. Yes, even for us Floridians in our heaviest Arctic gear getting ready for temperatures that begin with "5" for a few days.

Very much recommended.

Just not feeling it. I know the concept is a little silly, but I don't think I expected the feel of the book to also be so jokey.

Summary:

Japan is being torn apart. There are those who welcome the new immigrants with open arms. And those who would rather see the world they once knew come back. Regardless of those desires, the culture clash is real.

Riko is not known for her even temper, but that is sometimes a good thing. For example, she didn’t hesitate to save a young boy in peril. Now she’s responsible for this boy named Eito. As it turns out, this will be the first of many events threatening his life.

Review:

I don’t know why, but while I was reading A-DO 1, I felt like this story I should have read/heard about ages ago (like when I first got into manga). Either it just has that vibe, or this is a new translation of a classic. I could see it going either way.

Maybe it’s because it has such strong Akira vibes? I’ve seen it described as “Akira with plants,” and I’ve got to say - that’s spot on. So, if you’re debating about reading A-DO 1, consider that comparison.

Overall, this is a fun story with high stakes, high action, and a fast pace. I would have liked more character development or even a dash more world-building before we were thrown into the deep end, but since I could keep up, it obviously works.

I loved the artwork and the overall style of A-DO 1. It’s worth a read, even if you’re not sure you’ll complete the series.

Highlights:
Dystopian Tale
Seinen
Science Fiction & Action

Will I continue the series? Nah

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Blue may be an orphan girl with unusually black wings, but she has big dreams. She wants to become an angel someday. It’s a dream that most people would mock. Yet a chance encounter with a prince proves her dreams have potential.

Until her world is rocked by death and destruction. What follows will change Blue’s life forever as the secrets buried beneath her skin come to life. Only time will tell where these secrets will lead her.

Review:

Angels and demons, what isn’t to love? But really, it’s the artwork that drew me into A Kingdom of Quartz Vol. 1. The promise just kept me invested. Having read the first volume, I can see why people are comparing it to Witch Hat Atelier (another favorite series of mine).

The story is both dark (at times) and compelling, with our main character, Blue, having the biggest dream of all - becoming an angel. Her backstory is tragic, and it doesn’t take long for readers to realize that her journey is far from over.

This first volume did a great job of introducing the necessary cast to us, Blue’s dream, and even some of the politics of this world. It also sets the stakes with one very dangerous event taking place. It’s a great start to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic series. I can’t wait for more!

Highlights:
Angels & Demons
Seinen
A Girl with big dreams

Trigger Warnings:
Judgement & Exclusionary Behaviors

Will I continue the series? Yes

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Cleo is a sixteen-year-old girl who’s dealing with some things. She’s been coping with anxiety and depression and has had more than her fair share of suicidal thoughts. But for a time, she thought she was doing better.

Then she started seeing the ghosts. Are they real, or is this another sign that she must return to intensive care? Who will believe her if she reaches out about what is happening around her?

Review:

Ghosts, legends, and lost family secrets - where do I sign up?! But seriously, A Haunted Girl is the perfect recipe for a paranormal graphic novel in my book. The pacing was the only reason I didn't love this book as much as I wanted to (and boy, did I want to). It's all over the place.

Let's take a step back. A Haunted Girl is a dark story with a lot of potential. The setting is fantastic, the family lore is interesting (but we could have used more), and the characters were SO close to being perfect. I'm trying to say I love this story's idea. It's got great bones, and a little more work could have made it out of this world.

In addition to loving the potential of A Haunted Girl, I adored the adored. Despite the overall darker tone, the colors are rich and vibrant. They make for very visually appealing pages, especially as the more paranormal elements seep into them. It's a fantastic effect.

Highlights:
Horror & Fantasy
Ghosts Galore
Friendship to the Max
Family Secrets

Trigger Warnings:
Mental Health
Death & Hauntings

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Hotaru is sixteen years old and has never been in love. That’s okay; she’s been fine with that. As somebody without a romantic past, Hotaru didn’t think twice about an act of kindness to somebody dealing with heartbreak.

She had no idea that something as simple as offering an umbrella to Hananoi-kun would change how he viewed her - or that it might kick off something larger than friendship between them.

Review:

I know I’ve said this before, but if you’re looking for a sweet and relaxing series, check out A Condition Called Love. It’s casual, it’s cute, and you don’t need to worry about becoming totally overtaken by the series.

I had a love/hate relationship with A Condition Called Love Vol. 1. Yeah, it’s cute. But if this were real life, there would be so many red flags telling this girl to run. So it’s probably not the best thing to romanticize, you know?

It gets better if you overlook that bit and look at it like it’s cute and naive puppy love (for both characters). It’s a slower-paced romance with relatively low stakes, so it’s suitable for a night of de-stressing.

Highlights:
YA Manga
Shojo
Slice-of-Life

Will I continue the series? Probably

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

Summary:

Sota Matsubayashi is new to this school, but he already has a reputation, thanks to his school. Now, he’s the class troublemaker, even if he acts like a prince. To put it lightly, this makes it hard to get to know people.

Meanwhile, Sakura Miyazen is the princess of the school. It was decided when everyone discovered she was rich and lived in the modern castle equivalent. She could have anything she wanted, in theory. But all she wants is to get to know Sota…and she’s too awkward and shy to make it easy.

Review:

Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You 1 is a classic high school romance in many ways. We have two oblivious main characters who desperately want to chat - but can’t quite make it work. Sound familiar? We’ve all probably been there.

There are several fun and familiar tropes in this manga, starting with the bad boy stereotype (where he actually isn’t bad; he just looks that way) and the little princess archetype (who’s actually a sweet nerd).

If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance with a slice-of-life storytelling style, Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You is absolutely worth checking out. The first volume doesn’t delve that deep, but I can see its potential going forward.

Highlights:
Slice-of-Life Romance
Contemporary Romance
Comedy & Sweet

Will I continue the series? Maybe

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy