Manga Series Review: Donten ni Warau

 
Summary: In the eleventh year of the Meiji era carrying swords was forbidden by the government and those known as samurai were slowly fading away. However, there were plenty who didn't like those changes taking place in Japan and inevitably the crime rates increased. The country's only solution was an inescapable lake prison. Since the prison had no other way to access it except by water, the three boys of the Kumo family were assigned to transport the criminals to their new "home." But...is that the only thing they were doing?

Thoughts: I don't normally read a manga if I can just watch the show for it, it's just easier for me. But after I finished this show I couldn't resist reading the entire manga! While the 12 episode long anime easily covered everything in this first series I still loved going back over the story and revisiting the characters. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite mangas of all time. The cast is splendid, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love these characters! The story is deep and well handled and dont worry when there seems to be so many questions left unanswered at the end, the second series is still coming out! There are also a few historical aspects in this series that are intriguing but mostly it focus on the Kumoh brothers and the mysteries surrounding their family. The blend of timelines, plotlines, casts, fantasy and histoy make for an absolutely perfect read!

Content: Another reason to love this manga...mostly clean! There is violence and a bit of gore. Some language and a few rude (not entirely inappropriate though) jokes and at one point one character is drunk and shows up nearly naked which was the worst so far. One of the girls in here wears less than modest clothing but she is a minor character. Overall a good read for nearly any reader.

Manga Series Review: Yoakemono

Summary: The two boys Gin and Jinro form a tough team in the mountains. One day, Gin decides that the only way they can move forward is to travel to the capital and join the Shinsengumi. It soon becomes clear, though, that they are not tough enough to handle the kind of people they find in the capital. Some of them, including the current Shinsengumi members, smell like beasts to Jinro, and they seem to have unusual abilities. After Gin's tragic death, Jinro is determined to become stronger and join the Shinsengumi in his place!


Thoughts: This was a surprisingly intense series for being only two volumes! It's absolutely jam packed with action and great characters yet all without ever seeming too fast paced. While the characters are fantastically well developed for such a short series(the careful building (or destruction!) of friendships was perfect!), I think the structure of the world suffered a little. Set in an alternate historical Japan where certain people gain supernatural powers, the structure of abilities and how they effected the world were less than complete. This did not, however, take away from the story that I thoroughly enjoyed!


Content: Plenty of violence and gore, being a Shonen(boy's) manga this is too be expected. Depends on your translator but the language was PG-13 to R in this one. There is also one brief scene where several dead bodies of women from a brothel are shown and they are all missing clothes...therefore I would not give this to a child or immature reader.

Book Review: The Dark Hills Divide

Summary: The Dark Hills Divide introduces readers to Alexa Daley, who annually visits the town of Bridewell. Alexa is curious about what lies beyond the massive ramparts that surround the city and the walled roads that link Bridewell to nearby towns; soon after town leader Thomas Warvold passes away, Alexa finds herself outside the walls, acquires a stone with remarkable powers, and discovers that she's meant to stop a potential war from occurring.

Thoughts: This was a simple, cute read. It didn't really feel like there was much to it and the pacing dragged a little but I actually enjoyed it.  Here we have we have the rare appearance of a child heroine who (for the most part) acts like a child. Not a little brat but a mischievous, occasionally oblivious, and curious little girl. The setting and world building was well done and don't let the cover throw you off, it's not scary in the least. My one major problem with this story is the major transition that takes place outside the walls (you'll know it when you get there) that just feels like the author so wanted it to be a surprise he forgot to make it feel like an actual part of the story we had previously been reading. This is, really my only complaint though to this otherwise fun little tale.

Content: An old man dies in the beginning, a simple death of old age. And some minor violence. Otherwise a perfectly clean book.

Manga Review: Kage ni Saku Hana

Summary: In the peaceful period of the early Edo period, people lived in fear of Shadow Beasts that consumed the heart of the people. Exorcists and hunters use their abilities to rid of the beasts, and when a young exorcist named Hibana, puts herself in a reckless battle against the Shadow Beasts, she is rescued by lone Hunter, Tsugumi, causing the beginning of a romantic adventure.

Thoughts: I really liked this story, the characters were amazingly well done despite only existing for three chapters! The world building was there but so much of the story felt unfinished by the end it was mildly disappointing but I still enjoyed it! The art work is pretty and the mood well set without the romance being overwhelming or annoying.There was also a little one-shot in the back that was...interesting. Having nothing to do with the main story I was a little disappointed with it at first. But it was cute and I did enjoy it.

Content: Aside from a few rude jokes, mild language for manga, and some violent fights there's a problem with SPOILERS demon possession but the kind commonly used in Japanese media. These do not take away from the story though so it's a fairly clean story. In the one-shot SPOILERS a young boy (ten or under) is shown to have a crush on a girl well into her teens. While never becoming awkward (I wasn't even sure it was an actual crush till the end) it all depends on how you feel about this stuff. Overall though, a clean story.

Manga Review: Vahlia no Hanamuko

Summary: A collection of four short stories starting with Vahlia no Hanamuko:
Vahlia is betrothed to Jiru, the eldest son of the Calsed, but he's been missing for 5 years. It was then decided that a month before her supposed wedding with Jiru that she would marry the second son Lucel instead because Jiru did not return. Lucel and Vahlia have been friends all their lives, so when Vahlia decides to track Jiru down, Lucel won't let her go by herself.
   Ryuu no Moriuta:
Kita is the Dragon Child, a boy born to protect the country by becoming a Heavenly Dragon. Shuen is the priestess who is to perform the rite once he reaches maturity. They cannot be together, a dragon and a human, but if Shuen calls, will Kita answer?
    Ginsekai no Shoumei:
Alza finds a young woman unconscious in the snow near his residence and reluctantly takes her in, saving her life. Rhea is one of the "magical kin", able to do anything with magic, but Alza hates magic! Why does he hate magic, and what will happen when Rhea finally returns to the City of Light?
      Otogibanashi no Fude:
At a far away village, there’s a sacred tree where the Water God dwells. It’s Sasara Yuukei’s task to trace the fading letters of the contract between the Water God and the people of the village. One day, while carrying out his task, he suddenly met the Water God herself! And gradually, he found out that what he’s been doing every day is actually…

Thoughts: This was a sweet collection of short stories. Some happy, some sad; all made to tug at your heart strings! The characters were well developed and the art work is pretty. M one complaint is that I wish some of the stories were more than just a chapter!

Content: Minor language for manga. In the last chapter, Otogibanashi no Fude, one girl dresses less than modestly. Otherwise a fairly clean little manga!

A collection of short stories: 1) Vahlia no Hanamuko Jiru and Vahlia were engaged. But Jiru suddenly went missing! Four years later, Vahlia was betrothed to his younger brother. During the night of the celebration of her second engagement, Vahlia decides to go on a journey… in search of Jiru! 2) Ryuu no Moriuta The dragon child Kito and the priestess Shuen await the day Kito becomes the Heavenly Dragon. 3) Ginsekai no Shoumei Alza lives alone on a desolate snowy plain. One day, Leah, a sorcerer from the magical city collapses near his house. Alza forbids Leah from using magic in his presence and shows her how beautiful life can be outside of the magical world. But, why does Alza hate magic, how did Leah get outside the magical city, and what will happen when Leah returns home? 4) Otogibanashi no Fude At a far away village, there’s a sacred tree where the Water God dwells. It’s Sasara Yuukei’s task to trace the fading letters of the contract between the Water God and the people of the village. One day, while carrying out his task, he suddenly met the Water God herself! And gradually, he found out that what he’s been doing every day is actually...  - See more at: http://www.mangahere.co/manga/vahlia_no_hanamuko/#sthash.cQrWF9o3.dpuf

A collection of short stories: 1) Vahlia no Hanamuko Jiru and Vahlia were engaged. But Jiru suddenly went missing! Four years later, Vahlia was betrothed to his younger brother. During the night of the celebration of her second engagement, Vahlia decides to go on a journey… in search of Jiru! 2) Ryuu no Moriuta The dragon child Kito and the priestess Shuen await the day Kito becomes the Heavenly Dragon. 3) Ginsekai no Shoumei Alza lives alone on a desolate snowy plain. One day, Leah, a sorcerer from the magical city collapses near his house. Alza forbids Leah from using magic in his presence and shows her how beautiful life can be outside of the magical world. But, why does Alza hate magic, how did Leah get outside the magical city, and what will happen when Leah returns home? 4) Otogibanashi no Fude At a far away village, there’s a sacred tree where the Water God dwells. It’s Sasara Yuukei’s task to trace the fading letters of the contract between the Water God and the people of the village. One day, while carrying out his task, he suddenly met the Water God herself! And gradually, he found out that what he’s been doing every day is actually...  - See more at: http://www.mangahere.co/manga/vahlia_no_hanamuko/#sthash.cQrWF9o3.dpuf

A collection of short stories: 1) Vahlia no Hanamuko Jiru and Vahlia were engaged. But Jiru suddenly went missing! Four years later, Vahlia was betrothed to his younger brother. During the night of the celebration of her second engagement, Vahlia decides to go on a journey… in search of Jiru! 2) Ryuu no Moriuta The dragon child Kito and the priestess Shuen await the day Kito becomes the Heavenly Dragon. 3) Ginsekai no Shoumei Alza lives alone on a desolate snowy plain. One day, Leah, a sorcerer from the magical city collapses near his house. Alza forbids Leah from using magic in his presence and shows her how beautiful life can be outside of the magical world. But, why does Alza hate magic, how did Leah get outside the magical city, and what will happen when Leah returns home? 4) Otogibanashi no Fude At a far away village, there’s a sacred tree where the Water God dwells. It’s Sasara Yuukei’s task to trace the fading letters of the contract between the Water God and the people of the village. One day, while carrying out his task, he suddenly met the Water God herself! And gradually, he found out that what he’s been doing every day is actually...  - See more at: http://www.mangahere.co/manga/vahlia_no_hanamuko/#sthash.cQrWF9o3.dpuf

Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan

Summary: They have always scared him in the past — the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied....

Thoughts: One of 3 final reads I didn't get to review last year. This one was a fun, easy read. To be honest it felt like most fiction nowadays with plenty of tropes and less-than-developed characters. But one thing I did notice was the potential for this to really flesh out into something great (which now has me scrounging to find the rest of the series)! The beginnings of friendships, relationships, and histories were just barely visible in this book but, rather than driving me away because of this, it pulled me in and made me wonder 'where is this going?' All this to say, while a little bland, possibly a good opening to a great series...we'll see.

Content: The climax may be a little scary for some readers bu it's perfectly clean otherwise!

Manga Series Review: Remei no Arcana

 
Summary: "On that day, I became the enemy's possession," Nakaba thought as she stood there, knowing her destiny was to be married for convenience to keep the peace between her country Senan and Prince Caesar's country, Belquat; two neighbor countries on an island.
  Between the two countries there has been a constant war for 200 years and Nakaba has become a sacrificial lamb for her country despite the discrimination against her red hair and the sub-person (half-human, half-animal) Loki, who is her only friend and attendant at Caesar's estranged palace.
  But what will Nakaba do when she foresees an event pertaining to Prince Caesar's demise? Will she save him, or let him die in return to all the hate directed towards her by the people of Belquat?

Thoughts: Surprisingly I find myself reading a goodly amount of shoujo(girl)/romance manga despite not really enjoying the genre. I have to admit, I have mixed feelings on this one. While a good story of political unrest coupled with entertaining characters, there were a few twists at the end that I'm not sure I approve of...but no spoilers here. Overall I did enjoy this series which is nice, it being some of the few I can actually find in a bookstore! As stated before, this is a romance series focusing plenty on the aspects of a highly dysfunctional couple's growing relationship. But there is also a political side to it all as well, not everything is as it seems! And the fictional world earns 10/10 for being well developed all over! On a side note, while the art isn't exceptional or fantastic, it's still pretty in a typical shoujo way.

Content: I'm just going to start off with MAJOR SPOILERS and go from there. For the most part, aside from threats of bodily harm (to girls...if you know what I mean) to an occasional joke and the occasional D***, this manga is mostly clean but there are still three problematic scenes. 1 is when a married couple are briefly shown together in bed. 2 is when the married heroine and hero marry off separately to other spouses for political reasons but I don't believe there was ever a divorce. 3 is that in the end, and this might be the biggest SPOILER, we find out one of the supposed love-interests is actually the heroine's brother. Needless to say, I wish I had known about this development earlier so as to enjoy their interactions rather than groan over love triangles. Overall, while I wouldn't give these mangas to a child, I still think they'd be a fun read for mature readers of nearly any age.

Manga Series Review: Ichi

 
Summary: Ichi is a lone goze (blind woman singer) who has become separated from her traveling entertainment troupe. Wondering how she will find her place in life, she carries only a shamisen (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument) and a walking stick with a hidden blade inside. When necessary, she uses her exceptional sword skills to fight off yakuza and other villains. 

Thoughts: For starters, the summary doesn't give this manga enough credit. The heroine of the story is a blind woman with amazing sword skills, traveling through historical Japan! While much of the plot revolves around fictional circumstances, the history is rich and real. Many of the characters that enter are actual historical figures and several of the events actually happened or were based on common occurrences of the time. And then the characters...some may find Ichi, the heroine, apathetic and bland but I thought she was amazing and her cold distance simply made her character more fascinating when she actually decided to open up to others! Her partner was also an interesting character who threw me off guard when his story came around! Also, the art is fabulous!

Content: This manga is set in a turbulent and bloody time in Japan's history so there is plenty of violence and gore. Language varies depending on the translators but I'd say the verrsion I read was probably R rated. There is also the issue of how women, especially the blind, were viewed and treated at the time. Two near rapes and several suggestive or inappropriate themes arise. This is not a child friendly manga at all. But for mature adult readers this is a great read!

2015 Review: Favorite Books

Hello, I'm back! You may have noticed but I'll point it out anyways that our Ants and Epic profile has changed to my Google+ profile of Therru Ghibli. Us sisters still work on this blog together but I'm hoping this will simply be a more convenient way for people to follow!
 Now, after taking a little break from blogging (but not reading, I'll have plenty of reviews later) I'm ready to jump back in by looking over some of my favorite reads from last year!

Early on this year my sister stumbled upon the Ilyon Chronicles: Resistance, The King's Scrolls, and Half-Blood. This amazing series swept us both away and made us avid fans, also giving us the courage to dive into more self-published Christian fantasy!

Because of that we also managed to discover The Blades of Acktar series: Dare and Deny. Another amazing series with such fantastic characters that forced me to love or hate and some even had me torn in between!

Another series we literally stumbled upon and immediately fell in love with was the  Riyria Revalations. While we've only been able to read the first two in the series so far, Theft of Swords and Rise of Empire; we've become so hooked that we're trying t buy the last since our library doesn't have it. I might point out that this is something we don't normally do! This series is just worth it!

I read quite a bit of manga last year (not all of which I managed to review though those might be forth coming), but the one that really stood out and pulled at my heart strings was Kataribe no List. (For those unfamiliar with the term manga, it means Japanese comic books). This little tale had everything I love in a story: a cute kid, her protector, fantastic fairytales, adventure, humor, heartbreak, and awesome artwork!

Other books I enjoyed immensely were: The Neverending Story,  The Little Prince, and The Thief Lord, all stories that tug on your heart strings and, while new to me, seemed very nostalgic. On a side note, all three have/are getting film adaptions that might be worth looking into (I've only seen two out of the three though.)

This is an incomplete list since I'm simply narrowing down to the best of the best. Most of the books I read last year were highly enjoyable! And I hope to discover plenty more this year as well! So, what were your favorite reads from 2015?