Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Björk

Illustrated by Lena Anderson Translated by Joan Sandin 3 stars A nice way for young readers to learn about Monet and his artwork through a fictionalized account of Linnea who travels to Paris with her neighbor, Mr. Bloom, to visit Monet’s home and garden. An interesting blend of nonfiction and fictional elements. It covers information…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 13

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars Probably the most action-packed volume so far. Akira and his friends find out the lab they’re found refuge in isn’t as safe as they initially thought. Following that jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending from the previous book, the team works to save Shizuka. Some…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 12

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars A fight for survival, romantic tension, and a cliffhanger that’ll have you racing for the next volume. After falling off the cruise ship, Akira and Shizuka wake up on a deserted island where they must figure out how to survive with limited…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 11

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 2.5 stars This volume was such a mixed bag. We wrap up the pilgrimage through Shikoku with some villainous interference, which was well-paced and interesting. Then the crew stumbles across a yacht filed with horny survivors and it goes exactly the way you’d expect….

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 10

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars Another fantastic volume. In this one we get the epic conclusion of “Millionaire of the Dead”, a visit to a Gion teahouse to visit the maiko, and the start of Bea’s Bucket List item, “Be a Shikoku pilgrim”. I enjoyed the variety…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 9

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars Another fun volume. In this one the team travels to Osaka, encounters a new style of zombie, meets up with an old friend, and attempts to run their own bar. I love these characters so much. They’ve really grown on me. And…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 8

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars Another fun volume in the series with some surprising turns. Continuing through their bucket list, the gang goes on a sake drinking spree and looks for an undiscovered dinosaur fossil in this fast-paced volume with plenty of antics, new friends, and surprising…

Read More

The Memory Bookshop by Song Yu-jeon

Translated by Shanna Tan 3 stars Step into the Memory Bookshop, a mysterious place that stores all your conscious and unconscious memories and offers a unique opportunity. You have three chances to go back in time to try to change your life. But of course, this offer comes with a price. When Jiwon stumbles across…

Read More

Shangri-La Frontier, Vol. 1

Story by Katarina Illustrated by Ryosuke Fuji Translated by Kevin Gifford 4 stars An action-packed volume with cool world building and fun humor. Rakuro (player name Sunraku) loves “trash games”, the more bugs, the better. But when he tries the god-tier Shangri-La Frontier, his whole world changes. Using the skills and experience he’s gained from…

Read More

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Vol. 7

by Haro Aso Illustrated by Kotaro Takata Translated by Nova Skipper 5 stars A strange and fascinating storyline. Akira and his friends continue their travels, crossing off items on their Bucket List as they go and (rather halfheartedly) looking for a way to stop the zombie apocalypse. This time they set their sights on reaching…

Read More