Himouto! Umaru-chan Vol. 1 by Sankakuhead

Translated by Amanda Haley 4 stars Adorable and hilarious. To the outside world, Umaru is the perfect high school student: talented, smart, and kind. But at home, she’s a completely different person. Around her brother, she’s lazy, slovenly, and addicted to manga and video games. Taihei does his best to keep up with her antics,…

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Strange Houses by Uketsu (Strange Houses #1)

Translated by Jim Rion 5 stars Who knew looking at floor plans could be so unsettling? What starts as an author asked a fairly innocent question soon unravels into a conspiracy of strange architecture, dark secrets, and murder. This was definitely a weird one but so enjoyable to read. The story was delightfully creepy and…

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Dinner at the Night Library by Hika Harda

Translated by Philip Gabriel 3 stars The Night Library is unique in its mission. It solely houses the private libraries of deceased authors. Otoha Higuchi takes a job there and delves into a world of passionate book-lovers, odd patrons, book-themed dishes, and a few mysteries. I loved the cozy atmosphere of the Night Library. The…

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Cat + Crazy Volume 2 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Adorable and hilarious. Kensuke Fuji continues his training to become an Ultimate Cat Whisperer, meeting new friends, outsmarting new foes, and answering the ultimate question: which is better for cats, indoor life or the freedom of the outdoors? Great humor. Fun artwork. This is such a fun series. Can’t…

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In the Name of the Mermaid Princess, Vol. 1 by Yoshino Fumikawa

Illustrated by Miya Tashiro Translated by Junko Goda 4 stars A beautiful manga with sweet characters and wonderful messages about calling out injustice and fighting for your beliefs. In a kingdom that doesn’t allow the so-called Unhuman, beings born with magical powers, Princess Mio prepares for her betrothal to Prince Chika. But Mio has a…

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The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park by Michiko Aoyama

Translated by Takami Nieda 4 stars A wonderfully cozy read. Rumor has it that the hippo ride at Hinode Park has magical powers. Rub a body part on Kabahiko the healing hippo and it will heal the same part on you. Follow various neighbors as they seek Kabahiko’s healing powers, only to discover what they…

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Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom, Vol. 1 by Mo9Rang

Original Story by Iru Translated by Kakao Entertainment 5 stars Humor and cuteness collide in this adorable retelling of Snow White. After dying, children’s fashion designer, Baekhap Lee wakes up as Her Majesty Abigail Freidkin, wife of Sabrian, King of Nerghen, and stepmother to Princess Blanche. Unfortunately, Abigail has a reputation of bullying the staff and…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 3 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by David Odell 3 stars Just when Penelope thinks she’s getting the hang of hard more, more obstacles appear in her path. In this volume her relationships with her brothers become rocky and she has another encounter with the dangerous and unpredictable Callisto. An interesting volume with some intriguing…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 2 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by David Odell 3 stars Penelope continues her journey to survive as the villain in Daughter of the Duke’s Super Love Project. In this volume she ventures out to find Eckles in an attempt to secure him as a love interest and learns more about the mysterious Winter. An…

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