When the Lake Burns by Geneviève Bigué

Translated by Luke Langille 2 stars I was initially drawn in by the mysterious title and the gorgeous color palette, but this story was not for me. It somehow feels like it dragged out while also being underdeveloped. It’s like the start of a story. There were aspects of greed/pride, poverty, grief, and friendship that…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 1 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by David Odell 4 stars A gorgeously-illustrated, immersive story of romance, danger, and video games. When normal mode proves too easy, it’s time to play Daughter of the Duke’s Super Love Project on hard mode. Unfortunately, that means playing as the villain, Penelope. And when the player wakes up…

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The Lost Sunday by Iléana Surducan

5 stars A stunning graphic novel with fantastic imagery and wonderful messages. Nina lives in a place where there are no Sundays. Six hungry wolves keep the townspeople working every day with no rest. Finally, Nina has had enough. She sets out to rescue the lost Sunday from the witch who stole it long ago….

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The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

Translated by Jesse Kirkwood 4 stars The Full Moon Coffee Shop appears when and where it is needed. If you’re able to find it, you’ll meet a cast of knowledgeable talking cats, taste delicious treats, and gain insight into your life based on your star chart. Follow a few of the coffee shop’s visitors as…

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This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Vol. 1 by Sai Naekawa

Translated by Caleb Cook 4 stars Hinako want to die. Shiori wants to eat her. It’s a perfect match. After the traumatic loss of her family, Hinako finds continuing to live a chore. But after she’s attacked by yokai, saved by a beautiful mermaid, then befriended by the mermaid who wants to eat her, her…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 11

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars A bittersweet ending to a beautiful series. After learning how he was cursed and where Shiva came from, Teacher grapples with a difficult decision: keep his soul and retain his memories or give it up in the hope of reuniting with Shiva. This was such a satisfying…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 10

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars Another fascinating volume. Haunting artwork, memorable characters, and a story that will stick with you. Teacher takes the lead in this volume and we learn more of his backstory. This one takes on a more sorrowful tone in contrast to the hopeful themes at the start of…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 4 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 2.5 stars Kilala and Rei continue their request to collect the gems for the tiara and save Paradiso, visiting different Disney princesses. But this time they are joined by Sylphy, a woman claiming to be Rei’s fiancée. Will she help or hurt their cause? We get two…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 3 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 2.5 stars Rei has gone back to Paradiso, leaving Kilala with the tiara. But when Kilala gets a lead on the seventh princess, she ventures off to find out more. On her adventures, she has some fairy encounters, meets a new princess, and learns of a betrayal….

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Cat + Gamer Volume 7 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Another fantastically adorable collection featuring Musubi, Soboro, and Kozakura. Join Kozakura as she solves mysteries, adapts to working from home, works on her stealth skills, and enjoys the life of a cat person. This is such an adorably fun series. From detective games to stealth games, this volume explores…

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