Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 2

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another fascinating volume. Within the castle, Kokoro finds relief from the anxiety and pressure she feels in the outside world through connecting with the other students. But as summer begins, tensions rise and they realize they all have their own secrets….

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 1 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Kathy Schilling 3 stars An adorable little adventure featuring some classic Disney princesses. Kilala dreams of being a princess, finding her true love, and living happily ever after. But in the meantime, she’s happy to support her friend Erica in the Princess Contest. That is until a strange boy…

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The Walking Cat: A Cat’s-Eye-View of the Zombie Apocalypse Vols. 1-3

by Tomo Kitaoka Translated by Caleb D. Cook 4 stars It’s the zombie apocalypse and there’s danger around every corner. Follow Yuki, a charismatic and resourceful cat, as he navigates this new world, dodging zombies, meeting other survivors, and making a place for himself. Was definitely intrigued by the concept of this story, but was…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 9

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Haunting artwork. Fascinating backstory. Did not want to stop reading. After the failed ceremony, Shiva remains locked away in the Inside where she is visited by a mysterious stranger who reveals some of the Inside’s history. The bulk of this volume follows the king…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 4 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Another fantastic volume. Picks up right where the last one left off with the resolution of the kidnapping of Commander Inamine and Iku. Plenty of action as well as some insight into the characters. In this one we get to meet Iku’s parents and…

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That Blue Sky Feeling, Vol. 3 by Okura

Illustrated by Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 3.5 stars I have really loved this series, but I’m conflicted on the last volume. There are so many wonderful characters in this series and I have really enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow. The ending was so sweet. I love how things wrap…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 3 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Fantastic. When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I’m not much for reading romance. But I absolutely love the Library Forces and their fight against censorship. I’m really enjoying getting to learn more about the characters and…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 2 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars An action-packed story of fighting against censorship. As a public librarian, I love this volume’s focus on privacy protections and equal protections being applied to all. A great second volume. The action really picks up as Iku continues her training with the Library Forces….

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School-Live!, Vol. 3 by Norimitsu Kaihou

Illustrated by Sadoru Chiba Translated by Leighann Harvey 4 stars Back from their first field trip, the trio welcomes new addition, Miki, to their home and puts on a field day. As Miki slowly settles in to life at the school and learns more about the club’s past, she must decide whether to become an…

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School-Live!, Vol. 2 by Norimitsu Kaihou

Illustrated by Sadoru Chiba Translated by Leighann Harvey 4 stars A school club, a promising idea, and the zombie apocalypse. In this volume, the School Living club goes on their first field trip off school grounds together. We also get some background on a new character, Miki, who has been living in the zombie-infested mall….

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