Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Now that I'm at a stand-still for the Nana manga series, I'm trying to catch up on some of my other ongoing manga series. Today I'll be reviewing the seventh volume of the Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads):  Hikaru's big brother is working for the enemy, and he wants to reunite with Hikaru. Meanwhile, someone is posting negative reviews on the library's website, and Kasahara intends to find out who. Later, personal issues are set aside when the Library Forces find out about a book burning on their home turf!

Review: The Library Wars is a hit or miss manga series for me. I honestly don't care much for the comedy, romance or fighting, but I am interested on the different political scenarios that are involved with libraries, particularly that of censorship and library patron's rights. Volume 7 has a much serious and direct, giving us an ample amount of suspense and intrigue to hold our attention more so than the previous lighthearted volumes.
  The plot this time around focuses on the ethics of censorship and partisan politics within the library system. Freedom of speech, whether or not libraries should become a government agency rather than a public good, and book burning are all dealt with and for the most part quite well in the book. Each issue is tackled separately though they all come together in the end.
  Though there isn't much growth in the romantic, relationship department, we do get to know more about the  sibling bond between Hikaru and his old older brother. Hikaru has always been seen as a serious, distant competitor, but we get to see a more human and three dimensional aspect to him when he expresses his concerns about the library rights which are completely against his brother's pro-censorship faction. The tension and suspense picks up nicely in a cliffhanger where poor Iku is unknowingly found in the middle of a book burning scandal which may or may not have been organized by Hikaru's brother. Iku must use her wits and her instructor Dojo's advice to prove her innocence.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and adult themes. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Library Wars Vol. 8 by Kiiro Yumi,

  I will say that Mondays are not my favorite day of the week. It's hard to get your mindset back on track after a relaxing weekend. I do, however, look forward to sharing my excitement reading manga with other bloggers and finding out new series to try. Thanks to Alison over at Alison Can Read for her meme of Manga Mondays.

 Description: Featured on the manga's cover -Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) Leader of France during the first French Empire. Became known as a hero for his victories as a general and went on to seize absolute control of the state in a coup d'état. As emperor, Napoleon's rule spanned almost all of Europe, but opposition to his rule grew widespread after his army suffered a bitter defeat by the cruel Russian winter, leading to his eventual seizure and exile. Even then, Napoleon managed to return to power for a time, only to be exiled once again. He died on Saint Helena Island. 

Review: Volume 3 of Afterschool Charisma digs a little deeper into the psychological aspects of cloning. When clone President Kennedy was assassinated, clones began to seriously think about their own fates. A few dared to question their purpose while some tried to commit suicide because they couldn't handle the pressure and great expectations to be just like their clones. Unlike his clone friends, Shiro Kamiya, the sole human student at St Kleio's Academy, a private and heavily guarded boarding school attended by the clones of historical figures, he never thought twice about his identity. He was absolutely sure about his own humanity until he suddenly meets an older research assistant who looks like his doppelganger. Was Shiro a clone all along? If so, why was he raised as a human all along?  As you can tell, I had a zillion questions flying at me at once after this shocker, but things get much more complicated.
   While Shiro is having an identity crisis, the clones are working on their last minute preparations for their big presentations. The biggest show stopper is testing the power of the Almighty Dolly, by saving Joan of Arc from burning at the stake. The tension builds as Rasputin and his followers recreate Joan of Arc's death sentence and escalates as assassins burst onto the scene to kill all of St Kleio clones. While the assassins don't really talk much in this volume, you can't help but notice that they look really familiar. 
   Afterschool Charisma is a series that will give you brain cramps after you are done, which to me isn't a bad thing. My questions are usually an indication of how much I'm invested in the story and the characters. I enjoy being in the dark and not having all the answers as I try to come up with my own solution and then discover interesting twists that I didn't expect. This volume has definitely a lot more action and kept me flipping the pages.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Rated T+ for mature themes, violence, some language, and brief nudity. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 4 by Kumiko Suekane, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, Hetalia: Axis Powers by Hidekaz Himaruya, Code Geass by Majiko

  It's Monday! I'm joining my blogging friend, Alison from Alison Can Read, on her manga meme Manga Mondays where bloggers can discuss manga we've read. I'm very much a newbie when it comes to manga and I like experimenting with different genres and series. Today I'll be reviewing the volume 6 of Library Wars.

Description: It's Valentines Day in Japan. Iku finds her hopes for this special day ruined when her crush, Dojo, receives a box of chocolates from an admirer. Meanwhile the beautiful and flirtatious Shibazaki meets a suitor and Hikaru thinks he is being followed.

Review: This volume did really do much for me. It definitely felt like a filler/transition book. Nothing exciting happens and the characters are just riding along. 
The plot seems to split into three story lines. The first story line is a censorship issue wasn't well developed in my opinion. The Weekly World News magazine has printed an article about the teen serial killer and it has been banned by the new head librarian, which shocks everyone in the Library Task Force. I was confused about exactly why the library would consider censoring the article at all. It sounds counter intuitive if the purpose of the library is to ensure access to information for all. Maybe the article's writer use illegal sources and thus what is printed isn't allowed to be shown to the public because of the prisoner's rights? If so, then how the author get access to person in question's library history? As far as I know, libraries are not allowed to hand out patron history records to anyone even the government. The government would have to have a warrant or other documents in order to get anywhere near the history. I simply can't understand how this issue came to this decision.
 The second story line is about Shibazaki, Iku's roommate and friend. We gain a little insight into her past and her personality. Basically, she's just putting on a show on how others feel like she should behave in order to be well liked and popular. I do like Shibazaki in general and it's nice to know that she isn't all that confident and all knowing as she appears. She is more human and fragile in this volume. She meets a suitor who I think might become a recurring character and I hope that relationship is something to root for. 
  The third story line focuses on Tezuka, who believes someone is following him. Since this story line occurs in the last few pages, it doesn't have much time to develop. We do meet his mysterious brother, who may or may not work for the enemy. 
 In addition to these story lines, there are bonus chapters that focus on the Library Task Force team going out to a spa resort together and they happen to stop robbers who robbed a near-by bank from running away. The same nauseating Iku and Dojo 'banter' occurs and there are some slapstick humor and violence that occurs. Overall, this volume was okay and I probably wouldn't have missed much if I skipped it altogether. 

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There were several bath scenes with the two girls completely covered by the water, but then there was a scene where only strategic placement kept Dojo decent. No real language and much less violence in this one with the biggest injury being Iku's run-in with a door jam. Rated T for teens.

If you like this book try:  Library Wars Volume 7 by Kiiro Yumi, Saturn Apartments by Hisae Iwaoka, Kingyo Used Books by Seimu Yoshizaki

I'm joining my blogging friend, Alison from Alison Can Read, on her manga meme Manga Mondays where bloggers can discuss manga we've read. I'm very much a newbie when it comes to manga and I like experimenting with different genres and series. Since I get so many responses from readers who are interested in manga but don't know where to start, I will be making a few informational posts on this topic soon. Today I'll be reviewing the volumes 5 of Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads): Iku is about to face her most difficult challenge--her parents are coming to visit the library where she works When she joined the Library Forces, she told her parents that she was just going to be a librarian. Now she has to come clean that she's on the ultra-dangerous Task Force. Can her parents ever accept that she's a library warrior?


Review: Volume 5 picks up immediately where volume 4 ends. Iku is still very stressed out because her parents are visiting her and she is desperately trying to cover her real position as a soldier with an ordinary, less dangerous library clerk job. Iku's parent's are on the last day of their visit and despite Iku's attempts they discover her real job. At first they are a bit concerned of having their daughter on the front lines, but Iku's colleagues ensure that Iku is very passionate about her job and tries her best. 
  To my surprise and very much delight the plot of this volume changes pace and concentrates on a side story about Instructor Komaki and a love interest. I really like Komaki as a character. He is laid back and cool headed unlike the Dojo who is a complete jerk. While a whole chapter is dedicated to him, I wanted to spend more time with him and wished he was the main character instead of a side one. Anyway, we learn about Tomaki's past and his developing relationship with a neighbor and friend's daughter. The relationship is very cute, sweet, and exactly what I thought was missing from this series until now. Tomaki treats his love interest with respect and though there is a big age difference between them (about 10 yrs or so) I didn't find anything 'sick' about it. This chapter was paced just right as we witness Tomaki being arrested due to idle untrue gossip, by the MBC (Media Betterment Committee) and held for several days while being tortured. The story mainly involves the team figuring out a way to rescue him. I must mention that Iku takes the initiative in rescuing Komaki. I must also mentioned that she is slapped another time by Dojo for disobeying him, which is totally uncalled for and made me chuck the volume across the room. Of course, Iku's plan worked and Dojo was proved wrong, unapologetic.
The "I love you/I hate you" see-saw of Iku and Dojo makes me squirm. I don't find it entertaining at all. There is suppose to be a funny, tender moment between the two towards the end of this volume where Iku has to get all dressed-up-hair, makeup, and all-for a party and is hit on by all the men. Dojo who rescues when an overly ardent admirer has her trapped against a wall. Too bad there is no one to rescue Iku from Dojo when he is being equally offensive. Another decent read with a great sideline departure with the focus on another character for a change.


Rating: 3.5 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language, crude humor, and some violence. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Library Wars Volume 6 by Kiiro Yumi

I'm joining my blogging friend, Alison from Alison Can Read, on her manga meme Manga Mondays where bloggers can discuss manga we've read. I'm very much a newbie when it comes to manga and I like experimenting with different genres and series. Today I'll be reviewing the volumes 4 through 6 of Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads): Iku and Commander Inamine are abducted by Bakushu-kai terrorists, who demand sensitive material from the library's protected collection in return for the hostages! Dojo is worried about Iku, his problem student with limited field experience. But what Iku lacks in training she more than makes up for in gumption, and she is not going to let library material go without a fight!

Review: The fourth volume of Library Wars is a mixed bag for me. I liked some parts and didn't like others. I think my mixed reaction mainly stems from the central relationship in the manga, that of Dojo and Iku, which I, personally, find troublesome. I know I mentioned this in my other reviews for this series thus far; I'll try to explain my issues in this review since the romantic angle is emphasized much more in this installment.
  Iku is a likable female character who is fiery, passionate yet somewhat impulsive. She entered the library task force as a guard after a personal run in with the censors herself while browsing at a local bookstore as a teen. When a male guard protected her rights to read, she dubbed him her prince and fell in love with him and in his profession. She vowed she would do the same when she became an adult. When Iku enters the library task force, she is practically bullied by Dojo, her boss. He berates her constantly and calls her an idiot more than I can count. In fact in one vivid moment in the first volume, Dojo slaps her very hard as a punishment. After that moment, Dojo never apologized and Iku believes he was justified in treating her so because it was her fault. Since that moment, I've been very uncomfortable reading about Iku and Dojo.
 In this volume we get a rare moment where we read from Dojo's perspective. He actually thinks about Iku and more specifically her good qualities. We dare say that he actually has developed feelings toward her. Some may think Dojo is a great love interest, but I really don't see it at all. One minute he can be caring and nice, offering his support and encouragement and the next he can be a down right brute. We are told he behaves this way because he knows the identity of Iku's prince but doesn't want Iku to know that he knows. His "cruel to be kind" ways frustrate me and I secretly hope for Iku to have another love interest so I don't have think about him.
  Despite my issues with the romance, there are parts that I did like in this volume. Iku gets a chance to shine. As the manga opens, Iku finds herself in a hostage situation with a library Commander and tries to find a way to escape. Instead of cowering into a corner, Iku uses her smarts and quick thinking to alert her colleagues of her location so they can help get her and the Commander out. She also struggles to not be a disappointment to her parents and tries very hard to make them proud. I also like that this volume also gives the reader a chance to learn a bit more about the secondary characters, especially Tomaki whom I've come to really like.  Though a backseat to the last stronger two volumes, this one was readable and just okay. 



Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some violence, language, and a scene of drinking at a bar where Iku gets drunk. Recommended for teens and adults interested in libraries and reading about censorship.

If you like this book try:  Library Wars Vol 5 by Kiiro Yumi

I'm joining my blogging friend, Alison from Alison Can Read, on her manga meme Manga Mondays where bloggers can discuss manga we've read. I'm very much a newbie when it comes to manga and I like experimenting with different genres and series. Today I'll be reviewing the third volume of Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads): Iku is witness to a disturbance during a Board of Education speech on protecting children from the danger of books. The perpetrators are two young boys protesting the banning of their favorite books. But while Iku wants to reach out to the next generation of book lovers, Dojo insists that they can't play favorites. Will Dojo's prickly insistence on sticking to the rules ruin their budding friendship?

Review: The stakes are raised higher in this installment of Library Wars. The concept of library workers fighting on the side of the Library Freedom Act is what makes me come back to this series. I'm interested in the many ways the freedom to read is challenged in this manga. In this volume, we have two story lines. In the first, there are two teens who protest about the Board of Education banning their favorite books. Although they go about the protest in the wrong way with igniting fireworks during a meeting and causing chaos and commotion, it is obvious that the two teens are serious about their rights being taken away. After being questioned about their motive by the Library Defense, the two teens work on the presentation to display their concern. Unfortunately, they aren't taken seriously at first because of their age.  In the second storyline, an FBI-like government agency wants to retrieve the library records of a criminal and various employees react to how the Library Defense goes about protecting civilian rights. I found the different perspectives on the library rights really interesting and it had me thinking about what I would have done if I were in their position. 
   The only problem, which is a big one, I have with this manga series is how Iku is treated badly by her male coworkers particularly with those she works closely with on various projects. She is constantly underestimated, belittled for her small mistakes by Dojo who serves as the love interest, and how she is obsessed by getting in Dojo's good graces. Normally, I read shojo in order to see how the romance and relationship progresses but not for Library Wars. The third volume ends in a sort of cliffhanger and I've already checked out the next three books in the series to see what happens next.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and violence, which I would rate as PG-13.

If you like this book try: Library Wars Volume 4 by Kiiro Yumi

 I'm joining my blogging friend, Alison from Alison Can Read, on her manga meme Manga Mondays where bloggers can discuss manga we've read. I'm relatively new to manga and take more risk into finding out which genres or series to follow. I generally check around to see what is popular and/or recommended by other reviewers. Today I'll be reviewing the second volume of Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads): In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces! When the director of the Kanto Library Base gets sick, a temporary replacement is assigned, according to regulations. But Iku and her roommate Asako discover a trail of missing books that lead back to the temporary Director. Has he betrayed everything the Library Forces stands for and handed books over to the enemy?!

Review: I didn't really care for the first volume of Library Wars, which emphasized the romantic, in my opinion troubling, angle rather than the really interesting premise of fighting for the freedom to read and battling censorship. Though I liked the premise of the manga enough, I decided to read the next volume. Though some of my issues regarding the relationship angle are still there, I did enjoy this volume much more.
  Volume 2 is much more eventful. We dig a little deeper into the characters and the potential relationship between Kasahara and Dojo. Kasahara is a sweet,likable girl who is reckless, impulsive, and emotional though she does have a good head on her shoulders and have good intentions at heart. I have issues with Dojo who continually berates her in one heartbeat and then in another can be caring. Dojo gives me whiplash with his mood swings. I guess you could call their relationship a love/hate one. Unlike many other shojo manga that I've read, which concentrates on romance, I really don't care for their relationship right now. I'm much more interested in what the Library Forces do and the different cases they tackle.
 It was nice to see Kasahara get her first taste of action when the library has its first raid since she joined the staff. The team all knows an insider has been working with the government, though they can't prove it yet, and he's helped set up the book grab for the raiders. This time censorship is occurring within the system that was protected against it. I'm not sure if many people know, but this does happen in real life with many libraries. I worked with a woman in the past who would cut out pictures from Rolling Stone that she felt was inappropriate. You can image what was left of the magazine when she was done. I hope the series gets more interesting and digs a little deeper in its premise.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and violence, which I would rate as PG-13.

If you like this book try: Library Wars Volume 3 by Kiiro Yumi