Friday, October 10, 2025

Mushishi Collector's Edition 1 by Yuki Urushibara

Mushishi Collector's Edition 1 by Yuki Urushibara
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Kodansha Comics through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ginko is a traveling Mushishi who can never stay in one place too long because he’ll attract the very mushi he helps people deal with. The mushi exists somewhere between the living and the dead, and not everyone can see them, but he knows what to do once he’s looked into the situation. Along the way, he meets a variety of people he finds who are being affected by the mushi, including other Mushishis.

I’ve read Yuki Urushibara’s work before and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to get a chance to start this series. The story is absolutely wonderful. We follow Ginko on his adventures and see him helping several people, including those who don’t necessarily want his help. Along the way, we slowly begin to learn about Ginko and his life along with the characters he’s helping.

If you’re looking for a super mellow series, this might be up your alley. It’s a pretty slow burn, but we get a peek into the lives of those Ginko helps and get a little attached to some of them before it’s time for him to move on. The artwork is beautiful as well, so I really enjoyed going through the ups and downs with the characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Ginko along with what characters and different types of mushi we’ll see along the way.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Of Swamp & Sea, Vol. 2 by Mia Jay Boulton; Laurel Boulton

Of Swamp & Sea, Vol. 2 by Mia Jay Boulton; Laurel Boulton
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from 23rd St. through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After Mercy Gray Harding accidentally got possessed by the mist wolf that killed her father, things have gotten crazy. She has to leave home and never come back, and now that she has feelings for Jonah, she’s not entirely sure going back is something she wants to do. Together, they’re on a mission to get the wolf mist’s spirit out of her, but what if Mercy isn’t entirely sure that’s what she wants anymore? If only Jonah would stop insisting to lead a lonely life until the mystery behind his supernatural eye catches up to him…

I was so excited to start the second volume of this series. We’re back to following Mercy and her monster hunting friend, Jonah. This time around, we got some solid backstory on Jonah, which I was super interested in. Plus, it’s clear the two of them have feelings for each other, but Jonah is the stubborn party here. Though, I guess I don’t blame him once we learn about The Visitor and how he’s connected to it.

That said, we got to meet a new cast of characters and slowly set up the next volume in the process. I really enjoyed the group of traveling musicians they met. While I doubt we’ll see them again, it’ll be interesting to see if they pop up again, especially after the way things turned out. I also loved meeting Jonah’s old friend and getting confirmation on something I suspected might happen when I read the first volume.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and seeing the character growth that occurred. The artwork was stunning as always, and I really enjoyed the concept art at the end. I’m really enjoying this series, and now that it’s really picking up speed, I’m even more excited for the next volume than I predicted I’d be!

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Murder on the Marlow Belle (The Marlow Murder Club #4) by Robert Thorogood

 
Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Judith was just minding her own business when Verity Beresford approached her about her missing husband, Oliver. Unfortunately, Oliver washed ashore shortly after, so of course Judith is on the hunt for the killer with her fellow crime busting friends. Along the way, Suzie claims there’s a prophecy about Judith, and Tanika may be out of a job if they get busted investigating. What will these friends do?

I enjoyed the first two books in the series, but the third installment was a total dud. However, I wanted to read this book because I was determined to give this series a chance because it wasn’t a series destroying book. If you were also disappointed in the third installment, I encourage you to pick this up because it’s back to being the same series we all know and love. I especially love that Suzie came in with a so-called prophecy after giving herself a Tarot reading, which was absolutely hilarious.

All in all, I found this to be a fun read. I enjoyed the murder mystery even though the real killer seemed somewhat random in the grand scheme of things. I enjoyed seeing Becks figuring out how to deal with not liking her daughter’s boyfriend. I grew to dislike Judith in the last book and now she’s back to being a character I enjoy. Lizzie Jenkins, the big actress who returned to Marlow, was an interesting character that I almost wish we saw more of. Plus, Judith met her match during the investigation, and that was extremely enjoyable to see play out. I’m excited to read the next book!

Friday, October 3, 2025

Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter, Vol. 3 by Reia; Hazuki Futaba

 
Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter, Vol. 3 by Reia; Hazuki Futaba
My Rating: ★★★★

Iris has come out on the other side of every threat to her wellbeing with the help of her family and those she trusts most. Now she faces a few new threats, and one of her closest friends and personal guards asks a question not even she expected. Is Iris truly ready to defend the duchy with everything she has? It’s something she has to think about while she faces the fact that she’s in love with Dean and that someone is plotting something right under her nose…

This time around, we see the aftermath of Iris overcoming being excommunicated. It’s open season on her, but between her own abilities and the people she trusts most at her back, she’s not one who will easily be taken down. This was a fun read, but I think my favorite parts ended up being when we see a different person’s perspective. I do think Dida’s perspective was ultimately lacking, but I still enjoyed seeing it.

Overall, this was a good read, but the ending rolled through so quickly that it was a little short on the details in some areas. I was hoping for more details there, but it is what it is. All in all, I’m excited to pick up the next book and see where we go next. We got a smidge past where the seventh volume of the manga adaptation left off, so I’m excited to see where Iris and company go next. I’m also hoping that we’ll start to rotate perspectives more often as well as seeing if there’s anyone else reincarnated into this world.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

I Lived an Honest Life Only to Have My Fiancé Betray Me, So in My New Life I'll Live as the Villainess, Vol. 2 by Sakura Shiba; Yuta Tomonari

 
I Lived an Honest Life Only to Have My Fiancé Betray Me, So in My New Life I'll Live as the Villainess, Vol. 2 by Sakura Shiba; Yuta Tomonari
My Rating: ★★★★★

Doomed to restart her life every time she gets to where everything went downhill in her first life, Mianna Caroline is determined to prove love isn’t real. Funnily enough, the only way to get out of this loop is to discover true love for herself! Knowing this, Mianna still doesn’t believe love is real, and finds herself lonely and sad as she runs away from the major changes she’s gone through. What will she do, and will she continue to refuse to see what’s blooming in her heart?

I really enjoyed the first volume, so of course I had to pick this up! We pick up right where we left off and watch Mianna’s injured and frozen heart start to defrost. I enjoyed seeing the character growth for her and the other characters, especially Prince Elliot. The ending of this volume might irritate some people, but I understand why she’s resigned as she gets closer to the ending of her current life.

That said, it was nice to see Mianna begin her healing journey. I think that part of the reason that I’m enjoying this series so much is because I see some of myself in Mianna. I understand a lot of what she’s gone through, so I’m rooting for her. It’ll be nice to see her make progress in her healing journey, find love and happiness, and hopefully justice as well by the end of the series. 

I’m looking forward to reading the next volume when it comes out. I’ll be a little sad if Mianna does start all over again, but I have a feeling that this will be the life that breaks the cycle. Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes and if Mianna’s step sister is ever finally busted for being a vile excuse for a human being.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

I Lived an Honest Life Only to Have My Fiancé Betray Me, So in My New Life I'll Live as the Villainess, Vol. 1 by Sakura Shiba; Yuta Tomonari

I Lived an Honest Life Only to Have My Fiancé Betray Me, So in My New Life I'll Live as the Villainess, Vol. 1 by Sakura Shiba; Yuta Tomonari
My Rating: ★★★★★

Mianna Caroline spent her first life doing everything right. Originally born a light mage, she worked hard to please her father once her mom passed away, but even he never cared about her. Being dumped by her fiancé in favor of her vindictive step sister was the final straw, which unleashed magic never before seen in humans. Next thing she knew, she was reborn and given a second chance at life… only for her to be determined to prove that love is fake!

I enjoyed this book so much. We follow Mianna, who keeps being reborn so that she could discover love. However, she’s determined to prove that love is fake even though she’s been informed that she’s going to keep repeating this life until she finds love and heals. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I got was amazing.

Mianna and the other characters are so much fun to follow. Well, except her step sister that basically no one seems to notice is an awful person because she’s cute and dumb. I know that sounds silly, but I’ve seen people go for this in real life, so it’s not that far-fetched. It’s also fun to see Mianna surprised by the very people she always believed hated her.

All in all, I can’t wait to start the next book. It’s a good read with an excellent story, interesting characters, and stunning artwork. It starts off a little sad and rocky, but it’s nothing crazy, and it quickly evens out and gets rolling. It’s ultimately a story of healing, which I like a lot.

Friday, September 26, 2025

The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé, Vol. 1 by Fumito

The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé, Vol. 1 by Fumito
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Kodansha Comics through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On the surface, Takanashi has everything: good looks, great health, and a blossoming career. Privately, he’s struggling with ED, so he’s been politely turning down every woman who throws herself at him. Everything changes when he bonds with Hiwatari and decides to confide in him only for things to look up… a little too up! Now things are flip flopping all over the place at work and Hiwatari just wants to be close to Takanashi even if things remain platonic.

This story was absolutely hilarious. We follow Takanashi and one of his subordinates, Hiwatari, as they come together to deal with two very different issues. Hiwatari wants to confess his feelings while Takanashi wants to tell someone about his struggles with ED, especially because he hasn’t told anyone! There’s a series of hilarious events that has them bonding in the most unexpected ways, and Takanashi starts developing feelings of his own somewhere along the way.

The artwork is fun and the story is pretty lighthearted and is hilarious in ways I couldn’t have predicted. This ended up turning into a pick-me-up story I didn’t know I wanted. However, if it wasn’t for the way the volume ended, I think it could’ve worked as a stand-alone. Since it is the first in a series, I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters develop. I predict that the romance will be a slow burn, which is fine by me. All in all, it was a fun read, so I’m excited to pick up the next volume.