What I read in July 2024

I unfortunately do not have the energy to review every book I read or every game I play. I frequently say stuff on Twitter, but that's about it. I feel it would be nice to get back into the habit of monthly reads' plays so at least you know what I've been reading and gaming. So let's begin with the books! The games will be in a separate post

Due to being tired and unwell more than normal I didn't read a lot this month and that's ok

The Abandonned Empress by Yuna and Ina, Korean Manga, Excellent

The fact each page is full colour has me so happy! Trying not to be killed in her reincarnated life, this little Empress is smart, has the most beautiful clothes and a tale that I'm intrigued by and wish I could afford more than one book every 1-2 months. 

AdelAIDE by Melinda Salisbury, Young Adult, Dyslexia Friendly, Teen, Excellent 

And people wonder I don't like AI! this is edge of the seat reading. Review here.

 

 Peter Pan by J M Barrie, Classic Literaure, Okay 

Peter is the villain - he kills pirates! Literally! Glad I read it but won't reread. Review here.

 

Pirate Academy #1 New Kid on Deck by Justin Somper, Children's, 7 years +, Excellent

Adored Justin's Vampireate series, check out my review here.

Sunshine At the Cornish Bakery by Sarah Hope, Romance, Very good 

Who doesn't love a bakery themed read? Yes it made me want pastries a lot. But was a sweet romance. 

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts, Thriller, Audiobook, very good

1st ever Nora Roberts book, long but extremely clever with plot twists. Looking forward to the other books I have of hers.

 

Rozen Maiden volume 1 by Peach Pit (Manga, Young Adult, Fantasy, 10E/10E)

May 2006, Tokyopop, 192 pages, Paperback, Personal copy 

Book summary from Publishers Weekly on Amazon 

The genre of "awkward young man meets bizarre/supernatural/extra-dimensional/space alien female and all manner of wacky hijinx ensue" has been endlessly rehashed, from the prototypical Urusei Yatsura to countless knockoffs, including Peach Pit's own DearS. This volume goes down that familiar path, adding only a slightly more sinister edge than its predecessors. Jun is a high school dropout who spends his days ordering items from the Internet and sending them back for laughs, but his feeble prank backfires when he receives a "Rozen Maiden" named Shinku. The doll comes to obnoxious life when wound up by a key inserted into her back. Instantly treating Jun with disdain, Shinku attempts to groom him into her manservant while revealing that the antique mirror owned by his parents is actually a doorway into the "N-Field," the nexus of alternate realities. Charged with protecting the living doll by "the Spirit Hollier," Jun and Shinku embark on a transdimensional odyssey, the purpose of which will presumably be made clear in the next installment. Peach Pit's cutesy/goth manga art is coupled with a story that hits all the usual notes.

Nayu's thoughts

Sadly I only have this volume in the incredible series that I first saw as an anime. It can get a bit creepy, but overall it is a fun read, looking at what life is like for shut-ins who feel they can't face the outside world for some reason so literally don't leave their house. I adored the anime, primarily because of how cute Shinku is-just look at her gorgeous dress! She and the other Rozen Maidens who are way more than a living doll have similar styles but immensely different and strong powers. I like how Shinku has her own tiny tea cup, how she can run out of energy then needs recharging (if only I could recharge my energy low body in the same fashion). 

This is what Shinku looks like when Jun first gets her, so sweet and gentle. She can be those characteristics, but not that often!

Just like the anime in the manga it is funny how obsessed Jun's sister whose name I've forgotten becomes with Shinku, trying to take care of her every need, and being overly enthusiastic about it. While I'm not 100% comfy with Shinku treating Jun as her slave, I like watching their bond grow, not just because of the ring that's a symbol of their relationship which keeps them together but Jun genuinely cares for her and wants to make sure she is ok. Having his own toys attack him is on the creepy side, but what he does to later fix one is a touching moment. He may have a lot of issues to deal with but deep down he has compassion for others which hopefully one day he can give himself.

There is a lot of humour, both from how Jun/Shinku/Jun's sister interact with each other, how Shinku learns about the world including her mistake in the bathroom, how Shinku is so particular over tea preparation, how much Jun's sister dotes on Shinku that it balances the darker and weirder parts of the story.  I think I prefer the anime because the manga is a little different (& not in colour...) but overall I love it and look forward to collecting more in the series one day! 

Suggested watch

Another anime which is similarly convoluted although doesn't involve living dolls is Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning I've seen the anime but not read the manga. 

Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (Manga, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Just looking at the cover makes me go "SQUEEEE!"

April 2015, Udon Entertainment, 308 pages, Paperback, Review copy from NetGalley

Summary from Udon Entertainment

 A powerful tale of forbidden love, shame, and revenge comes to life in Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter. Faithfully adapted by Crystal Chan from the original novel, this new edition features stunning artwork by SunNeko Lee (Manga Classics: Les Miserables) which will give old and new readers alike a fresh insight into the Nathaniel Hawthorne’s tragic saga of Puritan America. 

Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

Nayu's thoughts

An emotive tale which had me hooked way more than the original which I don't think has illustrations. I was initially drawn to the book because of how cute the heroine is (I can be a bit shallow...), but the tale itself intrigued me, as a mother protecting her child is a theme I enjoy.

Oh my word, I was soon dragged into all the drama. I felt so sorry for Hester, she is persecuted for what happened (not entirely her fault at all), and I frequently expected her to be killed but somehow she survives and brings her child up as best she can, without hard feelings to others who are quite cruel.

I don't know much about Puritan America, so this book was an eye-opener into their conservative ways. Some I agreed with, some I understood but disagreed with, and some ways I thought were completely crazy. It's amazing that that Hester not only survived but managed to thrive under the circumstances. She has some help amongst all the hatred, which means the world to her.

The illustrations, as I mentioned earlier, are super cute. I love manga and anime because so much is conveyed in an expression which is ever so true for Hester. The manga form helped me sympathise with Hester, and to wonder how others could be so cruel. How she makes her punishment be a positive part of her life is admirable, and clearly displayed in both the text and the illustrations. I wish this could be made into anime! I'd watch it for sure. I'll keep an eye out for other classic stories told in manga form, as the originals are too dry for me.

Shiba Inuko-san volume 1 by Uzu (Manga, 10/10E)

 September 2015, Takeshobo, 118 pages, English, Ebook Review copy, 

Content: lots of humour

Summary from NetGalley

Adapted to TV Animation! A Dog in a girl’s sailor school uniform...!? “Don’t even think about it!” Shiba Inuko san is a 4- panel comic strip about an ordinary but fun school life of “Shiba Inuko san”, and her classmate Chako and Naporin. 

Nayu's thoughts

This follows the hilarious mystery of a talking girl dog who thinks she is human, as do most of her classmates which is hilarious. The one classmate who thinks Shiba Inuko's a dog is frequently surprised at how human her canine ressemblig friend is, resulting in a lot of jokes. 

There are lots of distinctly dog-like acts which Shiba Inuko-san does which are claimed as perfectly normal. I've read other manga with the vertical strip of 4 panels before: it's easy enough to follow and there are many profound moments in the glimpses into Shiba Inuko's life, as well as glimpses into Japanese culture. This is a book for when you need to smile. I haven't yet seen the anime version, but I'm sure it's just as fun!

Suggested read

For a random and slightly not quite human girl check out Suzunari! Vol 1 by Shoko Iwami (Manga, Young Adult, 9/10)

Shugo Chara! vols 1-5 by Peach-Pit (Manga, Magical Girl, Young Adult, 10/10)

Peach-Pit, Roughly 170 pages each 

Personal Copy 

Content: occasional romance, fantasy fights

Summary from Anime News Network 

Every child has an egg in their heart, unseen at first, an egg with the would-be self of their dreams. Hinamori Amu, part of a group called the Guardians, protect those eggs from becoming x-eggs, eggs filled with resentment and resignation that gives children troubles. Amu's job is to capture and restore x-eggs to their orginal form. She does this with the help of her three Shugo Chara (guardian characters or her would be selves), Ran, Miki and Su. Thanks to them she can change her character and abilities, and so fight against the mysterious organization Easter which aim is to find a special egg called Embryo using the x-egg

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I'm amazed at how true to the manga the anime is - some scenarios are switched around eg the snow sculpture contest in the anime is a sand sculpture contest in the manga. So far there isn't any major change. I watched the anime before reading the manga. It's quite something to read the manga, having an idea of how the characters sound. I love all the life lessons that both Amu and the other guardians learn from each other, and from all the children whose x-eggs they save. The cute charas are hilarious! The manga may not be in colour, but I see the colour in my mind - it's a delight to read. I hope to slowly collect the rest in the series. I must note that while I read the first in English, I've read the French translation of the others. 

Suggested watch 

Usually for books I recommend other books to read. I strongly suggest you watch this awesome anime - currently it can be found on Crunchyroll (I don't benefit from mentioning them.) I'm with them, and I'm a paid member for the anime. However, you can watch a fair amount for free. Because I pay and access all anime, I'm not sure if Shugo Chara is a free anime, but it could be! I've got a review for Shugo Chara Doki! the second season here. 

Suzunari! Vol 1 by Shoko Iwami (Manga, Young Adult, 9/10)

 

July 2008, Yen Press
236 pages, Paperback
Personal copy

Themes: school life, sisterhood, an outsider experiencing everything for the first time, bizarre teachers, crazy yet lovable friends, elements of Japanese school life and Japanese culture, constant humour, some older/suggestive material

Summary from Yen Press

Kaede Takamura’s teenage life swerves to the brink of insanity when she comes face to face with her twin…or does she? Suzu is practically the mirror-image of Kaede — except for having cat ears and a tail and being far more well-endowed than Kaede thinks any teenager ought to be. But the Takamuras have no qualms about bringing this strange, happy-go-lucky catgirl into their home. With Suzu completely ignorant of the ways of modern society, it’s going to be a very long year for poor Kaede.

 

Nayuleska's thoughts
This is a perfect read if you need to smile. It's a bit different to most manga that I read as the actual book is bigger, and the story is told mostly in columns of 4 boxes. It was easy to get used to the lay out. The whole concept of Suzunari! is crazy - why doesn't anyone else besides Kaede realise Suzu is new to her life? I'm told I'll find the answers in the final book #2 which I've now started. 

 

There is a glossary to explain more traditional Japanese comments which may not make sense to the reader. Kaede suffers a lot with Suzu, but she also relaxes a bit more and gets a lot of fun from life. Suzu is simplisic at times in how she interprets life, and at others she can be profound. The questionable content is mostly innuendo, with a couple of scenes that are easy to skip over - it would have been nicer without them which is why I grade this as a 9/10 read.

Suggested read
Try Yotsuba& by Kiyohiko Azuma  for another girl who isn't quite human.

Strawberry Marshmallow by Barasui (Manga, Young Adult)

July 2006, Tokyopop

184 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy 

Themes: friendships, fun at the beach, strange school projects, a ferret, ice lolly, watermelon, mischief, packed full of humour

Book Summary (taken from American back cover (I think. Tokyopop no longer exists)

Follow the lives of Nobue Ito, her younger sister Chika, and her friends Miu and Matsuri - these cute girls try to solve problems and help each other out in the most adorable ways! Whether it's helping someone quit smoking or organising a sleepover at a friend's house, these girls always remain a joyful treat to this slice-of-life-delight.

Nayuleska's thoughts  

I didnt get to read this much before I managed to buy the anime. They are slightly different but both are hilairious. I love the emphasis on what the friends wear each season. Despite their pranks you can tell they are close. Definitely 10/10 read.

Suggested read
For a slightly zanier slice-of-life manga, check out Suzunari #1 by Shoko Iwami

Magical Miracle vol 1 by Yuzu Mizutani (Manga, Young Adult, fantasy)

(cute cover!) 

April 2006, Tokyopop 

208 pages, Paperback

Personal copy 

Themes: fantasy, mistaken identity, playing a part, self esteem and self belief, magic, child princess, cute costumes, lots of humour, a few tissues needed. 

Book cover blurb

It's a tale  of magic, mystery, and mistaken identity! 

Merleawe has just arrived in Viegald, where she hopes to study magic at one of the best schools in the kingdom. But shortly after she arrives, the Master Wizard Sylthfarn - the greatest magician in Viegald - goes missing. With panic setting in and a country in need, the followers of Sylthfarn discover that Merleawe looks remarkably like the Master Wizard. With the right training and guidance, she might just pass as Sylthfarn. But is Merleawe "man" enough to bring peace to the kingdom? 

Nayuleska's thoughts

It's inspiring watching Merleawe work hard to help out the tricky situation. It gets her thinking about all the people in the kingdom, the poor and the rich. She wants to be true to herself and protect people. With her cute costumes, even when she's masquerading as the boy wizard her determination only wavers when doubt slaps her in the face (not necessarily literally). Definitely a 10/10 read! 

Suggested read

It isn't a manga, but it is a case of identity swapping for a good cause - Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt 

Someday's Dreamers #1 by Norie Yamada, Kumichi Yoshizuki

Tokyopop
Paperback
Personal copy

Manga, fantasy

Magic, helping others, apprenticeship, exams, living away from home, city life, friendships, a lot of humour

Book Blurb
Yume desperately wants to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a magic user in the worst way! She innocently practices using magic to help the people she encounters; struggling soccer players, the wrongly incarcerated, and a student who wants to show his moon-loving teaching a lunar eclipse on a cloudy evening. On this coming of age journey filled with genuine imagination and a passionate sense of awe, follow Yume as she learns that the true magic of life can take place right inside her own heart. 

Nayuleska's reasons for loving Yume....I loved her in the anime version of this manga, she wants to change the world (like me), is really enthusiastic and passionate, and is still learning her magical boundaries. 


How evil/nasty is the enemy? There isn't really an enemy here, other than Yume's sweet ability to get a bit carried away when she wants to help people out.

Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Yes - although if you've watched the anime you know the story, which is kept mostly true to form in the manga! So I did know what was happening next, and it was very emotional to read about Yume's adventures.

One of my favourite parts was...when Yume was so passionate she dropped to using her home dialect - it was a cute scene.

I give this 10/10! Illustrations are beautiful, and it's a funny manga. I would like to mention that Tokyopop is no longer in existence (as I only found out this week) - noooo! Good thing I like getting manga from Japan!

Check out the other books I've read so far for my Manga Reading Challenge

Suggested reading
On a similar theme, but using different characters and different storylines, there's Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound 1

Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound #2 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki

Also read as part of 

April 2007, TokyoPop

192 pages, Paperback 

Personal copy 

Manga, Young Adult

Self belief, confidence, courage, determination, friendships, understanding others, secrets, occasional strong language and adult innuendo plus a couple of slightly adult pictures, 

Summary from TokyoPop

It's summer break and Ryutaro's returned to Yokohama to take care of business, such as paying his respects to his deceased mother. He encounters an old friend there that makes him reflect on his life. In reflection, Ryutaro feels like he has no friends in Nagasaki and doesn't need any – surely he's simply the last to know but, there must be someone there who cares for him...

Nayuleska's thoughts

Wow. After book 1, I thought 'this might be ok'. I wish this had been book one! I was hooked the entire way through. I didn't get bored, or think huh? I found the character growth more in depth and easier to follow in this one. I mean, I liked Nami a lot more. She's a sweet girl. She wants to do her best for people, but gets down quite easily, which her friends notice. However there's a huge change when she taps into happiness - you can see her glowing at what she discovers. 

Nami's confronted with a dilemma and gets asked to use her magic. As she's still unsure about her abilities, she freezes up. However, another dilemma comes along. Nami feels compassionate towards the two people involved, and finally does some magic! It doesn't mean her life is perfect - somehow Ryutaro ends up having dinner at her home. That was a big shock for her. 

I loved how there was quite a bit of life from Ryutaro's point of view. It helps explain some of the way he behaves to others. He has a huge burden on his shoulders, and doesn't really have anyone else to turn to. He thinks no one cares in his new home town, and that only his old friends are any good. But slowly life proves otherwise. He starts thinking of others, and that's pretty much where the story ends. 

Just to add to the drama of Nami realising she likes Ryutaro, and Ryutaro subconsciously becoming aware of Nami, it turns out the Nami has an admirer from an unexpected (for her, not for the reader) quarter. It puts her in a bit of a difficult position, but she sorts it out. 

Something to note that I forgot to say about book one: there are a few points in each manga where I feel the translation wouldn't have matched the original Japanese meaning. When coarser language/thoughts are expressed, I think that it would have been phrased more politely in Japanese. Additionally some phrases might seem a bit weird in English (how people address each other when they come home/leave/do a favour). This is because it is a level of respect in Japan, and there are set phrases to say. I feel the true meaning is sometimes lost in translation. I don't have the original copies of these books, but I'm basing this on what I've seen in other manga, anime subbing, and the English versions of the books.

I did some investigation...and it turns out there is a two volume manga set of the anime Someday's Dreamers (which I've dutifully ordered). I think this one, Spellbound is based on the same principle as the anime, but is a story in its own right.  

Final conclusion

A much stronger book than the first one, this is a heart warming story about self-belief, and growing up in the world. 

Be sure to check out book one: Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound 1  

Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound #1 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki

Read as part of 

December 2006, TokyoPop

192 pages, Paperback

Personal copy 

Manga: Young Adult/Fantasy 

Occasional strong language, Japanese high school life, magic as a power, an unhappy family life, pressure, arguments, teen romance, 

Summary by TokyoPop

Eighteen-year-old Nami is a magic user with a keen interest in helping everyone...but herself. Ryutaro is the new boy in school--he's rough around the edges and has a mysterious past, but beneath his rough exterior is a gentle soul. When these two meet, they leave each other spellbound!

Nayuleska's thoughts

I decided to get this series because I've watched and enjoyed the anime version. When I opened this up, I realised the story was different. That isn't big news, because often anime uses a different storyline to the manga version (if there is one). I like seeing the difference, it helps me learn more about the characters involved. 

Anyway, the main character in this version, Nami, is 18. Personally looking at the cover you wouldn't think she was 18...but I find that it's often really hard to place an age on people so I'm not too bothered about this. Nami has a lot of trouble on her plate. She's got to start thinking of what she wants to do next in her life. The problem is, that's something she doesn't want to think about. Her family is very pro magic. Her father always does something on her birthday, and she hates it. She hates feeling inadequate and not improving on her magic skills. Surprisingly I could relate to this a lot. Sometimes it feels like everyone has really high expectations of you, and deep down you don't believe you can meet those hopes. Being at a sixth form rather than a college, I identified well with Nami in her classes and interactions with her classmates. 

The key interaction is with a pretty argumentative and explosive boy called Ryutaro. He has a quick temper, and strangely he joins Ryutaro's school. He cuts class an awful lot, and as class president she's the one to check up on him. I'm eager to find out why he is so protective about his family, and how magic plays a part in his life. 

Overall it was a nice enough manga. It doesn't have me super excited (this may be due to the characters being different. Not that I'd hold that against the story) - in some places I was thinking 'huh?' to where the plot was/wasn't going. I wouldn't recommend this as a first manga read, but after you've read a few I'd recommend it :) Although it has the teen rating due to the romance, it's mostly innuendo and concepts of conversations (nothing visual). 

Final conclusion: 

There are totally different characters in here to the anime, but it is still enjoyable, and when magic is used I can almost hear the sound effects! 

Keep an eye out, because I'm reading the rest in the series!