Manga Books

Kazuma Azuma is on a mission: create the ultimate Japanese bread. His quest takes him to an audition/interview with the bakery Pantasia, where he bakes many of his creations, and where he meets friends and foes - sometimes one and the same person.

I loved this book (volume 1), and my seven-year old loves it. There are a few graphics that a are bit heavy for American eyes, but the basic themes of effort, persistence, and foodie values are pure joy. A bit of sex-ish stuff (one short bit of a girl apparently being spied on in a locker room) and violent-looking images (ie, plenty of stress lines and yelling people), but no physical fighting and no blood and guts.

For her, the focus is on remembering that Japanese books go "backwards" (which I appreciate as both a mental exercise and a way of opening her horizons) and on reading.

I recommend this for anyone 7 and up.

Another masterpiece! Shiei gets better and the storyline heats up! Anime readers will not be displeased with the latest Luna book! *DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE LAST THREE!!!!!!*

This series has really picked up with the last two books. Ananda is the best so far, with a lot of references to the actual history of the Buddha (though some big liberties taken with Ananda's real story). This is a softer book, without a lot of the violence from the first few books. It also continues the trends towards depth that book five started so well.
I thought about quiting this series after the first couple of books, now I'm glad I haven't. I just hope the quailty continues through the final two books.

This volume takes off exactly where the last left off, and doesn't disapoint the reader. The story continues to progress in its usual hilarious fashion.

Anything that gets my daughter staying up at night to read is aces with me!

It's become more of a quagmire... what'll finally become of Setsuna, Sara, and the myriad of characters that seemingly have no happy ending?

We see the intentions of Sandalphon, the true identity of the White Angel Sevothtarte, and the path of ruin laid by the angels.



It keeps getting better, the wait harder to stand... the end is soon...

A lot happens in this novel. Rosiel is plotting something, Lucifer at his side, and again, shuts Katan out, preferring to have Lucifer tend to him. In truth, Rosiel's body is degenerating and he doesn't want Katan to see him how he is. Katan worries over Rosiel as Lucifer and Rosiel make plans to try to reach Atziluth and get the Tablet of Heaven so that Rosiel can get back his body. Meanwhile, Sara, possessed by Sandalphon escapes from Raphael's care. There is a brief appearance by Mad Hatter, and one of Lucifer's wives. Kurai enters the story again (although, she plays a minor role in both this volume and the next). The climax of this volume is a fight between Kato (who's body and mind are starting to fall apart from the wound inflicted on him by Lucifer) and Lucifer, followed by a very bitter-sweet ending.

Depressing though the end of this volume is, it's really truly beautiful. Tons of very nice full-shots of Lucifer, throughout, as well as of Rosiel. Kato is drawn slightly different than before but he's still recognizable. Overall, this volume is action-packed, full of twists, and fun to read (like most of the series).

This is the fourth in the five-book series, Angelic Layer, and picks up immediate where the third book left off (really this is one story, rather than five separate stories). The Angelic Layer tournament in Kanto is into the final round, but Sai "Ice Machine" Jounouchi is working Hikaru's weakness for all she can. Can Misaki pull another rabbit out of the hat? You bet she can!

What a great and exciting series! As with the other books in this series, this one is great, with fast combat, and a wonderful story. You can feel the story roaring towards the finale, but beware, this is another cliffhanger!

Always remember that these books are printed so as to be read from back-to-front, right-to-left, in the Japanese style. This is a great book, one that I highly recommend. Go Misaki and Hikaru!

This is the third in the five-book series, Angelic Layer, and picks up immediate where the second book left off. The Angelic Layer tournament in Kanto continues, and the contests are getting harder and harder for young Misaki Suzuhara. But, fighting with skill and luck and a lot of heart, she is a fierce competitor. But now she is coming up against the top fighters, the ones talking about her "weakness." What does that mean?

This is another great Angelic Layer book, one that keeps up the quality that you saw in the first two. The action is quick and intense, leaving you on the edge of your seat! As with the other books, this book is printed so as to be read from back-to-front, right-to-left, in the Japanese style, helping to give the reader the feeling of entering another world. This is a great book, and I must say that I can't wait to get on to #4! Go Misaki and Hikaru!

I read this book after my friend brought it to school and let me borrow it. This book is action packed and jam filled with new characters! This is a spoiler for you people out there, Cooro (Crow +Anima)and the gang visit Maggie Vil where there is a large colliseum. Husky joined the battle and won by using a staff he got from Lady Beena (Volume 2) and where Rose (cat +Anima), finds her brother unexpectedly. Her brother is Pinion who have special abilities and is surprised that he found her sister. The Astarian researchers takes poor little Pinion away from his beloved sister and meets Senri (bear +Anima), Senri protects Pinion from the researchers and finds his friends and gives Pinion back to Rose. Also Husky (fish +Anima, looks like a girl) gives Nana (bat +Anima) a flower pendant. Isn't that cute?! This book is filled with fluffy cuteness!