Kamisama Kiss: Volume 4 by Julietta Suzuki

One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors! I read each volume several times after I get it.

Summary: Homeless Nanami unwittingly takes over a deity's position and now lives at a local shrine with fox spirit Tomoe, her protector and love interest. On a friend's advice she takes him on a date, but he wants nothing to do with her affections.  Brokenhearted she goes to the beach, where Tomoe is captured by the ruler of the sea for past grievances! Now Nanami must go back in time to find the water spirit's eye as ransom to rescue her shinshi - or does she?

Reality Check: The art is sweet, the characters amusing and cute (especially the boys), and the story is romantic and fun. Definitely a girl's manga.

Conclusion: If you like sweet stories about average girls and Japanese deities/spirits, this is for you! I highly recommend it!

Genre: Young Adult Shojo Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Suitcase Seven Giveaway: Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Claire Legrand is giving away a copy of Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor in her Suitcase Seven Giveaway! Check it out, and good luck!

http://claire-legrand.com/2011/08/16/the-suitcase-seven-giveaway-part-5-daughter-of-smoke-and-bone-2/

Kobato: Volume 4 by CLAMP

FINALLY got my hands on Volume 4! The latest CLAMP series running in the US. 

Summary: To have her wish fulfilled, Kobato must fill up a special jar to the brim with wounded hearts. But a curious emotion concerning a co-worker is proving an unwanted distraction. And a heavenly messenger delivers a disconcerting message to Ioryogi: Kobato has only two more seasons to fill the jar, or her wish - and Ioryogi's original form - will no longer be attainable! Some familiar faces visit, and some of the mysteries are finally revealed as we begin to discover just who Ioryogi is.

Reality Check: The art is soft and beautiful (except for Ioryogi-san and his friends - they scare me). The story is different, mysterious, and fascinating. And it's impossible not to instantly fall in love with Kobato-chan, the compassionate, innocent soul that she is. As usual, CLAMP shows their mastery of art & storytelling.

Conclusion: A great fantasy series - don't miss out!

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

2 Reasons 2 Love November!

There are two great books coming out this November that I'm dying to get my hands on:

 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 11/15/11
(http://stiryourtea.blogspot.com/p/books.html)

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

AND...

Legend by Marie Lu 11/29/11
(http://marielu.org/books.html)

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Mark your calendars! These should be great reads.

Only 2 1/2 months to go...

Mamotte! Lollipop by Michiyo Kikuta

Complete series Volumes 1-7. Another "if the library collects, I will read."

Summary: After accidentally swallowing a mysterious candy, Nina learns that it was in fact the Crystal Pearl, an object that the many Magic Examinees are trying to obtain to pass their exams and become Wizards in the Magic World. When it turns out it cannot be removed, Ichi and Zero, Examinees 1 & 2, swear to protect her for the six months of the exam and move into a magical space in her closet. As they are "attacked" by more and more Examinees, hijinks and romance ensue. And when the six months are up, things only get more complicated as Nina discovers her friends aren't the only ones with magical powers! And with two cute guys (and more!) up for grabs, who is her true love?

Reality Check: A light, fun story. Pleasant art, quirky characters, enough action and romance to accommodate everyone. And the backstories have some meat to them.

Conclusion: A good read if you're looking for something light and fun.

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Kitchen Princess by Natsumi Ando & Miyuki Kobayashi

Complete series Volumes 1-10. Since it was at the library, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did.

Summary: Orphaned Najika gets into Seika Academy to search for her Flan Prince, a boy who inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming a great pastry chef like her parents. She befriends (and falls in love with) two brothers - complete opposites - who help her on her way to fulfilling her dream, and picks up a good friend and a rival along the way. Through it all she discovers - and teaches - her true dream of making tasty things to eat and having people enjoy them.

Reality Check: Pleasant art and a good story. It deals with some heavy life issues at times - bullying, cheating, abandonment, parental expectations, eating disorders, death - but overall it's a feel-good manga.

Conclusion: It inspired me to start experimenting with recipes again! Definitely worth the read.

Genre: Young Adult Self-Discovery/Romance

 out of 4 Paws Up

Tahereh Mafi ARC Contest!

Tahereh Mafi (author of the upcoming Shatter Me) is holding an ARC contest! Three prize packs are up for grabs:

1. ARC of CROSSED + ARC of SHATTER ME

2. ARC of LOLA & THE BOY NEXT DOOR + ARC of SHATTER ME

3. ARC of SHATTER ME

 

Want to enter? Here's the link:

 

http://stiryourtea.blogspot.com/2011/08/win-lola-boy-next-door-crossed-shatter.html

Personally, I'm dying to get my hands on Lola. Fingers crossed, and good luck!

Heartless by Gail Carriger

"Five months! Five months you--dare I say it--gentlemen have been sitting on this little scheme of yours and only now you decide to inform me of it!"

This is Book 4 of the Parasol Protectorate Series, and THE book in which the Parasol Protectorate is officially created! I ADORED the first three books, and book 4 was no different.

Summary: Although Alexia is inconveniently with child, she doesn't let such a little thing stop her as she investigates a ghostly message that the Queen's life is in danger. And for the safety of the previously mentioned infant inconvenience, and herself, Alexia moves into the city, a decision far more complicated than it sounds - especially when werewolves are concerned. Luckily they acquire an understanding neighbor. Comedic peril ensues on all fronts, even as dark secrets are uncovered.

Reality Check: As with the first four books, Heartless is gloriously witty and monstrously hilarious. Gail's writing is "practically perfect in every way," and it is a true JOY to read her books. I recommend them to absolutely everyone (over the age of 16, of course). The only thing to note is that a few of the subjects in this book are a bit heavier than previous, but it only adds to the depth of the loveable characters.

Rated: PG-13 for some scandalous language, blush-worthy marital relations, destruction a la octopod, parasol violence, and, of course, porcupines.

Best Part: Realistically, the whole book is the best part. But I do love the more frequent attendance of Biffy and Lord Akeldama!

Conclusion: Read it. Read them all. There is only one more book in the Parasol Protectorate Series - Timeless, due out in March. Gail and Orbit Books are awesome that way - they don't make you wait an entire year or more for the next book. And then Gail has a new quad series coming out: The Finishing School Series, first book entitled Etiquette & Espionage. Needless to say, you will be hearing about all of these from me in the future.

Genre: Adult Paranormal Steampunk

"[End Quote omitted to avoid spoilers. =) I always despise them myself.]"

 out of 4 Paws Up!!!

Blue Exorcist: Volume 3 by Kazue Kato

It's been two months - time for another volume of Blue Exorcist!

Summary: Rin finds that he relies too heavily on his flame and strives to become powerful without it, but it isn't easy as he works to rise through the Exorcist ranks. Now an Exwire, he must prove himself to go on real missions. But with his gate sword being "held for safekeeping" by a new teacher watching his every move, and the demon king Amaimon popping in to "play," Rin has his work cut out for him.

Favorite Part: Cat demon familiar added! Can this series get any better?

Reality Check: A little more risqué with the new teacher, but it usually comes with the territory. The story continues to entertain!

Conclusion: I have to wait another two months for Volume 4? *Sigh*

Genre: Older Teen Paranormal Action Adventure

 out of 4 Paws Up

Fairy Cube Trilogy by Kaori Yuki

A 3-volume series from Kaori Yuki about conspiratorial fairies and the power of love. Kaori is known for her rather creepy supernatural manga series, and this one is no different. She is quite good at tortured, interesting characters in gothic settings.

Summary: Ian has always been able to see fairies, including the creepy Tokage who haunts him. When Tokage causes Ian's father to kill him and takes over Ian's body - and his life - Ian will stop at nothing to get it back and save Rin, the girl he loves, from Tokage's evil plans. But there is more going on - people are dying, their backs exploding with blood wings. Ian discovers they harbored fairies, like his Tokage, but when the fairies tried to take over the bodies they died. Why are these fairies dying now, and what does it have to do with the Gotoh Group's plans for "a better world"?

Reality Check: Beautiful art, interesting characters, original story. And even with the dark content Kaori manages to add some humor. This was my second read, and it was just as good.

Conclusion: A nice, if slightly creepy, read. If that's your thing, definitely give it a try.

Genre: Older Young Adult Supernatural Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up