Tokyo Heist

Author: Diana Renn

Source: Bought

Summary: (goodreads) When sixteen-year-old Violet agrees to spend the summer with her father, an up-and-coming artist in Seattle, she has no idea what she's walking into. Her father's newest clients, the Yamada family, are the victims of a high-profile art robbery: van Gogh sketches have been stolen from their home, and, until they can produce the corresponding painting, everyone's lives are in danger--including Violet's and her father's.

Violet's search for the missing van Gogh takes her from the Seattle Art Museum, to the yakuza-infested streets of Tokyo, to a secluded inn in Kyoto. As the mystery thickens, Violet's not sure whom she can trust. But she knows one thing: she has to solve the mystery--before it's too late.
Review: This book is a refreshingly different read and a welcome break from all the paranormal monster books. It contains history, art and ties different cultures together. If you are a fan of manga, then you will also be able to enjoy this story. I enjoyed the connection between Japanese and Western art and artists while learning a bit about Japanese culture. Violet is quirky, fun and a great detective. She is easy to like and you will be cheering her on all the way.

Although there is a mystery, it is a little comical and the villain isn't too surprising, but I felt that it wasn't meant to be terribly realistic. The real story is about Violet and her issues with her separated parents, and giving in to her passion for art. There was a bit of a fantasy element that made this novel mystifying and all the characters were very distinguished. It was a light read, with adventure and some dark undercurrents. I definitely recommend to those who like manga, art, kimonos or mysteries. The romance is really cute too! I am looking forward to reading more stories by Diana Renn.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 4.5 5

The Dark Hunters Vol. 2

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Artist: Claudia Campos

Summary: In the war against vampires, mankind has only one hope: The Dark Hunters. Ancient warriors who dies of brutal betrayal, the Dark-Hunters have sworn themselves into the service of the goddess Artemis to protect us.

It's a pact with pretty good perks-immortality, power, psychic abilities, wealth, and a cool wardrobe. But it comes with a few drawbacks: fatal sun poisoning and a new, irreparable dental problem. But aside from the fangs and nocturnal lifestyle, it's not so bad.

Kyrian is an immortal Dark-Hunter who just lost his Dark-Hunter powers and along with it, his immortality. Now he is faced with the chance to regain not only his humanity, but his very soul. The problem is that it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Desiderius is closing in, and if Kyrian and Amanda are going to save humanity, Kyrian must take the war to his enemy-or it may be too late.

Review: This is the second book in the manga adaptation of The Dark Hunters. I liked it pretty well. Graphic novels are harder to review for me because there's less to base the review on.

The art was nice for the most part and original. There are lots of emotions portrayed and there were instances when I could feel the attraction between the two characters, but they were scattered. The book's plot can get a little confusing because a lot of little things happen which need to be taken into account. Overall, it was an action-packed tall tale! :) Sorry that it is a little short today.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Review of: The Dark Hunters Vol. 1

The Dark Hunters Vol. 1

Author: story- Sherrilyn Kenyon
art- Claudia Campos

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Fav Character: I liked Kyrian because he isn't shy and that type of character it the opposite of mine.

Summary: Vampires getting you down? Call the baddest warriors in town: the Dark-Hunters. What are the Dark-Hunters? Man, have you been living under a rock not to know this one....

They're mad, bad, and immortal. Ancient warriors with attitudes who fight rough, and play hard. They are the scary things that go bump in the night. And they love every minute of it.

It's just another night on the prowl for vampires for Kyrian of Thrace when he meets the most frightening thing imaginable. An accountant. But Amanda Devereaux is much more than she seems. Hunted by one of the deadliest of vampires, Amanda is the key to our survival. If she goes down, so does he, and-- no offense-- he doesn't want to die (hence the whole immortality thing). And he doesn't want humanity dead either, which is a good thing for us since he and Amanda are all that stands between us and oblivion.

Let's hope they win.

Review: It is a vampire story and it has the same basis as most vampire stories, but I still liked it. Maybe there's something wrong with my brain.... Anyways, the drawings were pretty good and the story was well told since it was originally a book they condensed it. It has romance and action.

I think it's a lot harder to review manga since I can't really feel any of the characters. In such a short book, they have little time to develop and that was one of the problems of this book. The main characters aren't too difficult to understand, but there wasn't enough explaining of their background or what they are.

Many references are made to Amanda being human when she has powers and her family hunts vampires. Then I don't understand whether Kyrian is a vamp or not. He seems to be some sort of god or something. I didn't get any of that. I think I'm gonna have to re-read it.

The story's plot was fast-paced, although not a lot happened since it was like barely an introduction to the series. I meant fast-paced in the sense that the characters readily accept each other. They learn their different stories and the action was mostly in the past. Like there was half a page on how the main character was going to fight and then it was over. No details or anything really. It just went on.

In the end, I was really sorry to have finished it because I was really beginning to like it. I would still recommend it because among the Manga I've read, it was good and slightly different since it is the more western style than Asian.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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1. Millenium Snow by Bisco Hatori (review)
2. Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino

I'm back

Millenium Snow

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Shojo Beat Manga

Favorite Character: Yamimaru-He is super cute! If you don't like him, then don't talk to me. JUST KIDDING! :D

Summary: A girl wanting more life crosses paths with a sour vampire who hates his longevity. How can she make him see his imortality as enviable?

Review: Yeah I know it's another Hot Vampire goes for Poor Girl story, but this one gets original. How is it possible you ask? Well it's positively hilarious in the coldness of the jokes. I actually enjoyed the realness of the vampire dude. The girl was a little flat to me, but not too shabby. This is actually a nice enough manga to pick up if you want something quick and ironic. Check it out guys!

Rating: 4/5

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1. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2. Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino

Pearl Pink Vol. 1

Author: Meca Tanaka (186 pgs)

Summary: Tamako Momono is 13 when she is finally reunited with her mom and also her 10 year crush, Kanji Inui. Unfortunately, her mom's new job as an Idol is based on Innocence and Purity. Having had Tamako when she was a teen, her whole career could tumble if exposed so Tamako goes to live with her mom's boss which also happens to be Kanji's dad! Tamako is a strong girl because of Kanji and a promise he had made her 10 years before. Will Kanji remember and keep his word? Will Tamako's insistence convince Kanji to be with her? PLEASE read Pearl Pink to find out, and I promise that you will fall in love with this super great manga!

Review: My friend had been telling me to read this since forever, but I didn't really know if I would like it since I've only read a couple other Manga. Trust me when I say that this story is REALLY cute!! I absolutely love Tamako's strong but girlish character as well as Kanji's calm disposition. Its a classic case of crazy parents when it comes to Kanji's dad and Tamako's mom which makes all the better! The cover is also really pretty and I love her tiny pet! The only thing weird about it was that Kanji seemed too calm for a guy whose being confessed to by a girl he doesn't even really know. Anyway, its really a great book!

Rating: 5/5

Fruits Basket Vol. 1

Author: Natsuki Takaya


Summary: Tohru Honda is an orphaned girl who thinks about everyone but herself. Her big heart has led her to live in the woods while her Grandfather's house is remodeled. On her way to school, she comes upon little figures of all twelve of the Chinese Zodiac animals in front of a house. She meets the young man who made them and his relative, Yuki. Yuki is well known at the school he attends with Tohru but he is always off by himself. They both invite her to stay at their home because they fear that something would happen to her if shes by herself. Tohru accepts not knowing the secret that those two carry with them.
Review: I love this manga because its super CUTE. Its my FAVORITE of all time and i think you should all read it!!!! Its impossible not to love Shigure's antics and Yuki's personality. Tohru brings them much needed help and friendship. The cover is really cute too. :D
Rating: 5/5