Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Rin and Yukio are fraternal twin brothers with two very different personalities and abilities. For the youngest twin, Yukio, he is very intelligent, likeable, and successful. In fact, Yukio is the youngest exorcist to ever be enrolled at True Cross Academy and Father Fujimoto (his guardian) is very proud of him. For Rin, the eldest twin, he is the opposite of Yukio with a short temper, a tendency to get into fights, and lacks academic discipline. Although Father Fujimoto is more protective of Rin, Rin wants nothing more than to find his place in this world. As Yukio gets ready for school, Rin must find a job because it's about time that he learns some responsibility so he, too, can be a productive member of society. However, what should have been an easy process, turns complicated when Rin realizes that he can see demons and ends up losing his job over protecting a little girl being plagued by demons. Rin may not understand why he can see demons, but the truth about who he is comes with a great price. Unbeknownst to Rin, but he was chosen by Satan to be his liaison between the realm of the demons (Gehenna) and the realm of the humans (Assiah). When Satan possesses, and murders Father Fujimoto, Rin vows that he will avenge his "real" father and defeat Satan. After meeting Mephisto, Rin tells him that he will destroy Satan and tells him that he wants to be an exorcist.  However, as a demon, his role as an exorcist will not only make him target from other exorcists, but every demon will come after him. Although Rin has no problem with the fighting and death part of being an exorcist, he has to face one of the greatest challenges of his life: succeed at True Cross Academy by doing homework, showing up to class on time, and learn the power of team work.


Critical Evaluation:
This is a fun manga filled with plenty of action and emotion. Rin is absolutely adorable because underneath the demon exterior, he is just like every vulnerable teen guy who just wants to fit in. Although Yukio and Rin are light years apart in certain aspects, there is a love that no one could ever understand and it warms the sould to see how the take care of each other. The question that may plague readers is if Yukio had to, would  kill Rin? Honestly, I don't think he can regardless of what his duty is because, unlike any other demon, Rin has grown up with the capacity to  love and protect those dearest to him. Rin may not be the most devout exorcist, but he knows that is anyone messes with his family, there will literally be hell to pay. The best part of this story is Rin's education. True Cross Academy is this microcosm where exorcists in training learn the various facets of exorcism. Not just anyone can enroll in this school because they have to have the strength, the heart, and the faith to do what they have to do. What we learn about this world is that there are two realms specifically meant for demons and humans. The reason why Rin exists is because Satan needed a body in the human realm in order to launch his hostile takeover. The problem with Satan's plan is that Rin, who truly believes himnself to be human, refuses to side with him, which leads to all sorts of complications for the human world. As Rin learns to control his power, he must also prove to his brother and classmates that he has what it takes to become an exorcist and that is not going to be an easy task.This series is going to be a lot of fun and I can't wait to read more.


Information about the Author:
According to the Blue Exorcist Wiki:

Kazue Katō (加藤和恵, Katō Kazue), born on July 20th, 1980 in the district of Shinjuku, in Tokyo, is a Japanese mangaka, author of shōnen manga. She is mainly known to be author of Blue Exorcist. She also created Robot to Usakichi ( ロボとうさ吉 ), for which she received a prize: Osamu Tezuka Award.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Action Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
 
Books Similar to Blue Exorcist:

• D. Gray Man by Katsua Hoshino
• Vampire Hunter D by Saito Takkaki

Awards & Recognition:
According to Anime News Network:

Plot Summary:
In this spinoff of Alice in the Country of Hearts, Alice makes her way from Julius and the Clock Tower to the Hatter Mansion. After meeting Blood Dupre, Alice has decided that the man who resembles the man she loved is not the same person. Granted, everything in this world is different, she falls for Hatter's second in command: Elliot March. Elliot March is kind, gentle, and very cute (especially his rabbit ears), and Alice adores him in every way. However, when she realized that Elliot is Blood's top assassin, she is torn between the man she adores and the assassin who makes a living taking lives. However, in this world, taking lives isn't horrific; in fact, everyone who dies is reborn through the talents of Julius, the clockmaster. What makes Alice special is that she is a being that has a heart that beats and not a clock. In other words, if Alice is killed, she will not be reborn, nor will she be able to return to her world. When Alice decides to make Hatter Mansion her home, her stalker/kidnapper, Peter White, demands that she makes Heart Palace her home and that puts Alic in extreme danger since Queen Vivaldi makes a habit of beheading a habit. In this crazy world where night and day com at all times, Alice must survive the inhabitants who proclaim undying love for her and then put her in danger at moments notice. In this story, it's Elliot March who confesses his deepest feelings and Alice must choose between her conscience and her heart.


Critical Evaluation:
When I first read the first series, Alice in the Country of Hearts, I was happy that it ended the way that it dis. However, when learned that there spin offs where all of the leading men get to have their moment with Alice, I was even more excited. What readers need to realize that the reason why Alice has a love story with every character is that this world is based on Alice's need, and want, to be loved by everyone. According to Alice, she is unlovable and idolizes, and resents, her older sister who happens to be everything she is not. In many ways, Alice realizes all of her good qualities as she spends time with the citizens of this world and, ultimately, it is their love and devotion that keep her in the Country of Hearts. I will say that I am a wee bit jealous to have such gorgeous men fawn over her, but, it's really to sad to see how lonely they really are. I am definitely looking forward to the next spin-offs since they will reveal more answers as to why Alice created this world and see all the characters evolve.

Information about the Author:
Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information by Quinrose on their website, but here it is (with the help of Google Translate:

QuinRose～クインロゼ～』では、
女性主人公のファンタジー恋愛アドベンチャーゲームを中心に制作しています。
※関連作品として、男性主人公のゲームも制作しております。

2010年からソニーのパブリッシャーとなり、
現在は家庭用機ゲームを主に開発中です。

In "QuinRose ~ Kuinroze ~",
Has produced mainly female hero fantasy romance adventure game.
※ as related work, we have also produced male hero game.

And publisher of Sony from 2010,
And is currently developing a game machine primarily for home use.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Romance Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Alice in the Country of Hearts: My Fanatic Rabbit:

• Pandora Hearts by Jun Mochizuki
• Gakuen Alice by Tachibana Higuchi

Plot Summary:
Oz is turning fifteen, which means his coming of age ceremony is approaching. What should have been an important moment in a young man's life, the Baskervilles interrupted his ceremony to punish him and send him into the Abyss. Although Oz has no idea what he is being punished for, he is rescued by a girl named Alice who has immense power, but needs a to form a contract with someone in order to release that power. What Oz doesn't realize that the legend he has grown up with is true and that the Abyss is filled with dangerous creatures known as chains who are waiting for the perfect prey in order to escape. For Alice, her mission is to forge a contract with Oz in order to gather the memories she lost a long time ago, but, her plans are alterered when she and Oz are recruited by members of Pandora. Led by Sharon Rainsworth, Xerxes Break, and the mysterious Raven (who looks a lot like Oz's friend, Gilbert), Oz and Alice are rescued from the Path that was opened by Oz's pocket watch, which happens to contain one of Alice's long lost memories. When asked to joined Pandora, Oz and Alice aren't sure, but one thing they do want is answers. Why is Oz being punished? Why were Alice's memories erased? What is Pandora? As the group moves through the country, solving mysteries and crimes committed by chains, the answers lie with those who know the truth, could lead to ending that readers may not be prepared for.


Critical Evaluation:
I absolutely love the artwork in this series! Not only are the characters super cute, but the monsters are super ugly and creepy. As for the storyline, it's an interesting premise where a clueless boy is thrown into the midst of a secret battle between humans, spirits, and chains. However, when Oz is sentenced to a life in the Abyss for no reason (other than being), we learn that he could be the offspring of the devil himself! The question is: why doesn't Oz know and why is Pandora recruiting a potentially dangerous ally? As readers progress in the series, they learn that everyone in this organization cannot be trusted because not only do they have their own agendas, they are hiding some pretty heavy secrets; hence, why the group is called Pandora. I will admit that I am intrigued by the idea that this series is loosely based on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland; the Abyss is Alice's Rabbit Hole and, when at full power, she turns in the Bloddy Rabbit, and is later retrieved from the Rabbit Hole by a dude who talks to a doll on his shoulder. Basically, this series is full of madness that is not only unthinkable, but scary as well. I am not sure what to expect in the latest volume, but I am sure excited about it!

Information about the Author:
According to Wikipedia:

Jun Mochizuki (望月 淳 Mochizuki Jun^?, born December 22 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese manga artist, best known for creating the manga series Pandora Hearts.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
 
Books Similar to Pandora Hearts:

• Alice in the Country of Hearts by Quinrose
• Black Butler by Yana Toboso
  

Plot Summary:
What if Wonderland was not what we thought of us. What if it was a realm that depended on games in order to survive. For Alice Liddell, falling down that rabbit hole was not a good idea, now was it her choice. Peter, White, the White Rabbit, found Alice asleep in a garden and kidnapped her. Once in Wonderland, he forced Alice to drink a potion that would require her to stay in Wonderland until the liquid regenerates itself. How will she do this, she must meet a variety of characters. Although it seems simple, Wonderland has quite the cast of characters that we all know and love, except that the Red Queen isn't evil, the Hatter is a mafia boss, the Twins are mercenaries, the White Rabbit is a kidnapper, and the Cat is well--quite the cat. Confused, and just plain frustrated, Alice seeks help from Julius, the Keeper of the Clock Tower, who explains to her that there are places she can go and other locations to avoid. In fact, Wonderland has been at odds with itself for a while so battles can happen at any time. However, as the battle goes on, Alice learns, with the help of the dream demon, Nightmare, that the reason she is wonderland and the objective of this game is for the players to fall in love with her. The question is: is falling in love just a goal or is it real. For Alice, her feelings are all over the place, especially when she learns that the Blood Dupree, the Hatter, resembles the boy she loved back home. The more time she spends in Wonderland, the more she she learns about all of these unique gentlemen. Will Alice ever get home or will she be in Wonderland forever? Time will only tell.

Critical Evaluation:
I am a sucker for Alice in Wonderland. In this re-telling of one of my favorite stories is a pretty clever take on Alice's Wonderland. Despite the antics and the silliness, Alice is trying to figure out why she would be in a place where everyone will fall in love with her. Alice constantly questions herself and believes that the reason why she is in this "dream" is because she wants someone to love her. However, as readers dive into this short series, they will learn that is a lot more than than the eye can see. Honestly, I just love all of these characters because they are all walking contradictions. For example, the White Rabbit, or, Peter White, in the story, is reckless, determined, and not at all timid. Blood Dupree (the Hatter) is actually quite calm and sane (more calculated than anything). The Queen of Hearts isn't a crazy, angry woman, but beautiful, calm, and rather loving. As for Alice, she is much more feisty and not at all curious, which I thought was ironic. I thought this was interesting decision made by the author. Then again, a lot of the spin-offs of this story preserve facts that are necessary for the plot development. In this case, Alice never out right stated she wanted to go to a land where everything is opposite and in disarray. However, the longer she stays, the more she starts to realize that this maybe the dream she actually wanted.

Information about the Author: 

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information by Quinrose on their website, but here it is (with the help of Google Translate:

QuinRose～クインロゼ～』では、
女性主人公のファンタジー恋愛アドベンチャーゲームを中心に制作しています。
※関連作品として、男性主人公のゲームも制作しております。

2010年からソニーのパブリッシャーとなり、
現在は家庭用機ゲームを主に開発中です。

In "QuinRose ~ Kuinroze ~",
Has produced mainly female hero fantasy romance adventure game.
※ as related work, we have also produced male hero game.

And publisher of Sony from 2010,
And is currently developing a game machine primarily for home use.

From Amazon.com:

QuinRose is a Japanese game developer that produces dating-sim games for girls, including the bestselling Alice in the Country of Hearts. Many of their other productions are also loosely based on works of fiction. 

Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Alice in the Country of Hearts

•  Alice in the Country of Clovers by Quinrose
•  Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno

Plot Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Misao has always known what its like to see beyond this realm. All her life, she has the ability to see demons, but none have ever tried to harm her. Unfortunately, the day after her sixteenth birthday, she is attacked by humans possessed by other demons. Although she has no idea why the demons want to kill her, she learns that she is not of this world. Ten years ago, a boy named Kyou asked Misao to marry him when the time is right. After they made this promise, Kyou disappeared and all Misao has is shattered memories of him. What she did not know that Kyou is actually a Tengu, a bird-like demon, who not only loves, and desires, Misao, but has claimed her as his Senka Roku, which means "Bride of Prophecy." What Misao doesn't realize is that any demon who claims her will not be granted amazing powers, but her blood, alone, will make any demon invincible. After claiming Misao as his bride, Kyou must dedicate his life to protect her not because of her power, but because he loves her.

Critical Evaluation:
Of all of the Shojo manga out there, this particular series is absolutely brilliant since it has a great balance of romance, comedy, drama, and violence. Other than Matsuri Hino's Vampire Knight, the amount of epic battles is almost unheard of in the world of Shojo. However, the best part of this series is the forbidden love between Misao and Kyou. The flashback of their childhood memories are absolutely precious simply because a young boy made a promise to a young girl and fulfilled it. Although I was leery about Kyou's intentions, it is clear that he loves Misao for the woman she is and risks everything to save her. Although sex is a big part of this story (in order to obtain the powers of the Senka one must bed or consume her), there is a hidden moral message about waiting for the right time and the right person, which, for us adults, is better than no message at all. This series is definitely meant for older teens (younger teens will probably be really uncomfortable for the inevitable consummation of the "marriage").

Information about the Author
Although there is not a lot of information about Kanoko Sakurakoji, what we do know is that she was born on August 1 in Tokyo, Japan. According to Shojo Beat.com, " [Sakurakoji's] hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Bestucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird( para.1)."  


Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Romance Manga


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up


Books Similar to Black Bird:

• Haruka Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno
  
• Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino
  

Awards & Recognition:

• 2009 Shogakukan Manga Award for Shojo manga

Plot Summary:
Just when love could never get any more complicated, let's throw in vampires, ancient feuds, magic, and tragedy. Yuki Cross, the daughter of Headmaster Cross and class prefect, watches over the "Day class" (human class) at Cross Academy; Kaname Kuran, leader of the "Night Class,"an exclusive group of vampires who live off blood pills to prove they do not need human blood. As part of her duties to watch after the "Day Class," Yuki has developed deep feelings for Kaname, who, oddly enough, seems to reciprocate those feelings, which does not sit well with Zero, Yuki's closest friend. However, when tragedy strikes,the only person who can save Zero is Yukis. Vampire Knight is one of the most amazing love triangles, jam packed with surprises, drama, and an epic climax! 


Critical Evaluation:
In this tale of murder, forbidden love, good, and evil, an innocent girl was rescued from the clutches of an evil vampire and raised by a kind man. However, the most heart-wrenching of all of these details is that Yuki had no memory of her past or who she is. This is yet another complex tale that is not only filled with twists and turns, but readers will never believe the ending. All of the characters, in this story, are not only unique, but share similar tales of tragedy like Yuki. Many girls will instantly fall in love with Kaname and Zero becuase they are both really hot and are surrounded by tragedy. Moreover, this is a tale of forbidden and what girl can resist?

Information about the Author:
According to an interview, on Hakusensha Online, Matsuri Hino was born on January 24 in Hokkaido Japan. She made her debut with Wake this Dream published by La La La DX in 1995. Matsuri has written other successful series such as Merupuri and Captive Hearts. According to Anime News Network, Hino's Vampire Knight, is ranked number nine on the New York Times Best Seller Manga List (February 27-March 5). According to ShojoBeat: "Hino enjoys creative activities, and has commented that she would have been either an architect or an apprentice to traditional Japanese craft masters if she did not become a manga artist" (para. 3). Another interesting tidbit about Matsuri Hino is that she had only become a Manga artist nine months prior to the release of her first series.

Genre: 
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Romance Manga


Reading Level/Interest:
Teen 13 & up


Books Similar to Vampire Knight:

• Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles by Clamp
• Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji
• Angel Sanctuary by Kaori Yuki

Awards & Recognition:

• New York Times Manga Best Seller List (December 27, 2010-March 5, 2011)