His Majesty the Demon King's Housekeeper 11

His Majesty the Demon King's Housekeeper 11 by Saiko Wadori

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Dion makes it just in time to save Sakura from the anti-demon faction, but that's just the start of the drama. More secrets start coming out as the group congregates around the Secret See and waits for news of recovery. It's rather surprising that the reason for so many similarities and possibly the reason their roads are converging now. Also curious that they specialize in recovery and restorative magic, yet it seems are unable to truly heal themselves or find a way to counteract the effect of their magic on the twins. Just how have they managed to hide it for so long then given the high positions and power that they may use at any given time? Sakura is still oblivious to the reason behind her "curse" as well, though fortunately that isn't enough to make her leave his side during recovery or she'd be missing all of these details. It's not just Dion, Leon, and their family either. We also learn a good deal about Ruval and see another side to him in this volume that is also entertaining and interestingly provides insights to his own ties with the Sacred See and even King Leon. 

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Checkmate 3

Checkmate 3 by Tan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This volume completes the English release of the series to date. Park is really a piece of work, and can't fade into the background fast enough. Things looked more than a little rocky for Soohyun and Eunsung for awhile there, but somehow they both seem to have come to the same conclusion without actually using the words or labels with each other while they do use them with others around them? Even their friends and at least Soohyun's family have put the pieces together except for Eunsung's one old school friend that likes to show up unannounced, which adds even more hilarity to the encounters. Both boys have a bit of a possessive streak, though that could work in their favor long term as long as they stay on the same page. Despite Soohyun's confusion over the drawn out date nights and slow kisses given their previous fast and hard relationship, it's rather touching to see the boys actually spend time together and getting to know one each other instead of just dragging each other to the nearest bed. Timing is also amusing as the main part of the series wraps up around Christmas/New Years and it's New Year's Eve tonight. It seems like the series could go on with these side stories at the end nearly indefinitely depending on the author's whims and reader's attentions.

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Checkmate 2

Checkmate 2 by Tan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Soohyun is trying to move everyone into position to his whims and plans, but they don't seem to be cooperating very much, especially Eunsung, who seems to have his own curiosity and concerns when it comes to Soohyun. More people are being pulled into this tangled web, and even Soohyun seems to be having difficulty keeping his original goals in mind as time goes on. In no way could any of these relationships be considered healthy, but it would still be nice to at least see the boys escape from Park all things considered. Soohyun is most likely going to need more than the little bit of backbone he's developed to really survive these depths.

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Checkmate 1

Checkmate 1 by Tan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Soohyun has more than a little bit of a superiority complex when it comes to his past classmate, Eunsung. Good looking, always at the top, leaving Soohyun in second place, his jealousy rages out of control when it comes to just this one person, creating a blind spot and obsession that get him entangled in a series of unusual circumstances and events. With a new job as a reporter, Soohyun has an excuse to seek out Eunsung and finally try to one-up him, except he'll end up knee-deep in scandal and it's difficult to see just who he's playing anymore. Park seems like a common enemy, but these two will likely need to learn to work together if they hope to survive this mess. Add to that, they've ended up in a highly unusual and somewhat abusive relationship together as they each want to call the shots in this strange game they're playing.

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God of Seduction in the Bedroom

God of Seduction in the Bedroom by Fumi Tsuyuhisa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The title is both accurate and misleading at the same time. The story is hilarious enough it's not a favorite, but it makes for a good read. Ecchan is more than a little ridiculous and demanding, making it rather surprising that Satoru goes along with him at all, but he really is just that desperate. The most useful thing Ecchan can do honestly is being able to identify those with high compatibility. His methods from then on are entirely questionable. More than a little awkwardness results, but fortunately Satoru's match, Hoshina, has a unique ability of his own and a good heart making him willing to look beyond Satoru's awkward introduction and attempt to help him. Neither of them could have expected what would come of that first meeting, but it does end up being for the best for these two at least. For the others who can see Ecchan or may be his next target to "help".... who knows how that will go.

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Tied to You 4

Tied to You 4 by Chelliace

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


At the start of this volume, things were looking pretty awful and going downhill fast to the point you feel bad for Wooseo, but it's difficult to really like any of the others - the brothers, Mina, or the contractor. While Wooseo is dead on when he admits he needs more confidence and courage at times, he's stuck between a rock and a hard place with all of these people playing on his feelings, making it understandable that he doesn't know how to deal with it at first. Even his mom seems like a piece of work, more interested in what Wooseo can do for her and any payback she may get than how he's doing for his own sake. In tha tregard at least, Jigeon's plotting and planning nature may come in handy, especially when added to his name and position that automatically have Wooseo's mom seeing stars over. The main story is built slowly and takes it's time, which is a refreshing change from many stories that dive straight into things too quickly. The epilogues cover all of the awkward relationship beginnings and the explicit content fans of the faster and explicit stories may be interested in.

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Tied to You 3

Tied to You 3 by Chelliace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mina seems to just be along for the ride and entertainment at this point, though this doesn't seem to be a downside to her. Meanwhile, both of the brothers are determined to win over Wooseo, but they're definitely coming from very different places here. It's interesting how Wooseo sees similarities between his own situation and Jigeon. As much as Jigeon seems to be plotting and planning to win the game, it's difficult to cheer for Jiseok as he really does come across like an entitled child losing his favorite toy, just as Wooseo observes. Jigeon seems to be the only one concerned with what Wooseo is going through, but also in his own interests as of course he's playing for keeps. This connector character is another unexpected and unusual twist. Given his preface before, it seems odd that he would meet with Jiseok at all, let alone so quickly after how long it took for Wooseo to get any response, and he actually does have a ring.

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Tied to You 2

Tied to You 2 by Chelliace

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was hoping Mina would be a good addition to the group so everyone would be happy, but it seems she's not exactly what she seems either when it comes to her relationship with the brothers. Jigeon slowly seems to be gaining ground with Wooseo as Jiseok panics about their relationship and his own feelings. This ex of Jigeon's is more than a little problematic as well between his obsession over Jigeon, stalking behavior, the search to remove the rings, etc. Despite earlier convictions, the more that we see, the clearer it is that there have been feelings of some kind all along, they were just stuffed in a box when Jigeon distanced himself convinced that it was for the best due to Wooseo's previous feelings. We end on a rather large cliff hanger here, especially when it's clear Jigeon would rather keep their rings but still ensures Wooseo has access to the full information possible and time to decide rather than rushing in.

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Tied to You 1

Tied to You 1 by Chelliace

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Wooseo has had a crush on his best friend, Jiseok, for years. Though it seems no one is aware of it, there have been times where he was also very close to Jiseok's older brother, Jigeon. Wooseo is also completely oblivious to Jigeon's own thoughts and feelings towards him. So just what is the poor boy to do when he finds his red ring ties him to Jigeon of all people? Jiseok is just as bad where he is overly touchy and caring with Wooseo, but openingly admits that he likes Mina, another friend to both brothers that graduated with Jigeon. "Messy" seems to be an understatement when it comes to this story. Hopefully it won't blow up in everyone's faces, though at least two of them have a very obvious reason for their attraction if they could get out of their own ways a bit and admit it.

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 12

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 12 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I lucked out finding this a little earlier than the expected release date, which saves me a trip next week. This volume is heavily edited from the novel given the explicit content, however, readers who pay attention should still be able to pick up the hints from what little is shown, especially given the discussion later on in the temple. We're coming close to the end of the current arc with all of the main characters gathered in the temple, but it's still early in events where this volume leaves off, meaning there's still plenty of content for the next volume, even without considering the side stories at the end of the series. Wuxian's expressions are especially hilarious in this volume as he finally makes a few realizations of this own, as well as learning just what he has forgotten from their shared past and how it has influenced their interactions today.

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Confessions of a 35 Year Old

Confessions of a 35 Year Old by TEI

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is very mild for a BL story, though perhaps because it isn't focused on that type of relationship. Jason struggles with his own worth when it comes to relationships and if he's doomed to be alone given his sole confession came from a junior at school who was another guy and is now dating a girl. Jason finds a very comfortable life cohabitating with his co-worker, Frank, only to be surprised when Frank confesses to him as well. Now Jason has to decide what he really wants, a typical relationship he's always expected with a woman, or is the type of love Frank is offering what he's really been after? There's nothing explicit or alarming in the series, other than hinting at sex during a date, which seems to be the final shock that helps Jason start to turn around his way of thinking and figure out exactly what he's looking for. We don't actually hear Jason's answer, but it's implied.

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Light of My Life

Light of My Life by Fuuko Minami

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Aki and Minagi have been close since high school, along with their friend Sarara who acts a bit as their wingman in secret. He also seems to be the only one out of the three doing something along the lines of what he originally planned at the start of the series. It starts out rough with Aki and Minagi jumping into a physical relationship just for the experience and without really discussing anything with each other, though it clearly means more to both of them than they are willing to admit. Once the story comes out in the open and they both get over their angst, things come together very quickly and it's clear they care about each other. That means that a good portion of the book is drawing out that angst and wondering while the ending is rushed. Sweet, but rushed. The side stories are a nice touch to help even it out a bit, but there could still be more, especially as it seems they're all finding their own happiness and success.

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Bergamot & Sunny Day

Bergamot & Sunny Day by Lyee Kitahala

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Riku is convinced he's bad at relationships as he's never made it to 3 months with one person. Enter Josh, his employer at the cafe, and things start turning on their head. How Riku could convince himself that they're just a fling even after months of this is baffling as it's clear Josh doesn't intend on letting go. Even then, he seems far more concerned with Riku's feelings and happiness while still managing to be aware of his own feelings. It's hinted that there's some age gap at least as Josh is older and "more experienced", however, this gap isn't defined. At least it seems they're both already old enough to drink and Riku is working with no mention of school, so while the age gap is unknown, hopefully it is minimal. Josh is very careful not to abuse his position as employer over Riku, or that would be a concern as well. If anything, Josh seems to want to do whatever he can to convince Riku to stay.

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The Lion & the Bride 3

The Lion & the Bride 3 by Mika Sakurano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It takes nearly this entire volume to get to some sort of understanding between Yua and Subaru, but only in time for them to be separated for college as Subaru goes overseas. It almost looks like he's rather closely following in his parent's footsteps between his career choice and the last scene with Yua before he departs. This is even more misleading by the very next scene with Subaru's parents and the implications from the surrounding conversation. In truth though, it's been 5 years that time jumps forward, which makes a lot more sense with the stage that is set. Turns out things could have been even more awkward in the beginning with the their strange family relationship, but it works out to Yua and Subaru's benefit in the future.

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The Lion & the Bride 2

The Lion & the Bride 2 by Mika Sakurano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Sayaka seems like trouble, which is not helped with the awkward age gaps and triangle the three main characters seem to find themselves in. For all of the bluster in the first volume, Subaru is oddly caring and protective towards Yua. Yua has been desperate for this ideal perfect family, but sees herself more and more like a child compared to "Sensei", especially with the big reveal coming on the heels of his birthday. All things considered, it's understandable why the series is turning more towards Yua and Subaru, even though that adds an even more difficult twist to the intertwining relationships and knowing that Yua is still married to Subaru's dad.

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The Lion & the Bride 1

The Lion & the Bride 1 by Mika Sakurano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yua is a high school girl in a relationship with her teacher. It doesn't take long for her last remaining relative, her grandmother, to pass away, leaving Yua all alone. Yua is so desperate for family and a place to belong that she immediately accepts her teacher's proposal to get married in secret.... except she doesn't realize that the one classmate she doesn't get along with, Subaru, is not only an idol, but also her teacher's son, meaning he's now her stepson. To keep their marriage a secret, Subaru ends up stepping in as Yua's "boyfriend" at school, but the end of this volume hints that his protests about not liking women may not entirely be the truth as he has increasingly tender if somewhat awkward scenes with Yua. Many readers will give this up right away because of the age gap and problematic pairing between a high school student and a teacher. Add to it, things could get even more complicated long before their marriage can even be made public. Perhaps the saving grace is because of their student/teacher relationship, Yua has been sleeping alone and there aren't really any romantic scenes one would expect following a wedding.

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The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 15

The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 15 by Minoji Kurata

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took awhile to find the rest of this volume to read, but it's good to finally fill in those missing pieces. This takes us through when Maomao disappears from the inner court and an old friend from the court returns to help take the crown prince's place in court while he and the tactician work on figuring out what is going on, not that they are on the same side but rather both racing against time from different points of view and priorities. It makes it even clearer just how close the similarities are between these two that she is able to stand in for the prince even for a short time. Maomao is putting together a lot of pieces to the many disturbances that have taken place around the palace, but she's still missing a few pieces. With her usual thirst for knowledge, concern for the few who get closer to her, and addiction to learning about poisons/medicines, it's no small wonder that even Maomao would have a weakness that could be used to bend her to someone else's whim.

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How I Met My Soulmate 6

How I Met My Soulmate 6 by Anashin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Seno is surprisingly accepting and relaxed given all of the drama in this volume and his initial determination to do what he wanted and see if he had a chance. It's good to see the girl's sticking finding their own courage and making their own moves to secure the futures they want. It's a little surprising that Iori doesn't also sign up for the temp work, though perhaps that would throw off the numbers too much given the constant pairing going on. Even with Seno pursuing Yuuki and creating another triangle, he's always with his friend, so even he always have company. For all of Iori's casual comments where he acts like the other guys confuse him when it comes to their outlooks on relationships, he exhibits a lot of the same emotions and thoughts in his own relationship with Yuuki. This seems even clearer with the ending of this volume and that they both seem to want the same next steps though it wasn't discussed before.

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How I Met My Soulmate 5

How I Met My Soulmate 5 by Anashin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had to look back at the previous volumes and reviews to remind myself where this story left off and which characters it was following out of all the series currently ongoing. Iori seems to have fairly good intuition when it comes to Yuuki, even if his jealous is showing more than he would like when it comes to Seno. Yuuki is slowly getting all of the pieces of Ibuki and Airi's relationship as well, though it seems to vary with each encounter if the conversation will reassure her or play on her insecurities. When doubts aren't plaguing them, our main couple seem very solid and together, as shown by their conversations in this volume. It seems that may be put to the test with this new situation even though it was originally Iori and Yuuki's plan to helps Airi and his brother. 

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A Sign of Affection 13

A Sign of Affection 13 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While Yuki and Itsu don't seem to get jealous when it comes to their friends and are happy for those around them, it seems they have some definite triggers when it comes to their own jealous emotions. Yuki seems to be trying to focus on their upcoming trip, Itsu's birthday, and her longings for their relationship to cope with her own jealousy and insecurity. On the other hand, Itsuomi seems to be drawing his own conclusions and fears to the surface as Yuki has been more clingy than previously and he questions just how sure their future is together given his personal goals. It's a rather surprising turn given his usual assurance and bold declarations that he couldn't see them apart and he'd make her happy. Hopefully Itsu's mom wasn't unintentionally foreseeing a bit of their future during their video call, and if she was, it's hard to believe it wouldn't work out as well or better than it did for her given the commitment these two have to each other.

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A Sign of Affection 12

A Sign of Affection 12 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is always such a good series to come back to. Itsuomi doesn't let Oushi phase him, and seems comfortable with his relationship with Yuki, even if he did take the time to let her know about his feelings. Despite Oushi's protests, it seems like he and Itsuomi actually do get along and may end up as friends after all. It will be hilarious to see if Itsuomi does manage to get Oushi and Shin to both go out for a guy's day with him. It's also lucky that Yuki doesn't seem to be jealous given how some of the scenes between Itsuomi and Oushi could be taken. Even Oushi's friends end up seeming to like Itsuomi, though they were originally cheering for him with Yuki. Even Emma seems to be moving on and happier now that Shin has opened up to her. Even Yuki seems to be thinking about next steps with Itsuomi, though she's adorably clueless as to why he's taking his time with her. Hopefully she'll get some answers in the next volume, though most likely with more than a little blushing considering her own innocence and shock.

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A Condition Called Love 17

A Condition Called Love 17 by Megumi Morino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Hotaru takes a stand and makes a rather surprising move on her own. It's understandable why her parents were so concerned at the start, but it's good that her friends backed her up and were able to help her come up with a safe plan to achieve her goal. She's more than a little lucky when she gets to England, though it may not seem that way at first. Really, what are the odds a simple notebook would lead Hotaru and Hanananoi back together again. It's not all smooth sailing, though it's clear even with their own inner turmoils, they really do still want the same things. This volume leaves a mix of sweet and pins and needles feelings as the story plays out and we see where things seem to be going from here.

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Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 2

Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 2 by Manta Comics

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While there is potential in this series, it remains to have a lot of back and forth, confusion, assumptions, and drama. It turns out this enemy is family with Damien, but that doesn't mean it's safe to assume anything. The press aren't helping as they hound for information on Olivia and spin everything for more sensationalization and disregard the truth. Damien, on the other hand, seems to keep his arrogance while slowly becoming more human as he shows true consideration and care for Olivia, even if she doesn't see it the same way at first. They are still drawn together unexpectedly though, leaving more questions with this unusual connection and ghost of the past. There's no news as to when the next volume will be published either, leaving this hanging for who knows how long and not expecting a resolution that soon given how slowly these first two volumes have gone with their paces.

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 5

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 5 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's clear the donghua was very heavily censored and edited compared to the original tale as we get a significant amount of detail and some very steamy scenes in this volume. We also see the end of the current main story about halfway through, including a sort of uneasy truce once most of the misunderstandings of the past are made clear, though it appears there's at least one more Jiang Cheng is holding at the moment. There may be more to the Nie clan as well, but it seems that may be a different story for another time. Even though the main story ends halfway through, there is a good amount of more material given. The rest of the volume is made up of short stories, ranging from the past when Wuxian, Cheng, Wangji and the others were all still students, to events following the current story as Wuxian and Wangji continue their life together. In general, it seems things have largely fallen back into a sort of pattern, though Jin Lin has his own challenges now as a youth himself and holding the head of the clan. Though he is quick to escape Wuxian when he is uneasy, there seems to be a wary sort of curiosity and respect as he also equally seeks him out with the other boys during Night Hunts and does listen to his advice, even if it may be a coin toss if he believes it or not. Truly, for all of the challenges and misconceptions, it seems to have been in Wuxian's favor to be able to gain this new life and understanding with Wangji and the other clans.

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 4

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There is so much to unpack in this volume. We see the story of the burial mound both the past and the present, which takes us entirely through Wuzian's how Wuxian split from Jiang Cheng originally and through his death. We see Wangji a lot as well, and it's clear that he's not as antagonistic as he was in their youth, though also not as accepting as he seems to be when it comes to Wuxian now in the present. The events with the blood pool and finding A-Yuan are just as fascinating, though it seemed like A-Yuan remembered more in the donghua than he does in this version. Jiang Cheng finally learns the truth about his olden core, though he is unable to accept it through his own rage and indignation. Wanji seems uncertain himself with Wuxian following the evens at Lotus Pier, leading to an awkward combination of sweet and even steamy moments mixed with confusion and withdrawal. We can see the turmoil in Wuxian's head first hand, but it would be interesting to get a sneak peek into Wanji's thought process throughout everything, especially given his usual stoic disposition.

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 3

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 3 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We're getting into the area where there is a more significant difference in the variations of the story telling and how events unfold. As with the first two volume, there's a great deal more detail in this original version, which does slow the pace down a bit while also adding more color and scenes to the story sequence that are otherwise missed. We learn a lot more about Lotus Pier and Wuxian's history with the Yunmeng siblings. When you combine these memories with how their father took him in, it makes sense beyond just being in the same clan why he's been so close to these two, even when Jiang Cheng always seems to be so serious and angry. The anger seems misdirected a lot and has a lot of roots in jealousy. Truthfully, Cheng could do with some emotional regulation therapy. Jingli, on the other hand, seems all to pleased to have another little brother to dote on and is very comfortable taking care of the boys, even when her mother seems rather displeased by her attention to Wuxian.

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 2

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 2 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This volume takes us through about volume 8 of the manhua, and not yet to the end of the donghua. We see the interactions with the paper spirit and things start to unravel as Wei Wuxian is outed to the rest of the spiritual clans rather than their goal of revealing the captured heads location. Wuxian's memories start to resurface as well during his escape with Lan Wangji, making his comment about wondering how Wuxian's memory can be so horrible make more sense. We also learn the real importance of the Lan Clan's forehead ribbons, though it's a little late and after the fact with everything. Wangji's brother is also now involved in everything, though he remains skeptical as he hasn't been directly involved putting the pieces together and this does involve his sworn brothers (a different bond than with his blood brother, but still a strong one).

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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 1

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi 1 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The story is familiar as I've seen the donghua and read the manhua up to the current release volume (it's not finished yet). As expected, there are some differences in the story as different media types require different adaptations to make the story work in the style and timing that variation allows. Given this is also the original version of the story, and it's in novel format, there are also a number of additional details that are easier to follow along. This story is rather complex given the combination of past and current events with Wei Wuxian's resurrection, although not everyone knows of his return. At least two people have confirmed his identity at this point, though his brother seems to be the most angry with him of all his past acqaintances. On the other hand, he didn't expect to find himself working so closely with the Lan clan, especially given the avoidance and disappointment present in their past relationship when they were both students in Gusu. There's a significant amount of progress made in this volume of the story, though there are several pieces still missing that we have to look forward to.

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The Villainess's Guide to (Not) Falling in Love 6

The Villainess's Guide to (Not) Falling in Love 6 by Touya 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Things pick up very quickly where they left off in volume 5 here, with more assertions that Luciana is the legendary magician. While the group does suffer some loses, everyone seems rather pleased with the outcome of this encounter, even gaining the promise of the East Star to be there if ever Luciana needs her aid. Luciana is determined that this isn't the end and she'll find a way to right everything, but doing so will recall more luck and memories from the original game that seem to be beyond her grasp at the moment. In the meantime, she's made herself a rather unique circle of supports that she originally meant to avoid. There seems to be something else going on with Luciana's memories as she gets flashes of things in the forest that she should not be aware of. Unsure if that will have further answers down the road as well.

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Far From Romance

Far From Romance by Amamiya

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While Lewis' interest in Arata is made clear early on, Arata is more than a little confused and needs some help putting the pieces together. Even with the language barrier, it's rather odd that he would spend the entire day taking Lewis around when they were younger and never once asked his name, which would have very quickly corrected his misconception that Lewis was a girl. Still, it has a sweet undertone, and Lewis if very understanding even as he wants to be closer to Arata and awaits his answer. Arata even watches the anime that brought them together, even if it is under the guise of their work project. The anime sounds familiar as well, though I can't place it at the moment.

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About a Love Song 1

About a Love Song 1 by Hiroko Natsuno

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Hoshino needs to make up his mind and stop acting out or claiming he can't control himself. On the one side, he is genuinely trying to do what is right, but on the other, he ends up essentially stringing Seto along and giving him small pieces of false hope only to dash them until he figures things out. The age gap is a little strange as well, so it's understandable, though Seto does seem to know what he wants and is legal as he puts it. Though there isn't much detail towards the end, it seems the boys are together for some time before Hoshino can be convinced to speak his feelings and actually act on them. Despite all of the emotional drama, Seto seems to be exactly the wake up call Hoshino needs to pull his life together and focus on his success.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 8

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 8 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This not only ends the main story, but has several other side stories that take place after the main events, taking them back to Ghost City and their tiny shrine, the mountain, the statues, etc. There is a period that is rather sad and alarming, though of course, we have the red string of fate to help guide the way. We also finally learn the significance of the necklace San Lang gave Xie Lian. If anything, it's sad to be parting ways with these characters and such an excellent story, but it's also a good ending where many things are resolved, but still not finalized in the ever changing landscape.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 7

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 7 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The giant statue is hilarious, but comes in handy. Things are finally coming together as more truths are unraveled, adding a new perspective and outlook to Xie Lian's own past and path traveled. It is apparent that Xie Lian would not choose the same path as Jun Wu, though the similarities are frightening. It would be curious if they could remove the bindings Xie Lian wears, if he would be similar to Jun Wu's strength despite the lack of standard temples and devotees. He's slowly been earning a new name for himself with this last ascension, and it's clear he was never entirely forgotten thanks to San Lang. While it seems we've learned Feng Xin's story, there still seems to be something about Mu Qing that doesn't add up. The story is definitely coming to a close, thought it's hard to tell exactly what may unfold next the way things continue to unravel. It's clear that the heavens will not be the same after.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 6

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 6 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We're finally seeing the details of Xie Lian's past following the fall of Xianle through his second ascension and banishment, as well as why he has two sealling marks (hint: it's not because he was banished twice). There is very little of the San Lang we know up to this point, but that doesn't mean he isn't still there, just in different forms and names. If anything, we discover how he first gained his physical form as a ghost, though the little ghost light was adorable in its own way (just nowhere near as useful, sadly). There is something with this white ghost king that is even more unusual than the other two ghosts. Even more questions here and concerns given only the two of them are in the kiln. It will be interesting to see how much more of the past is revealed before we move back to the present.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 5

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 5 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was not what I expected going into this volume, but it's still another great addition to the story. Xie Lian is generally holding things together well and able to figure things out fairly quickly with the aid of San Lang's accumulated knowledge, which he is more than happy to share with Xie Lian. The others in their odd group really only benefit because Xie Lian is with them. Otherwise, San Lang would most likely do as he pleases for their benefit (the heaven official's might assume it's only for his own benefit or whims, but it's clear that Xie Lian has been a focus for San Lang even before they met this last time around). We finally meet the Rain Master as well, who is not what the others expected, but seems very calm and capable herself. The Pei's make as much of a mess of things as they tend to solve, and we get even more of Pei Ming's story in this volume. There isn't a lot of Heulian action, but there are plenty of small moments and tells if you look for them. The red string especially plays a unique role here, and hopefully will remain in its current form going forward.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 4

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Xie Lian still hasn't remembered his past with San Lang, but he seems to be getting some small impressions here and there. It will be curious with these new events and San Lang's current form if that helps jog his memories at all. In the meantime, events with 3 of the highest gods and one of the supreme ghosts unfold in a rather unexpected manner. Add that to whoever has been pulling strings with them this entire time and these new events with the mountain, and there doesn't seem to be a dull moment. We get a few rather hilarious scenes here as Xie Lian finally recognizes some of his own emotions (not that he actually names them) and even gets his own chance to take care of San Lang for a change. The cover gives a hint to some events, though it's not exactly what reader's may hope for. Who's to say in the future yet though.

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Heaven Official's Blessing 1

Heaven Official's Blessing 1 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It's fairly rare that I'll buy a hardback book rather than paperback or ebook, but this is well worth it. Everything from the binding to the edge art and the color print is beautifully done. As is typical with most manhua, this does not finish the first novel or even first episode of the donghua. Still, there's a decent arc progression in this volume, and everything is done beautifully. The scenes with the silver butterflies are especially pleasing, as in the reactions of the officials who are helping Xie Lian. We see a bit more of this first mysterious interaction with the as-yet-unnamed man who helps with the ghost groom case in a rather unexpected and unusual manner. Every new piece ads new dimension to the story while remaining true to the original source material, and it's truly enjoyable.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 3

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 3 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Xie Lian still doesn't seem to recognize San Lang, but it becomes more clear with this volume just how they met and why he is so important to his new friend. San Lang is definitely far more indulgent with Xie Lian, but it's clear they are important to each other, even if Xie Lian panics when San Lang shows up in the water before he recognizes him. It seemed clear that San Lang would be behind the events at the banquet, but that still doesn't prepare for just where the temple is. A little difficult to give directions to, though as always with these two, it's well meaning. Even San Lang's saber seems to be attached to Xie Lian, though Xie Lian doesn't seem to entirely understand it just yet. The Wind Master continues to be a good ally as well, even if it seems he may have dropped them into another strange adventure. At least this time Xie Lian has better help given he has both the Wind Master and the Earth Master with him, as well as San Lang who has proven to be very reliable.

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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 2

Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu 2 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This volume essentially brings us to the end of the donghua as it currently stands. As with the first volume, there is a great deal more detail to the story as a whole. Even though certain things are not entirely confirmed just yet with the current versions of these characters, it is fairly clear at this point exactly when and how San Lang became so enamored with Xie Lian. We also get to see more of the other martial gods who once served Xie Lian, and their story together before his first ascension. Though they are argumentative, apparently even back as humans, it seems these two have their own unique way of still caring for Xie Lian while maintaining their own images and power - a difficult tightrope to walk at times. The Wind Master's declaration before they all part ways is most hilarious as well, though it will be curious if anyone ever corrects his claim of "blood brothers" for San Lang and Xie Lian. Curious how he came to that conclusion exactly, but it also seems to work in their favor given everything else going on. It's rather odd just how entangled in all of these stories Xie Lian is without any memory or realization until the pieces come together with certain key players. Now if he wasn't so self sacrificing all the time, maybe San Lang would calm down a little, though Xie Lian does get a few of his own licks in.

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