Sengoku Night Blood

Sengoku Night Blood (2017)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Yuzuki is the main character pulled into another world in this tale. This other world is a mix of history and paranormal where vampires and werewolves are real (though not at all ruled by the moon or night like other lore would claim). It turns out Yuzuki's blood is similar to Himemiko's, someone who appears to be a representation of peace in the land, and who disappeared around the time that yakuma start appearing (basically think possessed demons). The power in her blood conveniently calls to the demons, but can also give others the power to fight them. It's a little too convenient how quickly everyone falls for her as she's equal parts guest and hostage depending on which army is housing her at the time and how everyone wants her blood, though it seems to be a coin toss on who is willing to use it and who tries to keep it off limits for her own safety. Ultimately, nothing is really resolved at the end of the series. Yuzuki is still trapped in another world and has no idea where Himemiko is or if she can actually return to her world. The armies, while some have tentative alliances, are still at war with each other and will all want the extra power boost from her blood, and the yakuma, while thought to have at least temporarily be kept under wraps, could show up again at any time. That's without adding in Hideyoshi insisting she's soon to be his wife and trying to convince her to stay in this world with all of its dangers.

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The animation isn't the best, but the art is still beautiful and the story is engaging. For once, the character coming back is neither the hero or the villain of the story. Raeliana is herself a side character, but becomes a central character due to her knowledge of this world and her chosen relationship with the Duke. If anything, the Duke's actions may be the most entertaining of all, especially given all the commentary on how he never does so many things or reacts to women.... but he's very aware of Raeliana. Must admit I do wonder who thought a mermaid's tear would look like a spider though? While the color may be beautiful, that's one necklace I wouldn't want to wear, though the shock is certainly understandable given all of Noah's recent actions. Now if only Raeliana remembered that kiss...

Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools

Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start With Magical Tools (2024)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


We're only 2 episodes in so far, so not a lot to go off of, but there's still a lot to unpack. Dahlia remembers her previous life when she wakes up in this new world as a magic tool maker's daughter, resulting in some designs that would be entirely normal and common in her old world being considered extraordinary in this one. When her father suddenly dies following her own engagement though, it seems things take a turn for the worst. Everything she does is criticized and she's constantly told to change this or do better here. Doesn't seem like a very good way to live, especially for someone who everyone was claiming was a genius with magical designs before. Hopefully, things will turn around for Dahlia, but it seems like it might take a lot for that to happen.