Review: Bride of the Water God, Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 3
Pages: 186
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Humor, drama, and a bit of horror combine, as human bride Soah tries to uncover the truth behind her strange husband's predicament and his previous wife's early, brutal demise. While Huye distracts her with flirtations and the dreadful goddess Murah becomes increasingly jealous, strong-willed Soah is determined to find out why her powerful, moody husband is cursed to live in the form of a little boy during the day, returning to his true, adult body at night. Soah's inner strength and determination saved her village from drought and famine in previous volumes — now she must pit her guts and guile against the unpredictable elemental gods in order to find happiness in the new world she's trapped in.

* Bride of the Water God, with its enchanting, romantic storyline and elaborate, breathtaking artwork, was the top-selling shojo manhwa in Korea in 2006.

Feelings: 
Soah is struggling to find out if Mui and Habaek are the same person, but before she can find anything out for sure she is sent back home. I'm not sure why but one of two things is happening one many of the other people do not know that Habaek and Mui are the same person or two they are all keeping it from Soah. 

Soah is sent back to her village and there she has no memory of her time in Habaek's kingdom. She is torn between wanting to know and not wanting to know. I enjoyed the differences between the world of the Gods and the human world in this volume.

The story does not move quickly between volumes, however, it slow pace of the story is made up for by the quality of the drawings.   

Review: Bride of the Water God, Vol. 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun

Genre: Fantasy Manhwa
Series: Volume 2
Pages:  182
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Habaek, the mysterious Water God, is cursed to live his days in the form of a little boy-while he turns back to his true adult self at night. His new human bride, Soah, thinks that she's been married to a child and has no idea that the attractive "Mui" is actually the adult Habaek. Surrounded by a cast of colorful elemental gods and their servants, Soah is tempted by flirtations from both "Mui" and the rascal Huye. When Tae-eul-jin-in spills Habaek's surprising secret, Soah audaciously plots to uncover the truth for herself. She has to be careful, though, so she doesn't anger the moody gods-including her powerful new husband!

* Bride of the Water God, with its enchanting, romantic storyline and elaborate, breathtaking artwork, was the top-selling shoujo manhwa in Korea in 2006.

Feelings:
Habaek and Mui are the same person. During the day Habeak is a child and at night he is an adult. In the first volume he mislead Soah into thinking he was two different people. Soah suspects that Mui and Habaek might be the same person, and she tries to find out if they are. 

The drawings are amazing in this volume like the last. I really enjoy that. The story is intriguing and I'm waiting to see what happens when Soah realizes that Mui is Habaek.  

Review: Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun

Genre: Fantasy Manhwa
Series: Volume 1
Pages:  184
Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
When Soah's impoverished, desperate village decides to sacrifice her to the Water God Habaek to end a long drought, they believe that drowning one beautiful girl will save their entire community and bring much-needed rain. Not only is Soah surprised to be rescued by the Water God -- instead of killed -- she never imagined she'd be a welcomed guest in Habaek's magical kingdom, where an exciting new life awaits her! Most surprising, however, is the Water God himself... and how very different he is from the monster Soah imagined.

Feelings:
I really enjoy the drawings in this manhwa (Korean comic). The color drawings at the beginning of the volume are amazingly detailed. The story starts when Soah is sacrificed to the Water God Habaek. She thinks she is going to die but finds herself in a new land with Habaek as a child. She isn't sure what she thinks of the situation but she wants the best for her people who were dying because of drought. 

At the palace we also have Mui, who we only see at night.  Soah is confused about Mui because she only sees him at night. I am interested to see where the series goes. I am enjoying the story as well as the drawings which are the highlight.

Black Bird Volume 14 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 14
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Feelings:
Kyo and Sho finally have the sibling fight that their father has seen coming for years. Misao doesn't want either of them to be hurt, but she knows that it isn't possible for them to both live. Sho has made it impossible for Kyo to show mercy.

This volume included a few interludes in the middle after the story arc of Sho finished. The last chapter in the volume began the final story arc for the series. I admit that while I have enjoyed the series to this point, it has begun to feel a bit stretched to me. I intend to finish the series as the end of this last story arc developed characters I'm interested in finding out more about.

Black Bird Volume 13 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 13
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Sho's plans to plunge the world into chaos continue as he targets the Eight Daitengu, hoping to strip his brother Kyo of all his protectors. And now Sho has Hoki, whose secret past makes him easy prey.

Can Hoki stand up to Sho, or will his efforts to aid Kyo backfire?

Feelings:
This volume focused more on characters surrounding Kyo. I like the volumes where other characters are developed, besides Kyo, while the story arc is developed. Now that I think about it, Kyo is a static character in a lot of ways, he hasn't really changed much since the start of the series, he wants Misao and is willing to do anything to protect her and keep her for himself. That hasn't changed. It is the characters around Kyo that grow and learn from their mistakes. That is why I liked this volume and volume 12, they focused on building characters surrounding Kyo.

The story arc following the conflict between Sho and Kyo is again at the climax. It will be interesting to see what the outcome is of the conflict in the next volume. I hope I'm surprised, although I think I can predict what will happen now.

Black Bird Volume 12 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume12
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Sho’s manipulations have cast the demon world into chaos, and Kyo must leave the tengu village to help save the Kuzunoha clan from slaughter. But giving aid to one of his few remaining allies means he must leave Misao vulnerable to attack.


Kyo’s grandfather is able to cast a powerful shield over the tengu mansion, but while it keeps anyone from getting in, it also traps those who are inside. How can Misao justify locking herself away when Sho begins to menace the village’s most helpless members?

Feelings:
I enjoyed this volume more than the last few volumes. I think it was because it focused less on the conflict with Sho and more on internal conflicts and character building. It was interesting to see Zenki and Hoki expanded as characters because they have not been major characters in past volumes of this manga.


This volume was a turning point, if it hadn't been stronger than past volumes, I probably would have stopped reading the series at this point, but now my interest is renewed, and I am interested to see where the series leads.

Review: Black Bird Volume 11 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume11
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy:  Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Sho has miraculously returned to the tengu village, and while he seems content to live quietly on the outskirts, Kyo has learned the hard way not to trust his brother. To make matters worse, the villagers are resentful that Kyo won't share the restorative power of the Senka Maiden with them. But most demons don't possess Kyo's willpower, and one taste of Misao's blood would send them into a frenzy. Is it possible for Kyo be a good leader and a good husband?

Feelings:
The conflict between Kyo and Sho is back in the story. This time though Sho is more powerful. He, also, seems to be less human and to care less about others. 

Misao worries about what will happen to her and Kyo's relationship as she begins to pity Sho. 

I am not sure how I felt about this volume. I am not as enamored with the series as I used to be. However, I feel invested and I'm going to see it through to the end.

Review: Black Bird Volume 10 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume10
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy:  Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
The past returns to haunt Kyo and Misao when Kyo’ s long-lost father suddenly reappears. But the reunion is less than happy, for Lord Yo is suspected of murdering his wife! Misao learns the real story of the deadly incident, but it is hardly comforting. Should she tell Kyo about his mother's fate, or should she protect him from a truth he might not want to know?

Feelings:
Kyo has parents. For a long time he seemed parent-less. Misao gets to know Kyo's father, even though, Kyo doesn't want her to. Kyo's parents introduction brought a new conflict to the story, but it also brought us back to the conflict between siblings.

This volume wasn't as interesting to me. I'm a little more than half way through the series now, and I need to decide if I want to put the time in to finish it, or if I have read as much as I want. I think I'm going to give it another volume, and see what I think after that. 

Review: Black Bird Volume 9 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 9
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
He loves her blood, but does her love her?!

Misao and Kyo finally go all the way, and Misao can’t regret the new levels of intimacy, even though all the other demons seem to be able to tell that they are now lovers. But does Kyo feel the same way? Instead of bringing them closer, their new status seems to make him turn away from Misao. Is that just the nature of guys, be they human or demon? Or is there something darker behind Kyo’s sudden lack of warmth?

Feelings: 
I enjoyed the included chapters at the end that gave us some back story on Kyo. That was my favorite part of this volume.  The story of Kyo and Misao is getting to be a bit repetitive for me. They get closer and then Kyo pushes her away. I think that is going to happen again, and I don't really enjoy reading that. I think I would rather read a volume where Kyo and Misao are working together towards the same goal. But if that happened, where would the conflict come from. The build up to sex is finally over, so we have to have a new conflict to keep the story going.

I'm hoping it will be something that brings the characters together rather than pushing them apart. I think it is wishful thinking though.

Review: Black Bird Volume 8 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Volume 8 
Pages: 200 
Copyright: 2011 
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 
Buy: Amazon


Summary: from Good Reads
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Raiko, the demon hunter who has been staying at Misao's house, is determined to save her--even if that's the last thing she wants! Kyo won't allow a threat to Misao to go unchecked and plans to take care of the problem in his own special way. Misao, however, hopes that she can broker a peace between Raiko and Kyo before things get out of hand. But when Raiko's attempts to "free" Misao fail, he hatches a devious new plan that will use Misao's bond with Kyo to destroy him!

Feelings: 
Raiko leaves Kyo with a hard choice life or death. To live he must make Misao is bride. However, he has been worried about what will happen if he does this.

This volume was fun we got to see Kyo when he was weak. I think I prefer him needing help. Looking forward to continuing the series.

Review: Black Bird Volume 7 by Kanoko Sakurakouji

Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Volume 7 
Pages: 200 
Copyright: 2011 
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Misao knows her relationship with Kyo is dangerous, but she's used to being the one in peril! Will she be able to stand it when the tables are turned and Kyo is threatened? As leader of the tengu clan and boyfriend of the Senka Maiden, Kyo gets a lot of attention in the demon world, and very little of it is good. From the wrath of a reincarnated dragon to the hatred of a demon hunter, Misao must face the fact that she isn't the only one at risk in the relationship. But how can she just stand by while Kyo is threatened?!

Feelings: 
Kyo and Misao are struggling with their relationship. I enjoy the fantasy side of this manga, but the relationship between Kyo and Misao is beginning to seem a little childish to me. Kyo doesn't seem like he is that nice, he punishes Misao for what seem like inconsequential things to me.

It doesn't look like things are going to change, Raikoh's appearance in the story may end up causing Kyo and Misao to become a little more adult in their relationship. That's my hope anyway.

I'm going to keep reading the series to see what happens. I'm invested now.

Review: Black Bird Volume 6 by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 6
Pages: 192
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: VIZ Media
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Misao and Kyo have traveled to the Tengu Village to end Sho's claim on the leadership of the clan once and for all. Misao knows there will be bloodshed, and things will only get worse if the battle is drawn out.But her attempt to help is thwarted by a cunning trap. Locked in with Sho with little hope of rescue, Misao has a terrible choice to make--betray Kyo or die a horrible, painful death!

Feelings: 
They are off on an adventure to visit Kyo's village. This will of course be more than just a visit as the village elders want Kyo to make Misao his and get her pregnant. There is also the problem of Kyo's older brother who is imprisoned there.

This volume moved away from the story of the relationship a little and that made this volume more interesting to me.

Review: Black Bird Volume 5 by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Genre: Manga, Shoujo, Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Volume 5
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Here are links to my reviews for the previous volumes: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, and Volume 4

Summary: from Good Reads
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Misao thinks she's come to terms with being the bride of prophecy and dating a tengu lord, but is she ready to bear her handsome demon an heir?! Kyo's grandfather is impatient to secure the power of the prophecy and the line of succession, and he doesn't care which of his grandsons fathers Misao's baby. If Kyo doesn't act fast, he'll lose Misao and the leadership of the clan. But despite his desire for Misao, Kyo is hesitant to consummate their relationship, for that will bring about catastrophe...

Feelings:
Misao wants to be closer to Kyo but is scared by what might happen if she has sex with him. They know that if it is only once it won't hurt her. Kyo knows that only one time will not be enough, so he shows Misao how hard it would be. This situation seems a little to teenager to me, but this is a story about a 16 year-old.

I think this series started with potential, and I still like the story. However, it is about teenagers and at times that can be a bit much for me. I'm going to keep reading the series.

Review: Skip Beat! Volume 25 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Genre: Shoujo  
Series: Volume 25 
Pages: 184
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 
Buy: Amazon  

Summary: from Good Reads
Kyoko's Valentine's battle with Reino has finally gained her Sho's attention—but now it's the last thing she wants! Sho is determined to make her obsessed with him, and shows up on set with an over-the-top gift to taunt her. But when Kyoko explains her true relationship with Reino, Sho makes an inexcusable move. Has he undone her years of healing in one fell swoop?!

Feelings:
Sho finds out that Kyoko made chocolates for Reino and goes into a rage. To get back at her, he brings her flowers to congratulate her on finally having a boyfriend. It turns into a fight as she explains she was blackmailed into doing it. Then he really surprises her and kisses her. Ren is really shocked and pissed, but Kyoko is hurt by it. Ren helps her take her mind off of it and almost kisses her too.

I'm a little sad Ren didn't admit his feelings to her. He does and then he takes it back. I'm excited to see what happens next. Three guys are competing for Kyoko and she seems to not realize how much they like her.

Review: Skip Beat! Volume 24 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Volume 24 
Pages: 192 
Copyright: 2011 
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Valentine’s Day is on its way, but Kyoko won’t be able to celebrate love and friendship the normal way. She’s getting blackmailed into giving chocolate to guys she hates, she has her ongoing revenge to oblige, and to top it all off, it’s Ren’s birthday! How can Kyoko give him a meaningful present when she’s slinging meaningless chocolate left and right?

Feelings: Valentines day is just around the corner. Kyoko and Moko are both frustrated by this and feel like they aren't going to celebrate the holiday. But they both end up realizing they can thank people by giving chocolates.

Sho and Reino are back in this volume as well. I keep waiting for something to happen where Kyoko actually starts having feelings for a guy. But I guess if she did the series would have an ending. That doesn't mean I don't want her to have a guy she likes.

Review: Skip Beat! Volume 23 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Genre: Shoujo
Series: Volume 23
Pages: 200
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he's casting her out now that he's famous! Kyoko won't suffer in silence--she's going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz!

Chiori’s rage threatens the whole production when she lashes out and hurts Kyoko. Kyoko is used to overcoming obstacles, and she uses her injury as an excuse to push Chiori into exploring her acting. But Chiori has a traumatic past. Will focusing on the dark side of her character bring it all rushing back?! 

Feelings:
One of Kyoko's new co-actresses gets mad at Kyoko after she changes her appearance. She pushed Kyoko down some stairs and hurts her. Kyoko knows it was her and takes revenge during the shooting the next day.

I find the current role Kyoko is playing a little surprising. Kyoko isn't sweet or charming in anyway and is a real bully.

Review: Skip Beat! Volume 22 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Genre: Shoujo 
Series: Volume 22
Pages: 200 
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC 
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Is there such a thing as being too good? With Ren's help, Kyoko finally gets into her new character. But when she shows up on set and wows the crew with her new spin on the old bully role, it sends some of her costars over the edge! Kyoko's used to dealing with her own demons, but can she stand up to someone else's?! 

Feelings:
To get into her new role Kyoko asks Ren for help again. He teaches her how to act like a model. She also turns the crystal she found in the rose he gave her into a necklace. As a model, Kyoko, is something to recon with. She looks older because of her hair style and she is mean but different from her previous role.

Kyoko and her many looks are fun. I like seeing her change from Mio in Dark Moon to her new role of Natsu.