Review: 'Her Majesty's Dog, Volume 1' by Mick Takeuchi

Amane Kamori has a secret that may get her killed.  She is a medium who can control anyone with word magic. Hyoue is the guardian demon whose sole purpose is to protect Amane. Now that Amane and Hyoue have left their village to attend school, can she keep her secret? Can Hyoue keep her safe?

This manga intrigues me and I am curious to see where it will lead. Amane is a somewhat oblivious teenage girl who lacks some of the most basic in teen social interaction but who can control spirits and people.  (She seems to be uneasy with her power and only uses it  when given no other choice.)   Hyoue is temperamental and rash with the habit of kissing Amane in public.  These kisses serve the dual purpose of embarrassing Amane and allowing Hyoue to feed from her life force. While the continuing plot seems a little unfocused, the drawings and character development are enough to keep me reading.  This manga will appeal to older teens looking for a darker romantic read.

Book Source: Local Library
Reviewer: Rebecca

Recommended Ages: 16+ Mature content, violence, sensuality

Recommended for Readers of:

Zombie-Loan by Peach-Pit	City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare	The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter	Nightschool by Svetlana Chmakova

Review: 'A Certain Slant of Light' by Laura Whitcomb

Helen has been dead for more than a hundred years and has passed the time haunting individuals – most recently Mr. Brown, a high school English teacher. While accompanying Mr. Brown to school one day, Helen notices a boy, James, noticing her; something that should be impossible. But there is more to this boy than there seems and he and Helen soon embark on an incredible journey of self discovery, second chances and redemption.

Helen's personality blends innocence and worldliness in an intriguing combination while James balances her innocence with passion and emotion.  This novel is about more than just redemption, it is about accepting yourself and making a conscious choice to live the life you choose.  Emotion is this novel's strength as Whitcomb puts the reader inside the head and heart of Helen and James.  Somehow this novel balances aspects of a star-crossed lover tale as well as a heartwarming romance without giving in to the sappy language often found in YA literature.    Poignant, bittersweet and beautifully crafted, “A Certain Slant of Light” is incredibly touching novel that will impact readers long after the book is finished.

Book Source: Local Library
Reviewer: Rebecca

Recommended Ages: 16+ Drug use, sexual situations

Recommended for Readers of:

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter	If I Stay by Gayle Forman	Impulse by Ellen Hopkins	I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder