Book Review: Blue Exorcist, Vol 18 Review

Blue Exorcist, Vol 18     

Author: Kazue Kato

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 2, 2018

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/202 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Rin and Yukio have been sent by Mephisto to rescue Shura, only to find her in the clutches of the demon Hachirotaro Okami. When Rin attacks the serpent, using his Satan Bomb move, Shura realizes he has gained greater control of his flames. He’d been against the name at first, finding it stupid, but she explained to him that it would be easier for him to remember, and she turns out to be right. The brothers rescue Shura but the serpent escapes. Shura can’t help but remember when Father Fujimoto asked her to watch over the twins, although she was less than interested, and she wonders if he foresaw this day.

They use a key to get back to True Cross, and Yukio winds up in the infirmary, to his chagrin. Rin tells him to get better and then he can go back to his special training, whatever it is. Shura starts to talk to Rin about what happened to Yukio in Aomori, then decides against it. Meanwhile the search for the demon serpent is on, but unfortunately someone on the other side finds him first and turns him over to Lucifer and his forces.

After she recovers, Shura goes to see the director and learns the serpent has been given to the others. They suspect Shima, but have no proof, since he is a double agent. Shura asks Mephisto if all of this is part of some big plan of his, but as usual he is cagy, and remarks that she cares more about others than she used to.

Back at the dorm, Rin is practicing grilling fresh fish, so he can cook for Yukio in the hospital. The others tell him he won’t be allow to grill there, much less with Satan’s flame. They find Bon hanging out Lightning’s laundry and make fun of him for allowing him to use him in that way, but he explains that he is trying to attain a state of selflessness, so they let it go.

Lightning takes Suguro to the underground library of the True Cross Japan branch, which is huge. Lightning got them permission for five days of research, and he intends to investigate the Illuminati. He thinks everything that is going on began on the Blue Night. He’s sure Mephisto knows the truth and he intends to make him talk.

Things are really getting good in this volume, especially trying to figure out everyone’s hidden agenda. Since her rescue by the Okumura brothers, Shura has become more human and likeable, although I could do without the skimpy outfits. Shima is an enigma. You want to intensely dislike him for being a spy, and yet there is something compelling about him that makes you want to give him the benefit of the doubt. One of the funniest parts of the book involves Rin’s confession to Shiemi that he likes her, and its aftermath, which involves the return of someone Rin cannot stand. Lightning isn’t the punk I first took him for, and his investigation of the Illuminati, along with Bon, is becoming very interesting, especially if it leads in the direction I think it is.

Another great volume from Kazue Kato, I look forward to the next one.

Fool Moon (Dresden Files #2) Review

Fool Moon (Dresden Files #2)  

Author: Jim Butcher

Publisher: Roc

American release date: January 1, 2001

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/sci-fi fantasy/432 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Harry Dresden, wizard PI, depends on the Chicago PD for most of what income he manages to make, and when his contact/sortof friend, Karrin Murphy, fails to call for a few months, things get lean. So when Kim Delaney invites him to dinner at McAnally’s wizard pub, his stomach tells him to go. But what Kim wants, he isn’t willing to give, fearing she’ll get in over her head, and reasoning it’s for her own good.

To his surprise, after Kim leaves, Murphy shows up and requests his presence at the scene of a crime. The scene is so gruesome, Harry almost loses his free dinner. Before Harry can put his thoughts together on the situation, everybody’s favorite Federal agents make an appearance, and handily eject both Harry and Murphy from the scene.

Harry has some ideas about what might have killed the victims, but he has research to do, and the relationship between him and Murphy ain’t what it used to be.  So forgive Harry if he doesn’t tell her about the lead he’s going to follow. Well, two can play that game.

When he least needs it to, things go awry, and suddenly Harry finds himself at odds with Murphy, and she won’t even listen long enough for him to say he’s not guilty of what she thinks he is. Can things get any worse?

You betcha.

It’s a toss-up as to who will get to Harry first—Murphy, the FBI, the werewolves, or a player to be named? He has to draw on all his wizardly strength and knowledge just to stay in the game.

I loved the second book in the series. Fast-paced and very intense. Especially if you like werewolves.  Jim Butcher obviously knows his stuff, as he builds his alternate take on Chicago, in a world where supernatural creatures not only exist, they walk among us.

One of the things I really like about Harry Dresden is his humanity. He’s not perfect, far from it, and he’s capable of being an asshole. He gets hurt. And he fucks up. But underneath it all, he’s a good guy, and a great character. Really enjoying these, look forward to reading more.

The Exam (The Enforcer's Series #2) Review

 The Exam (The Enforcer’s Series #2)    

Author: Ravon Silvius

Publisher: eXtasy Books

American release date: May 1, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/121 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kenneth and Thorn have decided to become Enforcers. But it isn’t as simple as some might think. They must be tested and found worthy. Which is why they find themselves at the Victeni mansion.

Thorn finds the mansion rather overwhelming. He is also disconcerted to discover the servants are fellow talentless, although he should have expected as much. Thorn’s reception by Kenneth’s mother, Lady Victeni, is less than stellar. She’s having a problem with the idea that her son’s lifemate is a talentless. Thorn is hard put to remain civil to the woman.

Then comes the matter of sleeping arrangements. When Kenneth directs that Thorn’s bags should be taken to his room, his mother objects and refuses to accede to her son’s request. Thorn plays peacemaker, thinking that separate rooms will not keep them from making love when they choose to. The new servant, Lilliana, shows Thorn to his chamber, which seems nice enough to him, until she explains in what ways it’s an insult.

Dinner with the parents devolves into a challenge to Thorn to prove he’s Kenneth’s lifemate. Lord Victeni directs Thorn to get his best things from his room—if he fails the test, he will be sent packing immediately. Thorn senses something is wrong—what it is, he doesn’t know.

And then it begins...

The second book in the Enforcer’s series tests Kenneth’s and Thorn’s desire to be Enforcers, forcing them to question what they know and how they feel as they are forced to justify themselves over and over. It is not cut and dried, by any means. Neither side is wholly right or wholly wrong.

In the process of testing to become Enforcers, the two young men learn a lot about each other. This test can either strengthen their bond—or snap it. It’s up to them.

I love the second book as much as the first. More steamy sex, and a great deal of love and trust, as they learn what makes the other tick. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!