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Dengeki Daisy by Kyousuke Motomi – Viz Media
The best slice of life series released this year, Dengeki Daisy is a mix of comedy and drama with some mystery/suspense thrown in for good measure. Heroine Teru Kurebayashi is orphaned when her brother passes away, leaving her in the possession of a cel phone that connects her to DAISY, the alias of a person who provides support and guidance for Teru in the absence of any family. When Teru causes some expensive damage to school property, she ends up paying it off doing custodial chores under the delinquent janitor Tasuku Kurosaki. She begins to have suspicions of her beloved DAISY, and if he could possibly be connected to Kurosaki in any way. |
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Library Wars by Hiro Arikawa, Illustrated by Kiiro Yumi – Viz Media
In an alternate time line where the libraries need a military force to protect the freedom of media, Iku Kasahara is training to become part of the Library Defense Force. Kasahara is inspired by her “prince” – an LDF officer that rescued a book for Kasahara when she was in high school. She yearns to return that favor for others and hopes to one day find her “prince”. As a female recruit, Kasahara is quite skilled, yet is still given a tough time by her drill instructor Atsushi Dojo. Plenty of action, romance, and humor make this an enjoyable read.
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Stepping on Roses by Rinko Ueda – Viz Media
Set in the Meji Era, this historical romance may as well be labeled “Harlequin” due to all the tradition trappings of a romance novel it contains. This includes a marriage of convenience, a Cinderella type rescue, love triangle, falling for the jerk, and helpless maiden antics. It’s the mysterious back story that keeps you turning pages trying to determine the motivations behind the main characters. |
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The Story of Saiunkoku by Sai Yukino, Illustrated by Kairi Yura – Viz Media
Ah, this historical romance has a refreshing heroine, portrayed as intelligent and mature. A noblewoman, no longer wealthy, is chosen to train the defunct prince of the kingdom into becoming a better leader for his people. Rich character development, well planned storyline, and pleasing artwork combine to make this story a must read for shojo fans. |
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Alice in the Country of Hearts by QuinRose, Illustrated by Soumei Hoshino – Tokyopop
A different take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, incorporating plenty of bishies and added romance. Alice becomes trapped in Wonderland and must refill a medicine vial in order to leave. To do that she must interact with all the residents of Wonderland. The residents seem to be going through troubling times, creating a civil war where others are indifferent to who lives or dies. Who will Alice trust to help her find her way out? |
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Stolen Hearts by Miku Sakamoto – CMX
A title in need of rescue, as it was brought down with the sinking of CMX. Stolen Hearts tells the story of Shinobu, a high school girl that through circumstances ends up becoming a model at a kimono store. Koguma is the largest boy at school, and his family happens to own the store. Frightened of Koguma at first, Shinobu learns there is a lot more to this quiet boy than she first assumed. An endearing story of teen relationships. |
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Arisa by Natsumi Ando – Tokyopop
A great suspense/mystery page turner, Arisa tells the story of twins Tsubasa and Arisa, separated by divorce for three years. During those years of separation, Tsubasa is lead to believe through her letters, that Arisa has led a joyful life. However, when Arisa attempts suicide Tsubasa takes Arisa’s place in school to find why her sister took such drastic measures. Only to discover Arisa was not the only one in danger. |
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Seiho Boys High School by Kaneyoshi Izumi – Viz Media
An all boys school isolated on a island devoid of females. Seiho Boys High School gives a realistic and comedic look at the nature of deprived hormonal boys and antics that occur in such an environment. |
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Demon Sacred by Natsumi Itsuki – Tokyopop
A synopsis so absurd, you’d most likely dismiss it, but then you start to read it. Twin sisters, one with “return syndrome”, are chained to the existence of a “demon” and in order to save the one twin, another demon must be summoned and chained. Demon Sacred has so many shojo cliche plot elements that it may come across as hokey to some, but the wacky plot is intriguing, and the events flow smoothly enough that you’ll find yourself engrossed in no time. Definitely a fun shojo read. |
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Best New Reprint:
Cardcaptor Sakura Omnibus by CLAMP- Dark Horse Comics
A classic CLAMP story and one of the most well known of the maho shojo series, Cardcaptor Sakura is back. Magic tarot cards, mysterious dreams, and chibi mascots make this series entertaining and humorous. Add in a teen girl crush and it’s just right for all the tweens on your list. Don’t miss this version which includes colored images.
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