City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5)

 Writing a series can be tricky. Sometimes they overstay their welcome, especially when a whole story arc finishes. I'm beginning to think the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare should have stopped after City of Glass where everything came together quite nicely.

Description (from the Publisher): The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon. Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love? Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide? Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

Review: City of Lost Souls, in my opinion, is the weakest book in the Mortal Instrument series thus far. The book feels as if it's a pause button while the author gathers her thoughts for the finale. At 534 pages long, it is not only the longest book in the series but also the dullest, most frustrating to read. Normally, I burn through this series because of the nonstop action and great character development; however, with City of Lost Souls I just wanted the book to end.
  It goes without saying that I had a lot of issues with City of Lost Souls, but I will limit them to the big three that made me want to bang my head against the wall: lack of structure, anticlimactic/overdone subplots, and almost to nothing in the character development arena. I would think that with five books under her belt, Clare would avoid these pitfalls.
  The book immediately picks up right where City of Fallen Angel ends, but then the narrative quickly morphs into an amoeba going into different directions as the point of views move from one character to the next. I kid you not. The point of view changes at least ten times within a single chapter, many times without any logical transitions. I felt lost and no longer felt as if I was reading but rather a pinball machine flinging to one place to another. The second arc of the Mortal Instrument series is suppose to focus on Simon (now I have a sneaky suspicious that was all a ruse), an integral secondary character in the series but again the plot and center stage is hijacked by Clace (Clary and Jace) and their romantic turmoil. Instead of sympathizing with Clary or nodding my head in agreement of Jace not being at a good place, I grew tired of their rocky relationship which is more important than the fact that their entire world outside their bubble is falling apart. Both characters who I normally enjoy or in the case of Jace, tolerate, become extremely self absorbed, boring, and repetitive. Due to Clace's relationship angst, everything and everyone is brushed aside. We get clips of arguments with the werewolf council, snippets of homophobia amongst the Shadowhunter society, a few angels and demons summoned here and there, and of course the sexual tension between the various pairs that go teeter on the "are they a couple?" and "are they breaking up?" scale. Yawn.
    Despite these small threads, what disheartened me the most are the stupid mistakes the characters make. It takes them 50 pages to identify the obstacle and then come up with the wrong tactic to correct it. Really? You defeated the big bad with less resources in the first three books and now you stumble, bumble, and fumble to figure out what's right and wrong when the answer is right in front of you? In addition to this, there was a large focus on Jordan's and Maia's relationship, which puzzles me since they were only mentioned mostly in the City of Fallen Angels for a brief moment. I really don't know how this couple adds anything to the overall story arc. Don't get me wrong, I like Jordan and Maia, but their relationship is not important as the other characters that were present since the first book of this series.
   As I mentioned earlier, there isn't much character development in City of Lost Souls. The characters remain stagnant with the exception of a quick glimmer here and there of life, but by then it was almost too late to care. I can, however, point out to all the details of the clothes the characters were wearing throughout the story as there were passages and passages of those descriptions. I'm not convinced that Sebastian is a complex villain. Sure, he's twisted but menacing? Not really. His plot to ruin the world is pretty obvious, but it still takes our heroes and heroines over 500 pages to piece the puzzle together which I figured out in about 200 pages when I wasn't getting motion sickness from the narrative. Heck, even the grand reveal of the master plan and the detailed battle scene fails to bring on the thrills that we expect from this series. By the end of the book, it's pretty clear how things will end with the sixth (and final?) book in the series.
   Now you're probably wondering what did I like in this book? I liked the small moments between Simon and Isabel when they were given limited page time. I also liked the scene where Magnus tried to knock some sense into Alec. There are some great lines here and there that made me chuckle, but that's about it.
   I know there are going to be readers who will love everything in this series, but I expected a lot more from this well established series. Now I'm worried about City of Heavenly Fire which is slated to be published in March 2014 according to Goodreads. For once I think the long wait might be a good thing.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, allusions to sex, and some disturbing images. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (March 2014), Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr, Evernight series by Claudia Gray

Cry Wolf (Alpha and Omega #1)

I really hope this review posts. Blogger has been glitchy for a few hours last night. I've received many recommendations to start Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega series. This new series is set in the same world as her Mercy Thompson's world but it focuses on different, secondary characters with rules of its own. I finished and really enjoyed the first book, Cry Wolf.

Description: Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack... and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer- and son- of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.
   Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf- a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack.

Review: Cry Wolf continues the story found in the anthology On the Prowl, where we are introduced to Anna, a reluctant and new member of the Chicago Pack werewolves. Three years ago, she was turned against her will and since then went through emotional, physical and sexual abuse by her Pack. The purpose of the abuse, which thankfully wasn't shown but discussed briefly, was to 'break' Anna and make her submissive around dominant wolves. Anna is unlike many wolfs in the sense that she has a special ranking as an Omega, which means she is protective and brings peace to a pack with her natural ability to soothe the animal part of the werewolf. She has been made to believe that she is weak, but in reality she's fierce, strong willed, and incredibly determined to move beyond her brutal past. 
  When Charles Cornick, the enforcer and son of the Marrok (the leader of the North American Werewolves) and brother of Samuel, comes to Chicago to investigate the issue, he has an immediate attraction to Anna. Anna's and Charles' wolf counterparts pretty soon see each other as "mated". The human counterparts however, want to take their relationship slow, which is where Cry Wolf begins. Anna goes back to the Marrok's territory in Montana with Charles and tries to find her place in her new life, a chance to start over again on a relatively clean slate. In the mean time there's a rogue werewolf on the loose that is causing danger and needs to be dealt with.
 I really enjoyed Cry Wolf because the book's focal point is more on the character development and relationship between Anna and Charles which differs from the Mercy Thompson novels, where action and paranormal politics take center stage. With Cry Wolf, I follow the happenings of the other, secondary characters that are vital to Mercy's world but make a brief appearance such as the Marrok and Charles, who really come to life in this book.
     The love story was very well done. Though they are mated according to their wolves, Anna and Charles are at the beginning of their relationship, where they are learning things about one another and trying to become comfortable with having another person in their lives. There is lots of awkwardness, tension, misinterpretation of feelings going on between them. The distance between the characters isn't your typical hate/love relationship or the annoying "does he/she like me now? what am I doing wrong" running inner dialogue that cause a reader to groan, but rather a plausible conflict as each character have built defensive walls around themselves that will take time to break.
   Charles has been employed as his father's assassin for over 150 years. He is a not the first person you would think of if you're having a rough day. He is not good with words and keeps his distance. It's not that he doesn't like people or isn't personable, but he simply afraid to be close to anyone in fear that he'll have to harm them if they step out of the pack's rules. Being in a new, solid relationship is very foreign to him. Though he physically appears to be intimidating, he is incredibly patient, gentle and sweet with Anna. Similarly, Anna's walls are built from fear which makes sense given the horrors that she has experienced. She has to learn all over again to trust her instincts and needs time to rebuilt her trust, though she shares mutual attraction to Charles. Though the characters make strides in their relationship, there is still a lot of development needed. There is no doubt that my favorite parts of the book are when we see Charles and Anna spend time together, whether it's through dialogue or just being together. I think they both compliment each other very well.
    The mystery surrounding the rogue werewolf wasn't very action packed and unfolded leisurely. I wasn't bored with it, but I also thought it was more like a subplot of the book. I know that the mystery aspect is considered the weakest part of the book, but honestly, I was more interested in reading about the relationship amongst the characters to take notice. I liked meeting new characters and learning a bit more about background information on the Marrok, a character that I always found to be enigmatic.
  Briggs' writing style is simple, straightforward, but also has the right touch of emotions. You get a chance to tag along the characters, get to know them on a personal level without ever being intrusive. The paranormal and human aspect to the characters are balanced, which makes them very appealing.
   As a side note, I don't know if you should read the Mercy Thompson books before starting this series, as they both stand alone, however, I felt very comfortable in jumping on one to the other with having knowledge of the Mercy universe already established. I did pick up on the hints of what's happening outside of Montana. Overall, I really enjoyed this first book and I plan on reading the rest of the series. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, violence, and a brief non explicit sex scene that fades to black. Recommended for older teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Hunting Ground (Alpha and Omega #2) by Patricia Briggs, Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, Skinwalker by Faith Hunter, Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neil

This or that with Huntley Fitzpatrick

  I'm delighted to have Huntley Fitzpatrick, the author of My Life Next Door, stop by the blog today. If you're in the mood for a really good summer romance read, be sure to pick up My Life Next Door. This or that feature allows us, the readers, to get to the know the author's preferences. Below are Ms. Fitzpatrick's responses to my questions. Enjoy!

Mass or CT? I’ve loved both at different times and in different ways. What I love about both is living on the coast near the ocean.

Calvin O'Keefe from A Wrinkle in Time or Laurie from Little Women?  Oh, Calvin all the way. He really GETS Meg right from the start, completely accepts everything about her and stands by her. I think Laurie was a little more in love with the idea of Jo than he was with Actual Jo. And he gave up on her and went off and married her sister! Still haven’t forgiven him for that.

Favorite Shakespeare film adaptation: Branaugh's Hamlet or Baz Luhrman's Romeo and Juliet? Romeo and Juliet is more fun to watch, but I think I’d pick the old Zefferelli version, even though Romeo has a bathing suit tan line in a key romantic scene.

Biking or walking?  Biking is great---it’s always felt a little like flying to me. But the slow-down-and-appreciate part of walking is wonderful. Plus you can walk and talk with friends, which is harder with biking. My daughters and I love to take this five mile ride to the beach, but we stop all the time to comment on things we see or thoughts that strike us, so I’m not sure how aerobic the whole experience
is.

 Revision or free write?  Both in different ways. Free writing and having characters do unexpected things and turn the plot in surprising directions is exhilarating. But going back over the tangled first draft and getting it right (hopefully) is satisfying in a completely different way.

Can't leave with out: cell phone or computer/laptop?  I have an unhealthy attachment to my laptop. I take it everywhere. My husband jokes that it’s like the suitcase with the nuclear codes the POTUS has to have with him at all times.

 Work preference: home or café?  Home. I can’t focus on my story when I hear all these other potential ones going on around me. I can’t work with music in the background. It’s hard for me to write if another person is in the room. Our pets, of course, know this and the minute I sit down at my laptop, the three cats and the dog all charge into the room and drape themselves around.

Coke or Pepsi?  Diet Coke. Way too much when I’m on deadline.

Instant love or slow burning romance?  Both can be amazing. The times I really fell were instant, but then with a long slow burn til we figured things out and were sure of one another.

Love and lost or not love at all? Love is always worth it. Always.

 Thank you for stopping by Ms. Fitzpatrick! I completely agree with you on Calvin. He is my first book boyfriend I've ever had. Still miffed about Laurie. Did he really have to pick Amy?!

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 3

  I want to apologize for the sporadic blog posts and comments. After jumping the hurdles of the end of the school year, I'm now trying to make my way preparing for the next school year. As the bookstore manager of my high school, summer is my busiest time sorting out book requests and book orders. I'm trying to come up with a better posting schedule so please bear with me. I've got lots of great books to review, authors to interview, and giveaways coming up!
  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Today I'll be reviewing the third volume of Nana.

Description (from back of the book): Things are slowly coming together for Nana O. The guitarist and drummer from her old band have joined her in Tokyo and she's finally found a ripping new bass player to replace Ren Honjo. The Black Stones are back and they're ready to kick some butt.
  Nana K, however, can't shake her old nemesis, the Demon Lord. She's stuck in a dead-end job and there's trouble brewing with her boyfriend, Shoji. He's been working late and hasn't exactly been the most attentive lover. Poor Nana. Life in Tokyo is turning out to be a total bummer.

Review: In Volume 3, life had different things in stored for the girls. Nana Osaki has a lot things going for her at the moment. She has reunited with the guitarist and drummer from her old band. After placing a wanted ad for a bassist player, they've filled that void too. Now that the band is starting to come together, they are ready to play some gigs again. 
   Though we aren't given that much information about Nana O's band mates, they do have interesting backgrounds. Nobu is the guitarist who comes from a rich family (his parents own an inn). Despite being the heir to the property, his real passion is music. He shares Nana O's dream of making it big with a band one day. I get the feeling that he and Nana K. might get together as their are flirtatious vibes between them. Yasu is the drummer who usually handles the business partnerships and financial decisions needed for the band's success. Yasu's favorite cigarette brand is "Black Stones", from which the band got their name. He is also studying to be a lawyer in training, despite his clean shaven head, many earrings and dark glasses appearance. He is the big brother figure for Nana O and for Nobu at times, but I get the sense that he feels more for Nana O. Shin, the latest addition to the band, plays the bass and works what seems to be as a male prostitute to make his living. We are given small clues that his parents have abandoned him. I can't wait to learn more about these guys in future volumes.
 Unlike Nana O, Nana K feels like life's punching bag. Nothing is going right for her. What seemed to be her perfect job at working at a vintage store is failing and being closed, forcing her to be unemployed. Fortunately, Nana K doesn't wallow for long and works to find a new job as an administrative assistant in a small publishing job. Her new job, however, is taking away time from her relationship with her boyfriend, Shoji. When Nana K. is away from her boyfriend, her insecurities rise to the surface and she accuses him of meeting a new girl named Sachiko. Sachiko was an inside joke for the first two volumes, however, her worst nightmare comes true when Shoji really meets a girl named Sachiko who is also an art student and works at his job. Nana K's and Shoji's relationship quickly falls apart when Shoji and Sachiko become closer. I have to say that I didn't care for Shoji for starters but I really wanted him to smack him upside the head for thinking with the other part of his body. Instead of coming clean with Nana K, he does the unthinkable. I really felt bad for Nana K in this book and I hope she doesn't completely fall apart in the next installment.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, smoking, drinking, and a small sex scene in this volume. Recommended for older teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 4 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

Scary School

   I've heard great things about Scary School, a new children horror/comedy series from HarperCollins. As an adult, I know I appreciate a bit more tongue in cheek humor and Scary School totally delivers. Perfect for kids who like scary books that feature monsters but who aren't terrifying. Think Pixar's Monster, Inc. meets Lemony Snicket. For full disclosure, I was given a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Description (from publisher): You think your school's scary? Get a load of these teachers: Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess Mr. Snakeskin?science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie Mrs. T?break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex! Plus Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch And The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost! Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends?including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf?and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

Review: Snarky, funny, and smart, 11 year old Derek the Ghost (it was a chem experiment gone wrong, don't ask) takes us inside Scary School where "learning, horror, and mayhem" go hand in hand where at humans and monsters attend the same school. This short and extremely enjoyable chapter book features  linking vignettes and character profiles that lead to the overall story arc of describing the school’s preparation for the annual Ghoul Games. The teachers, mostly made up of monsters, are familiar with their tough rules and classroom expectations.
  With clever titles and asides, Derek makes frequent allusions to events in later chapters and even to unwritten books, which enhances not only the humor but would work as a great tool to demonstrate foreshadowing to young readers. Odd events are thrown in for good measure and cleverly resolved in unexpected ways, which will never bore readers. Writing a funny book is hard as it is, but Kent makes it look very easily as the puns and over the top scenarios glide smoothly across the page. I think Scary School would make a great read-aloud, especially during Halloween time.
   Besides the fun, funny, action filled plot, I also really enjoyed the artwork in Scary School, which is a mixture of full page drawings and spot sketches, that reflected the book's tone quite nicely. Comical, sometimes gross, but never frightening, the pictures illuminate the strange yet familiar monsters and the susceptible human who is bound to be in trouble. I'd definitely recommend this book for those who are looking for a new exciting chapter book series for young readers.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 to 6.

If you like this book try: Wayside School series by Louis Sacher, The Zack Files by Grosset and Dunlap, Ghostville Elementary by Marcia Thorton Jones

YA Minireviews: Body at the Tower (Agency #2) + Traitor in the Tunnel (Agency #3)

  If you like historical mysteries be sure to check out Y.S. Lee's Agency series. It's got a strong female lead along with interesting historical details of the Victorian period, mystery, and of course a little dash of romance. There are currently three books in the series with more on the way. I've enjoyed all of them. Today I'll be reviewing book two, The Body at the Tower, and book three, Traitor in the Tunnel, respectively.

Description (from the publisher): Mary's second adventure as an undercover agent forces her to relive some harrowing childhood experiences as she seeks the identity of a murderer. Mary Quinn is back, now a trusted member of the Agency, the all-female detective unit operating out of Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. Her new assignment sends her into the grimy underbelly of Victorian London dressed as a poor boy, evoking her own childhood memories of fear, hunger, and constant want. As she insinuates herself into the confidence of several persons of interest, she encounters others in desperate situations and struggles to make a difference without exposing -or losing -her identity. Mary's adventure, which takes place on the building site of the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, offers a fictional window into a fascinating historical time and place.

Review: After passing her first trial case, Mary Quinn begins her real assignment with The Agency, a secret all-female detective agency in Victorian London. Her latest case requires her of disguising as a male while quietly gathering information about issues impeding the progress on building the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. The mysterious death of a workman seems to be the impetus of the delay; however, there have been rumors of widespread corruption. Once again Mary is forced to confront her less than stellar past as her disguise brings memories of her difficult childhood to the forefront. While tries to battle her own personal demons she is also trying to sort out an intricate web of theft that may have led to murder. Adding an additional layer of complication is the delectable James Easton, who caught Mary's eye during her first case. Mary and Jame's roads cross as James turns out to be the safety inspector for the building site. James has returned from India, weakened by a bout with malaria but still attracted to Mary. Like the first book in the series, Lee's attention to the lifestyle of Victorian England is impeccable. We are put in the shoes of poor workers who barely are making ends meet. Mary is a reflective and admirable character, who grapples many issues yet seems to keep her head straight. Though she routinely finds herself in hard places and doesn't make the right choices, you can't help but root for her.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and crude humor. There are scenes of beatings and punishments. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman, Enola Holmes mysteries by Nancy Springer, Secret Letters by Leah Scheier


Description (from the publisher): Mary Quinn is assigned to the Queen's case and sets out to identify a petty thief at work in Buckingham Palace and finds herself fending off the advances of a feckless prince, but a larger scandal looms when the prince witnesses the murder of a friend in an opium den.

Review: In the first two books of the Agency series, we've seen Mary take part of the upper middle class and the low, poor, working class. This time Mary finds herself at the upper crust, solving a mystery at the Buckingham Palace. Unlike the first two books, there is more of an emphasis on Mary's personal storyline. We get more details about her past including her mixed ethnicity. The mystery, which evolves from a simple case of thievery turns to a much more personable one as the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, witnesses a murder at an opium den. The switch of the case was a bit abrupt. Lee flirts with the idea of racial tensions in this book, but I wished it was explored a bit more. It comes off kind of haphazardly. In this book Mary is forced to make some serious, life changing decisions which will put her comfort, trust, and heart at risk.
 I love the chemistry between Mary and James, which I think gets stronger with each book. Both characters complement each other really well and they both mutually admire, respect, and love one another. Though there is no cliffhanger per se in this book, there are many questions left wide open as to where Mary will head to next. Despite the minor flaws and the uneven pacing, I had a big smile on my face when I finished it and enjoyed it enough to recommend it to others.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Opium and alcohol use is mentioned. There is some language and a few, brief sexual suggestions mentioned. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman, Enola Holmes mysteries by Nancy Springer, Secret Letters by Leah Scheier, And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander, Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn.

Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 2

 Nana is my first venture into Josei, a manga genre that is targeted to older women (ages 18 to 30). The themes, characters, and content of the manga are bit more mature. Nana is a complete manga series, compiled of 22 volumes and an anime adaptation (2 seasons, I believe) that can be found on Hulu. I plan on reading the entire series and then go back and watching the anime.

Description: Nana Komatsu is a free spirited, twenty year old who easily falls in love. After a year at art school, her best friend and her boyfriend move to Tokyo. Nana decides to save up her money and follow them.
  Nana Osaki is a punk singer in the band Blast with her boyfriend Ren. When Ren gets an offer to join an up-and-coming band in Tokyo, he leaves Blast and Nana behind. A year later, Nina heads to Tokyo as well to become a better singer and a hope to reunite with Ren once again. The two women meet by chance on the train to Tokyo, and despite being nothing alike, they hit it off.

Review: In Nana Vol. 1 we met both Nanas in their separate story lines. In Nana Vol. 2  both Nanas are on the same train heading to Tokyo. By chance they sit next together and Nana K. initates the conversation, where she practically tells Nana O. her entire life story up to the point of going to Toyko. When they get off the train, they expect to go their separate ways but fate (or coincidence) brings them back together in a most unexpected way. They both want the same apartment, which is an ideal location and relatively affordable. Unfortuantely both Nanas can't afford the apartment on their own, but they manage if they both share the lease, which what happens. 
  Most of volume 2 centers around the apartment and the difficulties they have with it. The apartment is old and they are novices at renting, especially Nana K. Most of their problems with the apartment are common to those who have lived on their own. There is the lack of power, heat, and the need for cosigners. There were a few comical scenes of how the girls try to find solutions to their problems, especially finding a job to support themselves. Nana K's new job at an awesome looking retro furniture and clothing store is a perfect match to her bubbly character. Nana O. tries to figure out whether to reunite with her band, Blast, or start over fresh. 
  I really liked how this volume was more of a slice of life than a melodramatic plot. Despite not knowing too much about the lifestyle of contemporary Japan, I could still relate to the characters and their quest for freedom, new direction in their lives. I also really liked the art in the series. Nana O.'s dark, serious tone are shown with dark shades of color with minimalist backgrounds. Nana K.'s warm, carefree, wanderlust personality are depicted with her girlie clothes and lively patterns. Photographs are also used as some of the backgrounds to make it more real.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: This manga contains smoking, drinking, nudity, and small sex scenes. Recommended for older mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 2 by Ai Yazawa, Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa