On this week’s Reader’s Corner, we review the latest volume of Almark (featuring Posuka Demizu’s artwork) and the opening volumes of a children’s light novel series and an amesiac love story! Plus the latest releases from Twisted-Wonderland and more!

Almark (Vol. 2) • Betrothed to My Sister’s Ex (Vol. 1) • Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Octavinelle (Vol. 2) • Four Child Life, Vol. 1: The Start of Our Secret Life as Sisters! • Love at First Memory (Vol. 1) • The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen (Vol. 1) • Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim (Vol. 3) • The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom (Vol. 5)

Almark, Vol. 2: The Northern Assassin, Light Novel

Almark is back, and so are the delightful art pieces from Posuka Demizu! Ah, I need my fix of this art after the Promised Neverland manga ended… Ahem, okay, you want to know about the story, fine. School is almost out, and Almark and his new friends have finals to pass and vacations to plan. When Wendy, the classmate that Almark is secretly crushing on, finds out that he and their buddy Morgan are the only students who have nowhere to go for the break, she invites them to spend a few days at her mansion. But after she leaves, before Almark and Morgan can set out, they uncover a plot to assassinate her! Almark’s experience as mercenary comes to the fore, and he rallies Morgan; together they set out to save their friend. Wendy, however, turns out to harbor a deep, secret grudge against mercenaries—what will she do when she finds out Almark’s hidden origins? Plots and intrigue unfold patiently throughout this story, building to a satisfying crescendo by the end—and raising some pressing questions which are left unanswered. One highlight in particular is that the battle scenes feel to me more believable here than in many novels: Never mind that the servants defending Wendy’s home are the good guys, for example, as they don’t stand chance against trained mercenaries, and the body count rises accordingly. There are some genuinely moving scenes here. But most importantly, this volume whets my appetite for things to come. ~ NegativePrimes

Almark is published by Yen Press.

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Four Child Life, Vol. 1: The Start of Our Secret Life as Sisters!, Light Novel

Yen Press’ newest release aimed at younger readers is a sweet series, and a good introduction for pre-adolescents into the tropes and joys of light novels. Through a special school program, orphan Mifu Miyabi will be leaving her group home and starting middle school with a brand new home environment—living “independently” while sharing a home with three housemates. That change is enough to get Mifu’s head spinning, but there’s more in store for her: She discovers that her new housemates are her quadruplet sisters, separated from one another at birth. And thus begins the first volume of a coming-of-age series that celebrates siblinghood and family—even those that are unconventional. I think that’s the strong point of the book—expressing how difficult it is to thrive when you feel unwanted or alone. Not that the series gets too deep—this is meant to be thoughtful, but also fun for late elementary and early-middle school readers. As mentioned earlier, the situations and personalities are all very much light novel-flavored, and so children who are already fans of anime and manga may enjoy this foray into light novels, while those who are readers but perhaps haven’t dipped their toes in Japanese media may find this a delightful entry point. Either way, I recommend the story as a breezy but meaningful book for children starting to enjoy reading short novels. ~ Twwk

Four Child Life is published by Yen Press.

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The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen, Manga Vol. 1

I had three reviews written in my mind as I read volume one of The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen. 1) This manga is trash. Look at the cover, after all, where Eguchi is shoving her ample bosom into Ikezawa’s face. The start seems to indicate as much, as Eguchi is misogynistic and Eguchi lusts greedily after him for his body. 2) But maybe there’s more here? Eguchi, it turns out, is actually quite shy when it comes to girls. And yes, Eguchi definitely does some untoward things to him (and presumably thinks about much worse things), but she seems to care for him, too. Despite sexual situation after sexual situation, there’s a wee bit of sweetness here, and two characters that are very compelling. 3) However, the ecchiness goes over the top in the last couple of chapters, and we’re reminded that this series is foremost about titillating the reader. And that’s the conclusion—good writing and fun characters stuck in a series that doesn’t want to go to greater heights. It’s a “pass” on this one—with a side note of disappointment. ~ Twwk

The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen is published by VIZ Media.

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Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Octavinelle, Manga Vol. 2

Things continue to look dire for Yu’s friends, and he decides the only thing he can do to change their circumstances is make a deal with Azul. Jack might be actively against it, but when Azul proposes their deal, he accepts it and now has three days to fulfill his end. What might seem easy is far from it, however: When Jade and Floyd intervene, will Yu be able to fulfill the deal, or will he suffer the same fate as his friends? Gah! Why did it have to end on such a cliffhanger?! Granted, since I’ve played the game, I know what happens next, but as with previous volumes, I am thriving on seeing the game come to life in these manga volumes! This one was definitely no exception, and I took so many pictures of my favorite panels! Funny enough, Leona probably stole the show for me, given how many I took of him alone, but I couldn’t get enough of his laugh and smile! I once again love the wins, seeing how sinister they can be and how they (and Azul too!) really were so well drawn! The extreme contrast between these brothers makes things extra lively, such as when they were portrayed as morays! I completely geeked out, because the amount of details was insane! They looked so good, and I was so excited because Jade’s moray card from the game is one of my favorites! I felt that image was in my head when reading, so naturally, I was going to compare the two versions (even if it was subconsciously), and the artist nailed his look! Overall, I loved this volume so much! It truly is exciting to see this story on page, and I think Yu is right at home! I can’t wait to read the next volume and see how everything goes down! ~ Laura A. Grace

Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Octavinelle is published by VIZ Media.

READ Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Octavinelle Volume 1 Review

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Betrothed to My Sister’s Ex, Manga Vol. 1

Marie has always been treated less than favorably by her parents. She’s treated like a servant at home while her sister gets all the praise and attention—that is, however, until she meets Kyros. On the night of her sister’s party, he becomes smitten with her, and when he requests her hand in marriage, there is a mix-up, and her parents think he wants Marie’s sister! Due to a tragedy, though, Marie’s parents force her to go in her sister’s place. Will these two have a happily ever after, or will the confusion of this “switch” be too much? I confess I struggled a little bit to connect with this manga, but not because I disliked Marie! I love her and want nothing but her happiness and for her to realize that this is not a dream. That she is beautiful and that the people around her genuinely care for her. But it’s exactly because I want to see those things that I felt impatient, if that’s the right word. We see a lot of Marie’s doubt and over-worrying in the form of questioning what she should be doing and profusely apologizing. Again, I had no issue with this even though my heart was so heavy for her; I am desperate to see her happiness! I had already planned to get volume two because I feel this is a series where you definitely see growth and transformation, but it will take time to get there. Story-wise, the writing is good, and everything flows smoothly! If you’re looking for a “rags-to-riches” kind of story with a very strong “male lead falls first“ trope, this is one I would definitely recommend! It might be a “try three” kind of series for several readers, but I truly have no doubts that seeing Marie slowly grow more confident and the sweet romance unfold will be 100% worth it! ~ Laura A. Grace

Betrothed to My Sister’s Ex is published by Seven Seas.

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Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim, Manga Vol. 3

Total chaos has broken out at the Full Moon Party, but Francesca will do anything to help save the guests. She seriously questions if Leonardo is the reason behind the attack, but for now, she’s going to team up with a member of a rival mafia family to ensure the guests leave unharmed, even if she has to expose herself and her abilities. Ooooh, I’m really liking how this volume is breaking the traditional trope of the female lead knowing how everything unfolds! I mean, yes, she does know about the key events, but I like how, since she hasn’t played thefull game, she doesn’t actually know who the ultimate villain is. While I was sort of like “Okay, there are a few too many questions over what could happen next,” I still think the story is interesting overall since we have to figure out who the actual bad guy is. On the flip side, I am loving the “romance,” but oh my goodness, Leonardo has been friend-zoned sooooo hard!! Francesca is an incredible heroine, but she is surprisingly very naive too, though I find that endearing. Ha! I am just surprised that she cannot see that all the “friend” stuff she is doing with Leonardo is exactly how an engaged couple would act! Leonardo definitely knows and sees it, and I like his random moments of laughter—given how romantically smitten the man is with her, I don’t blame him for just rolling with it. Ha! I am curious to see what happens in the next volume because with how many questions were raised in this one, I really don’t know what to expect, but I hope our leads continue to stay friends and engaged! ~ Laura A. Grace

Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim is published by TokyoPop.

READ Reviews of Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2

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The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom, Manga Vol. 5

Philia continues to worry deeply for Mia, but she refuses to stop trying to find a solution. So far, her biggest hope relies on expanding her magic circle with the help of the Bolmern’s Saint sisters and extending it over all of Palnacorta. Meanwhile, Mia is fighting in her own way to show the nobles the crimes committed by the second prince. Will these two succeed and be able to reunite once again? “It was me.” Wow! Never thought a sentence could leave me cheering but also give me goosebumps. Mia, the woman that you are! Another very incredible volume, with even more incredible storytelling! Things are amping up, and I was completely and eagerly invested in the downfall of the second prince! This is probably one of the very few revenge stories (or revenge storylines, since it’s not all revenge) that I have been fully here for! Seeing everything play out was truly perfection! If there was any character I felt truly bad for, it’s Prince Osvalt’s brother. I am not sure I agree with his desire to keep Philia in light of the present danger in going to Girtonia to extend the magic circle, but I think that the entire conversation revealed more of his heart and how much he is hurting. I am also worried for Philia and the decision she made in this volume, but I feel she is going to accomplish her goal of protecting Mia, for sure! What that looks like given the end of this volume, I honestly have no idea, but I’m holding onto hope that our sisters will reunite and stop the monster hordes in the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom is published by Seven Seas.

READ Reviews of The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4

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Love at First Memory, Manga Vol. 1

Imagine knowing who you, a wealthy heiress, want to marry out of a few suitors pursuing you. You go to make an important phone call to let your family know who you have chosen, only to be hit by a truck and wake up with amnesia! Now those same suitors are declaring who they are to you, but you don’t know if they are being honest or not. For Mia, this is exactly what happens! How is she going to navigate her new life without her previous memories? Okay, listen, I went into this with some doubts about just how much I would enjoy this, because while I like otome game-inspired fantasy stories with reverse harems, it’s harder for me to enjoy reverse harems in a modern-day setting, but! Funny enough, this really feels like an otome game in a modern setting that I can enjoy! Ha! The story is a little fast-paced, but I really like Mia as a character! Considering she has no memory and four guys are trying to say they are her lovers, she’s handling things pretty well! Speaking of the guys, outside of the con artist, I really like all of them! I do have an instant fave (and how could I not when he’s saying things like, “Get your hands off my future wife!” Eeeeepp!), but I think all of them are fun and so different that it felt really engaging to read the whole volume! Overall, I came into this with some reservations about how much I would enjoy it or if I would want to read more, but I’m definitely adding future volumes to my preorder list! If you’re looking for a fun story with plenty of attractive guys where you wonder what their relationship is with a well-meaning heroine, I would suggest giving this a try! ~ Laura A. Grace

Love at First Memory is published by Kodansha.

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“Reader’s Corner” is our way of embracing the wonderful world of manga, light novels, and visual novels, creative works intimately related to anime but with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers provide their thoughts on the works they’re reading—both those recently released as we keep you informed of newly published works, and those older titles that you might find as magical (or in some cases, reprehensible) as we do.