Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Vol. 4

Title: Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 4

Author: singNsong

Publisher: Ize Press 2022

Genre: Manwha

Pages: 264

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Books to Movies

Where I Got It: Library

At this rate... Junghyeok Yu will die today. Dokja has his hands full dealing with relentless monster attacks, as well as the Landlord Coalition’s tyranny. But when Junghyeok disappears amid the chaos, Dokja is faced with a chilling question―when the main character of this universe dies, what happens to the rest of the world? Not wanting to find out, he ventures into the Cinema Dungeon to find the missing Regressor!

We finally get to see what happens with the Landlord Coalition and the monster scenario. I loved how the story has really started to pick up and movement is being made. I loved the addition of Jihye to the group and the move to the Cinema Dungeon. I cannot wait to see how this new scenario evolves and involves Junghyeok Yu.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Vol. 3

Title: Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 3

Author: singNsong

Publisher: Ize Press 2021

Genre: Manwha

Pages: 248

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Books to Movies

Where I Got It: Library

IF YOU HAVE A SHRED OF PRIDE LEFT, STAND UP AND FIGHT!Inside the ruthless scenarios of TWSA, something as simple as getting a meal is a life-or-death struggle. With all the food destroyed by the goblin, Dokja’s group is forced to venture into the dark tunnels full of vicious creatures. But in the cruel new world, monsters are not the most dangerous enemies...Fear and desperation among the survivors cause Geumho Station to erupt into wanton bloodshed. And amid the chaos, Huiwon’s true power awakens―the Time of Judgment is here!

I’m still really enjoying this series. We get to see the conclusion of a scenario involving a Death Warden. Also, we get to see characters level up and evolve in pretty interesting ways. I’m very interested to see how the group around Dokja changes as the scenarios get deadlier and more complicated.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 26

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 26

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2024

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

The battle between the two strongest sorcerers—Gojo and Sukuna—unfolds on a mind-blowing scale! The combatants repeatedly open their domains and repair burnt-out cursed techniques. Their back-and-forth clash continues, but when Sukuna summons Mahoraga, will the balance of power tip his way?

Ooof that one was rough! We basically spend the entire volume focused on the battle between Sukuna and Gojo. I could have used some more other story or at least more from the other characters. But I still enjoyed following along with the great battle.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Vol. 2

Title: Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 2

Author: singNsong

Publisher: Ize Press 2020

Genre: Manwha

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Books to Movies

Where I Got It: Library

THE ENDLESS TRAGEDIES OF THIS WORLD ALL BEGIN WITH THIS CHARACTER.Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse is Dokja’s favorite novel, or it was...until it became reality. Thanks to his knowledge of the story, he managed to survive the first chaotic moments of the new world. But the relentless scenario waits for no one, and Dokja finds himself in yet another life-or-death struggle. Isolated from his group and surrounded by horrific creatures, his story seems all but doomed to a premature ending...That’s when an unmistakable presence makes an entrance. It’s time for Dokja, the only reader of TWSA, to meet its main character―the Regressor Junghyeok Yu!

We get to learn more! We get a fun situation in a sea serpent and the introduction of some new characters. I loved piecing together the folklore and mythology references (with the help from some notes at the end) along with speculating about the larger mystery of the worlds and especially the constellations. My son was reluctant to tell me spoilers (not that I necessarily want them), but he did give me some interesting teasers. I am excited to keep reading and see where Dokja goes next.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Vol. 1

Title: Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 1

Author: singNsong

Publisher: Ize Press 2020

Genre: Manga

Pages: 248

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Books to Movies

Where I Got It: Library

AT THAT MOMENT, MY LIFE TOOK ON A DIFFERENT GENRE. As a struggling office worker, Dokja Kim’s sole joy in life is an online novel so obscure that he’s its only reader. Then one day the story comes to an end…and so does the world. People all around the globe suddenly find themselves being massacred by horrific monsters or pitted against each other in sadistic scenarios straight out of the novel. However, only Dokja is aware that this is merely the first chapter of what is to come. Knowing that devastating plot twists are on the horizon, he can no longer afford to sit back as a reader―it’s time for Dokja to step up and write his own destiny!

After chatting with one of my sons during our travel back to Nebraska, he mentioned this series as one that I should read. I finally slotted it into my short list TBR and read the first volume. I immediately fell into the story and found myself hanging on each page. I loved falling Dokja’s growing realization of his new reality. And we get to have some fun cultural moments embedded into the story. I am definitely hooked on the series and will continue reading.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 25

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 25

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2024

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to assume complete control over Fushiguro’s body, Sukuna schemes to kill Tsumiki, whose flesh Yorozu has possessed. Meanwhile, Itadori and the others attempt to use the power of Kurusu and the Angel, who have barely escaped death, to bring back Satoru Gojo! Sukuna is the strongest sorcerer in history, and Gojo is the strongest sorcerer of the present day… These two heavy hitters will finally clash!

Everything really feels like it’s coming to a head in this volume. Gojo has been released. Sukuna has taken over Fushiguro’s body. They are locked in combat. Kenjaku is still lurking around. And the rest of our crew is on the sidelines watching everything go down. I was on pins and needles the entire volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 24

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 24

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Military forces from foreign countries invade the culling game, seeking to harness the unlimited potential of cursed energy. However, the soldiers soon find themselves facing off against a horde of cursed spirits! While the merger with Tengen forges on, Fushiguro tries to help his sister leave the culling game and its endless cycle of killing…

Bringing the military into the story was a bit of a strange choice, but I understand that we needed to acknowledge the rest of the world at least. Japan does not exist in the world by itself. I was much more interested in the storyline featuring Fushiguro. And goodness! What an ending! I did not see that coming at all.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 23

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 23

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Sukuna reveals that he is the Disgraced One whom the Angel wants to kill. While Itadori grapples with this terrible news, Kenjaku has set in motion plans involving various nations, throwing the culling game into further confusion! To make matters worse, Kenjaku then shows up at the Tombs of the Star Corridor where Master Tengen exists in seclusion!

Our larger plot moves forward a ton in this volume. We do a big check in with our major players and see what happens when Itadori realizes who is inhabiting his body. I enjoyed learning more even if Gojo is still missing from the story.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

A mysterious cursed spirit with a grudge against Maki flies into Sakurajima Colony. It evolves with incredible speed from cursed womb to adult form and threatens to overwhelm Maki and Noritoshi. Just then, two more combatants join the battle…

Very excited to see a volume focused more on Maki. She’s become one of my favorite characters in this entire series. And after the development with her sister, I am more and more intrigued. We get a great extended action sequence showing off her revelations and new skills. I cannot wait to see how see fits back into our motley crew of heroes.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 21

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 21

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 216

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Hakari and Panda head for Tokyo No. 2 Colony in search of Kashimo. When they enter, they get separated, and Hakari faces Charles, a culling game player and wannabe manga creator! Meanwhile, Panda encounters Kashimo and finds himself overwhelmed by their difference in strength!

Meh! I was not really excited by this volume at all. We focus on some other characters and fill the pages with confusing action panels. Seriously, this volume felt more chaotic than usual. It just wasn’t holding my attention very well. I ended up skimming more pages than usual. Oh well. Guess I will just move on to the next volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 20

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 20

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Fushiguro and Reggie have nearly crushed each other to death. Reggie makes a move to break the stalemate and bring their battle to its climax! Meanwhile, Okkotsu disrupts the four-way standoff between jujutsu fighters in the Sendai colony, leading to a fierce battle involving reincarnated sorcerers and a special grade cursed spirit!

More chaos within the culling game. We finally get to see Okkotsu and Rika again amid all the chaos. I loved the sections of this volume focused on them. We get to see a bit more of the larger plot and plan to help end the game. But mostly, we focus on a ton of action.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to add a rule that will serve as a loophole in the Culling Game, Itadori and Fushiguro set their sights on a player named Hiromi Higuruma, who has 100 points. But when they enter Tokyo Colony No. 1, the two get separated. They both find others willing to help them, however…

This volume is all about the action of the Culling within Tokyo. A lot of action sequences in this volume. Less about the characters themselves or any big reveal. But we do get a push forward on the large plot. We get to see our main characters attempt to find Higuruma to force a rule addition but of course they are separated and have to encounter a few red herrings in the search. I did enjoy this one, but cannot wait to see what happens next.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 8

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 8

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“ONE OF YOU HAS TO DIE IN THE END.”Just when all hope of unearthing Raeliana’s memories seems lost…enter Iosa Ben! The dark priestess has the ability to awaken truths long since buried—and Raeliana is damned if she doesn’t finally get answers. But along with those answers comes Iosa’s ominous warning that her days are numbered, and she and Noah can no longer afford to stay on the defensive. As soon as they think they’ve finally got Beatrice backed into a corner, though, the ex-heroine turns around…and frames Raeliana for murder?!

AHHHH!!!! I have been so sucked into this story. I am desperate to see how the entire things concludes. I cannot believe the reveal about Beatrice and who she really is. And the political intrigues and Vivian and the high priest and priestess. And there’s still some lingering mysteries with Adam. I devoured this volume in one feverish sit-down. Unfortunately I have to wait until October to find out what happens… Boo.

Why Raeliana….

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 7

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2022

Genre: Manga

Pages: 284

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES MY HEART RACE EVER SO IS YOU.”Raeliana is off to save Noah from the terrorists’ trap, gun in hand and ready for action! But when the ominous sounds of explosions reverberate, she is horribly unprepared to find Noah gravely injured. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raeliana finally lets her big, body-jumping secret come tumbling from her mouth…and in the heat of the moment, so too follows a confession of love! With all laid bare between them, the couple should finally be on the path to their happily ever after, right? But the book this world takes place in is called Beatrice, not Raeliana, and the true heroine is fed up with waiting to take her rightful place. She’ll kill Raeliana with her own hands if she has to!

All the things are finally seeing the light of day! I really love where the relationship between Raeliana and Noah is going. I feel like they are finally actually getting not he same page. I do love it when characters finally talk to each other. I heartedly dislike the miscommunication trope. And we get to dig into Beatrice and why she seems so intent on killing Raeliana.

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8
Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 6

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 6

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2021

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF SHE APPEARS BEFORE YOU…WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME THE SAME?”As the first snow of the year descends in luscious flurries on Chamus, so too follows a romantic legend: Couples whose ties bind under such a sky shall live happily ever after. Noah, swept up by the romantic tale, vows his love once more to Raeliana, offering her a ring anew—only this time, it’s not a contractual farce. Forced to confront her feelings and just how her actions have changed the plot, Raeliana is still none the wiser to how twisted things have become. Enter Beatrice, the original heroine…now turned villain! She’ll do anything to see Raeliana dead—and Noah may very well end up as collateral damage…

A slow volume set in the snow. I know that the series needed a quiet volume before the last three action oriented volumes.

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8
Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 5

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 5

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 286

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

A PLACE TO RETURN— NOT FOR THE RAELIANA McMILLAN WHO WAS…BUT FOR ME.Raeliana is putting on her detective cap! Set on unraveling the secrets behind her strange reincarnation, she starts digging into original-Raeliana’s past—which happens to entail an extended leave from the duke’s mansion. In light of her recent rejection of Noah’s advances and Justin Shamal’s persistent flirtations, this investigation may be just what she needs. Little does she know, the fated meeting between Beatrice and the duke has finally come to pass! With plot point after plot point from the novel playing out, will Noah’s heart join in following destiny’s script…?

Finally we get to see more about the workings of Raeliana’s body switch and learn a bit more. But my favorite part of this volume was the rivalry between Justin and Noah. Love it! Extra surprise, we finally get the appearance of Beatrice! Where is this series going to go next?

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 4

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 4

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF BEATRICE DOES SHOW UP…WILL HE KEEP LOVING ME?”

Raeliana is being held hostage! Well, sort of. After being summoned to the palace by Noah’s half brother, King Siathrich, she’s forced to stay there—and to confront the future of her relationship with Noah. Considering the kiss he planted on her while she was sick, it’s obvious there are feelings involved, but the ever-present weight of Beatrice’s existence complicates things. Still, Raeliana doesn’t intend to sit around waiting for her Duke Charming Noah to come save her, and she’s got a plan…Little does she know, the universe has something else in store!

Loved the introduction of the King. He’s such a mysterious figured. I love how Raeliana is not afraid of him and even challenges him occasionally. I also love the dichotomy between Siathrich and Noah. Added another fun element to this series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 3

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 3

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

It’s off to the temple for the torch-lighting ceremony! But what should be a mundane ritual is turned on its head when the legendary priest Heika Demint takes a liking to Raeliana…and demands Noah break up with her?! Meanwhile, Vivian Shamal is determined to have the duke for herself—and desperate times call for desperate (and deadly) measures. As the day of Beatrice and Noah’s fated first encounter approaches and the terms of Raeliana and Noah’s engagement draw to a close, it seems inevitable for the couple to go their separate ways… So why does Noah insist he still needs his fake fiancée?!

Oh we get a villain character introduced in this volume! I love seeing Raeliana adjust to the differences from the book and what she is actually experiencing. I’m very obsessed with this series. It’s just so much fun!

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 2

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 2

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2018

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Raeliana McMillan thought she was escaping death through her fake engagement to Duke Noah Wynknight…only to realize that he’s a whole different kind of danger! Thoughtful and flirty one moment, cold and calculating the next, Noah is quickly blurring the line between obligation and volition. On top of that, her resentful ex and Noah’s jealous admirers all seem to be plotting against her—as if she didn’t have enough to worry about. And with the heroine Noah is fated to fall for missing, Raeliana’s starting to wonder just how much her actions are changing the story…

Yeah! We finally get this story really going! I loved seeing Raeliana interact with all the characters, especially Adam, and start to figure out her storyline. We get to see elements of more mysteries in the background as well as some great little action scenes. And we get a monster hunt! I am very intrigued as to where this is going. Also, what’s with the seemingly telepathic connection between Noah and Adam? Interesting…

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 1

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 1: A His-and-hers Contract

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2017

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Eunha Park thought she was getting another chance at life when she awoke in the world of a novel. The only problem? Raeliana McMillan, the character she was reborn as, is fated to be killed by her fiancé! For the sake of her survival, she comes up with an idea—get into a fake marriage with a man more powerful than her groom-to-be. But when that protection comes in the form of Noah Wynknight, the duke with a warm smile and cold heart, Raeliana realizes she might be a bit in over her head…She’s going to regret this plan, isn’t she?

Okay… the premise of thus series is just silly and yet I was very intrigued by it. I was wanting something a bit more lighthearted and fun after my focus on horror manga. We dive into a book within a story and follow Eunha as she inhabits Raeliana’s body and life. The first volume was pretty slow, but that was to be expected. We needed to meet all the characters and acclimate to the world. Still I was entertained and cannot wait to keep reading.

Why Raeliana….

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile: