Rurouni Kenshin Volumes 2-28

Rurouni Kenshin, Volumes 2-28 by Nobuhiro Watsuki (2003-2006)

Description: Action, romance, and historical intrigue help make Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin, the tale of a wandering swordsman set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, one of the most popular Shonen Jump titles among fans to date. Himura Kenshin, once an assassin (or hitokiri) of ferocious power, now fights to protect the honor of those in need.

Review: Not only was this an action packed series, but it was also full of great historical information. I learned so much about Japan's history by reading this series. Watsuki managed to throw in a nice amount of romance as well. All in all, it was a great fun read that kept me wanting more.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

A Change of Sorts

I've decided to change the way I review manga. Since they are basically one large story, I have decided to wait till I've read all (or most) of the series to review it. It just makes more sense this way.

Bella at Midnight

Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley (2007)

Pages: 304

ISBN: 0060775750

Description: A baby girl, Bella, is born to a mother who dies in childbirth. Bella's furious father sends her away to be raised among peasants, where she is befriended by Julian, a prince, a fourth son who has no place in his family. When they are both teenagers, Julian treats Bella cruelly; then he is sent away to a warring kingdom as a hostage for peace. Soon after, Bella is recalled by her father and finds herself unhappily living with him and his new family, including a stepsister who is a handmaiden at the palace. It is from this young woman that Bella learns about an invasion that will bring about Julian's death, which Bella is determined to prevent.

Review: A most interesting take on the Cinderella story, albeit a somewhat depressing one. From birth, Bella is despised by her somewhat mad father and sent to live with the wet nurse. Here, she is well below her station, but loved as one of their own children. Later, Bella is ripped from the family she knows and loves to her father's cold home. She learns her childhood friend, the prince, is in trouble and has to ride to his rescue. There are some deviations from the classic story, however, they were most interesting. Stanley also gives great lessons in the book. That love and loyalty are very important. This was a delightful read and definitely worth a look.

Score 3.5 out of 5

Highland Wedding

Highland Wedding by Hannah Howell (2007)

Pages: 384

ISBN: 0821780026

Description: Raised among eleven brawny, boisterous brothers, beautiful Islaen MacRoth knew nothing of the tricks a maiden uses to trap a husband. Instead, her desperate father had arranged a match at court - with a man who had sworn never to wed again.

But from the moment Islaen crept into his darkened bedchamber and innocently bared her charms to his hungry gaze, Iain knew he could not deny her promise of passion. She shared his bed - but would she ever be the wife of his heart?

Review: Iain made it clear that he didn't want to wed and had a fear of children as his first wife died in childbirth. However, he was more or less forced into a marriage with Islaen (although there was an instant attraction). As you get farther in the story things get taken a bit far. We are hit over the head with Iain's fear and Islaen's defiance of it. Also, the fact that Iain almost goes to bed with a past flame and then sees her instead of his own wife whom he claims to love while she takes care of the kids. It had its good moments, but overall not one of Howell's better books. You could skip it and not really miss anything.

Score: 3 out of 5

Thrill of the Knight

Thrill of the Knight by Julia Latham (2007)

Pages: 384

ISBN: 0061235156

Description: Lady Elizabeth Hutton will never succumb to the ambitions of a neighboring lord—even after his soldiers imprison the newly orphaned heiress in her own bedchamber. Ever resourceful, the proud beauty has devised a strategy to escape the devil who's determined to possess her and her great wealth: she will switch roles with her loyal maid so that she can save herself and her people.

Sir John Russell's love of adventure has always carried him to far-flung places and dangers—and now he must ride to the rescue of the noblewoman he's betrothed to but hasn't seen since boyhood. However, it is not his bride-to-be but her bewitching servant who enflames his passion—and Sir John's desire for the fiery beauty threatens to undermine his sacred, sworn oath, forcing a noble knight into the most devastating choice of his life: between duty and honor . . . or ecstasy and disgrace.

Review: It is a good thing that I read the second book first. If I would have read this to begin with, I probably would have given up on this series. I was so frustrated while reading this book. The character of Elizabeth just irritated me to no end. She just kept blathering on about how great Sir John's brother was to his face. I had to force myself to finish this one. Needless to say, I really don't give it many high points. The characters of Lady Elizabeth and Sir John just annoyed me. I would pass this one up.

Score: 2.5 out of 5