Lenni Reviews: "Ashes to Fire" by Emily B. Martin

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

In an attempt to bring peace, Queen Mona agrees to meet with the man who cost her her kingdom and many of her friends, King Celeno. But instead of diplomacy, Queen Mona ends up on the run after her ship is blown up and she is kidnapped along with Celeno's wife, Queen Gemma.

Despite being the second book in a series, enough details are filled in so you understand why things are the way they are and Martin includes these details well, without getting bogged down in clunky exposition. The cast of varied personalities all play off each other and the plot twists and turns like spinning poi (a reference you will understand when you read the book, which you should) making this a page-turning adventure. I can't speak to how well this fits in with the first book in the series but I can say I am absolutely looking forward to the next one! 3.8 out of 5.

Tokyo Tattoo Girls / 刺青の国 (Review)

Reviewed by Justin D Williams

After a calamity befalls Tokyo, some of the city’s survivors find themselves with powerful abilities bestowed on them by colorful tattoos. The city is cordoned off from the world, its inhabitants isolated. To create peace, each of the city’s 23 Wards is controlled by a powerful group known as a “Clan.” Together, these Clans form the “Syndicate.” It’s rumored that escape from the devastated city is possible, but only for the person who manages to defeat all 23 Clans...

Lenni Reviews: "A Strange and Mystifying Story" by Tsuta Suzuki

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

After the unfortunate death of his grandfather, Akio Yamane has no family left and believes he will soon join them. The Yamane family is cursed and Akio is indeed terminally ill. Delirious with fever, Akio desperately prays to a talisman his grandfather said would protect him and summons a demon he names Setsu. Akio begs Setsu to cure his illness and never dreamed how intimate Setsu's "treatments" would be.

Setsu is a straightforward character and he's written in a way that his brusque nature doesn't come off assholeish like Eiri Yuki from Gravitation. You can tell he cares for Akio yet since he isn't human he doesn't bother with the niceties or waste time yet remains likable. Setsu and Akio play off each other well and the story doesn't waste too much time on the typical slapstick. The sex scenes are mildly censored; naughty bits kept in shadow or vague outline and strategically placed word bubbles abound. But it's still hot and the story is cute. 3.5 out of 5.

Note: There are also two side stories: Nylon Vinyl and The God's Don't Exist. The first is a contemporary teacher/student relationship and the second is a historical romance. They are pretty short so there isn't much time for development but they were amusing sides to the main story. It would have been interesting to have them tie into Setsu somehow; as he has been bound to Akio's family for many years. But they're still cool.