Review: The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker

Title: The Keeper of Night

Series: The Keeper of Night #1

Author: Kylie Lee Baker

Genre: YA, urban fantasy, historical, Japanese mythology

Publication date: October 2021

Published by: Inkyard Press

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, Ren Scarborough has been collecting souls in the London streets for centuries. Expected to obey the harsh hierarchy of the Reapers who despise her, Ren conceals her emotions and avoids her tormentors as best she can.

When her failure to control her Shinigami abilities drives Ren out of London, she flees to Japan to seek the acceptance she’s never gotten from her fellow Reapers. Accompanied by her younger brother, the only being on earth to care for her, Ren enters the Japanese underworld to serve the Goddess of Death… only to learn that here, too, she must prove herself worthy. Determined to earn respect, Ren accepts an impossible task—find and eliminate three dangerous Yokai demons—and learns how far she’ll go to claim her place at Death’s side.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this book! One of my favorite things about it was the mythology. I liked how every region's reapers served different deaths: Ankou in Britain, Yanluo in China, Santa Muerte in Mexico, and so on. Our main character Ren is half reaper, half Shinigami, and she's never really fit in with the London reapers. In fact, she was always being bullied by a couple of mean-girl-type reapers, who also happened to be High Reapers, so she was never able to defend herself because that would mean trouble. However, after an incident with these girls and her controllable Shinigami powers, Ren is forced to run away from London. So she sets out to Japan with the support of her little brother Neven, not only in hopes of finding her mother and learning more about her Shinigami side but also to find herself.

Review: The Death and the Strawberry (Bleach #74) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Death and the Strawberry

Series: Bleach #74

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: October 2018

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: The final battle against Yhwach gets under way as Ichigo and his allies reach the Quincy King’s throne room. Can Ichigo put an end to the thousand-year war between the Soul Reapers and Quincies? The conclusion of Bleach is here!

My rating: ★★★★★

The last volume... and I am not okay 😭

Review: Battle Field Burning (Bleach #73) by Tite Kubo

Title: Battle Field Burning

Series: Bleach #73

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2018

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Facing a powerful opponent, the mysterious Kisuke Urahara is forced to reveal his Bankai for the first time. Meanwhile, Ichigo finally makes it to Yhwach’s throne room, but what can he do against an enemy whose power is omnipotence?!

My rating: ★★★★★

First of all, I was SUPER excited to read this one cause omg the cover is gorgeous! I ADORE Renji! He is my absolute favorite! And while I enjoyed the volume overall, there was a minimum amount of Renji in this book and I was totally not okay with that! 😩 You put Renji on the cover and I’m gonna expect a volume dedicated to him, but nooOOOooo 😭

Review: My Last Words (Bleach #72) by Tite Kubo

Title: My Last Words

Series: Bleach #72

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: March 2018

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: As the war between the Soul Reapers and Quincies heads for a climactic ending, Kyoraku and Nanao battle against a bizarre enemy calling himself a god. And as Ichigo heads for Yhwach's fortress, he'll need the help of his friends if he hopes to succeed.

My rating: ★★★★★

We start off the volume with the end of Nano’s fight, which was incredible! I loved it! It was so great to see her finally use her zanpakuto.

Review: Sorry I Am Strong (Bleach #66) by Tite Kubo

Title: Sorry I Am Strong

Series: Bleach #66

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: March 2016

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Hitsugaya and Mayuri join the action as the war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues. Meanwhile, Yhwach enters Reiokyu and faces off against the royal palace's defenders, Squad Zero!

My rating: ★★★★☆

SPOILER WARNING for the last volume!

After the awful cliffhanger in the last volume, I was very excited to dive into this one. And yep, Toshiro is a freaking zombie 😭 I love this character, so this hurt my soul. But Kurotsuchi might have something up his sleeve to help. He’s a crazy scientist but I don't even care as long as Toshiro gets better 😭 The thing he does is very interesting, but promising. So I guess we’ll see.

Review: Marching Out the Zombies (Bleach #65) by Tite Kubo

Title: Marching Out the Zombies

Series: Bleach #65

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Library book

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Synopsis: The war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues as an injured Kenpachi faces off against more Stern Ritters. Can Ichigo arrive in time to save the day again?!

My rating: ★★★★☆

In this volume we get more fights against the Quincies, of course. We get back to Ichigo who finally face off against Ururyu 😬 I still don’t know what Uruyu’s deal is, but it’s very upsetting that he’s on that side of the war 😩

Review: Color Bleach+ by Tite Kubo

Title: Color Bleach+

Series: Bleach

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: The Soul Reaper's Handbook

This indispensable guide takes you behind the scenes of the shadowy world of the Soul Reapers! Read all about the illustrious Thirteen Court Guard Companies, study for the grueling entrance examination, get fighting tips from a master, take the personality quiz and much, much more! This book includes 66 pages of full-color manga spun off from the original Bleach.

My rating: ★★★★★

I watched the Bleach anime nearly 2 years ago and I was immediately hooked! When I finished the anime we still didn’t know that they were going to adapt the last arc of the manga, so I just went ahead and read it. But I needed more, and that’s where this book comes in! It’s this sort of supplemental read with a lot of information on the characters and other fun little things. Suffice to say, I loved it!

Review: Death in Vision (Bleach #64) by Tite Kubo

Title: Death in Vision

Series: Bleach #64

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Library book

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Synopsis: The war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues as Ichigo makes his way towards the Soul Society. Can the remaining Soul Reaper captains hang on enough for Ichigo to arrive before it's too late?!

My rating: ★★★★★

In this volume we encounter another Quincy, another creeper (not as horrifying as the last guy though), but one with an interesting power. Isane and Yachiru team up for this fight. From what I remember of the anime, I don’t think we’ve ever seen Yachiru really fight, so it was really cool seeing her in action. We also got to see her sword and what it can do, plus her shikai! Which was super cute, just like her. Lol. I love her! She is another of my favorite characters!

Review: Hear, Fear, Here (Bleach #63) by Tite Kubo

Title: Hear, Fear, Here

Series: Bleach #63

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: February 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Mask De Masculine’s onslaught continues as he takes on multiple Soul Reaper captains at once. However, he may have met his match when Renji makes his appearance. Meanwhile, the secrets behind the Quincy king’s power may finally be revealed.

My rating: ★★★★★
This volume was absolutely amazing! It was actually very horrifying, very graphic, and quite brutal and violent... I was not expecting that, but I absolutely loved it!

Review: Heart of the Wolf (Bleach #62) by Tite Kubo

Title: Heart of the Wolf

Series: Bleach #62

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Unable to use their Bankai special abilities, the Soul Reaper captains are at a severe disadvantage against the invading Quincy army. Urahara has a plan to turn the tide of battle, but will it be enough as the Quincies continue their onslaught?!

My rating: ★★★★☆
With the Soul Reapers having lost their Bankai, Urahara has been working on a way to get them back. He actually found something really interesting regarding the Quincies and Hollows that might help them fight back against the Quincies. It actually makes sense, and this advantage is really shaking up the Quincies!

Review: The Last 9 Days (Bleach #61) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Last 9 Days

Series: Bleach #61

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: August 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: With the true identity of his sword finally revealed, how will Ichigo take the next step forward? Will his new Zanpaku-to be enough to stop the invading Quincies? And just where does Uryu stand in all of this...?

My rating: ★★★★☆
Major spoiler alert for last volume! Proceed with caution 😉

The last volume was absolute insanity! But basically Zangetsu is not Zangetsu. He was actually Yhwach and he is the source of Ichigo’s power... his Quincy power. And apparently this somehow means that Ichigo is not a Soul Reaper, which I'm not sure how that works? But anyway, Yhwach sucks and I don’t like him. And speaking of Ichigo’s former Zanpakuto, his new one is pretty cool!

Review: Everything But The Rain (Bleach #60) by Tite Kubo

Title: Everything But The Rain

Series: Bleach #60

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: April 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from Library

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Synopsis: As the rain falls in Karakura Town, Isshin faces off against a mysterious Black Hollow. But when a familiar face joins the fight, Isshin will need all the help he can get. Ichigo's dark past is revealed, but can he recover from the shock of finally learning the truth?!

My rating: ★★★★★
It’s been a hot minute since I last reviewed one of these volumes, so I think I should mention that since then, it has been announced that this last arc of Bleach IS being adapted into an anime! 🤗 I am so happy! It’s actually been some years since the last season was released, but I am glad that we will be able to watch this arc on TV because I really enjoyed it!

Review: The Battle (Bleach #59) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Battle

Series: Bleach #59

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: February 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

After the defeat of the Soul Reapers by the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Ichigo heads to the royal palace to heal his wounds. With that accomplished, it’s time to get stronger! But does Ichigo have what it takes to survive some super-intense training?!

My rating: ★★★★★
This book started off amazingly with Renji and Ichigo arguing. Lol.

Review: The Fire (Bleach #58) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Fire

Series: Bleach #58

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: October 2013

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

As the Soul Society struggles against the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Captain General Yamamoto joins the battle. With his Bankai finally revealed, Yamamoto takes down the Vandenreich’s king. But is the battle really over...?

My rating: ★★★★★
This volume of Bleach was very much Head Captain-centric, and it was really interesting because we got to see some cool stuff from him. We also learn a bit more about the Big Bad, Yhwach. We kinda find out where he comes from and that was also really interesting. And while I sort of get why the Quincies hate the Soul Reapers and want revenge... I mean, the reapers basically slaughtered them! But it’s just not cool, dude! I do not like! Lol. Even though the whole slaughter thing may have been an overreaction on the Soul Reapers part 🤷‍♀️

Review: Out of Bloom (Bleach #57) by Tite Kubo

Title: Out of Bloom

Series: Bleach #57

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2013

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

With Ichigo trapped in Hueco Mundo, the Soul Society comes under attack by a mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich. The Soul Reaper captains valiantly stand up to the invaders, but this is a battle they might not be able to win!

My rating: ★★★★★
This volume of Bleach, as you can see by the cover, was very Byakuya-centric, and I was totally okay with that because I love him! I also just love how cool he is about everything, and how cool he is in general 😉

Review: March of the Star Cross (Bleach #56) by Tite Kubo

Title: March of the Star Cross

Series: Bleach #56

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: April 2013

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed form library

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Synopsis:

When a mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich attacks, Ichigo heads to Hueco Mundo to help his friend Nel. And when the Vandenreich takes the fight to the Soul Society, an all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincies breaks out!

My rating: ★★★★☆
Spoiler alert for volume 55 (the spoiler in the spoiler tag is for volume 56, so click on that with care. Lol): The villains in this arc... it’s the Quincies! 😲 That’s right, they’re back, bitches! Lol. Or they never left? Honestly, I’m confused because I thought they were all wiped out back in the day, but I guess not? I’m really excited to see more of these guys, though! Anyway, they’re back and they’re hatching some sort of revenge plot against the Soul Reapers for the aforementioned extermination of the Quincies 😬

Review: The Blood Warfare (Bleach #55) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Blood Warfare

Series: Bleach #55

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: February 2013

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

The peace is suddenly broken when warning sirens blare through the Soul Society. Residents there are disappearing without a trace, and nobody knows who's behind it. Meanwhile, a dark shadow is also extending itself toward Ichigo and his friends in Karakura Town...

My rating: ★★★★☆
I’ve read graphic novels in the past and, like, one comic book maybe, but this was my very first manga! Last Spring I binge watched the entire Bleach anime and I fell immediately in love with it! When I was nearing the end of the anime, I found out that the very last arc of the series was never adapted 😩 So because I loved the show, and because I’m a completionist, I just had to find out how the series ended, so I decided to give the manga a shot. And guess what? No surprise, but I loved it. Lol. Granted, it took me a little while to get used to because it was a new medium for me, but I’m so glad I gave it a shot!

Literary Nails: Croak by Gina Damico

Today I bring you some book-inspired nail art I've been wanting to do for, like, a million years! Well, actually, ever since the chrome nail powder craze first started. Lol. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's fine. You'll see 😉 lol.

Anyway, this nail art was inspired by...

Review: The Soul Thief (Angel of Death Series #1) by Majanka Verstraete

Title: The Soul Thief

Series: Angel of Death Series #1

Author: Majanka Verstraete

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: November 2014

Published by: Booktrope Publishing

Source: For review from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis:

When sixteen-year-old Riley is injured in a car crash and sees a girl stealing a boy’s soul, she’s convinced she’s hallucinating. But when she sees the same girl at the hospital later, she knows she wasn’t dreaming. That’s when Riley learns her secret heritage and who she really is: a halfling Angel of Death.

Riley must come to terms with her new reality and supernatural abilities, but before she can do this, girls her age start dying in mysterious circumstances. It’s up to Riley to figure out why, what the innocent victims have in common, and what she can do to stop them.

My rating: ★★☆☆☆
When I first saw this book I knew I had to have it. I mean, Reapers, Angels of Death, souls? This stuff is definitely my cup of tea! But unfortunately, I did not enjoy it quite as much as I wanted or thought I would.

Review: I'm with Cupid (Switched at First Kiss #1) by Anna Staniszewski

Title: I'm with Cupid

Series: Switched at First Kiss #1

Author: Anna Staniszewski

Genre: Middle Grade, paranormal

Publication date: July 2015

Published by: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Source: For review from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis:

Marcus is a Cupid. Lena is a Reaper. Opposites attract in the exciting new Switched At First Kiss series by the acclaimed author of The Dirt Diary.

When she's dared to kiss the adorkable Marcus Torelli at a party, Lena thinks it's the perfect opportunity to cross First Kiss off her list of "Things to Accomplish Before I Turn Fourteen."

It's only when she gets sent on an assignment the next day that she realizes something went horribly wrong. That ZING she felt wasn't the thrill of her first kiss--she and Marcus have swapped powers! Lena is not your average eighth grader; she's a soul collector with a serious job to do. And Marcus turns out to be a supernatural matchmaker (like Cupid, but without the diaper).

Now logical Lena finds herself with the love touch, and sweet, sentimental Marcus has death at his fingertips. The truth is that Lena should never have taken that dare...because one little kiss has Lena and Marcus in a whole lotta trouble.

My rating: ★★★★☆
I’m with Cupid sounded like so much fun, I knew I had to pick it up! I mean, a Cupid and a Reaper switching powers? How amazingly disastrous is that? It’s just so funny and you know things could not possibly end well. So, yeah, I obviously loved the premise :)