Demon Slayer Volume 4, by Koyoharu Gotouge

 

Tanjiro begins on a perilous adventure to recover his sister to normalcy and vanquish the demon responsible for his life's demise.

Tanjiro gets the chance to learn more about the fighter wearing the boar-head mask after a bloody combat with a demon within a perplexing home of constantly shifting rooms. What does this fervent swordsman seek, and who is he? Later, a new assignment sends Tanjiro and his fellow countrymen to Mt. Natagumo to face an unknown and terrifying danger in the manga Demon Slayer Volume 4, by Koyoharu Gotouge. 

As seen by introducing a new character, Inosuke, who joins him after engaging in conflict over Nezuko's presence, Tanjiro appears to be unintentionally building a squad. The three are then asked to stay at the home of a family who helps the Demon Slayer Corps, which provides us with more information about the company of the group. However, the next mission they are given is hazardous because it involves a hillside full of spider demons, who can turn living things into puppets and infect them to produce more spider demons. It appears that sometimes the Demon Slayer Corps is aware of how difficult it is because they are preparing to send their top team. Finally, this manga has a good balance of world-building, action, and character development.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 10

Montrose Library 

They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera

 

Mateo is at a loss for words as he gets the terrible message from Death-Cast telling him that today will be his last day. The idea of leaving behind his father, who is in the hospital, his best friend, and her infant daughter breaks Mateo's heart. That being said, he is aware that today is his final opportunity to go out and strike a good image, so he must make the best of the situation. When Rufus receives the message, he is already violently attacking his past girlfriend’s new partner. Rufus is familiar with Death-Cast, but that doesn't make things much simpler. It's time to flee; he has connections to repair, the cops are looking for him, and his irate new boyfriend is hot on his pursuit. Nevertheless, not one of the two had anticipated that this might result in a romantic relationship.

Being brutally honest, They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera, did not quite live up to my expectations. Do not get me wrong, it was extremely emotional. I did feel sad that they did not get the happy ending they should have gotten. However, I believe that the meaning behind the book was much better than the book itself. I wish that the two main characters had more time together. To sum it all up, after reading “They Both Die at the End”, you'll most likely feel optimistic, astonished, tickled, and heartbroken. I adored the characters and atmosphere since it was so elegant and captivating. When you need a break from anything, it is ideal to read for fiction enthusiasts who prefer current fiction.

Reviewed by Alex C., Grade 10

Montrose Library 

Haikyu!!, Vol. 1, by Haruichi Furudate

 

Growing up, Shoyo Hinata played various sports, but after witnessing "the Little Giant" participate in the nationwide volleyball championships, he decided he wanted to play volleyball. It waited until his senior year to field a team as no one on his campus was enthusiastic about it.

That squad was soon defeated by one of the competition favorites, and Tobio Kageyama, known as "the King of the Court," was Shoyo's most prominent opponent. In order to overcome Tobio in high school, Shoyo trained everywhere he could before going to "the Little Giant's" school, Karasuno Public High. However, when he arrived, he found that Tobio was on the same team!

A beautiful, heartwarming anime that begins with us following Hinata Shy on his quest to excel as a volleyball player in spite of his diminutive stature. In the manga Haikyu!!, Vol. 1, by Haruichi Furudate, the plot then soon develops into something else as the focus shifts away from Shy and allows us to see other aspects of the narrative before coming full circle in a satisfying way.

Haikyu!! is the ideal illustration of how a straightforward tale can be brought to the highest levels just by having outstanding characters, strong characterization, and significant character development. Everyone is so passionate that you can't help but be drawn in and stay drawn in all the way to the finish. You can be affected by characters who only exist for a short while. 

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Demon Slayer Volume 3, by Koyoharu Gotouge

 

Tanjiro Kamado is a good-hearted man who sells charcoal in Taisho-era Japan. But a monster slaughters his entire family, shattering his tranquil existence. The only survivor is his little sister Nezuko, who has been changed into a demon herself. Tanjiro embarks on a perilous quest to restore his sister to normalcy and vanquish the demon responsible for his life's demise.

Two strong demons using magical weapons come into contact with Tanjiro and Nezuko. These demons claim to be members of the Twelve Kizuki and immediately assist Kibutsuji, the demon who is the source of all of Tanjiro's problems, therefore it may not even be possible for Tamayo and Yushiro to destroy them.

The third volume, Demon Slayer Volume 3, by Koyoharu Gotouge,  is the best introduction to the actual lives of demon slayers. After Tanjiro battles two strong demons, we get to know Zenitsu, the second important character. In this book, the mythology of the demon species really begins to take shape, and it's fascinating to see it become almost as developed as those of the Demon Slayer Corps. The action and graphics are stunning as the exposition accelerates toward the major plot. Once more, I would advise people who are following the series to read this volume. Everyone could get into this graphic novel because it is pretty light and simple to get immersed in.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central Library 

Demon Slayer Vol 2, by Koyoharu Gotouge

 

Tanjiro Kamado is a good-hearted man who sells charcoal in Taisho-era Japan. But a demon ends up killing his entire family, shattering his tranquil existence. The only survivor is his little sister Nezuko, who has been changed into a demon herself. Tanjiro embarks on a perilous quest to restore his sister to normalcy and vanquish the demon responsible for his life's demise.

Tanjiro employs the methods his instructor, Urokodaki, taught him to defeat a demon at the Demon Slayer Corps final selection! Tanjiro's quest to find the monster that killed his family prompts him to look into the abductions of young girls in a village near as he embarks on the road of the Demon Slayer.

Demon Slayer Volume 2, by Koyoharu Gotouge, of this great series offers a glance at what keeps Demon Slayer so interesting, whereas volume 1 of this series was only a backstory. Tanjiro's recruitment into the Demon Slayer Corps marks the beginning of the subplots. The majority of the primary cast is introduced, along with the series' true thrill and perils. Despite being only the second volume, several events are brilliantly set up during these chapters, which bring out the series' atmosphere in full force. I'd advise anyone interested in continuing the Japanese manga series to do so. Start with the Television series or volume 1 if you want to learn more about this wonderful world.

Reviewed by Natali <3, Grade 11

Glendale Central LIbrary