177. Library Wars: Love & War, Volume 2

Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 2 by Kiiro Yumi (Canada) - (USA)
Library Wars: Love & War

Pages: 192 pages
Ages: 13+
Finished: Aug. 28, 2010
First Published: Sept. 1, 2010
Publisher: Viz Media
Genre: YA, manga, science fiction, shojo
Rating: 4/5

First sentence:

I did it, Instructor Komaki!

Acquired: Received a review copy from Simon & Schuster Canada.

Reason for Reading: next in the series.

First, I do like to start off by saying this series is more shojo than what I typically read manga-wise so I am having fun with it and really enjoying it despite that aspect. Volume 2 concentrates on the relationship between Kasahara and Dojo. They are still going at each other and alternating between that like/hate thing. Dojo lashes out rudely when training Kasahara or when commenting on her job performance but at other times he can be very caring and touching. This side of him is making Kasahara fall in love with him more for who he is as a person than just for the attractive hero he is to her. But Dojo seems troubled and conflicted, not wanting to let himself get involved in a relationship. Kasahara on the other hand, still lets her mouth run away from her but she's been made aware of this and is actually trying to not scream out what first pops into her head, though it isn't working yet. She is beginning to find out about Dojo's character, from himself and through others, and she is starting to admit to herself that she likes him but certainly not publicly. Of course it doesn't help matters that Tezuka, her peer, asks her out on a date when she knows he doesn't even like her ... or does he?

Lots of relationship angles going on, plenty of humour (this is what keeps me going) and as far as the overall plot concerning the "Library Wars" part of the title we have a major showdown in this volume. Kasahara gets her first taste of action when the library has its first raid since she joined the staff. The team all knows an insider has been working with the government, though they can't prove it yet, and he's helped set up the book grab for the raiders. Army fatigues on, guns blazing the team goes to battle those who would censor the libraries books. A great scene that I've been looking forward to in this series. Hoping more action is to come.

The plot of this series does sound rather silly, but it's actually great fun to read and I'm eager for book three both to see what happens with Kasahara and Dojo and to watch more librarian combat! This manga series should appeal to a wide audience with its shojo, action and book-theme and hey! if you are a manga-loving librarian I highly recommend you give the series a go.