This is a youthful story about a half Japanese teenager who goes to live in Japan for the first time and gets involved in supernatural adventures.
This is an enjoyable and well constructed story. Japan and its folklore are fascinating and having a half Western character as a guide means that we slot right in. Although because Manga and Anime are now so integrated into our own pop culture we don’t need too much of a leg-up.
There is a mystery but things are revealed in a timely manner meaning you don’t get frustrated. The characters, despite having special powers, are intriguing and our lead heroine is someone you can root for and empathise with.
The art is excellent with many panels looking like animation stills. Digital techniques and expert colouring bring this world vividly to life. The supernatural elements are suitably unearthly without everything feeling out of place.
There is an extensive explanation of the supernatural creatures that appear in the book and some brief character sketches.
The whole thing feels like it is targeted at the Young Adult market or Manga reader but there is something for anyone young at heart.
Thumbs Up!