Reviews

Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 4 by Kiiro Yumi

heyjudy's review against another edition

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4.0

~3.5-4/5

[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]

(Contains spoilers.)

I kind of love this series. I was really not expecting this series to be so good, but it is. The humor is perfect for me, the relationships and characters are great. It’s just such a pleasant surprise. I don’t know how long it’ll take me to catch up, but I’m definitely working on it.

This volume continues where the last one ended, with Iku and the Commander being kidnapped. I’m not going to spoil what happens, but it was handled really well. I really liked how Iku reacted, and knew what she was supposed to do. It was nice seeing the Commander handling things, too. I like him. Then there’re a couple sweet moments with Dojo, and the team has a celebration for Iku that’s sweet and funny.

Oh, Dojo’s thoughts on the whole thing was nice, as well. And it was revealed that he knows that Iku’s “Prince” is him. We get a flashback of both meetings (the original rescue, and again for her test to enter the school) from Dojo’s POV, and they’re sweet and rather humorous, including some teasing from Komaki and Genda (I love them, and their relationship with each other).

After that, Iku’s parents arrive. Iku’s worried, and nervous, and her friends are helping her hide what her actual job is from them. There are some sweet moments between Iku and her parents, and one between Dojo and Iku’s father; it was really interesting to meet them, and it seems like they genuinely love their daughter, so I’m interested to find out how they react when they find out the truth. There are a couple of close calls, and some very funny moments, but nothing big happens.

Also, Komaki ends up avoiding them at all costs, as it turns out that he won’t lie. He might be cryptic sometimes, and he teases all the time, but he won’t lie and he doesn’t want to give away Iku’s secret. We get a small chapter from his point of view, of his troubles trying not to run into them, that’s rather entertaining. And I swear, I just end up liking him more the more I see of him. It’s getting ridiculous at this point.

At the end of the volume, there’s a bonus chapter where Iku finds a lost puppy, which ends with a really cute moment between Iku and Dojo (and Dojo and the dog). Then another one where Iku and Dojo convince themselves out of the meaning behind one of their hugs, which Komaki just finds hilarious.

I love this series. It’s just getting to that point, I think. I have the next volume, and I’m going to be reading it right now.

lindsey_the_npc's review against another edition

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5.0

I just love this series more and more!!!! Dojo and the puppy was SO KAWAII!!!!

outro_ddaeng's review against another edition

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5.0

This series is so cute and I just want Iku and Dojo to be together!

ohgiseal's review against another edition

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4.0

Every time I think I’m done with this series, I somehow get pulled back in.

nickystrickland's review against another edition

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4.0

Four in and still enjoying this series.

kimberlydyer's review against another edition

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3.0

I love the library politics, but the way Iku is treated bothers me.

saramarie08's review against another edition

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4.0

Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.

Iku's parents come to visit her at work, but there's a huge problem - they think she is a noncombatant working as a Library Clerk. With the help of Instructor Dojo and Asako, Iku works both days on Clerk shifts, and they all might be able to convince her parents that she does indeed work as a Clerk. They just have to stay clear of Komaki, who doesn't believe in lying, but has promised to take shifts in the records room, far away from Iku and her parents. This deceit eats away at Iku, especially because she just got off a successful mission to save the general of the Library Forces, but she can't be truthful about the part she played!

Iku may be a college-aged adult who is training to enter dangerous situations and fire weapons, but when it comes to handling her parents, she folds like so many of us do. She's worried about how her mother never thinks she's feminine enough. She's scared her dad will continue to just take her mom's side all the time. And every conversation circles back to some flaw or something she should be doing besides working for library services. If her parents are this worried about her being a clerk, I can see why Iku doesn't want to be truthful! This struggle to be honest and not disappoint our parents is something I think is nigh-on universal. This volume also contains some great reveals that, truthfully all readers will see coming, but it's nice to have official confirmation.

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12

stephs_bookshelf's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

n1kk1's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

keeley_allen's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5