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Library Wars: Love & War #5
Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 5
In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves--the Library Forces!
Iku is about to face her most difficult challenge--her parents are coming to visit the library where she works! When she joined the Library Forces, she told her parents that she was just going to be a librarian Now they might discover that she's on the ultra-dangerous Task Force. Can her parents ever accept that she's a library warrior?
Iku is about to face her most difficult challenge--her parents are coming to visit the library where she works! When she joined the Library Forces, she told her parents that she was just going to be a librarian Now they might discover that she's on the ultra-dangerous Task Force. Can her parents ever accept that she's a library warrior?
200 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
22 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 27, 2016
Summary
This volume continued and concluded the story from volume 4 and focused most pages on another story that concluded in this volume.
Plot/story
I loved this volume. The major story was great. It focused on two characters who are not the protagonist and main side character. One of the characters was introduced this volume, Marie, and she was refreshing and interesting. I really liked her sweet and gentle nature, which is so lovely to see in a manga filled with many rash and aggressive characters. I really hope she isn't placed into the background from now on, I'd really like to continue seeing her play a role in this series. The story itself was a bit dark which I also thought was refreshing. It was a nice break from the previous plot lines that were getting a bit repetitive and predictable. The love story in this volume was really sweet and heartwarming. I also thought it was paced well by providing us with backstory so I felt really aware of what was going on.
Art style
As always I loved the art in this volume. Just gorgeous and executed perfectly. The time and effort does not go unnoticed.
Characters
There was more variety for characters in this volume and I loved it. I'd been wanting this and I am so happy it happened. I liked seeing a new side of Komaki I hadn't seen. He had previously been a very two dimensional character who was only ever in the background. This volume was really about him and I loved it!
Summary
This was one of my favourite volumes so far. I just loved having focus on characters other than Kasahara and Dojo. I am very happy with this series!
This volume continued and concluded the story from volume 4 and focused most pages on another story that concluded in this volume.
Plot/story
I loved this volume. The major story was great. It focused on two characters who are not the protagonist and main side character. One of the characters was introduced this volume, Marie, and she was refreshing and interesting. I really liked her sweet and gentle nature, which is so lovely to see in a manga filled with many rash and aggressive characters. I really hope she isn't placed into the background from now on, I'd really like to continue seeing her play a role in this series. The story itself was a bit dark which I also thought was refreshing. It was a nice break from the previous plot lines that were getting a bit repetitive and predictable. The love story in this volume was really sweet and heartwarming. I also thought it was paced well by providing us with backstory so I felt really aware of what was going on.
Art style
As always I loved the art in this volume. Just gorgeous and executed perfectly. The time and effort does not go unnoticed.
Characters
There was more variety for characters in this volume and I loved it. I'd been wanting this and I am so happy it happened. I liked seeing a new side of Komaki I hadn't seen. He had previously been a very two dimensional character who was only ever in the background. This volume was really about him and I loved it!
Summary
This was one of my favourite volumes so far. I just loved having focus on characters other than Kasahara and Dojo. I am very happy with this series!
June 9, 2011
I don't remember Marie from the anime, which is kind of unfortunate because her character brings out something really nice in Komaki's character. It also allows Iku to show some backbone without actually disobeying orders or breaking rules. I wouldn't have waited as long as she did though, unless she needed to wait until they figured out where they were holding him.
The best part of this volume was the second bonus chapter where Iku ends up dressed in a pretty dress with a wig. Dojo's reaction to all the guys hitting on her is excellent.
There is a bit of violence in this one including torture (that doesn't include physical beating, but is still pretty intense on the victim). There is mention of menstrual cycles (for the purpose of getting out of work...) and some scenes that are almost kisses. I was slightly discomfited by the relationship between Komaki and Marie because Marie is only 17 and Komaki is at least 10 years older. Him starting to see her as a woman after having grown up seeing her as a little sister is just a tad weird to me, but that could just be my issue and not something that would bother anyone else. As for language, there are some curse words and there was some name calling including the word floozy.
The best part of this volume was the second bonus chapter where Iku ends up dressed in a pretty dress with a wig. Dojo's reaction to all the guys hitting on her is excellent.
There is a bit of violence in this one including torture (that doesn't include physical beating, but is still pretty intense on the victim). There is mention of menstrual cycles (for the purpose of getting out of work...) and some scenes that are almost kisses. I was slightly discomfited by the relationship between Komaki and Marie because Marie is only 17 and Komaki is at least 10 years older. Him starting to see her as a woman after having grown up seeing her as a little sister is just a tad weird to me, but that could just be my issue and not something that would bother anyone else. As for language, there are some curse words and there was some name calling including the word floozy.
June 22, 2020
4.5 - Such a fun addition! The plot really thickens in a different way than I expected. I really enjoyed this one.
March 18, 2021
The story continues where we left off the last time! Kasahara has her parents around and she tries to keep up the facade, but haha we find out that dad knows more than he shows and I love that he didn't confront his daughter instead took her side when his wife lashed out. I wonder how long he will keep what he knows hidden. We also meet a new character, Marie, a neighbour and a girl in love with Komaki. Yep. I was really reeling when they arrested him because he recommended a book about being deaf to her, wtf? Why would you hold someone away from characters they may relate to. I am happy to get some information on Komaki, he is so mysterious so it made me happy. Plus, something else happens that had me squealing in delight.
I love love loved the bonus stories added near the end. YAS! I do wonder how Kasahara made those pictures. Haha.
I love love loved the bonus stories added near the end. YAS! I do wonder how Kasahara made those pictures. Haha.
December 28, 2014
Another good volume in the series so far. This is slowly becoming my new favorite series. I liked the anime and heard there's a movie. But as for the manga, yeah, pretty good so far. Good volume. Like that we got to know the side characters a bit more.
November 18, 2020
Another fun volume in this series. I wish my local library had more of these books; this was the last one on the shelf.
April 6, 2025
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Locked IN! -- Reviewing the Books I Read In March || 19 books!
Oh. Oh wow okay this managed to drop so far in a single volume because holy shit is the side romance bad. I was impressed that this hasn’t had a weird power imbalance between the two main characters given that the love interest is literally her superior officer. Then the side romance decides to take it there with a girl next door who’s barely 18 being in love with the second instructor. I appreciated the hard of hearing rep, until there’s this flashback with the instructor’s ex-girlfriend saying “It doesn’t matter that she’s deaf, she’s a threat.” You’re right, it shouldn’t matter she’s deaf, it should matter that she’s underage!!!!! (Plus that just felt pretty ableist, as though being deaf prevents her from having romantic relationships?)
Also Dojo smacked Kasahara again and I really wish we’d stop doing that shit.
The fact that the bonus chapter at the end was so cute and fun with possessive Dojo just makes me more annoyed.
Locked IN! -- Reviewing the Books I Read In March || 19 books!
Oh. Oh wow okay this managed to drop so far in a single volume because holy shit is the side romance bad. I was impressed that this hasn’t had a weird power imbalance between the two main characters given that the love interest is literally her superior officer. Then the side romance decides to take it there with a girl next door who’s barely 18 being in love with the second instructor. I appreciated the hard of hearing rep, until there’s this flashback with the instructor’s ex-girlfriend saying “It doesn’t matter that she’s deaf, she’s a threat.” You’re right, it shouldn’t matter she’s deaf, it should matter that she’s underage!!!!! (Plus that just felt pretty ableist, as though being deaf prevents her from having romantic relationships?)
Also Dojo smacked Kasahara again and I really wish we’d stop doing that shit.
The fact that the bonus chapter at the end was so cute and fun with possessive Dojo just makes me more annoyed.
January 5, 2013
So this is it with me and this series, which sucks because I like its silly little self.
Why?
-Dojo slapped Kasahara again. Not cool. Can't be on board, no matter how much I'd like to ship them.
-Komaki & Maria -- She was his neighbor growing up (a good 10 years older) and always had a brotherly relationship with her. When she became deaf in junior high, he helped her deal & not isolate herself. You want to turn this into a relationship? Cool. Go for it. Just don't make her 17 when it happens. Can't support that.
Also - I'm willing to work with you on the disbelief, but beating and roughly interrogating Komaki for three days for giving a deaf girl a book about a deaf girl? Really? And the people who complained weren't her family but just some randoms? Come on.
Why?
-Dojo slapped Kasahara again. Not cool. Can't be on board, no matter how much I'd like to ship them.
-Komaki & Maria -- She was his neighbor growing up (a good 10 years older) and always had a brotherly relationship with her. When she became deaf in junior high, he helped her deal & not isolate herself. You want to turn this into a relationship? Cool. Go for it. Just don't make her 17 when it happens. Can't support that.
Also - I'm willing to work with you on the disbelief, but beating and roughly interrogating Komaki for three days for giving a deaf girl a book about a deaf girl? Really? And the people who complained weren't her family but just some randoms? Come on.
April 29, 2023
I wasn't a fan of Komaki and Marie's story. He was a big brother figure to her ever since she was a kid, and even after 10 years she is still nothing but a high school girl. I'm fine with age gaps, but not when one of them is 17 and the other is 27. The only exception is Promise Cinderella, because the male lead didn't pursue a relationship with the much older female lead until he became an adult.
The bonus chapters made up for it though, they were really cute.
The bonus chapters made up for it though, they were really cute.
August 3, 2020
Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
We begin with the conclusion of Iku's parents visiting, in which Iku finds an advocate in an unlikely place. Next, we are introduced to Marie, a young woman who has a condition that is destroying her hearing. She is friends and neighbors with Instructor Komaki, and he always finds the right book to recommend to her. In her latest visit, Komaki recommends a book with a heroine suffering from the same condition. Bystanders at Marie's school report Komaki because they think he is cruel for giving her a book that focuses on her deafness, and officials forcibly remove Komaki for questioning and investigating into the alleged "abuse" of a disabled person. Of course, Iku can't wait for the rest of the squad to come up with the plan to save Komaki, so she puts things in motion for herself. In the Bonus manga of this volume, there is a story of a Publisher Party where the Library forces are providing security. Iku ruins her clothes, so she has to borrow a dress and get all dolled up, and she doesn't understand why all the men are hitting on her!
Iku is definitely a hot head, but after seeing her interaction with her parents, I think we can understand why she is defensive and is quick to act. I like the storyline with Marie, but I think some readers will be a little concerned for the age gap - she's in high school, and he's post college. In Japan, 16 is the age of consent in most prefectures, and it isn't that unusual to see large age gaps in relationships. In the U.S., this would be ghastly, so readers just need to keep in mind the difference in cultures between the U.S. and Japan.
Overall, I might be biased towards this series coming from a library background, but I think this series has a decent blend of action and romance to keep many readers happy.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
We begin with the conclusion of Iku's parents visiting, in which Iku finds an advocate in an unlikely place. Next, we are introduced to Marie, a young woman who has a condition that is destroying her hearing. She is friends and neighbors with Instructor Komaki, and he always finds the right book to recommend to her. In her latest visit, Komaki recommends a book with a heroine suffering from the same condition. Bystanders at Marie's school report Komaki because they think he is cruel for giving her a book that focuses on her deafness, and officials forcibly remove Komaki for questioning and investigating into the alleged "abuse" of a disabled person. Of course, Iku can't wait for the rest of the squad to come up with the plan to save Komaki, so she puts things in motion for herself. In the Bonus manga of this volume, there is a story of a Publisher Party where the Library forces are providing security. Iku ruins her clothes, so she has to borrow a dress and get all dolled up, and she doesn't understand why all the men are hitting on her!
Iku is definitely a hot head, but after seeing her interaction with her parents, I think we can understand why she is defensive and is quick to act. I like the storyline with Marie, but I think some readers will be a little concerned for the age gap - she's in high school, and he's post college. In Japan, 16 is the age of consent in most prefectures, and it isn't that unusual to see large age gaps in relationships. In the U.S., this would be ghastly, so readers just need to keep in mind the difference in cultures between the U.S. and Japan.
Overall, I might be biased towards this series coming from a library background, but I think this series has a decent blend of action and romance to keep many readers happy.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
October 2, 2021
3.5/5
I felt like the main story ended a lot sooner than it should have. Yes, I do like the bonus short stories in the back, but this time there were more of those than actual timeline-based plot.
That being said, I am pretty engrossed in the story and characters at this point. They make laugh and I love to laugh. Laughing is my favorite.
So obviously I'm going to look over how minimally short-changed we got this volume.
I felt like the main story ended a lot sooner than it should have. Yes, I do like the bonus short stories in the back, but this time there were more of those than actual timeline-based plot.
That being said, I am pretty engrossed in the story and characters at this point. They make laugh and I love to laugh. Laughing is my favorite.
So obviously I'm going to look over how minimally short-changed we got this volume.
January 31, 2018
In this volume we get to see some of the side characters shine a bit. It was great to actually focus on the romance for once. I loved seeing how much Marie loves Komaki and how she was willing to help him. I love how Komaki wasn't going to confess to anything at all. It shows he's a lot stronger than I thought. Overall, wonderful as always and I can't wait to keep going!
December 22, 2018
Super adorable
This is such a cute series! I love Iku and Dojo and their dynamic and how much they want to protect the library.
This is such a cute series! I love Iku and Dojo and their dynamic and how much they want to protect the library.
May 30, 2024
If you really think about it, this series is wild
January 16, 2021
My star rating:
Cover: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World: 4.5/5
Romance: 3/5
Art style: 4/5
Enjoyment level: 3.5/5 stars
Cover: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World: 4.5/5
Romance: 3/5
Art style: 4/5
Enjoyment level: 3.5/5 stars
March 27, 2023
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
Source: Library
This was another fun volume of Library Wars.
Iku's parents finally leave from their visit, so that's some stress off her shoulders. We meet a childhood friend of Tezuka. Tezuka also encounters some danger in this one. It showed the seriousness of the censorship and just how far the government was willing to go to punish the librarians. Everything works out in the end.
The bonus mangas at the end were a lot of fun too. Dojo gets to see Iku looking very pretty.
Now there is a slap that happens in this that shocked me a little. It wasn't great.
Dojo and Iku still bicker. This also has some manga cliches. I enjoy them, but maybe not everyone would.
This is a fun series. I'm ready for the next Volume.
Source: Library
This was another fun volume of Library Wars.
Iku's parents finally leave from their visit, so that's some stress off her shoulders. We meet a childhood friend of Tezuka. Tezuka also encounters some danger in this one. It showed the seriousness of the censorship and just how far the government was willing to go to punish the librarians. Everything works out in the end.
The bonus mangas at the end were a lot of fun too. Dojo gets to see Iku looking very pretty.
Now there is a slap that happens in this that shocked me a little. It wasn't great.
Dojo and Iku still bicker. This also has some manga cliches. I enjoy them, but maybe not everyone would.
This is a fun series. I'm ready for the next Volume.
April 22, 2018
All I can say is...KOMAKI!!!
He has been my absolute favorite side character (excluding probably Dojo, who doesn’t count) and was SO happy to read more about him! Super super happy reader and hope that will not be the last time we get a story of him like this. :)
Also, bonus manga was on par. (No surprise though. Seriously. They are so good and this one with Dojo was absolutely priceless.)
The only thing is I can’t stand the way Dojo treats Iku sometimes. Not going to say specifically how, but ugh! Dojo you can find a better way to get through to her. -_-
He has been my absolute favorite side character (excluding probably Dojo, who doesn’t count) and was SO happy to read more about him! Super super happy reader and hope that will not be the last time we get a story of him like this. :)
Also, bonus manga was on par. (No surprise though. Seriously. They are so good and this one with Dojo was absolutely priceless.)
The only thing is I can’t stand the way Dojo treats Iku sometimes. Not going to say specifically how, but ugh! Dojo you can find a better way to get through to her. -_-
April 18, 2022
I *adore* this series, but the side relationship between Komaki and Marie has always made me uncomfortable, and it did even more so this time around. They just...made a big deal about the age gap, it made it sketchy 😅
But. This series still has my whole heart. Absolutely in love 💕😍
But. This series still has my whole heart. Absolutely in love 💕😍
February 14, 2014
What happens when the parents come to town ? How does she hide the fact that she's in defense ? Well she gets the whole gang to support her and cover her tracks. it's funny, a bit sad and very sweet at the same time. Another fun edition to the series
November 27, 2017
One extra star for (albeit a pretty awkward) attempt to include a deaf character. Three stars of enjoyment.
Hahhh and also cross off the "Character gets dolled up and dudes all realize SHE WAS SECRETLY PRETTY ALL ALONG!" bingo box of manga!
Hahhh and also cross off the "Character gets dolled up and dudes all realize SHE WAS SECRETLY PRETTY ALL ALONG!" bingo box of manga!
October 8, 2015
Series continues to be solid with a nice romance in this issue - not between who you would expect. :)
The bonus stories are a lot of fun. Smile Tezuka!
The bonus stories are a lot of fun. Smile Tezuka!
January 23, 2018
Finally some interested reaction from Dojo! I love the bonus manga at the end :D
July 23, 2025
2.75 Stars!
It actually pains me to rate a Library Wars volume so low, especially since it's my most re-read one. (And by most re-read, I do mean that I would just skip to the bonus manga because that’s what salvaged it for me.)
“You’ve overcome your shyness… so you could become my hero.” - I would’ve liked this more if their relationship didn’t creep me the fuck out.
Unfortunately, even this series wasn’t spared from a weird age gap relationship. Marie and Komaki’s relationship is weird as fuck. They acknowledge the age gap, yes, but not the fact that this is a grown man in his late twenties going for a girl who quite literally just turned eighteen.
“Who knows? Sometimes that doesn’t stop a grown-up man” was an insane line choice, and having Dojo flashback to when he met teenage Iku was even crazier because those are completely different situations. Another absolutely wild line was what Komaki said to Marie when they came to rescue him: “I can’t see you as a child anymore. What am I going to do?” (Am I the weird one here? Does no one else see what’s wrong with this?)
Things I actually liked about this volume:
-Iku’s dad having her back for the first time ever is still one of the most iconic moments of the entire series.
-Marie as a character! She is adorable and I love the friendship she develops with Iku and Shibazaki. I also love how she tells off those officers for their ignorance. How dare they use her disability, which they knew nothing about, as an excuse to torture Komaki?!
-The fact that Iku was the one who caught on to how Marie and Komaki felt about each other. (I love how she’s perceptive about everyone’s feelings but her own… and also Dojo’s.)
-I like how we get small appearances and anecdotes about Tezuka’s brother before he finally shows up, because the build-up pays off in the end since he’s such a vital character. (Tezuka only calling him because he wants to help Komaki… You just know that’s a tense family dynamic.)
-IkuxDojo Quotes/Moments which I desperately clung to so I wouldn’t have to think about Marie and Komaki:
=>“Next time you take off crying, hide someplace an emotional girl is more likely to hide.” - I’m convinced this man looked everywhere for her before he caved and Shibazaki for help. (You’re pathetic, Dojo, and also kind of an asshole… I unfortunately like that about you now.)
=>“What happened to the menstrual cramps so terrible you couldn’t get out of bed?!” // “I lied. I was picking Marie up!” - Literally just them arguing like an old married couple throughout this entire volume, in front of everyone.
The bonus mangas did a lot of the heavy lifting in this one, especially the second one because it truly lives in my head rent-free. I only have this volume to read the bonus mangas, I’m not even joking.
The first one was about Iku trying to capture a photo of Tezuka smiling, because she just has to see it for herself. It was really funny and just so wholesome! It was incredibly in-character of Iku and Tezuka to instinctively leap into oncoming traffic to save a little girl. And then you had Iku being so in awe of seeing him smile that she completely dropped her plans to photograph him. Iku is a stronger woman than I am because I would not have been able to survive both Tezuka and Dojo smiling at me consecutively. (Sidenote, how did she get those other pictures of him though? The one of him brushing his teeth feels impossible. Shibazaki’s right, she’s definitely got a talent there.)
“There were so many threats for me to neutralize.” - Dojo really is my favourite dumb dumb
The second one is simply iconic. It’s so iconic that I forgot it was a bonus manga and not an actual part of the story. Main protagonist who’s unfamiliar with traditional feminine styles turns into a princess when she has no other choice but to wear the pretty dress, but she still manages an epic takedown anyway - gotta be one of my favourite micro-tropes. (Poor baby has no idea how gorgeous she is!) Also, paying for the ruined dress is the least that sleazy novelist could do. Dojo should’ve held him up for Iku to use as a punching bag.
It actually pains me to rate a Library Wars volume so low, especially since it's my most re-read one. (And by most re-read, I do mean that I would just skip to the bonus manga because that’s what salvaged it for me.)
“You’ve overcome your shyness… so you could become my hero.” - I would’ve liked this more if their relationship didn’t creep me the fuck out.
Unfortunately, even this series wasn’t spared from a weird age gap relationship. Marie and Komaki’s relationship is weird as fuck. They acknowledge the age gap, yes, but not the fact that this is a grown man in his late twenties going for a girl who quite literally just turned eighteen.
“Who knows? Sometimes that doesn’t stop a grown-up man” was an insane line choice, and having Dojo flashback to when he met teenage Iku was even crazier because those are completely different situations. Another absolutely wild line was what Komaki said to Marie when they came to rescue him: “I can’t see you as a child anymore. What am I going to do?” (Am I the weird one here? Does no one else see what’s wrong with this?)
Things I actually liked about this volume:
-Iku’s dad having her back for the first time ever is still one of the most iconic moments of the entire series.
-Marie as a character! She is adorable and I love the friendship she develops with Iku and Shibazaki. I also love how she tells off those officers for their ignorance. How dare they use her disability, which they knew nothing about, as an excuse to torture Komaki?!
-The fact that Iku was the one who caught on to how Marie and Komaki felt about each other. (I love how she’s perceptive about everyone’s feelings but her own… and also Dojo’s.)
-I like how we get small appearances and anecdotes about Tezuka’s brother before he finally shows up, because the build-up pays off in the end since he’s such a vital character. (Tezuka only calling him because he wants to help Komaki… You just know that’s a tense family dynamic.)
-IkuxDojo Quotes/Moments which I desperately clung to so I wouldn’t have to think about Marie and Komaki:
=>“Next time you take off crying, hide someplace an emotional girl is more likely to hide.” - I’m convinced this man looked everywhere for her before he caved and Shibazaki for help. (You’re pathetic, Dojo, and also kind of an asshole… I unfortunately like that about you now.)
=>“What happened to the menstrual cramps so terrible you couldn’t get out of bed?!” // “I lied. I was picking Marie up!” - Literally just them arguing like an old married couple throughout this entire volume, in front of everyone.
The bonus mangas did a lot of the heavy lifting in this one, especially the second one because it truly lives in my head rent-free. I only have this volume to read the bonus mangas, I’m not even joking.
The first one was about Iku trying to capture a photo of Tezuka smiling, because she just has to see it for herself. It was really funny and just so wholesome! It was incredibly in-character of Iku and Tezuka to instinctively leap into oncoming traffic to save a little girl. And then you had Iku being so in awe of seeing him smile that she completely dropped her plans to photograph him. Iku is a stronger woman than I am because I would not have been able to survive both Tezuka and Dojo smiling at me consecutively. (Sidenote, how did she get those other pictures of him though? The one of him brushing his teeth feels impossible. Shibazaki’s right, she’s definitely got a talent there.)
“There were so many threats for me to neutralize.” - Dojo really is my favourite dumb dumb
The second one is simply iconic. It’s so iconic that I forgot it was a bonus manga and not an actual part of the story. Main protagonist who’s unfamiliar with traditional feminine styles turns into a princess when she has no other choice but to wear the pretty dress, but she still manages an epic takedown anyway - gotta be one of my favourite micro-tropes. (Poor baby has no idea how gorgeous she is!) Also, paying for the ruined dress is the least that sleazy novelist could do. Dojo should’ve held him up for Iku to use as a punching bag.
May 31, 2024
this is where we part unfortunately.
the complications feel really episodic and never build up to anything bigger. something happens and then on the next chapter they fix it just like that. take this volume's for example, that's it? in 5 seconds?
iku has no development whatsoever. she always makes the same mistakes, is mindlessly impulsive and someone has to always come and save her, fixing her mess so she don't deal with consequences. i didn't mind having a protagonist like that, starting off bad means we could see a big arc of growth. but by now we'd be seeing something, no? because of that her character gets so annoying and you can predict what's gonna happen every time because she's gonna act the exact same way.
the romance is not fun anymore. i'm getting annoyed even. that was the reason i kept reading, and this makes me sad i was having so much fun in the beginning...
[rant]
the complications feel really episodic and never build up to anything bigger. something happens and then on the next chapter they fix it just like that. take this volume's for example, that's it? in 5 seconds?
iku has no development whatsoever. she always makes the same mistakes, is mindlessly impulsive and someone has to always come and save her, fixing her mess so she don't deal with consequences. i didn't mind having a protagonist like that, starting off bad means we could see a big arc of growth. but by now we'd be seeing something, no? because of that her character gets so annoying and you can predict what's gonna happen every time because she's gonna act the exact same way.
the romance is not fun anymore. i'm getting annoyed even. that was the reason i kept reading, and this makes me sad i was having so much fun in the beginning...
[rant]
October 4, 2022
The series continues. Some extra attention is paid to Komaki and a romantic interest. That is nice since he has been kind of on the sideline most of the series so far. He is a sweet and kind character, so of course his love interest is the same. Some sudden hearing loss representation here. The relationship can be seen as a bit problematic since he is in his late 20's and the young lady is underage and in high school. They grew up near each other and she has been in love since she was a little girl.
That line was a bit uncomfortable. But Komaki is a perfect gentleman with her. The war escalates to include a POW situation. Another problematic situation occurs later with some sexual harassment that borders on assault at a party. And as Dojo and Iku get closer, the sporadic violence in the form of slapping and the constant name-calling gets more problematic. When he hit her as a superior officer, it could possibly be explained as training, but I never see him hit anyone else. But he is acting less and less like a superior, so the slaps and name calling have a bit of a different feel.
Content notes: the aforementioned underage relationship implications, some light swearing, some non-violent torture, sexual harassment/ attempted sexual assault at a party
She may still be in high school... Sometimes that doesn't stop a grown-up man.
That line was a bit uncomfortable. But Komaki is a perfect gentleman with her. The war escalates to include a POW situation. Another problematic situation occurs later with some sexual harassment that borders on assault at a party. And as Dojo and Iku get closer, the sporadic violence in the form of slapping and the constant name-calling gets more problematic. When he hit her as a superior officer, it could possibly be explained as training, but I never see him hit anyone else. But he is acting less and less like a superior, so the slaps and name calling have a bit of a different feel.
Content notes: the aforementioned underage relationship implications, some light swearing, some non-violent torture, sexual harassment/ attempted sexual assault at a party
June 13, 2021
I know, I know, I said I was going to savor this volume until the next two in the series arrived. But to be fair, how many bookworms have said that only to divert from the original plan!?
Until proven otherwise, Kiiro Yumi's fifth volume in the "Library Wars: Love & Wars" series is by far my favorite. Yes, it is most likely due to the intersection of themes that are dear to me (the library, allying with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, friendship and love, etc.), but I am not ashamed of that! Other readers near and far may agree.
Fans of the series will continue to see their favorite characters open up, and share their vulnerabilities. Whether you enjoy Kasahara, Shibazaki, Dojo, Tezuka, Komaki, etc. you will see another layer to what makes them "them", and what inspires their inner drive. They will also see some of the best moments of self-advocacy and courage from new characters, that in turn will inspire the reader to do the same for themselves when the time calls for it.
Alas, I must now wait for volumes 6-7, and while they cannot come soon enough I know that is Kasahara can be patient then so can I.
Until proven otherwise, Kiiro Yumi's fifth volume in the "Library Wars: Love & Wars" series is by far my favorite. Yes, it is most likely due to the intersection of themes that are dear to me (the library, allying with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, friendship and love, etc.), but I am not ashamed of that! Other readers near and far may agree.
Fans of the series will continue to see their favorite characters open up, and share their vulnerabilities. Whether you enjoy Kasahara, Shibazaki, Dojo, Tezuka, Komaki, etc. you will see another layer to what makes them "them", and what inspires their inner drive. They will also see some of the best moments of self-advocacy and courage from new characters, that in turn will inspire the reader to do the same for themselves when the time calls for it.
Alas, I must now wait for volumes 6-7, and while they cannot come soon enough I know that is Kasahara can be patient then so can I.
April 6, 2022
I really connect with Iku’s struggles with her parents, and her mom REALLY annoys me. Like, how dare you tell your daughter how to live her life! That’s her choice, not yours! Her dad’s cool though, and I like how he’s singling out Dojo to talk to. Pretty sure the future father in law approves… 😏
I love Marie! She’s so cute and sweet and the connection between her and Komaki is just so adorable! They are kind of a friends to lovers age gap romance which didn’t bother me as much as I thought an age gap romance would. They are just perfect for each other, and I loved getting deeper insight into Komaki.
The bonus mangas are just as amazing as always especially the last one where Dojo’s just chasing off all these guys with nothing but a glare. It cracked me up and then his denial of saying anything to Komaki…🤣🤣🤣 These characters are a riot, and I love them.
Content: tension between parents and their grown daughter; characters lie; mild swearing; a character is falsely accused of abusing another and is slapped and verbally tortured because of it; a character slaps another; a mention of menstrual cramps; a kiss on the cheek; a girl is nearly hit by a car but is saved; violence (nothing over PG-13); suggestive comments are made by men to a woman; a guy tries to force a kiss on a girl (nothing happens and she’s saved)
I love Marie! She’s so cute and sweet and the connection between her and Komaki is just so adorable! They are kind of a friends to lovers age gap romance which didn’t bother me as much as I thought an age gap romance would. They are just perfect for each other, and I loved getting deeper insight into Komaki.
The bonus mangas are just as amazing as always especially the last one where Dojo’s just chasing off all these guys with nothing but a glare. It cracked me up and then his denial of saying anything to Komaki…🤣🤣🤣 These characters are a riot, and I love them.
Content: tension between parents and their grown daughter; characters lie; mild swearing; a character is falsely accused of abusing another and is slapped and verbally tortured because of it; a character slaps another; a mention of menstrual cramps; a kiss on the cheek; a girl is nearly hit by a car but is saved; violence (nothing over PG-13); suggestive comments are made by men to a woman; a guy tries to force a kiss on a girl (nothing happens and she’s saved)
October 19, 2019
Even though these volumes always put a smile on my face and I love Iku Kasahara, these volumes have never gotten to a 4 star for me. I really enjoy the story line and all the bonus content but I think it's because they aren't as memorable as I would like them to me. The story line with Marie Nakazawa was great though because it provided an excellent source of disability rep without over doing it and it showed her a strong female character who deals with all the same stuggles of growing up as anyone else; only difference is that she loses her hearing. The bonus manga at the end of the volume was probably my favorite part with Iku having to dress up after getting soaked in her uniform. The blindness to guys hitting on her was great but the confidence she had while doing her job in the outfit was even better.
November 2, 2025
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The dangers at the library take a turn in this volume. Instructor Komaki gets caught up in some serious allegations and the Task Force must figure out how to help him all while concealing Iku's true role at the library from her visiting parents.
Action, romance, and humor abound. I love following the adventures of the Task Force. It was fun getting to see a different romance story besides the continuing tension between Iku and Dojo.
Great artwork as always. Includes longer bonus manga at the end where we get to see a different side of Iku.
Another interesting story in a fun series.
The dangers at the library take a turn in this volume. Instructor Komaki gets caught up in some serious allegations and the Task Force must figure out how to help him all while concealing Iku's true role at the library from her visiting parents.
Action, romance, and humor abound. I love following the adventures of the Task Force. It was fun getting to see a different romance story besides the continuing tension between Iku and Dojo.
Great artwork as always. Includes longer bonus manga at the end where we get to see a different side of Iku.
Another interesting story in a fun series.
October 4, 2017
I knew Komaki would have more going on soon! I have to say, my favorite aspect of this series is the interjection of pertinent library topics, such as service for disabled patrons. Given the systems in place in this story, the angle of attack the MBC took makes perfect sense. The correlation between Komaki's romantic predicament and Dojo's conflict is a pretty clever way of bringing Dojo's attention to it in the plot. It seems we might be closer to having them bring them together after all...
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