A Devil and Her Love Song, Vol. 12

悪魔とラブソング [Akuma to Love Song] #12

by Miyoshi Tōmori

Meet Maria Kawai—she’s gorgeous and whip-smart, a girl who seems to have it all. But when she unleashes her sharp tongue, it’s no wonder some consider her to be the very devil! Maria’s difficult ways even get her kicked out of an elite school, but this particular fall may actually turn out to be her saving grace...

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Comics, Slice Of Life, Young Adult, 漫画

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2011

About the author

Associated Names:
桃森三好
桃森美由
TOMORI Miyoshi

She works a lot with Tekkotsu Saro (鉄骨サロ), who develops the story of several manga, while she handles the drawing.

Reviews

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad Shin's getting his hand taken care of, after days (weeks?) of ignoring it, but does he really have to go to America for the surgery and rehab? Seems like an artificial way of creating conflict between Shin and Maria, when there really shouldn't be any left. And then there's the whole "we should break up before I go" stupidity. Dude. You might be afraid of being mean to her, pushing her away, but isn't that her choice? If you love her and she loves you, don't you each have the right to choose to be together, even if it is long distance?

Once again, Yusuke deserves all the hugs. He is indeed resolutely supportive of Shin and Maria's relationship, to an extreme degree almost. I get that he doesn't just love Maria, he also loves the way that Maria loves Shin wholeheartedly, but it seems like he sets himself up for a world of hurt. Who is ever going to compare to Maria in Yusuke's eyes? Is he destined to be forever alone because he'll never get over her?

The next volume is the last, I think, so I look forward to them wrapping up these storylines in a nice package.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shin has to go to the US to have his hand fixed,and Maria has to stay behind.

Their friends are trying to cheer her up by encouraging her to participate in activities as they discover that Maria is Internet famous when she sang at the airport when she tried to chase Shin down,unsuccessfully.

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all that Impressed with the last minute drama plus that even when Maria was throwing herself at Shin was hard to watch go down in a negative "I want to look away" way

[Kujira · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai tellement pleurer je vous jure si ça se finit mal je vais jamais m’en remettre

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

This volume is full of nonsense to create drama. (There'll be some spoilers here.) So Shin has to go to the US for his hand surgery, and who knows how long he'll be there. He could even be there for YEARS (yes that is actually said). Because, ya know, there are no tendon surgeons in Japan. And when doing long term physical therapy, you are absolutely NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE HOSPITAL OR LIVE YOUR NORMAL LIFE AT ALL NOPE NOPE. And there's nothing like video calling or electronic mail to keep in touch with loved ones who are living somewhere else. Nope, internet totally doesn't exist. That's why all of the characters act like Shin is a 1700's sailor leaving for the new world, and they won't have any contact of any form for years until Shin dramatically returns with no warning.

Honestly, these are pretty common shoujo troupes, but they drive me crazy. Thank goodness there's only one more volume, because I absolutely could not take much more of this.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

satisfying without sacrificing the tension of Maria and Shin's goshdarned nobility towards each other. I'm excited to read v. 13. still really don't like eros.

[Elena (Recolectando Palabras) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria fue expulsada de su anterior colegio por pegar a una monja. Y es considerada un demonio porque es muy directa con los demás y muchas veces no tiene en consideración los sentimientos de los otros.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved binge-reading this series, and I am glad I did. I feel like this volume was packed full of more emotional turmoil for the characters, but also some really important growth. I can't believe the next volume is the last.

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good volume.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

see full review @ Katie's Corner

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria and Shin’s devotion to each other makes my heart happy.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

So glad John is gone. Still not a fan of Shin, though hes not bad per se, just not so good with Maria...

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mae mía cuánto drama
Ese capítulo 80... 💔
Yusuke qué buen amigo eres joo

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[Judyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4/5

[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]

“I’ve always dreamed of telling that one special person that I love him. But it wasn’t just that. When it happened, I wanted to love myself for being able to say it too.” (One of my absolute favorite sentiments, and something that really encompasses why I love Maria so much.)

This was a very emotional volume for Maria and Shin. They’re making pace with their relationship, although a rather big snag was thrown into it. A little cliché, but that’s okay. There was a lot of crying, a lot of talking, and I have faith that they’re going in a good direction. They’re not being dumb about it, and that’s good.

I love Maria’s maturity and how smart she is. She’s definitely one of my favorite heroines. She’s matured so much throughout the series, and I’m looking forward to where she is at the end of the next (and final) volume.

I like Shin, and really just feel bad for him. I’m interested in seeing where he is in the next volume, as well.

Yusuke is still such a sweetheart and I love him. And I feel a little crushed for him because of where he is with Maria. The poor thing. I am really interested in seeing what happens to him in the next volume. I just want him to be happy.

I’m really excited for the next volume. It’ll be sad to see it end, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it all concludes. I hope it’s good.

[Miss Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELCOME BACK TOMORI :DDDD

this volume was everything i love about this series! i haven't been super enthused about maria and shin lately -- not against them, just not feeling the same kind of investment as i did in her other relationships -- but this was a volume where they really shone. these kids are so good for each other! incredibly supportive and capable of seeing each other clearly, like i actually genuinely believe they're going to be able to make things work even with the obstacle of plot driven separation

also yusuke, my heart, i spent this whole volume singing paeans of my love for him. i don't usually buy secondary love interests turned shipper but i believe it from him and i am deeply enamoured with what a mature kindhearted approach he is taking to unrequited love. yusuke: J'ADORE

also let me just take a minute to say that this is probably one of the best depictions of teenagers talking about sex i've seen in manga, like dang that scene was real. thank you maria kawai for these blessings you grant :') 5 stars

[Holly Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about this volume was the emotions expressed by Maria. The emotions of her face are drawn very well, and play a large part in the story. They enrapture the reader.

Maria has made up with her father, and is now wanting to be family once again. But, that didn't happen easily. Maria is the child of a rape, and she always feels like it makes her inferior. But, while she is quite outspoken, she is beautiful and lovely.

I don't like that her boyfriend, Shin, left to study overseas. LDR is not something for everyone, and I can justify that as I have been in an LDR for over 9 years. But, Maria handles it quite well, and I applaud her on that.
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This volume was provided to me as an eManga by VIZ Media, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Things for Maria have been looking up—especially since she reconciled with her father, and her relationship with Shin has been progressing. Unfortunately, Shin’s hand injury gets worse, and the only way to treat it means an operation overseas…!

My Thoughts:

In this volume, there's a parting, but not a bad one. Shin and Maria will always love each other. I'm as sure of it as Yusuke is. I hope to see a reunion in the last volume since it's the one after this.

I was happy that Maria was able to motivate Shin. He was feeling pretty down on himself, thinking he's no good for him. He'd basically given up all hope of being able to play the piano again after his surgery. Whether he can use his right hand again the way he could before the injury, I just want him to come back and make Maria happy.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's coming down to the wire here! Maria has reconciled with her family and past, along with getting her voice back from all the shock it has taken. She now has to contend with her budding romantic relationship with Shin more. Shin has a lot on his mind and his flaws are showing. They go through a date where big news is revealed. Her friends become ever closer to her, and help teach her the social interactions she so needs. She has come along way form her brutally honest, but melancholic self! It really shows, and I'm certain she has some decisions to make on her future.

[Patricia]

I'm pretty sure I'm only fighting through this series because I've gotten so far (and because I have nice friends who borrow me books all the time....) but well. All in all, not a bad volume, but I just don't like the general direction this story took. One more volume and we're done, though, so I'll see.. I guess I'll read #13 in about a year? I don't have much stamina with this narration. *sighs* It's a solid 3 star read, I suppose. (Can you feel the lack of energy? That's me, reading shoujo manga just so I can give them back to their actual owners/the library/my sister..)

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This one got me really emotional, something this series has worked at doing to me all along. There's only one more volume and I don't have it????? ACK! I love seeing how not just Maria, but everyone else has been growing and developing in the course of things. The whole thing is just amazing.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good volume. And I felt so bad for Maria at parts. It made me tear up. I do think her and Shin are cute together.

I think it was really sad that he had to go to America for surgery. Looking forward to the final volume of this manga.

[Kyrstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my favorites of this entire series. So much happens but Maria takes it all in stride. She's really strong and more people should realize that.

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked the scene with the piano. Just saying.

[Dramatica Darmody · Rating 4 out of 5]

an engaging read without all the bizarre and occasionally inappropriate mood changes of the last volume.

[Infinite Scythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't get surgery anywhere but America? That's fine I guess.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ultimate split that had to happen. But I know in the next and final book, they will reunite and live happily ever after. I hope Yusuke, Tomoyo, Shintaro, and Ayu all get along well too.

[Christine Zarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what's keeping me from stopping this series. Everything is so meh. I think I'm just looking for a closure, which, hopefully, would be a satisfying one.