Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 4

百千さん家のあやかし王子 [Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji] #4

by Aya Shouoto

Himari Momochi inherits Momochi House, an estate that exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms. All knowledge of Aoi’s existence has been expunged from the outside world, but there is one who still faintly remembers him—Aoi’s childhood friend Hayato Hidaka. Hayato seeks out Himari, but it is said anyone who becomes involved with him will be cursed!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Paranormal, Supernatural

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2014

About the author

Aya Shōoto is a Japanese mangaka.

She publishes under two names in Japanese, that spell the same but are written with different characters.
- 硝音あや: for shōjo manga
- しょうおとあや: for BL manga

Associated Names:
Aya Shōoto
Aya Showoto
Kashi

Reviews

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved all the backstory in this volume, can't wait to get to the next one and find out more.

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

As the fourth volume of a manga my rating is affected by the previous volumes! See my review of volume one... and my review of volume two... and my review of volume three...

On her 16th birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits the ancestral estate she’s never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role!

What I LOVED about this volume was how the story turned on a dime and went all back history on us. We meet an old friend of Aoi and memories are all mixed up because Aoi has the Nue title. I won't ruin it for you but we learn all about Aoi when he was young (and YES he was as sweet a person then as now...) I loved infused plot like this where we get all the characterization we want but still exciting battles and emotions.

I'm totally captured by our characters now and will follow them anywhere. Himari comes into her own actually making a plan and sticking to it rather than reacting in the moment (girl power!) The romance while a slow burner has a spike in this volume that was unexpected and lovely. I couldn't help falling for the little fox spirit boy. And generally being totally captured like Himari in having a happy ending for this friendship.

The art has become even richer and more lush. I think there was more time to add backgrounds and depth to the art that wasn't in the early volumes. I'm not sure I'm loving that ( #mangaloverconflicts ), though either way this is is some gorgeous art. The page of the kudagitsune were gorgeously drawn and my favorite page in the entire volume! Well worth the read just to see that...

I think what makes this manga so compelling is how it skirts the monster a volume pattern by injecting unexpected outcomes and revelations from the events in the story. Our little fox spirit boy latches onto a startling conclusion about Nue and Yukari makes a jaw dropping revelation! Plus Himari imprints an unexpected friend onto herself. I just wanted to keep rolling along their story...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art

BOTTOM LINE: The potential kept up its momentum!! I'm dying to learn more in volume 5!

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews in a special feature called Saturday Morning Cartoons...

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow the art is so beautiful. I cannot get over how delicate and detailed it is 😍😍

Tamamo is so cute. Hidaka is cool. And everyone in Momochi house is a wonderful, quirky family!

But hmm, Yukari huh? I wonder what’s his deal? He’s been so kind and responsible, is there a dark past to his story? 😲

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review in progress*
We get to learn more of Aoi's past when I new students goes on about being cursed, and A fox spirit goes after Himari for her ring. I love how this volume tied things together but my heart felt sorrowful for these parted friends. Toss in some revenge and new household members and this was a great volume!
One thing that I do not remember, and it is driving me crazy is who this Kesha spirit was that appears. Based on behavior he has to be in a past volume but I do not remember him! Grr.....

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the first volume, I walked away thinking that this was just a Kamisama Kiss, Vol. 1 knock -off. Now, four volumes in, I realize that it may share some themes and visual similarities, but this is a much sadder, darker story. As the books go on, Aya Shouto delves more and more into the inherent sadness of Aoi's existence, not the least of which is that if it had in fact been Himari who had become the omamori-sama, there would have been no one to forget her and her life within Momochi House would have been richer than the one she left, even being unable to leave. It's this undercurrent of bittersweet sadness that sets this apart from other, similar stories, and that's also what keeps me reading - holding out hope for a happy ending despite the odds.

[Satangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked out Vols. 1-5 from my local joint-use library and I love reading this series.

My Review...

I love the slender and graceful looking purple cover of this volume. The Nue and Yukari on the cover show how elegant they are and purple is one of my favorite colors.

I am always pleased by the first couple pages in full color. Especially, the full-color page of Chapter 17 with The Nue and Kasha (finally got to see his character in color - he's still handsome and I am not sure if he is either bad or good sometimes).

I never took a good look at Himari's school logo/crest before. I noticed that it was a cloud with their name or school written in kanji on it. The design was nice as it fits with the whole theme of the book and series.

I was sad to know the backstory of Hidaka and Aoi's past. I was so happy that there was still someone out there who remembered Aoi. I was surprised that the fox spirit, kudagitsune, took the form of Aoi when he was a child and I almost mistook him for a demon or somehow connect to Aoi himself but he wasn't. Furthermore, I was happy that Aoi and Hidaka were able to reunite, though briefly and be happy. I felt sad that Hidaka had ended up forgetting Aoi in the end, but it was for the better and their true feelings were able to get across to each other. Although, it was and still a heart aching scene for me. Luckily, Himari and Hidaka are now friends and he can live his life in peace along with more friends in the future.

The Shikigami Zushi makes an appearance again in this volume, although it was minor. I would like to think we get to see more of him.

I was confused to why the kudagitsune multiply, but I admit that they are all too cute. Especially, the older brother of the fox spirits, Tamamo and I can agree with what Himari said to Tamamo- "I had no idea you were so cute." I felt sad again that he misses his mother and I think he feels lonely. Also, because the only people who can see them now are those that live in Momochi House.

Kasha made a reappearance, but he did not seem so evil to me. I feel like from time to time he does good/bad things or he is mysteriously helping out because he seems to have a lot of secrets and he comes and goes whenever he wants to.

In addition, we get an unexpected and accidental confession from Himari to Aoi that I almost felt was too soon in a way, but at the same time right for this moment. Aoi is so innocent that I wanted to know his reply, but I see we are going with the family type of love excuse that is good for now. I feel like Aoi has secrets of his own and I really wanted to know what his thoughts were if he chooses to use the box with the ayakashi fireflies in it. I might have to agree with Kasha that "Aoi... ...Doesn't want to hold the box." I am sort of confused and wondering why though.

I became glad that everything ended nicely and everyone seemed happy. The welcoming party for the fox spirits and Tamamo was a nice scene. They all reminisced about their parents and loved ones. I seemed to forget that ayakashi have parents of their own. Also, one of the lower ayakashi that looks like an umbrella, I did not notice that it stood attached to a leg before and its bulging knee.

I almost thought that Himari would be sad about her parents because she grew up in an orphanage, but she seemed happy and glad that they left her Momochi house and making all these wonderful memories. I like learning tidbits about the Momochi family and it makes more curious about them even more.

When it came down to Yukari and his family. I was shocked to find out that he was born to a normal family and then had mixed feelings of finding out that he became an ayakashi from eating human flesh.

Another volume read and off to the next volume. This volume filled me with so many surprises and cuteness that I loved so much. It had its sad moments, but it all ended for the better. So far, I am still not disappointed with this series and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Anomaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume definitely wasn't the cotton candy fluff I expected. There's a storyline with a depressing conclusion and a lot of heavier emotional topics, but I enjoyed it all the same and I especially enjoyed the introduction of fox spirits.

I may take a small break from reading, especially since the library doesn't have the rest of the volumes yet, but otherwise I'm very curious to see where this is going and still quite like it overall.

[maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good news is, this was better than volume 3! I do still have volume 5 checked out from the library, so I look forward to seeing whether or not this continues to get better!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful volume. I quite enjoyed getting to know a little more about aoi while he was still a regular human. It's so sad that nobody remembers him at all now. The fox spirits are adorable. Poor things that couldn't be seen by their family anymore with bloodlines being too diluted for the sight. That last panel though! Wish I had access to the next one right away

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The Demon Prince of Momochi House continues to impress with its deceptively subtle storytelling and beautiful artwork. With each volume, we learn more of Aoi and Himari and their mysteries. At the same time, tantalizing hints demonstrate that there is still quite a bit we don't know about the two main characters (and even the side characters have their secrets). Mangaka Shouoto wisely avoids 'monster of the week' cliches and instead focuses on plot and character development.

Story: Aoi wasn't always locked within the confines of Momochi house. Before he wandered in, he had a best friend named Hidaka - who has now grown and shares a class with Himari. But Hidaka is tormented by his failing memory of his friend Aoi - and that friend's mysterious disappearance. That is, until Himari comes to school wearing a ring made for her by Aoi - a ring that brings back Hidaka's memories in a frightening way. For the Nue will not allow Hidaka to remember his childhood friend - or even meet with him again. And Hidaka's family harbors its own connection to the supernatural world.

This volume features a complete story arc - of Aoi's childhood friend and the loss of each other when they were young. While there is more character development and worldbuilding between Himari, Aoi, Ise and Yukari, the focus is on Aoi's acceptance of what he gave up when he devoted himself to Momochi House. Shouoto beautifully lays bare the pathos of childhood friends and Hidaka's fear that he was the reason Aoi disappeared from the world.

Himari remains dedicated and a good person - the fulcrum upon which the human and supernatural interact. She will run afoul of Hidaka's family's fox spirit and pull another capricious character into the Momochi home. And a visit from Kasha with a box that reveals secrets will lay bare feelings on both sides of the human and supernatural world.

In all, another beautiful volume in this expertly crafted story. As with the previous volume, the book ends on a preview of the next story arc. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

why the fox never tried to get what he wanted? anyhow it would have been more interesting if Aoi had really ended up in Momochi House because the fox was following him! and why not talk to his friend for one last time? what was he afraid of when his friend was going to forget everything?

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aoi and his friend are in different world. So Aoi let his friend forget him, so he is safely.

[Illy · Rating 3 out of 5]

AHHHHHHHHHH! I’ll be honest, I wasn’t super sure in this series, but I really do like it now. I definitely recommend this.

[BeckyisBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

There we go! That is how you end a volume of manga. And accidentally professing romantic feelings? We love to see it. I will be requesting the rest of the series post haste. 4 restless fox spirits out of 5 potential cannibals.

[Mirian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabemos un poco más del pasado de Aoi y tenemos a un nuevo personaje, que personalmente, me encanta y me da mucha ternura.
Ese final 👀 wth
Kasha wtf apareciendo de la nada, igual es un personaje que me llama muchísimo la atención.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was better.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

[Robiok · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Haila Al-Moajil · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[booksalwaysinbag · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Read Review (February 8th, 2023):

Shouoto deserves props for the Hayato arc. Not only is it well-done, but I really like how she depicted Hayato as someone on the bridge of the human and spiritual realms. It made his interactions with Himari engrossing, and the ending of his arc bittersweet. It's understandable why Aoi made the decision he did. Does it still hurt? Absolutely. The following chapter also serves as a great way to tie this storyline together and hint at what's to come with the last two panels. The shikigami are still catching my attention and holding a place in my heart. Shouoto's art for this volume was also her best yet of the series so far.

On a random side note, my local library re-ordered Volume 13, so guess who doesn't have to ILL for this series re-read? It may take a couple weeks to jump into the next four volumes, yet I think setting a goal to finish this second Revising Shouoto chapter before going to grad school is doable.

First Read Review (October 26th, 2016):

The Hayato storyline was incredibly interesting, and definitely more than I thought it would be. Hard to put the volume done because of that! I also liked the reappearance of Zushi in this volume, and the introduction of another yokai that may become important later on. Plus, we found out a very interesting secret at the end of the volume.

I'm still curious on what Kasha's motives are, though. What bigger tricks does he have up his sleeve?

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is as gorgeous as ever, which was basically the driving force behind not giving this volume 3*. It wasn't a bad installment, I just think it was probably the least compelling volume in the series so far.

[Jana (Nikki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quiiiite Great enough for 4.5 stars, but dang this one upped the FEELS. I'm a sucker for arcs like Hidaka's (IT HURT BUT I LOVED IT).

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 4 came back with a good story after volume 3 had felt a little lack luster. Some of the whimsy of this kind of a story is still missing to me. Here's hoping volume 5 comes in even better!

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Più vado avanti e più questa serie mi piace davvero tanto.

[Nikola · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 gwiazdki
Na pewno lepsze niż poprzedni tom, ale dalej to jest bardzo przeciętna seria. Nie poleciłabym jej nikomu

[Kata · Rating 4 out of 5]

urocza manga z potężnymi cliffhangerami

[Rebekah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayato Hidaka, the one who asked about Himari's ring was finally restored to his normal life after solving the Fox Ayakashi issue. Himari helped Hayato's family get rid of the Ayakashi and brought them to the Momochi House where they can reside peacefully. Aoi fully erased the memories of Hayato remembered of Aoi in his childhood. Aoi had received a visit from Kasha and so far nothing had happened from Kasha's visit. He had shown up so he could get rid of the fireflies that devour secrets in a box so he could use it as a pillow. Kasha sure is crazy.

Himari has confessed that she loved Aoi, thanks to the firefly box, but she brushed it off that she loved him as family and it was very evident that Aoi's feelings were hurt as he mentioned that it was probably for the better anyways.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this series is really good! It’s cozy but definitely has supernatural and unsettling moments.
this happened last volume, but when kasha controlled one of those students who was dead, the smile In the mirror was so creepy

I like all the main characters although himari can be annoying sometimes when she tries to do stuff without understanding the whole context and she does not listen to the warnings of the others. Aoi is certainly childish but a bit of a romantic.He has some bad habits but himari is working on correcting those. Anyway, the last.part of this volume was so shocking
yukari? I forgot his name but the water serpent was a human and he became a water servant because he ate someone?!?! He seems so nice and normal out of all house momochi so that was shocking
I wanted to read the next volume immediately but I’m waiting for it right now!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Volume 4 of The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Himari meets Hayato Hidaka, who claims to be cursed by fox spirits and seems to have known Aoi before he entered Momochi House. Himari decides to see if she can find out what he knows about Aoi and see if she can help Hayato from the spirits.

This is the first volume where you start to learn about Aoi's past. But most of it focuses on Hayato's curse. The plot was definitely interesting, but I am still unsure of Hayato's character development. I do, however, like how this volume serves to aid Himari in her ultimate quest to find a way to free Aoi from Momochi House.