Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 10

百千さん家のあやかし王子 [Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji] #10

by Aya Shouoto

Himari Momochi inherits Momochi House, an estate which exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms. Himari is attacked by an ayakashi in the depths of Momochi House and is saved by the Guardian of the Gate. The guardian, wanting the Momochi name, tries to get Himari to marry him. Naturally, Aoi has no intention of letting him have his way!

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

172 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2016

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

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favourite volume yet! wowwwww

[TheYALibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

Rating 4 Stars

I have been behind on manga lately but this manga I have been able to keep up on. Its such an addictive story with interesting creatures and what I would guess is real folklore (haven't found anything online that really confirms that but I did find an article on shikigami which means small spirit). The continuous plot of this manga is great. Himari is just a teenage girl that become the landlord to the Momochi house where creatures and demons live whether by free will or trapped. She takes this job that was put upon her really well despite all the dealing she has had with different demons that almost got her killed. And also despite loving the head demon of the house Aoi who said he doesn't love her back. (But last volume he said he did? more on that later). Himari is definitely not the typical manga protagonist with big boobs and a damsel in distress complex and does not put up with anything she does not like. I can rave about her all day its a refreshing change to most manga I have read.

BUT there is some things I had to take a star off of. The fact that I don't really like Aoi sometimes. Hes super manipulative to Himari telling her he can't love her then all of a sudden being like wait no I lied I do love you and no one else can have you, even if you fall in love with someone else. Talk about possessive too this guy needs to be kicked down a few pegs. His shikigami have a better personality than he does.

I'm hoping this new Aoi changes so I will continue on to the next volume to see.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww Ise- I love his strong characteristics, he’s definitely a softie though 😍😍

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was creepy, sweet, and suspenseful.

It also gave some more backstory which was good.

That ending was really satisfying. I’ve been waiting…. 7 volumes for this. It was fab.

I could end it here and be happy.

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

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

As the 10th 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... and my review of volume four... and my review of volume five... and my review of volume six... and my review of volume seven... and my review of volume eight... and my review of volume nine...

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!

The art in this volume is, of course, gorgeous!! The mangaka does NOT let up in delivering the art to support her beautifully rich and lush story... This time though we get details, details, details!! It was a great way of explaining the new character but visually! (Which is something I admire as a writer who can't draw!!) His design is rather like a cross between Kasha and Ise and I think that says everything about his role in the story...

We meet the gate guardian again and boy is it a total whirlwind!! We don't see that coming with the very romantic end that concluded the previous volume. We get a glimpse of just how dangerous Momochi House is... just a little refresher as we meet and interact so much more with this new character. I quite admire how the mangaka uses Japanese mythology wisely, not cramming in a monster a chapter but making each and every one count in the larger story.

You see as you read this volume that the gate guardian is TOTALLY an ayakashi to his core... He has NOT been influenced by Aoi through the years like Ise and Yukari and that makes him... unexpected! And boy does he know how to take advantage of a situation. This seriously ratchets up the tension as we see not only Aoi threatened but the Nue tested! Having a rival appear of the scene as Aoi and Himari declare themselves is spot on for making us squirm...

We also get this lovely short separate from the main volume that explains how Ise came to be in the Nue's service!! GAH!! Yukari's story made my heart melt but I loved Ise's story just as much... Even though Aoi and Himari are the center of the story the side characters are what enrich it, so I was so happy to see his back story fleshed out... especially after how he was included in the previous volume's story arc.

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

BOTTOM LINE: This mangaka KNOW WHAT SHE IS DOING!! She learns and grows with each volume and boy does it make for compelling story.

______________________
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...

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-Read Review (February 24th, 2023):

My thoughts on this volume haven't changed much from 2017. Shouoto gives her readers some needed down time after a trip through Aoi's past, returning to some of the subplots she started with and hinting at ones to come. Hakka's reintroduction to the plot provides a little more info on Momochi House's role in the plot, along with throwing some brief romantic conflict into the ring. That's resolved fairly quickly, but it's still a short entertaining romp that sets up a new enemy emerging from the shadows. Ise's bonus chapter also does a great job characterizing him and opening his heart to potential kinship.

First Read Review (October 20th, 2017):

And all caught up again! While the plot regarding the Guardian of the Gate wanting Himari's hand in "marriage" felt rushed, it was still very entertaining to read the short battle between him and Aoi (color tag), as well as find out the former's origin. The cliffhanger was intriguing and should provide some great conflict, and I liked reading the side-story about Ise's background.

Now I have to wait until March for the next volume. What am I going to do without this gorgeously drawn and lovely series until then?

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to progress in a very positive way for me. I am really enjoying what they are doing with Aoi's character. The progression with Aoi and the Nue is a beautiful tug of war that I love watching unfold. I am very much looking forward to what will happen coming up.
We are really starting to come into a lot more knowledge about Momochi House as well, and I am HERE FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and some interesting new characters. I'm still in love with this art style.

[Rachel Hyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie, the mythology of the world is getting confusing/contradictory. But I love the sheer madness of it all and the art is beautiful so I’m going to keep going.

[(Mellifluous Grant) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than I expected! Enjoying the new story line.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Himari should just marry the Guardian of the Gate. He doesn't have the creepy vibe that Aoi does.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good but way too short.

[Mirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esperaba que Aoi me cayera mejor pero la verdad ya estamos en el tomo 10 y nada, tampoco me cae mal, es un meh.
O sea hasta me cae bien el no-tan-nuevo personaje pq (quiero creer) por lo menos está diciendo de frente lo que quiere.

PODEMOS HABLAR DE ISE? yo lo amo, quiero más extras de Ise por favor.

[Illy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A NEW LOVE RIVAL. YES YES YES. I LOVE IT!

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

Bello bello bello

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

After the big reveal at the end of the last volume (Aoi's declaration), I was wondering what direction Shouoto would take with the story. And in true shoujo manga form, both characters pretty much pretend it didn't happen. It's a bit disappointing but the introduction of a new recurring character in the Momochi household (and a bit of a rival for both Aoi and the Nue) made up for that trope.

Story: The Gatekeeper has returned to Momochi House - and this time he wants to do more than devour Himari's name. Aoi's sudden change of heart has left Himari confused and not sure of what prompted the declaration and kiss. But she doesn't have time to contemplate long as she is attacked by a very deceptive Ayakashi and then saved by the Gatekeeper. But 'saved' is questionable when she discovers that the most powerful gate in the world is Momochi House - and to gain control over it, one need only marry a Momochi herself.

I liked the new character, though he does remind me quite a bit of Ise. He's going to be an interesting foil for Aoi since he knows so much about Momochi House and the Nue who have come before. Himari desperately wants to know what happened to them - and the Gatekeeper could very well be the answer to her quest of freeing Aoi from servitude to the Nue. Except that Nue has prohibited him from saying 'uneccessary things.'

Also included is a very beautiful side story about Ise and how he came to Momochi House. Both his and Yukari's stories were well done and I'm glad that Shouoto took the time to give us a full side story and not a few short panels. The price of this volume was worth it for that short story alone - though also to have a new character on the scene as well was great! Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Himari Momochi is still in shock after Aoi’s love confession. She goes exploring the house on her own and almost gets kidnapped by a female ayakashi (or what is left of it), only to be rescued by the Guardian of the Gate between the spiritual and human worlds, who she met a few volumes before. He wants the power in her last name now and decides at first that the best way to do that is to marry her, which she of course refuses, then decides that becoming the guardian of the Momochi House (the omamori-sama) would be the better route. Aoi also completely refuses to allow either of these things to happen, but the Guardian forces his hand by kidnapping Himari and forcing him to play a dangerous game to get her back. Aoi thankfully wins but at what cost to Himari and himself? Bonus story about Ise included at the end. Recommended for ages 14+, 4 stars.

Mangas like this crack me up. This book is basically a reverse harem, a manga where the main character is a girl who has a bevy of hot young men that are falling over themselves to get her attention and/or protect her. The Guardian of the Gate is handsome and charming, and it seems used to getting his own way, but is defeated using his own vanity/bad habits in the end. Bit poetic if you think about it. Aoi, despite looking exactly the same, seems to have changed and become more powerful/ruthless since he revealed his true feelings for Himari. And that scene where the Guardian gets all cheeky and kisses Himari and you see Aoi literally crack and turn into the bloodthirsty Nue, is pretty bad-ass. I was honestly a little confused about what exactly happened with the new shikigami at the end of the manga, so hopefully the author/illustrator will explain it better in the next volume.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this manga from Viz Media in exchange for my honest review.

[Satangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to check out volumes 6-10 from my local Joint-Use library before the new Year of 2019. I was looking forward to continuing with this series.
I glad that Aoi and Himari are so good together and that everyone in momochi house supports them. I was surprised by the gate keeper that wanted to marry Himari and that he'd become a Shikigami to the Nue. These children games mention in the books make it interesting and funny. I'm staring to see Aoi's possible side come out more, in slightly intrigued bc worried that this could go both ways. For example, Aoi said " I am be omamori-sama of momochi house. I won't let anyone take my place. Even if ...you fall in love with someone else. I ended up thinking about where the kind and innocent Aoi went before he discovered love and jealousy.
I am slightly questing on how Aoi truly feels and why it seems that he still has more secrets. That cliff hanger at the end with the mention about an unnecessary Nue imposter was ominous and I wonder who it is. The bonus chapter with Ise and his friend was lovely and I got to find out how he became to shikigami to the Nue.

[Rebekah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hakka has now started messing with Aoi about him becoming the Nue and he is determined to become the Nue and wield endless powers. Hakka used a blood sphere to capture Himari and forced Aoi to play a game with him to which Aoi won and Hakka was forced into a Shikigami Contract with Aoi and that's how he became Aoi's newest Shikigami.

Hakka, is also known as, the guardian of the gate. Another name for Hakka is that he is the gate opener since he can literally create gates and connects gates at will which is really useful to Aoi and he doesn't stop him from helping Aoi at all. Hakka still continues to try to make Himari make him the Nue. Himari refuses because she is satisfied with Aoi being the Omamori Sama

A dark Nue has entered Momochi House and is constantly saying "Unnecessary." It is the previous Nue but with no soul and it has been drenched in black darkness. Aoi has become half Ayakashi and is now almost completely half Ayakashi.

[Thursday,nightmare · Rating 4 out of 5]

ก็อปปี้วางอีก 3 เล่ม ไม่มีอะไรพิเศษมากมาย เนื้อเรื่องต่อกันค่ะ

เริ่มมั่วซั่วและเครียดละ รู้สึกว่าอ่านมาจนขนาดนี้ ก็ยังไม่ได้มีอะไรเปลี่ยนนอกจากเนื้อเรื่องเริ่มเครียดขึ้น เริ่มมีความเป็นความตายของนางเอกมาเกี่ยวข้อง แล้วก็โคตรจะเกย์ ไม่น่าล่ะ หลังจากจบซีรีส์นี้อาจารย์ก็ไปวาดแนว YAOI ก็นะ ทำให้จบๆ ไป 55555 น่าจะถนัดกว่ารักช-ญ

.

น่าติดตามแค่เนื้อเรื่องเลย อยากรู้ว่าฮิมาริจะช่วยอาโออิได้ไหม ส่วนความรักของสองคนนี้ไม่อินจริง ภาพสวยแต่งง บทไม่ปะติดปะต่อ งงไปแล้ว 30% แต่ก็ไม่ได้แย่มาก นักแปลคือแบก กับลายเส้นที่วาดผู้ชายออกมาให้สวย แต่มันเกย์ไปหมดด โว้ยย ไม่เว้นแม้แต่ตอนเข้าฝันฮารุโตะ (?) ไม่มีครั้งไหนที่ฮิมาริถูกชมว่าสวย น่ารัก แต่อาโออิไปโผล่ในฝันเพื่อนชายสมัยเด็กแค่ตอนเดียว โดนชมว่า“ผู้ชายหน้าสวย” งงบ่? จะว่าไปก็ชอบตอนลูปนี้เหมือนกันนะ เป็นสปินออฟเล็กๆ ให้ตัวละครในบ้านได้พักผ่อน และให้อาโออิมาแอร์ไทม์มากขึ้น แล้วก็ได้คอนเน็คกับเพื่อนสมัยเด็กที่จำตัวเองไม่ได้แล้วด้วย

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Volume 10 of The Demon Prince of Momochi House, things get awkward between Himari and her housemates following a revelation at the end of Volume 9. Also, Himari has an interesting encounter with the Gate Keeper Demon from one of the earlier volumes.

This volume introduces a new story arc involving the Gate Keeper Demon, Hakka. He seems to be almost set up as a rival for Himari's affections. But I am curious where his storyline will go from here. Also realizing Aoi is quite the jealous guy (though I guess many manga male love interests tend to be)!

I also enjoyed the sweet and funny backstory for Ise that ends this volume. If you like manga/anime guys with long hair, you'll probably like what Ise looked like before he became the Nue's shikigami.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another competitor for power shows up, and is kind of dealt with, though there will surely be more trouble later. Now that the big mysteries of Aoi's past have been revealed, it seems like the cliffhanger ending is bringing in a new big problem. Also includes an adorable short story about Ise's past.

[Kaitlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did a massive re-read/catch up with this entire series. Beautiful artwork and the story was just as good as I remember it (and it kept me up until 2 in the morning so that's always a good thing...)

You can check out the rest of my review plus others! over at Randomly Kait

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely Shouoto's best work. The artwork remains beautiful and the story is still engaging after (or at) ten volumes. I look forward to seeing how the story will develop and what will happen to Aoi.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardian of the Gate is back...and this volume was sooo good because of it. And they set it up to where he'd be a recurring character so more shenanigans are sure to follow. They also set it up on a very intriguing cliffhanger.

There's also a bonus story about how Ise became Nue's shikigami.

This series has 16 volumes.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things have taken a darker turn with the completion of Aoi’s memory arc. It is certainly an interesting way to go about introducing a new shikigami. And, we may just get an answer to how Aoi can escape Momochi house down the line as Aoi wrestles with The Nue to maintain his humanity.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are getting dark and the story is getting a bit more crazy. Aoi and Himari are finally a couple! And they are facing some challenges. Himari is someone that many people want because she is a Momochi! Should be interesting going forward.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm pretty dark volume honestly. Aoi might be the guardian but also there may be a dark side to it. The gate keeper... interesting. I do wish our female lead hadn't slipped back so quickly to doing something she was asked not to do on her own, did it, and then needed rescuing.