Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Vol. 2

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits #2

by Waco Ioka (Illustrator/Adaptor), Waco Ioka (Credited as), Ｌａｒｕｈａ (Illustrator)

Aoi’s having no luck finding a job at the Tenjin-ya inn, but a chance encounter with the tengu Matsuba might give her another option! Her home cooking and kind manner impress Matsuba, and when he finds out why she’s in Kakuriyo, he offers to welcome her into his family as a daughter-in-law to pay off her debt! Can the still unemployed Aoi afford to turn down such a generous offer?

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

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2017

Reviews

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

Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...


Aoi Tsubaki inherited her grandfather’s ability to see spirits—and his massive debt to them! Now she’s been kidnapped and taken to Kakuriyo, the spirit world, to make good on his bill. Her options: marry the head of the inn her grandfather trashed, or get eaten by ayakashi. But Aoi isn’t the type to let spirits push her around, and she’s determined to redeem her grandfather’s IOU on her own terms! If she can just get someone to see past her family background, Aoi is certain she can prove her worth...

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits vol 2 is so charming... We meet a handful of new characters and I love their character design. The look of the characters will totally win me over or cause me to abandon a manga so they have to be good... I totally loved Lord Matsuba and how he was a lush and then his more commanding look later. We get to visit outside of the inn and see more of the city and through the art we see that its dark and dangerous, not someplace Aoi should go without Ōdanna at her side. I was excited to finally get a look at grandpa older too!

The plot was a little tighter in Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits vol 2. The Ōdanna is pleased tht Aoi is able to help the inn, but not enough to forgive her debt. And Aoi supports him in the idea that she be the one to pay it off. I liked that he didn't take the normal tactic with this... instead he takes her out on the town!! And the Ōdanna's passionate speech about marriage is quite ironic, which I love. There is waaaaaaayyyyyyy more going on here than Aoi realizes. I like that bit of mystery...

We see the idea of a restaurant introduced again and get a glimpse how that would work. I really enjoyed this aspect and actually find it a point of tension... just when ARE we going to get this restaurant going?! And why is there a patient now!? I do love that Ginji has ideas too and shares them with Aoi. There is a little of everything in Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits vol 2 and if it keeps going forward like this then I will really be enjoying this series...

I was really interested in new character, Kasuga, a racoon ayakashi... she reveals some of the inn happenings and I wondered at her motivation in keeping Aoi informed! I also really loved how the Ōdanna seems to have a crew around him that is made up of ayakashi that has a personal connection to him... Is he really the tough ayakashi that he appears to be? We are starting to see glimmers that not all is at it appears. And with ayakashi I find that to be so true, so much so I'm excited to plunge ahead!

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits vol 2 was a really fun introduction to the mix of food, friends, ayakashi, mystery, and drama that Aoi is in for big time working off her debt to the Ōdanna. He is in this for the long game and I am so fascinating to learn more about Kakuriyo and the wider world...

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

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.

______________________
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[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pleased at the directions in which Aoi's character is growing.
Also enjoying the cooking subplot!

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am stupidly excited for volume 3!!!

[ambyreads✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ｡･:*˚:✧｡ this remains being cute, I love the main character and how determined she is. I love much of a handsome smartass the hero is. I love all the cute side characters. This is such a cosy manga series.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really getting into the series. Loving it. 5, really enjoying it, stars.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a few things about this manga adaptation of a light novel series. Aoi is an enjoyable MC who doesn't fall into the "agreeable" mold that we so often see in shoujo leads. She doesn't hesitate to express that she doesn't feel up to running a restaurant, since she's only done household cooking up until now (treats and lunch boxes for the ayakashi in her Earth neighborhood aside, I suppose!). She doesn't suck up to Oryo, the Young Mistress of the Tenjin-ya, and is frank in her reluctance to take care of Oryo when Oryo falls ill. And of course, there's the basic setup where Aoi refuses to become the Ōdanna's bride, and instead is trying hard to find a way to work off her grandfather's debt.

We see more of the setting beyond Tenjin-ya as Aoi and the Ōdanna take in a downtown area in the spirit world. They meet a couple of new characters, one who ends up coming back with them to Tenjin-ya. Aoi receives a magical item from an old friend of her grandfather, and uses it a couple times in the downtown sequence. She also loses her magical hairpin. What might have happened to it? It seemed significant, but then it vanished from the story after Aoi dropped it downtown. Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing it again, especially since the Ōdanna gave it to Aoi before she arrived in the spirit world.

The art continues to be unimpressive. This volume's occasional action sequences are rather dull and hard to follow, and there isn't a lot of expression on the characters' faces. Not every manga has to be melodramatic, with faces stretched into grimaces in every panel. Still, there should be something else there to compensate for its lack of impact, and I'm not seeing that.

I appreciate that this isn't a typical found-family story, and that the inhabitants of Tenjin-ya have power struggles and other concerns that don't entirely center around Aoi. Very few even like her--she's a human, and she just showed up, and likely shot down the hopes of a number of ayakashi would-be brides. For some, she is an unnecessary disruption in their stable lives at best. However, despite Aoi's "unemployed outsider" status, she's at no risk of losing access to food, shelter and clothing, thanks to her sorta-engagement to the Ōdanna and a convenient cottage on Tenjin-ya's grounds for her to stay in, so the stakes feel rather low.

On the whole, I feel there's something missing here. Kakuriyo is a remix of Natsume's Book of Friends with every aspect of it being worse or less developed. Aoi's caught in a nebulous position where she's something like a princess, and something like a peon. Maybe things will get more interesting as she establishes herself more firmly in the spirit world, and develops stronger connections there.

[Jemailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75☆

My. Aoi's feistier and Odanna's even more arrogant and mysterious here, but oddly sweeter in many ways (which seems counterintuitive). 🤔

[Shu Wei Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Links to my reviews for each available volume as follows:
Volume 1: 4 best nine-tailed fox character stars
Volume 2: 4 Beauty and the Beast but make it Spirited Away stars
Volume 3: 4 how can spiders be this endearing? stars
Volume 4: 4 foodie stars
Volume 5: 5 just who is Aoi's grandpa, Shiro? stars
Volume 6: 4 pretty art stars
Volume 7: 5 I need more of Kakuriyo stars

Beauty and the Beast but make it Spirited Away ✨
I need to know more about Aoi's grandpa!! The series so far is doing a good job building intrigue around him, and I'm hoping the mystery doesn't drag out for too long.

[KristynRene SwissCheese JellyBean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not swoon and therefore do not care 😪

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was boring. If anyone's read this series, can you tell me if there is any romance in it? I'm really only reading because she's the bride to be of an ogre. If there isn't going to be any type of relationship between them soon, then I'm out.

[☽｡⋆ Naidah ₊˚ෆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

I forgot how good this story is. I watched the anime a long time ago and it’s great reading the manga, cause some things tend to be different.

I definitely wanna see what happens next!!

[Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the first volume on a whim and I’m glad I did :)

This is a very enjoyable read and I will definitely by purchasing the 3rd volume

[Starbubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this so much! It's fantasy and folklore at its best. And the food! While I don't get hungry reading about it, it's so creative!

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/mjnZoWzcGwg

"I know you hate me but I'm still going to make some ice cream because *I* want some."

(Aoi's kindness towards the ayakashi in a nutshell. LOL!)

Another fantastic volume!

I really loved Lord Matsuba and how he adopted Aoi as his granddaughter! Goes to show the power of cooking/food and how it can build bridges between even those who would say is an enemy! Granted, I wouldn't say he acted like an enemy towards her, but I found it extremely heartwarming how he shared memories with her about her grandfather and really just the entire conversation. It was wonderful! (Also adding in how he really put Ōdanna in his place by saying he needs to treat Aoi better! ;p)

Aoi continues to be a wonderful character and I am deeply enjoying how she is standing on her own two feet! Even when she is still technically unemployed and has nowhere to go, she is not caving in that she doesn't want to get married and wants to pay off her grandfather's debt. She is incredible!

However, I wonder how the tables will turn in finding out about Ōdanna's kindness to some of the members of his staff? And not just them, but with Suzuran as well and "rescuing" her. He is certainly full of surprises himself and admit that I can't help but feel a little more than happy with how he has treated Aoi in this volume later on. Sorry, Aoi! LOL!

Ginji continues to be my fave, but I'm also really liking Kasuga! She's fun and cute! I have mixed feelings about The Snow Queen. She doesn't seem to be BAD per se, but I don't feel she is good news either with how ambitious she is and blatantly admitting she wouldn't be afraid to take Aoi out. *nervous laughter*

So once again, I'm continuing to love this series! So much so, that I'm thinking of buying personal copies for myself since I'm borrowing from the library! LOL! The cooking is making me so hungry, but I love the characters a lot!

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn it I got sucked into another manga series! Ginji is so happy to help her with the restaurant it is so sweet. I for sure think the Odanna cares for Aoi. I enjoyed their trip into the city. The interactions between Aoi and the Odanna are fun to read. I really want to know now all of her grandfather's adventures. What did he do to have such an impact?

I am excited that the restaurant looks like it's going to get started in the next volume. There are so many questions. I think Aoi is going to start making friends all around. I think she will speak up for a certain someone and she will be well-liked. I am so excited to read more!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is turning into a comfort read. I love the relaxed pace it has and the food focus. Getting to know Genji and the other akayakshi is a lot of fun, especially win they are all so different from each other.
I'm at the point where I have mostly forgotten everything that happened in the anime season I watched, so while I do remember things as I am reading I am enjoying the freshness of it.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead for the first volume

Aoi wakes up in the bed she snuck into at night. She discovered one of the tengu who were so angry last night has passed out in a drunken stupor. She brings him in, feeds him, tells him who she is, and is highly praised to the inn for it. He offers her an escape, but she chooses to stay and there's the possibility she could open a restaurant.

It goes on. It involves a snow-maiden with a fever, a promise she made, a fan that controls the winds, a trip on an airship, and more cooking.

[Ozsaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun new characters are introduced. Some might become regulars, and some will probably have cameos in the future.

Enjoying this series.

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come :)

[Serra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved it! Both art and story amazing. I am very excited about other volumes.

[kyky · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally obsessed

[Nao ♡]

as lovely and chaotic as i remember :)

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot - 4 ⭐️
Character - 4 ⭐️
Writing Style - 4 ⭐️
World Building - 4 ⭐️
Art - 4 ⭐️
Cover - 4 ⭐️

Overall - 4 ⭐️

[Anna Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmm… como que está medio aburrido.

[Milaryn]

All the food pls, mmm.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series! I loved seeing more of this world in this volume. I am looking forward to learning more in the next Volume.

[Rereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread on 4/2/23

The look on Aoi's face when the Odanna states that its wrong to force someone to marry someone else is fucking PRICELESS. That is the look of, "do you not hear the hypocrisy spewing out of your mouth?!" Loved it.

Original review on 3/5/19
I was a little skeptical going into this volume because the first one was okay, but I'm surprised at how good this second volume is. The artwork is pleasing (if just a tad generic), the story is fun, the lore is interesting, and the food, oh my gosh the food! I think I hit the jackpot with a series that has Japanese folklore and an emphasis on food. Aoi is still a fun, strong-willed character and I enjoyed seeing her interactions with Oryo and the retired Tengu lord. However, if there is one criticism I have to make it's the speech bubble placements and sometimes confusing artwork. I know that sounds weird, let me explain:

There are certain instances where the placement of the speech bubble doesn't match up with who is talking, especially in the context of the panel either where it appears or after. For example, there's a scene where Aoi is talking to Ginji and in one panel it looks like he's saying something, but in the context of the conversation it makes more sense that Aoi is talking (and what I chose to believe is the case). Granted Kakuriyo is not the only one that has this problem, but it can be pretty confusing. Didn't necessarily ruin my enjoyment, but it did happen more times than it should have. In regards to the artwork, there were several scenes where I either couldn't figure what was going on, how characters got to where they were, or where people were drawn in places that made no sense in relation to future panels. Again, this isn't enough to ruin the volume for me, but it seems like such an obvious error that should have been corrected.

Anyway, I still enjoy the series and am glad I ordered the next volume. Can't wait to see what is in store in volume 3!

[Rachel]

A very solid follow up, really looking forward to continuing this one! :D

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of wish we got to see more monstery folks, and fewer pretty faces. There needs to be more cooking in this manga!