Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 16

百千さん家のあやかし王子 [Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji] #16

by Aya Shouoto

Himari Momochi inherits Momochi Hiouse, an estate which exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms. Himari and Aoi's summer together has passed by in an instant. When Himari wakes, she discovers that Aoi has been absorbed by Momochi House. The building begins to collapse as Aoi tries to release Himari and the shikigami. Is Aoi lost forever or can Himari save him?

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

168 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2019

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]

Oh I am so sad this series is over!! I really enjoyed this final volume it was lovely, the ending was a little rushed but I did enjoy how it ended. I’m gonna miss Himari and Aoi so much omg

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ending confused me. I wouldn't call it rushed, but it felt a little hurried, and I had trouble following what was going on. I'm not sure why I got so lost reading it though. I just... didn't quite get it.

I mean, I liked it. I can't say I would do anything differently, but... I feel like I'm missing something.

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

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!

Awwww the last The Demon Prince of Momochi House... I’m going to miss this touching, light, beautifully drawn story. It’s not a densely plotted storyline by any means but the art and sentiment carry it along for you. Aoi and Himari feel like true star crossed lovers that you hope can overcome the realities stacked against them.

Himari refuses to escape as Aoi wishes and we see shikigami and yokai alike working together to get her goodbye. These pages flew by. I can’t wait to check them out in a paper version as I think the details will be much better than the digital copy I read. I found the final moments quite touching with the perfect send off.

Then we get a surprising 10 year jump. I always LOVE these kinds of things, checking in with all the characters I love and their futures, is such a pleasure. This time we get an unexpected twist. I was jumping up and down in my seat reading this. It made for a fabulous end. Especially the hints at the end that tell is how this was made possible.

The Demon Prince of Momochi House was a fabulously drawn, touching love story with supernatural moments that I love. This is a series to binge read if you get the chance.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐
I'm so sad this series has come to a end!! Definitely gonna re-read it in the future!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! MY HEART <3!!!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that was a good enough conclusion. Didn't exactly wow me or fully satisfy me though. I kind of feel like I did when I read the end of the Water Dragon's Bride series. I feel like this series has a similar vibe to that one.

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 2 out of 5]

For this to be the end of a series, it was weak and left me unimpressed.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Ah, the conclusion comes to this wonderful series. Yes, it is as full of pathos and beautiful moments as you would expect. It is also a bit different - with an ending you might not have expected. The art is very loose and light in this volume - rather than the intricate panels and detailing Shouto had done for previous volumes. As such, it does feel very rushed rather than the contemplative slow burn storytelling we have come to expect. But it is a satisfying conclusion, all the same.

Story: Momochi House is breaking apart, falling into destruction as Aoi releases his shikigami and merges with the building. But Himari isn't willing to let Aoi go without seeing him one last time. With the help of all her friends, shikigami and yokai alike, she will find a path through the crumbling building to the heart of where Aoi lies.

Aoi was always inextricably bound to the Momochi house and this volume is about Himari coming to terms with that even as the building falls down around her. The defeat of Kashi last volume set the stage for this epic conclusion and quite a few old characters return.

As noted earlier, the illustration work lacks the solid detail of previous volumes and feels very unfinished. There is little shading and a definite vagueness about all the designs. Admittedly, it was a bit disappointing since the art of the past has been so incredibly breathtaking. But the pathos is still there.

The first three chapters of this volume conclude the main arc. The last two take place 10 years later with some surprising twists. In all, a very satisfying conclusion to a wonderful story. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[sassyspines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad this journey is over! I absolutely adored this series and I felt it was a satisfying conclusion to the story arc. I can see how it might come across to some, but this still shocked me with some twists.

Pre-read review: October is about to be super emotional. I can't believe this is the last one in the series!

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shoujo loves an age difference, bay-bee! *eye-roll* But, overall, this manga has a fitting end. If you don’t like time skips, the ending may be unsatisfying. And yes, Himari is still bland. Still, I liked the Demon Prince of Momochi House as a series.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 16 books, and 7 years this series wraps up with this last volume. I am a little sad to not get any new stories from this series but happy that it is completed. There was a time when I would pick up a series only to just have it stop and never published.

Overall, this series was a great read for me. I loved the characters in it, conflicts they had with each other, the personalities that shown through each one to make them stand out, the art, the world in genral.

I would like to have seen more of her school life but was not needed to make this better, just guilty pleasure reading. Anything that needed to be said was said and what was needed to be wrapped up was wrapped up... all but the last demon. I feel like this gave a GONE WITH THE WIND like ending with that and I like it that way.

The book before this one did throw me a curve ball that as sad as I was for the curve ball was really good and help move into the last book that give me a bittersweet ending that I needed.

[Katie❄️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to rate this. The ending was kind of vague and unexplained. I'm still not sure what happened. Then, time passed. A lot of time... It's hard to just take at face value when 10 years have passed. I'm learning manga seems to prefer this method of mystery endings with certain series/themes. Where you don't quite know what's going on or has happened but it's the ending nonetheless. So a little disappointed about the clarity I guess.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, uh, why does 10 years pass but only one for him making it now a 26 year old with an 18 year old... like....

But I do like the ending, I don't think it really make much sense but they got a happy ending I suppose.

Overall 4 stars had some ups and downs with beautiful art that I think was more paranormal/supernatural then romance.

[MAG Scrittrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho trovato confusionario anche questo, e un po' frettoloso nel finale. Perché far passare dieci anni? Non l'ho capito. Il lieto fine, però, è come sempre la conclusione per eccellenza.

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 Read #608

This was a beautiful ending to my favorite of Aya Shouoto’s series. I look forward to rereading this manga again and again in the years to come.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of the series with a HEA.

[Briar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough series. Seemed rather rushed. What little tension was usually resolved by the next volume. Not much character growth and too many similarities between them.

[Vin Macabre · Rating 5 out of 5]

SERIA SKOŃCZONA!!!! ale przyjemnie mi się to czytało

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did a marathon rereading of the series before getting in to this final release. Is it wrong that I preferred the bitter, sad ending of the last volume more than the Disney-esque encore we are given here? I think the first nine volumes and the penultimate one would have made for a stronger, tighter ten volume series. The filler volumes had some interesting ideas that never really fully coalesced. Still, I love the supernatural theme. The frequent appearance of ayakashi always reminds me of my favorite manga series, Noragami by Adachitoka (pen name of a mangaka duo). With a new volume due out before the end of the year and a similarly extended release schedule, it’s another in need of a reread. If you are looking for another supernatural love story, check that one out. Noragami has a lot more action and folklore elements to it, but at its heart it is a sweet love story.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This series was weird to say the least. I never really knew the direction that it was going in and I don't even really understand what happened in the end. The art style is gorgeous but the plot seriously lacks anything of substance.

Overall I would probably give the series as a whole 3 stars. I liked it and it was a fun read but it wasn't anything incredible. I wouldn't recommend picking this up if you're looking for a good story. But if you're looking for good art and a typical shoujo romance then check it out.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This finale was beautiful and perfect. Not quite what I was expecting, but it was better!

[Kayt O'Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of full series, specifically focusing on volumes 10-16
Review of volumes 1-2 here ; review of volumes 3-9 here

It's been clear since the start that this series has a specific audience and tropes in mind and isn't trying anything groundbreaking. And that's OK! Reading Momochi was like a snack: not going to change my life, but absolutely enjoyable and fun.

The tale of teenage Himari (orphan and newly arrived at her ancestral home, which is full of supernaturals and spirits) and trapped teenager Aoi (unable to leave the house since he was 10, forced into the role of supernatural Nue, complete with a transformation into a very pretty cat-fox-man) as they fall in love and struggle with their pasts, secrets and potential relationship, has had exactly ZERO surprises.

I mentioned in earlier reviews that neither is a standout character. Himari is your average, stock shoujo heroine: cheerful, stubborn, full of emotions that will overcome evil magic. Aoi is similarly a generic boy, kind and gentle with a secret that tortures him emotionally (the secret is that he doesn't think he's kind, because he wants to be selfish and not suffer in life). Together, they deal with the ayakashi, or spirits, that are drawn to Momochi House due to its presence between the human and spirit worlds.

This last third of the series deals mostly with Himari finally (finally) understanding more about Aoi, and how he's entangled with the house, a few Big Events that involve one or the other being imprisoned by outside forces and/or their own emotions, and the big finale.

Let's be real: well before you reach the 10th volume, you know if this series is for you. The plot moves [sometimes too] fast and doesn't always explain things well. The art is pretty but nothing to write home about (if you're already used to flowy shoujo styles), the plot points and struggles get resolved shallowly and you can find barely-resolved characters and threads without trying hard.

None of that improves throughout the series, and I would say it gets worse in the final three books. Aoi is captured by Kasha, the ayakashi that has popped up several times throughout the series, seemingly just to cause havok. Why Himari never tries to use her "GET OUT" landlady powers, which let her yell at anyone and expel them from her house, is never explained, probably because ti would require the writer to find a better/more-difficult-to-write way for Kasha to mess with Aoi. Aoi is torn between his human and ayakashi halves, both of which desire Himari in different ways. There's a fight, which is poorly explained, but is ultimately on by the Power of Love.

Himari may or may not hallucinate her last day at school. Aoi does some sort of weird magic that involves both of them disappearing for a month, and when Himari awakes/returns, he's gone. The house starts falling apart. Perhaps Aoi has sacrificed himself/given in and is being consumed/whatever. Everyone fights the decay, Himari finds him, they kiss, then TIMESKIP.

Fast forward a decade, Himari is a teacher and has lost her memories of Momochi house entirely. One night while searching the mountain forest for a lost student, she comes across Aoi, still a teenager, still half-absorbed into a magic tree. They kiss. He's freed, reality is rewritten so he exists in the outside world again and Himari recalls her memories, they live happily ever after, and all their ayakashi friends call them frequently.

Do you have questions like what the hell actually happened? Join the club! It would be disappointing if I hadn't spent 15 volumes with the same don't-think-about-it-too-hard story. But it's good as a light snack, and I'm glad to have read the entire series.

[&#x13288;Eຮte͢͢͢r&#x13289; And Her &#x13288;฿øøks&#x13289; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimo capitolo della saga “gli spiriti di casa momochi”. É stata un’avventura meravigliosa quella vissuta tra le pareti di casa momochi; tra intrighi, pericolo, ma soprattutto tanta dolcezza e tanta amicizia. Forse proprio quest’ultima è stata la colonna portante della casa; nessuno dei suoi abitanti si è mai arreso ed ognuno di loro ha combattuto per l’amico accanto a sé. Non c’è dubbio che, alla fine della storia, la ragazzina sola, orfana, che ha attraversato il cancello di casa momochi, abbia trovato una famiglia ed il suo posto nel mondo. Che abbia trovato la felicità che tanto cercava, senza quasi rendersene conto. È sempre difficile finire una saga alla quale si è affezionati. Mi sono affezionata a casa momochi dal primo volumetto, dalla prima pagina. Per me non è stato solo un racconto, ho imparato molto da questi personaggi, soprattutto da Himari. Anche se se vive in un mondo crudele e cinico, non bisogna mai perdere la propria dolcezza, la propria bontà. Bisogna coltivarla e custodirla con cura, in questo mondo che fa avvizzire tutto ciò che reputa debole. Non bisogna mai dimenticare il perché ci ostiniamo tanto a combattere per quella cosa a cui teniamo tanto. Non bisogna mai smettere di sperare che, alla fine, un modo arriverà, che ci riusciremo. Himari è un pó tutto ciò che le persone mi hanno portata a disprezzare di me stessa, che mi hanno costretta a sopprimere. La mia innocenza, la mia dolcezza ed il mio spirito di sacrificio per le cose in cui credo. Forse per questo sono stata capace di vedere queste qualità in questo personaggio e di apprezzarle in questo modo. Non mi soffermo molto sulla storia perché altrimenti sarebbe spoiler ed, invece, sarebbe bellissimo se decideste di dare una possibilità a casa momochi ed ai suoi abitanti e leggere delle loro avventure. Quello che posso dirvi della fine è che non è mai una vera e propria “fine”. Ogni volta che qualcosa finisce non fa altro che rinascere in un’altra forma, per altre strade, con un diverso destino. Si rinnova, muta e va avanti, verso un futuro pieno di alternative. Ogni fine non è altro che un nuovo inizio; dopotutto per una mente ben organizzata può essere soltanto la prossima grande avventura 🎋🌻

[Tory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t believe how much this series went downhill by the end for me 😭
It started out as such a fun, monster-of-the-week fantasy romp with just the right amount of slow-burn romance between the main characters… but the author tried too hard and waited too long to introduce boss-level villains and very important plot threads that needed to be resolved. It felt messy and confusing and not quite in the spirit of the earlier chapters. Near the end when Aoi just started turning into a freaking HOUSE I knew I wasn’t going to like how this story was going to end up.

The actual ending where ten years passed, making Himari a full adult woman with a job and apartment, and Aoi suddenly wasn’t a house anymore (he’s a real boy!) but only aged up a single year to be ***18 years old*** and then MOVED IN WITH 26-YEAR-OLD HIMARI TO BE HER LOVER AND GET HIS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA was just truly unhinged.

I’m giving this 3 stars because of the overall enjoyment I got from this series, but this final volume was disappointing.

[book_worm119 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I can't say I understood a lot about what happened in the ending but I'm fine with it because the art was gorgeous and I'm so glad that Aoi and Himari ended up together. I was brought to tears at the idea that they might've not ended up (in the second last chapter.) The time skip also broke my heart and even if the 8 year age gap is weird, it was overall a really sweet ending. I was so glad when they kissed and reunited, although I do still have questions like how Aoi didn't age, and what was up with when he saw the Momochi house even after it had been destroyed and thought that he was going to return there one day. Perhaps he is immortal, or being born with ayakashi abilities, he may be immortal and intends to go back. I also don't understood what happened to Nue..although I do have a theory that perhaps Momochi House was never destroyed and they are both living there trapped in a dream world and not reality (?). Overall, a rewarding manga series I would recommend to fans of Noragami Stray Gods and Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun!

[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright... so, the house ate Aoi. Yukari, Hakka, Ise, and the other ayakashi help Himari find him. Then everything gets weird.

Himari gives a command word to the house and BOOM! 10 years pass. Everyone's forgotten Momochi House as anything more than an urban legend and Himari doesn't even own the land anymore. One freak thunderstorm and some trigger happy contruction guys, and Himari ends up buried under the mountain. When she gets out, magically, she pulls out a naked Aoi... WHERE DID HE COME FROM?! Now everyone remembers him, Himari owns the land again, and they're back together. All the ayakashi are safe and Himari and Aoi get their happily ever after.

As typical of Shojo romance, there's a happy ending, but the path to getting there is all lala-lloopsie... that or I'm still sleep deprived. Overall, the series isn't bad. It's not the best thing I've ever read, but it's good. Series score of 3/5.

This series has 16 volumes.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll let this review stand in for the entire series, since I read it overall quite quickly.

Some story arcs were a bit predictable, but other ones, pleasantly less so! I think some anime tropes, especially involving teens, can still be frustrating for me, but I recognize that (especially since I love tropes in so many other genres) and I thiiiink I can usually look past it. The art was lovely, though sometimes the characters looked a bit frail. I also found the main MC not that interesting? I think there was a lot more potential there. I couldn't help but think of Fruits Basket while I was reading this, which is maybe too high of a standard, but still!

Some solid romantic tension, some twists - overall, a very pleasant binge-read when I hadn't read manga in a while.

[Skye (Skye's Scribblings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

1/21 Series Review: In the beginning I enjoyed this series enough to collect them, but my interest steadily waned until by vol. 8 my purchase interest ended and I began borrowing them from the library. By vol. 11 I sadly lost interest in reading them at all, until I recently discovered the series had completed and decided to binge the remainder. Now that it's over I'm glad I read and finished the series, but I didn't enjoy the Kasha climax and wasn't really impressed by the series end. Overall this series had a lot of potential but fell very short of utilizing it for me, and proved a breathy and meandering pale comparison to Kamisama Kiss.

[Rachel Hyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I give the series as a whole four stars, but this particular volume was a three.

The art, the world building, the romance... it’s all lovely. It’s lighthearted for the most part with casual flashes of depth which - in all honesty - I wish the author had explored a bit more. But that doesn’t detract from my general love of the concept of Momochi house and the stunning artwork in each volume.

My main issue is - SPOILER ALERT - the time jump. It just didn’t feel necessary to me and it detracted from the action and robbed us off a proper resolution.

Still, the ending was sweet regardless, and I’m definitely going to reread the series in the future.

💜

[Jnyama · Rating 2 out of 5]

As with almost all of Shouto's series, I loved the artwork and thought the concept was compelling. The first 2/3 of the series' books I generally find very satisfying, but then things start to get more and more abstract and it seems as though more story threads are brought up than are ever resolved. "Demon" ended a little a little arbitrarily for me, but at least we were given some closure which is more than some of the other series (I am looking at you, "My Only Vampire") got. On the whole, I enjoyed the tale of Aoi and Hiromi and prefer to remember them as they were mid-way through, happily exploring the mysteries of Momochi House with all the other ayakashi.