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Library Wars: Love & War #3
Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 3
In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves--the Library Forces!
Iku is witness to a disturbance during a Board of Education speech on protecting children from the danger of books. The perpetrators are two young boys protesting the banning of their favorite books. But while Iku wants to reach out to the next generation of book lovers, Dojo insists that they can't play favorites. Will Dojo's prickly insistence on sticking to the rules ruin their budding friendship?
Iku is witness to a disturbance during a Board of Education speech on protecting children from the danger of books. The perpetrators are two young boys protesting the banning of their favorite books. But while Iku wants to reach out to the next generation of book lovers, Dojo insists that they can't play favorites. Will Dojo's prickly insistence on sticking to the rules ruin their budding friendship?
200 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2009
29 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 2, 2018
Ehh, it's time to give this series the boot. I usually give manga 3 volumes to convince me to continue and this series has failed to do that.
I really wanted to love this series - I'm a librarian myself and the subject of this manga is very real and topical - but the execution is just Not Good and makes the whole premise unconvincing. This is a series that you really can't read with too critical an eye, because there are too many holes in the world-building. I'm normally okay with suspending my disbelief for stories like this, but I find that Library Wars takes itself too seriously for me to be able to do that.
A few other random observations:
- Iku cries like ALL THE TIME. GET IT TOGETHER GIRL.
- Iku and Dojo's relationship is completely inappropriate in a military setting such as this. The way Dojo treats/touches Iku is so unprofessional and something a military superior would never ever do.
- On that note, Iku is so disrespectful to her superiors.
- The "baddies" in this are so lame. "Omg it's a bunch of old ladies who want to want to censor books in school libraries." I mean, yes, this is a real problem. But it doesn't make for very exciting reading.
Anyway, it's too bad - this could've been a fun series. I also love reading the "hate to love" trope (which this has) but I honestly can't get past all the other nonsense to enjoy those bits.
I really wanted to love this series - I'm a librarian myself and the subject of this manga is very real and topical - but the execution is just Not Good and makes the whole premise unconvincing. This is a series that you really can't read with too critical an eye, because there are too many holes in the world-building. I'm normally okay with suspending my disbelief for stories like this, but I find that Library Wars takes itself too seriously for me to be able to do that.
A few other random observations:
- Iku cries like ALL THE TIME. GET IT TOGETHER GIRL.
- Iku and Dojo's relationship is completely inappropriate in a military setting such as this. The way Dojo treats/touches Iku is so unprofessional and something a military superior would never ever do.
- On that note, Iku is so disrespectful to her superiors.
- The "baddies" in this are so lame. "Omg it's a bunch of old ladies who want to want to censor books in school libraries." I mean, yes, this is a real problem. But it doesn't make for very exciting reading.
Anyway, it's too bad - this could've been a fun series. I also love reading the "hate to love" trope (which this has) but I honestly can't get past all the other nonsense to enjoy those bits.
January 26, 2016
"You see a problem and you point it out. That's my girl."
Summary
This third volume focused on two stories, one longer than the other, and one more serious than the other.
Story/plot
This volume had two really great stories. The first one involved some young children which was interesting and a nice change since the first two volumes only had young or older adults. The second story was longer and quite serious, which I really liked. I enjoyed reading about a much more serious and worrisome story line. I felt concerned about characters safety for the first time in this manga. I will carry this worry over into the next volume. So this volume strayed away from the pattern of the first two volumes with a different story line. It was refreshing.
Art style
I love love loved the art in this volume! It was just gorgeous. The detail in the eyes is stunning. I can feel the time, effort, dedication and love that has gone into this manga through the detailed and beautiful artwork. It makes the story a very pleasant read. I feel like Kiiro Yumi has really found her stride now, and the story just flows in her own distinct style. She also had atmosphere down pat. The thickness or lightness of the lines always fits the scenario and really adds to how I emotionally respond. The art is very well done and always improving.
Characters
~ Kasahara ~
Kasahara had problems she had to confront in this volume, and these were problems she had been avoiding. I feel like this volume was the beginning of a personal and emotional battle for her. My admiration for her continues to grow as she confronts her problems even if she is scared. A great character development is beginning for her and I really love that. I also love that she isn't prideful and can admit her mistakes and always works to improve them.
~ Dojo ~
Dojo was great in this volume. Always looking out for Kasahara in the ways he thinks are best for her, even if it makes her think badly of him. He is so nice and it's lovely to read about. I feel like my ways of thinking are similar to him and so I feel very in tuned with him. I also enjoy his battles with his feelings. It's pretty cute. I also enjoyed seeing his bravery in the battle field. He's a nicely complex character.
~ Side characters ~
I didn't feel like any other characters outside of Kasahara and Dojo had a major role in this volume, it was pretty heavily focused on those two. In saying that, I still enjoyed this volume even if there was a lack of character variety. I really like Shibasaki. I think she's a lovely side character to have in the best friend role. She's mature, sophisticated, intelligent and reads people really well. She is so in tune with what's going on and how other characters think and feel, which is a great support for Kasahara who is not so great at that. I really hope she gets her own side story.
Conclusion
This volume was complex, serious and deep. I really found myself invested and it always had my full attention. I cannot wait for the next volume! The cliff hanger was a great way to ensure readers pick up the next volume. We need to know what happens!
"So... now you know why. He pulled you off the team... not because you're a burden... but because he knew what it would do to your family. He went out of his way for you."
Summary
This third volume focused on two stories, one longer than the other, and one more serious than the other.
Story/plot
This volume had two really great stories. The first one involved some young children which was interesting and a nice change since the first two volumes only had young or older adults. The second story was longer and quite serious, which I really liked. I enjoyed reading about a much more serious and worrisome story line. I felt concerned about characters safety for the first time in this manga. I will carry this worry over into the next volume. So this volume strayed away from the pattern of the first two volumes with a different story line. It was refreshing.
Art style
I love love loved the art in this volume! It was just gorgeous. The detail in the eyes is stunning. I can feel the time, effort, dedication and love that has gone into this manga through the detailed and beautiful artwork. It makes the story a very pleasant read. I feel like Kiiro Yumi has really found her stride now, and the story just flows in her own distinct style. She also had atmosphere down pat. The thickness or lightness of the lines always fits the scenario and really adds to how I emotionally respond. The art is very well done and always improving.
Characters
~ Kasahara ~
Kasahara had problems she had to confront in this volume, and these were problems she had been avoiding. I feel like this volume was the beginning of a personal and emotional battle for her. My admiration for her continues to grow as she confronts her problems even if she is scared. A great character development is beginning for her and I really love that. I also love that she isn't prideful and can admit her mistakes and always works to improve them.
~ Dojo ~
Dojo was great in this volume. Always looking out for Kasahara in the ways he thinks are best for her, even if it makes her think badly of him. He is so nice and it's lovely to read about. I feel like my ways of thinking are similar to him and so I feel very in tuned with him. I also enjoy his battles with his feelings. It's pretty cute. I also enjoyed seeing his bravery in the battle field. He's a nicely complex character.
~ Side characters ~
I didn't feel like any other characters outside of Kasahara and Dojo had a major role in this volume, it was pretty heavily focused on those two. In saying that, I still enjoyed this volume even if there was a lack of character variety. I really like Shibasaki. I think she's a lovely side character to have in the best friend role. She's mature, sophisticated, intelligent and reads people really well. She is so in tune with what's going on and how other characters think and feel, which is a great support for Kasahara who is not so great at that. I really hope she gets her own side story.
Conclusion
This volume was complex, serious and deep. I really found myself invested and it always had my full attention. I cannot wait for the next volume! The cliff hanger was a great way to ensure readers pick up the next volume. We need to know what happens!
"So... now you know why. He pulled you off the team... not because you're a burden... but because he knew what it would do to your family. He went out of his way for you."
September 2, 2013
I can honestly say that this series just keeps getting funnier. I originally picked it up because of the library police theme but I can't seem to put it down. Kasahara and Dojo's interactions are funnier than ever and she still doesn't realize that Dojo is her "prince."
This volume digs further into the issue of the MBC and the Library's fight about censorship. We are introduced to 2 children who want to make a stand against their school library being closed to them. We also learn more about Kasahara's family and how they would be disappointed if they knew she was in the combat force, which leads to an interesting interaction between Dojo and her.
Finally a big battle takes place between the MBC and Library as they are transporting invaluable documents about the MBC to the library. While this is happening Kasahara and the Library director get into their own trouble, which is a giant cliff hanger!
There are also bonus mangas included. These are quite silly and fun and give further dimension to the characters. This is one of the books that makes me laugh out loud in public
This volume digs further into the issue of the MBC and the Library's fight about censorship. We are introduced to 2 children who want to make a stand against their school library being closed to them. We also learn more about Kasahara's family and how they would be disappointed if they knew she was in the combat force, which leads to an interesting interaction between Dojo and her.
Finally a big battle takes place between the MBC and Library as they are transporting invaluable documents about the MBC to the library. While this is happening Kasahara and the Library director get into their own trouble, which is a giant cliff hanger!
There are also bonus mangas included. These are quite silly and fun and give further dimension to the characters. This is one of the books that makes me laugh out loud in public
April 17, 2022
I absolutely adore the juxtaposition of peaceful protests vs full on war *chef's kiss*
Also, knowing the plot twist that's coming makes some of these interactions so much funnier xD I love Iku and Dojo so much. I always forget how much, but like, 10/10 I love them so much 💕
Also, knowing the plot twist that's coming makes some of these interactions so much funnier xD I love Iku and Dojo so much. I always forget how much, but like, 10/10 I love them so much 💕
March 10, 2023
Really enjoying this series, though Iku still bumbles kinda a lot to be in this elite group...
That twist at the end was great, and I also like how the protest is allowed to go on and the boys who interrupt it are not just allowed to, these both show how committed the Library Forces are to upholding free speach for all.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
That twist at the end was great, and I also like how the protest is allowed to go on and the boys who interrupt it are not just allowed to, these both show how committed the Library Forces are to upholding free speach for all.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
February 12, 2014
Guns, guns, guns, this library system seems to have guns hidden on everyone. It's not uncommon to have somebody shooting at you while trying to check out a book that is deemed unacceptable. Yes this series is all about banned books, and censure by radical groups. It's also about love of the heart and of the deed of goodness. I love how these characters will put their life on the line to keep one book in the system. The romance is blossoming and is sweet to watch.
Off to book 4
Off to book 4
November 9, 2020
More action and drama from this series. I've had a lot of fun with it so far. Let's hope the series continues down the same track.
January 17, 2020
This volume delved more deeply into censorship issues, which I feel strongly about, and things are starting to get more intense. There were also some cute bonus bits in the back :)
September 21, 2024
Updated Review 9/21/24: I don't know what it is, but this series is just not hitting the same like it used to and I'm having an internal crisis as a manga reader since it was the very first one I read and kicked off my manga reading journey. 😭😭😭
Do I have anything bad to say about it?
Definitely not, which makes the struggle all the more harder and weird.
Plenty of action parts that were fun and engaging, but I did knock down a star rating from my original review sadly.
Original Review 4/21/18: Oh my goodness, this series really just picked up!!
I significantly enjoyed it much more and it was a lot more intense on the action. Plus, those bonus manga at the end were so CUTE!! Ahhh! Totally made me laugh so much.
Come to think of it, I laughed a lot more in this one and felt the story was much smoother. A tad bit more language then the first two books, but I am super excited to read more in this series. I literally was about to give up on it, but so glad I didn't.
Volume four here we come!
Do I have anything bad to say about it?
Definitely not, which makes the struggle all the more harder and weird.
Plenty of action parts that were fun and engaging, but I did knock down a star rating from my original review sadly.
Original Review 4/21/18: Oh my goodness, this series really just picked up!!
I significantly enjoyed it much more and it was a lot more intense on the action. Plus, those bonus manga at the end were so CUTE!! Ahhh! Totally made me laugh so much.
Come to think of it, I laughed a lot more in this one and felt the story was much smoother. A tad bit more language then the first two books, but I am super excited to read more in this series. I literally was about to give up on it, but so glad I didn't.
Volume four here we come!
March 7, 2021
Re-read 2021: This is so much fun to re-read. There is a lot of things happening, lots of tension and frustration between Dojo and Kasahara (but also enough romantic moments happening, like that one on the stairs where he kept holding her despite her easily reaching for the ground). I wasn't always a fan of Dojo. I can understand why he does what he does, but at times I wonder if his personal feelings aren't just getting too much in the way. Even others remark about it and that says a lot. I can understand that Kasahara is angry at times, but maybe she should just be upfront with her parents about things. They may not understand it at first... but this way they know at least.
The last mission and the ending WOW, I need to read the next one! Yes, I don't remember all the details, it has been almost 7 years, so there is a lot new. I am very happy with that, I can relive this series again.
The last mission and the ending WOW, I need to read the next one! Yes, I don't remember all the details, it has been almost 7 years, so there is a lot new. I am very happy with that, I can relive this series again.
June 5, 2015
I like this series so much because I enjoy Dojo so much. Iku is so clueless but Dojo admires her so much that you can't help but feel affection for her too! I do dislike her mini-rampages but its also a nice contrast to Dojo's cooler approach.
I loved the plot of this volume! The story was so unexpected. I liked that the governments's forces finally took some action that the library people could react to. The commander is kidnapped, luckily Iku is there to protect him!
I liked Dojo's exclusion of her. First because we do know he admires her but also because he put up with her reaction, knowing she'd take it hard, but he did it anyway because he loves her! (Sometimes we do the wrong thing for those we love...)
BOTTOM LINE: Cool cliffhanger ending!
I loved the plot of this volume! The story was so unexpected. I liked that the governments's forces finally took some action that the library people could react to. The commander is kidnapped, luckily Iku is there to protect him!
I liked Dojo's exclusion of her. First because we do know he admires her but also because he put up with her reaction, knowing she'd take it hard, but he did it anyway because he loves her! (Sometimes we do the wrong thing for those we love...)
BOTTOM LINE: Cool cliffhanger ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Dec. 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed once again.
Oct. 2020
Note: Manga series
No 4.5 stars for Vol. 3; an undeniable 5 stars.
Iku's strengths surface some of the time, but her inability to control her temper lands her in trouble more of the time. Fortunately her superior, Dojo, almost always manages to step between her and looming disaster - literally. The attraction between the two is palpable, despite Dojo calling her an idiot, etc., more often than not. Secondary characters strengthen the storyline.
Vol. 3 ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to get my hands on Vol. 4.
Recommend: Perfect escapism.
Thoroughly enjoyed once again.
Oct. 2020
Note: Manga series
No 4.5 stars for Vol. 3; an undeniable 5 stars.
Iku's strengths surface some of the time, but her inability to control her temper lands her in trouble more of the time. Fortunately her superior, Dojo, almost always manages to step between her and looming disaster - literally. The attraction between the two is palpable, despite Dojo calling her an idiot, etc., more often than not. Secondary characters strengthen the storyline.
Vol. 3 ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to get my hands on Vol. 4.
Recommend: Perfect escapism.
April 3, 2018
Comprei este Manga no ano passado no Iberanime.
E na realidade não fiquei muito entusiasmada para o ler, especialmente porque não era o primeiro da série mas sim o 3º volume.
A história fala-nos de uma força policial que protege as bibliotecas e os livros de um grupo de extremistas que só querem abominá-los da face da terra e afastar os jovens da cultura literária. Mas no meio de tanto drama com a guerra que se está a aproximar existe uma casal de protagonistas que poderá estar a perceber que não são unicamente colegas de trabalho. Iku Kasahara e Dojo, dois polícias que se dão extremamente mal.
No final da leitura acabei por gostar muito e de sentir a necessidade de conseguir encontrar os próximos volumes para saber como acaba a história. Afinal ler Manga não é tão difícil quanto isso. No princípio ler da direita para a esquerda confundiu-me um pouco e tive que recomeçar por duas vezes o livro, mas depois acabei por me habituar e por gostar.
Decidi pontuar com 4 estrelas pois a falta dos 9 capítulos iniciais realmente fizeram muita diferença.
Mas aconselho a 100% a lerem Manga's e principalmente esta série.
E na realidade não fiquei muito entusiasmada para o ler, especialmente porque não era o primeiro da série mas sim o 3º volume.
A história fala-nos de uma força policial que protege as bibliotecas e os livros de um grupo de extremistas que só querem abominá-los da face da terra e afastar os jovens da cultura literária. Mas no meio de tanto drama com a guerra que se está a aproximar existe uma casal de protagonistas que poderá estar a perceber que não são unicamente colegas de trabalho. Iku Kasahara e Dojo, dois polícias que se dão extremamente mal.
No final da leitura acabei por gostar muito e de sentir a necessidade de conseguir encontrar os próximos volumes para saber como acaba a história. Afinal ler Manga não é tão difícil quanto isso. No princípio ler da direita para a esquerda confundiu-me um pouco e tive que recomeçar por duas vezes o livro, mas depois acabei por me habituar e por gostar.
Decidi pontuar com 4 estrelas pois a falta dos 9 capítulos iniciais realmente fizeram muita diferença.
Mas aconselho a 100% a lerem Manga's e principalmente esta série.
October 1, 2021
4/5
This comic has me laughing a lot, and that's what I live for.
I love the art. Dojo ends me of Kyo from Fruits Basket! I love all of the "bonus manga" shorts at the end. I know they aren't important to the main plot, but they're funny and bring a smile to my face. I also read all of the author's side comments.
I'm starting to get really into this! Iku is hilarious!
This comic has me laughing a lot, and that's what I live for.
I love the art. Dojo ends me of Kyo from Fruits Basket! I love all of the "bonus manga" shorts at the end. I know they aren't important to the main plot, but they're funny and bring a smile to my face. I also read all of the author's side comments.
I'm starting to get really into this! Iku is hilarious!
May 28, 2024
5 stars bc Dojo said “that’s my girl” and I lost my shit. Anyways, what gets me is that it’s obvious that he’s her prince from a few years ago, the one that saved her. But he won’t admit it and she’s kind of oblivious. Like he keeps saying things that makes it obvious it’s him.
ALSO what I’m loving about this series is that the bad guys are those who are trying to implement censorship at schools and libraries. Like if you think certain books don’t belong in a library, newsflash you’re the villain.
ALSO what I’m loving about this series is that the bad guys are those who are trying to implement censorship at schools and libraries. Like if you think certain books don’t belong in a library, newsflash you’re the villain.
June 12, 2020
That cliffhanger is so mean. Otherwise, it was fun and enjoyable. I’m really loving this series.
Also! In one of the scenes near the beginning, there is a profile shot of two characters. What really impressed me was that the profiles were not identical. More often than not, manga artists will have completely identical profiles for their characters. This one showed a difference in not only the eye shape, but in the formation of the lips.
Also! In one of the scenes near the beginning, there is a profile shot of two characters. What really impressed me was that the profiles were not identical. More often than not, manga artists will have completely identical profiles for their characters. This one showed a difference in not only the eye shape, but in the formation of the lips.
April 6, 2025
☆☆ YouTube | Tumblr | Instagram | Storygraph ☆☆
Locked IN! -- Reviewing the Books I Read In March || 19 books!
The plot, she THICKENS. And Dojo is such a simp.
Locked IN! -- Reviewing the Books I Read In March || 19 books!
The plot, she THICKENS. And Dojo is such a simp.
October 8, 2025
I did enjoy this, and I will be continuing this series, its just the misogyny shown by Dojo mainly, saying that Iku can’t do things cause she’s a girl really frustrated me, bringing this down from a 3 to a 2.75 stars.
January 17, 2018
The most exciting collections procedure of all time.
Also, teaching children how to do surveys and fight with presentations. I'm so proud!
Also, teaching children how to do surveys and fight with presentations. I'm so proud!
January 26, 2019
Even if I already read this series (with the novels by Hiro Arikawa), I still love to read the story in another format! And I loved the side stories!!
November 28, 2020
of COURSE it ends on a cliffhanger UGHHH WHYYYY
April 29, 2023
I too want a short king to shower me with headpats and call me a good girl.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed this one, and bigger "action"... but cliff hanger ending. Sigh
September 29, 2014
I didn't really this volume of Toshakan Senso ( Library Wars) It seemed not to be going anywhere with the kidnapping of the director.
But the thing that really bothered me was that Dojo slaps the main girl... Again.
It's not the playful hitting , but the mean " I ' m correcting you " abuse.
I do not feel comfortable with reading stuff like that because I think it reinforces negative behaviors and the acceptance of them. It makes them seem normal and really, no one should hit anyone.
I just read up to the 6 th book so I may get some incidents in some of the books incorrect( as in my next review for # 4)
But the thing that really bothered me was that Dojo slaps the main girl... Again.
It's not the playful hitting , but the mean " I ' m correcting you " abuse.
I do not feel comfortable with reading stuff like that because I think it reinforces negative behaviors and the acceptance of them. It makes them seem normal and really, no one should hit anyone.
I just read up to the 6 th book so I may get some incidents in some of the books incorrect( as in my next review for # 4)
March 27, 2013
I enjoyed this volume. It deals with the continuing powerplay between the MBC and Library Forces. We also are back to the issue with Kasahara's deception about her actual role with the library to her parents and Dojo's brusque treatment of her while masking his care for her.
I love that Dojo has Komaki who points the underlying truths to him as Kasahara has Shibasaki to tell her the real reasons behind Dojo's actions.
Very exciting build up and cliffhanger. I can't wait to get the next volume.
I love that Dojo has Komaki who points the underlying truths to him as Kasahara has Shibasaki to tell her the real reasons behind Dojo's actions.
Very exciting build up and cliffhanger. I can't wait to get the next volume.
October 6, 2015
That girl needs to tell her parents what she's doing! Which raises the question of how old she is anyway -I haven't caught that. Anyway, it's never good to lie, and now she's being left out of an assignment because of it. Only, she's in the thick of things with this new assignment. Bonus stories were very cute too. :) Love to see how the characters develop.
December 27, 2014
I'm really liking the manga so far. Especially the slow build friendship between the MC and Dojo. Its kind of sweet, even if they bicker but you can tell they'll have each other's back. I like that. Anyway, good volume.
September 24, 2014
My friend was right. It does get better.
Let's see if it can keep it up.
Let's see if it can keep it up.
November 27, 2017
Teaching children how to fight better fights! Unfortunately the grownups are the ones who really needed to be taught how to fight like grownups...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews