Tag Archives: Anya

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 7 by Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family, Vol 7   

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 5, 2022

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Twilight engineers a meeting with Donovan Desmond under the guise of apologizing for Anya’s violent behavior, but the father does not seem upset about it, and brushes off Loid’s suggestions he bring a gift to the manor. Even so, it’s a beginning, and Loid has gained some insights regarding his target.

Damian Desmond may be a spoiled brat, but the truth is what he really craves is his father’s attention, affection, and especially his approval. Hearing him praise his son for his good grade has become an impetus to do even better. Having been late to morning muster, Damian must help the dorm mother with chores. His friends have no wish to leave him to this fate, so they contrive to be punished as well. The headmaster decides to give all three boys a new punishment – they must accompany Mister Green on a field research trip!

The precognitive dog Bond has a vision of darkness that he doesn’t know how to interpret! Every scenario he envisions is worse than the one before!  Afraid that Yor is trying to poison him, he seeks out Loid, who is on a mission. This could either be a huge mistake or a blessing in disguise for the spy.

Yor’s brother Yuri is a member of the secret police. He receives a new assignment which involves books that have been appearing in Ostania recently denouncing the East. His job is to follow the alleged author and find out who is publishing this trash!

At Eden Academy, students whisper about the fabled pastry of knowledge. It has been rumored that those who partake of this pastry go on to become Imperial scholars. So of course every student wants to have one. But no one knows when the mysterious patissier will show up to make these delicacies. And the competition to get them is fierce, as there are only so many to go around when he does show up. The news flies through that the school that the pastry is there and this time it’s macarons. Everyone races to get one. Anya and Desmond are neck and neck. But George is the last person to receive the prized pastry. They persuade him to gamble for the macarons in a game of Old Maid!

Twilight picks up some pictures from Franky that he needs for his mission. When he asks for more, Franky says he will, but in exchange, he needs Twilight’s help – to find a missing cat! The cat belongs to a server at his favorite café and she has been sad ever since her feline went missing. Franky is determined to see her smile again.  But Twilight seems less than interested, so Franky has to do it himself!  When he runs into Yor and explains the situation, she offers her assistance.

Yor receives a phone call pertaining to her alter ego as Thorn Princess and receives an assignment – to protect a woman and her young child after her husband and sons were killed in an internal dispute. She is seeking asylum in a foreign country and is sailing there. Yor is to accompany her. How to explain her absence to her family?

A bonus story is about Twilight’s handler, Sylvia Sherwood, and the things she has to go through in order to meet with him safely!

This volume brings to the fore the characters who normally don’t take center stage in this series and gives us a chance to get to know them better. I’m learning in my manga reading and anime watching not to make assumptions about characters you think you have pegged, because you’ll often find out you’re wrong about them. Each book is generally made up of short stories about the family, and this one is no exception. Except that it does end on a cliffhanger which I presume will be continued in the next book, and a very interesting one it is too!

The anime recently began playing on Crunchyroll. I watched the first episode and loved it! I would recommend it if you enjoy this series.

Another great volume, can’t wait for the next one (although I’ll have to lol)

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 6 by Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family, Vol 6   

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 5, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Fiona Frost, aka Nightfall, has long had a crush on her mentor, Twilight. She feels as though the time he has spent with the false Forger family has diminished him. She is determined to put him right… by getting rid of his troublesome fake wife!  The two spies are given a mission involving a wealthy art collector. Their boss believes the collector, Cavi Campbell, is in possession of some seriously sensitive documents known as the Zacharis Dossier. Nightfall has a plan, though. But it involves her and Twilight posing as tennis players in an illegal underground tennis club tournament. The winner of the tournament is allowed to select an item of their choice from Campbell’s collection. That would include the painting they are actually interested in, Lady in the Sun, once owned by Colonel Zacharis. Is it any surprise that Nightfall has them posing as husband and wife?

Twilight says he’s dabbled a little in tennis, but his modesty is apparent when he and Nightfall begin to blow the competition away the competition, who are seasoned professionals, despite the various tricks they employ. Upon winning, they request the painting but learn that it is the one item they cannot have. And someone else is going to pick it up in ten minutes! What can they do?

Afterward, as Fiona drops off Loid, he hears the voices of Yor and Anya. They are playing tennis in the park. Fiona inserts herself into the scenario, introducing herself to Yor and challenging her to a game of tennis. Anya is appalled to overhear Fiona’s thoughts regarding supplanting Yor in Loid’s affections. Can Fiona best Yor and take Loid as her prize? Afraid she is going to be replaced, Yor suggests she and Loid have some couple time and they go to a bar for a few drinks. But Yor can’t hold her liquor, and things get… strange?

Anya is concerned about being able to win eight Stella stars. Her friend Becky misinterprets her obsession with Damian Desmond as being of a romantic nature and decides to help make the boy fall in love with Anya! She takes her shopping but the two girls have completely different ideas about fashion.

It’s time for the Imperial Scholar mixer. Will Loid be able to attain his goal and speak with Donovan Desmond at last?

I’ve been hoping from the start that Loid and Yor will develop feelings for one another, and I think my hopes are beginning to be realized. What better ending than to have them become a real family? Although I don’t want the series to end, either, so maybe they can continue as spies, but working together as a family?

And the good news is that there is an anime of the manga that is going to come out next year. I can’t wait! I love this series so much! Another great volume, can’t wait for the next one!

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 5 by Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family, Vol 5   

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 8, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Yor is coming home later and later. Twilight is concerned but doesn’t feel he has a right to ask, all things considered. He’s alarmed to notice multiple cuts on her hands and fingers! As it turns out, his fears are groundless. Yor is learning how to cook, in order to keep her family, but it’s safe to say this is not her strong suit. And guess who just joined her class? Her little brother Yuri! He is her biggest cheerleader, even when her dishes are less than stellar. However, he also wouldn’t mind seeing her “husband”, Loyd Forger, taken out of the equation.

It’s almost time for midterms at Eden Academy, and Anya is still determined to get in good with Damian Desmond, whom she calls Sy-on Boy. She brings a picture of Bond to school, thinking he will be her way in, and surreptitiously drops it where Sy-on Boy can find it. Becky finds it instead and develops an instant crush on Loyd Forger.

The housemaster is taking charge of Anya’s art class since the teacher is sick. Everyone is to pair up for a project. To Anya’s delight, and Damian’s dismay, they are assigned to be a team. Everyone in the class is limited as to what supplies they can use. The theme is “animals” and they must create a three dimensional model. Anya is hoping to both get closer to Sy-on-Boy and to finally win a Stella star.

Yor tells Loyd she has asked her brother to help tutor Anya for the midterms. Loyd isn’t sure about this, but what can he say? It’s vital that she does well. Anya is shocked, when she reads Yuri’s mind, at the ill will he harbors for her father. Plus he’s a secret policeman. Anya is concerned about the tests because she realizes due to the moon she won’t be able to mindread on that particular day. But Yuri’s teaching methods are confusing at best. How will this work?

Twilight is concerned that Anya’s grades won’t be good enough, so he’s decided to do something about it. But the test results are strictly guarded.  As a master of disguise, it’s easy enough to assume the identity of one of the faculty. But wait, who is this other guy, someone he doesn’t recognize, who seems to be doing the same thing Twilight is intent on doing?

One of Anya’s classmates, on learning his father’s company will soon cease to exist, and that it’s because of Si-on Boy’s father, vows to get him in trouble. But Anya can’t have that, and sets out to avert that crisis at all cost.

Anya’s next assignment is to investigate an occupation that interests her, and she can interview her parents or a local business. Hmm, should she choose Papa or Mama?  As she discovers, shadowing Yor is rather gruesome, so she goes the next day to watch Papa (who besides being a spy is a psychiatrist).

Twilight receives a new mission… and a new partner. This can either be a wise move, or a very dangerous one.

I never get tired of reading this manga. It’s hilarious and heart-warming too. I just know the Forgers are going to end up as a real family someday! The more things go wrong with them, the more they go right. Becky’s crush on Twilight is funny, as are Anya’s attempts to get on Sy-on Boy’s good side.  But beware, trouble might be brewing in the form of Twilight’s new partner. She seems to have her on the prize, namely Twilight! Will Yor catch on to the danger she presents in time to do something about it?

Another great volume of Spy X Family, can’t wait for the next one!

 

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 2 by Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family, Vol 2     

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 1, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

 

Operation Strix is master spy Twilight’s covert operation to keep the peace between Westalis and Ostania by spying on the warmongering chairman of Ostania’s  National Unity Party, Donovan Desmond. In order to do this, Twilight has been ordered to have a wife and family, so his “child” can attend the same prestigious school as Desmond’s. Twilight—now going by the name Loid Forger—has actually acquired a wife and child and the three of them have had their interview at the school. Now they are waiting the results of the interview…

… only to find their daughter’s name missing from the list of those who have been accepted! Is the mission doomed already? But one of the housemasters takes the family aside and shows them a second list, a waiting list which has Anya’s name at the top. But Loid knows the chances of someone dropping out is slim to none, so he decides to help things along.

Anya finds herself accepted, time for celebration! Loid’s co-worker, Scruffy, gives Anya the idea that her dad will probably get her anything she wants as a reward for getting in. But what she wants is something she’s seen on her favorite cartoon, Bondman. She wants to be rescued from a castle! Is that even possible?

Anya is fitted for her school uniform, and Loid is covertly given the time of his next briefing, during which phase two is explained. Apparently the school has a program for outstanding students, who are known as Imperial Scholars. Donovan’s son Desmond is among this group. To become an Imperial Scholar, one must earn eight merits, or Stella Stars, through academic excellence or contributions to society. Eight Stella are required to do this. On the other hand, eight demerits, known as Tonitrus, will earn expulsion. Loid wonders if Anya can possibly become an Imperial Scholar.

Anya’s first meeting with Desmond doesn’t go particularly well, even though she tries to become his friend. But he looks down on her because he considers her beneath him. On the plus side, she makes a friend of a little girl named Becky. But when Desmond is mean to Becky, Anya automatically responds. Is the mission doomed from the start? Can Loid improve her academic skills enough for her to earn the required Stella?

Yor’s brother, Yuri, accidentally learns that his sister has gotten married, a fact she forgot to mention to him. But unbeknownst to her, York has his own secrets.

Thanks to a shortage of personnel, Loid is given side jobs to do, which is why the family ends up at the aquarium.

I have to admit I fell in love with this series from the beginning, from the moment I saw the cover of the first volume. Reading that and then the second book has only reinforced my love of Spy x Family. The situations are hilarious, with each member of the family unaware of the secrets of the others (except for Anya, who reads minds). Scruffy is a great comedic foil. Watching the Forger family interact, I just know they will end up as a real family by the end of the series. They are a perfect fit for one another. Anya knows she can read minds and get the answers to anything, but the trick is to read the right mind, and sometimes she doesn’t succeed in that. Yor is a very protective mama, and she is hard-core tough. No damsel in distress here. Loid may appear cold on the outside, and he is very methodical in everything he does, but inside lies a heart of pure gold, as well as a true master of disguise.

I can’t say enough good things about this series. The artwork is awesome, Loid is handsome, it’s filled with fun, action, and humor. What more could you ask for? Looking forward to the next book.

 

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 1 by Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family, Vol 1     

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/220 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Twilight is the best spy in Westalis, a master of disguise. He lives and works undercover in the neighboring country of Ostania. As he reads the information on his next assignment, he’s shocked to learn that he is required to have a wife and child (neither of which he currently has). The target in question, a very dangerous man who is a threat to the peace between east and west, is very reclusive and the only way to reach him is through the elite private school his son attends. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the deadline for admissions is fast approaching. Twilight only has a week to find a wife and child and enroll that child at Eden Academy!

Twilight’s first stop is an orphanage to find a child—a rather shady orphanage at best. But perhaps that will suit his purposes better. He has no experience with children, but reasons that he must find the smartest one he can, so the child can pass the entrance exam to the academy. He finds a girl working a crossword, but she seems too young for the school. She is quick to assure him she is six years old. Little does he realize that Anya is a telepath! Twilight chooses her and is relieved to find no paperwork involved—he is told to take her and go.

Now… to find a wife.

At City Hall, in the capital city of Berlint, Yor is different from the other women she works with. Quiet, and somewhat naïve, she is the object of constant criticism in the guise of helpful hints, such as improving her appearance so she can find a man. Her brother Yuri worries about her, and calls her often. To relieve his mind, she tells him she has a boyfriend and is going to a party that weekend. What no one knows is that Yor is actually an assassin, and a darn good one! But how is she going to find a “boyfriend” to take to a party on such short notice?

Three people are on a collision course with destiny! Each one has needs—Twilight a wife, Yor a boyfriend, and Anya a family. When chance—or is that Fate?—brings them together, they decide to form a family. Will they be able to fulfill Twilight’s mission and gain Anya admission into Eden Academy? And if they do, how long can they maintain their cover… and how long will they want to?

This is the first volume of the series. I confess that it was love at first sight when I saw the cover! And reading the description only made me want it even more. I pre-ordered the first three volumes, the first of which just came out. I love the artwork, and I love the premise of the story, which did not fail to deliver when it arrived. It’s an action adventure story, but there is a lot of humor in these pages as well, and more. The characters are all well drawn, even if the plot is rather basic. It’s not a series about spies as much as it is about people. I see the two countries involved, Westalis and Ostania, as thinly veiled disguises for East and West Germany. (I mean, come on, Berlint?) But that doesn’t really matter. The spy action is secondary to the character development, watching these three interact, each using their unique talents for the benefit of the other two.

Of course, being the romantic that I am, I’m hoping that by the end of the series, Twilight (whose real name I hope to learn) and Yor will fall in love for real and they both embrace Anya as their daughter, so that they become a real family. Only time will tell!

Also take note of Twilight’s co-worker, Franky, who is a hoot and lots of fun.

Great start to the series, looking forward to volume 2!