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The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe (manga) #1
Наша потойб?чна книгарня: Ворота до паралельного св?ту
Як це, бути людиною ? жити у Потойб?чч?? Працювати у потойб?чн?й книгарн?? Про це, а ще про пригоди з ?? потойб?чними друзями-аякаш? розпов?сть Каор?. Прочитавши ман?у, ви д?зна?тесь про те, на що здатн? тен?у, як подорожувати пеклом на котяч?й спин?, що такого особливого у потойб?чному л?т?, як ? для чого у Потойб?чч? опинився загадковий юний екзорцист ? чи стане в?н другом для дивакуватих жител?в Потойб?ччя.
Зазирн?ть у Потойб?чну книгарню ? дов?дайтесь все про ?? в?дв?дувач?в та сп?вроб?тник?в.
Зазирн?ть у Потойб?чну книгарню ? дов?дайтесь все про ?? в?дв?дувач?в та сп?вроб?тник?в.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2020
11 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 1, 2023
This was definitely not what I was expecting & I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I feel like there are so many things going on all at once that it's overwhelming at first. It feels like a bunch of short stories set in the spirit realm with plans for an overarching story to grow over time. I think I'll give volume #2 a shot to see if I want to commit or ditch this series!
April 15, 2022
I was really expecting more about a bookstore being haunted.
October 20, 2023
VIDEO REVIEW HERE:
I have been SO curious about this series and I finally decided to cave and buy it for an upcoming Top 5 Wednesday prompt so I could see what it was about.
And let me just say, it was AMAZING!
However, I think it's VERY important to note that this is NOT a spooky read, even if it has yokai and goblins. In fact, there was ZERO spookiness in this volume, which surprised me because despite that I heard everyone say the title is SUPER misleading (which I would also agree with). But the thing is, I think it's why I deeply enjoyed this first volume! It's a very relaxing and enjoyable read that has a variety of super interesting characters that are yokai, but without giving me the nervousness of potentially feeling scared. The art has very soft vibes that really make this an "atmospheric fantasy"!
I LOVED Kaori, the main female lead! I really liked how she rather be with the spirits in the spirit realm than the mortal realm because that's where she felt belonged, even if she was a mortal herself. When Suimei comes on page with ALL his grumpiness, I love how she tells him her dream and why she enjoys living where she does. It makes her a very endearing character, especially when it comes to the end because my heart totally broke for her!
And speaking of the end, for how grumpy Suimei is, he really redeemed himself by the end in how he reminded Kaori that she might be human in a spirit world, but that doesn't mean she needs to shut off her human emotions. I realize that's vague because there is a lot more to that scene, but it was one of my favorite scenes and has me excited to see what happens next! (I wasn't fond of Suimei through this volume AT ALL, so saying that feels like a big thing for me!)
I LOVED Kaori's dad and the raven twins! I also liked the doctor too! Lots of fun and wonderful characters!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this series if you're looking for a VERY slice-of-life fantasy with yokai and such! The art is gorgeous and it's a series I'm excited to continue!
I have been SO curious about this series and I finally decided to cave and buy it for an upcoming Top 5 Wednesday prompt so I could see what it was about.
And let me just say, it was AMAZING!
However, I think it's VERY important to note that this is NOT a spooky read, even if it has yokai and goblins. In fact, there was ZERO spookiness in this volume, which surprised me because despite that I heard everyone say the title is SUPER misleading (which I would also agree with). But the thing is, I think it's why I deeply enjoyed this first volume! It's a very relaxing and enjoyable read that has a variety of super interesting characters that are yokai, but without giving me the nervousness of potentially feeling scared. The art has very soft vibes that really make this an "atmospheric fantasy"!
I LOVED Kaori, the main female lead! I really liked how she rather be with the spirits in the spirit realm than the mortal realm because that's where she felt belonged, even if she was a mortal herself. When Suimei comes on page with ALL his grumpiness, I love how she tells him her dream and why she enjoys living where she does. It makes her a very endearing character, especially when it comes to the end because my heart totally broke for her!
And speaking of the end, for how grumpy Suimei is, he really redeemed himself by the end in how he reminded Kaori that she might be human in a spirit world, but that doesn't mean she needs to shut off her human emotions. I realize that's vague because there is a lot more to that scene, but it was one of my favorite scenes and has me excited to see what happens next! (I wasn't fond of Suimei through this volume AT ALL, so saying that feels like a big thing for me!)
I LOVED Kaori's dad and the raven twins! I also liked the doctor too! Lots of fun and wonderful characters!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this series if you're looking for a VERY slice-of-life fantasy with yokai and such! The art is gorgeous and it's a series I'm excited to continue!
April 5, 2022
I've been waiting for this manga for a long time. Unfortunately, it wasn't what I wanted...which was, obviously, a haunted bookstore. There is no haunted bookstore. There is a bookstore in another world where a human girl lives with her adoptive demon-dad. She has always lived there and all the demons in the other world are generally friendly and good people, so there's nothing spooky or dark or haunting about this book whatsoever. This is a heart-warming, feel-good, found-family slice-of-life kind of manga. It's not bad, it's just not what I wanted at all.
The art is quite good and there's one other thing I love about this manga, and that is the trans demon character. Nothing is made of it when she first appears. You can tell the character design has a muscular, masculine body type, but everyone uses female pronouns for her and nothing is said about her long, feminine hairstyle or the dress she wears until near the end of the manga when a new human comes to the spirit realm and gives her a glance. She responds to his quizzical look by saying, "Cute [dress], isn't it? Clothes don't care what gender you are. Though neither do we spirits, honestly... Everyone should wear what they like!" I love her and would consider reading more of this manga just to see more of this character. The rest doesn't really interest me much, though.
There are also two short stories at the end of the manga, the written kind, not illustrated. And the second of those features the trans demon, Noname. It discussed her crush on a villain and I really enjoyed that! Maybe I'd like the light novel of this series better?
The art is quite good and there's one other thing I love about this manga, and that is the trans demon character. Nothing is made of it when she first appears. You can tell the character design has a muscular, masculine body type, but everyone uses female pronouns for her and nothing is said about her long, feminine hairstyle or the dress she wears until near the end of the manga when a new human comes to the spirit realm and gives her a glance. She responds to his quizzical look by saying, "Cute [dress], isn't it? Clothes don't care what gender you are. Though neither do we spirits, honestly... Everyone should wear what they like!" I love her and would consider reading more of this manga just to see more of this character. The rest doesn't really interest me much, though.
There are also two short stories at the end of the manga, the written kind, not illustrated. And the second of those features the trans demon, Noname. It discussed her crush on a villain and I really enjoyed that! Maybe I'd like the light novel of this series better?
July 28, 2022
Enjoyable read.
This is the manga version of the light novel series. The art was lovely and easy to follow. Especially liked the visualization of the twins. The storyline was a bit confusing but maybe this is just because I'm thinking of the bigger picture in the written novel instead. All in all, interesting concept and a lot of backstories given.
This is the manga version of the light novel series. The art was lovely and easy to follow. Especially liked the visualization of the twins. The storyline was a bit confusing but maybe this is just because I'm thinking of the bigger picture in the written novel instead. All in all, interesting concept and a lot of backstories given.
April 21, 2022
The title is kind of false advertising. This isn't so much a haunted bookstore as it is a bookstore in a world of spirits. Very different things. That expectation adjusted, it's a decent slice of life, found family story, especially if Spirited Away is your thing.
February 6, 2023
Ghosts, tengu, goblins, and humans, oh my!
Starting out as light novel this manga centers around Kaori, a human who lives in the spirit world in a haunted bookstore ran by a struggling (yokai) author. One day she is led to a mysterious injured human boy, who her and the bookstores proprietor takes in and nurses back to health. Meanwhile Kaori takes odd jobs from the bookstore's patrons and travels all around the spirit realm helping its denizens.
As it sounds, the majority of this volume is setting up the world and characters, so not much goes on. There is a lot of cute and touching moments within its covers, making this a very relaxed read, perfect to snuggle up with or give a break from more dramatic series.
There's a lot of black ink used in the art, but it also feels unpolished and very sketchy adding an airy and light feeling balancing things out and giving it a mythical vibe making all the ghosts and glimmerflies seem almost real in their presentation. Also, I particularly like the written short stories in the back, they are one of the better written bonus stories I've read.
This is definitely a series I want to continue with, and when I venture into the world of light novels, this series will be at the top of my list.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
Starting out as light novel this manga centers around Kaori, a human who lives in the spirit world in a haunted bookstore ran by a struggling (yokai) author. One day she is led to a mysterious injured human boy, who her and the bookstores proprietor takes in and nurses back to health. Meanwhile Kaori takes odd jobs from the bookstore's patrons and travels all around the spirit realm helping its denizens.
As it sounds, the majority of this volume is setting up the world and characters, so not much goes on. There is a lot of cute and touching moments within its covers, making this a very relaxed read, perfect to snuggle up with or give a break from more dramatic series.
There's a lot of black ink used in the art, but it also feels unpolished and very sketchy adding an airy and light feeling balancing things out and giving it a mythical vibe making all the ghosts and glimmerflies seem almost real in their presentation. Also, I particularly like the written short stories in the back, they are one of the better written bonus stories I've read.
This is definitely a series I want to continue with, and when I venture into the world of light novels, this series will be at the top of my list.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
February 25, 2025
This was a sleeper hit. It was nothing like I expected, but I loved it. It had some gender queer tones, and low key reminded me of with the spirit realm. There wasn't much about the bookstore, it kind of took a background to the introduction of characters. I am hoping with the next book we will get more insight into the setting. I am really liking the direction of this. I think if you enjoy slow simmering fantasy manga like then you will probably enjoy this one too.
June 12, 2022
Not gonna lie, the title was the reason I purchased this manga and I will say that I was so disappointed.
Like where and how is the bookstore haunted?
The beginning really did capture my attention, then it had these weird transitions and I was lost after a while.
Will not be continuing with this series and I'm so sad by it since I had high expectations.
Like where and how is the bookstore haunted?
The beginning really did capture my attention, then it had these weird transitions and I was lost after a while.
Will not be continuing with this series and I'm so sad by it since I had high expectations.
February 10, 2024
Barely any mention of the bookstore and it is not haunted. I feel duped!
October 6, 2024
Ц?кавий тв?р ? мила ?стор?я! Тут ? книги, м?стика, симпатичний хлопець ? чудовий переклад. Спод?ваюся ? на романтичну л?н?ю :)
June 30, 2024
Завжди ц?каво почитати щось про книгарню чи щось у тому род?. А якщо вона й ще потойб?чна, то ц?кав?сть до такого твору ще б?льше зроста?. Коли я почав читати ман?у ?Наша потойб?чна книгарня: Ворота до паралельного св?ту? Медамаяк?, мо? оч?кування щодо ?стор?? були пов’язан? ?з життям навколо потойб?чно? книгарн?. Що також передбачало, якусь легеньку ? простеньку опов?дь. Певн? реч? виправдали спод?вання, ?нш? н?. Але чи це добре, чи не дуже, давайте спробу?мо роз?братися.
Д?вчина Мурамото Каор? живе у св?т? дух?в ?з дуже юного в?ку. Хоча вона людина, вона в?дчува? себе там, як вдома. Каор? залюбки допомага? сво?му прийомному батьков?, потойб?чному Ш?нономе, з його книгарнею, яка зда? в оренду та прода? книги р?зним духам, м?стичним створ?нням й ?ншого роду ?стотам. Вона мирно проводить сво? дн?, проводячи ?х у компан?? друз?в ? сус?д?в. Проте все зм?ню?ться, коли в ?хн?й потойб?чний притулок неспод?вано врива?ться самопроголошений екзорцист. Ш?рай Суймей, хлопець ?з заможно? родини, який нараз? не може використовувати сво? зд?бност? з нев?домих причин. В?н наважився п?ти в потойб?чний св?т, щоб знайти без?менну сутн?сть ?з нев?домою метою.
Каор? — д?вчина з добрим серцем, яка, незважаючи на те, що живе в потойб?чному св?т?, не ма? якихось особливих зд?бностей. Тим не менш, ?? люблять, ? вона добре зна? його звича?, прихован? стежки та секрети. На в?дм?ну в?д не?, Суймей навчився, лише боротися з духами та виганяти ?х, але не вза?мод?яти з ними як з особистостями. Через те, що його сили нараз? не д?ють, в?н в?дчува? себе досить безпорадним, через що довол? драт?вливим. Однак, коли Каор? показу? йому потойб?чний ? знайомить його з не ворожими духами й ?стотами, а з ?ншою ?хньою стороною, в?н почина? потроху зм?нювати сво? попередн? уявлення.
З такою назвою, як ?Наша потойб?чна книгарня?, я оч?кував побачити багато сцен ?з потойб?чною книгарнею. Однак у цьому першому том? книгарня з’явля?ться, лише к?лька раз?в. Хоча ман?а пропонувала захоплив?? досл?дження японського фольклору та м?фолог??, вона мене дещо розчарувала. ?стор?я зм?стила фокус на подорож? персонаж?в через потойб?чний св?т, що, хоч ? було ?нтригуюче, але не було тим, чого я оч?кував. Персонаж? були ц?кав?, що додавало глибини опов?д?. А описи потойб?чного св?ту зачаровували. Але мен? все ще не вистачало само? книгарн?. Спод?ваюся, що в наступних частинах ми будемо част?ше повертатися до книгарн?. ? занурюватися в нудний побут ус?х незвичних процес?в, що там в?дбуваються. Вона усе ж таки потойб?чна.
Ця ман?а найкраще п?д?йде для шанувальник?в спок?йного фентез?. Хоча в наступних частинах ?стор?я ма? можлив?сть розвинутися у б?льш динам?чну сторону, враховуючи великий св?т потойб?ччя, яким головн? геро? можуть подорожувати. Але це побачимо згодом. Тому, якщо ви шука?те щось простеньке, ненав’язливе, з потенц?йно великим св?том та ц?кавими героям, то можете спробувати ман?у ?Наша потойб?чна книгарня?.
Д?вчина Мурамото Каор? живе у св?т? дух?в ?з дуже юного в?ку. Хоча вона людина, вона в?дчува? себе там, як вдома. Каор? залюбки допомага? сво?му прийомному батьков?, потойб?чному Ш?нономе, з його книгарнею, яка зда? в оренду та прода? книги р?зним духам, м?стичним створ?нням й ?ншого роду ?стотам. Вона мирно проводить сво? дн?, проводячи ?х у компан?? друз?в ? сус?д?в. Проте все зм?ню?ться, коли в ?хн?й потойб?чний притулок неспод?вано врива?ться самопроголошений екзорцист. Ш?рай Суймей, хлопець ?з заможно? родини, який нараз? не може використовувати сво? зд?бност? з нев?домих причин. В?н наважився п?ти в потойб?чний св?т, щоб знайти без?менну сутн?сть ?з нев?домою метою.
Каор? — д?вчина з добрим серцем, яка, незважаючи на те, що живе в потойб?чному св?т?, не ма? якихось особливих зд?бностей. Тим не менш, ?? люблять, ? вона добре зна? його звича?, прихован? стежки та секрети. На в?дм?ну в?д не?, Суймей навчився, лише боротися з духами та виганяти ?х, але не вза?мод?яти з ними як з особистостями. Через те, що його сили нараз? не д?ють, в?н в?дчува? себе досить безпорадним, через що довол? драт?вливим. Однак, коли Каор? показу? йому потойб?чний ? знайомить його з не ворожими духами й ?стотами, а з ?ншою ?хньою стороною, в?н почина? потроху зм?нювати сво? попередн? уявлення.
З такою назвою, як ?Наша потойб?чна книгарня?, я оч?кував побачити багато сцен ?з потойб?чною книгарнею. Однак у цьому першому том? книгарня з’явля?ться, лише к?лька раз?в. Хоча ман?а пропонувала захоплив?? досл?дження японського фольклору та м?фолог??, вона мене дещо розчарувала. ?стор?я зм?стила фокус на подорож? персонаж?в через потойб?чний св?т, що, хоч ? було ?нтригуюче, але не було тим, чого я оч?кував. Персонаж? були ц?кав?, що додавало глибини опов?д?. А описи потойб?чного св?ту зачаровували. Але мен? все ще не вистачало само? книгарн?. Спод?ваюся, що в наступних частинах ми будемо част?ше повертатися до книгарн?. ? занурюватися в нудний побут ус?х незвичних процес?в, що там в?дбуваються. Вона усе ж таки потойб?чна.
Ця ман?а найкраще п?д?йде для шанувальник?в спок?йного фентез?. Хоча в наступних частинах ?стор?я ма? можлив?сть розвинутися у б?льш динам?чну сторону, враховуючи великий св?т потойб?ччя, яким головн? геро? можуть подорожувати. Але це побачимо згодом. Тому, якщо ви шука?те щось простеньке, ненав’язливе, з потенц?йно великим св?том та ц?кавими героям, то можете спробувати ман?у ?Наша потойб?чна книгарня?.
May 20, 2022
I am interested in the concept of this story but I feelmlike they rushed through parts. This seems to happen more often with manga that was a short story first. So I am hoping the next one is better. The back cover art is what forced me to buy this manga
September 26, 2024
затишна ман?а для тих, кому потр?бне щось тепле та р?дне. чита?ш — ? наче поверта?шся до хороших друз?в, хоч ? трима?ш цю роботу в руках вперше. нечасто читаю ман?у, проте ця точно потрапила мен? в серденько.
Каор? — людина, яка живе в потойб?чному св?т? посеред аякаш? (дух?в), працюючи в маленьк?й книгарн?. одного дня вона знаходить в цьому св?т? пораненого хлопця — Суймея, теж людину. в?н екзорцист та тимчасово втратив сво? сили. ця ман?а — це замальовка р?зних ситуац?й з ?хн?х житт?в, сповнена ц?кавих персонаж?в, при?мно? мальовки та дуже затишно? атмосфери.
зв?сно ж, головною штукою в манз? ? мальовка. тут вона дуже при?мна та м'яка, так ще через одного персонаж? — краш?. тут вам ? мила булочка Каор?, ? закритий буркотун Суймей, ? харизматичн? близнюки-круки Тен?у (вайб близнюк?в В?зл?), й кокетлива Незва. просто горта?ш стор?нки та закоху?шся.
окр?м при?мно? мальовки, сам? ?стор?? теж дуже яскрав? та затишн?, плюс не встига?ш занудьгувати завдяки короткому формату. ? вони точно не залишать вас байдужими! (особисто я сид?ла та плакала через ?стор?ю аякаш?-цикад. невимовно щемко). дуже сподобалися дв? додатков? текстов? ?стор??, такий формат мен? до душ?.
Каор? — людина, яка живе в потойб?чному св?т? посеред аякаш? (дух?в), працюючи в маленьк?й книгарн?. одного дня вона знаходить в цьому св?т? пораненого хлопця — Суймея, теж людину. в?н екзорцист та тимчасово втратив сво? сили. ця ман?а — це замальовка р?зних ситуац?й з ?хн?х житт?в, сповнена ц?кавих персонаж?в, при?мно? мальовки та дуже затишно? атмосфери.
зв?сно ж, головною штукою в манз? ? мальовка. тут вона дуже при?мна та м'яка, так ще через одного персонаж? — краш?. тут вам ? мила булочка Каор?, ? закритий буркотун Суймей, ? харизматичн? близнюки-круки Тен?у (вайб близнюк?в В?зл?), й кокетлива Незва. просто горта?ш стор?нки та закоху?шся.
окр?м при?мно? мальовки, сам? ?стор?? теж дуже яскрав? та затишн?, плюс не встига?ш занудьгувати завдяки короткому формату. ? вони точно не залишать вас байдужими! (особисто я сид?ла та плакала через ?стор?ю аякаш?-цикад. невимовно щемко). дуже сподобалися дв? додатков? текстов? ?стор??, такий формат мен? до душ?.
May 18, 2022
Kaori Muramoto has lived in the spirit realm since she was very young. She feels at home there, even though she is a human being. Kaori loves helping her adoptive father Shinonome run his bookshop, which rents and sells books to various spirit beings. Her days are largely peaceful, spent with friends and neighbors.
One day, there’s a new human in the spirit world. Shirai Suimei is an exorcist from a wealthy family. For reasons he’d rather not discuss, Suimei is unable to use his exorcist abilities right now, and has come to the spirit world to seek out an unnamed being for motives that are unclear. He’s rather spoiled, kind of rude, and not good with emotions. But he’s willing to pay for a place to stay, so for now he’s living at the Haunted Bookstore.
This manga series is based on a light novel by Shinobumaru, and we’re very much in the early chapters here with plenty of mysteries and backstory to uncover.
Kaori is a kindhearted girl with no immediately obvious special abilities, despite her residence in the spirit world. She is, however, well liked there, and familiar with its customs and hidden paths. Suimei has only been taught how to fight and banish spirits, not interact with them as people. With his powers in abeyance, he feels kind of useless, and is irritable to say the least. He begins to open up just a bit as Kaori guides him around the spirit world and introduces him to spirits that aren’t attacking humans.
Recurring characters are Kinme and Ginme, tengu (crow) brothers who are carefree and love pestering Suimei. (A text story at the end of the volume focuses on this love.) Also important are Noname the apothecary and Nyaa the multi-tailed cat.
Interestingly, most of the bookstore parts of the story involve reading aloud to someone else. This is part of the theme of kindness. The most strikingly alien part of this first volume is when Hatsu and Sasuke the cicada children come by. They’re friends with Kaori, but there’s a time limit.
Another text chapter at the end has Kaori and Noname discussing love, and Kaori discovering for the first time that she might be open to romance. But she’s pretty sure not with the obnoxious Suimei.
The art is decent, though I think the humanoid spirits tend to be too prettified. Also, the nose shadows look wonky from time to time. The writing is okay but it’s difficult to tell if the story will take off in future volumes or just wander aimlessly until time to wrap up.
Content note: Kinme and Ginme don’t understand human emotions, so their teasing can cross the line. We see in flashback the Suimei was encouraged to suppress his emotions by his family. Junior high readers on up should be okay.
This volume is pretty average; you may want to hear how the rest of the series goes before investing. Best so far for fans of relaxed fantasy.
One day, there’s a new human in the spirit world. Shirai Suimei is an exorcist from a wealthy family. For reasons he’d rather not discuss, Suimei is unable to use his exorcist abilities right now, and has come to the spirit world to seek out an unnamed being for motives that are unclear. He’s rather spoiled, kind of rude, and not good with emotions. But he’s willing to pay for a place to stay, so for now he’s living at the Haunted Bookstore.
This manga series is based on a light novel by Shinobumaru, and we’re very much in the early chapters here with plenty of mysteries and backstory to uncover.
Kaori is a kindhearted girl with no immediately obvious special abilities, despite her residence in the spirit world. She is, however, well liked there, and familiar with its customs and hidden paths. Suimei has only been taught how to fight and banish spirits, not interact with them as people. With his powers in abeyance, he feels kind of useless, and is irritable to say the least. He begins to open up just a bit as Kaori guides him around the spirit world and introduces him to spirits that aren’t attacking humans.
Recurring characters are Kinme and Ginme, tengu (crow) brothers who are carefree and love pestering Suimei. (A text story at the end of the volume focuses on this love.) Also important are Noname the apothecary and Nyaa the multi-tailed cat.
Interestingly, most of the bookstore parts of the story involve reading aloud to someone else. This is part of the theme of kindness. The most strikingly alien part of this first volume is when Hatsu and Sasuke the cicada children come by. They’re friends with Kaori, but there’s a time limit.
Another text chapter at the end has Kaori and Noname discussing love, and Kaori discovering for the first time that she might be open to romance. But she’s pretty sure not with the obnoxious Suimei.
The art is decent, though I think the humanoid spirits tend to be too prettified. Also, the nose shadows look wonky from time to time. The writing is okay but it’s difficult to tell if the story will take off in future volumes or just wander aimlessly until time to wrap up.
Content note: Kinme and Ginme don’t understand human emotions, so their teasing can cross the line. We see in flashback the Suimei was encouraged to suppress his emotions by his family. Junior high readers on up should be okay.
This volume is pretty average; you may want to hear how the rest of the series goes before investing. Best so far for fans of relaxed fantasy.
April 19, 2022
SO, I picked this manga up based of the Cover, then after reading the synopsis gave it a buy.
Like many others, I expected a story about a young woman who lives/ works in a hunted bookstore. The story DOES take place in one, and sure Kaori the female lead resides and works there but its not really a part of the story like you'd assume, think "The Savior's Book cafe…" which is one I really recommend!!
One thing I love about this series is the character designs, the main female
character Kaori doesn't have the long hair or overly "cute" style like most
female characters in manga do. I appreciate this because it makes her more
relatable, and she looks her age too! I personally lover her hair and casual
style. I mean…she's a human residing in the spirit world, that makes her interesting Enough as is.
Another aspect of this manga I enjoyed was the spirits they encounter throughout the volume, we learn a small bit about that particular spirit without it taking away from the storyline/plot. It loosely reminded me of "Mushishi" except there's actually a plot here lol, and Kaori isn't really on a journey traveling, she's just living her normal life in the spirit realm reading stories to spirits, and giving them help when they need it.
So far I have 1 favorite character, Nyaa-San the cat spirit, and yes it’s everything you’d expect of a cat spirit lmao. Another interesting character is Noname the spirit who runs the Apothecary in the town. It’s said that when Noname arrived she told everyone she had no name, so that’s why they call her “No Name”. I believe Noname is perhaps trans, or non-binary? There’s a point when she says “ Clothes don’t care about gender, though neither do we spirits honestly” Which comes after Kaori introduces her with female pronouns.
Noname also has a more muscular male shaped build, which isn’t usually what you’d expect for a female manga character.Also, at one point a character is surprised when Noname wears a frilly outfit, responding with “But frills with THAT six pack?” and “don’t think so old fashioned” makes me believe Noname is biologically male, or was, since she is a spirit.
I forgot to add that the plot is a little slow to me personally, but not boringly so. It’s a nice relaxing read in my opinion, so if you’re intrigued definitely, take a peak or read a preview, and check it out!
Like many others, I expected a story about a young woman who lives/ works in a hunted bookstore. The story DOES take place in one, and sure Kaori the female lead resides and works there but its not really a part of the story like you'd assume, think "The Savior's Book cafe…" which is one I really recommend!!
One thing I love about this series is the character designs, the main female
character Kaori doesn't have the long hair or overly "cute" style like most
female characters in manga do. I appreciate this because it makes her more
relatable, and she looks her age too! I personally lover her hair and casual
style. I mean…she's a human residing in the spirit world, that makes her interesting Enough as is.
Another aspect of this manga I enjoyed was the spirits they encounter throughout the volume, we learn a small bit about that particular spirit without it taking away from the storyline/plot. It loosely reminded me of "Mushishi" except there's actually a plot here lol, and Kaori isn't really on a journey traveling, she's just living her normal life in the spirit realm reading stories to spirits, and giving them help when they need it.
So far I have 1 favorite character, Nyaa-San the cat spirit, and yes it’s everything you’d expect of a cat spirit lmao. Another interesting character is Noname the spirit who runs the Apothecary in the town. It’s said that when Noname arrived she told everyone she had no name, so that’s why they call her “No Name”. I believe Noname is perhaps trans, or non-binary? There’s a point when she says “ Clothes don’t care about gender, though neither do we spirits honestly” Which comes after Kaori introduces her with female pronouns.
Noname also has a more muscular male shaped build, which isn’t usually what you’d expect for a female manga character.Also, at one point a character is surprised when Noname wears a frilly outfit, responding with “But frills with THAT six pack?” and “don’t think so old fashioned” makes me believe Noname is biologically male, or was, since she is a spirit.
I forgot to add that the plot is a little slow to me personally, but not boringly so. It’s a nice relaxing read in my opinion, so if you’re intrigued definitely, take a peak or read a preview, and check it out!
December 8, 2024
Kaori seems like a normal high school girl...unless you follow her home to find that she lives in a realm of supernatural creatures, working in a bookstore with her adoptive father, a spirit. When an exorcist stumbles into their lives, Kaori is determined to make him see that the spirits he's vowed to erase are fully-realized people just like humans.
This is like, the epitome of it's fine. "Human who considers the yokai/supernatural world their home and must try to keep balance between yokai and humans" is a common-enough basis for a story. "Supernatural store" is also a common basis, but despite the title, this is not one of those stories—you know, the kind where you mysteriously find exactly what you're looking for or need? I like those stories, and this sounds like it would be one, but instead, the bookstore of the title is just...where Kaori and her dad work, and interact with other yokai who want to buy books, or make deliveries.
The focus is much more on the characters themselves, how Kaori is more comfortable with yokai due to being raised by and with them, and how she's trying to get the self-proclaimed exorcist (and similarly-aged teenager) who stumbled in to see that these aren't evil spirits who need to be killed.
It did not stand out to me as particularly strong or notable for anything, but since this is just the first volume, it may change in the future and give the story some weight. Definitely one to get from the library.
This is like, the epitome of it's fine. "Human who considers the yokai/supernatural world their home and must try to keep balance between yokai and humans" is a common-enough basis for a story. "Supernatural store" is also a common basis, but despite the title, this is not one of those stories—you know, the kind where you mysteriously find exactly what you're looking for or need? I like those stories, and this sounds like it would be one, but instead, the bookstore of the title is just...where Kaori and her dad work, and interact with other yokai who want to buy books, or make deliveries.
The focus is much more on the characters themselves, how Kaori is more comfortable with yokai due to being raised by and with them, and how she's trying to get the self-proclaimed exorcist (and similarly-aged teenager) who stumbled in to see that these aren't evil spirits who need to be killed.
It did not stand out to me as particularly strong or notable for anything, but since this is just the first volume, it may change in the future and give the story some weight. Definitely one to get from the library.
March 15, 2022
A muddily written (or possibly translated, I'm not knowledgable enough to spot the difference) fantasy story in the vein of Miyazaki. I've seen a bunch of manga titles recently that seem focused on retail establishments or restaurants that are links between worlds and/or dimensions. I figured the bookstore title would be the most appealing to me.
While I did like the coneceit, the writing was sloppy. We're just meting the main characters when a new character just appears on the final page of the first chapter. In the next chapter, the new character has already established himself as an injured nudge to the protagonist and the spirit that raised her. It's very Tell Tell Tell with very little showing.
I do appreciate that there is a magic cat who speaks like any other character and seems to have some sort of personality. Most of the manga titles I've read either treat cats like they talk in cutesy baby languages, or else they have no discernable characteristics apart from talking cat. I also like that there is a plot that can't be summed up by a five word sentence. But the characters just didn't grab me enough to keep me reading.
If you like magical manga, this might be a title you enjoy.
While I did like the coneceit, the writing was sloppy. We're just meting the main characters when a new character just appears on the final page of the first chapter. In the next chapter, the new character has already established himself as an injured nudge to the protagonist and the spirit that raised her. It's very Tell Tell Tell with very little showing.
I do appreciate that there is a magic cat who speaks like any other character and seems to have some sort of personality. Most of the manga titles I've read either treat cats like they talk in cutesy baby languages, or else they have no discernable characteristics apart from talking cat. I also like that there is a plot that can't be summed up by a five word sentence. But the characters just didn't grab me enough to keep me reading.
If you like magical manga, this might be a title you enjoy.
July 6, 2022
As a book lover, I bought this manga based off the title and the cover. I am not ashamed to admit it. However, this is less haunted bookstore and more haunted by her humanity bookstore worker. Which I was surprisingly okay with after you get over the mismatched title.
Kaori is a human in the realm of spirits. She lives with her demon adopted dad in a haunted bookstore. She's learned to navigate the ups and downs of each world over time. However, things start to change when she saves a self-titled exorcist who has crossed into the spirit realm in search of one particular spirit.
What I loved:
The plot
The humor
Life Lessons
The Raven Spirit twins
What I didn't love:
the misleading title
the weird way noses were drawn throughout the story
I will be adding this to my middle school manga collection!
Kaori is a human in the realm of spirits. She lives with her demon adopted dad in a haunted bookstore. She's learned to navigate the ups and downs of each world over time. However, things start to change when she saves a self-titled exorcist who has crossed into the spirit realm in search of one particular spirit.
What I loved:
The plot
The humor
Life Lessons
The Raven Spirit twins
What I didn't love:
the misleading title
the weird way noses were drawn throughout the story
I will be adding this to my middle school manga collection!
March 24, 2023
Based on the light novels by the same title, The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway to a Parallel Universe will appeal to teen manga readers who love anything supernatural or stories with a quirky cast of characters. The workings of the spirit world were somewhat unclear, and I found myself lost at points (I feel like this tends to happen when the manga is adapted from light novels).
After reading volume 2, I felt I had a better handle on what to expect - vignettes focused on specific spirits inspired by Japanese folklore + ongoing character development into the individuals who frequent the Haunted Bookstore.
When recommending to readers, I highly suggest you give them more than just volume 1 and encourage them to keep reading. I'm interested in seeing how the story develops!
After reading volume 2, I felt I had a better handle on what to expect - vignettes focused on specific spirits inspired by Japanese folklore + ongoing character development into the individuals who frequent the Haunted Bookstore.
When recommending to readers, I highly suggest you give them more than just volume 1 and encourage them to keep reading. I'm interested in seeing how the story develops!
March 18, 2022
I haven’t read the original light novel, so I can’t say for sure if this is a faithful adaptation or comment on how it compares. but as a stand-alone manga, I really really enjoyed it! the artwork is gorgeous and the spirit world is especially vibrant. I loved the spirits we’ve seen so far, especially noname and the twins. the last chapters on the cicada spirits just about tore my heart out, though（ ; ; ）
I am loving the sweet relationship beginning to build between Kaori and Suimei, though I hope we get more of Suimei’s backstory soon. Nyaa is a perfect cat companion (the scene of him asking for breakfast was too funny). Definitely am going to keep picking this series up!!
I am loving the sweet relationship beginning to build between Kaori and Suimei, though I hope we get more of Suimei’s backstory soon. Nyaa is a perfect cat companion (the scene of him asking for breakfast was too funny). Definitely am going to keep picking this series up!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
I saw this on Seven Seas website and I could not wait to get my hands on it.
Kaori lives in a bookstore where the veil between the mortal realm and spirit realm are blurred.
Somehow a young man appears, and Kaori looks after him in a way. He has an opinion about spirits mostly because of his upbringing as an exorcists, but later learns that not all spirits are bad. There is one he is looking for. I wonder if we will know about that in the next few volumes.
I really enjoyed the ending where he consoled her.
I saw there were light novels for this so I am really excited to read those.
Kaori lives in a bookstore where the veil between the mortal realm and spirit realm are blurred.
Somehow a young man appears, and Kaori looks after him in a way. He has an opinion about spirits mostly because of his upbringing as an exorcists, but later learns that not all spirits are bad. There is one he is looking for. I wonder if we will know about that in the next few volumes.
I really enjoyed the ending where he consoled her.
I saw there were light novels for this so I am really excited to read those.
July 12, 2022
I believe this is a manga adaptation of a longer novel?
In terms of the manga, it was relatively enjoyable. The art is quite nice, and the artist uses a darker kind of background than other manga artists.
In terms of the story, I feel like we need more details to really get into the characters and the world. For example, why is this bookstore called a haunted bookstore? Why was Kaori adopted by spirits? What are some experiences she’s had of the spirit realm growing up? Essentially, I think this manga would’ve benefited from a stronger storyline.
In terms of the manga, it was relatively enjoyable. The art is quite nice, and the artist uses a darker kind of background than other manga artists.
In terms of the story, I feel like we need more details to really get into the characters and the world. For example, why is this bookstore called a haunted bookstore? Why was Kaori adopted by spirits? What are some experiences she’s had of the spirit realm growing up? Essentially, I think this manga would’ve benefited from a stronger storyline.
September 1, 2023
I picked this up because of the title. Sad to say, it doesn't really deliver the promise of a haunted bookstore. Maybe it will later in the series?
The MC is a young girl who lives in the spirit world. In this volume, we encounter an injured boy, who is an exorcist. The MC and spirit who has raised her take him in. Throughout their time in this volume, they encounter several different spirits, and those encounters lean very heavily into heartwarming moments.
There are a few side characters that look like they would be interesting to follow, such as the twins.
The MC is a young girl who lives in the spirit world. In this volume, we encounter an injured boy, who is an exorcist. The MC and spirit who has raised her take him in. Throughout their time in this volume, they encounter several different spirits, and those encounters lean very heavily into heartwarming moments.
There are a few side characters that look like they would be interesting to follow, such as the twins.
December 22, 2022
Kaori works at a bookstore in the spirit realm. She travels back and forth between the spirit and human realm. An exorcist, Suimei, stumbles across the spirit realm in search of a certain spirit. Kaori decides to take him in as he searches, and in return he helps out at the bookstore for spirits.
It's a cozy and whimsical manga. The concept of a spirit lover being friends with or in a relationship with an exorcist is cute and comical. Will continue reading the series.
It's a cozy and whimsical manga. The concept of a spirit lover being friends with or in a relationship with an exorcist is cute and comical. Will continue reading the series.
July 2, 2022
This story is definitely better suited for manga. Losing Kaori’s inner monologue helped things TREMENDOUSLY. I was right that the light novel came first. There are a couple places we’re just a tad too much was trimmed, so I would have been confused if I hadn’t read the LN first. And some nuance in their interactions was lost in the cicada story. But overall it was a much cleaner tighter version.
July 23, 2022
While, yes, there was very little focus on the haunted bookstore aspect, I liked this introduction. I think Suimei and Kaori are going to turn out to be really cute together because they're inevitably drawn to each other.
I also like that being human isn't downplayed; emotions, feelings, and experiences affect humans much more than fantastical spirits
I also like that being human isn't downplayed; emotions, feelings, and experiences affect humans much more than fantastical spirits
November 18, 2023
I feel like im just getting started on something great..it has all of the elements of an interesting storyline. Haunted bookstore, alternate world with monsters /spirits, quirky characters.. ? Not only that, but the story seems kind of deep, with thoughtful themes of loss, acceptance, found family.. I'm about to read the 2nd volume ?
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