AoD Novel Review: Passion: Forbidden Lovers

[sir_integra]

Review
Mania Grade: B
Art Rating: A
Packaging Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B+
Age Rating: 18 and Up
Released By: Digital Manga Publishing
MSRP: 8.95
Pages: 130
ISBN: 978-1569705742
Size: Shinsho
Orientation: Left to Right

[Noodle]

I didn't really enjoy this book and I gave it away after I read it. I didn't know it was based on the manga and not the other way around. Having read the manga, I didn't find anything was added here. I was a little annoyed actually that I felt I wasted time reading it since it wasn't like I especially liked Passion as a series. But you're right about the Shima's coldness being a bit more clear.

[sir_integra]

Originally Posted by Noodle

after I read it. I didn't know it was based on the manga and not the other way around.

As you know, Chris gets the "what they say" blurb from someplace, I don't know where. I was surprised to see that the blurb mentions that the manga is based on the novel. Unless I'm misread or misinterpreted, and I could have, Shinobu Gotoh implies in the afterword that the novel is a revisit of the material. Regardless, it only works if you've read the manga, liked it, and want to explore a bit more on Shina and Amamiya. Not so great as stand-alone.

[sir_integra]

Ha! The backcover blurb states - "Based on the manga of the same title..." Whew, got a bit befuddled there.

[Noodle]

Originally Posted by sir_integra

Ha! The backcover blurb states - "Based on the manga of the same title..." Whew, got a bit befuddled there.

Yeah, when I read that on the back (I'd already paid for it by then...) I was like "oh no, this is going to be total rehash." Then I read the afterward first and felt better - it was implied there would be a lot of what wasn't in the manga, and something about a change (?). But I can only guess they mean the Amamiya stuff... because the story sure seemed the same to me. I remember thinking when are we gonna get that something different? Which we didn't, so... I was disappointed.

[Collectonian]

Having really enjoyed the manga, it sounds like I might like this novel (and that, for once, it isn't a hideous translation). Will likely wait to get it on sale for the size though

[sir_integra]

Originally Posted by Collectonian

Having really enjoyed the manga, it sounds like I might like this novel (and that, for once, it isn't a hideous translation). Will likely wait to get it on sale for the size though

I think you will like it. But that price! We shouldn't be judging work by the page count, but you will raise an eyebrow over $8.95.