On the Verge of Lunacy

Nai is searching for a guy named Karoku but his only clue to the latter's whereabouts is a bracelet. He meets a thief named Gareki whom he was forced to pair up with to escape a setup in a mansion. Later in the story, Nai and Gareki meet the members of Circus, a defense organization. This meeting introduces them to potential allies as well as place them in danger for coming under the watchful eyes of another organization. This seems to be a clue to Nai's past and the identity of the man he has been searching for. Nai and Gareki Fans of the science fiction and fantasy genre might enjoy the series because Karneval's story relies heavily on magic and combat, and hi-technology machines. An interesting plot, characters, and good animation aside, the point of the story does not become clear until after a few episodes. The audience however will determine right away that there are different factions involved and that the story goes deeper than what was previ...

This 10-episode series has an interesting mix of humor, action, fantasy, horror, and romance. The biggest setback perhaps is that it is about a vampire. Unfortunately for those who are predisposed to hate the overrated supernatural creatures, Staz is not interested in acting like your typical vampire. He is one of the bosses in the demon world and likes Japanese culture more than human blood. When a Japanese girl finds her way into the demon world, Staz was excited. But while he was dealing with an intruder in his territory, Yanagi Fuyumi was killed by a monster. Now Staz has to find a way to bring her back to life. I thought at first that the focus would be on the lead character's vampiric characteristics and how it will interfere in his relationship with Fuyumi. The story later shifted to how the girl can possibly return to her true form although it tended to drown in all the humor and back stories. The series has surprisingly good action scenes. When you have a ...

Tachibana Mei vowed long ago not to make friends again so she would never get hurt, and yet a handsome and popular guy, Kurosawa Yamato, seems to have noticed something in her. All that was needed was for a nearly unfortunate incident to happen to allow fate to make her open herself up for a change she was slow to welcome. Like most romance stories, one of them falls in love with the other eventually. The situation just got worse for Mei when Yamato finally kissed her. Everything then changed for Mei. While this might seem like another typical romance series, Sukitte Ii Na Yo does offer a lot of things the more popular romance series do not. So far, this has been the most mature series I have watched. By mature I refer to the complications the main characters had to overcome in this 13-episode series. Most romance series do not offer beyond anything than the sweet, promising romance that is a given in any relationship that is still starting blossoming. The series goes b...

Released in 2000 and 2001, the game is playable in PlayStation 2.  It has three modes, the single player mode, tournament mode and VS mode. Characters are unlocked in the tournament mode when you play the single player mode. The player gets to pick one of the three characters (Taketsune Nakayama, Shozaemon Hyuga and Yasutomu Yoshimura). Each character has his own story and purpose of pursuing the way of the warrior. Their stories however have little effect on the game itself. At the start of the single player mode, each have individual stats showing their strengths and areas to improve. After choosing a character, the first goal is to pick a dojo and train until he is able to complete all the tests. The set of tests include basics like attack, defence, stances and ki. These tests are in the form of matches wherein the player gets opportunities to use all those mentioned. When the player is able to complete all the tests, he can now move on to challenge other dojos. ...

This short book provides an introduction and English translation of one of Hesiod's work. The first part is an excellent outline of the history, background, and contents of Theogony. I recommend reading the part first because it is an important guide of the themes, inconsistencies and the studies done by scholars over the years of the work. However, I warn readers who are not into mythology. The introduction is lengthy and the tone is academic. Anyone without even the slightest background of Classical Mythology will be buried in all the information. For those who have read some of the Greek myths, Theogony is much easier to read because you'll know what to look for. I've read Theogony a while back and I find this book helpful because of the introduction. Some of the passages make more sense now. Rating: 10 out of 10

As presaged in the latter part of the first book of the series The Steel Remains, Ringil Eskiath is estranged again from his family; this time officially by his father. Some time after his encounter with Seethlaw and the other dwenda, Gil found a new mission and has vowed to disrupt the slave trade which he has discovered previously. Meanwhile, a messenger warns Archeth Indamaninarmal of a coming disaster, a disaster which might have something to do, or not, with Egar Dragonbane's discovery in the Afa'marag temple. In this second installment of A Land Fit for Heroes series, more information is revealed to the reader about some of the Dark Court and its possible involvement in the unfolding of the events. There is also more mention of the Grey Places. Magic and history are interwoven beautifully and the pace is consistent with the first book. The characters, narration, and action scenes are familiar to the reader and so it is easy to pick up where you've left. T...

Ringil Eskiath is a bored hero of Gallows Gap. Although full of regrets of the past and is shunned by his family because of his sexual preferences, no one really notices it beneath his cocky and arrogant attitude.  One day he was surprised to see his mother asking him for help to look for a female cousin sold into slavery. Gil agrees reluctantly. Taking with him his Kiriath sword Ravensfriend, he visits old friends and meets new enemies. What he was about to unravel however involved more at stake than just the cousin he was supposed to rescue. Egar the Dragonbane is the clanmaster of the Skaranak, but his family and his people are dissatisfied with his ways. Ways and thinking which have been changed during his time at the wars. Meanwhile, Archeth Indamaninarmal is tied to the Yhelteth emperor. Being the only half-Kiriath half-human left, she feels out place. Both Egar and Archeth are old friends of Gil. A gathering of dangerous forces and a prophecy brings the three to...