Roundup

From Our TBR Pile… May 2026

Manga, manhwa and a novel feature in our May recommendations!

AUKN Staff • 17th May 2026

Manga Review

A Starlit Darkness Volume 1 Review

Debt-ridden Subaru Karasuma, once a promising writer, has lost all hope. But then he encounters best-selling novelist Geppo Yagira who offers him a lifeline…

Sarah • 16th May 2026

Manga Review

A Pen, Handcuffs, and a Common-Law Marriage Volume 1 Review

A detective joins forces with a mute high school student in this new series from Yen Press.

Demelza • 15th May 2026

Manga Review

Tokyo Aliens Volume 10 Review

Tokyo Aliens reaches the milestone tenth volume! Sho and the AMO embark on a rescue mission to save Akira, but will they make it in time?

Demelza • 14th May 2026

Manga Review

A Long & Short Love Story Review

A glimpse into the everyday lives of childhood friends and neighbours Ibuki and Kippei as they attend high school and begin to re-evaluate how they feel about each other.

Sarah • 13th May 2026

Manga Review

Drawing From Your Memory Volume 1 Review

This first volume of a new Kodansha series follows a successful mangaka, who made her fame and fortune from a sadly deceased classmate's idea. Now she wants nothing more than a chance to do it all over and have him live out this bright future instead...

Demelza • 12th May 2026

Manga Review

I Cannot Reach You Volume 9 Review

It’s the start of the third year of high school for Yamato and Kakeru – and time to start thinking about their futures. But what will happen if they’re no longer in the same class?

Sarah • 11th May 2026

Manhwa/Manhua Review

Overgeared Volumes 3, 4 and 5 Review

Youngwoo's alias as Grid in the video game world of Satisfy is making news, and now players are on the hunt for his character. Do they want to befriend him or destroy him? It's still to be seen...

Noemi10 • 10th May 2026

Anime Review

Lycoris Recoil Collector’s Edition Review

Lycoris Recoil makes its way to home video with this collector's edition from MVM, but how do we feel about the show now it's been several years since it debuted?

Demelza • 9th May 2026

Manga Review

The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé Volume 5

Takanashi and Hiwatari confess how much they care for each other, spend the night together – and then everything falls apart! Why… and just when it was all going so well…?

Sarah • 8th May 2026

Anime Review

Reincarnated as a Sword Season 1 Blu-ray Review

This anime may not shine for its animation or storytelling, but the main characters are fun to watch as they become adventurers.

darkstorm • 7th May 2026

Manga Review

Betrothed to a Fox Demon Volume 1 Review

Demon exorcist Kuro Kyogane has no interest in taking a bride and starting a family, but one day he has Fuyu forced upon him. Can this girl whose life he once saved finally melt his heart and show him there's more to life than the path of revenge?

Demelza • 6th May 2026

Manga Review

My Lover Is Just Too Innocent to Handle Volume 1 Review

Quiet Hasegawa is surprised when his charismatic classmate Hiyama asks him out – and even more surprised when he suggests starting an exchange diary! Does this unlikely relationship have any chance to succeed?

Sarah • 5th May 2026

Book Review

Agents of the Four Seasons Volume 2 Review

The Agent of Autumn has been kidnapped, and the others band together to prevent a repeat of the tragedy that took place ten years ago. But will they be able to hold their own against their many enemies and save the day?

Demelza • 4th May 2026

Manga Review

Love in the Palm of His Hand Volume 3 Review

Fujinaga and Keito have been apart while Fujinaga rehearses for his first big role in a stage play – and now opening night has arrived! How will this affect their feelings for each other?

Sarah • 3rd May 2026

Manga Review

The Prince’s Keeper Volume 1 Review

An apprentice witch finds herself in over her head when she's followed home by a cat who is actually the third prince of the kingdom with a powerful curse placed upon him.

Demelza • 2nd May 2026