Books like Her Majesty's Dog, Volume 1

This is a multiple volume shoujo manga series. Mick Takeuchi states that it was supposed to be horror, but in the first volume it goes from slightly bone chilling to girly love story. As a result, it’s hard to know what will come next. Amane Kamori is a manatsukai (master of names) and has special powers. She can control others if she knows their true names. She and her demon protector, Hyoue Inugami, leave their village because the people there are close-minded (though, why she decides to go to high school is beyond me). Amane was always lonely in her village, so when she makes a friend, she wants to do everything she can to keep her. Demons and angry spirits appear throughout and Amane and Hyoue must work together to keep them from harming other people. The artwork is lovely. All the characters are tall and thin and gorgeous, with huge luminous eyes. The horror elements are well done, too – a vengeful spirit has vacant eyes, and oozes blood from a wound she carves into her own neck. Similarly, a realistic inugami (headless dog) advances menacingly on Amane as she attempts to defeat it. Despite the spookiness of some elements, the story remains light-hearted and comical. Hyoue tells Amane that the only way he can feed from her life force is through kissing, so it appears that they are always making out at school – which annoys Amane’s new friend to no end.This series was recommended to me by one of my teen manga fanatics, who appreciates a funny story and a hint of romance, which is aptly served up by Her Majesty’s Dog. I’m not sure where the story will go (probably more romance, as it ends with Amane and Hyoue recommitting themselves to one another), but I’m mildly intrigued. Since manga is generally a fast read for me, I’ll probably try volume 2 and find out what happens next.