Leisure Reading

Stories through Time

Mao Volume 1

Rumiko Takahashi

When Nanoka travels back in time to a supernatural early 20th century, she gets recruited by aloof exorcist Mao. What is the thread of fate that connects them? Together, they seek answers...and kick some demon butt along the way!

Nanoka passes through a portal into the Taisho era, where exorcist Mao reluctantly rescues her from the jaws of a grotesque yokai. When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers she has some new, incredible abilities. She returns to the past looking for answers, only to get caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders. As her questions about herself multiply, Nanoka learns that Mao is cursed by a cat demon named Byoki—and so is his sword. If anyone but Mao attempts to wield it, they are doomed. But when Mao’s life is in jeopardy, Nanoka picks up his blade and swings...!*

Review by Alex Boris - Commons Librarian

There's something intriguing about a story where a character can travel through time. Through the main character you get to see the evolution of ideas, mechanics, and traditions which brings understanding of how we got to the present society. This story blends the fantasy of the historical world with the realism of the present day to bring about a captivating tale of love and tradition through time. Rumiko Takahashi is a master of this as she has written multiple stories in a similar vein. 

Nanoka and Mao form a bond based on their shared experience of running in to a particular yokai. Through this bond, both begin to work together to defeat this yokai and along the way discover secrets of their past. This manga is interesting and compelling. The world created by Rumiko Takahashi seems well thought out and full of realistic and imaginative characters as well as an inventive setting. 

There's action, there's mystery, and maybe a bit of romance. However, Nanoka and Mao's story is just beginning in this volume. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes manga with a little bit of everything for everyone. 

You can find this book in the Hodges Library Leisure Reading Collection found in the Miles Reading Room on the first floor. Check it out and let us know what you think of the book! Make sure to tag your responses on social media with #utksharedshelf so we can see what you think! 

* Book Description and image provided by Goodreads