Sensual Phrase (Kaikan Phrase) Vol.7

Customer Reviews:

A Mature reader who enjoys this Mature rated series.......2006-09-12

I've been reading manga for about 4 months now. About 6 months ago my husband got me into anime starting with Vandread, Witch Hunter Robin and Inuyasha to name a few. One day I wandered into the manga section of Borders and asked a teenage girl who was sitting there reading to recommend some titles. I left with Fushigi Yugi and Tuxedo Gin. Now my queues with Netflix and Blockbuster have only anime titles and I own about 15 series of manga. I also go to Borders at least 3 times a week to sit in the cafe, drink tea and read manga. I can read one volume in about 45 minutes, so I can't afford to buy all I read. I end up buying what I like. I am on disability from teaching. Anime and manga allow to escape my reality. Oh, I'm 39 years old.

I hesitated to read Sensual Phrase at first. I had seen it reccommended in the back of other books, I had looked at a few volumes on the shelf and at first thought "Oh, how Mary Sue" and "I'm too old for this". Finally I read volume 1, EH, it was okay and finally hooked me with the video shoot at the very end. On to Volume 2, I had time to kill so why not. By Volume 3 I had gone back to the shelves, reshelved the other titles I had pulled and grabbed all the Sensual Phrase volumes. Next, call hubby and tell him I will be late coming home. I sat there reading every volume out which was up to 14. I got lucky and 15 was published a few days later. AAGGHH, now the wait for 16 then 17. I thought 17 was the end, even the column in the back says so, but Amazon shows a volume 18 coming out in the winter. I'll take all I can get.

After that I found myself rereading Sensual Phrase at the store and finally when they had a sale I bought them all. I've read the series at least 5 times. I find new things each time I read. The second time I slowed down to savor the pictures and yes drool (in my head) over the sex scenes.

Why does a middle aged woman (though I don't look it)read a manga series aimed at teens? It's the Mary Sue factor I mentioned earlier. I want to be Aine. I want to be cared for, protected and have frequent hot sex with with a drop dead gorgeous guy (although I think Yuki is even better looking, I love long hair). I agree with the reviewer who said they were glad Aine is not stunningly beautiful because she is a stand-in for me. Is my marriage terrible? No. Do I not love my husband? No, I love him more now than I did when we married 16 years ago. But I like to escape to a fantasy world for a while where life is constantly exciting and things turn out all right every time. Make no mistake, this is as much fantasy as Middle Earth. I'm sure even sexy Japanese rock stars don't lead this kind of life!

Yes, Sakuya and Aine (or some other 2 people) have sex every 10 pages or so. It's not quite as often as one reviewer stated. Yes, Aine is constantly in danger and in need of rescuing. Don't we all want to be rescued from some part of our lives every once in a while?

I like the sex. I like the sexy drawings of luscious hunks on almost every page. I love the outrageous outfits Sakuya and sometimes the others wear. See Volume 7 for an interesting treat in this area. I'm drawn into their angst. I love the backstories. (More Yuki, More Yuki!!!) I want to be Aine for a while. For an hour or two or three my own life, which because of my disability sucks, fades away.

I wish this series and manga in general had been around when I was in high school. There were no teen books then, you went straight into adult books. Actually Kaikan Phrase (the Japanese title) was not even around in Japan when I was in high school ;)

For those who object to the sex, read something else, but let those of us who don't read what we want, no censorship please. For those of you who think it is unrealistic....DUH that's what it is supposed to be. If I want reality I have my own life OR there is this rather large section in both bookstores and libraries called NON-FICTION. I am not looking to be enlightened or educated. I am looking to be entertained and to have a great fantasy. Of course Aine or somebody has to get into trouble every volume. I don't think I could stomach 17 volumes of just sex and rock concerts. When I taught writing I told my students the first thing you have to come up with was a problem to make the story interesting. Maya Shinjo has to come up with 17+ problems.

I really hope they bring the anime series to DVD here in the US. It's not a retelling of the book, it focuses more on the band. But at least my Sensual Phrase habit could go on a little longer.

If you want steamy, sexy escapism, buy the first 3-4 volumes (or go read them in the store, buy a cup of coffee for your rent) and see if you are hooked. As I said earlier Volume 1 might not be enough to grab you. It's no different from many of the titles in the Romance section, it just has drawings and takes more volumes, unfortunately.

This is smut for women with pictures and I LOVE IT. Writing this review has made me want to go back and read the series again. I can't wait for 16!

review.......2006-06-19

In the beginning their love was a precious secret. Sakuya, the lead singer for Lucifer, was the seemingly unattainable object of desire for millions of hopeful women. Aine was a young and naive lyricist who suddenly found herself in the middle of a raucous rock 'n' roll circus. The two lovers fell into each other's arms one night and tried their best to keep the torrid affair private.

Now, in a press conference that surprises everyone, Sakuya publicly declares his love for the petite towhead songstress. But Aine, much to Sakuya's chagrin, is far from happy.

Although she loves him madly, Aine is worried about her future with the intense and reedy superstar. Suffering in silence, she's been waking up with morning sickness. The world of rock'n'roll is no place for children and Aine is afraid that a spawn of Lucifer will cool the heat that Sakuya feels for her.

It's SHOUJO for god sake.......2006-03-31

For Phlaw "Djuana Kearney" up there, this is a Shoujo manga... the plot is pretty simple but the author is trying to make it more erotic for MATURE readers. Sakuya and AINE is supposed to make a fantasy for readers (for Females) to get a little entertainment from real life. If you're going to give it a bad rating, at least give a good enough reason not just "buff males stealing aine, hot females stealing sakuya" because again, this is shoujo not shoujen and it's pointless smut. Like almost every other shoujos. I love this series because it is a fun read. It's not so graphic, but it does show some kind of nudity. Mature minds or age level! Other than that, if you're into pointless smut, sexy characters (Aine could be better lol), and just somethign to do, pick up this manga and start catching up! There's 13!

Great as always.......2006-03-10

I love this series and will continue to buy every volume of it that is created. The characters are great (and cute) and there are mini stories in addition to the mail ones.

best book ever, no matter what anyone says!!.......2006-03-06

this book may contain images of a man and woman screwing (yes i said screwing!) but people choose to read this book! it is rated M for mature audiences and if you feel you are mature enough to read a love story book that has sexual scenes in it than read it! i dislike it when people say "oh well this book is sheer pronography" well i say "so fricken what!" if somebody out there doesnt like this book then dont read it!! simple as that! and yes the girl is somewhat unattractive but not everyone on this planet is drop dead gorgeous!! i as a matter of fact happen to like this manga very much and i relate to the character in the book! sometimes a woman needs to feel loved and wanted and what-not and so-forth. it relates to every girls fantasy that a guy will rescue you when you feel you need to be rescued and love you unconditionally! its an amazing book and i truely love and cherish every book i own!

Sensual Phrase, Volume 18 (Sensual Phrase)

Average customer rating:

Just additional filler, one interesting Short story
A mixed wrap-up for a good series. **SPOILERS**

Sensual Phrase, Volume 18 (Sensual Phrase)
Mayu Shinjo
Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1421508478

Book Description

As a budding poet and lyricist, Aine is on her way to an audition one fateful afternoon. Absentmindedly stepping into the street, she barely avoids getting struck by an oncoming vehicle. Not only is the cute teenager lucky to be alive, but her brush with death turns out to be a date with destiny. The driver of the car just happens to be Sakuya, the charismatic and fabulously handsome lead singer for a band called Lucifer. In short order, Sakuya and his crew compose a song using AineÅfs lyrics. The tune proves popular with the bandÅfs fans and Sakuya decides he wants a relationship, both professional and personal, with Aine. ThereÅfs only one small requirement: The lyrics Aine writes must be erotically charged. And guess what? Sakuya fully intends to introduce the young and inexperienced girl into the world of sensual delights. Does Sakuya actually care for Aine, or is she just another sexual conquest for him? Will Aine fulfill her dreams and become a professional lyricist, or has she simply sold her soul to Lucifer?

Customer Reviews:

Just additional filler, one interesting Short story.......2007-03-03

THe final volume of sensual phrase is headlined by the band's return to Japan. Sakuya is still devastating and I still wish Aine would grow more independent, everything she is all about is still stronly tied to Sakuya's personality. The next SP filler is more erotically graphic, but introduces readers to Sakuya and Aine's son Shion, who is adorable. Aine is better in this story because she's shown as a stronger parent. The other part of the second filler is just a glimse how the other Aucifer band members are spending their time. I love the glimpse of Yuki and his family(Maria and Yuki-hiko). Atsuro and Yuuka get married at the end of the 2nd filler and a small statement is written about how Santa, Towa, Yuki and Atsuro's lives are progressing.
The First Short story(it has Shotgun in the title) is the best in the book, it has a strong male and female lead and involves cars which is one of Mayu Shinjo's current loves. The male lead hides his wild side and the female lead discovers this when she tries to become closer to him, since she gets attracted to him because of his kindness. The story is cute and smart. I really liked it.
The 2nd short story was ok, romantic, but to much cliche that it was just OK.

A mixed wrap-up for a good series. **SPOILERS**.......2007-02-23

There are a lot of things I can say about Sensual Phrase: Final Volume.

First off, I have been a fan of the series since I picked up the first volume on a whim last year. So I was eagerly awaiting this promised final volume, which was supposed to be a 'wrap-up' for the series. In a way, this last novel is both a high point for the series but it's a let down as well.

There are four (or five, I can't remember if the one is split into two chapters) stories in this book. Three of them are Sensual Phrase, the last two are just random episodes the author included.

The Sensual Phrase ones are, to be honest, filler. The first one takes place a year after the end of Vol. 17. Sakuya and Aine have been married for a year, and Aucifer is returning to Japan for a tour. Aine's parents want her to stay with them while Sakuya is doing his tour, but when he discovers this he tells her he wants to stay with her at her parents'. Aside from some amusing moments where her parents ALMOST catch them having sex, it's mostly just another way of showing how Sakuya is adjusting to his in-laws.

The second and third stories revolve around Sakuya and Aine having a son. There was a sex scene in the second one that to me felt more graphic than some of the other scenes in the manga, but this one felt like it had little point beyond that.

The third story actually did fill us in on some of the rest of the band. Atsuro and his stepsister Yuka are getting married! (She's apparently pregnant..) Yuki has temporarily left the music business to oversee his family's business. His wife and son are shown with him. Everyone catches up, and that's how the series wraps up.

I'll be honest, the other story is okay. It was kind of jarring to go to a completely different series from SP, especially since the one guy looks a LOT like Sakuya. And the girl acts a lot like Aine at the beginning of SP (translation: whiny and indecisive).

I give the volume 4 stars because it wasn't bad by any means, I just really wish the author had gone into more detail about their lives. If this were a movie, I'd say this was simply a highlight reel and not part of the movie itself.

Sensual Phrase, Volume 17 (Sensual Phrase)

Average customer rating:

Sensual Phrase, Volume 17 (Sensual Phrase)
Mayu Shinjo
Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1421505622

Book Description

Book Description

In short order, Sakuya and his crew compose a song using Aine's lyrics. The tune proves popular with the band's fans and Sakuya decides he wants a relationship, both professional and personal, with Aine. There's only one small requirement: The lyrics Aine writes must be erotically charged. And guess what? Sakuya fully intends to introduce the young and inexperienced girl into the world of sensual delights. Does Sakuya actually care for Aine, or is she just another sexual conquest for him? Will Aine fulfill her dreams and become a professional lyricist, or has she simply sold her soul to Lucifer?

Customer Reviews:

Boring.......2006-12-24

I thought the story was pretty boring. The main female character is so weak she cannot stand up for herself and depends on guy to stand up for her every time. The guy happens to be very hot and all the other girls have a crush on him. If you can get pass the idea that the girl is really weak then i guess the story ain't so bad. The artwork isn't bad.

Well, The Art is Good!.......2006-10-20

I heard that this thing was a "straight version of GRAVITATION". Well, both manga are set in the musical industry, and they have a long list of superficial similarities that are fun to make note of. Otherwise it is a misleading comparison. If the phrase "a straight version of GRAVITATION" intrigues you, give this a miss and try SKIP BEAT instead.

I read SENSUAL PHRASE because I heard some good things about it. I have belatedly realized that the good things that I heard probably referred to KAIKAN PHRASE - the anime LOOSELY based upon this manga.

SENSUAL PHRASE reminds me of PARADISE KISS in that they have the same basic plot setup: High school girl gets involved with glamorous industry and enigmatic hottie. The difference is that SENSUAL PHRASE 1) adds lots of sex and misogyny, and 2) removes all the humor, character development, non-sexual relationships, and the heroine's backbone and frontal lobe. The SP heroine, Aine, more strongly resembles the whiny heroines of CERES and FUSHIGI YUUGI, only without any pesky friends or brothers or world-saving duties to distract her from her boyfriend.

For the first couple of volumes, it appears that SENSUAL PHRASE does have a plot at least, whatever else it is lacking. Later volumes come close to being soft porn, with paper-thin plots that are best recommended to fans of kitschy badness. If this was a TV show and I had friends over for drinks, I would definitely turn it on so that we could mock it and throw things at the TV in between conversations about other things. It is fun in that way.

Unbelievably Good.......2006-03-28

I was first given this manga as a gift, and I didn't think I'd like it at all. I'm not the type to read Romance novels or anything of the sort. But I gave this a chance, and I am so glad I did.
It kept me completely captivated right to the end. The artwork is gorgeous, the characters are well thought out, and the lyrics are catchy (I would love to hear some of them actually sung).
I cannot wait to read the next one.

Four Stars...But Not Because of Aine.......2006-02-09

Sensual Phrase is visual eye candy. Sakuya, the lead singer for the band Lucifer, is that sexy bishonen male who is simply drool-worthy - in fact the entire band is worthy of its own poster (they're all that hot). He's a tribute to all the brooding, devil-may-care rock stars that those of us who grew up in the 60's, 70's and 80's still miss. The sensuality is tastefully drawn, though it is certainly a mature read.

Aine, however, is the reason why manga has lost a great deal of its appeal for me. Maybe it's a culture thing, but I'm simply not interested in the cute but virginal girl who just needs the love of a handsome man to make her complete. Yawn. I don't even like that type of scenario in romance novels. Aine is simply no match for the sensual and seductive Sakuya. She's a ditzy high school girl who just so happens to write rather salacious lyrics, even though she's never been kissed and is still a virgin. She nearly gets run over by the fast-driving Sakuya and from there her rather placid high school life becomes a walk on the wild side of rock stardom.

Also, it's just a little maddening that every time Aine's more jealous peers who are huge fans of Lucifer (and of Sakuya) start bullying her, here comes Sakuya to save her hide.

Now, perhaps it is her very innocence in a jaded music industry that Sakuya craves, and in that sense, the story works.

But again, it's the art that appeals to me. I'll keep collecting each volume and hopefully Aine will grow some sort of backbone. It would be such a disappointment if she stayed the same.

Eh........2005-09-24

I didn't enjoy Sensual Phrase and I won't be buying past the second edition.

I got sick of the teenagery vapid love (*gasp, gasp, how does he FEEL for me!? How shall I act around him, oh nuuuu*) I lived through that already, I didn't want it in a manga XD

The drawing is cool and the storyline is... okay. But it didn't do it for me, simply put.

Average customer rating:

review
entertaining, but quite unrealistic

Sensual Phrase (Kaikan Phrase) Vol.3

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1591164494

Customer Reviews:

review.......2006-06-19

There's always a crowd of pretty young girls hanging out backstage ready to provide "fan support" to Sakuya, the dreamy frontman for hard rockin' Lucifer. Unfortunately, the one girl he most desires doesn't seem to want him.

Or so he thinks....In reality, Aine is hopelessly in love with the lanky, leather-clad heartthrob. But cruel circumstances have conspired to keep them apart.

Now Sakuya has been cast on a popular TV show with a co-star who just happens to be the first woman he ever slept with! It's no secret she's more than ready for another romp with him. Will he be able to resist her sexual advances and hold out for the woman of his dreams...?

entertaining, but quite unrealistic.......2005-05-10

This series, while not the best I've ever read, is somehow very addicting. The storyline is completely unbelievable, but my favorite genre is fantasy, so I can't say much about that. It's about a high school girl who writes decent sexy lyrics, and one day the lead singer of an incredibly popular group finds one of her songs after he nearly runs her over with his sports car.

From there, the story just gets wilder. She becomes the lyricist for his group, as well as his lover. He buys her a house to live in, she gets kidnapped by a rival corporation, he gets kidnapped and tortured, and it's all because she writes these ok songs. She doesn't seem to have parents, because she's always with the guy, and no one seems to care.

And yet I would still give the series 3 stars because there is a lot of emotion (also a lot of sex, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids under 16), the artwork is decent, and the artist clearly loves what she does. I'm always a fan of enthusiasm. I would definitely recommend a test drive before buying. It is actually a series I plan on completing, so I certainly don't hate it. But read it at your own risk.

Sensual Phrase, Volume 16 (Sensual Phrase)

Average customer rating:

Sensual Phrase, Volume 16 (Sensual Phrase)
Mayu Shinjo
Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1421505614

Book Description

Book Description

Working side-by-side on the set of Lucifer's brand new music video, singer Sakuya and lyricist Aine discover they can no longer deny their sexual attraction to one another. But before sparks turn to flames between the two songbirds, the president of Lucifer's record company decides he wants a piece of pretty Aine for himself. If she doesn't succumb to his desires, he's vowed to sabotage Lucifer's hit-making future! Aine is forced to make a difficult decision. Does she rebuff her new suitor or does she sacrifice herself for the love of Sakuya? Things get even more twisted when she discovers the president of Metro Records is, in fact, the half-brother of the man she loves!

Customer Reviews:

The heat is on.........2004-07-09

If you read the first Sensual Phrase & thought it was good, well...the second one IS better & Hotter!

You will deffinitely discover in the second volume if Sakuya's feelings & intentions towards Aine is genuine or not. Is Sakuya nice to Aine for business sake since Aine's lyrics is such a hit? or does he really care about Aine?

For those of you who thinks Sakuya is a hottie, wait til you get a hold of Sakuya's half brother! There is a sibling rivalry going on, power struggle and they both want Aine as their lyricist. You will learn some of Sakuya's hidden, dark past & get to know how he got his blue eyes & black hair.

This second volume deffinitely contains: MORE drama(...)/ seductive content, kidnapping, blackmailing, secrets, plenty of hotties to look at AND a CLIFFHANGING ending!!! ALLL wrapped up very nicely in the second installment of this great manga!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books