tasting ‘calling’ – day 3


Calling by Miu Otsuki


The Blurb:

Kazuaki is a mid-level businessman who’s never veered from the path of normalcy and safety, and never had any ambition to do so either: That is, until he meets Kira – a shameless ‘actor’ who declares his love for Kazuaki at first sight!

Kira awakens a passion and excitement in Kazuaki that he never knew he had. But, coming from two completely different worlds, can these two find common ground? And in the adult film industry, is there any room for love?

Why I bought it: Erm, I was on a yaoi buying spree?? That sounds quite possible.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ More of a warning~ As you can probably tell from the cover of this yaoi, it is not in the ‘usual’ manga drawing style. This may be off putting to some, but I’ve been reading manga and watching anime for so long now that I really enjoy it when I come across a different style. It’s refreshing. πŸ™‚

Like~ The artwork. LOL. What can I say, it really appealed. It had a funkiness and an edge to it sometimes missing from the characteristic manga style. I liked it a lot and it suited the story and characters.

Dislike~ Another warning~ This is GFY which I know is not everyone’s cuppa, especially when it comes to yaoi. The approach to the seme/uke tropes in Calling is quite different however, with no forced seduction but the gradual development of the relationship over time. This is assisted by the storyline and artwork giving insight into both characters’ POVs – another change from the usual – as well as it utilising the entire length of the novel to tell the tale. This is not a oneshot deal.

Like~ The exploration of Kazuaki’s and Kira’s burgeoning romance provided the opportunity for the mangaka to deal with issues associated with Kira’s job as a pron star. Yeah, this type of storyline can be romantic, blah, blah. Let’s face it, though, it’s friggin’ annoying when an author doesn’t do this subject justice because you know that, sooner or later, the shit is going to hit the fan. Thankfully this wasn’t an issue with Calling and, more importantly, Kira’s work was handled in a meaningful way.

So, what I think: At the time I completed this my comment at goodreads was “Screw the Great Yaoi Swap. I think I’ll keep it.” That still applies. πŸ˜›

I would also recommend this to readers who, whilst not being completely sold on the idea of this genre, wish to give yaoi a try so as to allay their curiousity. It is one of the better ones out there.

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β€˜Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to.Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.

About Kris

Reads, rants, randoms & R+s. You've been warned. BTW, don't follow me if you're a GLBTQQphobic wanker. It won't end well. For you.
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12 Responses to tasting ‘calling’ – day 3

  1. Great review but I don't know if I would be able to get past the drawing style… might have to try it!

    I just finished a yaoi last night and was thinking maybe its not for me… this one might get me back on the wagon!

  2. Tam says:

    Being a relative yaoi neophyte, if I don't like the drawing, I can't get into it. Yes, I'm shallow but hey, it's a freaking comic book, I'm supposed to like the pictures. I love how they use the phrase “shameless actor”. Everything is either honour or your a shameless slut in Japan. LOL

  3. Jenre says:

    Hmmm, isn't doing the tasters on yaoi manga cheating? I mean it's not a proper book is it? :P.

    Looks good tho and it's a shame it's not going into the swap.

  4. Kris says:

    Miranda: I'd definitely try this one and see what you think… even with the artwork. πŸ™‚

    Tam: “Everything is either honour or your a shameless slut in Japan.”

    LOL. That's part of the fun of yaoi.

    I'm with you on the artwork. It's either win or bust.

    Jen: Are you really wanting to have a discussion about what is a 'proper' book? πŸ™‚

    “Looks good tho and it's a shame it's not going into the swap.”

    Some peepo can be very selfish. πŸ˜›

  5. Chris says:

    After you lure us in, it's not in the swap?!

    *wonders how many of us are going to simultaneously buy it.

  6. Kris says:

    Chris: 'After you lure us in, it's not in the swap?!”

    Nope. *MWAHAHAHAHAHA!*

  7. Melissa says:

    lol, I read the review and then I went and put it on my wishlist πŸ™‚

  8. Kris says:

    Melissa: No self control. That's the problem with you lot. ;P

  9. orannia says:

    I love your tastings πŸ™‚

    Why I bought it: Erm, I was on a yaoi buying spree?? That sounds quite possible.

    πŸ™‚

  10. Kris says:

    Orannia: “I love your tastings :)”

    I'm glad someone does. *poutmope*

  11. Ingrid says:

    Sounds good Kris. But I must say if I don't like the artwork I most times don't finish the book.

  12. Kris says:

    Ingrid: There have been some books of which I've not been a huge fan of the artwork. Buggered if I can recall them now though… which probably says it all.

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