Familiar Diversions

Man, choosing only four books for this square was hard. I debated choosing four from different completely unrelated books, or going with some sort of theme. I opted to go with a "Japanese novels in translation" theme, sticking to either standalone novels or the first books in series I haven't tried before. (I was going to set this up as a quiz like some of you have done but couldn't get it to work for some reason, so I'll be counting answers in comments instead. Sorry!)

1. Edge of Tomorrow by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (266 pages) - When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally - the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

2. Masquerade and the Nameless Women by Eiji Mikage (222 pages) - Since the death of her sister, police force newbie Yuri Uguisu has been chasing the notoriously untraceable serial killer Masquerade. When a new corpse turns up in Odaiba, Yuri immediately goes on alert—only to recognize the victim as an old classmate, the alluring and mysterious Reina Myoko. When the police force calls in long-time consultant psychologist Seiren Higano for assistance in untangling the testimonies of Reina’s father, fiancé, and lover, Yuri meets the riveting, charismatic psychologist for the first time. Little does she know that Higano is none other than Masquerade himself. Faced with Reina’s case, Higano promises to get the answers, but no one is prepared for the conclusion reached in the interrogation room…

In this cat-and-mouse tale of hunter and hunted, Eiji Mikage has woven a subtle and twisting tale of clashing motives and murky identities, where nothing anyone says can be taken at face value.

3. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, Vol. 1 by Dojyomaru (374 pages) - When Kazuya Souma is unexpectedly transported to another world, he knows the people expect a hero. But Souma's idea of heroism is more practical than most - he wants to rebuild the flagging economy of the new land he's found himself in! Betrothed to the princess and abruptly planted on the throne, this realist hero must gather talented people to help him get the country back on its feet - not through war, or adventure, but with administrative reform!

4. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers, Vol. 1 by Ishio Yamagata (220 pages) - Seven heroes gather to save the world - but the legends spoke of only six.

Long ago, the Evil God was sealed at the edge of the continent, where it lies in slumber. Each time it awakens, it threatens to plunge the world into hell, and each time, six powerful warriors are chosen to seal it away again. But now, as the cycle begins anew, the Crest of the Six Flowers marks not six Braves...but seven.

Hans, the mysterious assassin for hire. Mora, the elder of the All Heavens Temple. Chamo, the young but deadly Saint of Swamps. Nashetania, the princess, and Goldof, the knight yearning to win her heart. Fremy, the girl with a dark past. And Adlet, the boy with a dream.

When the Braves of the Six Flowers realize one of their number is an impostor, hero will turn on hero in this exciting new series!