Review: Izumi

Izumi by Ana Raine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Izumi is adorable and so cuddly. It is no wonder Nathan wanted him for a pet since he was 5 years old. Returning to this cute Neko world, I wonder why I haven't read the books between this and the first one. I will need to go back and read books two through five. Book six, this one, can be read as a standalone.

Most Neko, a creature resembling a hybrid between cats and humans, will one day grow up and be attached to a demon as a slave. This is a dream for them so they can leave their isolated island. For Izumi, he leaves much earlier at the age of 5. He is a bit rebellious, but still a good and obedient Neko. He's been the playmate for Nathan almost all his life. He is waiting for the day that Nathan makes a decision. This decision will finally free Izumi. The question is, what does Izumi's freedom mean?

This novella moves quickly and smoothly. It is easy for a reader to get up to speed in this world and be drawn into the relationship between Izumi and Nathan. Their relationship is interesting because it is best described as constant craving. They both yearn for each other and yet through lack of information and miscommunication, it seems they will be split apart.

The plot of this story is a carry over from previous books and it is a very slowly developing one. I tend to ignore the plot because this series is more character driven with an undertone of erotic power exchange. The sexual heat in this story is hawt and kinky, just how I like it. Added to this slightly anime/manga feel, it hits all the buttons I enjoy. Ms. Raine describes this story so beautifully, I can see it in my mind as a Japanese anime. Perhaps someone will illustrate her stories and make this a lovely graphic novel collection.

Whilst there is a resolution between Izumi and Nathan, a reader is still left hanging about Demons and Nekos. Hopefully the next book in the series will reveal more about their codependency. This erotica novella is recommended to kinky m/m readers who enjoy Japanese manga.