S Vol. 3: Split
This is one yaoi novel series that has completely captivated me and leaves me wanting and waiting desperately for the next installment in the series.Masaki Shiiba is a member of the elite COC5 group in the police force. His group is responsible for finding illegal firearms. Because they sometimes work outside the law, they have to create trusting networks of informants or "S" (you know, spy) to gather information from. One of Shiiba's informants is a yakuza by the name of Keigo Munechika. Since Munechika is not hurting for money the way Shiiba gets his info from Munechika is by using his body. But it seems as though Shiiba's feelings for Munechika are much deeper than detective and S. He's fallen, and fallen hard, for Munechika.Several years ago Shiiba's sister Yukari was killed by a stray bullet from a firefight between two opposing yakuza factions. The police hurried through the case and Shiiba doesn't believe the story that they've fed him. Because of that life changing event Shiiba became an undercover cop. There seems to be new information regarding Yukari's case that Shiiba's reporter friend dug up. Not only that, more and more guns are being sold to people responding to a spam email. A man named Kuro has stepped up and offers up some information regarding guns.There's also a new yakuza boss on the scene by the name of Godou. Godou has got money up the wazoo and police, politicians, and terrorists under his thumb. He's determined to make his yakuza faction the strongest in Japan. He's also set his sights on Munechika and Shiiba.This is one of the most intense series that I have ever read. I have never been into the crime/mystery type books, but dang, throw in yakuza, hot sweaty male sex, and of course have it set in Tokyo, then you've got a chance of me showing interest. Honestly, I wasn't going to read this series but then I got the review copies of the first two books. Just call me trout, I'm hooked (sorry, that was REALLY dumb). The story is so addictive. This book has just heaped on the intensity and now I have to wait even longer for the next and final book. Saki Aida-sensei has created such an interesting world with S that you can't help but be drawn in. Add in Chiharu Nara-sensei's art and you have an amazing piece of work. I did catch one spelling error, but because the story is so engaging I was able to overlook it. Bravo Juné for licensing this title.This book can be as a stand-alone title, background story is provided throughout. But to get the whole amazing story, you have to read all of them. Trust me, you won't be missing out. This is an outstanding piece of work and you don't want to miss it. --The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society Miscellanea and EphemeronA seemingly unrelated case gets top priority and Shiiba looks into it, unaware of the Pandora s Box he is about to open. Top-of-the-line guns have been making their way into the hands of regular civilians, a nearly unheard of phenomenon in the strict gun-regulated Japan. When Shiiba follows a lead to a local club, he meets the violently unpredictable Kuro. Immediately given the promise of a solid clue, Shiiba must gamble his body in order to get closer to the truth. When he discovers it, his entire world will be thrown into chaos along with his relationship with his dear informant, his S and lover, Munechika.All this time and still Shiiba has been hiding his true feelings from his lover. He tries to convince himself it is only business, that they are simply using each other. But his heart tells another story. Yet never do the worlds I love you pass his lips. When his latest case lands him a clue about the past and the shooting that killed his sister, Shiiba is suddenly in danger he could never have suspected. The head of a powerful company, the affluent Godou is a man of international influence, an influence that extends to the highest branches of government and even within the police. Upon hearing the name it is Munechika who warns Shiiba not to go near that man. But Koru will prove to be even more dangerous than anyone guesses. He will be the bridge to disaster that will possibly ruin Shiiba and land him face to face with his sister's killer. Even more surprisingly, the sado-masochistic young man has a tie to Munechika that could tear the two lovers apart.The biggest schism though occurs when Shiiba is trapped and in Godou's predatory hands. Munechika attempts to intervene, but the cost is a hefty one that may put not only Shiiba's body, but his soul and sanity on the line. Is Godou the murderer? What of Kuro? Who shot Munechika? And what decision does a resolved Shiiba make to try to save the man he loves and get to the truth? Some of those questions will have to wait until the fourth and final volume but what a build up of suspense in this one!It holds an increasingly complex story with a great deal of eroticism and razor sharp danger on all sides. Shiiba not only fears the truth and has to be cautious of the enemies around him, he also fears himself. He keeps trying to avoid his true feelings for Munechika. In these most recent events however, he may finally have to face the truth within his heart even has he risks death to find out the truth behind his sister s murder. The novel also provides insightful background on Munechika's life and sheds new light on his past as well as the man he truly is behind the tough exterior. Fans of Makoto Tateno's Yellow series will thrill at Saki Aida's S novel series. It's a must read for yaoi fans who enjoy excellently penned and taut crime/suspense stories. --Active Anime