YAOI REVIEW: Breath Volume 5

Breath Volume 5 ~ Chifumi Ochi

Yaoi Generation ~ 194 Pages

Quick Synopsis:

In volume 5, the final volume of the Breath series, all hell breaks loose between Yanagi, Arata and Arata’s twin, Ten. In fact, it’s safe to say Ten goes batshit crazy in his desire to keep Arata as his own. If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered if Ten just had a brother complex or if he really wanted something more with Arata. Well, I can tell you we do get a better idea through some inner dialogue Ten has in one of the later stories.

Plot/Readability/Character Development:

This volume has four stories in it, the first being the end of the main story and the second being an epilogue of sorts on Yanagi and Arata a few weeks later. I’ve got to be honest, I really didn’t find the first story with all the Ten drama that entertaining. In fact, I put the book down twice while reading and even forgot I was reading it at one point. I think I just find the character of Arata weak and although he finally ‘grows a pair’ at the end, they’re tiny at best. That’s not to say this volume was a total loss because if you liked Ten as much as I did in the other volumes, you’ll be thrilled to find out two of the stories in this volume are dedicated to him and a new character. I think a series based on Ten would have made for a more entertaining and sexy read but it is what it is.

Sexual Content/Illustrations:

Speaking of a sexy read, the sex in this volume was nonexistent in the first two stories so those looking for a hot sex scene between Yanagi and Arata will be sorely disappointed. Things do pick up in the final two stories with Ten and his new hottie but never quite as explicit as volume one was. In fact, I find the editing of the sex scenes interesting because in one scene, you see the cock quite clearly for a few panels and all of a sudden it becomes a ghost penis. At least the illustrations are as nice as always and there is a color illustration in the front of Ten that is absolutely gorgeous. Seriously, I’ve opened this one a few times just to look at it.

Final Thoughts:

I think where this volume falls flat is in how it ends. When you’ve carried a couple through five full volumes and you read the finale, you expect a grand ending. Yes there was a lot of craziness with Ten but I didn’t walk away from Yanagi and Arata’s ending feeling satisfied either emotionally or sexually. Its only saving grace is finally seeing Ten on his own with his own story and at least getting some heat with that coupling.

Character Development: B

Plot/Readability: B

Sexual Content: B

Illustrations: A-

Overall Grade: B

BUY NOW!

*This review copy was provided by the publisher.

~Jennifer LeBlanc

2 Comments

Jb May 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM

I have to agree with you on this volume being a bit disappointing. I was also left unsatisfied. The ending just seemed too…I don’t know, rushed maybe and formulaic. Like throwing in a bunch of cliche stuff quickly to hurry and resolve the story. After drawing the story out for five volumes, that’s a shame, imo.

I was equally left unsatisfied with the open ended way the relationship is left between Arata and Ten. There was no feeling there – no chemistry between the characters. It was like Arata just overnight could suddenly care less about his brother. At least, that’s what I picked up from that whole hospital scene, and the afterwards part. It was like Arata’s attitude is ‘he’s out there somewhere, he’ll never come back, but oh well who cares *smile*.’ I’m just not feeling it.

Overall though, the series have been great (barring the disappointment of this final volume). And Yaoigen did a great job presenting it, I believe.

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