Words Of Devotion Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1) [Paperback]

Keiko Konno (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2007 | Series: Words of Devotion (Book 1)

After graduating from high school, Tachibana and Otani have finally confessed their love for each and are not living together. However, their life as "newlyweds" is rudely interrupted when they run into an old, high school classmate, Yuki. Otani has always been suspicious of the close friendship between Yuki and Tachibana; and honestly, his suspicions may not be that far off... Are the feelings between Yuki and Tachibana simply an ordinary crush, or could they be more?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this yaoi tale of roommates—former high school classmates who are more than friends—the story structure replicates the reader's experience. First, we meet the boys as a female classmate bumps into them for the first time since graduation. They return home, and the reader isn't sure if their squabbling is because the girl's crack about them becoming trendy homos is so wrong or so right. As the girl spends more time with them, so do we, and we gain knowledge of their close relationship, just as a friend would. Finally, their involvement is confirmed, but by that point, they're realistic people instead of ciphers. Unlike many yaoi characters, the boys are instantly distinctive, both in appearance and personality. Chapters provide flashbacks to show not only who they are but who they were and how they came together. Their nuanced expressions are subject to multiple interpretations. If that's a bit too cerebral, there's an additional, more physical short story included about a boy who makes a friend by kidnapping and holding hostage a classmate he has a crush on. (Aug.)
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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing (August 14, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569708118
• ISBN-13: 978-1569708118
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,348,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It was okay, September 12, 2007

By 

robbie (MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words Of Devotion Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1) (Paperback)

This was an okay set of stories. I usually rate anything that I at least liked 3 stars but not more if I somewhat regret spending the money on it. The story held my attention while reading them but I doubt that I will reread it on a continuous basis like I reread anything I really enjoyed. The first stories were interesting in a "Are they or aren't they" kind of way, but I think a reader will know the answer to that since it is somewhat predictable. Some of the stories felt flat. One in particular was the one were the friend confessed to his other friend that he is in love her her ex-boyfriend. There was no build up to them getting together except a few glances. In all I would say read it if you like but don't put to much into it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Please to have this in my collection, August 15, 2007

By 

R.Parklane (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Words Of Devotion Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1) (Paperback)

I enjoy all 4 stories here. "Words of Devotion" on 2 close friends (Tachibana and Otani) who have been living together since college is well done. The 2 boys contrast each other nicely and there is really no distinction between seme and uke. They have sex and care for each other, yet refuse to acknowledge their love to each other or their friends. Some parts of their story are told from their female friend's view point and this certainly adds a fresh perspective to the guys' relationship as the girl is in love with one of them.

The second story "To the Ends of the Earth" is really good. It has a very engaging plotline as Sawako helps Hirofumi, her close friend since childhood, deals with his love for her ex-boy friend, Shinji. There are some funny as well as bitter sweet moments when Sawako accidentally "hears" them and reflects on her own experience while keeping a "lookout" for the 2 guys. The sex is pretty hot even if not all revealing and Hirofumi fantasizing about Shinji jerking off is just hilarious.

The 3rd story on one lonely rich kid desperates for friendship and ended up kidnapping a fellow student whom he likes is quite quirky but touching. This is weakest in terms of romance and is not Yaoi but has a brush of BL to it.

The last story which is also a spin-off from the main story is a surprise revelation on Sho-kun, a fellow student of Tachibana and Otani. Sho-kun's love story may be the shortest but I like it alot as it is emotionally effective and tender.

This mangaka has a unique approach to her story telling . Her artwork may not be her strenght but her engaging dialogue, interesting characters and appealing story lines more than make up for it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars daisuki desu!, November 13, 2008

By 

ScottishWish (Las Vegas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words Of Devotion Volume 1 (Yaoi) (v. 1) (Paperback)

I love these books! Even more I love the Jdrama based off of them, Ai No Kotodama.