Game X Rush: Volume 1    by Mizuho Kusanagi Order:  USA  Can TOKYOPOP, 2009 (2009) Softcover      Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto The premise for Game X Rush – bodyguard is constantly baited by assassin – sounds like a shonen manga, but the execution is pure shojo. Mizuho Kusanagi has crafted a protagonist and antagonist who match each other perfectly, while providing plenty of drama to keep readers entertained if they get tired of reading purely for the bishonen. Nineteen-year-old Memori is the only bodyguard for his foster brother's agency, and while he always complains that work is overtaking his college career, he will not approve of any potential new employees. That is, until he meets Yuuki. At first, Memori blows eighteen-year-old Yuuki off as a wannabe, but when Yuuki tags along on a mission, Memori realizes there is more to this high school senior. By the end of the case, he finds out there is way more than he thought – Yuuki is actually an assassin and was just using Memori for fun. Throughout the rest of the volume, it is game on as the two go head to head multiple times, usually vying for the same clients. Game X Rush was a very refreshing read because it was so different from a lot of other titles out there. While most manga featuring a bodyguard and assassin would focus on action (if shonen) or romance (if shojo), Kusanagi leads the focus through her dialogue and illustrations to the drama between the two characters. Both boys are very much a mystery, and the layers just start to peel by the end of volume one. If you are looking for something intense yet a little different, I highly recommend Game X Rush. The more of Mizuho Kusanagi's works I read, the more I enjoy her style and the way she can make a story sneak its way into your thoughts long after you put it down. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews