Rising Storm

How would I describe Rising Storm in two words?

Completely Ridiculous.

Yep, that is capital 'C' capital 'R' (so there is no confusion). Ridiculous it is indeed, however I would not describe it as terrible. And even if I did, the 't' would be lowercase.

Rising Storm follows a youthful Reona Shima, to the castle of Yakuza-like Danna Kaizaki, which happens to be the place of Reona's new employment. Reona is a poor, naive, college student who has just found a summer job working at the stables in the Kaizaki Castle. Danna-Sama (as it were), is the owner who has just returned to his castle after being away for many years 'on business.'

After abruptly meeting Reona, Danna-Sama becomes obsessed (sexually, of course) with Reona and their relationship begins with Danna-Sama, constantly getting Reona into trouble so he can 'punish him.' All it took was getting Reona to simply break something. After no time at all, this routine turns to shtick and the punishments get more intense with each session.

This happens very early in the story, therein leaving no room for character development. Instead of angst-driven passion, or even lighthearted humor the reader is introduced to a hilarious PWP wannabe. The plot was neither special nor believable; and, I do not think the plot was large enough to have holes? But, I would say it was there (for those of you who need a plot to read a story).

The art itself was out there. I would not designate myself a 'yaoi connoisseur' much less one of anime in general, but I know weird art when I see it. The faces are awkwardly pointy, and the character's hands are ridiculously huge. And, their bodies especially irritated me; because apparently, somehow, every character is a muscleman on protein shakes and Atkins. It would not be unreasonable to suppose that Yuzuha Ougi got her character design from a Bowflex commercial. Enough said.

The pornographic scenes themselves left a lot to be desired. They are blunt and adequately tactless. A lot of sweat and saliva, but unlike, say, Golden Cain, there was not much to the art.

But alas, I have a confession (gasp!): out of the entire 'terrible' yaoi novels I have read . . . this is one of which I am actually going to keep! (You may now return from the edge of your seats). You may have seen that coming though; I mean, I did not rate it an 'F' after all.

What did make it enjoyable was the ridiculousness of the entire story. Even for the deep, aloof, and serious Yaoi fan, there are times when, reading this book, I literally slapped my face and laughed out loud. Danna-Sama's successful attempts of getting Reona into trouble so he can punish him just get funnier and funnier as the story progresses.

And not only WHAT Reona happens to break was funny, but HOW Danna-Sama set him up to break each item is, in itself, a joke. Dana-Sama's unbelievable amount of wealth was a contribution to the treachery-- and I don't want to say why because I do not want to turn this into a spoiler.

The humor of Rising Storm is outlandish, and I find I cannot dislike it. It grew on me, kind of like cancer. In many ways I have come to convince myself that this story is a Yaoi satire. You know, whatever helps me sleep at night.

The side stories at the end of the book are more typical. One was funny -- the other serious: both hardcore. And, I dare say, both were likeable.

In conclusion, I suppose I would say Rising Storm is not all that bad. It is not the plague. And, if what I said sounded enticing then I will encourage you to give it a try! (just do not expect it to tickle your fancy).