Alice Seno is a seemingly shy and meek girl who always seems to be outshined by her older sister Mayura. One day, Alice has an encounter with a mysterious and magical rabbit girl, and her life is turned upside down. Alice discovers that certain words have power, and that she has the potential to be master of a set of sublimely powerful words called the Lotis Words. But power always comes with a price, and the price may turn out to be Alice's sister Mayura...

Alice 19th is a manga series by Yu Watase, creator of Ceres and Fushigi Yugi. Fans of Watase's work will notice that she has used more Western influences in this collection than in her previous offerings. She also freely admits that both Alice and the rabbit are based loosely on Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - but that's were the inspiration stops.

Alice is a young girl who is forced to face great odds in order to survive in a world that is much harsher and inexplicable than she ever dared believe. One day the worst thing she has to worry about is being in love with an older boy at school and then, after rescuing a rabbit from the middle of a busy road, she's up to her neck in trouble.

The rabbit isn't you normal lettuce and carrot munching variety, although it is partial to the odd carrot or three. No, this rabbit is a spirit-rabbit who tells Alice that she is no ordinary girl and is destined to become a Lotis Master, who harness the power of words to reach the inner heart of others.

In amongst the illustrations is the occasional column of text by the author, which outlines her thoughts on the series and her inspiration.

This is one of the easiest flowing, and engaging, mangas I've read. And I'm looking forward to see how the story unfolds. But, first impressions are very positive.

9

Amber Leigh