Virtuoso De Amore - Dude, what are you wearing? It's not Halloween!
It was in the 80s today! In Michigan! In October! The humidity was a little tough to bear, but I could deal with this weather all year long! Made it a perfect day for some hot and steamy man love!
熱情のヴィルトゥオーソ by: 小笠原 宇紀
Virtuoso Di Amore by Uki Ogasawara
Rated: Mature 18+
Price: 12.99
DramaQueen - BL
Review May Contain Spoilers
Kenzo Shinozuka has just landed a cushy position as wealthy nobleman Lorenzo Carlucci's pianist. With Lorenzo's patronage, Kenzo, an under-appreciated musician, believes that he can finally make the most of his talents. Things don't go smoothly, however, and the two clash from the beginning. Kenzo is head-strong and temperamental, and Lorenzo is just...strange. As Lorenzo pushes Kenzo to his full potential, the flame of desire begins to burn between them. Will Lorenzo's dream of seeing Kenzo play in a concert hall become a reality? Or will the two destroy themselves as their passions spiral out of control?
Let me start right off with what I disliked about this book. That would be Lorenzo Carlucci. Yuck! Kenzo, being a tortured musician and all, sure knows how to pick 'em. Lorenzo doesn't hesitate to flaunt his various affairs in Kenzo's face, making the younger man seethe with jealousy. It's a wonder he didn't smash up another piano. And what was up with the ridiculous cloak and wig Lorenzo insisted on wearing when he played the piano? It was like the Phantom of the Opera, without the theater, deformity, and cool music. He must have thought it looked dashing during one of his drug-induced episodes. Dude, it just looked stupid!
Kenzo was a appealing guy; too bad he got caught up with head-case Lorenzo. Looking the other way as Lorenzo returns home reeking of other men's cologne or shows up for practice stoned, Kenzo keeps making excuses for his lover. Suffering from demons from his own past, Kenzo has one chance to regain his status in the music world and he knows that he had better not blow it this time. After going postal onstage eight years prior and attacking his piano with an axe, he's been stuck in third rate jobs, scraping together a living and just barely getting by. Lorenzo's patronage is a gift from heaven, and Kenzo doesn't want to waste it. Instead, he allows himself to get swept into the drama of Lorenzo's life, and his jealousy may be his undoing. The conductor for Kenzo's big comeback is none other than another of Lorenzo's lovers, Alexander Freier, and the two begin a heated competition for Lorenzo's attentions.
The art is the strong point of Virtuoso Di Amore. Uki Ogasawara certainly knows how to draw sexy, writhing men! Her illustrations are elegant and detailed, though in keeping with the overall tone of the story, the settings are often dark and foreboding. The panel arrangements added to the drama of the tale, and her characters were very expressive. Though I found elements of the plot convoluted and downright silly, she's an artist I'm going to keep an eye on.
DramaQueen has another attractively presented release here. The book, from it's glossy dust jacket to it's crisp pages, is a joy to read. Too bad the story didn't quite measure up.
Grade: C
This review was written by Julie for the MangaCast. Please drop by the Manga Maniac Cafe and check out the menu. There's always tasty reviews on display!