A review by draagon
A Girl & Her Guard Dog, Volume 1 by Hatsuharu

dark funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Ok, yeah, I get it. The premise is beyond disgusting, from the 11-year age gap with a first-year high school student to the suddenly lusting after the little girl you raised from age 5, not to mention the absolute grown adult 26-year-old enrolling as a first-year in high school to bark at all these young youths who dare breathe in Isaku's direction. This is problematic, full stop. In the world of fiction, though where you are allowed to suspend your beliefs and explore lives outside of your morals, this story isn't bad in the way it's told. I found Isaku to be a really engaging female lead, and her personality is portrayed in a lighthearted yet also grounded way. I love how she can keep hold of her own boundaries even when trying to find a friend group for the first time. All the problems lay with Keiya, his selfishness and absolute urge to control every aspect of Isaku's life. It's despicable, but also... kinda riveting. How low can this full-grown adult go to chase the minor he's been entrusted with since she was a young age? It's like watching a train wreck, and thus despite all the alarm warnings blaring, I'd continue reading just to see where it goes.