After reading a manga like 'Liar Game,' many people find different meaning in it. For some it's about the value of honesty, for others it reflects society or maybe some problem closer to home. For me, 'Liar Game' was about the bonds between people - be them friends or foes.

Art (8):

The art is a little disproportionate in the beginning and not entirely my style but the more I read, the more it improved. I also came to really like the realistic style as it fit the story perfectly. Do not be deceived by the cover (which is honestly why I didn't read this for so long).

Story (10):

Although 'Liar Game' can't be said to be completely flawless, it's story is deep and the plot incredibly engaging. I do believe that some of the earlier events are a little flimsy but by the first Revival Round, things solidify and events become all too believable.

The actual events and thought process behind many of the player's strategies can range from amazingly complex to weirdly simple and although in more than a few cases I found myself figuring things about before the big reveal, there always seemed to be another hidden move, a deeper meaning and a hundred clever actions played out by the characters. While you're busy smiling smugly for figuring out the game's answer, you may want to wait before jumping to any conclusions...

Characters (9):

Despite giving the characters one point lower, this is really where the heart and soul of the manga is. Not to mention the mind. Nao, Akiyama, Fukinaga and Yokoya each have their own wonderfully designed personalities, all different and important to establishing the themes for this story. Not to mention the huge supporting cast that really take the story to new heights.

Nao is really the base of this story and while I've seen many reviewers rave about Akiyama, I honestly don't believe anyone makes this story more than her. Although she can be extremely foolish, her simple charm really makes or breaks the bonds between all the characters. She is the element with the power to draw people together and although is often duped, still trusts in the good of humanity. For a pessimist like myself, this usually would annoy me but instead I found myself effected just like the other players in the game.

I'll try to keep things brief with the other characters. Akiyama is an intelligent, ex-con, fresh out of prison who I honestly believe really enjoys the liar game. I think it must be fun to test your skills, especially when you have the smarts like he does. The jaded Akiyama is indeed changed by Nao but it's refreshingly subtle and it's always exciting to see Akiyama's plans play out and try deducing the next move. On the flip side, Yokoya is a great villain and very similar to Akiyama save for his ideals and the pride he takes in being the best. Yokoya is a very interesting character and although it is easy to hate him, I think the point of the story is to try and understand him as 'doubt' and 'trust' are large themes of 'Liar Game.'

Enjoyment/Overall (10):

I'd read this again. And maybe five times after that. It's just a really fun read and although it's only been hours since I've finished, I already feel a bit sad that I'm not going to get to read it for the first time all over again.

The story's message is important but even if you ignore it, you'll still have a great time reading it. It's just incredibly enjoyable. It doesn't preach at you and the human actions aren't unbelievable, in many cases it was easy to sympathise with why a character was doing something even if you didn't approve of it. After all... in the Liar Game, would you really do any different?