Kamichama Karin, Volume 1 Book

Karin is an orphan living with her stern aunt. She is alone and miserable, but for her beloved cat Shi-chan. Unfortunately for Karin, Shi-chan dies as well, leaving Karin alone with her misery. It is while grieving over Shi-chan's grave that Karin first meets the cute--but sexist--Kazune. Their meeting does not end well, and Karin continues to brood over her family situation and rude boys until she runs into someone else: this time, an adorable girl named Himeka. The two girls quickly become friends. Surprising no reader, but shocking Karin, it turns out that Kazune and Himeka are cousins.

They are looking for a God. It's ridiculous to even consider Karin, Kazune tells Himeka--until he catches sight of Karin's ring, left to her by her mother. During his attempt to get a closer look at the ring, a strange power is awakened within it. Shocked and angry, Karin flees--but notes that she feels different: "there's a new feeling racing through me. . . and I think I like it!"

Karin is a goddess, one of several--and not all of them have her best interest at heart.

This story is absolutely *adorable.* The characters are younger than I usually like reading about--the manga is aimed at a youth audience--but they're sweet, and funny, and I am completely charmed. Karin is cute, but she's tough, too: "You don't have to be such a jerk, y'know! And stop belittling my gender!" She's not always the brightest girl, but she has a good heart, and determination, and a sense of humour about the strange circumstances in which she finds herself.

How can one not like a heroine whose battle cry is "I am God!"