Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Vol. 4 by Sunsunsun
This book takes place after the events of the anime, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian season 1 or volume 3 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, which cover the same things. This review assumes you have knowledge about the story within this volume.
*SPOILERS START HERE*
The book starts with some prologue about Masachica’s childhood that really helps us understand him more deeply as a person. It really stood out even being just a prologue, and was a good way, in my opinion, to introduce more of his back story.
Afterwards, we start the main story, and we enjoy some action with both Yuki and Alisa. Throughout this part, and the book overall, the humor and comedy is very well placed, and always feels like it adds to the scene. We also get some movement from Masachica and Alisa’s relationship, which honestly moves at a snail’s pace most of the time.
We then get some beach time at Touya’s private beach, with enjoyable, more laid back fun with the student council. The different quirks of the characters, such as Masha not being able to swim or Chisaki… being Chisaki, are fun and give more insight about their character. Of course, being at the beach, we get some juicy, 10/10, and 100% necessary (and not because the author thought we’d get bored) fan service.
Later, at the festival, we get to see the whole group hang out… for about 5 minutes, before Masachica and the Kujou sisters get left alone. The festival, before the Russian roulette scene, definitely helps build the relationship Masachica has with both of them, and we also get some fun comedy out of it.
Then we get the scene where we finally have the guy realizing the girl likes him (where have I heard this before). STOP, their relationship is moving too fast. According to the script, they’re supposed to have a huge misunderstanding that sets them back a few volumes. All jokes aside, it’s really nice to have the relationship move forward so much (as in it moved), and I did like the way it was done.
Then in the epilogue, we learn about that girl from his childhood and get Masachica running into her at the place they met. It feels like it has been building up to the introduction of the love rival, and I do like how it’s introduced, but the cliffhanger was kind of annoying, though I already had a good idea about who it was.
*SPOILERS END HERE*
Overall, I found that the break from the election was a nice break and fun read. The illustrations were… high quality (what are you talking about, they’re just… high quality), and the afterword was a fun read (highly recommended). The story is not too convoluted, though it does set up some romantic rivalry and drama, and the character development is great in this volume.
Would recommend this to: Weebs, nerds, romance enjoyers, and anyone who doesn’t want to use their brain for an extended period of time.
Reviewed by Teen Volunteer, 4/29/2026.