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Review: Manga Classics: Emma

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Manga Classics: Emma
Manga Classics: Emma by Stacy King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that this manga adaptation of one of my favorite classics kept somewhat closely to the original story, even using some of the original dialogue. Jane Austen is one of my favorite classic authors, and “Emma” is my favorite of all her books, so I was really excited to read this one!

The artwork is really lovely and the characters are all so distinct. I love their costumes and the pretty scenery. Sometimes I think the drama goes a little bit overboard though, as though the characters are shouting at each other with wild expressions, or looking dramatically shocked and amazed with wide eyes and open mouths. It just ends up looking a little silly! But most of the time, the characters expressions match the dialogue in a more demure and subtle way.

I enjoyed this manga so much, and it’s a great way to revisit one of my favorite stories! Can’t wait to read more Manga Classics!

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

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Book Review: Life Charmer: Koda’s Quest

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Life Charmer: Koda's Quest
Life Charmer: Koda’s Quest by Kristal Shaff

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Koda picks up an ancient Native American arrowhead, he is endowed with the power of the Life Charmer, and is able to control the life force of animals. He can carve a wooden totem or likeness and summon the spirit of a living animal into the wood. But because of these god-like powers, Koda is being hunted by monsters of Native American myth and legend, and he must find allies in unlikely places among the tribes if he is to defeat his enemies and prove himself to the gods. The tribal council of elders sends Koda on a quest to prove his worth, and while Koda is still learning about his abilities, he will need the help of his new friends to stay alive.

This book reminds me strongly of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Koda is sarcastic and funny, and he surrounds himself with a variety of delightfully weird characters. The book mixes the modern-day world with ancient myth and magic. And of course, there is nothing quite like a heroic quest against monsters! Continue reading →

Picture Book Review: The Three Things

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The Three Things
The Three Things by Annie Ruygt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute little children’s book! Three friends, (Something, Everything, and Nothing) are all determined to prove that their own way of creating a world is the best way. But their creations don’t turn out quite the way they had hoped, and they realize that it’s only when they work together and appreciate their differences that the world will be balanced and beautiful.

The artwork is whimsical and delightful! It really draws your eye and brings a bright feeling to the story. Such lovely lines and colors! I especially liked how the background is made of book pages with some kind of watercolor over it. (I guess it’s watercolor? I know nothing about art, except that it looks pretty and I like it.) It looks so cool! Everything is sort of hazy and swirly, like the magic of creation pushing into being.

My only problems with this book were several Continue reading →

Book Review: Heartless

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Heartless
Heartless by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Catherine is being courted by the King of Hearts, but he is a silly idiot, and she only wants to pursue her dream to open a bakery of her own. When Catherine meets the dashing court Jester, she soon learns that he is full of impossible secrets, and the two embark on a wild adventure of romance and deceit that will lead them to their frightful destiny.

This book completely broke my heart! The worst part was seeing the characters all so happy and hopeful in the beginning, knowing that the ending would be tragic. I can’t even write a review about it. My heart is so full of conflicting emotions, and my brain is revolving around and around this story, every word they said to each other, the silly riddles, the shy moments, the terrible violence and tragedy. Can’t. My heart.

One of the best things about this book is the little details of a life in Wonderland. A clock that talks, the weird conversations with Wonderland characters, the Cheshire cat popping up everywhere, and all the strange recipes. So many times, I said to myself, Oh, so THAT’s why that thing is that way in Wonderland. That’s why the cook uses too much pepper! That’s why the baby turned into a pig! I loved all those details that explained some of the weirdness encountered by Alice. haha! Loved it!

I love the sweet and witty dialogue, and the wonderfully delicious setting! But oh my goodness, the emotional turmoil!

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Book Review: The Wizard’s Dilemma

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The Wizard's Dilemma
The Wizard’s Dilemma by Diane Duane

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another book in this series that broke my heart! Such beautiful writing!

Nita gets the terrible news that her mother is dying of cancer. In between hospital visits, Nita searches for a dangerous and elusive wizardry that will cure her mother, but the price may be more than she can pay. She and her wizarding work partner, Kit, have suffered a misunderstanding that keeps them apart. Determined to find a cure on her own, Nita falls prey to the evil Lone One, not realizing that Kit might have stumbled on the answer to all their problems, if only they can reconcile in time!

As in all the other books, I adore the camaraderie and complete trust between Kit and Nita. Their friendship is so special, and seeing it fall apart in this book was heartbreaking. But even through their argument, I loved seeing these characters grow and change, and their friendship ultimately grows and changes along with them. All friendships have some rocky spots, a few bumps in the road, and I was so happy to see how both these characters overcome the obstacles in their way, and it makes them better people, and makes their friendship stronger! Continue reading →

Manga Review: Magic Knight Rayearth I, Vol.1-3

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Magic Knight Rayearth I, Vol. 1Magic Knight Rayearth I, Vol. 3Magic Knight Rayearth I, Vol. 2
Magic Knight Rayearth I, Vol. 1 by CLAMP

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

Three ordinary schoolgirls are magically whisked away from their class fieldtrip to the troubled land of Cephiro, where they acquire elemental powers. The benevolent ruler of Cephiro has been kidnapped by the evil Zagato, and the girls must brave many trials in order to become the legendary Magic Knights and save the land. With the help of a mysterious guru sent to guide them, they battle monsters, discover their powers, and meet friends and enemies along the way. But through it all, their kindness, loyalty, and courage supports them, and they learn to believe in themselves and each other.

This story is fairly predictable and commonplace – magic powers, legendary destiny, the ancient mage guide, ordinary people learning to battle monsters, etc… Yeah yeah, heard it all before.
But the girls are so CUTE!!! They’re really lovely and adorable, and I liked their hilarious dialogue. They are not complex characters, and I wish they had a little more depth to them, but they are definitely sweet! Continue reading →

Book Review: The Tragedy of Macbeth

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The Tragedy of Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

There are several reasons why I did not like this adaptation of Macbeth.

1. It’s supposed to be rewritten for children, but the vocabulary is NOT age-appropriate . Even if a preteen was reading it, there are too many big words that a child would not know . If you were reading this to a child, you would have to stop after every sentence and explain half the words! Continue reading →

Picture Book Review: Pirates in the Library

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Pirates in the Library
Pirates in the Library by Nadia Ali

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a librarian makes a treasure map to help people find books in the library, a pirate crew thinks they will find real treasure, gold and diamonds, and they storm into the library! The pirate crew soon finds better treasure in the books they read and enjoy, but the pirate Captain is harder to convince. It’s up to the courageous librarian to show the Captain just how precious books can be.

This cute little story is full of fun and laughter, and I like the way that the crew all pick very different books on many subjects, and all their choices are detailed both in the text and in the illustrations. The cook finds a recipe book, the first mate reads a book about mutiny, and even the parrot finds a book about birds! Continue reading →

Picture Book Review: Rapunzel

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Rapunzel
Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my goodness! This is wonderful!!! There is Rapunzel, stuck in the tower, with that evil witch visiting her every day. But does Rapunzel need a Prince to save her?? NO! Rapunzel figures out a way to defeat the witch and free herself from the tower, all on her own.

Rapunzel is resourceful and brave! She’s really quite ingenious, and (dare I say it?) full of spunk.
She makes friends with some forest animals, and with their help, she becomes a scourge to witches everywhere. I just love seeing a story where the princess takes action and saves herself! Continue reading →