Graphic Novel Review: The Castoffs Vol.2

The Castoffs, V.2 by M.K. Reed
The Castoffs, V.2: Into The Wastelands (Castoffs, #2) 
by M.K. ReedBrian Smith

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

 

In this second volume, the trio of apprentice mages are off on another adventure, but this time they are unsure which other mages they can trust in a world of secrets and lies. Ursa’s past becomes an issue between the friends as her true family history is revealed. Trinh receives some extra training in combat, and Charris picks a fight with a much more experienced mage.
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Graphic Novel Review: The Castoffs

The Castoffs, V.1 by M.K. Reed
The Castoffs, V.1: Mage Against the Machine (Castoffs, #1) 
by M.K. ReedBrian Smith (Writer and Colorist)Molly Ostertag (Illustrator)Wyeth Yates (Illustrator)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Three apprentice mages are sent on a routine trip to deliver medicinal potions to a neighboring city, but the townspeople are in trouble and only these three uniquely talented magicians can save the people. Saving them without starting another war with the machines might be difficult though.

I liked all three of the girl mages in this book! They have secrets and hidden talents, and a whole lot of snark and conflict in their group, but eventually they learn to trust and respect each other through their perilous journey.

I enjoyed the colorful artwork and interesting plot! I want to keep reading this graphic novel series!

Recent Reads: Middle Grade, Comics + Manga

 

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Disclaimer: Some of these books were received from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
*Review copies are marked with asterisk in the video. Continue reading

Manga Review: Count of Monte Cristo

Manga Classics by Crystal S. Chan
Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo 
by Crystal S. Chan (Story Adaptation)Alexandre DumasNokman Poon (Art by)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Edmond Dantes is betrayed by a coworker who wants his job, a romantic rival who will steal his bride, and a crooked government prosecutor with a dark secret to hide. Thrown into prison for decades, Dantes eventually escapes, becomes fabulously wealthy, and vows revenge on those who ruined his life.

Count of Monte Cristo is one of my top five favorite novels of all time, so I was interested to see how one of my favorite stories would translate into manga form. Although they had to simplify the story considerably, and there are really too many characters for a stand-alone manga, I enjoyed this wonderful adaptation of a classic tale!
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Manga Review: The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō
4 out of 5 stars
I love this manga about Chiaki, who hires KonMari to give her tidying lessons, and discovers a new life for herself in the process.
It really inspired me to get tidying and clean out all my junk! I really love the ideas in this book about finding joy, being real about your life, and finding your true self, and then crafting your living space to reflect what really makes you happy.

One of the best things in this book is the advice that while you are sorting through your piles of junk, You are NOT choosing what to get rid of; You are choosing what to keep. That one piece of advice will change your whole perspective on tidying.
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Comic Review: Strong Female Protagonist

Strong Female Protagonist. Book One by Brennan Lee Mulligan
3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Mega-Girl was a superhero in her teens, saving the world, until she discovered that the world is too big to really save in any permanent way. She wants to make a difference that really counts for something in the long run, so she quits doing the superhero thing and goes to college, to educate herself about the best way to help the world. Along the way, she connects with her arch-nemesis on a personal level, argues with her friends about her decision to quit, and finds it difficult to live a “normal” college life with her non-super friends and classmates. And when the supervillains start showing up again, will Mega-Girl make another appearance, or will plain Alison go back to class?
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Comic Review: Quiet Girl in a Noisy World

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A wonderfully insightful comic about the pitfalls and struggles of being an introvert in an extrovert-centered world. Each page has a comic with a sometimes funny/ sometimes poignant punchline. The blue/grey artwork shows all the myriad of emotions that an introvert experiences each day, and the writing cuts right to the heart of what makes introverts special.  Continue reading

Comic Review: Zen Pencils

Zen Pencils--Inspirational Quotes for Kids by Gavin Aung Than
Zen Pencils–Inspirational Quotes for Kids 
by Gavin Aung Than

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book is a collection of quotes from famous people about doing your best, being yourself, striving for greatness, never giving up, and keeping positive no matter the obstacles. Each quote is illustrated with a short comic that tells a little story which portrays the concept of the quote.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The quotes are uplifting and there’s a lot of good wisdom in this book. The comics are beautifully drawn with vibrant colors, and some of the characters from the first comics reappear in other comics at the end, so there’s a sense of continuity and overall structure. Continue reading

Comic Review: Little Pierrot Vol. 1

Little Pierrot Vol 1 by Alberto Varanda
Little Pierrot Vol 1: Get the Moon 
by Alberto Varanda

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

 

This collection of comics doesn’t have a continuous storyline, but little snippets of a boy and his friend the Snail, who dream of going to the moon. They watch the stars together, read books, dress up in costumes, and avoid schoolwork.

Most of the individual comics don’t actually have a funny punchline. It’s just sort of whimsical and random with no real point. It reminds me a little of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” with the moon and stars and a dreamy child drifting along through an aimless plot. Continue reading