Mini Reviews: Really, Really Miss You; The Icy Hero is Yearning for Love; The Bride Was a Boy

Title: Really, Really Miss You
Author: Mo Bao Fei Bao
Chapters: 53 chapters + epilogue
Publication: 2013
Summary from Novel Updates:

Our male and female lead are in the online entertainment circle, he on the dubbing side and she on the music cover side. The circle is one where physical appearance is generally anonymous and you are known by your online handle and your voice. Gu Sheng, a relatively unknown online singer who goes by the handle Sheng Sheng Man and who specializes in cover songs of ancient-style music, is a huge fan of Qiang Qing Ci, a very famous and well-loved CV (character voice) artist (i.e. dubber, voiceover artist). It was like, love at first listen.

One morning, she was chatting with a friend in her online “room” when his voice suddenly appeared in her headset, describing to her in detail how to prepare a food dish she had been talking about. This began their online chats about food. Gu Sheng can scarcely believe that she is talking to her idol, and he seems to be trying to progress the relationship further.

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

When I read this book, I didn't know that this was written by the same author as Honey Stewed Squid, which I read earlier this year. It wasn't until I made that connection that I realized how similar the main characters were. They both are popular in their own niche areas, are shy, and get easily embarrassed. However, the main difference between them is that while Tong Nian chases her guy in Honey Stewed Squid, Gu Sheng is the one chased in this book. That's why if you like Honey Stewed Squid, you'll probably like this book.

Even though I understand her feelings, I still didn't really like how shy and passive Gu Sheng was with her idol. Like, it really took everyone around her to tease and push her to spend time with Qiang Qing Ci because she would be immobilized with embarrassment every time. 

However, I liked how all of their friends tease them about their relationship throughout the book because it was pretty amusing and realistic. 

I tried to read Easily Set Aflame a while ago but got bored of it after a while because I was tired of how passive and embarrassed the female lead was. I think this is a common theme with most of the author's books, which is why after reading one or two of her books is enough for me. However, if you like any of her books, you'll probably like this one as well.

Title: The Icy Hero is Yearning for Love
Author: Momose Wasabi
Chapters: 13 chapters + 7 extras
Publication: 2019
Summary from Novel Updates:

The tavern owner’s son, Ilya, often experienced the same dream. A dream in which he played in the village orphanage with his childhood friend, a boy whose appearance resembled an angel’s. A dream where he made soap with olives and soup with leftover vegetables. But the moment Ilya laid eyes on the picture of the “Icy Hero,” he realized that those dreams weren’t dreams at all; rather those were the memories of his past life. Most importantly, that “Icy Hero,” Riley, wasn’t angelic anymore?!

3.5 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I started reading this book because I was looking for a short book to read so that I could finish it quickly and not be distracted reading it during the work week, so I didn't have much expectations when I started reading it. Plus, it's been a while since I read a Japanese novel, so I knew the writing style would be different from the Chinese novels I've read lately.

The writing style really fit the book's tone. It's mainly from Ilya's POV, which was pure and sincere. It made the angst even more painful. I wasn't expecting the angst (the summary did not prepare me!), but it gave the characters more dimension and really emphasized the long lasting impact of consequences and guilt.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something quick but impactful.

Title: The Bride Was a Boy
Author: Chii
Pages: 158
Publication: 2018
Summary from Goodreads:

The heartwarming transgender love story, based on true events!

Drawn in the style of diary comics with an upbeat, adorable flair, this is a charming tale about Chii, a woman assigned male at birth. Her story starts with her childhood and follows the ups and downs of exploring her sexuality, gender, and transition--as well as falling in love with a man who’s head over heels for her. Now they want to get married, so Chii’s about to embark on a new adventure: becoming a bride! 

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

This was a really cute, autobiographical book about a trans girl's life story from her childhood to her marriage. The art style is really cute, Chii's really cute, her husband's cute...everyone's cute! It was so fluffy and soft and informational that I was just very happy that she was happy by the time I finished the book.

I think life is already hard as it is; you already know that being trans (or any gender identity or sexuality different from cis het) is difficult. Instead of focusing on those negative points, Chii chose to focus on her self love and love from her family and husband to show that even though it's tough figuring things out and being different from society, you also have a place in it surrounded with people who love you just like any other person on Earth.

In between every chapter, she goes over a lot of informational, educational content like the harmful effects of certain diagnostic terms, sexual reassignment surgery, and how certain laws prevent people from getting married or a surgery.

All in all, it's a very cute, informational book. I highly recommend it!

Mini Review: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1), Tanpopo Collection vol. 1, Blood Feud (Drake Chronicles #2)

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Pages: 487
Publication: April 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Summary taken from goodreads:

Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention. 

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

2.5 STARS - IT WAS OKAY

MY REVIEW:

Eh...what can I say? It was just another mythological love story. There were a few original parts to it, and Helen's father and her best friend Claire were pretty funny at times, but Helen was such a Mary Sue that I couldn't care for her half of the time. In addition, the writing irritated me many times since I felt like the author didn't need to add so many unnecessary lines explaining how a character was feeling or what their expression meant when it could be implicitly understood.

Title: Tanpopo Collection vol. 1
Author: Camilla d'Errico
Pages: 176
Publication: May 1, 2012
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Summary taken from goodreads:

Tanpopo is superhumanly intelligent and inhumanly emotionless; she is ruled by her mind and vast knowledge. Something inside of her suddenly breaks and her heart rises up to struggle against the ruling mind. Torn and confused, she now seeks her humanity, longing to feel what humans feel. Kuro, or "Poodle", senses her distress. He promises Tanpopo that she will experience the full range of human emotions, of which love and happiness are the coveted prizes. Alas, such a rich reward cannot come without its price: Kuro is The Devil in disguise and he is after Tanpopo’s Soul. Will her quest for love set her free…or will it shackle her for eternity? Each chapter of TANPOPO is inspired by a classic piece of literature. This premiere volume explores Goethe’s FAUST, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER, and the Chinese author P’u Sung-Ling’s STRANGE STORIES FROM A CHINESE STUDIO

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW:

I really had no idea what to expect when I decided to read this book today. It didn't help that I never bothered reading the summary on the back; the art was the main selling point. Maybe if I had read the summary, I wouldn't have been as lost as I was in the beginning. However, either way, I knew that I was going to be confused since the book was a mix of in poetry, dialogue, and art.

I was not expecting abstract poetry and inverted sentences and Shakespearean dialogue, so it took a while to understand what was going on, and then it took some more time to find the plot and its themes. But it was worth it, and the beautiful art accurately depicted the writing and emotions, which helped.

Definitely give this book a try. It's unconventional for sure, but very intriguing.

Title: Blood Feud (Drake Chronicles #2)

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Pages: 258

Publication: June 22, 2010

Publisher: Walker & Company

Summary taken from goodreads: 

The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge. 

It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks. 

The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy. 

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

Didn't like this book as much as I liked the first one in the series, probably because I liked Lucy and Solange better as the protagonists. And I wasn't really digging the whole insta-love thing, no matter what the bones said. You barely knew each other for a week; how can you already claim that you love each other? 

Mini Review: The Last Dragon, 12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn, and Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

Title: The Last Dragon
Author: Jane Yolen, Rebecca Guay
Pages: 141
Publication: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Summary taken from goodreads: 

Master storyteller Jane Yolen (Owl Moon, Sword of the Rightful King) and celebrated fantasy artist Rebecca Guay (Swamp Thing, Magic: The Gathering) weave a textured and lyrical tale of adventure, homelands, and heroism the hard way.Two hundred years ago, humans drove the dragons from the islands of May. Now, the last of the dragons rises to wreak havoc anew -- with only a healer's daughter and a kite-flying would-be hero standing in its way.

2 STARS - IT WAS OKAY

MY REVIEW: 

The beginning really wasn't that interesting, so it took me a while to get into the story.

Most of the characters were really two-dimensional and uninteresting, so that also made it hard for me to want to finish reading this graphic novel.

On the bright side, the art was interesting, and I loved the colors and shading.

Title: 12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn

Author: James Proimos

Pages: 128

Publication: November 8, 2011 

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Summary taken from goodreads: 

It’s Wes Anderson meets Holden Caufield in this wry and funny novel about a boy who is sent to live with his uncle when his father (a bestselling self-help author) dies.  

James “Hercules” Martino has until the end of the summer (a.k.a. two weeks) to accomplish the twelve tasks given to him by his Uncle Anthony. The tasks will take him to the far reaches of Baltimore, lead him to a Beautiful and Unattainable Women, and change the way he sees his past, present and future.

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW:

This was one insanely quick read.

Herc was a pretty cool protagonist, always chill and nonchalant about most things while simultaneously being hilarious and clever when he spoke. His relationship with his uncle was funnily endearing.

My only problem was the whole love at first sight thing in the beginning. Luckily, he learned his lesson. Or something.  

Title: Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

Edited by: Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

Pages: 403

Publication: August 1, 2009 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary taken from goodreads: 

Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside) and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr. 

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

Maybe it was because I wasn't in the right mood when I read most of the stories, since it was really hard to connect or like half of the characters.

These were my favorites:

One of Us by Tracy Lynn

Quiz Bowl Antichrist by David Levithan

The Quiet Knight by Garth Nix

Freak the Geek by John Green

The Truth About Dino Girl by Barry Lyga

This is My Audition Monologue by Sara Zarr

The Stars at the Finish Line by Wendy Mass

Graphic Novel Review: The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson, Dan Jolley, Joelle Jones, and Jenn Manley Lee

Title: The Girl Who Owned a City
Author: O.T. Nelson, Dan Jolley, Joelle Jones, and Jenn Manley Lee
Pages: 125
Publication: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Graphic Universe
Summary taken from goodreads: 

A deadly virus killed every adult on Earth, leaving only the kids behind. With her parents gone, Lisa is responsible for her little brother, Todd. She has to make sure they stay alive. Many kids are sick or starving, and fierce gangs are stealing and destroying everything they find. Lots of people have given up, but on Grand Avenue, some kids are surviving. Because of Lisa. 

Lisa figured out how to give the kids on Grand Avenue food, homes, and protection against the gangs. But Tom Logan and his army are determined to take that away and rule the streets themselves. How long can Lisa's group keep fighting them off? They need to find a place to live safely. A strong place. A secret place. 

In a world like this, someone has to take charge. But does Lisa have the strength to take charge of a whole city?

3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

I really liked Lisa. She was smart and mature for a twelve year old while, but you could tell that she was still a kid because of the naivete that she displayed on rare occasions. Plus, she was a natural born leader who did not become pigheaded from arrogance because she acknowledged the heavy burden of responsibility that came with being a leader. 

The other characters weren't that fleshed out, but they still were interesting to read, especially Lisa's little brother.

There were some plotholes that weren't mentioned again after the beginning, like the origins of the virus that killed everyone but the kids (which reminds me of Michael Grant's Gone series), and if it was still alive, ready to kill kids at a certain age. And the resolution was somewhat iffy, too. I'm not going to give it away, but we're talking about kids here; kids easily let their emotions get in the way. I'm not sure if Logan's decision was really plausible. 

Nonetheless, I actually liked this graphic novel enough to overlook the plotholes. 

Graphic Novel Review: Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre & Rafael Rosado

Name: Giants Beware!
Author: Jorge Aguirre & Rafael Rosado
Pages: 208
Expected publication: April 10, 2012
Publisher: First Second
Summary taken from goodreads: 

Make way for Claudette the giant slayer in this delightful, fantastical adventure! 

Claudette’s fondest wish is to slay a giant. But her village is so safe and quiet! What’s a future giant slayer to do? 

With her best friend Marie (an aspiring princess), and her brother Gaston (a pastry-chef-to-be), Claudette embarks on a super-secret quest to find a giant—without parental permission. Can they find and defeat the giant before their parents find them and drag them back home?  Giants Beware! offers up a wondrous, self-contained world in the tradition of the very best of Pixar. Claudette and her friends will have you laughing out loud from page one.

2.5 STARS - I LIKED IT ENOUGH

MY REVIEW: 

My thoughts while reading this:

• Before Claudette's name was revealed, I thought that she was a boy, what with her short hair and rude, brash behavior. 
• Gaston is one cool kid; he's basically a chef and wants to also make swords!
• Marie would make an awesome princess; she's got a brain.
• For little kids, their vocabulary is amazing. 
• The character developement was nice even though I really was annoyed by Claudette in the beginning.
• I like the art in here.
• I wish they talked more about Claudette and Gaston's mom.

All in all, a cute story that I'm sure many kids will enjoy.

Graphic Novel Review: Courtney Crumrin and The Night Things (Courtney Crumrin #1) by Ted Naifeh

Title: Courtney Crumrin and The Night Things (Courtney Crumrin #1)
Author: Ted Naifeh
Pages: 128
Publication: May 28, 2003
Publisher: Oni Press
Summary taken from goodreads:

Presenting the initial Courtney Crumrin miniseries in a new digest-sized format. Courtney's parents have dragged her out to a high-to-do suburb to live with her creepy Great Uncle Aloysius in his spooky old house. She's not only the new kid in school, but she also discovers strange things lurking under her bed.

2 STARS - IT WAS OKAY

MY REVIEW:

Eh.

The plot was meh (pretty predictable). The characters were meh (although I actually liked the parents since they were so self-absorbed in trying to fit in with the rest of gentry that it was both amusing and pathetic to read about).

The art was decent. However, I had a big issue with Courtney's face. While everyone else's faces were relatively normal looking with chins and whatnot, Courtney's face was basically a rounded blob that sometimes was more square-ish with rounded edges, and what really bothered me was that she had NO NOSE.

All of the characters had noses; even the the monsters had noses. Why can't Courtney have a nose? (I can't believe I even have to ask a question like that.) Is this suppose to be an obvious sign that she's abnormal? Because she behaves like a pretty normal teenager considering her upbringing and situation.

Yeah... this is probably best to read only if you're younger and more easily amused by a "spunky kid" living in an odd house.