Fairest and Tons of CMX: badtzphoto

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Fairest and Tons of CMX

Oct 13, 2009 08:59

89. Fairest. First sentence: "I was born singing."

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Written by Gail Carson Levine

Some points:
- This book is a retell of Snow white with a lot of singing.
- I was annoyed by her going on and on about her beauty complex.
- I just had to finish it since I'm masochistic about finishing a book. Ella Enchanted is much better than this one. I'd say Ella Enchanted and the fairy tales are better than Ever and Fairest.
- I feel the prince is a bit cheesy.
- The queen wasn't treated so bad in this book as in the original version.
- The mirror is creepy.
- There are orgres and gnomes.
In the end, we never found out about Aza's birth parents.

Bottom line, it's ok. Reread? No. Recommended? Maybe.

90. 2 volumes of Venus Capriccio (ヴィーナス綺想曲)."

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manga updates

Written and illustrated by Mai Nishikata

from cmx
Vol 1: Takami is tall, attractive and funny. Akira's a quiet, musical prodigy who seems much more effeminate than Takami, even though he's a guy. Best friends since childhood, Takami turns to Akira when yet another would-be boyfriend dumps her. Now will their longtime connection finally turn into something more than friendship?
Vol 2: Takami gets a part-time waitressing job at Club Blue. But what's Akira's motive when he decides to work there too? Later, when their piano school gets a new teacher, Akira is less than thrilled…and the teacher's incessant flirting with Takami is only part of the problem. And when Takami and Akira enter the same piano contest, will their friendship prove to be stronger than their musical rivalry?

Some points:
- I like the interaction betwen Akira and Takami. Takami does tend to freak out too much.
- School festival and Prince and Princess contest.
- And she acts like a tomboy ^^
- The piano teacher teases Akira too much.
- I'm wondering about a 14 or 15 years-old living by himself and a seemingly big house. Who's taking care of his expense and other day-to-day logistic. I'm not saying he can't do it. And his mother died a few years ago, too.
- I'm kind of surprised that Akira confess in the first chapter of vol 1 already. However, it wasn't sunk in with Takami yet.
- I want to know what the other girl whispered to Akira, though.
- That aside, I do enjoy reading about them.
- It's a short series, only 5 volumes.

Bottom line, I do like Akira and Takami and how they are kind of aware of other person's feeling, sad or that kind of thing. Reread? Yes.

91a. 2 volumes of Lapis Lazuli Crown (ラピスラズリの王冠).

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Manga Updates

Written and illustrated by Natsuna Kawase

from cmx website
Vol 1: Everyone in young Miel's family has magical powers, but she's not really interested in developing hers. Miel wants to live a more normal life, much to her older sister's disapproval. But when she encounters a boy who needs some help-and who happens to resemble the handsome and beloved young prince of the realm-Miel may just have found the motivation she needs to develop her own special gifts.
Vol 2: In this concluding volume, Miel competes against a fellow magician. While she is more powerful than the conceited Derris, she loses their duel-and then he asks her out! But her heart belongs to Prince Radian, even if they aren't an official couple. So when a ceremony is held to reinforce the magic barrier around the kingdom.

Some points:
- I like Miel and Radi. I thought that Miel's was that way because the mangaka meant honey in french (and I thought right ^^). I didn't know Radi is from radish, though.
- It's an interesting story, however, I like vol 1 better than #2 which feels a bit rush. Fortunately, some notes of cut stories due to page constraint were added.
- I feel the characters were developed better in vol 1; new characters that are introduced in volumes 2, not so much, namely Derris.
- It amuses me how strong Miel is ^^ and she's so honest about her plan and everything.
- I like the art, too.
- I feel there could be 1 or 2 more books for this series to be better. The second book wants to do to many things at once.

Bottom line, overall it's a nice read and not much investment.

91b. 2 volumes of March on Earth (ラピスラズリの王冠).

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Manga Updates

Written and illustrated by Mikase Hayashi

from cmx website
Vol 1: A young girl must grow up quickly in the face of tragedy and care for her nephew. After the death of Yuzu and Tsubaki's parents, Tsubaki became a single mother. But when she died in a fatal car accident, her younger sister Yuzu was left to care for the little boy by herself. With only the help of her friends and a kindly landlady, will she be able to meet the challenge of raising a baby?
Vol 2: Final volume. Takatoh has agreed to help Yuzu take care of Shou, even though it means putting his own dreams on hold. But Yuzu knows that's not something her sister would have wanted and insists that he follows his original plans, even if it means leaving Japan. Meanwhile, Yuzu has some choices to make about her own future. Will she sacrifice her dreams for Shou?

Some points:
- For some reasons, I thought the main character is older (like in her 20s). It turns out she's only 15 a high schooler and taking care of her nephew - she's still a child herself. Yikes.
- The Christmas story was hard to read - I cried.
- Stories with orphans are always hard for me to read. They were the age when they should be carefree but circumstances dictate they must grow up.
- Poor Seita ^^ - I hope the author treats him well.
- The series ends inconclusive and I'm ok with open ending like that.
- It's a good thing that Yuzu has many friends with good heads on their shoulders.
- I want to read more from this mangaka.

Bottom line, another short nice story. Reread? Yes. Recommend? Yes.

public library, mangaka: natsuna kawase, author: gail carson levine, mangaka: mikase hayashi, mangaka: mai nishikata