Manga Review: Meteor Prince Series (Meca Tanaka)

Title: Meteor Prince
Author: Meca Tanaka
Volumes Reviewed: 2 (complete)
Publisher: VIZ Media (Shojo Beat)
Release Date: January 6, 2015 - April 7, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Science Fiction Romantic Comedy
Content Rating: Older Teen (minor nudity, sensuality, mating talk)
Format Read: Paperback (own)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary for Volume 1:

Strange accidents always seem to happen around Hako Natsuno—so much so that she’s been dubbed “The Queen of Bad Luck.” It’s hardly surprising then that a naked alien prince falls from the sky to tell her that out of all the girls in the universe, he’s come to Earth to mate with her. Does this mean Hako’s luck has changed, or…?

*          *          *

Meteor Prince is a two-volume contemporary sci-fi rom-com about an alien boy who comes to Earth to mate with his soul mate and finds an unsuspecting high school girl cursed with bad luck. Informed that humans must first fall in love before mating, alien Io enthusiastically accepts the challenge and throws himself into winning human Hako's heart. Hijinks as well as hardships ensue as Io's family, Hako's curse, and a surprise twist get in the way of their being together, but ultimately love prevails for a sweet, romantic end.

I adored the protagonists, Hako with her pleasant personality despite the constant mishaps and injuries brought on by her bad luck and sparkling Io with his bubbly attitude but dangerous warrior darkness behind the grin. Together with Hako's protective friends and Io's string of scheming alien visitors, the story offers a colorful cast of unique personalities. As one of Meca Tanaka's later series the artwork is strong and playful with expressive characters and impacting action, and despite being only two volumes the plot is full and well paced. If you love zany romances, alien shapeshifters, and short manga series, I highly recommend you give this duology a read.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Young Master's Revenge by Meca Tanaka

Pearl Pink by Meca Tanaka

The #FridayReads Review (7/26/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Reticence by Gail Carriger

Scored a slightly early copy and couldn't help but start it immediately. I was already expecting this to be my favorite Custard Protocol book, but I'm enjoying it EVEN MORE than expected which I didn't think possible. New character Arsenic is currently grappling with Sophronia for favorite Parasolverse female ever, and Percy is positively adorkable. And now they are heading to Japan for unknown adventures!! Needless to say I'm having a VERY hard time putting it down.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Rage by Cora Carmack (ARC)

3.5 Stars. Definitely a middle book with predictable twists, but overall an engrossing read with great action, interesting magic, and engaging characters. Looking forward to Book 3 next year! Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

W Juliet vol. 6 by Emura (PBK)

After over half a decade I'm finally re-reading this series for review and possible purge. It was a previous favorite but now I'm finding it repetitive and struggling to maintain complete interest with 14 volumes to the series. Still I'm determined to finish and will try to pick it back up after diverting Reticence completes. 

So what are you reading this week?

Manga Review: Pearl Pink Series (Meca Tanaka)

Title: Pearl Pink
Author: Meca Tanaka
Volumes Reviewed: 4 (complete)
Publisher: Tokyopop
Release Date: January 7, 2007 - January 8, 2008
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Content Rating: Teen (some brief sensuality, rambunctious behavior)
Format Read: Paperback (own)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase*: Azon | B&N | RightStuf
Summary for Volume 1:

Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride down the road to true love!

When the sweet, bubbly, and somewhat clumsy Tamako sets her sights on the ever-so-serious Kanji, it's more than a struggle to get the romance to spark. But the challenge becomes even tougher- Tamako's mom is the top-money maker at the talent agency run by Kanji's dad! Tamako must conceal her identity to protect her mom's secret, but she's determined to become the perfect "pearl-of-a-woman" and nab the man of her dream...

*          *          *

Pearl Pink is a four-volume contemporary rom-com series about a rambunctious girl who becomes an actress to win the heart of the agent boy she loves. At just four volumes the story only covers her start on the road to stardom and how they fall in love, but it's a sweet, humorous romance with an interesting peek into the Japanese entertainment industry. As one of Meca Tanaka's earlier works (she's better known in the US for Meteor Prince and The Young Master's Revenge) the art can be a little sketchy at times, but the playful action is fun and her character expressions are strong. Overall it's a cute, quick story of love, family, and determination with a charming romance, energetic characters, and an adorable if plot-pointless monkey mascot. Definitely recommend for rom-com readers and Skip*Beat! fans.

Bonus Stories: Volume 2 includes two bonus one-shots. "Destined Lovers" is a cute short about a small girl and a large boy who fall in love and the problems that naturally ensue. "Diamond Half" is, according to the author, about the characters Tamako and Kanji are based on, and is a sweet story of family and how love can change as it ages.

*Purchase Note: While technically out of print, as of July 2019 you can still purchase volumes from Amazon, Barnes & Noble Marketplace, and RightStuf - links all at top.

For Fans Of: Skip*Beat!

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Young Master's Revenge by Meca Tanaka

Manga Review: MeruPuri Series (Matsuri Hino)

Title: MeruPuri
Original Title: MeruPuri: Märchen Prince
Author: Matsuri Hino
Volumes Reviewed: 4 (complete)
Publisher: VIZ Media (Shojo Beat)
Release Date: July 5, 2005 - April 4, 2006
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Content Rating: Older Teen (sensuality*, magical violence)
Format Read: Paperback (own)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary for Volume 1:

All high school freshman Airi Hoshina ever wanted was to someday live in a cozy home with a loving husband, and find joy in the little things in life. As a result, she makes it her daily mission to get to school on time because school legend has it that the longer one's non-tardy streak is, the better boyfriend one will find. But just when her daily routine is working like clockwork, an occurrence of falrytale proportions threatens to disrupt her grand plan.

On the way to school one morning, Airi loses her mirror - one that had been passed down to her through generations - and suddenly finds herself in a bizarre situation. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect Aram, a little boy from a magical kingdom, to have emerged from the mirror in the short time it took her to track it down!

*          *          *

MeruPuri is a romantic four-volume contemporary fantasy series of love, magic, family, and age fluidity from the creator of the uber-popular Vampire Knight. Cursed by his brother to bodily age up from 7 to 17 when plunged into darkness, Aram finds refuge in another world with 15 year-old traitor descendant Arai and they fall in love despite great opposition and an 8-year age gap.

The artwork is young but strong with some great snapshots and swoony moments, and there is no want for beautiful people or fantastical settings in magic kingdom Astale. The story covers many of the classic romance plots including amusement park dates, jealous fiancees and other romantic interests, kidnappings, memory loss, and Romeo & Juliet-esque forbidden love, but also offers plenty of royal action with magical battles and diabolical schemes. At only four volumes the full story feels a little rushed at times and the last volume is more a collection of quick aging snippets, but overall it's a fun and magical tale with a playful cast and a sweet happy ending. Highly recommend for fantasy manga lovers.

*A Note on Content: Some Americans may be a little uncomfortable with the 7/15 age difference of the romance (it seems to be a relatively common Japanese trope, especially in the form of children falling for their teachers), but there are only a few brief sensual-ish moments and almost all of them are when he is bodily 17.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (7/12/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Rage by Cora Carmack (ARC)

I really enjoyed Roar (review here) so I've been eager to read this sequel. It started quiet as they acquired information and plotted their next move, but the strong writing made for a breezy read until the intrigue and action kicked in. Now about a third through the pretty thick book and reluctant to put it down!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Dire King by William Ritter (PBK)

3 Stars. I really struggled with this one - had to stop halfway through and read a few other books before pushing through to the end, and despite a lot of end-of-the-world action I was sadly indifferent. Glad I read it and finished the series, though. Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Seriously Shifted by Tina Connolly (PBK)

I thoroughly enjoyed Seriously Wicked (review here) and so immediately purchased the second in the series. A few other books had to be read first, but I think the time has finally come for this magical beauty!

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: MAYBE THIS TIME (Kasie West)

Today I spotlight the second 2019 Kasie West release: MAYBE THIS TIME from Scholastic! I was able to read an early copy and really enjoyed the year-long setup and strong character depth (feel free to read my full review here). Kasie continues to be one of my favorite authors so I highly recommend you check out her books if you haven't already - and there's no book like her present, info and links below!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Maybe This Time
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 7/9/19

One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love?

Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year's Eve parties. Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas.

Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all . . .

Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

And check out Kasie West's other Scholastic titles!

P.S. I Like You

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review

Lucky in Love

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review

Listen to Your Heart

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Review: Black Light Express (Philip Reeve)

Title: Black Light Express
Series: Railhead, Book 2
Author: Philip Reeve
Publisher: OUP Oxford (UK Edition)
Release Date: August 3, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Epic Science Fiction
Told: Third Person Omniscient, Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, killing)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

There was nothing, and then there was a train. A train with two passengers: a petty thief from a dead-end town, and an android girl who could be more human than the rest of us. Join Zen and Nova as they find out what really lies beyond the end of the universe . . .

Take a ride in Philip Reeve's incredible imagination as he returns with this stellar follow-up to Railhead. Full of extraordinary beings and utterly real, complex characters, of thrills and thoughtful moments, this is a stunning step beyond the universe which will appeal to both sci-fi fans and foes alike.

*          *          *

Series: This is the second book in the Railhead series and continues the story and characters of the first book. You can read my review of Book 1: Railhead here.

First book Railhead blew me away with its imaginative universe and sentient trains, so I was thrilled when I heard there would be a sequel. But while the effortlessly diverse setting continued to delight, Black Light's vast omniscient viewpoint and convoluted plot had me struggling to remain engaged and took a month to read.

Heavily story-driven, the book followed the plot instead of specific characters, opting for minds of convenience to keep up with the multi-layered adventure the book meanders through. Most of the characters were original and appealing, but after a while the plot became too political and complicated to maintain my interest despite a lot of action and twists. I almost left it unfinished within 100 pages, but since I was so close I pushed on for two more weeks to the last page - for an unfortunate melancholy end. While I will continue to praise this series as an imaginative epic sci-fi with breathtaking universe, I presently have no interest in continuing the series with the third and currently final book, Station Zero.

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

The #FridayReads Review (7/5/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Competence by Gail Carriger (ARC)

Re-reading this as part of the The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read-Along, and to catch up on the series before the final book, Reticence, releases next month! It's my favorite Custard Protocol book so far (see my review here) and I'm thoroughly enjoying the antics and wit it once again.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Roar by Cora Carmack (ARC)

4 Stars. Re-read. This was even better than the first time - I'd forgotten how strong the writing is, how interesting the plot, and how thrilling the magic. You can check out my first read review here.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

The Dire King by William Ritter (PBK)

Going to attempt to finish this next (it was previously Paused, see post here). Steeling myself for a struggle, but I so hate leaving a series unfinished when I've already invested 3 books and now I'm SO CLOSE.

So what are you reading this week?

Review: The Stars We Steal (Alexa Donne)

Title: The Stars We Steal
Series: standalone
Author: Alexa Donne
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction Romance
Told: First Person (Leo), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (a few words of language, kissing and sensuality, attempted murder)
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

Engagement season is in the air. Eighteen-year-old Princess Leonie “Leo” Kolburg, heir to a faded European spaceship, only has one thing on her mind: which lucky bachelor can save her family from financial ruin? 

But when Leo’s childhood friend and first love Elliot returns as the captain of a successful whiskey ship, everything changes. Elliot was the one that got away, the boy Leo’s family deemed to be unsuitable for marriage. Now, he’s the biggest catch of the season and he seems determined to make Leo’s life miserable. But old habits die hard, and as Leo navigates the glittering balls of the Valg Season, she finds herself failing for her first love in a game of love, lies, and past regrets.

*          *          *

I initially grabbed The Stars We Steal solely because it was set in space, my biggest weakness. When I later discovered it was touted as "The Bachelorette goes to space," as well as a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, I was equal parts wary (Bachelorette) and intrigued (Austen retelling). Bachelorette is not my kind of thing and I know little of it other than commercial snippets so I won't speak to its similarities, although I feel confident that Stars' heavy romantic drama would definitely interest a fan. But while I haven't yet read Persuasion, I have seen a movie or two and right from the start recognized the story of the poor rich girl struggling to keep her spendthrift family afloat and the poor jilted boy who returns rich and falls back in love.

With its love/hate/love romance and onset-predictable twists the story was somewhat of a cringer for me, but the writing was strong and the dark intrigue engaging. The plot was heavily focused on drama and romance with very little action which is usually a strike against for me, but the story actually worked well without it and held my interest. Confined to little more than a few luxury ships the space setting could've just as easily taken place on a planet so I wasn't overly impressed, but I appreciated the familiar story's change of scenery and time. While I wasn't that crazy about Elliot (although he did wear glasses, props for that), Leo was strong and smart and worth rooting for, and she had a fun and diverse group of friends and family that brightened the otherwise shadowed story. The climax got rather intense after the otherwise low-key tale but the end was sweet and romantic, and although the book stands very well alone I wouldn't be averse to a sequel exploring more of the struggling ships and sparking rebellion.

Conclusion: Was I glad I gave it a read? With its strong writing and engaging intrigue, yes. Would I recommend it? If you love intense drama and romance-focused stories, definitely. And, of course, if you love Persuasion, Jane Austen retellings in general, and/or The Bachelorette.


STRENGTHS:

✔  Ace rep!! Ace me highly approved. (What happened to him romantically, not so much.)

✔  Glasses rep

✔  Strong writing

✔  Engaging intrigue


WEAKNESSES:

✘  Predictable twists

✘  Very little action (but it really wasn't an action kind of story so that's my personal problem)

✘  Space setting was a little weak

✘  Love to hate to love romance (again, personal dislike)


For Fans Of: The Bachelorette, Jane Austen (especially Persuasion)

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles