Arcanum Unbounded

 Arcanum Unbounded is a compilation of short stories and novellas written by Brandon Sanderson about his Cosmere Universe.

Compiled by Khriss, a worldhopper from the Taldain System (White Sand graphic novel series), Arcanum Unbounded are some of the documents from the many Cosmere planets that give background, world building, character development. While they aren't dire, at this point in time to read them all alongside the major series, they are enlightening and a joy to read. 

Through reading these, I've discovered that my favorite story that Brandon has produced so far is Misborn: Secret History which has major spoilers for the Mistborn series (for both Era 1 and 2, read them first before you read Secret History otherwise you'll be vastly disappointed). But it is my favorite because Kelsier is amazing, Fuzz makes me cry, and Ruin is a major nasty piece of work but such an interesting character. 

As I said before, it is a compilation of stories of : 

The Selish System

• The Emperor's Soul, 
• The Hope of Elantris, 

The Scadrian System 

• The Eleventh Metal, 
• Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Elantia: Episodes  28-30, 
• Mistborn Secret History,

The Taldain System

• White Sand (an excerpt of the graphic novel and an excerpt from the written, rough draft version, which I like better than the graphic novel version)

The Threnodite System

• Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell

The Dominad System 

• Sixth of the Dusk

and The Rosharan System

• Edgedancer

These are very good books that I highly recommend reading. If you haven't read any of the Cosmere series (which I suggest you rectify quickly) many of these stores are good to read as a standalone, except Misborn Secret History and Hope of Elantris. The rest could be enjoyed on their own without any hiccups or misunderstandings. My only other suggestion would be to read White Sand completely with the other volumes in the series to help things make sense, though for the excepts you'd be fine as a jumping off point for further reading. (For the rest of the written story of White Sand you can go onto BrandonSanderson.org and become a part of their newsletter and be able to ask for the link for the whole story. I've yet to be able to do it myself as my life isn't always free of craziness, but it's something I plan to indeed do in the future.)  

Be Prepared

Be Prepared was a cute little story about the trials of a ten year old misfit.

Vera doesn't really fit in with all the rest of the girls in her neighborhood. They are more wealthy, they have both parents, and they don't come from Russia. She moved to the USA when she was five, but the rest of the kids don't get it. They invite her to things, but she still feels like the outcast. During the summer they all go off to their own camps and she stays at home, until she finds out that there is a Russian kids scout camp. After some begging, her mom lets her and her brother go the following summer. Only summer camp isn't what she expected it to be. She finds that it's more of the same. She's the youngest in her troupe, they are all already friends and have known each other for years, and she's very much alone. Invisible. This is where she was supposed to find friends, so where are they?

It was a well drawn true-mostly story of Vera Brosgol's time at camp. She even has some of her letters and pictures from her time at camp. Vera is also the author of Anya's Ghost, which I didn't realize until I read the author bio.

I think this is a very potent and prominent story for many people. Trouble with friends is always something hard and pretty much everyone goes through it at some point. So it touches many people right in the hearts.

I think many people would enjoy this simple, well depicted story. It might even be one that I'd put on my bookshelf. Eventually.

Special A

I finally finished another series. Things are finally calming down so I can read again.

That being said, Special A was a very enjoyable series. It was sweet and easy going. Definitely a series to read when needing an easy, light hearted read.

Special A is about a girl who wants to beat a boy. Her whole life she has always come in second place with him being first. In every competition they have, he wins. Grades,  he wins. Sports, he wins. Everything, he wins. He affectionately calls her, "Ms. No. 2." The rest of the series is about her finally realizing that he likes her and that she loves him. There is a mix of other characters, mainly in this SA class, and their romantic relations too.

My biggest critique is the plot. There isn't much of an over arching theme or story over the whole series. There are lots of jumps from this person to that person and their feelings and romantic moments, but it doesn't have a strong plot. Even the idea of constantly wanting to beat Takashima at any challenge is put on the back burner for major portions of the series. There are also plot points that seem very similar to other series that I've read, such as Maid-Sama or Ouran High School Host Club. Wealthy guy and poor girl with class differences, flights across the world to "save" the boy, etc. It seems to be a trend from books published in the later 2000's.

I very much enjoy the characters here. SA has some very different characters than other series I've read. They have a few more jealousies from Takashima and Arika, Hikari is willing to get dirty and can take care of herself as well as look and act feminine, the family unit of the twins and Ryu was sweet, and Tadashi's obnoxious yet still genuine kindness is nice to see. The other side characters have their own personalities which are very much different from one another and others from different series--which I seem to be comparing to a lot. I like them as characters, but there is much character progression or arch to their own stories... It is very much about being/falling in love. They are fun characters to have and make for fun moments, but overall they are kind of flat.

I think I prefer the anime to the manga on this one, which is weird to say. The anime doesn't go as far in the series, but because of that the lack of character development in the manga as well as the basic beginning arch. And that was fine. I was content with it as it ended with a complete story.

I'd read this a book series again if I was wanting something super light that I didn't have to think to much. Enjoyable but not the best.

School Rumble

School Rumble is a part slice of life, part romantic comedy with an engaging story. At the beginning of the series, there are lots of small incidents that happen and as the story goes long the plots of the different characters interweave more and more. It isn't some high flying adventure or much of a gut wrenching romance, but it is a story that is light hearted and funny. I feel it very much resembles what high school romances end up being: twitterpated hearts, communication problems, secret crushes, group get togethers, and more.

Harima, the glasses-guy on this cover, was a deliquitent, the big, scary man on campus. But then upon seeing/helping Tenma, our pig-tails girl here, he found himself in love with her and got himself back to school. But the big, aloof manly-man can't be seen in love with a ditz like Tenma. But he must confess and let his choice be heard! Right? Only everything always seems to go wrong. And Tenma is in love with another, more somber boy in class named Karasima. Yes, it's a love triangle, but not an annoying one.

I think the thing that I like most about this series is that it's light and charming. Harima is such a fun character who is very determined and willing to push through anything "for the woman I love." He gets himself into entertaining situations which often made me laugh. And although Tenma can be obnoxious at times you can shake your head at her misunderstandings and move forward. Hanai, Yakamo, Makoto, Akira, Lara (Lala), Karin, and most of the other characters that are Harima/Tenma/Karasima's classmates and friends are all funny. They each get ample amount of time "on screen" and are developed fully as characters. School is not just a "whirling romantic comedy" about our main two characters, but it's about the entire class. Everyone is important. Everyone has their own backgrounds. I was able to find something I like about (most) everyone. There were one or two characters that I didn't care for in that they were overly perverted, which I do dislike, but they were only a small part and I could quickly skim/skip over them. Everyone else was fantastic.

My favorite set of chapters was a war that they had over deciding what they would do for their school festival. They sneak into the school at night, armed with bebe guns and fight it out. I get with the school shootings and things, that some people night not care for it such situations, but it was very comical. Not in funny, "haha" way, but in the intense atmosphere that they all created. I found it entertaining both in the manga and anime. But that's my own opinion. Most of the rest of the series wasn't nearly as intense, again it was light.

The only thing that I disliked really was the ending. I wanted firm confessions of love and solid relationships, and while we got some there were some relationships that I felt didn't get the ending that I wanted to have. There was a build up to it, but then the characters let themselves fall a bit flat in proving that relationship and solidifying it. At parts it was kind of a let down.

Still, read it. Enjoy it. And down get bogged down by the shortness of the chapters.

White Sand Volume 2

Reading White Sand Volume 2 was a fun adventure. Obviously you need to read the first volume (which I found was much more enjoyable my second time through).

This is the continuation of the "White Sand" series by Brandon Sanderson in the Cosmere universe.

Here Kenton is working with Khriss to keep the Diem going. On he verge of collapse and bring posted by the Dayside government, they work hard to negotiate with and persuade the probable to keep the Sand Masters running and a part of the city and culture. All the while defeating same creatures, visiting parties and government dignitaries, and killing assassins who want Kenton dead. He very much has a full plate to work on.

This graphic novel is done really well. It seems more artistic that the 1st Volume in some of its mirror-ment.  Though at least in the last chapter of my edition, the artwork style changed suddenly to something far more simplistic. It didn't give a reason and it didn't seem like it would be important thematically. Aside from that confusion, it worked well. 

This time through the series I enjoyed the story a lot more than simply reading one volume at a time. If you are going to read this series, do so with multiple volumes in hand. The flow is better, the plot makes more sense, and it the lack of climax at the end of the first volume can be overlooked.

I very much loved Khriss in this book. She is my favorite character here by far. The other characters do get their time to grow and become interesting, but I love her most.

I am far more interested at the end of Volume 2 than I was with 1 and can't wait for Volume 3 to be published though it has no publishing date as of yet.

Delilah Dirk and the Pillars of Hercules

Delilah Dirk is one of my favorite people. Top 5 favorite characters from anything I've read. Easy. I was so excited to see than Tony Cliff wrote and illustrated another one of her adventures. It is definitely on my "I will buy ASAP" list.

Delilah is nearly always after some type of treasure, unless she is helping someone she likes--which often has some type of treasure or something along side it because she's picking on a bigger bruit than the guy that needs help. *breathes* While helping a bunch of sailor into a harbor, Delilah Dirk style, she meets a European with a tale of treasure. Not only do they find a slew of it in an unknown cave not far away, but also a clue to a larger horde and bigger price. Delilah doesn't turn down a challenge. Mr. Selim, Delilah, and the European writer (who ends up chronicling their tale) start their Indiana Jones-style archaeological dig.

Delilah is fantastic. At one point she is in jail, again, chipping away at the wall with a rock. The jailer looks down at her and asks what she's doing, she promptly states "Escaping" which she does. Awesomely!

I also love the way Mr. Selim and Delilah work together. It appears that by now they have done so many things together that they rely on each other (though not super heavy, they are their own people after all). I also really like the way he tells a general off. That was fun and I want more of it.

I also felt so sad at the very last picture in the back of the book. So sad... I loved the little boop she gave. It hurt my heart.

The artwork is beautiful. The adventure is fun. And I really want to read it again, even after just finishing it.

P.S. I'm going to be Delilah for Halloween and it is going to be awesome. More people should know Delilah Dirk. No, no, no, everyone should know her. She's just fantastic.

Siren's Lament: Season 1

Siren's Lament is a web comic I was introduced to by my best fwiend (yes, that was intentional) and it's artwork is BEAUTIFUL!! The second I opened it up on my phone I was take aback by the beautiful artwork (and cute chibis) that make of Siren's Lament by instantmiso.

This story is about sirens and the curse that it is to be one. Sirens seek out brokenhearted people, kiss then, then trade places with the human becoming human again while the person becomes a siren with no memories of their previous life. Lyra watches the boy that she's liked for years be with the most beautiful girl whoever mo-ped-ed into the city. Not wanting to change the friendship that they do have, she says nothing. One night, after a "not-date" is canceled with Shon (the boy) she goes to the ocean crying. Hearing a strange song she falls into the ocean and is saved by a siren's kiss. However, something goes wrong and they both end up on land with legs, except for when they are submerged in water when they gain fins. Neither Ian nor Lyra wants to be a siren so they must find a way to break the curse before time runs out and she loses everything.

This was a sweet story even though it has a nasty love triangle. Normally I don't like them, I blame a specific vampire novel for that. So if I know that the main point of the story is a LT I tend to skip it. However, if it isn't the main focus or if both guys are awesome I can over look it. LT's often have too much unneeded YA drama. This, because the characters are older, out of high school, most of the flaring drama recedes. Yay for this story!

I do really like the characters here. Both of the guys because they are very different and Ian is hysterical. Lyra is funny too and while Shon isn't as outwardly comical, he definitely has his funny moments. Their chibi's and the way they act around one another is great. It seriously made my day. There is some mild bedroom humor, but nothing overly obnoxious. Pele and Tua are great fun too and I like them both a lot, especially together. Over all, for everyone there were times when I busted up laughing and had my husband look at me strangely. It was great fun.

The basis of the story is compelling and the world that is made around it is an interesting one that I want to dive more into. Trying to get the curse lifted alongside gaining enough courage to say how you feel work well together. It also brings great conflict amongst the characters even as they are growing closer together. The ending of Season 1 was particularly thrilling and I busted chapter after chapter very quickly wanting to know what was going to happen.

It is only available online as a web comic (at webtoons.com) or an ebook. It appears most of Season 2 is published online where you can read it, but because it hasn't been completed as of 9/2018, I'll wait to give my review of Season 2 once it is done. It comes out weekly with new updates, so read the continuing story.

Enjoy.

P.S. Here are some photos of the beautiful artwork that is just amazing.

 

They make me laugh so much! 

Thornhill

Thornhill is a well written, well drawn book that was a bit strange.

The written words are part of the diary of a girl named Mary from 1982 who is being bullied by the girls in orphan home. She has been bullied so bad that she stopped talking and her journal become her a solace, next to her handmade dolls, and the garden on the orphanage grounds. The artwork is the story of Ella, a girl who just moved in with her dad into a house that bordered the old Thornhill building in 2017. She goes exploring one day and follows a mysterious figure into a garden and finding dolls around the dilapidated building.

It was an interesting book, but a strange one. We feel really sorry for Mary and her trials. No one helps her and she feels like she can't confide in any of the adults around her. Then there is Ella where we don't get much from her. It's summertime and she doesn't do much but fix the dolls she finds around Thornhall. She doesn't do much else besides explore the grounds. We don't see her with friends or even with her father (who always is off at work and has no time for her).

I do find it interesting though that Mary only talks once in the whole book where there are quotations around what she says and Ella never says anything either (mainly because her side of things are all in pictures). The only time we see Ella "say" anything is when she writes a note. The similarities between the two girls are prominent but not screaming from the pages, obviously they are quiet.

It's a very sad book. Not one to read when you are sad. Especially the ending when it was supposed to be a happily ever after for the girls, but it wasn't in my opinion. A tragic ending to me, though it was supposed to be something happy-ish for the girls. I think it could have ended differently.

It was okay. Not a favorite but okay.

Stitches

Stitches: A Memoir is a graphic novel of David Small and his time growing up, his hardships growing up.

David Small is a Caldecott Award winner for his illustrations for The Gardener, one of my favorite picture books while I was growing up. Everyone should read and enjoy it. He has gotten many other awards for the work that he has done over his 73 years.

Stitches begins with his experiences in hospitals. His father was a radiologist and his mother always seemed to be cranky. He was often sick as a child and because his father worked in the radiology department, he was able to have x-rays done to see what the problem was. As the years went on, as he grew alongside his brother, he found he had a growth on his neck. It grew until his family was finally able to do the surgery. However when he woke up, he found he was unable to speak. The surgeons cut out his thyroid and half of his vocal cords. As, again, years passed he was able to gain a raspy whisper, but his voice, of course, was never the same. He found solace in drawing and later illustrating children's books.

There is far more to the story than simply his voice, though it is a major part. But there are trials when it comes to the crazies of families. Deciding whether or not to continue on in family traditions and conditions or not. His story makes me even more grateful for my own mother. The way he drew his mother and grandmother reminds me of one of my grandmothers, not the temperament but the style. The round glasses and uppy hair. But the way he drew her instantly made her instantly one of those scary old ladies that I was afraid of when I was little. So to have her as a mom, I'd be almost scared my whole life.

I very much enjoyed the book. Very well done.

Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club has been a favorite of mine for such a long time. This series is what got me into anime then to manga and actually led me to a bunch of my favorite music selections with Ouran as the AMV that I found on youtube-- with the help of my best friend, of course.

I loved the anime though it was far to short. Ouran is one of the most favored shoujo mangas out there and for good reason. It's fantastic. For those who love the anime or are in need of a cute romantic comedy, this is for you.

Haruhi Fujioka is a scholarship student at the renowned Ouran Academy. Ouran is a place where rich kids from rich families come to learn and socialize. The Host Club is where some of the richest and smartest kids come to entertain themselves because they "have too much time on their hands." The boys fawn over the girls and the girls love it. Haruhi stumbles into Music Room 3 where the Host Club meets and accidentally breaks a very expensive vase. In order to pay it back, Haruhi becomes the Hosts' "dog," running errands and whatnot, and quickly becomes a Host as well. What most don't know is that Haruhi is actually a girl. "How do you miss that?" Because she couldn't afford to buy the school uniform and got gum in her hair the night before--therefore cutting her hair herself and doing a horrendous job of it--she looked like a boy and everyone thought she was one. She didn't see the need to correct it, because a person is a person no matter their gender, and she rolled with it. The Host Club, of course, found out but let the girls who visit believe she was a boy so then Haruhi could pay back her debt.

The story goes on and, as any romantic comedy goes, some of the boys start falling in love with Haruhi. However because some of them are socially inept and others are idiots they don't realize it. Haruhi herself doesn't realize that she is falling in love with one of the boys. But they go on many adventures where they all grow, except for possibly two of them (maybe), and develop past themselves. I love the way they develop. They all grow in many ways, they all have their weaknesses, they all have their own personalities. It was a great feat, or so I think anyway, when I finally figured out which twin was which. I felt very happy with myself. They are so much fun.

I enjoyed the development with Tamaki's dad, as well as Kyoya's dad, and how they are portrayed here in the manga differently than in the anime. In the anime, Tamaki's dad is a doting father, who loves his son so much, whereas in the anime he seemed colder. Kyoya's dad isn't as lovey dovey as Tamaki's but he is very proud of Kyoya and all the work that Kyoya does do. He wouldn't actually slap Kyoya, because he's proud of him.

The artwork is really good and full of fun things. Beautiful artwork of places and cute moments. If you get iffy on the first few chapters, keep going. The artwork gets better and less rigid. It progresses  just like any writers, well, writing. They get better and by the second or third book, you won't be disappointed.

Ah, this story is amazing. Such fun and so lighthearted.

Part of the ending did remind me of Maid-Sama. Super rich boy who falls for a girl who is struggling to make ends meet. Parts of the stories were similar, maybe slightly cliched, but we're okay with it because the story is so much fun. I recommend both books, because they are great.

The anime is only about a forth of the manga series where you get the brief glimpse of the awesomeness that is Ouran High School Host Club. If you enjoy the anime, please read this one. If you cannot find a physical copy of the book there are manga reader apps, such as "My Shelf," to read it.

Read it. Enjoy it.

Adulthood is a Myth, Big Mushy Happy Lump

Sarah Anderson is a comic artist that I found on Facebook and fell in love with her introverted nature displayed through her comics titled "Sarah's Scribbles". From not wanting to socialize to a love finding her love of cats to wanting to constantly steal her boyfriends hoodies to weather changes, her comics are funny and girly.

I enjoyed them immensely in both of her books Adulthood is a Myth and Big Mushy Happy Lump. 

I enjoyed them because I related to many of the moments that were portrayed. I've had glares when I occasionally steal my husband's shirts or jackets. I know what it's like to  be around too many people and needing that recharge. I don't draw well otherwise I'd probably draw comics too instead of writing a book blog.

I read other reviews on Goodreads after I had read them because I wanted to know what other people thought.

They had problems with this book because they were a compilation of her online work and there were a few that seemed as though they were the same from book to book (I don't think this is true, similar comics but not the exact same ones, at least I'm pretty sure). She writes comics. You shouldn't expect her to have long drawn out comics when all she's produced before are these "scribbles." Many people compared her book to Hyperbole and a Half which is a blog with lengthy prose and comics that coincide. These have been simply  short comics that are normally no longer than six boxes long. If you liked Hyperbole and a Half, I think you'd enjoy this one as well.

They're lighthearted and funny for those with introverted natures. Extroverts might enjoy this too, but it seemed those who reviewed them as being "poor" tended to not thing them as funny because they didn't understand those moments (someone I would judging-ly assume is an extrovert, sorry if I'm wrong about that).

Hyperbole and a Half

Hyperbole and a Half is a blog made book about life as an introvert and sometimes a selfish person.

This very comical book with hand/Paint drawn pictures accurately describes many differences feelings that go through many peoples heads.

I first picked this book up from a friend when I was trying to figure out what depression was like. I don't have depression, but many of my friends do and to try to understand what they are going through. I was directed to this book. So originally I read the chapters called Depression 1 and 2 and was very much enlightened. Allie Brosh explains very well, with humor as a bit of swearing, how devastating it can be.

This second read (a full read this time) I found that I enjoyed the rest of it. There were humorous chapters about her dogs  and dealing with things you can't rally change. Dogs are a great metaphor for her life and the lack of control she feels she has.

I'd suggest this book to pretty much all extroverts who have introverted friends. Certain chapters would be more helpful for understanding, but they are all entertaining.

My only caution would be the language. She tends to swear a lot more than I originally though.

A Certain Scientific Railgun

A Certain Scientific Railgun is a manga based in "Academy City," what once was Tokyo but has become the base for all espers--or those who have psychic abilities. The story follows Misaka, a middle school girl who is already one of the top seven espers in the city and is super powerful. She has friends who are in Judgement, an esper focused police force, but somehow she ends up being in the middle of everything.

Over the course of the first ten volumes (70 chapters) *there are actually twelve volumes but two of them aren't in english yet, and I can't read Japanese :/  ), there are three story arcs that for a while seem like they don't correlate, but then somehow kind of do. The first (in volumes 1-3) we get to know the characters and find out that there is something called a "Level Upper" which can make the abilities the espers have go up a "level" and become more powerful. However what the public doesn't know is that after a few days you fall into a coma that is really hard to come out of. When they find the culprit, a major battle ensues, and Misaka finds that there is more to Academy City than she thought.

Arc two (4-the first half of 7) turns dark. Like rather gory dark. So much so that if it didn't lighten up I was going to put it down. Volume 4 is probably the darkest and most gory, but then once the reader understands what is going on, they step back from the gory and  become more investigative and they find that scientists in Academy City are making clones of Misaka. The plan is for 20,000 of them. However, already about 10,000 of them have been killed already. What is going on!? Stay tuned to find out.

Arc three (7.5-10) corresponds with a citywide festival, every good anime/manga needs at least one right? But now that Misaka has the clone thing under control, they are disappearing and people are after her. So many people with unknown agendas and suddenly none of her friends remembers her. It's as if the whole city is out to get her.

It's because they pretty much are. Of course.

Overall, it was okay. There were moments of "yuri" and moments were girls had no clothes on (though nothing drawn that would be porographic, but might make some uncomfortable) and the battle scenes seemed to last novels. Volume 5 consisted of mostly two fights. They happened in different stages, but it was long. She fought. "Yay!" Can we move on now? Some of the fights were pretty cool, but others seemed to drag on. Easy in a manga to skip, I guess.

At the beginning it teased a romance between the only boy mentioned in the series and Misaka, but almost nothing happened. It almost seemed out of character for her to even be talking with the guy at all. But he is needed at the end so I guess he has to stay around because of what he does.

At the last climax, which I was really into and was really cool, we jumped between characters because Misaka is incapacitated... kind of... and the only reason they were able to get out of the mess was odd. While I got how things started to collapse for the bad guy, I felt like it was too easy. I mean the girl who finally took out the bad guy had a heck of a time doing it, but I saw how it was going to be done a volume before it actually happened. But then the bad guy died (is he actually dead?) and things calmed down real quick and it was weird. Maybe the next two volumes, that I can't read, work things out, but this just felt weird. It summed up, but it felt unfulfilling.

This one I probably wouldn't read again, but for those people who really like blowy-uppy books, you'd probably like it. I have a feeling this series was meant for boys. Fight/action scenes, obnoxiously big boobs, sometimes naked girls, a little girl loving girl thing... Yeah. Misaka was a very powerful main character who could take on the world... But there were a bunch of questions I feel were left unanswered or were given a quick <insert answer to major problem here> moment. Eh, yeah. Probably won't read it again or the remaining volumes.

Maid-Sama Part 2

I was able to find the last half of Kaicou Wa Maid-Sama! (The Class President is a Maid) and I loved it. Not only now is Misaki wanting to keep her working life and school life separate, but now there are deeper feelings between Usui and herself that she has to face as well. He also isn't all that he appears, beside the charming, annoying, good at everything, guy that he is.

Misaki is introduced to Usui's half-brother and glimpses of his background. Now there is trouble with social standing not only with Usui's past but the Student Counsel President of the other (very much annoying), rich school (I'm not even going to try to spell it, sorry).

I believe I read somewhere that Usui got an award for being the best love interest or something along those lines. I'd completely agree. He is charming, funny, again annoying, cheeky, and does his best to show Misaki that he loves all sides of her: maid, president, and simply herself.

This is a great, lighthearted read that I was fun to enjoy. It made me laugh a lot. I wouldn't mind buying the whole series.

Maid-Sama Part 1

Maid-Sama was a series of books I really enjoyed. However, I was upset to realize that my local library only had the first 12 volumes when there are actually 18 in print. I'm missing the last fourth of the story!! I would try and finish reading the series online, but my brain starts freaking out when I try to read online for too long. Paper is better than screens in my opinion, and it always will be.

Anyway, Maid-Sama is about Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female Student Body President of Seika High. The high school used to be an all boy's school, but has since changed to a co-ed campus. But with the populous still being 80% male, the girls are way outnumbered. Misaki has completely changed the campus with her "demonic personality" --so the boys think, though she does yell a lot-- and has straightened out the school to more of a conventional standard.

However, the demon president (not really a demon) of Seika high has a secret. Misaki works at a maid cafe to help her family out. She does not want anyone at the school to figure out that she works there. Her reputation would be ruined. But of course, Takumi Usui, an annoying  boy that won't go away during class hours, sees her taking out the trash and now won't leave her alone at work either. Constantly following her around to work, student council meetings, and around campus, Usui won't leave her alone and is constantly teasing her. But he has kept her secret that she has told no one.

This is a fantastic comedy with that ever present "I like you, but I can't bring myself to say it so I'm going to punch you instead" kind of feel. It's hysterical.

Oh, the drama of high school. I'm so glad I'm out of it, but it's fun to read about. Right? Don't tell me I'm the only one who feels this way! So  long as it's not my footsteps echoing down the halls, it's all fun and games.

I have really enjoyed the writing and artistic style portrayed here throughout the story. The teasing and competitive nature of the characters is funny and can bring a good laugh. There are a bunch of times when I laughed out loud and had my hubby look at me and asked me to explain. But there are so many moments that tie into one another that you would just have to read it, or watch the anime, to understand.

Such a good, lighthearted read that if you are down would be good to read.

The second half of the series can be seen here.

In Real Life

After reading the massive book The Way of Kings, I needed a lighter book and boy was this a great one.

In Real Life is a graphic novel about a teenage girl, Anda, who gets invited into a new online computer game where you can actually have a female avatar--it was published in 2014 and I wasn't into MMORPG's back then so I don't know if that was accurate or not. But she meets a friend in this female only club on this online game. This girl, Lucy/Sarge, has been around and they start going on missions where they kill cheaters, outside computer programs or humans who go around playing this game to collect coins so then companies can sell the online gold for real money (for people who don't want to have to spend hours and hours collecting monies the way you're supposed to). Anda and Lucy get paid real money for doing this. But then Anda meets one of these gold farmers, who in real life is a 16 year old kid in China just trying to make ends meet. They get talking and Anda tries to help him out, in game and in real life. But both cases greatly back fire and characters die.

It's a great story about how people online are people in real life too. They have their stories. They have their fits of rage. They have their sicknesses and flaws just like you do.

Anda's parents are great in here too. Anda's mom sets up parameters about the gaming and ends up taking away her internet access because of mistakes she makes online. (Such a good mom.) Online dangers and predators are discussed briefly on here as they are a real scary thing that can happen when you play games online.

The book was realistic, from how Anda appears compared to her avatar to predator danger to realizing that life isn't as simple as brief internet searches lead us to believe.

White Sand

Edit:

Reading White Sand a second time with the next Volume of the series in my hand, I enjoyed this book so much more. The flow and development of everything was so much better.

In a world of only dark or only light, the Sand Masters have control of the sand. To them, manipulating it is their way of life. To Kenton, it is a way to prove to his father that he isn't screw-up. After completing a very difficult task and at the advancement ceremony, the Sand Masters are attacked and most of them are betrayed and slaughtered. Kenton is the only one, as far as he's aware, that makes it out alive. Enter, Duchess Khrissalla who finds him and travels with him to the city where he can call on the city counsel for aide. But Khriss had secrets of her own as well as her own agendas. 

This second reading, and having read a lot more comics and graphic novels recently, put me in the frame of mind for a novel of this sort. This story is different from Brandon's other work because of the genre it is based in, so take that as you will. Some, like in my first read, may not appreciate it for what it is though it is well done. 

The world is actually very well developed and the cultural misunderstandings that might bog down a regular novel are easily bypassed through the simplicity of the genre it is displayed in. 

The character development, especially with the 2nd Volume in hand, flows much more easily than I originally have it credit for and they really are just well done. I love Khriss, she is fantastic. If you are going to read it,  which I suggest you do, have at least the second volume ready to read after. They work well and need to be read together. 

Persepolis

Persepolis is a biography in epic graphic novel form. Persepolis is about a girl, our author Marjane Satrapi, and her early years living as a girl in Iran in the 1980's and '90s. She was around before it was mandatory for women to wear the now stereotypical "Islamic garb" like the head scarves and covering every part of their body but their faces.

Marjane shows us the fears that she had as empires fell, Iraqis invade Iran, and war tromped through her peaceful life. She was part of this time in history that I knew nothing about and tore down a lot of the stereotypes that have resided in my mind because I didn't know better. Everyone sees these women covered from head to toe and we instantly "know" who they are, but we don't. Marjame makes it very clear that many people (men and women) rebel against what their government has forced upon them. She mentions Nazi's and control, and I found a lot of similarities between her descriptions of the Iran government in the '80s and '90s and what I know of Nazism.

In her story, Marjane, due to her boisterous and "I'm going to tell you how I feel weather you like it or not" kind of attitude, is sadly told to move to Austria for a time so then her words/attitude won't get her killed. We see her loving and very political family. We see how sad it is for them to let their daughter flee to another country. In here we get her experiences, love, drugs, friends/lack thereof, as she grows from being a 14 (?) year old to 18 when she decides to come back home to her family whom she misses dearly. She would rather be annoyed by the demands of her government than be completely alone in a country that doesn't care for her.

I found it eye opening (I thought I was open minded, but gladly things have really opened my mind more than I thought I needed to--which is probably the case for most people), just how rebellious so many of these women are. I, unknowingly, thought they stayed in their scarves and full length clothes all the time, in or outside, but every time Marjane stepped into the privacy of her home/not in public they were wearing tube tops/mini skirts or regular/"western" clothes. They threw parties and dumped their alcohol down the toilet when the cops showed up. She smoked. All things "normal" people do, because they are normal people.

This book greatly tumbles down the stereotypes that haunt that area and somewhat-forced culture. There are many things that are beautiful that come out of such a war torn country, this book and Marjane's family as a few.

I greatly recommend this book to everyone over the age of 15. There are a few swear words and suggestive scenes that may, hopefully, go over the heads of younger kids. But this is a story that needs to be seen, not just read. I thank Marjane Satrapi so much for creating us a beautiful piece of art and being willing to share her story. She does a beautiful job breaking down barriers and stereotypes and enlightening me to an era that doesn't get talked about in schools here in the U.S. (Check out my other blog on what I think about our education system.).

I really liked this book. There are so many things in it that people should have questions about. They should search and find the answers that this book brings up. This story has so much that it explains meaningful and helpful for those who may not understand much, which in most cases is all of us.

Please, read, understand, and enjoy. (Also comment please. I would love to hear your thoughts. :D )

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant / The Kings Shilling

Delilah Dirk is one of the funnest graphic novels I've read in a long time. Full of action, awesome characters, and beautiful illustrations, Delilah Dirk is a brilliant adventure. 

I love Delilah. She is a witty thief/adventurer who can do amazing feats and always gets out of trouble. On a chance encounter in a Turkish prison, Mr. Selim finds out her backstory and tells the Sultan he works for. But the Sultan comes to think that they are in on her theft together and orders him executed. After escaping from her cell, she finds Mr. Selim and rescues him in her flying ship. Thus their adventures start. There is much more to this story that is fantastic and must be seen.

The second book, starts out with Mr. Selim and Delilah in Portugal where they find one Major Merrick. He sets Delilah up as a spy for the French, who are at war with the English at this time, and sullies Miss Dirk's good name. She can't have this and is forced to follow the Major back to England. Mr. Selim is all too happy to see England which he has only heard the best of. But he is poorly disappointed when England isn't all it was brought up to be.

I had to read more. These were fantastic books and Delilah reminded me of a character one of my friends created. So it hit home.

Anyone who loves Indiana Jones or swashbuckling Jane Austen will love these books. They are good for all ages, boys or girls.

Check out Tony Cliff's website because there are short stories and little featurettes for Delilah that are just as amazing.

Les Miserables (Manga)

 Les Miserables but for now I recommend this wonderful Manga. The pictures inside are marvelous!
I am working my way up to the true

This book is based off the original, unabridged novel by Victor Hugo (not the musical), but because it is a single manga and not fifty or so it did have to get edited down.

I was happily surprised by the additions that weren't in the musical (the only other way I've seen this story presented) though I feel like some of the artistry in the people and scenes was influenced by the movie with Hugh Jackman from 2012. Like how Eponine and Marius meet and her family's little influences (though end up being big) progress the story.

Again the artist's work here was amazing and breathtaking. For those who need a quick read of this for school *wink wink* or those who are intimidated by the approximate 1100 page unabridged book, this is a good one to start out with.

I thoroughly enjoyed this manga.