I love this book’s energy. It’s erratic, stupid, and silly but in an absolutely endearing way. It’s like the author mixed 5 magical girl animes, a cup of chopped kale, and a dash of quirkiness into a blender on high. There’s a hodgepodge of things I love: the anime references (try counting them all! It’s fun!), the bubble tea, the magical realism bits, the business jokes, the humor, etc. Like, did y’all make this series for me??? 

Now, this is one of the few books where I had to read the synopsis to know what was going on. Because too many things had changed from the first two books. The plot could possibly turn some readers off or confuse them, but, if you like this series, I think you already enjoy the messy, fast-paced storytelling. A nitpick is Dany gets a 1-page character development that doesn’t feel completely earned. Other things don’t get explained well either. The artwork has gotten more off-model than before, but it wasn’t a concern for me. 

This series has never shied away from darker implications or psychological-pondering ones. This alternate reality has been made by one person, and it shows the weight that comes from making a world to your own liking. Like, could making everything good be a bad thing? Where does freewill come into play? 

Also, Dany’s struggle with social awkwardness will also be very relatable. There are moments when she pretends not to know about a fandom/tv show to appear likable or brags about things she thinks will make her cool. A darker element of the book is Dany’s need to conform and be accepted to the point she’ll stifle her true self. Another point involves parents trying to change their kids’ personalities. The Prince Neptune stuff will always crack me up, and I loved that he got some spotlight here. It reminds me when I thought Kisshu from Tokyo Mew Mew was so cool until I realized how toxic he was when I got older. 

Anyway, I don’t know if this series will appeal to everyone, but I certainly had fun reading it. Making Friends: Third Time’s a Charm has a certain charm. I also think this was the end of the series, right? 

This felt juvenile in a bad way.

The guys/kitties have to go up against another gang boss. This time it is a Calico cat named “Molly.” There wasn’t much to her at all, and her hulking figure is played with as a gag.

Now, chapter 9’s cat dance party was a cute treat! The gang also meets a house cat this volume, and we see the stark differences to life as a stray.

I don’t find this series endearing, so I won’t be continuing. Like, with the Way of the Househusband series if I find the gag's getting too repetitive or it's less than stellar, I lose interest. Maybe it’s because I’m not a cat person.

 Charming. A timely tale of protests, corruption, and anti-censorship. I love seeing the youth rise up for what they believe in, and, in the meantime, the artwork is snazzy and fun. There’s even some humor to cushion the fall here and there.

A part of me loves that Hoon and Hyun Sook don’t end up together. That’s on you for assuming, sir. But another part thought they would’ve been a cute activist couple.

 

 This series is so relatable, and it touches on some of the lesser spoken woes of middle school. Unfortunately, not everyone’s going to like you, but that can be difficult to navigate as a kid or a friendly person in general. Despite Olive’s kindness, it becomes obvious Nat’s got a chip on her shoulder.

And YES, they don’t magically become friends, but they reach an understanding. Talk no jutsu don’t work here lol

 

I think the quirky, erratic artwork, humor, and story will definitely appeal to kids. But, to me, it was very chaotic. Donut and Ivy, her friend, growing apart was handled well in my opinion. I also enjoyed Ivy’s meddling too.

[ratings from personal enjoyment] 

Tabi po (2 stars) 
Girl learns to be mindful of the mystical creatures around her, I guess. A little lackluster, but I enjoyed the art. 

Pele and Poliahu: A Tale of Fire and Ice (1 star)
Boring. 

The Dancing Princess (3 stars)
Loved the artwork! Some of the expressions were really funny. 

The Night Marchers (3 stars)
Cute. 

The Legend of Apolaki & Mayari (3.5ish stars)
I liked this one. Shame ‘ol girl had to lose her eye though, but let the message stand: don’t fight with your siblings. 

Nanaue (3 stars)
This one was weird. Still, liked it tho xD Shark dude looked at a beautiful lady one time, and he was sold. Then he had to be a deadbeat for magical reasons. The story/folktale ended rather somber. Poor mama. Everyone looked beautiful in this story btw. 

Thousand Eyes (1 star)
Daughter tries to get her mom to see the benefits of technology instead of holding on to the traditional ways. I was a little confused at some parts. 

The Story of Benito (4 stars)
I had fun with how goofy this story was. The artwork was so cute and cartoony, and Benito seemed like a sweetie.

I thought the Princess was about mess. Like, she was stalling the wedding, but maybe she was just forgetful?

 

The Legend of the Coconut Tree (3 stars)
I particularly liked the inkwork in this one. That snake said, “back then you ain’t want me. Now, you all up on me.” Lol 

The Turtle and the Lizard (3 stars)
How the Turtle got its shell. 

Kapo’I and the Owl (3 stars)

The Tyrant has Horns (3.5)
Pretty dark. 

The Ibalon Epic: A retelling of Baltog (3 stars)
Nothing wrong with a career change. c: 

Left in the Canefields (2 stars)
Hmm. I think I like the meaning of this. Be careful who you follow. 

The Alan and the Hunters (1 star)
What??? This one was bitter. 

The Hula Mano (2 stars)
Pretty 

I like the artwork and the kids are not bad, but I don’t feel like you can solve the mysteries. Something just happens, then the kids magically know the answer.

I enjoyed reading this one a lot. I liked Reagan + Guillermo, and their different struggles. Also, loved that book was hard on

cheating and how society tends to want girls to overlook cheating.