I thought it was interesting to have a female MC who did Muay Thai. That’s a martial art I hear/know very little about. 

Kareena is a loving child to her parents who worries about their health and financial issues immensely. Muay Thai is not only her love but also a bit of a mental escape. All of Kareena’s insecurities about being shunned from the Indian community and the hating-chicks at her school got tiresome. But maybe that’s realistic to how some of us are when we are being too self-conscious and guarded? I thought Kareena’s worries about money were very relatable. 

I don’t know about the pacing. It dragged to me. All of the school life filler and romance pushed Muay Thai to the back. Toward the end, it felt like the story would never end. 

There’s a love interest here that feels too good to be true. I like decent male, YA leads, but he felt a little cheesy at times. It’s not because he respected the MC, didn’t brood, or have a tragic backstory. Maybe it was his delivery, always saying the right things at the right times. The boy is almost at saint-level status. But good. Amit is who male leads should aspire to be.

he surely shows up unannounced tho

 

The Knockout is great for a light-hearted read. 

if you like happily ever afters (almost a lil’ unrealistic), you’ll enjoy the ending.

 

 The premise and the illustrations are cute, but I'm bored. I don't have time for that. 

 This was just too dry for me. It's not giving the entertainment it's supposed to. 

This series is pretty heartwarming with the mangaka coming to terms with his insecurities. The idea of a book signing would give me anxiety too, so I thought Naruhiko's fears were relatable. It's so satisfyingly to see how everything turns out.

If the little girl character didn't exist (I get that kids can be annoying, but she could simmer down a bit), this manga would be that much better.

I like the ongoing lore with the seasons and the magical animal friends, but all the stories felt like they were dragging to me. I think the series may be done for now, but the open ending leaves room for more adventures.