Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 

unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Early Book Review: When a Princess Proposes (Embraced by Magic) by Kerrelyn Sparks

When a Princess Proposes is the sixth book in the Embraced by Magic series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It takes place twenty years after the last novel in the series, and we get to see the next generation take center stage. It is currently scheduled for release on April 26 2022. 

All Princess Eviana needs is an escape. Possessed of an unfortunate and unusual Embraced gift, which she’s been banned from using, she required no training. Now, her overprotective parents want her to wed. As a result, the palace is crammed with obnoxious noblemen…Until Quentin, the enigmatic eagle shifter and royal spy, maneuvers several of the unsuitable suitors into revealing their most embarrassing secrets before the court. Finally, Eviana has an excuse to free herself. If only her family knew the blow that’s shaken her: golden-eyed Quentin’s refusal to let her near. Heroic, but low born, Quentin’s infatuation with Eviana is as inappropriate as it is unshakable. He must keep away from her, for his own sake. But after a series of suspicious deaths, and the princess’s narrow escape from kidnapping, Quentin knows that only together can they expose the danger stalking Aerthlan’s Embraced. On foot, in disguise, they’ll need trust and quick wits to uncover the vicious conspiracy closing around them. But finding the truth might break down their own defenses as well. 

When a Princess Proposes continues the story set up by the previous books, with some faces returning readers will remember well. I liked getting to know some of the secondary characters from the earlier books better, but somehow missed one along the way. I think readers that might have missed one or two will be able to follow the story fully, but like me want to go back and see how those missing bits played out. I liked Eviana and Quentin ad how they interacted a great deal. I liked that no one in this world is perfect- everyone has their issues to deal with and flaws to overcome while still doing the best they can. I loved the world building and how there are so many layers to the story, with even the minor characters feeling real and whole, like they just might get their own story next. I look forward to whatever Sparks might do in this world next.  

When a Princess Proposes is a good continuation of the series and I think fans of the series and author with be very happy with the direction the series has taken. 

Early Book Review: The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea (Embraced by Magic) by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is the fifth Embraced by Magic by Kerrelyn Sparks. It is currently scheduled for release on August 25 2020. I highly recommend reading this series in order. There is a lot of world, character, and plot building in the previous books that is needed to fully appreciate the characters and story line. 

Raised on the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers—and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it’s been almost two months since she’s seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself.  The rumors Brody’s investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she’ll unleash a tempest like no other.

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is just what I was hoping for with this book. It offers a continuation of the larger story line about the Circle of Five, the Embraced, and the world finding peace. There were several twists and turns that kept me guessing. I liked getting to see Maeve find her footing and place, and Brody finally admitting his feelings for her. Facing up to their own powers, and figuring out how to be together despite their challenges was very well done. I also liked that their story was not the only love story in the book. Like the previous books there are plenty of side stories happening that add to the whole rather than making the story to busy or divided (which sometimes happens). Honestly I have been waiting on Maeve and Brody's story since the start of the series and the book did not disappoint.  

The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is a solid conclusion to the series, and I was glads to see Maeve and Brody find their happy ending. 

Book Review: The Mythics #1 Heroes Reborn by Philippe Ogaki; Patricia Lyfoung; Patrick Sobral

The Mythics #1 Heroes Reborn by Philippe Ogaki; Patricia Lyfoung; and Patrick Sobral is a children's graphic novel. In the ancient times of Gods and heroes, evil attempted to seize the world disguising themselves as six different gods. While they were spreading all their power of destruction, six heroes, each with extraordinary powers and brandishing sacred weapons, rose against these incarnations of evil. The evil was defeated and sealed in a secret place within the red desert on the planet Mars. Today, enter six young heirs: Yuko of Japan, Parvati of India, Amir of Egypt, Abigail of Germany, Miguel of Mexico, and Neo of Greece suddenly pulled from their everyday lives. About to face the greatest threat that the contemporary world has ever known, in a flash, they get to discover just how worthy successors they may be of the ancient heroes.

Heroes Reborn is a graphic novel telling three origin stories, with three more to come. The artwork is very well done and I liked the style. The stories were nicely varied, with different locations and the focus or each tale different in lifestyle and interests than the others. The action was good, and the stories were well told. My problem is that none of it was surprising. The twists as to who was the carrier of evil in each part was fairly predictable, as were the reactions of the teens discovering their powers and dealing with their guide. It felt like so many other stories, so many superpower or magic origin stories, that I started skimming the action scenes in ope that the next character development moment would wow me. It was not badly told but it was not extraordinary. It felt familiar and fun, but not as new or fresh as I was hoping. 

Heroes Reborn is a well drawn and entertaining graphic novel.