Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Tale and The Beast's Tale

Belle's Tale and The Beast's Tale

 Adapted by Mallory Reeves

160 pages each

Published by TokyoPop

Review:  I decided to review Belle's Tale and The Beast's Tale together as it is basically the same story, just with different points of view in the separate volumes.  The story line is based on Disney's new live-action movie that was recently released in theaters. You really can't go wrong with TokyoPop.  Their art is beautiful!  Mallory Reeves does a great job in adapting this story in manga form.  If you enjoyed the movie, or if you just love Beauty and the Beast tales, you will not be disappointed with this version. If you saw the movie than there won't be anything new here. But, if you haven't then you will see some differences in the original Disney cartoon and this new 2016 version.  There is more backstory revealed for both Belle and The Beast. So, that was enlightening.  Reeves also gives us some insight as to what the characters are thinking during important parts of the story.  Overall, a great adaptation for Beauty and the Beast fans.

*Recieved a DRC for an honest review.

Rating:💖💖💖💖

Manga Classics: Emma

Adapted by Stacy King

Art by Po Tse

308 pages

Udon Entertainment

Review: Jane Austen's Emma is one of my favorite stories, and reading the manga version by Stacy King and Po Ste was awesome!  Loved this adaptation!  Here we follow Emma Woodhouse and all her match-making schemes.  Filled with family dynamics, humor, friendships, and romance! You don't necessarily have to read the novel version first to enjoy the manga adaptation. This manga can be read on it's own as it follows the story-line, relationships, and plot pretty closely. Another favorite Austen classic of mine is Persuasion. I would love for King and Tse to create that story into a manga version. This is the last Austen adaptation in this manga series. I recommend this to anyone who loves Jane Austen and/or regency historical fiction romance.

*Recieved a DRC for an honest review.

Rating: 💖💖💖💕

Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility

Adapted by Stacy King

Art by Po Tse

308 pages

Udon Entertainment

Review: Another beautiful adaptation by Stacy King and Po Tse of the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility. If you are looking for a manga version that is as close to the original novel as possible, then this is a must read.  It follows the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate the complexity of English society and their ever evolving love lives.  All key points, plots, and relationships are included and wonderfully executed.  If you are new to manga, but love a good Austen classic (or regency period historical fiction), then you should give this manga and the other manga classics in this collection a try! 

*Recieved a DRC for an honest review.

Rating:  💖💖💖💖

Heart Stone by Elle Katharine White

by Elle Katharine White

352 pages

Published by Harper Voyager

Review: I seem to be on some kind of Jane Austen kick as retellings and adaptations have been catching my attention lately.  If you love Pride and Prejudice then you will enjoy Heart Stone, since it has many similarities to Austen's classic in terms of names, relationships, and character personalities.  Aliza Bentaine and Alastair Daired don't really like each other at the beginning, but Aliza's sister and Daired's best friend are falling for each other from the start.  So, the main relationships are there, so it can be a little predictable in terms of that.  But, there are twists to this version, especially with the addition of dragons, dragon riders, hobgoblins, and trolls...just to name a few.  This retelling is heavy on the fantasy since even dragons talk and have a personality all their own.  If you've never read Pride and Prejudice, but enjoy a good fantasy, then you won't be disappointed. Although most of the story generally follows the P&P story line, it changes towards the end and you'll enjoy the exciting conclusion.

*Recieved a DRC for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5 Hearts!

Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice

Adapted by Stacy King

Art by Po Tse

377 pages
Udon Entertainment

Review: This Pride and Prejudice adaptation by Stacy King and Po Tse is perfect for all who love Jane Austen and Manga!  The dialogue and illustrations follow the story or Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy pretty closely and is great for any Austen fan, even if you don't normally read manga.  If you've never read manga before, this might just get you hooked!   I remember seeing this title at a local Barnes and Noble a while back, but I only got to scan through it.  I'm so glad I was able to get a copy and finally read it! The illustrations are beautifully done and the manga really captures the main parts of the story. 

Rating: 4 Hearts!