Mad Kestrel by Misty Massey

Rating: 6 out of 10
Summary: In a world where infants with magical powers are torn from their parents to be raised by the mysterious and powerful Danisoba, who have a monopoly on magic, Kestrel has managed to keep her abilities concealed—and herself free. First hiding in back alleys as a street urchin, she hid when they killed her parents, and then served as a young tavern maid before escaping to sea, where magic is cancelled by water.

Now an adult, as the quartermaster of a pirate ship, Kestrel loves the freedom of living on the seas. But her way of life could end if anyone on board learns her closely guarded secret—that she has magical control over the wind.

One day a black ship appears, and her life changes. Its captain is a handsome rogue of whom Kestrel is strangely, constantly aware.

When Kestrel’s captain is led into a trap and is arrested, she gathers her crew and sets sail in relentless pursuit. . . .

My Thoughts: I’ve read some very positive reviews about this novel, but I’m afraid to say that I was disappointed.

It’s a fast-paced adventure, I’ll give it that, but I just couldn’t empathize or even understand the protagonist. I didn’t really like her as a character–her situation didn’t have a very believable background in my opinion. I get that the whole deal was that Kestrel was the “only woman on a ship full of pirates!” and “she’s a fearless leader!” but it really, really didn’t come through with me.

I’ve read several books about female pirates. One was a young adult novel, Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary Jacky Faber, Ship’s Boy (Jacky Faber Series #1) by L.A. Meyer, and that was fun and cool and all sorts of adventure.

However, the best “female pirates” book I’ve ever read has to be the fictional retelling of the story of Anne Bonny, a real Irish woman who sailed as a pirate in the 1700s. It was Kingston by Starlight by Christopher John Farley, and it was amazing–exotic, poetic, exciting, suspenseful, romantic, everything a pirate novel should be.

Mad Kestrel, to me, just seemed underdeveloped and there was absolutely no chemistry between the main character and her love interest. I didn’t feel it at all.

Didn’t really enjoy this one all that much. Fabulous cover, though.

Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances (Volumes 1-3) by Masami Tsuda

Rating: 7 out of 10
Summary: Straight As, athlete and overall “Ms. Popularity,” Yukino, is the perfect student. Or at least that”s how she appears to the outside world. But when the curtains are drawn, a lazy young egomaniac lurks who will do anything and everything to be the top student in her school. Yukino finds her resolve put to the test as after years as the Idol of her class a threat emerges in the MORE perfect Soiichiro. A good-natured, studious and athletic boy he is her equal in every way but one – that behind the act is a genuine heart driven to succeed. Yukino is desperate to regain her status anyway she can, but through embarrassing flub-ups at every turn, Soiichiro remains untouched even as they find respect for one another, and maybe, after all the dust has cleared, something more.

Commentary: This was a reread, and I still enjoyed it this time around. Kind of a cliche plotline and I know it sounds pretty phony and shallow from the summary, but Masami Tsuda does a good job of injecting both depth and lighthearted humor into this series.

The version I have is a compilation of volumes one through three, though the cover I have with this review is just of volume 3.

What I like most about Kare Kano (in English: His and Her Circumstances) are the funny bits–it might be a little bit outrageous at times, but on several occasions I’ve laughed out loud. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Tsuda’s drawing style, but the story moves along at a good pace, and all the characters are pretty fleshed-out and unique.

I can find myself relating to Yukino quite a bit, especially the bit about reputation. She’s a very likable character, and I like the way she develops through the story.

Romantic, funny, light read.