Kristen Gudsnuk

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???

“I’m just another awful thing in this world that needs fixing. I’m like world hunger” (pg 85).

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. i was SO disappointed in the mom for literally rewriting Dany's personality. that's messed up. 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/Quiche from Tokyo Mew Mew was so cool until I realized how toxic he was when I got older.

Anyway, I know this series won't 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?

Review of book 1
Review of book 2… (meer)