Crown 1 - Softcover

Mahiro’s parents died in a car accident, and she lost her home shortly after. She has remained plucky despite the circumstances, but her life takes a dramatic upswing when her long-lost brother and his best friend show up. They’re both smokin’ hot mercenaries, determined to keep the girl safe from the evil queen of Mahiro’s long-forgotten homeland of Regalia. The queen seeks to destroy the bearer of the “crown,” a mystic jewel passed down for generations in Regalia, which she needs to acquire full control of the throne. One guess who the bearer is. As is common with first volumes in a series, this manga is heavy on exposition; every time we glimpse the evil queen, she waxes on about the regal and personal histories involved in the plot. The mercenaries are drawn in stylized poses that almost distract from all the butt kicking they do when they’re up against the queen’s hired guns. That being said, there is plenty of action and violence, certainly more than what’s found in your typical shojo manga. Grades 9-12. --Courtney Jones