Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess (Magic Girls #1) by Megan Brennan
on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0593177541
Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Magic, glitter, caticorns, sparkle power, aliens, familiars, battles of good vs. evil.  This graphic novel has everything except the kitchen sink (although that might be in there too).  Wacky and “sparklicious” are what come to mind to describe the superhero-esque story of Kira. A straightforward plot of a middle school girl on the outskirts of popularity is the root of this story.  Kira believes this year will be different and becoming a magic-girl will solve all her problems.  When Caticorn (cat/unicorn) falls from the sky, Kira’s dreams begin to become reality.  But Kira realizes her dream might not be all she was hoping for.  Antagonists include a nemesis known as Tulip and her alter ego Fairtale Fighter as well as the “evil” Mystical Mysticeti.  A sub plot of aliens entering through “warps” will hopefully be covered in book 2.  

This graphic novel definitely is for a niche crowd.  The novel is saturated with cutesiness which at times can become bothersome. Also, it is led by a whiny main character who therefore becomes hard to sympathize with or have patience for.  While the protagonist is approximately fourteen years old, fans of this book are most likely in the eight to ten age span.   

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.