Meg Cabot Books

Used book in excellent condition. Exactly what I was looking for. Very happy with the results.

In this sixth installment of the teenage royal version of Bridget Jones, Mia must deal with international environmental controversy, her obsession with her baby brother, a new hard English teacher who doesn't like her use of pop-culture references, her best friend Lily's campaign to get Mia elected student-council president, and her relationship with her boyfriend Michael which might be turning sexual. The book is a mostly fluffy, funny, addition to the series that doesn't greatly advance the plot. The series as a whole is a fun read with a strong and clever and emotional young female protagonist. The one weakness of the series is the pop culture references as they will very quickly date the series. Grade: B

Are you looking for a great book for girls 12 and up? Well see if THIS book appeals to you. The book is called PRINCESS IN TRAINING, written by Meg Cabot. It's all about Princess Mia Renaldo Thermopolis, (this is Meg's sixth Princess Diaries book) as she works her way through the painful 10th grade, having to deal with a mean cheerleader, troubles with her college boyfriend Michael, sophomore geometry, her first B in English, Princess lessons with the dreadful Grandmere, and on top of all that her best friend Lilly Moscovitz has nominated her for student council president, her rival, you guessed it, the evil cheerleader Lana Weinberger. It truly seems like more then a 10th grader can handle. This book has the most emotional ending, but you'll have to read PRINCESS IN TRAINING to find out what it is. This book is truly an amazing story.

Okay, this reminded me so much of Ready or Not. Just different characters.
Either way, now Mia hears from Lana that now that Michael is in college he'll want to Do It. So she becomes worried, as is Mia, and when she talks to him about it, he says something that makes her worry even more. To Do It, or not to Do It. That's the question.
And inbetween this, Lilly nominated Mia as Student Council President of AEHS against her enemy, of course Lana. Which Mia has no desire to do.
I'm glad that Meg Cabot put the Student Council President part in it, because if it was all about Michael and Mia having (or not having) sex then I wouldn't have been as thrilled with it.
Either way, Mia is still a great character!

im only going to comment on one thing because it basically ruined the whole book for me. Michael pressuring Mia into sex and Mia whining about it throughout the whole book. Okay, Michael is 18 and Mia is 15. The age of consent in NY is 17. if these two have sex its called STATUTORY RAPE. it is a CRIME and Michael will go to JAIL. but meg cabot is writing about it like its perfectly normal and acceptable for a high school sophomore and a college guy to have sex. and by the way, this book is marketed to 8 year olds.

NOT COOL. if i could give it a 0 i would.

Btw i listened to this as an audiobook w/clea lewis as the narrator. just the cutesy way she whines about not wanting to 'do it' throughout the book makes it obvious that the author doesnt even take teenage sex seriously. she just keeps writing this garbage to titilate curious preteens and sell more books.

Mia leaves her element of being a princess in NYC and goes to help build houses for the rural poor, hopefully discovering a secret and useful talent, and make-out with her boyfriend. Very short novella that is meaningful, humorous, and lovely. Grade: A-

Project Princess is a fun, short addition to the Princess Diaries series. This books details Mia's spring break spent building homes for the less fortunate. Project Princess goes by pretty fast that by the time you get into it, the book is over. Anyone who wants to read the entire series should just read it and then move on to the later installments.

It was good but not as good as her other books. A very quick read but I should have only paid a couple of dollars for it not 5.00.

It was her same style but very short.

This book was okay. Very short, easy to read. It covers what Mia is doing on her spring break and how she has a hard time adapting to the wilderness because she is a city girl.
But I think she's gotta get used to it, if she wants to save the whales or whatever.
But it's only fifty pages, and you should read it because after all you gotta take the good with the bad and if you loved her other novels you should try to keep up.

My daughter will love this book as she does all the Princess Diaries collection, but I am shocked I paid $5 for this book when the book comes with a *star* stating $2.99. I feel I may have gotten jipped!

As a side note, this is a great series for any young girl to read.

Good, light reading. Fun & naughty...for when you just need something to preoccupy your mind for a little while, like on the city bus, or waiting in line at the DMV.

I bought this book in hopes of discovering a new author and perhaps I did. This is a book of short stories but only about 45% of the stories I cared for.

..some were good. Some were bad. I especially loved Party Planner by Meg Cabot, Traveling Light by Carole Matthews, and Here Come Harry, by Jessica Adams. But my most favorite one was Don't You Know Who I Am?, by Adele Lang. It was as if Edina from the hit Brititsh show, Absolutely Fabulous, was telling that story. It was a terrific read!!

I really enjoyed this book because it introduced me to other authors of the Chick Lit genre, and I can't wait till Red Dress Ink publishes Girls Night Out this summer.

This book is good from beginning to end. They are short stories though so each story only has a little bit of content. I really wished that the stories were longer because right as I got into them, they ended. You definitely have to make your own conclusions and assumptions at the end of each story. That part is unclear. It makes you wonder if you're assumptions are on the right track....hmmm.

I really enjoyed some of the stories in this book. The first story, by Meg Cabot, had me laughing out loud at the antics of a nervous party planner. Jennifer Weiner's story (of Good in Bed's Cannie) from the male perspective, was really good.

The stories I encountered that didn't thrill me--well, you win some and you lose some. But I didn't feel nearly as guilty giving up on them as I do on a full novel.

Most parents think us teenagers are innocent and they totally underestimate us. Parents think teens are to young to read, talk about, and think about sex, even though we talk about it and think about it and read about it. So this book sort of made it clear that no matter what parents think your in control of your own destiny and sure you need to be safe about it and all but parents don't control your thoughts and I don't get why parents treat sex like its a bad thing.

I almost never post reviews, but this time I felt compelled. I've read almost all of Cabot's backlist, adult and teen. And I love her voice, but she often skirts far away from controversy.

I LOVE that she tackled this one. In the last few years, Judy Blume and Norma Klein have given way to censorship and PC thinking. You have the "sweet" books and the "trashy" books and very little in between. I'm so happy that Cabot acknowledged the reality that many of her readers WILL have sex before marriage, regardless of what their parents hope. Girls, even sweet girls, NEED to see realistic representations of sexuality, and I think those authors brave enough to tackle the issue need to be applauded.

Ok, just to make matters clear, I'm a 15 year old girl, with a great boyfriend and enough self respect/control to know that I don't plan on having sex until I'm at least out of highschool. That being said, I think the reviewers who find it neccesary to critisize this book for not preaching about how teens should abstain, are ridiculous.
Teens think about sex [if you want a statistic, male teenagers (ages 13-19) think about sex approximately every 4 seconds] and one book saying yes or no to sex will not change that, so basically, my message on that front is to GET OVER IT. Sex happens, even to the kids who you never thought would grow up... hint hint, Sam.
Samantha grew in this book, she made some decisions, she took a stand and I believe that that is what should be focused on when you think about this book. Cabot seamlessly demonstrated how a teenage girl struggles to find her own way under pressure (in this case, extreme pressure from the President and his various cronies).
This book illustrated that teenagers are not all spineless deranged children brainwashed by pop culture. Sam atleast took a stand for what she believed in, not because it would make her friends or because it was the wisest thing, but because that was how she felt on the controversial topic and she refused to be swayed.
I recommend this book to every teenager because it was a fun semi-light read that made me giggle non stop at some of the major misunderstandings and blunders that occured. It's true to Meg Cabot, and, more importantly, true to life. And don't be afraid...this book won't suddenly force your sex drive to go into over load, because realistically, it's not that diffrent than any other basic YA novel on tha market when you really come down to it.
Read this book if you like Cabot and like a good laugh. Don't make it all about politics, I beg you.


Reviewed by:_mallory_the_siily_girl_who_has_sense

This book was well-written, as Meg Cabot's books always are, and it definitely portrayed a nice slice of teen culture in America, but the morals were way out-of-whack. The book makes it sound like it is OK for teens to make the choice to have sex in high school if they're "ready" or if they're "in love."

While I agree that some people find their "true love" in high school, the reality is that most people don't. It is also a reality that even those who practice safe sex occasionally end up pregnant or with an STD. Not only that, there are so many girls who lose their virginity and then regret it very quickly afterwards because the guy no longer respects them anymore.

Putting a character in a book that throws everything out the window and decides she's ready at age 16 does not send the kind of message teens today need to hear about. A more effective ending for the book would have been that Samantha realized she didn't have to have sex to be complete, and that she and David could have a satisfying relationship without it.

I thought that Ready Or Not would be just like All American Girl. But I was wrong.

Samantha has really changed. What happened to that fun, innocent girl? I expected a lot more from Ready or Not after reading All American girl. Samantha has just plain changed.

All American girl was my first Meg Cabot book and I really liked her! When I read this I thought "I hope all her books are more like All American Girl, not Ready or Not."

I gave this book 2 stars because at the beginning it was ok but about 15 pages into this I thought, "Hey! Where's Samantha? What happened to her?" About 20 pages into this I thought. "Wow. She's REALLY different." It's hardly about her being a hero anymore! I liked the parts about David in All American Girl but now it's to far! (Read the other reviews to know why)

If you think "Hey! I liked All American Girl! So I'm going to read the sequel!" Stop for a minute. Think about what I said. Trust me. It's different well, she's different! Samantha isn't that fun, innocent girl any more.

Bottom Line: Bye-Bye innocent Samantha! Hello new Samantha!




I'm sorry if this review was a little mean. I personally think it was a little to harsh.

To be a good Princess, one must be diplomatic, and educated in everything regarding the countries and principalities surrounding one's own charge. This includes knowing how to celebrate every winter holiday, from the well-known Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, to the often unspoken about Yule, Chinese New Year, and Saturnalia - just to name a few. But this is not all that a good Princess must know. A good Princess must also be up on gift giving - what exactly is the right present to give to a guy you're not dating, but hope to be dating soon? Then there's those fabulous holiday movies - including some very unconventional holiday tales; and all of this is rounded off with a nice hot chocolate with marshmallows. This year, spend the holiday with Princess Mia, and her band of closest friends, from Lilly to Michael, and Tina to Paolo, as they give you the lowdown on all things Christmas, from how teenagers in other countries celebrate the holidays, and how to say "Happy New Year" in every language known-to-man.

I have purchased and read every PRINCESS DIARIES HOW-TO BOOK, but HOLIDAY PRINCESS instantly took the prize as my favorite installment in the series. Perhaps it's my love of Christmas that made it my favorite; or maybe it's the fact that I love reading about how the PRINCESS DIARIES gang is spending their holiday season. Either way, HOLIDAY PRINCESS is a fun-filled book that will keep everyone on their toes for the holiday season. Cabot has created an informative guide that features style tips, shopping solutions, and much, much more that will get everyone through the Christmas rush; and each tip is accompanied by a marvelous illustration by Chesley McLaren. Overall, this is a must have book for all PRINCESS DIARIES fans, as it will quickly win a place in everyone's heart this holiday season.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

I usually like Meg Cabot, but this book was a waste of my money. It is boring and not half as good as I expected of Cabot. The Princess Diaries Books, as oppose to the series, are just not worth it.

We're either approaching or all ready knee deep in the holiday season, depending on your point of view. Many of us feel overwhelmed by this time of year, but don't worry, Princess Mia is here to rescue us.

With her usual flair, Ms. Cabot has penned an amusing guide to all the holidays and variations thereof celebrated in the Christmas season around the world. Despite the light tone, this is actually a very informative book. I guarantee that unless you have studied holidays in depth, you'll learn something and enjoy yourself while doing it. Most of the characters we've come to love in the other Princess books contribute to this volume; Lily, Grandmere, Michael, Mr. G, Mia's mother, friends, baby brother, and of course, the Princess herself. If you just need to take a break from the onslaught of chaos, then no matter how old you are, grab this book and smile.

Amanda Killgore

I have all of Meg Cabot's Princess Diary books, I even have the release dates marked on my calendar, so I was first in line at my bookstore this morning to buy this book.

In this book, Princess Mia, her family and friends share their Christmas memories and customs. There is even a section on Christmas cards, and how to say, "Happy New Year" in a lot of languages.

Great book to learn about Christmas customs and such.

``Katrina

Back again with another addition to the Princess Diaries series, Princess Mia invites us to share the holidays with her and the family in her witty rendition of what happens during the holidays. Loaded with advice from everyone closely associated with her, each chapter is also laden with her own views and excerpts on how things really are.

From holiday etiquette on everything from addressing cards to purchasing gifts for others, to what's fashionable to eat, there's something for everyone in this little book (that is, if you're into being a princess and all). Mia is hilariously objective in her comments about her family's take on things, and Meg Cabot cleverly does this by putting all of Mia's comments in red, so you can't mistake her thoughts.

One of the highlights of the book is Mia's chapter on Christmas around the world. Throughout the chapter, there are dozens of countries, complete with folklore, tradition, and how this particular culture spends their holiday season --- a very useful and informative tool for the student who has to do a book report (hint, hint). It's all there. There might even be some countries listed that no one has ever heard of, or ever thought of, that celebrate their own version of Christmas.

Additionally, there are explanations on which movies are best to watch during Christmas, recipes to make, and the real story of truths and myths of what Christmas really means. Finally, it's a wrap with an in-depth guide to Kwanzaa and, of course, the symbolization of Happy New Year, complete with a listing of how to say it in 60 different languages!

Although we won't be in Genovia with the royal princess, she made sure we knew enough to have lasting memories, as if we were. Happy Holidays everyone!

--- Reviewed by Belinda Williams

This series of books, of which these are the first three, is entertaining and addictive. I found the character of Mia delightful in a neurotic-teenage-girl kind of way. (Please forgive my redundancy.) From the first I realized that my children were too young yet to enjoy this series - it is inappropriate for anyone pre-teen or younger - but after reading the entire series so far, I've decided that I don't want my children reading it even when they are older.

As the series progresses it deals with more and more serious issues in ways that I'm finding less and less responsible and moral. I can overlook the heavy-handed political bias but the moral prejudices worry me. The idea of virginity as anything worthy of saving is laughed at and the concept of waiting until marriage is considered ludicrous even by "silly," romantically deluded Mia. Worse, Mia's desire to keep sex as something special is shown as possibly destroying what is supposedly a healthy, potentially life-long, true-love relationship (even though at the point where she is considering having sex she is still under legal age).

For any parent who does NOT share the author's values, I would strongly recommend keeping your children and teens as far away from these books as possible. They are too engaging and enjoyable. With all the references to pop culture the world of these books feels like the "real" world, only lacking in any sort of common sense or traditional values as far as sexual and personal relationships are concerned. If you do not want your children confused by the supposedly "modern," hedonistic and self-centered attitudes these books take for granted as normal and proper, it is better not even to let them start reading the series. Once begun, it will be difficult to stop.

By accident, our book club posted our 5 star review for The Princess Diaries Volume I under The Princess Diaries Volume V. It is dated October 11, 2004. We loved Volume I and plan to read the rest of the series. When we reach Volume V, we will write another review, this time in the right place. Thank you. We are sorry for our mistake.

What i mean by teen fiction, i mean all those fiction written for girls..but i find them all annoying though its just their age..analyzing and stupid and nowhere to turn so they do something idotic but learned something from it.
But Mia, is soo different. the movie is a gem its own though has nothing to do with the novel..but both are good..just like Queen Of The Damned. My favourite part is when Mia goes, "I CAN'T EVEN CHEAT RIGHT!"
god i laughed.
lol. my favourite one is Princess In Love..but i stopped reading the series after that because its attractive..and one of the best of teen fiction but..i am just not a preteen chick lit fiction kind of girl.
One thing i hate, mia's insecure and always rambling on about whatever and its interesting in meg cabot's narrative tone of voice..but, it spawned a whole hatchling of those girls..or maybe they were already there but meg cabot emphasized them more..

This series of books, of which these are the first three, is entertaining and addictive. I found the character of Mia delightful in a neurotic-teenage-girl kind of way. (Please forgive my redundancy.) From the first I realized that my children were too young yet to enjoy this series - it is inappropriate for anyone pre-teen or younger - but after reading the entire series so far, I've decided that I don't want my children reading it even when they are older.

As the series progresses it deals with more and more serious issues in ways that I'm finding less and less responsible and moral. I can overlook the heavy-handed political bias but the moral prejudices worry me. The idea of virginity as anything worthy of saving is laughed at and the concept of waiting until marriage is considered ludicrous even by "silly," romantically deluded Mia. Worse, Mia's desire to keep sex as something special is shown as possibly destroying what is supposedly a healthy, potentially life-long, true-love relationship (even though at the point where she is considering having sex she is still under legal age).

For any parent who does NOT share the author's values, I would strongly recommend keeping your children and teens as far away from these books as possible. They are too engaging and enjoyable. With all the references to pop culture the world of these books feels like the "real" world, only lacking in any sort of common sense or traditional values as far as sexual and personal relationships are concerned. If you do not want your children confused by the supposedly "modern," hedonistic and self-centered attitudes these books take for granted as normal and proper, it is better not even to let them start reading the series. Once begun, it will be difficult to stop.

Not really a thought-provoking book, but it's a nice break from those. And it's not painfully shallow. I'd recommend it to anyone.

I love this book, its a WONDERFUL start to the wonderful books after it. It is one of my favorite books.

This series of books, of which this is the first, is entertaining and addictive. I found the character of Mia delightful in a neurotic-teenage-girl kind of way. (Please forgive my redundancy.) From the first I realized that my children were too young yet to enjoy this series - it is inappropriate for anyone pre-teen or younger - but after reading the entire series so far, I've decided that I don't want my children reading it even when they are older.

As the series progresses it deals with more and more serious issues in ways that I'm finding less and less responsible and moral. I can overlook the heavy-handed political bias but the moral prejudices worry me. The idea of virginity as anything worthy of saving is laughed at and the concept of waiting until marriage is considered ludicrous even by "silly," romantically deluded Mia. Worse, Mia's desire to keep sex as something special is shown as possibly destroying what is supposedly a healthy, potentially life-long, true-love relationship (even though at the point where she is considering having sex she is still under legal age).

For any parent who does NOT share the author's values, I would strongly recommend keeping your children and teens as far away from these books as possible. They are too engaging and enjoyable. With all the references to pop culture the world of these books feels like the "real" world, only lacking in any sort of common sense or traditional values as far as sexual and personal relationships are concerned. If you do not want your children confused by the supposedly "modern," hedonistic and self-centered attitudes these books take for granted as normal and proper, it is better not even to let them start reading the series. Once begun, it will be difficult to stop.

Though I am definitely several years past teenage-hood myself, I still like to read the occasional young-adult book, if for no other reason than to think back a few years when life problems were a lot more fun.

I picked up this edition, which combines both the first and second books of _The Princess Diaries_ series, last night for a bit of light reading and managed to finish the entire thing (400 some-odd pages) in less than a day. It's been ages since I've wanted to do that with a book. Both books were easy to read and extremely fun.

Mia Thermopolis is an average teenage girl. That is, until her dad shows up to tell her that she's next in line, after him, to rule a small European country. Things start happening pretty quickly after that as Mia comes to terms with who she is and how a Princess is supposed to act (thanks to on-going Princess Lessons with her Grandmere, the dowager Princess).

All of the characters, from Mia's austere Grandmere, to her slightly flaky Mom and over-the top best friend Lilly are well-drawn, believable and even likeable (each in different ways, of course). A good book can be based on one very strong character, but in my opinion the thing that makes a great book is an entire cast of wonderful characters. You will definitely find those within the pages of these books.

What really made me love both of the books so much, though, (even more than just a great cast of characters) was the humor. Ms. Cabot's writing is light and fresh and just what I've been needing for a bit of a pick me up. More often than not I found myself laughing out loud every few pages.

I look forward to reading the next books in the series and plan to also look up Ms. Cabot's other work. You should do the same, you won't be disappointed.

This series of books, of which these are the first three, is entertaining and addictive. I found the character of Mia delightful in a neurotic-teenage-girl kind of way. (Please forgive my redundancy.) From the first I realized that my children were too young yet to enjoy this series - it is inappropriate for anyone pre-teen or younger - but after reading the entire series so far, I've decided that I don't want my children reading it even when they are older.

As the series progresses it deals with more and more serious issues in ways that I'm finding less and less responsible and moral. I can overlook the heavy-handed political bias but the moral prejudices worry me. The idea of virginity as anything worthy of saving is laughed at and the concept of waiting until marriage is considered ludicrous even by "silly," romantically deluded Mia. Worse, Mia's desire to keep sex as something special is shown as possibly destroying what is supposedly a healthy, potentially life-long, true-love relationship (even though at the point where she is considering having sex she is still under legal age).

For any parent who does NOT share the author's values, I would strongly recommend keeping your children and teens as far away from these books as possible. They are too engaging and enjoyable. With all the references to pop culture the world of these books feels like the "real" world, only lacking in any sort of common sense or traditional values as far as sexual and personal relationships are concerned. If you do not want your children confused by the supposedly "modern," hedonistic and self-centered attitudes these books take for granted as normal and proper, it is better not even to let them start reading the series. Once begun, it will be difficult to stop.

This book is simply amazing! I loved it loved it loved it! If you even LIKE Meg Cabot you are going to fall in love with her writing in this one! It is simply amazing and just fantastic! I definitely did not expect it to be this great but it was!! Buy with confidence- you are going to love this book!!I've read it at least eight times! The sequel to All-American Girl; you will not be disappointed!

yeah, ugh! is a generous response to this book. it was terrible! sooooo unlike the first one, and what's cabbot's obsesson with teen sex about? i mean, it's an issue that needs to be addressed, but not one to devote multiple books about! and certainly not one to resolve in the way she does! i was a big fan of all-american girl and the first few princess diaries books, but this? it's just too far. personally, i don't really think the book deserves even one star, but i had to put something

Meg Cabot's "Ready or Not" is not a neutral book. It is like a political race, either you are liberal and will probably love it, or conservative and cringe the whole way through. On the liberal side, it is a cute story for teenagers. Sam wonders if she should have sex with her boyfriend, which is the main theme of the book. Sam also learns to stand up for herself, and realizes that teens have just as much right to choose what is right for their lives as their parents do. Teens and parents are basically on the same level. On the conservative side, do we really need to say "Oh my God" like all the time? Abstinence is not such a bad thing, which was refuted in the book. Parents are not your friend, they are there to lovingly guide and direct you, and yes sometimes their choices for you let's say suck. I read this book because my daughter has liked some of Meg Cabots books, and I want to preview this before she read it. From a conservative, if my daughter never reads this book she won't be missing out.

I thought that Ready Or Not would be just like All American Girl. But I was wrong.

Samantha has really changed. What happened to that fun, innocent girl? I expected a lot more from Ready or Not after reading All American girl. Samantha has just plain changed.

All American girl was my first Meg Cabot book and I really liked her! When I read this I thought "I hope all her books are more like All American Girl, not Ready or Not."

I gave this book 2 stars because at the beginning it was ok but about 15 pages into this I thought, "Hey! Where's Samantha? What happened to her?" About 20 pages into this I thought. "Wow. She's REALLY different." It's hardly about her being a hero anymore! I liked the parts about David in All American Girl but now it's to far! (Read the other reviews to know why)

If you think "Hey! I liked All American Girl! So I'm going to read the sequel!" Stop for a minute. Think about what I said. Trust me. It's different well, she's different! Samantha isn't that fun, innocent girl any more.

Bottom Line: Bye-Bye innocent Samantha! Hello new Samantha!




I'm sorry if this review was a little mean. I personally think it was a little to harsh.

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said plenty by other people, but I'll contribute:

The last book had a plot about how Samantha Madison saved the life of the president of the Unites States.
This book is has a plot about how the same(?) Samantha Madison may or may not be ready to play "Parcheesi" with her boyfriend.

What with the Princess Diaries series lately, I'm beginning to think that Meg Cabot might have a problem. It's one thing to include it in her books--it is, after all, a normal issue teens face growing up--it's another thing to create whole plots about nothing but this subject. And what really killed me was that, just when you thought she'd stay true to herself by sticking with her desicion to say "no" she goes ahead and does it.

The thing is, in this book, Sam is no longer somebody you can really identify with. She's like a whole 'nother person in this book. Stick with the first one, and decide for yourself what happens in Sam's junior year.

Manga version of Avalon High.

Ellie is a normal high school girl attending a normal high school where many of the students just may be reincarnations of the big players in the King Arthur legend.

The book has promise, but just as I was getting interested, it ended on a cliffhanger with nothing resolved. Kind of a waste of time unless you have the next book at hand!

Fans of Meg Cabot are treated to a change in style by the author. Paired with artist Jinky Coronado, Ms. Cabot retells AVALON HIGH in a comic/manga style. Readers do not have to have read AVALON HIGH to follow this new version of the story.

Elle Harrison has just moved to Annapolis with her history buff parents. Almost immediately weird things start to happen. Her history teacher, Mr. Morton, explains it as the return of King Arthur and the Age of Enlightenment. Apparently Elle is the Lady of the Lake and the football star, Will Wagner, is Arthur reincarnated. Elle's parents totally believe the story. Will thinks it's all a joke. And Elle, she doesn't know what to believe. The pieces all seem to fit together perfectly. Is it too much of a coincidence?

What takes 300 pages to be told in the original young adult story is told in just over 100 pages via the comic version. Of course, many of the details are left out. But the drawings reveal the story beautifully. Elle has to try to convince Will that he is King Arthur before the Homecoming dance. If he doesn't accept that he is the reincarnated King, the Age of Enlightenment can not happen, and the world will be thrust into darkness. No pressure, right? And to make matters worse, Will's brother, Marco, previously thought to be locked safely in a mental institution, is now out, and no one may be safe.

This is my first foray into this book style. Having read AVALON HIGH, I must admit I enjoyed THE MERLIN PROPHECY more than I expected to. I was instantly drawn to Elle and her adventures. The pictures were very vibrant, even in black and white. The details were amazing, and the story unfolded quickly and smoothly. Of course, Ms. Cabot leaves the reader wanting to learn what comes next. Not even the original story reveals how all the characters turn out. The reader will just have to wait for the continuation in AVALON HIGH CORONATION VOL. 2: HOMECOMING, due out in June 2008.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

This was amazing! I loved the original Avalon High and it was awesome to see it continue on. The only things is that I hoped that it would have been written. I enjoyed the drawings, don't get my wrong, it's just that I missed being able to imagine what the story would be like in my head. Any-who... it was an amazing story.

i think that in the description of the book should say that it's a COMIC BOOK not just BOOK, but that's just my opinion.

Meg Cabot is a high profile author whose books have gone on to become movies and television shows. Her series include The Mediator, 1-800-Where-R-You (which became the television show, MISSING), The Princess Diaries (which became movies of the same name), and others as well as many stand-alone books of romance and humor.

AVALON HIGH was originally a stand-alone title but was picked by TokyoPop to become a 3-volume graphic novel series. The book is also in development with Disney to become a live-action film.

The story is very familiar, culled from the Arthurian mythos and brought into the high school arena. Arthur is now known as Will, and he quickly becomes the boyfriend of Elle, who is basically the character of the Lady of Shalott. All of the other Arthurian legends are represented as well: Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, Modred, and Morgan Le Fey.

Jinky Coronado's black and white drawings are a pleasure to view and up the frenzied pace of the book. Coronado blends the pure manga stylings with current, popular comic book art that creates an interesting hybrid on the pages. The sequential action draws the eye naturally. Several of the panels kept drawing my attention back to them because they were so well done.

Cabot's story is pretty straightforward and simple. King Arthur has been reborn once more, but that means his enemies have also been reborn. The main problem: according to Mr. Morton (Elle's history teacher and very probably Merlin the wizard), Will Wagner must recognize and accept himself as the rebirth of Arthur. That's not going to be an easy feat because Will is certain he knows who he is. And he has to do it within a few weeks or the world will be destroyed.

The impending destruction of the world is such an easy thing to lay on teenagers! But Elle is quickly off and running as she tries to deal with being the new girl in school, being Will's girlfriend, and dealing with the enemies they have separately as well as together. Morgan in particular doesn't care for Elle.

Unfortunately, the first third of the graphic novel is more or less a summary of things that have gone on before. This choice really impedes the story for a while, and it takes up so many pages that by the time the tale gets underway, it's practically over. Still, the cliffhanger ending should bring readers back around for a do-over.

I'm looking forward to reading the other two volumes in the series, as well as handing it off to friends of mine who are heavily into graphic novels. But now I have to go back and read the book as well, because I somehow missed that one. And I'm going to be interested in the upcoming movie as well.

If you want light, easy entertainment with some extended value (or at least something you can share with other and talk about quickly), Cabot's new manga series is a good choice. It's not as far out there as some of the Japanese manga, and it's a great size to throw in a backpack or back pocket for on-the-road reading.