Magi Volume 3 by Shinobu Ohtaka
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
After being found by the desert-faring Kouga tribe, Aladdin begins to learn about the legendary bird-like Rukhs that he can see when others can't and what they symbolize. Adjusting to the tribal life for only a short time, Aladdin and the rest of the Kouga tribe are offered the chance to join the Kou Empire to achieve peace. An offer that seems so fair, yet may lead to bloodshed when the wrong people get involved.
Magi Volume 3 created a more serious atmosphere to the series with the corruption of the general of the Kou Empire's army. The lesson of solving problems with words is very prevalent. It was exciting to discover more about the Magi of this world and especially be given a more formal introduction of a Magi by the name of Judar. I'm already looking forward to his role in this wonderful manga series.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Craig Gilner is an ambitious New York City teenager who has big plans about his future. He has managed to get into the prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School after studying diligently and that's the first step in completing his plan. Overall, Craig is a model teenager that others can admire. Then, one night, he breaks and his life is never quite the same. Suffering through depression, Craig struggles to continue being a model teenager at school, forcing himself to eat food, and becoming obsessed with his condition. After planning to kill himself one night, Craig takes action and gets checked into a mental hospital. With five days to get better will Craig be able to "shift" his brain out of depression? And will he finally learn what it means to live?
It's Kind of a Funny Story is also kind of a realistic story. Craig Gilner suffers through depression just like many other teenagers his age, making the story all the more relatable. Ned Vizzini gives a powerful insight of the daily struggles that one has to go through and tugged at my heart strings. It was quite suprising that Ned Vizzini was facing his own depression like Craig, but unfortunately lost the battle and took his own life. All of the characters presented something new to me (especially those in the mental ward) and there was barely a dull moment. My only issue with It's Kind of a Funny Story was the rushed ending and lasting character development; but overall this is a must read for all teenagers.

Magi Volume 2 by Shinobu Ohtaka
Teodora's Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Following the first volume of the Magi, the young Aladdin and his newfound friend, Alibaba have managed to defeat their first dungeon baddie, but at the expense of Aladdin's strength. Wile looking over his friend while he rests, Alibaba has the displeasure of coming face-to-face with the downright cruel Lord Jamil and two of his highly skilled slaves. Taking Aladdin for mysterious reasons, Lord Jamil then forces Alibaba to lead them to the treasure room and is given no choice but to comply. But Alibaba has some tricks up his sleeves. 
What a great second volume from the series! With more entertainment and character development, I was flipping pages with no plan to stop. Alibaba took the spotlight and used it well, showing his cleverness, loyalty and other character traits along with an unexpected backstory. Paired with amazing art (especially during an exciting fight scene), Magi is one manga I'll be sure to continue.