The Third: Volume 1    by Ryo Hoshino & Ariko Itou Order:  USA  Can TOKYOPOP, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto The Third by Ryo Hoshino and Ariko Itou is the prequel to the anime The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye. While I have never seen the anime, I believe The Third gives a good background on Honoka, the girl with the blue eye. After a devastating war that swept the land, the world is left mainly desert and is watched over by a power group, known as The Third because of the red eyes in the middle of their foreheads. Dune runners help protect citizens from The Third, and Honoka is one such dune runner. Although young, she will do whatever she can to help those in need. As a typical adolescent, she may drag her feet a little at something she thinks is beneath her, but in the end, she will always do what is right, whether it is rescuing a lost cat, helping her injured partner get home, or protecting a girl who is only wanted for her violin. Honoka is a good protagonist to whom many readers can relate. She is the type of heroine who begs being cheered on, and each chapter (aside from the last two which are connected) are like little vignettes showing how she is coming into her own as a dune runner, making the reader like her more and more. The only drawback is the amount of narration and dialogue. Most action mangas are packed with exciting fight scenes, and while The Third does have those and Itou draws them as they should be, there are not quite enough. Some pages are filled with narrative that, while it gives a good background to what is going on, slows the story down, making The Third not as fast-paced as most action manga. Whether or not readers are familiar with the anime The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, The Third by Ryo Hoshino and Ariko Itou offers a good introduction to the main character. While it could use a little more action, fans will enjoy getting to know Honoka. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews