insaneneko

Gymnasium no kikoushi by Shuhdoh Rena and illustrated by Kasai Ayumi is a really silly but entertaining novel of over-the-top cliches. I laughed a lot reading this.

Riku lived a not very prosperous life with his mother until she remarries a really rich dude. His new step-dad has a son several years older than Riku, Yuuka, who won't accept Riku's mother. In order to try to convince Yuuka that his mom is not some gold-digger slut, he decides to transfer to Yuuka's school. The problem is that Yuuka's school (a gymnasium, hard "g", a type of German school, not the sports building) had been founded by Yuuka's dad for the express purpose of giving Yuuka the proper setting for his education. Not only was there an academic requirement to get in, but a family one as well. Yes, only the best can attend school with daddy's precious son. And with every elite educational institution with mandatory boarding comes the typical problems (I seriously think these types of schools are designed to warp their students, the way they are portrayed in these kinds of stories). Riku is the focus of intense attention (and jealousy) for being the step-brother of their idol, the "Prince," Yuuka...Even though Riku has never even met his brother yet.

The funniest thing about this book has to be Yuuka. Notice his frilly blouse? His frighteningly frilly blouse is not part of the school uniform, but as he is the "Prince" he wears something special. He also has special quarters AND a valet (a fellow student who's from a family that has always served Yuuka's). He also talks like a noble from ancient times. Really, he does. Scary to think a modern 17-year-old, no matter how cosseted, could actually be like that. Especially one that's supposed to be oh so smart (yeah, he's rich, good-looking, and really smart). Rika is a spunky kid, if not the brightest bulb in the room. He doesn't get all angsty and depressed like too many main characters in his position.

What made me want to bother posting about this book, however, is the pretty art. So pretty!

( some pics with a bit more story )