The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?), Vol. 6 LN

After events in volume 5 Wein has access to a port, but without customers there is very little he can do with it. The West does not want to deal with him, so when princess Tolcheila offers him an introduction to the rulers of the Patura Islands at the southern tip of the continent he grasps it with both hands. He ends up in the middle of a civil war, needing every sail he has to get out ahead of this one.The book has the same strengths and weaknesses as the previous volumes - a good addition to the series. Pro: world building, intelligent plotting, no magic; Cons: vile mastermind villain plotting destruction of the world in the background (at least at a first glance), cutesy art that does not fit the story, odd exposition at times and random statement about what historians later thought of the the situation (a trope I don't like). Two things stood out. If you are going to bluff in a ransom situation, offering a ridiculous amount of gold is not going to work no matter how charismatic you are. The same situation could have been achieved with a bit more work. I could also have done without the almost required beach episode though. Granted, it is not exactly along the trope recipe, but bikinis and embarrassed aides being teased are. It was kind of funny, but felt rather out of place.Still, an enjoyable quick read and a good addition to the series.

When I wrote my review of Volume 2 of The Genius Prince, I remarked if Prince Wein sold his kingdom, he'd probably get a beachside place and devote himself to the hard work of sipping pina coladas while admiring Ninym in a bikini. In Volume 6, on the opening color pages, we are treated to the sight of Ninym in a bikini. You don't suppose...? Anyway, Volume 6 continues the great fun of this series as Wein and Ninym get caught up in an adventure on an island nation that has two brothers fighting for control. Wein is his usual quick-thinking self, always a step ahead of his opponents. We see he's a heavy reader and how that talent gives him an edge (lazy students, take note). I was disappointed that Falanya was relegated to a small role (oh come on, let's see more of her; look what she proved capable of in Volume 4). Lowellmina also is mostly cameo, but there are strong hints she's got something big in the works for Volume 7. The Genius Prince's Guide.... continues to be a sharp and witty caper saga.