Norroway: The Black Bull of Norroway (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Norroway: The Black Bull of Norroway
Author: Cat Seaton
Artist: Kit Seaton
Upcoming Release Date: November 13, 2018

Synopsis: Sibylla always wanted adventure, but she didn't know it would come in the form of a giant, magical bull. Is he a man or a monster? And who knew a prophecy could be so literal? 

Based on the classic Scottish fairy tale, this is the first title in a new series co-created by sibling writer/artist team CAT SEATON and KIT SEATON, begins the adventure of a lifetime.

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Review: This is a really fun fantasy story with diversity and representation. The book opens with three girls discovering about their future. The youngest sister is told she will marry the Black Bull of Norroway. From there, it's a fairy tale that plays with tropes like curses and betrothed. I really enjoyed the representation in this book. There's a non-binary ship captain. There's also disabled rep. A warning, there is a cliffhanger ending. 

I give this book a 4/5. It's a fun graphic novel with some really cool characters.    


--PAUL

Mirenda Volume 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Mirenda Volume 1
Author: Grim Wilkins
Upcoming Release Date: November 4, 2018


Synopsis: A jungle woman gets a mysterious demon trapped in her leg and must go on an extraordinary adventure. Artist/writer GRIM WILKINS (PROPHET EARTH WAR) plays with the possibilities of comic storytelling, letting the visuals carry the weight.

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Review: I had no idea what was going on for most of this book. There's no dialogue. The art style is cool, but kind of disturbing. The imagery is unique and interesting, but the story itself was hard to follow. 

This was not for me. I give the book a 2/5. The style wasn't my cup of tea, but you may enjoy it.


--PAUL

Drawn to Sex: The Basics (educational comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Oni Press & Limerence Press via NetGalley  in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Drawn to Sex: The Basics
Creators: Erika Moen & Matthew Nolan 
Upcoming Release Date: November 6, 2018

Synopsis: Erika and Matthew are ready to talk about sex!

Have you ever had a question about sex, but didn't know who to ask? Well, Erika and Matthew have spent years learning, talking, and creating informative comics about all aspects of sex. Using comics, jokes, and frank communication, they're here to demystify the world of sex and answer your questions—including ones you might not even know you had!

In this first book of the Drawn to Sex series, they explore the practical side of sex, from the basics of what defines sex, to barriers and testing, masturbation, and the ins-and-outs of having sex with other people.

Pick up this fun book if you’re looking to learn something new, understand sexuality better, or know someone (maybe you!) who might benefit from some judgment-free education. Erika and Matthew are here to help you out.

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Review: This book is a compilation of educational comics featuring various subjects surrounding sex. It's essentially a silly sex-positive comic. There's humor. There's heart. There's sex. There's information. 

There is a great amount of information in this book. There's a chapter on asking yourself if you're ready for sex. There's many chapters on contraception and STI prevention. I wasn't aware of the different types of IUDs. There are also chapters on different sexual activities including some tips and tricks.

This is the way sex education should be taught. It's casual, but informative. There are resources provided in case you want more information on a subject. This book is absolutely queer friendly. I love the amount of diversity shown in the illustrations. This would be a great read for any young adult, whether they're sexually active or not. I give this a 5/5.    


--PAUL

Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Petit: The Ogre Gods Book One
Author: Hubert Boulard
Artist: Bertrand Gatignol
Upcoming Release Date: November 6, 2018

Synopsis: Petit is the son of the Ogre King and the littlest giant in the royal clan. Scarcely larger than a mere human, he is the latest sign of the family's rapid degeneration, which makes each generation smaller than the one before. His father wants him killed as an embarrassment, but his mother sees in him the possible regeneration of the family lineage, since he could mate with a human, just as the Founder of their lineage once did.

Confused, she confides in great Aunt Desdée, the oldest of their clan, who was once dishonored because of her love for the humans, whom the Ogres consider little more than labor and food. But contrary to her guidance, she decides to raise Petit in the family traditions, including the violent impulses that this entails.

So Petit grows into manhood, torn by the hunger he inherited from his upbringing and the sympathetic education he received from Aunt Desdée...

Will he find his place in this world divided between humans and giants, neither of which truly accept him? And will he survive the voracious appetite of his own monstrous family?

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Review: Petit is a royal family drama set in a fantastical world. The royal family consists of giants of various sizes. Petit is the smallest. Throughout the book, there are small prose stories about historical giants. The world is immersive with such a vast history, while still being digestible. 

The art style is black and white with some gore elements. The giants do eat humans. The giant court reminded me of the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal. 

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. The worldbuilding is wonderful and each of the characters are so interesting. It's like a Disney fairytale meets Game of Thrones.  


--PAUL

Isola, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Image Comics via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Isola, Vol. 1
Creators: Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, & Msassyk 
Recent Release Date: October 30, 2018

Synopsis: An evil spell has been cast on the Queen of Maar and her Captain of the Guard will do anything to reverse it. Their only hope lies on an island half a world away--a place known in myth as Isola, land of the dead.

Gotham Academy creators Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl reunite with series colorist MSASSYK and letterer Aditya Bidikar for a breathtaking fantasy adventure two decades in the making.

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Review: I really enjoyed this story. It's so fantastical. The artwork is beautiful. The design of the characters and the animals are great. The animals remind me of those in Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

There is no exposition in this book. You're thrown into the situation and have to figure out what's exactly happening. For some fantasy stories, there's so much info dumping. Not in this story. 

I give this book a 5/5. Great Storytelling. Gay romance. Beautiful artwork. A journey in a Fantasy world. 


--PAUL

The Wormworld Saga Volume Two: The Shelter of Hope (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge and Diamond Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Review of Volume One
Review of Free Comic Book Day Issue

Title: The Wormworld Saga Volume Two: The Shelter of Hope
Author: Daniel Lieske
Upcoming Release Date: October 30, 2018

Synopsis: Jonas' fantastic journey leads him to the sunken city of Ankal Aasha where the mysterious master Janaka Jiiva introduces him to the ancient legends of the Wormworld. Jonas learns that he himself plays an important role in them and that the fate of the Wormworld lies in his hands. Together with Raya, Jonas sets out on an adventurous quest on the River of Life which leads our heroes straight towards the mystic Worm Mountain.

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Review: The Wormworld Saga is a beautifully drawn comic book series following a young boy exploring a new, fantastical world. This second volume includes the third and fourth chapter as well as the Free Comic Book Day issue. I wish the story arcs in these volumes were more complete stories. This is the second volume of the saga and I still feel like not much has happened. There's a lot of extensive worldbuilding in this volume that feels like info dumping. 

The Chosen One trope is used in this story. So far, there hasn't been a fresh take on this trope. I'm hoping the saga shows a new and interesting take as it continues.

I give this second volume a 2.5/5. The art is wonderful, but the story is lacking.    


--PAUL

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

*I received this book as an eARC from HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: What If It's Us
Author: Becky Albertalli and Ada, Silvera
Recent Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is? 

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Review: Becky Albertalli AND Adam Silvera wrote a gay YA contemporary romance book! I have followed these two authors since they first got published. Their social media is on point and they seem like truly excellent people. This book feels like two friends creating something magical together. You can see different aspects of each of their writing and their own personalities in Ben and Arthur. 

The characters in this book are so well fleshed out. There's about a dozen characters and they all feel complete and never was I once confused about who was being talked about. Arthur is new to New York, so he has his friends back home in Georgia as well as older interns working with him at his mother's law firm. Ben is a New Yorker so he's in his element with friends, an ex, and a kinda ex-friend even. The two boys meet in the most adorable meet-cute scenario and must find each other again in New York City. 

This is a modern book. There are wonderful references to current pop culture and maybe a few nods to other YA bestsellers. I really enjoyed the Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen references. There were so many character quirks that made me feel like I really knew these boys. It made me imagine what high school would have been like had I been more comfortable in my own skin. 

This is an adorable, fun book. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Becky and Adam show the fun and the challenges of a summer romance full of do-over first dates. I absolutely give this book a 5/5. Why haven't you already read it!?!  


--PAUL