Star Wars: Darth Vader-Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol.1: Imperial Machine (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader-Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol.1: Imperial Machine
Writers: Charles Soule & Chris Eliopoulos
Artists: Giuseppe Camuncoli & Cam Smith
Recent Release Date: December 5, 2017

Synopsis: From acclaimed writer Charles Soule comes a brand-new, exhilarating series exploring Darth Vader's early history. Picking up directly where Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith ends, follow Vader as he receives his legendary red lightsaber and witness Vader's rise to power as a Dark Lord of the Sith! 

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Review: This comic picks up right where Episode III left off. Like directly. There's the whole "Noooooooooo" thing and everything. I liked seeing Vader when he is new to being a Sith. It really is Anakin under there still. Throughout the comic, that Anakin begins to fall away. 

I liked the mix of prequel and original trilogy aesthetic. Seeing Vader alongside clone troopers was very cool. The Grand Inquisitor even makes a cameo!

I read the Dark Horse comics that took place right after Order 66 so certain aspects of this comic remind me of those. In this comic, there are jedi who took the Barash Vow prior to the Purge, so they are still out and about in the galaxy. Vader takes this opportunity to take a lightsaber and make it bleed.

I really enjoyed this first volume in a new, ongoing comic series. I am absolutely excited for volume two. I give this volume a 5/5.    


--PAUL

Star Wars: Screaming Citadel (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Screaming Citadel
Writers: Kieron Gillen & Jason Aaron
Artists: Marco Checchetto, Salvador Larroca, & Andrea Broccardo
Recent Release Date: October 24, 2017


Review of Star Wars Vol.1
Review of Star Wars Vol.2
Review of Star Wars Vol.3
Review of Star Wars Vol.4
Review of Star Wars Vol.5
Review of Doctor Aphra Vol.1

Synopsis: A rebel pilot and a rogue archaeologist delve into the darkest shadows of the galaxy side by side, as Luke Skywalker reluctantly teams up with Doctor Aphra! The not-so-good Doctor will make Luke an offer he can't afford to pass up...one that leads him to a very rare gathering at the heart of the infamous Screaming Citadel! Will Luke find what he's looking for? Can Aphra be trusted? Or will they both wind up victims of the Citadel's queen? And as this unlikely duo steps right into the lair of one of the most powerful, reclusive and dangerous women in the galaxy, can Han and Leia be far behind them? 

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Review: This is the second crossover event in the Marvel Star Wars comics. It brings the ongoing Doctor Aphra and Star Wars series together. I liked the pairing of Luke with Aphra. They play well off of each other with Luke's naive goodness and Aphra's experienced gray morality. I liked when she called him a wannabe padawan. 

There are some well designed characters in this comic. The residents of the Screaming Citadel have a goth bdsm vibe. Luke even gets to dress up. I liked seeing him in something different. 

I want to know more about Sana and Aphra's past!!! Please, Marvel, make a queer love story prequel!!!

The murder droids are wonderful. Having them on the same side as the "good guys" for at least the time being led to some funny situations. 

The last panel intrigued me. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. I am always here for more Doctor Aphra!   


--PAUL

Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Captain Phasma (comic) -Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Captain Phasma
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Recent Release Date: November 29, 2017

Synopsis: What happened to Captain Phasma after Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens? Writer Kelly Thompson (HAWKEYE) and artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER, GAMORA) expand Captain Phasma's story and reveal how she escaped the destruction of Starkiller Base. It's the stunning lead-in to this winter's blockbuster big-screen Star Wars film, and everything you need to know is right here! 

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Review: Captain Phasma has been the Boba Fett character of the sequel trilogy. She looks bad-ass and intimidating, but she hasn't really proven herself in the movies. This comic, taking place between The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, shows Phasma in her element. We get to see her utilizing survival skills. We get to see her take the role of a leader. The Captain Phasma shown in this comic is what I expected from her when I first saw her design before The Force Awakens was released. 

I liked seeing Captain Phasma covering her own trail. It makes up for her actions in The Force Awakens. I also liked the amount of female characters in this comic. It shouldn't be something to make note of, but unfortunately it still is when it comes to such big brand stories. I really enjoyed and hope to see more of the character Pilot. 

I give this comic a 4/5. I really liked what it did to the character of Captain Phasma. She was shown as a more fully fledged character. It was an interesting, short, survival story.


--PAUL

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 4 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Vol. 4
Author: Kyle Higgins & Ryan Ferrier
Artists: Hendry Prasetya, Daniel Bayliss, & Bachan
Recent Release Date: October 31, 2017

Review of Vol.1
Review of Vol.2
Review of Vol.3
Review of 2016 Annual
Review of 2017 Annual

Synopsis: With Tommy and Billy trapped in a dystopian version of Angel Grove, they’ll have to join the resistance in the fight against the evil Lord Drakkon if they want to make home. But with Jason, Kimberly, Trini, and Zack batting for control of the Command Center from Rita Repulsa, will there even be a home to return to? It’s the ultimate test of strength and will with an epic conclusion that will send ripples throughout the entire Mighty Morphin universe.

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Review: This ongoing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series is some of the best Power Rangers storytelling that has ever existed. This fourth volume continues the excellence. The story being told is perfect for this medium. I love the easter eggs and visual references sprinkled throughout the series. I am a sucker for alternate realities and parallel timelines so this story has been my kind of thing.

Seeing Aisha and Trini in the same panel was very cool. The styles of Lord Drakkon's army of rangers are so well crafted. I really enjoyed the Zordon story, showing him outside of his time warp. 

I enjoyed the Ongoing Misadventures of Squatt & Baboo more than the Bulk and Skull stories. I always liked Rita's henchmen.

I give this volume a 5/5. This ongoing series is possibly the best storytelling set in the Power Rangers universe.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Kev Walker, Marc Deering, Antonio Fabela, Salvador Larroca, & Edgar Delgado
Recent Release Date: July 3, 2017

Synopsis: Following her time in the clutches of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra has barely escaped with her life. If he ever learns of her survival, he'll hunt her to the ends of the galaxy. But for now, it's time for a return to what she does best. With the droids 0-0-0 and BT-1 in tow, she's off in search of rare artifacts from the galactic center to the Outer Rim and everywhere in between. Aphra's got debts to pay after all. Just as long as she can stay one step ahead of the Empire, some Bounty Hunters and just about everyone else in the galaxy!

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Review: Doctor Aphra is the first comic original character who gets her own ongoing series. Aphra shines even more on her own than she did in the other ongoing series. The comic book is the perfect medium for this character with her loose morals, humor, and violence. She's essentially an Indiana Jones with less morals.

Aphra's squad is also featured in this comic. Black Krrsantan, Triple-Zero, and Beetee are all such great, original characters. The murderous droids are hilariously dark. I loved seeing Aphra's backstory and time in school. The Archaeological Association suspending her doctorate being a major plot point in a Star Wars comic is wonderful. Seeing Yavin IV post-A New Hope was also cool.

A Marvel Star Wars original character who is canon queer gets her own ongoing comic! I loved this volume. I hope to see more risks like this. I give this volume a 5/5. I can't wait for The Screaming Citadel and the next volume!


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol 5: Yoda's Secret War (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol 5: Yoda's Secret War
Writers: Jason Aaron and Kelly Thompson
Artists: Salvador Larroca and Emilio Laiso
Recent Release Date: July 18, 2017

Review of Star Wars Vol.1
Review of Star Wars Vol.2
Review of Star Wars Vol.3
Review of Star Wars Vol.4

Synopsis: With one member of the rebel crew captured and imprisoned, we turn once more to the journals of Ben Kenobi and a legendary adventure with Jedi Master...Yoda! 

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Review: This volume of the ongoing Star Wars comic has a story focusing on Yoda pre-Episode I and the second Annual, which tells a story about Leia.

The majority of this volume is Yoda's story through Luke reading Obi-wan's journal. It takes place on an interesting world where certain rocks seem to have Force powers. The Force related things were interesting, but it kind of seemed like a Star Trek episode.

The Leia Annual has a nice little story about a new, good-hearted character who is on the outside of the war. I would not mind seeing Pash Davane again in other Star Wars media.

I give this volume a 3.5/5. I liked that part of it took place before the prequels, but it wasn't an interesting enough story for me. I hope this ongoing series picks up some speed. The one-offs have been more interesting to me.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol.2: The Gathering Storm (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Review of Poe Dameron Vol.1

Title: Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol.2: The Gathering Storm
Author: Charles Soule
Illustrator: Phil Noto

Recent Release Date: July 3, 2017

Synopsis: Continuing the adventures of the ace pilot hero of Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens! Poe Dameron faces the wrath of a vengeful Agent Terex! But how does Terex always seem to know what Black Squadron is doing? Could there truly be a traitor in the Squadron's midst? Poe will undertake a secret mission from General Organa herself...to escort none other than C-3PO on a dangerous mission to the planet Kaddak! But what will be revealed in a peek into Terex's past?

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Review: This second volume of the ongoing Poe Dameron series continues the story from the first volume involving Terex. It fleshes out Terex more as a character, showing his origins at the Battle of Jakku. This is a good completion to the Terex story, unless he comes back in volume three.

The droids absolutely shined in this comic. BB-8 is always awesome, using his skills in creative ways. C-3PO utilized his own talents in this one. We even got to see a Mister Bones reference! Hurray for Snap Wexley!

This was a fun volume. I enjoyed it more than the first volume. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. I will continue to read this ongoing series just for Poe's charm and BB-8's badassness.

--PAUL

Cloudia & Rex Vol.1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Cloudia & Rex Vol.1
Authors:  Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas
Artist: Daniel Irizarri
Recent Release Date: November 28, 2017

Synopsis: A lushly rendered supernatural fantasy that follows two girls and their mother who find themselves in the middle of a vast, supernatural exodus. On their journey Cloudia is bestowed the powers of hundreds of different gods, but even those don't help her come to terms with the death of her father.

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Review: This comic is a story about a family that gets involved with world-ending gods. The gods in this story come from every religion. It is an interesting concept that each god exists as long as mortals have at least a cursory understanding of them. I liked that the story takes place on December 21, 2012. 

The vibe of this comic reminds me of Saga and Jupiter Ascending. It's the modern world, but there is crazy fantastical things happening. The family gets powers from gods fleeing from their own demise. One girl starts transforming into extinct animals. Another has a phone possessed by gods. I liked seeing these ancient gods interacting with modern technology. 

This is a fun, imaginative, and somewhat messy story. I enjoyed it and give this graphic novel a 4/5. I would definitely read a second volume.


--PAUL

Justice League/Power Rangers (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Justice League/Power Rangers
Author: Tom Taylor
Illustrator: Stephen Byrne
Recent Release Date: December 12, 2017

Synopsis: Two of the most popular crime-fighting teams of all time collide for the first time when the Justice League faces the Power Rangers!

Something terrible has happened in Angel Grove! When the Command Center is breached and the teleporters are damaged, Zack is flung into another universe, where he's mistaken for a villain by a mysterious masked vigilante. Can the other Power Rangers get to their friend in time to save him from Batman? Co-published with BOOM! Studios and written by INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US best-selling author Tom Taylor, this book is the crossover event of the year! 

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Review: This is a super fun, super hero team crossover comic! The problem with crossover events like this that take two properties from two different worlds/franchises is that there can't be any actual growth or meaningful story. It's just fun to see these characters interacting with each other. 

This comic starts with a destroyed Angel Grove and Superman. This is just the first example of amazing combinations of things from my childhood. Batman is the comic relief in this comic and it works so well. I loved watching the members of the Justice League interacting with each of the Rangers. Zach often gets kicked to the sidelines, but in this story he really shines. I also liked that the Pterodactyl dinozord was the first one shown. Alpha 5 also gets to do some fun things. The Rangers have to wear some different suits at one point in this story and if you are a DC comic fan, you'll love it! 

The final panel really made me want a sequel. These crossover comics can be so creative. I loved the Star Trek/Green Lantern Corp one as well. They are just so unexpected and the combinations work so well. Overall, this was a fun comic story. There wasn't anything too deep or too exciting, but there's plenty of fun. I give this comic a 4/5 and recommend it to fans of both franchises, even if you are only familiar with one on a surface level. 


--PAUL

The Scarecrow Princess (graphic novel) by Federico Rossi Edrig - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley as an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Scarecrow Princesss
Author/Artist: Federico Rossi Edrig
Editor: Andrea Colvin
Recent Release Date: October 31, 2017

Synopsis: Morrigan Moore has always been moody, but her new home is the worst. Her novelist mother has dragged her to the countryside, drawn by the lost myth of the King of Crows, a dark figure of theft and deceit, and the Scarecrow Prince, the only one who can stand against him. When Morrigan finds herself swept up in the legend, she'll have no choice but to take on the Scarecrow Prince's mantel, and to stand and fight. For her town, her family, and her own future. This lushly drawn graphic novel will pull you into its sinister secrets and not let go till the final page. For fans of Coraline and Over the Garden Wall.

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Review: This graphic novel is a perfect read for Halloween. It starts out like a Goosebumps story, a family moving to a small mysterious town with a loner child. It also reminded me of the Disney Channel show So Weird. Morrigan's brother and mother travel around the country researching local myths and then incorporating them into their books.

This is a chosen-one story with a few twists, meta jokes, and a bit of playfulness. It presents an interesting take on the dilemmas of being the chosen one. There is definitely moral grayness, which is always great in a spooky read. 

There are also parts of this story that remind me of Labyrinth. It has that similar coming-of-age meets chosen-one vibes. And there's a tall dark, mysterious villain with sex appeal.

I enjoyed this graphic novel. The art pairs perfectly with the story. I give this book a 4/5.  


--PAUL

The Tea Dragon Society (graphic novel) by Katie O'Neill

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Oni Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Tea Dragon Society
Author: Katie O'Neill
Upcoming Release Date: October 31, 2017

Synopsis: From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. 

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

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Review: I love absolutely everything about this book. There is so much packed into such a short story. The world building is full and has a luscious past. There is diversity of everything (race, species, sexual orientation, etc). The art is breathtaking. The story is heartwarming and adorable. I want more stories about these character or at least set in this world! I obviously give this book a 5/5 and will be looking for more from Katie O'Neill!


--PAUL

The Flintstones, Vol. 2 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Flintstones, Vol. 2
Writer: Mark Russell
Illustrator: Steve Pugh
Upcoming Release Date: October 10, 2017

My REVIEW of The Flinstones, Vol.1

Synopsis:Fred and Barney reunite for Mark Russell’s modern take on Hanna-Barbera’s most famous stone-age family!

This second volume starring the first family of Bedrock (and civilization, really) tells the story of who we are and why we do what we do as if it all began with Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty and the rest of the citizens of Bedrock. Shining a light on humanity’s ancient customs and institutions in a funny origin story of human civilization, Mark Russell (PREZ) blends modern interpretations with Hanna-Barbera’s classic characters, bringing a breath of fresh stone-age air.

Hanna-Barbera has created some of the most recognizable animated characters of all time. As part of DC Comics’ reimagination of cartoons like SCOOBY-DOO, JOHNNY QUEST, SPACE GHOST and WACKY RACERS, these new series are infused with modern and contemporary concepts while keeping the heart and soul of the classic animation.

Collects THE FLINSTONES #7-12.

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Review: This second volume absolutely delivers! When I saw The End, I still wanted more! This series has taken classic characters and a setting everyone is familiar with and brought it to 2017. The political commentary in this volume is done so well. Humanity is shown fully, flaws and advantages. This series oddly pairs well with the nonfiction book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.

Each chapter has its own focus while still keeping the whole arc moving forward. The church story is great. Economics comes up in this volume. Wilma's mother and her transition from hunter-gatherer to farmer. The heart of this volume though, is in the appliances. I almost cried.

There's also great pop culture references. Stony Danza as a celebrity endorsement was hilarious. Pterodactyl drones attacking innocent people.

This whole series is a great commentary on humanity. There's only two volumes, so you might as well just buy them both! I give this volume a 5/5. It effectively uses a simple story to show complex ideas and makes you question everyday things.


--PAUL

Generations (graphic novel) by Flavia Biondi - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Lion Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Generations
Author: Flavia Biondi
Upcoming Release Date: October 10, 2017

Synopsis: After three years in Milan, Matteo returns home to the provincial country town where he was born and from which he had fled. Coming out as a young gay man in a provincial country town had led to ugly clashes with his conservative father, and the urban metropolis of Milan had been a welcome change from the stifling small town life of his childhood and the anger and bewilderment of some members of his family. But now, Matteo finds himself with little choice but to return home, with no money, no job, and an uncertain future, like so many other young people of his millennial generation. Afraid of encountering his estranged father, he instead takes refuge with his extended family, at a house shared by his grandmother, three aunts, and his very pregnant cousin. As he tries to rebuild his life, reconnecting with the women of his family and old hometown friends, he warily confronts a few truths about the other generations of his family-from their bigotry to their love, and tolerance, and acceptance-and a few truths about himself, including his fears of confrontation and commitment.

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Review: Generations is a story about family and growing up. Matteo left his hometown after coming out to his father as gay. It's been three years and he returns home to live with his grandmother, three aunts, and pregnant cousin. He realizes that each of his aunts has their own past, things they did that effected the rest of their life. This story shows that awkward time when as a young adult you start to see your elders as real people. 

The storytelling is lyrical, but at times it is evident that it's been translated. The artwork is simple, but matches perfectly with the tone of the story. I laughed out loud at the "only gay in the village" reference. I give this book a 5/5.  


--PAUL

Blog Tour Guest Post & GIVEAWAY: The Uncrossing by Melissa Eastlake

I am so happy to host this Guest Post from Melissa Eastlake, the author of The Uncrossing. I was planning on posting my review as well, but I've been a super slow reader lately, so I haven't quite finished the book yet. But, so far I'm loving it. My review will be up soon. 

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Title: The Uncrossing
Author: Melissa Eastlake
Recent Release Date: October 2, 2017

Synopsis: Luke can uncross almost any curse—they unravel themselves for him like no one else. So working for the Kovrovs, one of the families controlling all the magic in New York, is exciting and dangerous, especially when he encounters the first curse he can't break. And it involves Jeremy, the beloved, sheltered prince of the Kovrov family—the one boy he absolutely shouldn't be falling for.

Jeremy's been in love with cocky, talented Luke since they were kids. But from their first kiss, something's missing. Jeremy's family keeps generations of deadly secrets, forcing him to choose between love and loyalty. As Luke fights to break the curse, a magical, citywide war starts crackling, and it's tied to Jeremy.

This might be the one curse Luke can't uncross. If true love's kiss fails, what's left for him and Jeremy?

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Guest Post Topic: The Importance of Representation and Diversity in Fantasy

Fantasy stories expand our ideas about what is possible. They tap into deep archetypes or take readers to extreme situations in order to explore the depths of true, realistic human experiences. Characters in fantasy battle monsters or perform heroic acts to inspire readers in their own lives. Fantasy stories are fun and engaging, but they also teach us how we see ourselves and our aspirations.


Nuanced, realistic representation invites all of us to be those heroes. My original inspiration for The Uncrossing was to write a queer fairytale—to take some of the core, iconic tropes that we use to talk about what love is, and understand explore how they apply to queer people in a changing and still very broken world. 

---Melissa Eastlake--- 

Her debut novel, The Uncrossing, is coming in 2017 from Entangled Teen. She lives in Athens, Georgia with her partner and their dog.

Website --- Twitter

GIVEAWAY

A Prize Pack + a $20 B&N Gift Card (US)* 

* A $30 Amazon Gift Card will be substituted for an International winner

Enter the Rafflecaptor below:

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The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books and Harper Collins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review; I read an annotated arc I received in a giveaway from the author*

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Title: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Recent Release Date: June 27, 2017

My REVIEW of This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee

Synopsis: Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

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Review: This book is such a fun adventure with so much heart! I was lucky enough to win an annotated copy from the author in a giveaway which made it an even more thrilling read. It was like I was being walked through the book with fun little side comments and colorful drawings of marine mammals shouting "gaaaaaaaaayyyyy" as well as details into the author's process.

This book takes place in the 1700s, but it is written with a modern eye. Much research was done into the settings and era, but there's an awareness that feels very now. The book is essentially a rich queer man's romp around Europe with his best friend and nerdy sister that goes horribly wrong. But horribly wrong in so many wonderfully outrageous escapades. I'm talking stolen artifacts, surprisingly nice pirates, and more than a handful of beautiful cities. The working title of the book was "The Big Gay European Road Trip Novel" and that's what it wonderfully is!

The book is told from Monty's POV and the author absolutely nails the voice. It is infuriating in the best way possible when Monty doesn't catch something or interprets a situation in the wrong way. All three of the main characters are written so well. They make such a great team of misfits.

Obviously, I absolutely loved this book. I'm going to be recommending it to so many people. It's a fun, adventure story with queer characters that takes place in 1700s Europe! I'm super stoked for the next book in this universe ("The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy" is expected to be released sometime in 2018). I give this book a 5/5. You will love it!   
  
--PAUL