Batman: Nightwalker (The Graphic Novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Entertainment via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Batman: Nightwalker (The Graphic Novel)
Adapted by: Stuart Moore
Novel written by: Marie Lu
Illustrated by: Chris Wildgoose
Release Date: October 1, 2019


Synopsis: Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Marie Lu, this graphic novel adaptation brings to life the dark mysteries behind the gates of Arkham Asylum. Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and 18 year-old Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

Bruce Wayne is turning 18 and inheriting his family's fortune. But on the way home from his birthday party, he makes an impulsive choice that leads him to Arkham Asylym, the infamous mental hospital. There, he meets Madeline Wallace, a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope. Madeline is the mystery Bruce must unravel, but is he convincing her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees?

Bruce Wayne is proof that you don't need superpowers to be a superhero, but can he survive Madeleine's game of tense intrigue and deception?

This graphic novel adaptation from New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu and artist Christian Wildgoose is a dark, action-packed thrill ride! 

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Review: I'm enjoying these Young Adult graphic novel takes on DC heroes. This graphic novel is an adaptation of Marie Lu's Batman YA novel. I haven't read that book so this was my first introduction to this story. Bruce Wayne is the world's youngest billionaire at age 18. An anarchist group known as the Nightwalkers are targeting Gotham's rich. Bruce is assigned community service at Akrham Asylum. 

I really enjoyed seeing Bruce Wayne as a modern teen. This book brings up interetsing topics of wealth responsibility and inequality in a capitalist society. Also how tragedy affects people differently. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. 


--PAUL

Legend by Marie Lu - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Year Published: 2011

My Legend REVIEW

Synopsis: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Review: I finally read this book! I had heard so many good things about it. And although I did really enjoy it, I don't think it lived up to my expectations which is totally my fault. It is a great book. 

Another Dystopian YA, but this book changes some things up. I liked that June was a member of the government. With two POVs, it was nice to have different, contrasting perspectives on this interesting world. I feel like this world has only just been established. It appears to take place in a future United States, but there are only whispers of what created this world. Colonists? I'm sure we will see a lot more in the next two books. This makes me even more excited to read the next book. 

There is a lot of violence in this book, but it is dealt with in the right way. It is necessary to portray a possibly evil government. The main characters are almost like super humans with their abilities of stealth and agility.I didn't really relate to either characters. The romance seemed a little insta-love, but it wasn't that bad. I did like that family was a big part of the story though. 

I have to share a story. I started to read this book before bed and got through four chapters before falling asleep. Once asleep, I continued the story into my dreams. The story was nothing like what it ended up to be. Upon waking up, I was confused as to what even has really happened in the book. I had to reread a few pages before continuing. In my dream, Day ended up to be a chick undercover as a guy, which did not happen in the book. 

Although, I really did enjoy this book. I didn't really connect with it and I wanted more of the world building. I know the world building will be fleshed out more in the sequel, so I am really looking forward to reading it. And, I have already bought the kindle version! I give this novel a 4/5.

-PAUL

Legend by Marie Lu - Paul's PRE-READING

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Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Year Published: 2011


Synopsis: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Why?: I don't know why it has taken me so long to read this. I have heard great things about it from many different people. I'm a big YA Dystopia fan, so that enough is a good reason to read this. I've also heard there's some great diversity in this novel, but I don't know the details. 

Expectations:  I'm expecting a great Dystopian YA. I haven't seen many spoilers so I don't know what to expect other than two characters meeting by chance in a dystopian future. 

Judging a book by its cover: I like simple covers, and this definitely is that. I like the reflection of the metal. It seems very militaristic. I have picked up this book on the shelves to check it out based on the cover. 

-PAUL