Friday, December 21, 2018

Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 2 (comic)- Paul's REVIEW


Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 2 (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Saban's Go Go Power Rangers, Vol. 2
Writer: Ryan Parrott
Artists: Dan Mora & Raul Angulo
Recent Release Date: December 18, 2018

Go Go Power Rangers, Vol.1

Synopsis: No one said being a Power Ranger would be easy, but the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers didn’t expect Rita Repulsa to kidnap one of their own before the Homecoming Dance!

Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Trini, and Billy are well on their way to finding their place as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Juggling school, superhero extracurriculars, and budding romance--our favorite teen heroes have it all under control. But when one of them has the opportunity of a lifetime that might lead to leaving the team, the dastardly Rita Repulsa kidnaps a Ranger to use the deadliest weapon known to teens: high school drama. 

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Review: Another great volume from Boom! Studios. This series is so good. It keeps the "learning a message" arc feel of the original tv series, but extends the arc to a whole volume instead of 30 minutes of children's action tv. This gives more depth to the characters and really lets them shine. The personality traits merely hinted at in the show are given room to grow. 


This volume features a prom. Seeing the rangers and other Angel Grove teens pair up is fun. I am all about this potential Trini and Jason future pairing. Matthew is a big focus of this volume. He's not the only original character for the comic that I want to see more of. Violet is introduced as a shy, nerdy love interest for Zack. 

The continuity in these new comics is so great. Especially for a series known for very loose continuity and canon. Billy's interaction with Promethea!!!

The rangers training with their zords is so cinematic. I love the art in this book. The rangers discovering the hidden powers of each of their individual zords is awesome.

In each issue, we get a little glimpse of Rita assembling her squad over the years. I like how even Rita's character is getting fleshed out. Her obsession with loyalty. Baboo and Squatt each get their moments.

There is in-universe Power Rangers merchandise!

At the end of this volume, there's a Shattered Grid tease. I am so ready for this epic event to start! I usually wait to read the compiled volumes, but I may have got a few single Shattered Grid issues.

I give this second volume in Go Go Power Rangers a 5/5! Parrott is doing a wonderful job with this series. If you haven't started these comics, you need to!     


--PAUL

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Saban's Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon (comic) by Kyle Higgins - Paul's REVIEW


Saban's Power Rangers: Soul of the DragonAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Saban's Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artists: Giuseppe Cafaro & Marcelo Costa
Recent Release Date: December 11, 2018

Synopsis: When Tommy Oliver’s son goes missing, he comes out of retirement to find him. 

It’s been a long time since Tommy Oliver has served as a Power Ranger. He’s defeated space witches, brought down evil armies, protected the galaxy, but now Tommy leaves protecting the world to the Power Rangers at Space Patrol Delta. But when his son goes missing, it’s up to Tommy to discover a secret in his past, in order to save his future. Now Tommy will call on all his training, his friends, and maybe even some of his enemies as he sets out on his most important mission: find his son and bring him home.



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Review: I was anxiously awaiting the release of this graphic novel. Not only is it an "old man Tommy" story, but it's also Kyle Higgins's final story from his run with the Power Rangers comics. Higgins really made Boom! Studios's comics excellent, taking a modern and more in depth look at the classic teenagers with attitude. I read the comics as they are released in graphic novel format so I still have more of Higgins's Shattered Grid to read.


This comic takes place in a near future where Tommy and Katherine are married with an adult son. He works with SPD and goes missing at the beginning of the comic. The future portrayed shows aliens on Earth as well as common space travel. It connects the world from the original Mighty Morphin series to SPD. It's futuristic, but grounded. 

There are some excellent action sequences in this book featuring all of Tommy Oliver's ranger suits from over the years. There are some great cameos from characters from the original series. My favorite was Finster. The Witch is also a great reveal.

I really enjoyed this story. There was so much set up in this graphic novel that I hope Higgins gets a chance to follow up in some way. I wish Kat would have been utilized better. JJ ends the book in such an awesome space that I hope we get to see more of him. The story felt a little stunted. Higgins could have made many issues from this concept.

I give this graphic novel a 5/5. Kyle Higgins has a knack for story and style. I really hope he returns to Power Rangers storytelling in some way in the future.     


--PAUL

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol. 5: The Spark and the Fire (comic) - Paul's REVIEW


Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol. 5: The Spark and the FireAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol. 5: The Spark and the Fire
Writers: Charles Soule & Jody Houser
Artists: Angel Unzueta, Arif Prianto, & Andrea Broccardo
Recent Release Date: December 4, 2018

Poe Dameron Vol.1
Poe Dameron Vol.2
Poe Dameron Vol.3
Poe Dameron Vol.4

Synopsis: Lor San Tekka has been found! Now Poe Dameron is off to recover the missing link to legendary Jedi master Luke Skywalker's whereabouts. But his plan goes astray when the First Order intervenes on Jakku... Meanwhile, the rest of Black Squadron takes off on their most daring mission yet! Follow everyone's favorite Resistance crew as Poe Dameron tells Rey and Finn all about his unseen adventures during the events of Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: POE DAMERON 26-31 and ANNUAL #2.



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Review: This is the conclusion of the ongoing Poe Dameron comic series. Over the first four volumes, Black Squadron went on missions for the Resistance gathering intel on the rising First Order. This volume begins at the conclusion of The Last Jedi with Poe, Rey, and Finn aboard the Falcon. Through different characters interacting, the story of The Force Awakens and The Lats Jedi is retold from new perspectives. We get to see what the Black Squadron was up to the whole time. I really enjoyed the format of this volume.


My favorite part of this comic is the interactions between primary characters. Nien Nunb makes an appearance! In the third issue, there's an epic reveal about who's interacting.  

After reading this, I'm really hoping that Episode IX has a time jump. The Annual #2 that is also included in this volume was unimpressive to me. It takes place prior to The Force Awakens and features some strange cameos that I didn't think fit well with the story. 

I give this volume a 4/5. I look forward to seeing Poe and the Black Squadron making appearances again in comics closer to Episode IX.


--PAUL

Friday, December 14, 2018

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Imbalance, Part One (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Dark Horse Books in exchange for an honest review*

Avatar: The Last Airbender: Imbalance, Part OneAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Imbalance, Part One
Writers: Faith Erin Hicks, Michael Dante DiMartino, & Bryan Konietzko  
Illustrator: Peter Wartman 
Upcoming Release Date: December 18, 2018

Synopsis: When Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph return to Earthen Fire Industries--the factory owned by Toph's father--Team Avatar finds that the once small town is now booming. Expecting a warm welcome, Aang is surprised when their arrival is met with unimpressed, cold-shouldered spectators. As soon as the team is asked for help at a business council meeting, the reason for the slight becomes clear--a massive bender versus non-bender conflict has gripped the town and is threatening to turn violent.



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Review: I love that the world of the Avatar has continued via comic. This is the first part of the newest story of Aang and his friends. The bender vs non-bender conflict appears in this graphic novel. Toph's father's company's city is booming. It's a city full of industry. It has the vibes of Republic City from The Legend of Korra. One of the topics of this story is how progress can leave some individuals behind. 


This is a good start to this arc in Aang's continuing story. I give this volume a 4/5. Definitely a must-read for Avatar friends.


--PAUL

Friday, November 30, 2018

Outpost Zero, Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

Outpost Zero, Vol. 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Outpost Zero, Vol. 1
Writer: Sean Kelly McKeever
Illustrators: Alexandre Tefenkgi and Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Recent Release Date: November 13, 2018

Synopsis: Welcome to Outpost Zero: the smallest town in the universe. The people there work the land, go to the fights every Friday night, and tuck their children into bed... but the Outpost is no place for dreams. To survive is ambitious enough. As Alea and her friends graduate to adulthood under the artificial sky of a faulty biome, on a frozen world never meant to support human life... something stirs. Something sees.

Explore the mysteries and wonder of the Frost in this collection by Eisner-winning writer SEAN KELLEY McKEEVER, artist ALEXANDRE TENGFENKI, and colorist JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU.

Collects OUTPOST ZERO #1-4



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Review: This comic takes place on a generation ship turned colony. Alea is the 14 year old protagonist. A friend of hers appears to have committed suicide. The colony has many difficulties. It has a small town feel with a loose government that is pretty much organized like a company with different groups controlling different aspects. The inter-team conflicts lend to some fun politics. 


This comic doesn't really push the envelope. There's some questionable dialogue about adoptive parents. I wish this comic had more diversity and representation. 

This is a small town teen drama, but on a colony in space. Unfortunately there isn't much resolution by the end of the first volume, so I will be looking out for volume two. I give this book a 3.5/5


--PAUL

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Wasted Space, Vol.1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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


Wasted Space, Vol. 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Wasted Space, Vol. 1
Writer: Michael Moreci
Illustrator: Hayden Sherman 
Recent Release Date: October 9, 2018

Synopsis: Billy Bane is a prophet who got it all wrong, and the galaxy has been burning ever since. All he wants is to waste away in the darkest corner of space with his best pal Dust, a supercharged Fuq bot. But when a new prophet comes calling, Billy is summoned to save the galaxy he's at least partially responsible for destroying. 

Too bad he couldn't care less. 



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Review: This graphic novel has a really cool concept. The protagonist is the voice of the creator. It's an interesting take on the prophet figure because he is very self aware. He isn't sure if he actually hears words from a god or has mental health issues. In his group he also has a Fuq Bot (it's exactly what it sounds like) who can also function as a Qil Bot (self explained). 


This comic has a far future sci-fi feel like The Fifth Element or Valerian. The art style has a sketch, gritty feel to it. It matches this, sometimes confusing, world well. 

This comic is fun, but confusing at times. I give this book a 3/5.  


--PAUL

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Unnatural Vol. 1: Awakening (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

Unnatural Vol. 1: AwakeningAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Unnatural Vol. 1: Awakening
Writer & Illustrator: Mirka Andolfo
Recent Release Date: November 21, 2018

Synopsis: Leslie J. Blair is a simple pig girl. She loves sushi, and she hates her job. Her world is dominated by a totalitarian government that interferes in the personal lives of its citizens, punishing transgressors for so-called "unnatural" relationships. Leslie dreams of something different for herself, but these dreams are becoming dangerous. And, when she wakes up, she thinks she's being watched... The hit Italian comic, an erotic fantasy/romantic suspense series by MIRKA ANDOLFO (Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, DC Comics Bombshells), will take you to a colorful but terrible world full of anthropomorphic creatures—but light on personal freedoms. Collects UNNATURAL #1-4



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Review: This is an adult comic. This graphic novel starts with nudity and a sex scene. The art style used is so beautiful and sexy. This world is inhabited by anthropomorphic people of all different animal species, but it is illegal love to be with a person of a different species. At age 25, there's a dating app requirement for those not already married. The allegory in this book is great. 


Leslie has a gay bets friend and he is wonderful. All of the characters are so much fun. The character design is excellent. 

This book is fun, thrilling, and overly sexual. But, there's a strong anti-hate message. I give this book a 4.5/5. There isn't resolution at the end of this first volume so I will be looking for volume two!   


--PAUL

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Songs For The Dead Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

Songs For The Dead Vol. 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Songs For The Dead Vol. 1
Writer: Andrea Fort
Illustrator: Sam Beck 
Recent Release Date: September 26, 2018

Synopsis: Bethany is a minstrel with a heart full of adventure, a would-be hero determined to find a missing boy from the town of Llyne, and a friend to all woodland critters. But mostly the dead ones...because Bethany is also a necromancer. She's out to prove her magic isn't evil, and she'll need the help of a hot-headed, sword-swinging mercenary named Elissar—that is, she'll need the help of a friend.



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Review: A necromancer minstrel! Bethany is kindhearted and moral, but she can also bring people back to life and control them. This comic takes a lot of fantasy tropes and flips them. The meet cute in this book is so twisted, I love it. Two women form an adventuring group. The dynamic between each of the characters is so great. Bethany is so moral, but she's surrounded by quite the opposite.


It's nice to see a fantasy like this. There's beautiful artwork. There's great diversity and representation. It's a modern fantasy feel. I give this book a 5/5. I will be looking for the second volume. I want more!!! 


--PAUL

Monday, November 26, 2018

Flavor, Vol. 1 (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

Flavor, Vol. 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Flavor, Vol. 1
Writers: Joseph Keatinge and Ali Bouzari 
Illustrators: Wook Jin and Tamra Bonvillain 
Upcoming Release Date: November 27, 2018

Synopsis: Image Comics' most delicious Young Adult Culinary Fantasy is served up in a collected edition! 

Within a strange walled city, an unlicensed chef discovers a mystery that threatens to end it all. Join JOSEPH KEATINGE (GLORY, SHUTTER) and WOOK JIN CLARK (Adventure Time: The Flip Side) on this culinary epic adventure--FLAVOR--where chefs are the ultimate celebrity and food is the most valued commodity. The high-stakes competition of Hunger Games collides with the lush, MIYAZAKI-esque worldbuilding in this delectable new ongoing series featuring culinary consulting and an introduction by ALI BOUZARI, renowned food scientist and author of the IACP Award-winning cookbook Ingredient: Unveiling the Essential Elements of Food. Perfect for readers of BONE and LUMBERJANES, but with way more crepes and the world's cutest dog! 



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Review: The world in this book is so different than any I've seen before. It's a fantasy setting where the culinary arts are the center of everything. Chefs must be registered. There's a fancy academy for cooks-in-training. The worldbuilding is so cool. 


I'd say this book is Masterchef meets a fantasy dystopia. There's even a crepe recipe at the end! I give this book a 4/5. It's so unique. I'm excited to see where this series goes.


--PAUL

Friday, November 16, 2018

Watersnakes (graphic novel) by Tony Sandoval - Paul's REVIEW

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

WatersnakesAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Watersnakes
Author: Tony Sandoval
Upcoming Release Date: November 20, 2018

Synopsis: Mila is a solitary teenager ready to put another boring summer vacation behind her until she meets Agnes, an adventurous girl who turns out to be a ghost. And not just a regular ghost, but one carrying the essence of an ancient fallen king and a mouth full of teeth that used to be his guardian warriors.    Three-time Eisner Award–nominated writer/artist Tony Sandoval presents a wondrous world of secret places and dreamlike magic hidden in the everyday corners of our sleeping imagination.



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Review: This graphic novel has a very trippy, creepy beginning. The sketchy art style invokes a Tim Burton feel. The story itself is paranormal and I feel like the less you know, the better. I hadn't even read a synopsis and I enjoyed the wtf-idness as strange things kept happening. There are some pretty bloody scenes if you are sensitive to that. There's some body horror aspects as well. 


I give this graphic novel a 4/5. It has a unique aesthetic and was a great read for October. 

--PAUL

Monday, November 12, 2018

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*

The Black Bull of Norroway (Norroway, #1)Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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

Friday, November 9, 2018

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*

Mirenda Volume 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


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

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

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*

Drawn to Sex: The BasicsAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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

Friday, November 2, 2018

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*

Petit (The Ogre Gods)Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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

Thursday, November 1, 2018

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*

Isola, Vol. 1Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

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*

The Wormworld Saga: The Shelter of Hope (Wormworld Saga #2)Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


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

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

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*

What If It's UsAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

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