Red Skies Falling (Skybound #2) by Alex London - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group 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: Red Skies Falling (Skybound #2)
Author: Alex London
Release Date: September 3, 2019

Black Wings Beating REVIEW

Synopsis: In this thrilling sequel to Black Wings Beating, twins Kylee and Brysen are separated by the expanse of Uztar, but are preparing for the same war – or so they think.

Kylee is ensconsed in the Sky Castle, training with Mem Uku to master the Hollow Tongue and the Ghost Eagle. But political intrigue abounds and court drama seems to seep through the castle's stones like blood from a broken feather. Meanwhile, Brysen is still in the Six Villages, preparing for an attack by the Kartami. The Villages have become Uztar's first line of defense, and refugees are flooding in from the plains. But their arrival lays bare the villagers darkest instincts. As Brysen navigates the growing turmoil, he must also grapple with a newfound gift, a burgeoning crush on a mysterious boy, and a shocking betrayal.

The two will meet again on the battlefield, fighting the same war from different sides―or so they think. The Ghost Eagle has its own plans.

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Review: I absolutely LOVED Black Wings Beating! This sequel takes those characters into darker places. War is even closer to both Kylee and Brysen. I feel like this book really takes the complexity of war times and expands on them. Moral grayness is abound. Conflicting priorities and viewpoints drive the action in this book. The amazing world Alex London created is expanded on even more. Everything in this culture is related to birds and I love it. The tiny avian allusions made me smile every single time.

This book took a lot longer for me to read. 2019 was a reading slump for me when it comes to prose (non-graphic) books. I think this book has middle-of-a-trilogy difficulties. Everything has been established and we just get to learn more about the details of things. Kylee and Brysen's stories feel more separate in this book, but they do have connections. It felt like more big action things happened, but there still were some huge thrilling moments. I think my views of this are due mostly to me reading it slowly over a long period of time.

I give this book a 5/5. If you liked Black Wings Beating then you MUST read this book! And if you haven't read Black Wings Beating, you are completely missing out. Just the fact that a YA Fantasy trilogy with queer leads like this exists is so exciting for me!


--PAUL

The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived (Picture Book) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived
Author: Daniel Errico
Illustrator: Shiloh Penfield
Recent Release Date: April 28, 2019


Synopsis: Knights, dragons, and princesses are the things all good fairytales are made of, but what happens when the tale has an LGBTQ ending? Follow Cedric on his journey from his days on a humble pumpkin farm to the adventures that lead him to become a full-fledged knight. Once a knight, discover how he uses his cleverness and courage to vanquish a fire-breathing dragon and rescue a beautiful prince and princess. It is only then does Sir Cedric face his most difficult challenge. Will he follow his heart, and prove that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose for yourself how your fairy tale ends?

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Review: It is so great to see a children's picture book with these themes. This is a simple story, but such a great message. A young boy with pumpkin armor grows up to be a squire. Then a knight. Then conquers a dragon. And finds true love. It is all so adorable. The pumpkin imagery throughout the story is also great.

I give this book a 5/5. Great art and a great story. Small humans should all have this book read to them.


--PAUL

Midnight Radio by Iolanda Zanfardino (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Lion Forge via Netgalley & Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Midnight Radio
Author/Illustrator: Iolanda Zanfardino
Release Date: June 4, 2019


Synopsis: An intriguingly interwoven tale of four lives changed by a mysterious late-night radio broadcast that wakes them up from their mundane existences. Each tale speaks to different social issues without pandering to a political agenda: LGBT+ rights, racism, social network addiction, and the difficult decision between settling down versus following your dreams. Each tale is told in a vivid, polychromatic illustration style that flows from one character to another and back again in a uniquely identifiable fashion.

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Review: This graphic novel follows four different, interconnected stories. Each character only uses one color in their panels. I really liked the style. Each story has its own theme, but they all connect. This is a very modern story. Very Millennial. It's all about the modern social media age. This is a mature graphic novel that includes nudity. 

I give this book a 4/5. I really enjoyed the artistic style of the varying stories and the modern relevancy of each story. 


--PAUL

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Gender Queer: A Memoir
Author: Maia Kobabe
Upcoming Release Date: May 28, 2019

Synopsis: In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity--what it means and how to think about it--for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

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Review: This memoir is excellent. The author takes us through eir life from childhood up to present day. The subjects of gender, sexuality, and identity are present in all parts of eir life. This could be described as a coming-out story, but a more accurate representation of coming-out. Throughout eir life, e had various identities that led to having to (or choosing to) come out. 

This memoir is so informative, but shows one person's personal experience. I learned a lot and I thought I already was pretty familiar with gender identities. I wasn't familiar with the e/em/eir pronouns.

I loved this book. The artwork and flow of the story blends so well into a story you're going to read in one sitting. I think this book would be great for anyone unsure about their own gender or are curious about non-binary and gender queer experiences. I give this book a 5/5 and will be recommending it to everyone this summer!   


--PAUL

A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities (graphic novel) - 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: A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities
Creators: Mady G & J.R. Zuckerberg
Upcoming Release Date: April 23, 2019

Synopsis: In this quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities, cartoonists Mady G and JR Zuckerberg guide you through the basics of the LGBT+ world! Covering essential topics like sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and navigating relationships, this guide explains the spectrum of human experience through informative comics, interviews, worksheets, and imaginative examples. A great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys!

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Review: This is a fun, informative graphic novel about queer and trans identities. The information is distributed through a snail teaching other snails about humans. Topics cover sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, relationship basics, dysphoria, asexuality, and more. There are personal examples from a friend's life. Interspersed is an adorable story about Sproutling, a group of creatures that come in all different identities. There's also a fun activity section at the end of the graphic novel. 

This is a fun, educational book. I learned a lot. The information is expansive, respectful, & inclusive. I give this graphic novel a 5/5.


--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

Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Aquicorn Cove
Author: Katie O'Neill
Upcoming Release Date: October 16, 2018

Synopsis: When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness.

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Review: Katie O'Neill is an amazing storyteller. Not only is her art adorable, but her characters and story are beautifully woven. This story has grief at the heart of it, but there are also adorable mythical animals and a connection to the sea. A sibling relationship is shown between sisters. A grieving father and his young daughter help an island recover. There are big world issues involved such as over-fishing and global climate change, but the story itself is very personal. 

I give this comic a 5/5. It's a beautifully adorable story about modern environmental issues and grieving. This is another wonderful work of art from Katie O'Neill. 


--PAUL

Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles
Author: Mark Russell 
Artist: Mike Feehan
Recent Release Date: August 28, 2018

Synopsis: Heavens to Murgatroyd! Hanna-Barbera’s very own Snagglepuss is reimagined in a brand-new series, EXIT STAGE LEFT: THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES, by author Mark Russell (THE FLINTSTONES)!

It’s 1953. While the United States is locked in a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, the gay Southern playwright known as Snagglepuss is the toast of Broadway. But success has made him a target. As he plans for his next hit play, Snagglepuss becomes the focus of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. And when powerful forces align to purge show business of its most subversive voices, no one is safe!

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Review: Mark Russell does an excellent job of putting a new spin on older properties. His Flinstones comic series was excellent and now he tackles another Hanna Barbera property: Snagglepuss. This comic takes place in Washington D.C. in 1953 at the height of the Communism scare. Russell manages to tell a historical, yet timely story. There are references to many cultural points such as Stonewall and Marilyn Monroe, but all through a modern lens. 

This is not a children's comic book. There are some very adult themes. Huckleberry Hound's re-imagining is tragic. The raid at Stonewall is so damn emotional. The struggle between Capitalism and Communism is shown. Everything in this comic is dark and deep. There's also a historical glossary at the end of the volume.

This story is excellently written. I can't wait to see what classic character or series Russell tackles next. It is very strange to think of the source material after reading this book. I give this graphic novel a 5/5. 


--PAUL

Black Wings Beating by Alex London - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Black Wings Beating
Author: Alex London
Recent Release Date: September 25, 2018

Synopsis: The people of Uztar have long looked to the sky with hope and wonder. Nothing in their world is more revered than the birds of prey and no one more honored than the falconers who call them to their fists.

Brysen strives to be a great falconer--while his twin sister, Kylee, rejects her ancient gifts for the sport and wishes to be free of falconry. She's nearly made it out, too, but a war is rolling toward their home in the Six Villages, and no bird or falconer will be safe.

Together the twins must journey into the treacherous mountains to trap the Ghost Eagle, the greatest of the Uztari birds and a solitary killer. Brysen goes for the boy he loves and the glory he's long craved, and Kylee to atone for her past and to protect her brother's future. But both are hunted by those who seek one thing: power.

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Review: I have been waiting for this book. YA Fantasy is my favorite genre and to finally have a book like this with a lead queer boy means so much. I wish my teenage self had had this book. Not only is this a book with boys kissing, there's also a vast magical world based on falconry. So much thought went into the culture London created. The subtle avian references really flesh out the world.

The first chapter of this book is so intense. It paints such a wonderful picture of the world and the characters within it. The family dynamics are such a large part of this book and the first chapter paves such an excellent path for them to be thoroughly delved into. The first chapter also sets in play the chapters from adults' perspectives sprinkled throughout the book. Most of the book is from either Kylee or Brysen's persepctive. 

Going into this book, I didn't even read the synopsis. I just knew it was written by Alex London, there was falconry, and there were gay characters. I expected a gay male lead, but Brysen shares the role with his sister, Kylee. Kylee was absolutely my favorite character. Their relationship as siblings goes through so much in this book.

Love is at the center of this book. Not only romantic love, but familial and platonic. Each character is motivated by love in some way. The motivations all make sense and each character has a detailed past. 

The worldbuilding is phenomenal in this book. The bird imagery is everywhere. It's ever present. The culture is so well thought out. The geography of the area is described in such detail. I just got back from a tans Atlantic vacation and the imagery definitely reminded me of the beautiful Scandinavian landscapes.

Although this book is definitely only the first in a series, it is a complete story. I was very satisfied with the ending.

I give Black Wings Beating a 5/5. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. It's a YA Fantasy with a queer boy protagonist!!! I can only hope that one day I have a book out in the world that can be recommended alongside this one.   


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 3: Remastered (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 3: Remastered
Writers: Kieron Gillen & Si Spurrier
Artist: Emilio Laiso
Release Date: July 10, 2018


Synopsis: Simon Spurrier takes the reins as rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra jumps to light speed and accelerates into the next chapter of her life! Aphra is used to being in way over her head - but this time she's not alone! Who else is caught up in her latest misadventure? Let's hope they're friendly...otherwise Aphra may have finally bitten off more than she can chew!

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Review: Lesbians in space! Or at least, same-sex attraction. I am so excited to see queer characters in Star Wars. I can only hope representation makes its way into the films. 

Doctor Aphra is an antihero. I love how her ongoing series brings something new and different to the Star Wars comics. I especially like her dynamic with Imperial officer Magna Tolvan. Tolvan's Lawful Evil and Aphra's Chaotic Neutral(or maybe Evil?) pairs well together. 

There's a great Rebels cameo in this volume. There's also hilarious Imperial bureaucracy. As always, the evil droid duo also add so much humor. This was a great arc in this ongoing series. I am excited for more from Doctor Aphra! I give this volume a 5/5.


--PAUL

Phoenix Goes to School: A Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Phoenix Goes to School: A Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children
Authors: Michelle Finch & Phoenix Finch
Upcoming Release Date: July 19, 2018

Synopsis: My Mommy tells me I'm perfect and to be brave.

"You know who you are," she says,

"Just be yourself and always listen to your heart."

With those words of encouragement from her Mom, Phoenix is preparing for her first day of school. She is excited but scared of being bullied because of her gender identity and expression. Yet when she arrives at school she finds help and support from teachers and friends, and finds she is brave enough to talk to other kids about her gender!

This is an empowering and brightly-illustrated children's book for children aged 3+ to help children engage with gender identity in a fun, uplifting way. It supports trans children who are worried about being bullied or misunderstood. 

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Review: This picture book is a cute, short story about a girl being nervous about how people will react when she wears a dress to school. A young girl and her mother wrote this story together about their own personal experiences. In addition to the story, there are also resources included with the book. There are questions to use to initiate a conversation with children about gender. There are also resources for adults and parents about trans issues.

There is plenty of colorful artwork in this picture book. Phoenix is relatable to any child. The fact that this book was written by a daughter and her mother makes it even more adorable. I give this picture book a 5/5.


--PAUL

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
Author: Archie Bongiovanni & Tristan Jimerson
Upcoming Release Date: June 12, 2018

Synopsis: Archie, a snarky genderqueer artist, is tired of people not understanding gender neutral pronouns. Tristan, a cisgender dude, is looking for an easy way to introduce gender neutral pronouns to his increasingly diverse workplace. The longtime best friends team up in this short and fun comic guide that explains what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them. They also include what to do if you make a mistake, and some tips-and-tricks for those who identify outside of the binary to keep themselves safe in this binary-centric world. A quick and easy resource for people who use they/them pronouns, and people who want to learn more!

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Review: I absolutely love that this is a comic! It's a comic that is made to educate and inform people on gender neutral pronouns, specifically they/them. The format is conversational with a few nice diagrams. This comic covers so many great topics including pronouns in general, misgendering, and gender neutral pronouns. It's told in a fun, and sometimes sarcastic way. The emphasis is on building empathy.

"Nothing is as cool as being an empathetic and respectful person."

I give this educational comic a 5/5. I HIGHLY recommend this. This comic would be a great gift for friends, family, AND co-workers.


--PAUL

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

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

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Title: Moonstruck, Vol. 1
Writer: Grace Ellis
Artists: Shae Beagle & Kate Leth
Upcoming Release Date: March 27, 2018

Synopsis: Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it's up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it's too late.

The first chapter of the brand new, all-ages magical coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator GRACE ELLIS and talented newcomer SHAE BEAGLE.

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Review: This comic is adorable! I love the light and pastel colors used. The character design is breathtaking. I loved spending time on each panel just admiring the background characters. I want so many more stories set in this modern world full of paranormal people. There are werewolves, medusa, and so much more. My favorite is the gender queer centaur barista! There's also a magic show...in a world full of magic. I love it!

In addition to the main story, there's a meta-story of an old family comic in the spirit of Boxcar Children or Babysitters Club, called Pleasant Mountain Sisters. Julie's scribbling is even in the margins of the comic since she's a super fan. 

This comic is full of wonderful diversity. I love the main crew and want to see more of their adventures! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this comic! I give it a 5/5! 


--PAUL

Bingo Love (comic) by Tee Franklin - Paul's REVIEW

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

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Title: Bingo Love
Writer: Tee Franklin
Artist: Jenn St. Onge and Joy San
Upcoming Release Date: February 20, 2018

Synopsis: Bingo Love is a story of a same-sex romance that spans over 60 years. A chance meeting at church bingo in 1963 brings Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray together. Through their formative years, these two women develop feelings for each other and finally profess their love for one another.

Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid 60’s, Hazel and Mari are reunited again at a bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

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Review: This is a beautiful story. It's the story of two black grandmas in love. And how they became in love. And the challenges their love faced. I don't have many words for this comic other than to tell you to go buy it immediately. The world needs more stories like this. Especially stories told in such beautiful colorful artwork as this is. I highly recommend this to everyone. A well deserved 5/5. 


--PAUL

The Prince and the Dressmaker (comic) by Jen Wang - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from First Second Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Prince and the Dressmaker
Author: Jen Wang
Upcoming Release Date: February 13, 2018

Synopsis: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart.

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Review: This story is a whimsical and refreshing tale. Its a fun, easy, and a quick read. Prince Sebastian is hiding a secret life and Frances the dressmaker helps him to live his dreams. This is an interesting tale of friendship and family. Fashion is at the front of the story with many beautiful pages of color. This book plays with gender norms in an amazing way. I want more progressive stories like this. I give this book a 5/5 and highly recommend it.  


--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