after having read the full version of this novel i thought this would be a simplistic reversioning of it to another format, but i can't emphasize enouafter having read the full version of this novel i thought this would be a simplistic reversioning of it to another format, but i can't emphasize enough how much the art and storytelling elevated the story all over again for me. this was really a masterful translation with GORGEOUS watercolor art and i would highly recommend both this and the original novel. this was so deeply emotional and has definitely secured its place as one of my favorite graphic novels. it's such a striking story about violence and grief and the "rules" Black men have to follow and whether or not the main character will break free from those expectations. gorgeously written and gorgeously illustrated, i have no notes. zero.
this was so sweet and fun! it reminded me of animal crossing kind of, being a guide book on how to recover from hard times and lean on your friends withis was so sweet and fun! it reminded me of animal crossing kind of, being a guide book on how to recover from hard times and lean on your friends with some witchy vibes and a talking toad. this was witty and cute but also had some tough themes and definitely stood as a metaphor for giving yourself grace and recovering from hard times.
not a full five stars because i didn't entirely understand the action at the end and this was sometimes a bit dry, but i applaud the art and narration style because i've never read anything like it. it's one of the most story-forward graphic novels i've ever read and the dialogue and typography was so unique.
i definitely recommend this if you want a witchy book with some deeper themes about self-love!...more
once i get over that this is lesbian porn written by a man, i do think it had a really sweet and funny plot. there's four more volumes and i'm excitedonce i get over that this is lesbian porn written by a man, i do think it had a really sweet and funny plot. there's four more volumes and i'm excited to see where it goes because i liked the characters in this so far. not much else to say other than this is almost exactly what you think it is based on the description haha...more
this book was so sweeeeet. the main character and her friend group felt like a realistic girl friend group, and i loved the setting of this and the cothis book was so sweeeeet. the main character and her friend group felt like a realistic girl friend group, and i loved the setting of this and the coming of age progression of the plot. it always makes me feel a bit warm to read stories of tentative first love between two girls and any positive reception from family members and friends, so i appreciated it for that....more
This is probably the most beautiful art I've seen in a graphic novel to date, but beautiful art does not make up for incomprehensible plot. I've officThis is probably the most beautiful art I've seen in a graphic novel to date, but beautiful art does not make up for incomprehensible plot. I've officially decided that I can't read sci-fi graphic novels because they don't give you enough time to learn the world or characters, and this was exactly that case. I read on just to see if I would eventually get a grasp of the characters and plot and world, but by the end of this, I still couldn't tell you what the conflict was or who the characters are or what different types of creatures this world has. Would I have liked this in a novel format? Probably. But as is, it just throws you to the wolves and makes you figure it out without much help, and I was left clueless in the dust.
Merged review:
This is probably the most beautiful art I've seen in a graphic novel to date, but beautiful art does not make up for incomprehensible plot. I've officially decided that I can't read sci-fi graphic novels because they don't give you enough time to learn the world or characters, and this was exactly that case. I read on just to see if I would eventually get a grasp of the characters and plot and world, but by the end of this, I still couldn't tell you what the conflict was or who the characters are or what different types of creatures this world has. Would I have liked this in a novel format? Probably. But as is, it just throws you to the wolves and makes you figure it out without much help, and I was left clueless in the dust....more
I was really hesitant to read a sports-centered story because I have a history of getting bored during them, and although this book wasn't the *most* I was really hesitant to read a sports-centered story because I have a history of getting bored during them, and although this book wasn't the *most* interesting because it did have to explain a lot about fencing, I found I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for volume 2! The set-up of the conflict and emotional angst and camaraderie between the two main characters was aggravating yet addicting, and I can't wait until we get an issue that further explore Nicholas's backstory because he really intrigues me as a main character. The art in this is like Alex + Ada where it's simplistic and realistic, therefore easy to follow, which I tend to prefer.
I wish this would've contained more volumes because it almost feels like there was no storyline and it was just a set-up for what's to come, but still, I read it in one sitting and it was very enjoyable and had me gasping out loud at the progression of the plot, so I'm eager to keep reading!
Merged review:
I was really hesitant to read a sports-centered story because I have a history of getting bored during them, and although this book wasn't the *most* interesting because it did have to explain a lot about fencing, I found I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for volume 2! The set-up of the conflict and emotional angst and camaraderie between the two main characters was aggravating yet addicting, and I can't wait until we get an issue that further explore Nicholas's backstory because he really intrigues me as a main character. The art in this is like Alex + Ada where it's simplistic and realistic, therefore easy to follow, which I tend to prefer.
I wish this would've contained more volumes because it almost feels like there was no storyline and it was just a set-up for what's to come, but still, I read it in one sitting and it was very enjoyable and had me gasping out loud at the progression of the plot, so I'm eager to keep reading!...more
screaming. crying. throwing up. crying again. currently listening to "i wanna be with you" by chloe moriondo as i type this review.screaming. crying. throwing up. crying again. currently listening to "i wanna be with you" by chloe moriondo as i type this review....more
This book was a gorgeous and creative 1930s (20s? 40s?) retelling of Snow White. I'm baffled that the cover for this does NOT match the art inside andThis book was a gorgeous and creative 1930s (20s? 40s?) retelling of Snow White. I'm baffled that the cover for this does NOT match the art inside and wish that it did better justice to the story, which was gorgeously portrayed even if it did go by fast and some parts might be a tad confusing. I'm happy I read it though and would definitely recommend it if you see it at a library or used bookstore....more
I've been feeling so slumpy lately, so this was a good kickstart as something I could read in a sitting or two. It was easy to understand and I liked I've been feeling so slumpy lately, so this was a good kickstart as something I could read in a sitting or two. It was easy to understand and I liked the setting and the modern take on a circus that mainly just profits on individuals who look different and thus are vilified by society. It was a bit surface level for me, but it was an easy and interesting read!...more
what a lovely ending to this cozy fantasy trilogy! this art style is one of the most gorgeous i've read and almost reminds me of animal crossing/videowhat a lovely ending to this cozy fantasy trilogy! this art style is one of the most gorgeous i've read and almost reminds me of animal crossing/video game graphics. the story is so simple to follow but packed with so much love and meaning. i especially loved that all of the previous storylines in other books fully blended together in this one, and all the series culminated into this heartwarming ending. i would highly recommend this series, as they get better with each volume and now i'm totally going to miss these characters! i guess i'll have to make a cup of tea to keep me company :')...more
this series continues to be precious and well worth the time and money (even though i got this copy from my library). the hilarity and heartwarming mothis series continues to be precious and well worth the time and money (even though i got this copy from my library). the hilarity and heartwarming moments continue, and this book is set over the summer holidays on a school trip to paris, which i think added a neat layer of interest to the setting and set up some interesting scenarios (*cough* one bed trope).
this installment veers from the previous two because it begins to address more serious topics. the first two volumes weren't necessarily pure fluff because there was a lot of discussion around grappling with sexuality, but this book now weaves in more teen issues like self harm and eating disorders. although it garnered a great discussion, it also led to moments of preachiness that i'm just not a fan of. in certain scenes, it seemed like the author was speaking through the characters rather than the characters speaking for themselves, which is the first time i've felt like that this whole series.
still, i have volume four ready to pick up from the library and can't wait to continue! nick and charlie's story is so engrossing and optimistic. i can't wait to see how it will be adapted for the netflix show....more
another annual reread and DAMN i still love this book. it's so layered and the thing i love most about it is i don't quite understand it, breread 2025
another annual reread and DAMN i still love this book. it's so layered and the thing i love most about it is i don't quite understand it, but that's what keeps me coming back for more. it's so subtle but the architecture and the metaphor of a 3-year winter and the dreariness of the years dragging on while these kids are growing up and the broken family dynamics......... man i just can't get enough of this. one of these days i'm gonna just have to read it 3 times back to back instead of the once.
reread 2023
this book feels like a deep cut since it's tillie's debut and it's sooo underrated. honestly it gives me the same thrill of watching the polar express around the holidays because on the surface it's a wintery story but there's so many little details that are sinister and confusing. every read i think i'll notice something new. this time around it was easier to distinguish which characters are which, but the panels so do much back and forth movement with the framing of past vs present that i think it'll take me a few more reads to fully catch the essence of this story.
still, i love rereading it in winter even though it is dreary.
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This book has the most beautiful storyline and drawings. The best part was the architecture and the mood of this book, which were both so stunning it's hard to translate in a review. Gorgeous yet melancholy is the closest I can describe it. The magical elements of this were sweet, like a horse-sized cat the main character rides around on, and the family ties were also interesting. My only complaint, which is more of a suggestion than a complaint, is I wish the drawings were colored in to help distinguish between characters more easily. There's a large family in this book, and around the last half of the book it was hard to understand what occurred because it was hard to see who was who. But I literally cannot wait to reread this on a dreary snowy day and re-experience it. It would be such a neat animated movie, too. Basically I loved it but wish the middle and end were more comprehensible, but I'm sure on future rereads I'll understand better....more
This book is so tiny and pretty, but it reads like an illustrated poem and I'm not sure I entirely grasped it. It's short enough that I could reread iThis book is so tiny and pretty, but it reads like an illustrated poem and I'm not sure I entirely grasped it. It's short enough that I could reread it in 5 minutes, but since it is so short, I wish it packed more of a punch....more
This little sapphic story was sweet but I think I need to bite the bullet and admit that Tillie's books aren't for me. As much as I want to adore themThis little sapphic story was sweet but I think I need to bite the bullet and admit that Tillie's books aren't for me. As much as I want to adore them and as much as I relate to them, they feel so emotionless to me. I think it aims for melancholy but lands somewhere between dreary and hard to understand, and it's a trend in all of her books....more
Loved learning more about Oliver! This is the best graphic novel series. It reads like middle grade but has such deep themes and engaging writing, eveLoved learning more about Oliver! This is the best graphic novel series. It reads like middle grade but has such deep themes and engaging writing, even though it's a graphic novel. Love....more
I have nothing new to say about cute, wholesome, but darkly interesting these books are. This isn't my favorite volume in the series pace and content I have nothing new to say about cute, wholesome, but darkly interesting these books are. This isn't my favorite volume in the series pace and content wise, but it's definitely kept my interest for all these volumes and it's up there with my favorite mangas I can't wait to own. Time to harass my library to buy the last volumes in the series hehehe....more
This was so amazing!!! It's a rare compliment when I say that the writing style of a graphic novel is good--because usually it's the art that4.5 stars
This was so amazing!!! It's a rare compliment when I say that the writing style of a graphic novel is good--because usually it's the art that takes precedence in this format--but the writing style of this was gorgeous and the art style matched that perfectly. I can easily get lost while reading sci-fi, but this was a creative and imaginative world that touched on deep earth colonies, cryogenic freezing, and augmented reality without ever swamping the reader with too much information or technology. Despite their circumstances, the characters really shone through. I adored Amy and her parents and her friend groups, and I also think it was interesting that in a book with so many resources and technologies available to cause trouble, the actual conflict of the story was actually within Amy herself. This story of growth and coming to terms with your home was an intriguing journey that was both enlightening to read as a sci-fi tale but also metaphorically very relevant for adolescents and adults alike. My only complaint about this book is that it's called Space Boy and introduces this space boy character even though the book revolves around Amy. I was questioning what this boy's relevance was in the story because he was only shown twice, and even then, so little is revealed about him. Obviously I'll have to read on to find out--and I definitely intend to--but I think it odd that he was left out so much in a story that's literally titled after him. But like I said, I will be requesting the sequels at my library immediately because I can't wait to see where the character development, friendships, and conflict go from here!...more
This book was so sweet!! I've read ghost x human love stories before and always was skeptical, but this one pulled it off super well and I a3.75 stars
This book was so sweet!! I've read ghost x human love stories before and always was skeptical, but this one pulled it off super well and I actually liked how this dabbled more in the paranormal world than the real one with the main character sort of acting as a liaison between the two. I loved the blooming relationship which was tentative but also fun and outgoing. The art style was pastel and beautiful, and it almost looked like video game graphics, which I thought was neat.
My only issue with this book was that the pacing and structure of it felt a bit off. I wish we'd had more time to see the two's relationship progress and to witness moments where their bond to each other strengthened because the concision of the plot made it seem a bit like instalove. Also, I wish the relationship between Hamal and the paranormal world was explained better because I didn't quite understand the way that he was equipped with supernatural powers. Also, the end threw in a chapter that was set one year after the ending of the book, and I thought that it was a nice way to see what the characters were doing after everything, but I wish it could have either been expanded so that the novel had two equal parts or else separated entirely, expanded, and made into a sequel. It felt long-winded and unnecessarily complicated for an epilogue, even though there did end up being a happily ever after.
But I loved the m/m relationship and the representation of two men of color falling in love amidst an emotional whirlwind of a plot. Also, the fact that the main character worked in a flower shop was such a nice, sweet touch. I definitely recommend this if you want a paranormal/fantastical graphic novel with a queer relationship....more
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