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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
I was a bit conflicted on what to rate this graphic novel, honestly.
I was very excited to read it, mainly because the art is beautiful. It’s all watercolors, and I loved the smart way style was used – cartoonish and deceptively sweet for the small creatures, realistic for the normal people and animals. It really sets the two worlds apart. I also enjoy the themes of loss of innocence, the slow descent into chaos and what’s of more dark in our souls. The cute, sweet fairytale creatures quickly turn fickle, cruel, egotistical. I read a review that said they represented the facets of the dead girl’s personality, as she dies and it all dissolves into chaos and entropy, and I think that’s brilliant. Also, I’m a big fan of fairytales and children’s stories turned dark and disturbing.
However. The story’s lack of a clear path and plot really bothered me. How can I follow what you’re trying to say if you’re not really going anywhere? Maybe it’s because it’s all very experimental, and more imagery than story, but I personally prefer to follow a narrative, instead of seemingly senseless dark and disturbing scenes, one after another. It’s not even about the lack of answers, because I accept that sometimes it’s best not to explain everything. But it all felt very disconnected to me. The characters are also a bit flat, except for Aurora, Plim and Zélia. None of them are much likeable, save Aurora, but that actually makes it all very interesting and fits the novel, I think.
Still, beautiful art and amazing message, even if dark and bleary. The vindication at the end was also enjoyable, in a very horrific way. All in all, I enjoyed it.
I was very excited to read it, mainly because the art is beautiful. It’s all watercolors, and I loved the smart way style was used – cartoonish and deceptively sweet for the small creatures, realistic for the normal people and animals. It really sets the two worlds apart. I also enjoy the themes of loss of innocence, the slow descent into chaos and what’s of more dark in our souls. The cute, sweet fairytale creatures quickly turn fickle, cruel, egotistical. I read a review that said they represented the facets of the dead girl’s personality, as she dies and it all dissolves into chaos and entropy, and I think that’s brilliant. Also, I’m a big fan of fairytales and children’s stories turned dark and disturbing.
However. The story’s lack of a clear path and plot really bothered me. How can I follow what you’re trying to say if you’re not really going anywhere? Maybe it’s because it’s all very experimental, and more imagery than story, but I personally prefer to follow a narrative, instead of seemingly senseless dark and disturbing scenes, one after another. It’s not even about the lack of answers, because I accept that sometimes it’s best not to explain everything. But it all felt very disconnected to me. The characters are also a bit flat, except for Aurora, Plim and Zélia. None of them are much likeable, save Aurora, but that actually makes it all very interesting and fits the novel, I think.
Still, beautiful art and amazing message, even if dark and bleary. The vindication at the end was also enjoyable, in a very horrific way. All in all, I enjoyed it.
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
fast-paced
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OMFG. That was. I don't know.
Can I please go back in time and decide NOT to read it? Ever? Pretty please?
Can I please go back in time and decide NOT to read it? Ever? Pretty please?
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was nothing like I was expecting. Loved it and hated it at the same time!
I walked into the library on my lunch break to pick up a nonfiction book for my before-bed reading. I have enough unread novels at home. I was not going to check out any fiction. I grabbed the book I was there for and then started wandering the fiction stacks. It couldn't hurt to just look, right? OK, so I hadn't read anything by Patricia Briggs in a while. I needed to check out the next in the Mercy Thompson series since it was available. But that was it. Nothing else. I marched toward the checkout desk with blinders on. I would not be deterred.
But, oh! What's that? Over on the "Staff Recommends" shelf? It's so pretty! My feet were going that way of their own volition. My hands were reaching for it. Beautiful and creepy. A quick glance at the back. Fairy tale? Sold. I had Beautiful Darkness checked out and in the car before my brain even processed what had just happened.
It truly is a beautiful book. It's large and hardcover so it was very striking on display. The interior artwork is all gorgeous too. I took my time looking over each frame.
The story--? So-so. It was very dark, in a Lord of the Flies way. I was never entirely clear exactly what happened, but I was clear enough. There's a murdered little girl in the woods. All of these fairy-ish creatures fled--her body? her mind?-- when she died. Now they're alone in a harsh world trying to survive.
All of the personalities you would expect to see in this situation show up. The "Queen Bee," demanding that the others cater to her every whim. The caretaker who is doing her best for everyone. The outcasts. The sneaky manipulators. And a whole lot of clueless people who get themselves killed for no good reason.
It was just too episodic for me. Each smaller story lasted just a few frames. There was a larger story arc and I did like that one. I did not expect the ending at all. It was deliciously shivery.
The translation was done very well. I would never have guessed it wasn't originally written in English.
If you enjoyed Lord of the Flies, you'll probably like this twisted little beauty of a book. If you're looking for a Disney-ish fairy tale, keep those feet marching toward the checkout desk. This one's pretty disturbing.
But, oh! What's that? Over on the "Staff Recommends" shelf? It's so pretty! My feet were going that way of their own volition. My hands were reaching for it. Beautiful and creepy. A quick glance at the back. Fairy tale? Sold. I had Beautiful Darkness checked out and in the car before my brain even processed what had just happened.
It truly is a beautiful book. It's large and hardcover so it was very striking on display. The interior artwork is all gorgeous too. I took my time looking over each frame.
The story--? So-so. It was very dark, in a Lord of the Flies way. I was never entirely clear exactly what happened, but I was clear enough. There's a murdered little girl in the woods. All of these fairy-ish creatures fled--her body? her mind?-- when she died. Now they're alone in a harsh world trying to survive.
All of the personalities you would expect to see in this situation show up. The "Queen Bee," demanding that the others cater to her every whim. The caretaker who is doing her best for everyone. The outcasts. The sneaky manipulators. And a whole lot of clueless people who get themselves killed for no good reason.
It was just too episodic for me. Each smaller story lasted just a few frames. There was a larger story arc and I did like that one. I did not expect the ending at all. It was deliciously shivery.
The translation was done very well. I would never have guessed it wasn't originally written in English.
If you enjoyed Lord of the Flies, you'll probably like this twisted little beauty of a book. If you're looking for a Disney-ish fairy tale, keep those feet marching toward the checkout desk. This one's pretty disturbing.