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anxious_librarian's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s Halloween night and teens are being teens, hanging out in the cemetery, seeking the answer to the age old question…can ghosts get trashed on forties? But investigating one of the mausoleums leads to a terrifying discovery when the group is pulled into a place known as the Confetti Realms and are given until evening to complete a task or remain in the realm forever.
Now I’ve seen some comments downvoting this book for not being the “spooky read” people were hoping for and I personally see that as reader error rather than the author. This may not be horror, but it has a distinct unsettling, autumnal tone. In fact my biggest recommendation is for fans of OVER THE GARDEN WALL to pick this up. The tone is incredibly similar, as well as the art style, color pallet, and character designs.
I loved seeing the humanoid animals and the sheer detail that went into their creation. This world had a major amount of thought put into it! And the not clear distinction between animal and human provided so many opportunities for dark humor and the unexpected.
So now that we’ve acknowledged that the tone here is less Halloween-y and more rustic / vintage fantasy, let’s discuss what the story is actually about. Our four main characters - Garrett, Ty, Marissa, and Radwa - each have something to face and will need to decide if working through it is possible or if the realm offers them a better chance.
At its heart CONFETTI REALMS is about life. The things we go through, how we respond, the ways our decisions impact others and ourselves. In this sense it was very thoughtful. I appreciated how not everyone’s private matters were repealed at once, instead it was a slow release that occurred as the stress built. The desire to learn about the tension between the characters helped keep the story moving without too many “but why??” questions for readers to get frustrated over.
Even those who seemed to be handling their unexpected situation well had something weighing them down. And as a side note, I want to add that I particularly loved Ty. I’ve been getting sick of flat, no effort nonbinary characters. Ty has character and dimension, frankly these kids would have been doomed without their cool head.
One thing I did not enjoy was the ambiguous ending. I’m reallyyy bad at interpreting endings. (To be honest I’m bad at interpretation in general; I did have some trouble figuring out exactly what some of the characters were dealing with too, although I did not discount their experiences just because I didn’t understand) I’ll say the final vibe was there, it felt like a nice conclusion, but like OVER THE GARDEN WALL I would have appreciated knowing what ultimately happened to the teens.
Overall, CONFETTI REALMS was a fantastical journey! One I'm very glad to have gone on.
Now I’ve seen some comments downvoting this book for not being the “spooky read” people were hoping for and I personally see that as reader error rather than the author. This may not be horror, but it has a distinct unsettling, autumnal tone. In fact my biggest recommendation is for fans of OVER THE GARDEN WALL to pick this up. The tone is incredibly similar, as well as the art style, color pallet, and character designs.
I loved seeing the humanoid animals and the sheer detail that went into their creation. This world had a major amount of thought put into it! And the not clear distinction between animal and human provided so many opportunities for dark humor and the unexpected.
So now that we’ve acknowledged that the tone here is less Halloween-y and more rustic / vintage fantasy, let’s discuss what the story is actually about. Our four main characters - Garrett, Ty, Marissa, and Radwa - each have something to face and will need to decide if working through it is possible or if the realm offers them a better chance.
At its heart CONFETTI REALMS is about life. The things we go through, how we respond, the ways our decisions impact others and ourselves. In this sense it was very thoughtful. I appreciated how not everyone’s private matters were repealed at once, instead it was a slow release that occurred as the stress built. The desire to learn about the tension between the characters helped keep the story moving without too many “but why??” questions for readers to get frustrated over.
Even those who seemed to be handling their unexpected situation well had something weighing them down. And as a side note, I want to add that I particularly loved Ty. I’ve been getting sick of flat, no effort nonbinary characters. Ty has character and dimension, frankly these kids would have been doomed without their cool head.
One thing I did not enjoy was the ambiguous ending. I’m reallyyy bad at interpreting endings. (To be honest I’m bad at interpretation in general; I did have some trouble figuring out exactly what some of the characters were dealing with too, although I did not discount their experiences just because I didn’t understand) I’ll say the final vibe was there, it felt like a nice conclusion, but like OVER THE GARDEN WALL I would have appreciated knowing what ultimately happened to the teens.
Overall, CONFETTI REALMS was a fantastical journey! One I'm very glad to have gone on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Minor: Cancer
willow_the_wisp's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Mental illness, and Cancer
pucksandpaperbacks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
CW: mention of a panic attack, mention of someone having a seizure, mention of a parent having cancer
This was an interesting graphic novel that felt somewhat like a fever dream. It has Five Nights at Freddy's & Alice in Wonderland vibes with the animatronic the group meets when they enter Confetti Realms. Set on Halloween night, a group of queer teens go to the cemetery to summon a spirit, but find themselves in Confetti Realms, a town filled with talking animals. They're tasked with collecting teeth to bring back to Tom. But, during their quest, they're faced with talking about unresolved conflicts between each other including romance.
This was such an interesting and unique story. Plus, the illustrations were stunning especially with the depictions of the animal characters.
If you liked Finna by Nino Cipiri but want to follow teens, you'll enjoy this as well.
This was an interesting graphic novel that felt somewhat like a fever dream. It has Five Nights at Freddy's & Alice in Wonderland vibes with the animatronic the group meets when they enter Confetti Realms. Set on Halloween night, a group of queer teens go to the cemetery to summon a spirit, but find themselves in Confetti Realms, a town filled with talking animals. They're tasked with collecting teeth to bring back to Tom. But, during their quest, they're faced with talking about unresolved conflicts between each other including romance.
This was such an interesting and unique story. Plus, the illustrations were stunning especially with the depictions of the animal characters.
If you liked Finna by Nino Cipiri but want to follow teens, you'll enjoy this as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
ehmannky's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A really lovely graphic novel following four queer teens each with baggage who are pulled into a fantasy realm that helps them work through their issues. I would say it's perfect for fans of Over the Garden Wall (same vibes). I thought it was charming and tackled a lot of complex issues and repairing hurt relationships and it was just nice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
Minor: Cancer
betweentheshelves's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well...this was strange. I honestly think it suffers from being too short, because the plot was confusing and I think it needed a bit more character development. This definitely would make a much better read for Halloween time, since it is actually set during Halloween. But you know, reading it in December is fine too!
I did like the art, though. There were some really great panels in here, and the world was brought to life with the artwork. The book itself would have worked better if it was a bit longer and allowed more of the characters and the plot to breath.
All in all, a quirky book that wan't quite my cup of tea.
I did like the art, though. There were some really great panels in here, and the world was brought to life with the artwork. The book itself would have worked better if it was a bit longer and allowed more of the characters and the plot to breath.
All in all, a quirky book that wan't quite my cup of tea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, and Mental illness
Minor: Terminal illness, Homophobia, and Transphobia
jilljemmett's review against another edition
4.0
On Halloween night, a group of four teens decide to explore a graveyard. They come across a mausoleum which has a giant puppet inside. He comes to life and sends them to another dimension called the Confetti Realms. He gives them the task of finding him five teeth from various creatures throughout the realm. If they find them all before that night, he will send them back home. However, as the night goes on, each of the friends realize that if they stay in the confetti realm, they won’t have to face their problems at home, so they must decide if they will stay or go back.
This story had lots of queer representation. It had a spooky atmosphere which is perfect for this time of year! The creatures they encountered were fun and entertaining. I laughed a few times while reading this graphic novel. I would have liked the ending to be less open ended because I like the closure of knowing exactly what happened.
Confetti Realms is a great Halloween graphic novel!
Thank you Mad Cave Studios for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: seizure (mention), panic attack (mention), homophobia (mention)
This story had lots of queer representation. It had a spooky atmosphere which is perfect for this time of year! The creatures they encountered were fun and entertaining. I laughed a few times while reading this graphic novel. I would have liked the ending to be less open ended because I like the closure of knowing exactly what happened.
Confetti Realms is a great Halloween graphic novel!
Thank you Mad Cave Studios for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: seizure (mention), panic attack (mention), homophobia (mention)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Homophobia
vael's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
At the beginning, I thought the story would be just a fun and spooky adventure, but what an amazing surprise, It is so much more!
The book presents four teenagers who get trapped in a strange world. The pace of the book was fast, and the character designs were amazing. My favorites were Garrett and the Birds.
It talks about different issues such as queerness, mental health, and friendship hardships. Each topic was brought up in such a good way, showing a realistic view of things within a magical world. I loved the message of the story and how it seemed to fit everyone in their own way.
I recommend giving it a try.
Thank you, NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the opportunity to read this book.
The sites and numbers the books provide at the end do work. As teens AND adults, we often think our problems are so big that nobody can understand and help us, but remember, you are never alone. Professionals are there to help when needed, and friends are there to be by our side the best they can.
The book presents four teenagers who get trapped in a strange world. The pace of the book was fast, and the character designs were amazing. My favorites were Garrett and the Birds.
It talks about different issues such as queerness, mental health, and friendship hardships. Each topic was brought up in such a good way, showing a realistic view of things within a magical world. I loved the message of the story and how it seemed to fit everyone in their own way.
I recommend giving it a try.
Thank you, NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the opportunity to read this book.
The sites and numbers the books provide at the end do work. As teens AND adults, we often think our problems are so big that nobody can understand and help us, but remember, you are never alone. Professionals are there to help when needed, and friends are there to be by our side the best they can.
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Cancer
tatyana_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to the Netgalley, Mad Cave Studios, Maverick, and authors Nadia Shammas, Karnessa, Hackto Oshiro, and Micah Myers for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own. Available as of October 17, 2023.
This graphic novel follows four teens who make a wish on Halloween and are transported to the world of Confetti Realms. Upon arrival, they are given a minor quest and learn that the entire realm is about to be transformed into a new one very soon. The idea of becoming someone else is very enticing for each teen as they struggle with their respective issues. Now, they must decide if they will stay or return to their lives.
While I enjoyed the premise, I am not sure if the storyline and conclusion did it justice. The characters move throughout the realm gaining insight from their experiences. But with four teens having different struggles, the symbolism of each experience wasn’t fully explored. On the other hand, the artwork and color palette were very suitable for this graphic novel’s fall vibes. I also appreciated that the characters actually sounded and acted like teenagers. Their understanding of identity, mental health, grief, growth, and reconciliation felt realistic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
devynreadsnovels's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cancer
obscurepages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Okay this was cute? But also I kind of wanted more 😭😂
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsical—blending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75⭐️
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsical—blending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75⭐️
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia, Cancer, and Transphobia