Reviews

Take a big caldron. Add in all the aesthetic appeal of Halloween, the solidity of best friendship, the coziness of a giant sweater, a glowing rainbow palette of colors, the budding romance between two girls, and all the haunted hijinks you can think off - stir 'em all together and you've got "Beetle and the Hollowbones". This graphic novel is captivatingly magical, and absolutely bursting at the seams with humor, charm, and some of the most lovable characters you'll ever read.

Here's the downlow: Beetle is a young goblin witch who spends her days training under her Gran, trying to master goblin magic, learning how to ride a broom, and hanging out at the local mall with her BFF Blob Ghost and getting into shenanigans. Oh yeah, BG is also mysteriously tied to the mall and they can't leave, so Beetle is trying to figure out THAT situation. And now, Beetle's old friend Kat is back in town, and with Kat's appearance comes a whole lot of other feelings Beetle has to sort through. On top of all that, Kat's cunning aunt has her own plans that could spell THE END for everything Beetle loves.

There is so much to admire about this book: first, the world of "Beetle" is incredibly well realized and fleshed out- the magic system, the citizens of 'Allowstown, even the pop culture embedded in the world feel like you've stepped through that wardrobe and into a very real place with history. The artwork is just downright dreamy; I love the interior shots of Beetle's home and the opening spreads of her flying lesson! And like I said, the characters are so SO good! Blob Ghost is my personal favorite; for a character who doesn't literally speak out loud, they are delightfully expressive and look so huggable. :3 I need a BG plushie in my life NOW.

Literally the only thing I think could have been added is a short explanation of how the Council works/operates, but honestly that's partially just because I'm nosy and like magic councils. But that really doesn't have to do with anything else in the plot (maybe we'll see it in a sequel though?!)

"Beetle and the Hollowbones" is a 5-star book through and through, and I would highly recommend it for both young readers, adults, or really just anyone who wants a wonderful dose of magical reading.
(Preorder link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Beetle-the-Hollowbones/Aliza-Layne/9781534441545)