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disabledbookdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
copascribe's review against another edition
4.0
I love the lore in Season of the Bruja, a story about a modern girl who is learning the way of her ancient people as a Bruja (witch). I think there were some misses, and I had to reread a couple of passages/scrutinize a couple of panels to figure out what was happening. But overall, I look forward to Volume 2 and am happy to see some Mexica myths and stories in a graphic novel format.
jr_the_pin_witch's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
quackthump's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kistireads's review against another edition
4.0
Seasons of the Bruja follows Athalia, a witch (bruja) in training with her grandmother with their familiars and friends. Isadora, Athalia's grandmother, is a kind, eccentric and powerful bruja, always trying to teach the ways to her granddaughter while bringing color and joy. However, this graphic novel definitely had an edgy and darker tone as it progresses.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel (GN) and I adore the art style immensely, I loved the amount of color and patterns, the richness of the story was also reflected in the artistry and choice of colors used. Athalia, Isadora, Dana and Chuey are all wonderful and unique characters. Each character has their own developed personality, but we really see Athalia's developmental character arc in this story/first volume.
The art and dialogue lended to the atmospheric quality of the story and helped set the tone for each scene - it was clear when a darker moment or when a lighter happier moment was happening, Despite this being a fantasy story, still set in our world, I really enjoyed the way it depicted the emotional inner world of the characters using color and dialogue.
The plot takes an unexpected turn, and from the lighter-hearted story, delves into a more intense and emotional story with lots of magical power. The last 30-40% of the story was faster paced than the beginning and my one qualm was that I would have wanted to see that fleshed out a little further. However, I really did enjoy the build up to this point and was invested in the story by the time we'd reached it. I also enjoyed the cultural background and imagery immensely in this story!
I would certainly continue the story, if and when the next volume is released!
I really enjoyed this graphic novel (GN) and I adore the art style immensely, I loved the amount of color and patterns, the richness of the story was also reflected in the artistry and choice of colors used. Athalia, Isadora, Dana and Chuey are all wonderful and unique characters. Each character has their own developed personality, but we really see Athalia's developmental character arc in this story/first volume.
The art and dialogue lended to the atmospheric quality of the story and helped set the tone for each scene - it was clear when a darker moment or when a lighter happier moment was happening, Despite this being a fantasy story, still set in our world, I really enjoyed the way it depicted the emotional inner world of the characters using color and dialogue.
The plot takes an unexpected turn, and from the lighter-hearted story, delves into a more intense and emotional story with lots of magical power. The last 30-40% of the story was faster paced than the beginning and my one qualm was that I would have wanted to see that fleshed out a little further. However, I really did enjoy the build up to this point and was invested in the story by the time we'd reached it. I also enjoyed the cultural background and imagery immensely in this story!
I would certainly continue the story, if and when the next volume is released!
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
As always, I want to say I was given access to a copy of this book to review on netgalley by Oni Press. My reviews are always a 100% honest and contain my own opinions. #NetGalley #BookReview #GraphicNovelReview #GraphicNovel #OniPress #SeasonOfTheBruja #AaronDuran
Season of the Bruja vol.1 follows a young woman, Althalia as she comes into her magical abilities and faces reemergent threats from the past. Knowing one day she would be the last of her kind, a bruja – Althalia is tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. Alongside living with and caring for her abuela she learns to sharpen her skill and knowledge along with the help of her friends, a Chupacabra and a were-coyote. But the prejudice her people have always faced continues and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must grow into her powers and destiny quickly if she is to present the church from finally achieving its goal- destroying the last bruja.
I have to say first and foremost that The Season of the Bruja is an amazing graphic novel, so much so I plan to get the physical edition as soon as it released. I adored not only the characters, the depth and art but most importantly the story. I would say it is a fun and beautiful way to highlight a serious issue but there is nothing fun about the persecution other religions and races have suffered. I don’t intend to turn this review into a rant however but wish to highlight that Aaron Duran has created something that is simple yet powerful.
Within a few pages, perhaps less than that, I found myself connected to the characters by both the wonderful story and the amazing artwork. I appreciated the clear love and passion that went into this project. I particularly loved the way Duran combined the magical aspects of Mexican and Latina culture with the historical impacts that were brought on by others. Filled with memorable characters, magic, action and heartache this is a series I hope continues for a long time and we get to find out even more about the characters and culture. An easy 5 stars.
Season of the Bruja vol.1 follows a young woman, Althalia as she comes into her magical abilities and faces reemergent threats from the past. Knowing one day she would be the last of her kind, a bruja – Althalia is tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. Alongside living with and caring for her abuela she learns to sharpen her skill and knowledge along with the help of her friends, a Chupacabra and a were-coyote. But the prejudice her people have always faced continues and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must grow into her powers and destiny quickly if she is to present the church from finally achieving its goal- destroying the last bruja.
I have to say first and foremost that The Season of the Bruja is an amazing graphic novel, so much so I plan to get the physical edition as soon as it released. I adored not only the characters, the depth and art but most importantly the story. I would say it is a fun and beautiful way to highlight a serious issue but there is nothing fun about the persecution other religions and races have suffered. I don’t intend to turn this review into a rant however but wish to highlight that Aaron Duran has created something that is simple yet powerful.
Within a few pages, perhaps less than that, I found myself connected to the characters by both the wonderful story and the amazing artwork. I appreciated the clear love and passion that went into this project. I particularly loved the way Duran combined the magical aspects of Mexican and Latina culture with the historical impacts that were brought on by others. Filled with memorable characters, magic, action and heartache this is a series I hope continues for a long time and we get to find out even more about the characters and culture. An easy 5 stars.
booksbydann's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc
RTC
RTC
monicajaylynn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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? Yes
3.25
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
annsephine's review against another edition
4.0
I receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Haley Aaron Durán!
I'm reading a lot of spooky and urban fantasy books lately and there all amazing books and Season of the Bruja is not different! I love the art style, the magic elements and all the side characters, especially her abuela. I speak Portuguese and a little of Spanish so I didn't have any problems with the Spanish sentences and I know a lot about Latin America so I was delighted to read about the Chupacabra friend.
The discussion about heritage and colonialism was very on point, and I love that they talked about the Church too, especially because much of our history has been marked by the erasure of our cultures and peoples by the Church.
This graphic novel is so beautiful, but my rating is 3.5 because I think the plot was kinda messy? It seemed like everyone knew what was going on except me, and we never really had the time to connect with the characters and truly be emotionally engaged and rooting for them. I hope we can see more about the their background and new creatures. Overall, it was a great book!
I'm reading a lot of spooky and urban fantasy books lately and there all amazing books and Season of the Bruja is not different! I love the art style, the magic elements and all the side characters, especially her abuela. I speak Portuguese and a little of Spanish so I didn't have any problems with the Spanish sentences and I know a lot about Latin America so I was delighted to read about the Chupacabra friend.
The discussion about heritage and colonialism was very on point, and I love that they talked about the Church too, especially because much of our history has been marked by the erasure of our cultures and peoples by the Church.
This graphic novel is so beautiful, but my rating is 3.5 because I think the plot was kinda messy? It seemed like everyone knew what was going on except me, and we never really had the time to connect with the characters and truly be emotionally engaged and rooting for them. I hope we can see more about the their background and new creatures. Overall, it was a great book!