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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
This was the first graphic novel that I have attempted to read. While the graphics were well drawn, the storyline was horrible. It was inconsistent and pieced together. The premise was great but the non-cohesiveness made me not want to continue. I will try another book in the genre before giving up but won’t continue with this series.
As you can see from the cover, the illustrations in this graphic novel are stunning. Some of the best illustrations I have seen in a graphic novel. I also thought that the story was interesting and I am curious to see where it goes in the next volume. The magic system is a little confusing but I have high hopes that it will be more fleshed out as our main character comes to understand it better herself. My one gripe is the dialogue. It often felt stilted and forced. It took me out of the story because I just kept thinking "who talks that way?" but it did improve as the story went on and I will be checking out the next volume when it comes out.
I just want to say first up, artistically this was a jewel coloured gorgeous body of work and I loved that aspect. I also enjoyed the overall concept of the story where the main protagonist, who had always suspected magic was real, finally gets proof only to then have to try and find/rescue her sister with the help of her loyal cat - who it turns out can talk but only in lies (the relationship between her and the kitty is genuinely affecting and probably the best done in the GN).
The graphic novel opens up well and the beginning exploration of the characters seem to hit the right balance, they drew me in and I was enjoying getting to know them and their histories and events. However, as the story progressed and focus was placed on plot, it felt like character representation became more shallower. Greater depth and subtlety of expression surrendered to more blunter and heightened emotionalism that is sometimes associated with teen storytelling. Not necessarily the good stuff which can really excel in diversity and rounded characters but more the stereotype of teen reads. It definitely was not as bad as this stereotype but too often I felt like I was just reading the surface of a story.
A very gorgeous story but ultimately unsatisfying.
The graphic novel opens up well and the beginning exploration of the characters seem to hit the right balance, they drew me in and I was enjoying getting to know them and their histories and events. However, as the story progressed and focus was placed on plot, it felt like character representation became more shallower. Greater depth and subtlety of expression surrendered to more blunter and heightened emotionalism that is sometimes associated with teen storytelling. Not necessarily the good stuff which can really excel in diversity and rounded characters but more the stereotype of teen reads. It definitely was not as bad as this stereotype but too often I felt like I was just reading the surface of a story.
A very gorgeous story but ultimately unsatisfying.
Wow. I loved this. It is now my new favorite graphic novel and I will probably reread it. I can't find on the author pages or the image website when they will or if they will release more, but I beg with the power of a thousand suns that they release more!
The art in this graphic novel is beyond beautiful and exactly what I wanted. The colors are delicious and sexy and match the magical world created. The story is heartbreaking and had me guessing, and also stomping my foot that I didn't get to see what happened next at the end.
The main character is pretty bad ass and I have a bit of a girl crush. Though, I do fear she is getting manipulated. I can't wait to see what happens and will be very mad if they don't release more. I highly suggest this graphic novel if you are someone who likes illustrations that are a bit more realistic, bold colors, and sexy. Also, if you like urban magical settings - this is for you!
I hate that this is the only one I have to read so far. *slumps*
The art in this graphic novel is beyond beautiful and exactly what I wanted. The colors are delicious and sexy and match the magical world created. The story is heartbreaking and had me guessing, and also stomping my foot that I didn't get to see what happened next at the end.
The main character is pretty bad ass and I have a bit of a girl crush. Though, I do fear she is getting manipulated. I can't wait to see what happens and will be very mad if they don't release more. I highly suggest this graphic novel if you are someone who likes illustrations that are a bit more realistic, bold colors, and sexy. Also, if you like urban magical settings - this is for you!
I hate that this is the only one I have to read so far. *slumps*
2.5. I love Jen Bartel’s art but the writing was... :\ this was pretty and had a diverse cast and that’s pretty much all it had going for it
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The gorgeous graphics in this are the only reason why this is 2 stars and not 1. It was another confusing story and while I was interested in Nina, our main character, at first, that interest sort of fell away because (to me) she felt like she was constantly moving between emotions and character motivations a bit? And I’m not trying to sound like it’s Nina’s problem, because I think it was probably me that just didn’t connect with the characters. At all.
As much as I didn’t connect with the characters, it was also the plot that really put me off. I felt that they just shoved us into the world in like, mid-season of the series and we’re forced to play catch-up with everything.
I liked the magic they showed and definitely how the magic and magical characters were shown through the illustrations. Maybe if they had more focus on the magic, I would have been more into the book?
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced