librarian_nic's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lenkaaaa's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
probably_reading_right_now's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Carmilla is one of my favorite books so I love a good Carmilla adaptation! I loved this graphic novel it modernized the story, and gave it a really interesting spin while also still being recognizable as Carmilla.
livlamentloathe's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed Carmilla more because of the beautiful art than for the story. This book was luxuriously drawn and colored. I loved the imagery and the lore. Violet was a glowing beacon throughout.
The writing, however, wasn’t amazing. There wasn’t much emotion to the book. I didn’t feel anything from Athena. She seemed to be on rote for the whole book—moving from client to client, researching the case then Carmilla, lapping up Violet’s attention. And a lot of the plot threads were overly complicated. I liked Mai Tai and her scenes, and was disappointed in her lackluster death. It felt like the book lacked a beating heart—but maybe that was purposeful. I mean, a vampire’s heart does not beat.
I am curious about where it’s going and I’ll continue it. I hope that with the next story will come more complex emotions and a better connection to Athena. She can be more than she is, I know it.
The writing, however, wasn’t amazing. There wasn’t much emotion to the book. I didn’t feel anything from Athena. She seemed to be on rote for the whole book—moving from client to client, researching the case then Carmilla, lapping up Violet’s attention. And a lot of the plot threads were overly complicated. I liked Mai Tai and her scenes, and was disappointed in her lackluster death. It felt like the book lacked a beating heart—but maybe that was purposeful. I mean, a vampire’s heart does not beat.
I am curious about where it’s going and I’ll continue it. I hope that with the next story will come more complex emotions and a better connection to Athena. She can be more than she is, I know it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Gun violence, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Minor: Blood, Car accident, Alcohol, Death, Cancer, Medical content, Racism, Stalking, Drug use, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
kp_writ's review
2.5
Wasn't a huge fan of the source material so I was expecting the modern twist to make me enjoy it more. But I hated the main character and didn't like the plot.
marisnini's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The art style is super pretty. Main character is very much unlikeable, has an amazing girlfriend and cool af yeh yeh though.
motaki's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Visually stunning, I loved the diversity of the cast and the whole concept of a Carmilla retelling based on the Chinese mythology.
Needed a better script to truly function and the fact that the MC Athena is quite unlikeable negatively affect the final result.
Needed a better script to truly function and the fact that the MC Athena is quite unlikeable negatively affect the final result.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, and Terminal illness