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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
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
When I saw the cover for this book, I thought it would be an adult romance, and was excited about an adult romance getting the graphic novel treatment by these two beloved creators. I was slightly disappointed to then realise the main characters were High School Seniors. Luckily the story grew on me, and I ended up likely it very much.
Valentina had a lot of love to give, but was also afraid to love, because she felt that her family was cursed to be doomed in romantic relationships. A number of significant events in her Senior Year revealed unexpected history, and opportunities for new relationships. The story weaves strands exploring family ties, cultural identity and personal growth together with the romance alluded to in the title.
The most striking thing about this book is the gorgeous artwork. It is colourful and vibrant and, in particular, the lion-dancing sequences showed so much energy and movement. This is a substantial work that must have involved so much time and effort!
For me the romance / St Valentine's strands were somewhat weak, possibly because it was very much the kind of puppy-love that wouldn't end well. I much preferred the strands involving Valentina's interactions with her parents and grandparents. It felt satisfying to see her mature and her family relationships develop. Also these side characters (in fact, most of the side characters) were vibrant and were great additions to the story. The ending feels a little hastily wrapped up, but hey, with a Lunar New Year setting, it was akin to watching a Christmas movie - you can overlook a few inconsistencies for the sake of a dramatic happy ending.
The graphic novel format is very cinematic - I'd be happy to see this as a live-action movie.
Valentina had a lot of love to give, but was also afraid to love, because she felt that her family was cursed to be doomed in romantic relationships. A number of significant events in her Senior Year revealed unexpected history, and opportunities for new relationships. The story weaves strands exploring family ties, cultural identity and personal growth together with the romance alluded to in the title.
The most striking thing about this book is the gorgeous artwork. It is colourful and vibrant and, in particular, the lion-dancing sequences showed so much energy and movement. This is a substantial work that must have involved so much time and effort!
For me the romance / St Valentine's strands were somewhat weak, possibly because it was very much the kind of puppy-love that wouldn't end well. I much preferred the strands involving Valentina's interactions with her parents and grandparents. It felt satisfying to see her mature and her family relationships develop. Also these side characters (in fact, most of the side characters) were vibrant and were great additions to the story. The ending feels a little hastily wrapped up, but hey, with a Lunar New Year setting, it was akin to watching a Christmas movie - you can overlook a few inconsistencies for the sake of a dramatic happy ending.
The graphic novel format is very cinematic - I'd be happy to see this as a live-action movie.
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
fast-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated