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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
The art is so good, but the pacing and writing is really weird?? I read a lot of middle grade graphic novels and this one missed the mark. A case of cool concept, not great execution.
Really well done graphic novel! I loved the pacing of the story, and I was hooked on the mystery the entire time. The art style is gorgeous and I love all the mythical being designs. Really excited to read the next volume.
I have two complaints. One, the speech bubbles often aren’t clear about who’s speaking- the lines connecting them to each person aren’t distinct enough. And two, all of the characters fall into their archetypes super quickly despite the fact that everyone meets for the first time at the beginning of the novel. But despite these two problems I still adored my time with this graphic novel.
I have two complaints. One, the speech bubbles often aren’t clear about who’s speaking- the lines connecting them to each person aren’t distinct enough. And two, all of the characters fall into their archetypes super quickly despite the fact that everyone meets for the first time at the beginning of the novel. But despite these two problems I still adored my time with this graphic novel.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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:
No
Welcome to the gloomy and super scary Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study. Our main character, Sorceline, has just arrived for a summer apprenticeship with the zoologist Archibald Balzar. She wants to study cryptozoology, meaning amazing creatures most humans don't think exist, like elves, fairies, unicorns and dragons. But she has some competition: other kids who dream of becoming specialists in legendary creatures.
To become Balzar’s assistant, Sorceline must follow a few rules and learn to tame powerful beasts—including her own inner demons. Unfortunately, she doesn't think about the impact of her words very often. And, when strange things happen, she might be the one responsible. She needs to control her fiery temper and search for answers, even if they are far darker and more personal than she expected.
The artwork is delightful (from colours to perspectives), but I think the story is not well executed, even though there was plenty of misdirection to keep me intrigued. There’s so much going on that’s hard to follow, and sometimes the jumps between scenes feel slightly disjointed. Besides that, I obviously enjoy the concept and read the book in less than three hours. I’m curious about what’s next, especially because of the unexpected cliffhanger, but I hope the bickering between characters is over.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
To become Balzar’s assistant, Sorceline must follow a few rules and learn to tame powerful beasts—including her own inner demons. Unfortunately, she doesn't think about the impact of her words very often. And, when strange things happen, she might be the one responsible. She needs to control her fiery temper and search for answers, even if they are far darker and more personal than she expected.
The artwork is delightful (from colours to perspectives), but I think the story is not well executed, even though there was plenty of misdirection to keep me intrigued. There’s so much going on that’s hard to follow, and sometimes the jumps between scenes feel slightly disjointed. Besides that, I obviously enjoy the concept and read the book in less than three hours. I’m curious about what’s next, especially because of the unexpected cliffhanger, but I hope the bickering between characters is over.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wish it was a bit longer with some full page spreads to break up the chapters and give some breathing room.
It was way too much text for a graphic novel. Also confusing and disjointed at times. But I really enjoyed the details (too much detail?), colors, atmosphere and magical beasts.
It was way too much text for a graphic novel. Also confusing and disjointed at times. But I really enjoyed the details (too much detail?), colors, atmosphere and magical beasts.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated