Reviews

Sleepless Volume 1 by Sarah Vaughn

kingtess's review

4.0

SLEEPLESS is that rare comic released in issues which manages to provide decent pacing AND emotional hooks. This read like a smooth, confident story, not a disjointed series of events like so many comic volumes. Still suffers from weird cliffhangers, but such is the nature of the beast.

Poppy is a wonderful heroine: she knows exactly what she wants, she understands her limitations, and she will do whatever it takes to protect herself, her loved ones, and her dreams. No paper-thin cookie cutter protagonist, she feels real, nuanced, and fleshed out (another thing I'm not used to seeing in comics).

theangrystackrat's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-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? It's complicated

3.0

icanreadish's review

mysterious

4.0

homebodynate's review

medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

erincataldi's review

5.0

I really enjoyed the concept of this graphic novel! It's medieval with elements of the supernatural and different cultural tidbits from around the world. Lady Poppy is a princess in the kingdom of Harbeny, her father just died and her spot in court is uncertain. She's not close to sitting on the throne, her father had many wives and children, but someone seems determined to murder her and she isn't in the least sure why. Thankfully, she has her sleepless knight and adorable little fox to keep her safe. Cyrenic, her knight, took a vow of sleeplessness in order to watch over Poppy day and knight, and with all the turmoil, he's never been more watchful. unfortunately, his vow is catching up with him, he hasn't slept in years, and his mind is starting to drift. The only thing he is certain of is his love and undying service to Poppy. Wonderfully illustrated and written. I cannot wait for the next installment!!!!

starryjoy's review

dark emotional mysterious sad 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? No

4.25

bethtabler's review

3.0

This was fun albeit slightly flat graphic novel read. Sarah Vaughn has written a story about the kingdom of Harbeny, and Lady “Poppy” Pyppenia and her sleepless knight. Sleepless knight as a play on words. He is a knight who protects Poppy and does not sleep, ergo, sleepless knight. This is a “who done it” style story. Assasins threaten Poppy’s life and it is her knights responsibilty to keep her safe. Much intrigue happens over the course of the story and ends rather abruptly.

There are quite a few positives about this book:

Lovely art work. I enjoy Del Luca’s style. The artwork is stylized without becoming unreadable.
Sweet and believable budding romance between the main characters.
Well done high fantasy
A diverse cast of characters
I did have some difficulties with the pacing. though. It feels too choppy and in that choppiness I lost the plot a few times and wasn’t able to connect with the characters like I would like to. I found myself asking, “Why should I care about this?” Because of that I will probably not continue the series.

dangermom's review

5.0

Such a cool concept with great art and fun fantasy political intrigue.

aoosterwyk's review

5.0

Luscious artwork and a great story. A must have for my middle/high school library.

lisawreading's review

4.0

Great start to a new series. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.