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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I loved how the artwork was done in charcoal instead of coloured inks which added to the fantasy. The plot was captivating and spellbinding. The ending had some loose ends so I hope that means a sequel is in the works.
I thought I was going to really enjoy this book, but I had a lot of trouble following the story.
For links and images be sure to check out this review on my blog! :)
I should start by saying, to those who are interested in checking out the first five chapters you can read them online on the Sailor Twain website. If you're not interested in doing any reading then you can also check out a two minute Sailor Twain Author Video about the book. It includes a preview of the art and an introduction to the story straight from the author.
Now, on with the review!
Sailor Twain is the closest I've come to reading folklore in a very long time. It's the late 1800's and we are aboard a steamship on the enchanting Hudson river. This is the story of Captain Twain and his unfortunate encounter of the mermaid variety.
The art is as captivating as the story with drawings so full of texture and soft details that you can almost feel it through the paper. Although Sailor Twain is a good 400 pages I ate it all up in just a few hours. The book is full of subjects that can be challenging to write well: History, seafaring, and mermaids. Siegel however, knew what he was doing with this story.
This is a compelling long narrative in graphic novel form about what happens when the sea and the surface mingle with an ancient magic curse. All she wants is freedom, all he wants is his brother, all anyone wants is love. Or sex. Or both. And that is where our story has so many twists and turns as a mystery unfolds there's definitely some magic in the water.
I would love to say more about what I enjoyed about the plot, but so much of it relies on it unfolding before you that I wouldn't want to give anything away. This also means that I can't talk about the things I didn't necessarily like because it would be way too much for me to give away. I'm in a bit of a catch. Some twist were better then others, but things really ramp up for the last half of the book. This is all thanks to the characters. They were varied and the historical tint that made the characters feel truly authentic.
One thing I can say that is spoiler free is expect to see boobies. The women in this are so well drawn, I love their dresses when they're fully clothed, but almost every single one ends up topless at some point. There's some male nudity as well, but not nearly enough to balance it out. If that's the sort of thing you don't want to see, then this probably isn't for you.
The mythology is amazing. As I mentioned earlier it has more of a folklore tone then just straight up fantasy. I could imagine this being true, in the same way that I grew up believing I was swimming with my water wings alongside Ogopogo the sea monster in Okanagan Lake. I love the way that the mermaid is both fantastic and yet with a overwhelming dark side. It all breathed with life.
This is a very unique story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those who have an interest in mermaids or even just folklore and historical fairytales will most likely enjoy this just as much as I have.
I should start by saying, to those who are interested in checking out the first five chapters you can read them online on the Sailor Twain website. If you're not interested in doing any reading then you can also check out a two minute Sailor Twain Author Video about the book. It includes a preview of the art and an introduction to the story straight from the author.
Now, on with the review!
Sailor Twain is the closest I've come to reading folklore in a very long time. It's the late 1800's and we are aboard a steamship on the enchanting Hudson river. This is the story of Captain Twain and his unfortunate encounter of the mermaid variety.
The art is as captivating as the story with drawings so full of texture and soft details that you can almost feel it through the paper. Although Sailor Twain is a good 400 pages I ate it all up in just a few hours. The book is full of subjects that can be challenging to write well: History, seafaring, and mermaids. Siegel however, knew what he was doing with this story.
This is a compelling long narrative in graphic novel form about what happens when the sea and the surface mingle with an ancient magic curse. All she wants is freedom, all he wants is his brother, all anyone wants is love. Or sex. Or both. And that is where our story has so many twists and turns as a mystery unfolds there's definitely some magic in the water.
I would love to say more about what I enjoyed about the plot, but so much of it relies on it unfolding before you that I wouldn't want to give anything away. This also means that I can't talk about the things I didn't necessarily like because it would be way too much for me to give away. I'm in a bit of a catch. Some twist were better then others, but things really ramp up for the last half of the book. This is all thanks to the characters. They were varied and the historical tint that made the characters feel truly authentic.
One thing I can say that is spoiler free is expect to see boobies. The women in this are so well drawn, I love their dresses when they're fully clothed, but almost every single one ends up topless at some point. There's some male nudity as well, but not nearly enough to balance it out. If that's the sort of thing you don't want to see, then this probably isn't for you.
The mythology is amazing. As I mentioned earlier it has more of a folklore tone then just straight up fantasy. I could imagine this being true, in the same way that I grew up believing I was swimming with my water wings alongside Ogopogo the sea monster in Okanagan Lake. I love the way that the mermaid is both fantastic and yet with a overwhelming dark side. It all breathed with life.
This is a very unique story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those who have an interest in mermaids or even just folklore and historical fairytales will most likely enjoy this just as much as I have.
Una extraña historia de sirenas y vapores a lápiz. Buen dibujo, capacidad de sorprender.
If I recall correctly, I saw that either the first pages of this as a serial webcomic all the way back when I had a DeviantArt. So glad to read the final version
This is a great story, and beautifully illustrated. It was the talk of the town when it first came out in hardcover, and I can see why. And, of course I loved it, not least because it features a mermaid! But, a word of caution: the mermaid is topless, so it might not be the best read to bring with you on a public commute (I speak from experience).
via NYPL - I really enjoyed this one. In the 1880s on the Hudson River, a steamship captain rescues a wounded mermaid, a French expat seeks to remove a curse, and a mysterious author is about to make a public appearance for the first time. Siegel's figures are very cartoony, but the use of shadowed charcoal drawings gives the book incredible texture and mood. The script is deliberate, weaving new threads into the book's greater tapestry and building to a stunning conclusion. The characters are compellingly motivated, and the mix of folklore, legend and historical setting mix well to create a feeling of a lost magical time. Definitely worth seeking out.
I have had this on my to-read list for awhile so I was really looking forward to finally reading it. Was quite surprised to find that it was a graphic novel - not what I was expecting at all! The scenic parts were very well drawn, I was less impressed with the people. Overall I felt it needed more explanation. An ending that leaves the reader with questions is not always a bad thing provided enough information has been provided throughout the book for educated guesses. This ending had too many questions and not enough substance.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It's imaginative and can be read at many levels. The graphics are engaging and often really carry the story-- which, to me, is one of the main signs of a good graphic novel. The are fairly simple drawings, with frequent details. The plot--about the effect of a mermaid on the behavior and lives of those around her- works as fantasy, symbol and sheer storyline. There is definitely a theme of our light an dark sides. The women are pretty one-dimensional-- with one exception. The story is fairly complex and not always easy to follow. I wish more details had been explained. It is probably worth more than one read. Intriguing, enjoyable and a bit out of the ordinary.
Read the author's blog on the book: http://sailortwain.com/blog/2010/06/23/sailortwain076/
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Read the author's blog on the book: http://sailortwain.com/blog/2010/06/23/sailortwain076/
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.