Reviews

Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook

jabberwockystories's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

marybeebooks's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you Netgalley, Katie Cook, and Ten Speed Graphic for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. 🥰🫶

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This Webtoon adapted into a graphic novel is fantastic! I’ve had this webcomic on my TBR for a while and knew I had to read it when I saw it was becoming a graphic novel! I absolutely loved this first chapter and can’t wait to read the rest of the story! The illustrations are so cute and I adored the side character of Raddish! They make the perfect “animal sidekick” to the group. Speaking of, I love the two main character’s Callie and Declan and think they are so cute together! The story is very compelling and draws you in. Sometimes the flow is a bit weird having it been a webcomic but I think overall, it isn't an issue and I like that it makes for short chapters. I also had a little bit of an issue following the speech bubbles, but that could definitely just be a me-problem. 😂  The characters are very compelling and I love the environment and magic in this story. The journey of trying to save Callie’s dad is such a fun one and there were many twists and turns. Overall, this cozy graphic novel is adorable and I can’t wait to read more!

bear_ridge_tarot's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 I received this book as an advanced reader copy. It does not affect my review in any way. 

Do you like unknown parent mysteries? How about coming-of-age stories featuring the weird kids? If you answered yes, then this graphic novel is for you. Nothing Special is a beautifully illustrated story about two teenagers who aren't as human as they appear and the adventure that sparks friendships and romance. Callie has always felt like she was the odd one out, always on the fringes at school in the human realm. Her father, a magical antique shop owner, is overprotective and is keeping secrets from Callie that he says are "when you're older" answers. Well, Callie is now 17 and some of those answers are about to change her life!

I loved this graphic novel and will be buying my own copy. It was a quick but fully fleshed-out plot. There were surprises that I didn't see coming when Callie set out to the magical realm with Declan. And Radish, what a character! If you're a fan of any kind of RPG, adventure game, or just plain like a good story then this one is for you. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Kidnapping, Death, Violence, and Death of parent

mistressviolet's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 

Super cute! I loved this so much. The story and the art were both great. The tone was light, upbeat and playful. The female lead was fierce and very relatable. Some of the stereotypes about men are so spot on and hilarious. Even the romance was adorably sweet. 

Such a fun graphic novel. 

kikind's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

hannahrowan13's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

This was SO CUTE! Anything that was previously published on webtoon is almost always a 5 star read for me. The concept of this book is so unique with the different plant spirits. I’ve never read a book like it and I LOVED it. The book was laugh out loud funny. I had to stop and show my husband different panels because they were so good. I love how the story handles the concept of life and death with the spirits, which by the way are adorable. Radish has my whole heart. The artwork is so detailed. There were so many little things I noticed and loved in the background of each panel. You can tell so much thought went into this story. I love our main characters. The female main character is strong and the male main character is supportive and just simply adores her. I love how the characters break stereotypical gender norms. I will be recommending this to so many people. Can’t wait for the next volume!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

milabeille's review against another edition

4.0

Season 1 ★★★★☆
Season 2 ★★★★★
Season 3 On-going

abooklikeyou's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This was an adorable cozy fantasy! Each character stole my heart in their own way, but Radish was the obvious favorite. I loved seeing each of these characters face their insecurities and go on this adventure together to find Callie's dad.

kalie_universe_pristineprose's review against another edition

5.0

L love ❤️ LOVE probably my favorite physically published webtoon. Soooo good

sarahreads2222's review against another edition

3.0

• Reminded me of a improv fantasy podcast with quests that were a bit random but fit the overall theme
• Wasn’t sure the intended audience because parts felt middle grade like the tone and humor but other parts like the romance and language felt young adult. So I think the genre of young or new adult would work best for this 
• Interesting ideas but didn’t connect with characters felt a little flat 
• Lord of fantasy and other pop culture references which sometimes was funny but maybe too much in there 
• Art style was very cutesy for the story when it didn’t always match the content 
• Not all of it made sense but enjoyable enough 
• Weirdly long