A review by tiamatq
Orphan Blade by M. Nicholas Almand, Jake Myler

2.0

This book had some good premises, but felt unfocused. Was it an alternative history book? A coming of age story? A romance? Horror? Bad-ass combat for people who love video games? Someone overcoming a disability? It has elements of all these genres, but doesn't really incorporate them all into an effective story. It felt disjointed in both storytelling and in the intended audience. While the art, plot description, and initial story seem aimed at young teens, it makes a very abrupt turn into gore. Suddenly we're seeing over-the-top limbs being sliced off, beheadings, and cannibalism. Which just left me wondering... Who is this written for? While it wasn't for me, I think the artwork is strong and the coloring is excellent. This book showed promise, but I think it could've done with better editing and tighter writing. I was sorry to see that the author had passed away before the book was published.