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Summary:

Peter Parker has faced many ups and downs over the years. Unfortunately, this is one of those “down” moments. He’s lost everything again. So he’s back in a tiny apartment, alone, with friends and family, all wondering where it all went wrong.

To make matters worse, Spider-Man has made a target of himself with Tombstone. He apparently stepped on the gangster’s toes, and now a lesson must be made of the hero. But what will this villain do?

Review:

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read any Spider-Man (I know, shame on me), so I went ahead and grabbed some of the recent highlights to binge. One is The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 by Zeb Wells.

So there are things I loved about this volume and parts I’m just exhausted by. Let’s start with the obvious: Peter Parker is back down to nothing. Again. (Rinse, lather, repeat). I get it. One of the best ways to start fresh is to start from scratch, but I sometimes get tired of seeing this guy lose it all.

What I really liked about this arc is the whole Tombstone plot. That did not go at all how I expected, and I loved it! It was a creative interaction between two known entities and did a great job of shaking their worlds up. Likewise, I already can’t predict what will happen next, which is always a good place to leave readers.

Highlights:
Superheroes & Crimelords
Drama & Trickery


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Summary:

Darth Vader is an impressive and oppressive force, yet even he has faced challenges over the years. For example, threats to power were made by those within the Empire. Careful planning and the use of resources can protect his position - and his plans.

One such resource is the young Doctor Aphra, a talented thief with extensive knowledge of both archeology and droids. He will use her and her knowledge to take out those in his way.

Review:

This week, I finally caved in and started reading through Darth Vader (courtesy of Marvel Unlimited, which is the biggest supporter of comic binge-reading). So I'm a little behind on the times, but I'm really glad I'm finally getting around to reading it because it has been fantastic! No additional reading is needed to understand what's happening here, as all the context is provided within the first couple of pages (I love it when that happens). This is especially true if you've seen all the movies (and if you haven't, you're probably not likely to want to read the comics anyway?).

So there's not a ton of comics out there where the perspective is, without a shadow of a doubt, the bad guy, but this is one of them. Despite that, I enjoyed the read, as I saw more of the conflict between him and Palpatine and all the efforts he made to get his hands on Skywalker (more on both of those later). So, if you're finding yourself resistant to trying this series for that reason, consider those little tidbits.

A surprising amount occurred in volume one, so I'll just focus on the highlights. For starters, Palpatine is a sneaky bastard. He's either openly considering replacing Darth Vader or (more likely, if you ask me) setting Darth Vader up to believe that's the cause, making it yet another test. Considering Vader's reaction, I'm more than willing to believe the latter. It's hard to believe anything other than that Palpatine is playing the long game (as he always does). Having read some of the novels, I know how fond he is of testing Vader (his loyalties, his abilities, you name it).

Young, quirky Aphra was introduced already, along with her murdering robot pals (whom I adore, fyi, as they're hilarious). I think Triple Zero got one of the best lines of the volume ("Oh! Well then, it's good news and good news!"). I'm still curious about Black Krrsantan, whom I know ends up running with Aphra at a later point in the series.

Even knowing how everything goes, I still find myself curious to see how we get from here to there. I think that's why I enjoy the series as much as I do (well, that's why I'm greedy for any Star Wars information). I'm looking forward to volume three, which, luckily for me, is also on Marvel Unlimited (yay for binge-reading without going broke!).

Highlights:
Star Wars
Doctor Aphra
Bot Chaos

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Summary:

For years, Darth Vader believed that his child had died with Padme. Now, he knows the truth and must learn what else has been kept from him. More importantly, he needs to track down all those who kept the secret.

Vader’s quest for answers and vengeance puts him in the path of the Handmaidens - women loyal to Padme. Painful faces, to be sure. However, they are unlikely allies in this quest, as they want to know who was responsible for Padme and Anakin’s deaths.

Writing:

Once again, I’m late to the show. Greg Pak’s run on Darth Vader started over a year ago, but I’m just now getting around to it. The Handmaidens are some of my Star Wars characters, so I’ve been hearing the hype and hoping it lives up to my dreams.

Darth Vader Vol. 1 is an interesting start to the new series. Given everything going on, the timeline is fairly tight—it’s set after Vader learns about Luke but obviously before the conclusion of that arc.

I think I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the story so far. I love (LOVE) that Sabe and all the others are coming back to viewers/readers, but the excuse for them working with Vader could have been slightly better done. Still, beggars can’t be choosers! And it does make a certain sense, given what they think went down (remember, they don’t know Vader’s secret and therefore think Anakin is dead).

If you love the movies or Padme’s Handmaidens, this story will be worth following. I can already tell that much and can’t wait for more!

Art:

The artwork in Darth Vader Vol. 1 is really well done. It fits the overall Star Wars style (duh), but it’s more than that. I love the careful way the artists portrayed aging for our characters. They’re still recognizable for who they were (when we saw them in the movies), but likewise, you can tell time has passed. I know this is silly to say, but I’m so grateful they didn’t magically have the Handmaidens stay young.

Highlights:
Star Wars
Anakin/Padme History
Return of the Handmaidens

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Summary:

Darth Vader is an impressive and oppressive force, yet even he has faced challenges over the years. For example, threats to power were made by those within the Empire. Careful planning and the use of resources can protect his position - and his plans.

One such resource is the young Doctor Aphra, a talented thief with extensive knowledge of both archeology and droids. He will use her and her knowledge to take out those in his way.

Review:

Here marks the end of the (well, this) Darth Vader series. It was a good run, and overall, I really enjoyed it. This series could be read as a standalone or alongside the main Star Wars plot. The whole series, from start to finish, occurs between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, and until now, I hadn’t really thought about what occurred in that time span.

The artwork was fantastic, as with the previous volumes. The artists used darker tones to help build tension, which was undoubtedly effective.

There are a couple of scenes that will end up impacting a larger chunk of Vader’s plot, though oddly, the focus isn’t really on them. The Astarte Twins finally made their move. In case it surprised anyone, that move cost them dearly. Well, it cost one of them dearly. I’m sure the other one will be back shortly, so it’ll be interesting to see where that leads.

The other bit was at the end, with Vader trying to find information about where Aphra went. As it turns out, the investigator Darth Vader has been working with is actually competent (he knew that would be the case), and he figured out the connection between Vader and Aphra. He may or may not have Aphra in his possession; that one I’m less certain about.

Speaking of Aphra, though, BT -1 and Triple 0 (who are great comedic relief, if I may say so) are not with her, nor do they seem to care what happens to her. Having read Aphra’s standalone comic, I know that changes; I just don’t know when or why. I’m sure the fallout for that one will be interesting, however, and I am looking forward to seeing it.

The series made several serious attempts at showing Vader’s feelings and motivations, probably more so in this volume than the others (specifically when he got shut down). I can’t pretend that I feel a newfound sympathy for the guy (I love to hate him too much for that), but it does give me a new level of appreciation for what he’s gone through and what he’s still going through.

Quite a lot occurred in this volume (they had to wrap up all their plots, after all) and in a short span of time at that. Vader, as usual, did what he does best: hunt and destroy (though I’m sure he wouldn’t use those terms). I won’t say too much on the matter, as I don’t want to give spoilers. I was fascinated by the Detective’s choice, however. I sincerely didn’t see that coming. That alone almost makes me wish there was a follow-up comic for him (even just a single issue) so I could see what brought him to that point.

Even though they’re not the namesake of the series, I truly believe that Beetee, Triple Zero, and Aphra really made the series what it is. The murderous insanity that the droids bring to the mix is the much-needed comic relief. Aphra’s witty and chatty personality helps to balance out Vader’s sullen silence. Add in the fact that her main motivation is simply to survive, and well…you have dramatically different characters interacting with one another. I’m still absolutely stunned at how she could trick Darth Vader. Part of me wonders if she truly did…is there any chance he’s just letting her think she tricked him? Could he have not wanted to kill her but had to have her believe he was willing to do so? I suppose we’ll never know, but it sure is interesting to think about.

Highlights:
Star Wars
Doctor Aphra
Bot Chaos

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Summary:

Maomao spent the earliest parts of her life training in herbal medicine. She had a path in life that she loved. Unfortunately, that was all ripped away from her when she was captured and sold to the inner palace.

Since then, Maomao's life has changed significantly. She no longer works for the inner palace but instead works directly for Jinshi and the outer palace. That isn't to say she can't continue helping the allies she made within those walls.

Review:

Oh wow. Every volume of The Apothecary Diaries somehow makes me fall further in love with the series. An impressive feat, considering I loved it from the start! The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 11 is essentially all about Jinshi and the past.

Yet again, there’s another mystery to solve, well, two, actually. In both instances, Maomao is in such a unique circumstance due to the people she knows. Yet that wouldn’t be enough to keep her safe, should she have been even a tiny bit less careful.

The first mystery was great for character development. We got to see a major player in this world but in a different light. It was humanizing and further helped to hint at Jinshi’s relationships.

The second mystery is…a lot. But in a good way! I won’t spoil it, but I will say that it requires Maomao to dig into the past, particularly regarding somebody no longer in this world. She has to tread lightly, which isn’t her strong suit, but that made it all the more compelling.

Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Manga
Poison & Medicine

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Summary:

It all starts with a strange coin. At first, it may seem like your luck has suddenly turned for the better. But the longer you use the coin, the higher the stakes get. This coin is deeply wrong, and it demands a heavy price.

The coin has fallen into many hands over the years. A rock band down on its luck, a bullied camper, a desperate woman, you name it. Where did the coin come from, and why does it carry such a curse?

Writing:

Once again, behind on the times, I'm trying to catch up on all the series I've missed out on. One such series is The Silver Coin, a horror anthology created by several of my favorite comic writers and authors. A big no-brainer for why I needed to read it!

The Silver Coin Vol. 1 is divided into five distinct stories, yet they all share one theme—the curse of the coin. Because of this, I'll try to break down each issue. The Silver Coin #1 does a fantastic job of explaining the world and the stakes. It's dark, foreboding, and hits hard as it should. We don't know much about the band, but honestly? You don't really need to. Their emotions read clearly through the page, and that's enough.

The Silver Coin #2 follows a young girl at summer camp. As with many new campers, her adventure is a trial as she quickly becomes the camp's target. Unfortunately, her story doesn't end well, thanks to the coin. This one got dark, possibly because the girl never really gets to leave the victim stage in her story. However, it's befitting of the world, as the coin clearly doesn't care.

Next is The Silver Coin #3, which starts after the action. A group of kids (young adults?) were breaking into a house when…things went wrong. What follows feels like the coin's version of Final Destination.

Finally, The Silver Coin #4 and #5 both look into the past. These stories explain how the coin came to be. More accurately, they tell the story of how the coin got cursed and why the initial targets deserved the price they paid. It's a great foundation for the world, and I actually really love that it followed the three previous stories.

Art:

Michael Walsh and Gavin Fullerton were the artists behind all of The Silver Coin Vol. 1, and I loved their take on this world. First, the unified art style brought the different stories together, making it clear they’re all from the same world.

Second, the art is delightfully dark and gory. Some gore is to be expected, given that it’s a horror novel. They struck the perfect balance: enough to make the violence unavoidable but not so much that it is distracting.

Finally, I love the colors. Using heavy black backgrounds allows certain colors and implied emotions to pop through. It gives the world a unique look, letting the story come to life.

Highlights:
Horror Fantasy
Anthology
Supernatural
Good vs Bad Luck

Trigger Warnings:
Death & Gore

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Summary:

It all started as a little bet. Each wanted to prove the existence of the supernatural to their new friend, and neither was willing to listen. This quickly turns to chaos as a haunted tunnel and horny aliens get thrown into the mix.

For a moment, it seemed like Okarun and Momo were about to get an easy win, finally finding the missing, er, item they’d been looking for. Unfortunately, things are quite a bit more complicated than that, and now they have to fight a kaiju!

Review:

Man, I really love Dandadan. This series has quickly become one of my favorites, if not my absolute favorite of all time. I wasn't expecting that, but I'm also not complaining. Dandadan Vol. 9 is another out-of-pocket addition to the series, and I'm here for it.

Volume 9 starts in the middle of a battle, thanks to the cliffhanger from the last volume. Our favorites (plus their newest ally?) are in the middle of a kaiju battle! It's chaotic, to say the least.

What really struck me during this fight is how differently chaotic it is. Bear with me - every fight is chaotic, we know that. But this fight was different, in part because of the new characters thrown into the mix.

The conclusion raises a lot of questions and once again has the potential to shake the group's dynamics. I wasn't expecting this change so soon, though I did know it was coming. An additional arc at the end helps reform the group, making me hopeful for what is to come.

Highlights:
Horror/Science Fiction Manga
Comedy
Supernatural
Sci-Fi versus Fantasy

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Summary:

It all started as a little bet. Each wanted to prove the existence of the supernatural to their new friend, and neither was willing to listen. This quickly turns to chaos as a haunted tunnel and horny aliens get thrown into the mix.

Okarun has faced many enemies in the short time he’s known Momo. He knows he has to get stronger if he wants to protect those he cares about - people like Momo. So he’s willing to get Turbo Granny's help to get there.

Review:

Every volume, I’m blown away by how creative this series is. Dandadan Vol. 8 does not disappoint. It’s another chaoticly fun addition to the series, and I loved every second of it. I don’t know how Yukinobu Tatsu keeps surprising readers, but he does!

This is one of those volumes that starts with one adventure but ends in a very different tale by the end. The first focus is once again on Okarun trying to get stronger (to protect Momo - I love it so much). That results in an…insane series of events that I don’t even know how to describe. But I can promise it’ll make you laugh!

The second arc introduces what I believe is the fifth character of the group. I don’t love him, but I can already see how he’s going to balance out the dynamics they have going. It’ll be interesting to see how he settles into his role.

Finally, the battles are as epic as they are funny - as one might expect. There’s obviously more of this fight coming, so get ready!

Highlights:
Horror/Science Fiction Manga
Comedy
Supernatural
Sci-Fi versus Fantasy

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Summary:

The Undone are on the hunt - and they want Captain Marvel. But how, and more importantly - why? Unfortunately, they’re not willing to play fair and have happily brought many civilians into the mix.

One such civilian is Yuna Yang, a thief by blood and trade. Her intelligence has kept her alive this long, but she’ll need more than that to survive the Undone. She’ll need the help of a hero - and a few friends.

Writing:

I have a lot of complicated feelings about Captain Marvel Vol. 2. I didn't hate it, but I also feel like I could have loved it more. This is a strange place for me to be in, as I'm pretty much a huge Captain Marvel fangirl.

This volume's character development is on point, especially for newer characters like Yuna. She got her moments to learn and grow, as did her romantic counterpart. I also enjoyed all the cameos, which included the Marvel family.

The final battle was overall pretty solid, giving moments to each of the main characters involved (especially Carol and Yuna). As with any good Captain Marvel fight, they walked away having learned something important about themselves. So I love that bit.

There were so many characters brought into the fold for the conclusion of this tale, and I feel like they didn't get enough screen time to warrant it. For example, Phyla is a great character, and I would have loved to see her get another moment or two. Maybe I'm being nit-picky. The same goes for the conclusion of Yuna's arc. Her story will always feel incomplete if we don't see her again after this. So, I guess I'll have to hope we'll see her again!

Art:

The artwork in Captain Marvel Vol. 2 was perfection. The colors were vibrant and fun—as were the battles! A few major moments steal the show in this volume, and the artwork does it justice. Given everything going on, I imagine it was hard to get the scale right for that final battle, so I have to give some credit.

Fans of Captain Marvel will know what I mean when I say that the artwork in Captain Marvel Vol. 2 fits her style.

Highlights:
Superhero Drama
New Character - Yuna Tang
Family Drama
Negative Zone & Nega-Bands

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Summary:

Kiros is the last city in the world - and it has magic to thank for that. However, all the magic in the world won’t prevent crime, so that’s where the Black Cloaks come in. They are the detectives and police of the city, responsible for capturing criminals and keeping the peace.

Enter Essex and Pax, two Black Cloaks. Pax is one of the best detectives around, while Essex has a complicated history with the Kiros royalty. It makes them the oddly perfect pair to tackle the latest crime - the murder of a Kiros prince.

Writing:

So, I’m very behind on the times here, but I’m finally diving into Black Cloak. I should have done this sooner since one of my favorite comic authors (Kelly Thompson) is at the helm. Even aside from that, Black Cloak has a compelling premise - magical cities, royalty, and a police procedural all wrapped into one. What more could a girl ask for?!

In truth, that summary doesn’t do Black Cloak Vol. 1 justice. One volume in, and we’re introduced to a rich and complex world. The politics grow by the chapter, yet I still want to know more. Likewise, I can’t wait to see more of the world.

The characters and revelations were fascinating. I love how personal stories wove into the main narrative; they worked well to make a more character-driven tale. I don’t know where it will lead from here, but I’m eager to find out.

Art:

Black Cloak Vol. 1 has a very unique art style. It took me a moment to get into the swing of things, but I fell in love once I did. In particular, I love the way the magic is portrayed on the pages. It’s vibrant and mystical (obviously) but in a way that suits a slightly grittier world.

The artwork is also perfectly suited to the more graphic elements of this tale - the murders and violence. It lets the brutality show without becoming distractingly too much.

Highlights:
Fantasy Meets Detective Storytelling
Corrupted Magical City
Magical Creatures Galore

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Deaths
Self-Injury & Suicide
Creature/Animal Deaths & Abuse

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Summary:

The age of gods is also the age of monsters, with divinity playing saint and sinner with both hands. This era brings about heroes and worse, as every action has an equal reaction.

There came a time when everyone’s eyes turned to the Earth, man, monster, and god alike. Naturally, battles quickly ensue, but not everyone is so willing to forgive and forget the carnage brought about by these decisions.

Review:

If there’s one thing I can say about Akogun, it’s that it is one heck of a whirlwind. This graphic novel will keep you on your toes from start to finish. It’s a dark read with many surprising and brutal twists.

So, this is one of those tales where I really just have to break it down into the good and the bad (or really, what I didn’t love as much). The good: The artwork is amazing. It’s vibrant, and the colors are amazing. The world is compelling, though I wish we had a chance to see more of it before everything kicked off.

As for the rest. Hrm. I wanted to like the characters, but at the end of the day, I just didn’t know them well enough to feel very attached. The potential is there! Even a few more panels for each would have made a difference in the character development department. The same applies to the combat; each fight could have been expanded by a few panels to really showcase what they’re going for.

Overall, Akogun is a compelling read, and I’m thrilled to have had the chance to read it. I’ll be following up with this series, as I’m certain it will only get better with time.

Highlights:
Gods & Legends
Epic Hunting
Battles & Determination

Trigger Warnings:
Death & Graphic Elements

Thanks to Oni Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Summary:

Risa Amakawa is a prepper. She’s prepared for her tests, the rain, and pretty much any situation that may come along. Sure, her bag is frequently too heavy because of that, but it works for her.

One day, Risa witnessed a young man get hurt and left behind on the street. She could have kept walking, but it was raining, and he needed help. So she offered him her spare umbrella and directions to the nearest hospital. Little did she know this act of kindness would change her life forever.

Review:

Oh wow! Love, That's an Understatement Vol. 1 is such a shockingly sweet story, but not for the reasons you might expect. The story is all about two characters trying to take care of one another and make things right. It's cute, quirky, and sweet.

This series has a strong foundation in the romcom genre. We have a girl stepping up to take care of an injured guy, only to realize she now can't get rid of him. Now she's embroiled in his drama, but he's committed to caring for her.

There's more to it than that, but those are the broad strokes. I liked the character development, but I do feel like there could have been more. Likewise, while I enjoyed the plot, I feel like I probably read enough to appreciate it fully, so I'm not sure if I'd continue the series.

If you're looking for an opposites attract romance, be sure to check out Love, That's an Understatement Vol. 1.

Highlights:
YA Romance
Shojo
Slice-of-Life Style
Saving the Day

Will I continue the series? Maybe

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Summary:

Hades is the god of the underworld, but that doesn’t mean he’s heartless. Mostly, he spends time alone or with his loyal companion. Otherwise, he’s probably spending time trying to avoid his sort of ex. That is until Persephone fell into his life. She changed everything.

Persephone is a naive woman struggling against the constraints of her role in life. She doesn’t know how to feel about her designation in love - or her role in the pantheon. She doesn’t know how she feels about these new events, especially her meeting with Hades.

Review:

I’m back with Lore Olympus Vol. 2! I can still see why readers have fallen head over heels for this romance. That said, I’m still not as sucked in as I would like. I think it’s just because I’m still very burned out on Greek mythology/retellings.

Lore Olympus Vol. 2 does an excellent job of making gods and goddesses feel real. They have strong and complex emotions, they panic, they make mistakes -the works. In particular, we have a goddess falling head over heels for a god, even when she knows she shouldn’t. Likewise, we have a god trying to do what is right, and that means focusing on somebody more… age-appropriate.

Many secondary plots are popping up around these two, from meddling goddesses to nosy reporters and jealous exes. It’s a lot but in a good way. The world feels complex and messy, as it should.

Highlights:
Mythology & Retelling
Greek Mythology Modernized
Unique Artstyle
Forbidden Love

Trigger Warnings:
Sexual Assault
Kidnapping
Trauma & Stalking

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Summary:

Petty Officer Adam Garfield woke up one day to find his life changed forever. His team was unlucky enough to find an IED - the hard way. Thankfully, he was the only one injured. Unfortunately, this injury is enough to force early retirement.

He’s offered a lucrative deal as a companion to dream divers. It’s not the sort of job he wanted…but with pensions the way they are…there really wasn’t much of a choice. Naturally, this is only the beginning.

Review:

Oh, I really like the premise of King in Limbo Omnibus 1. Sleeping sickness, dream divers, desperate characters, it’s got a bit of everything. This series is absolutely worth reading if you ask me.

I know the whole “sleeping disease” bit isn’t the most original foundation in the world, but King in Limbo did a great job of making it unique here. Having people dive into the minds of sleepers, military involvement, etc. It made for a very different feel.

Stories like this hit so much harder after the pandemic. I know that it was written before the pandemic, but the tone can still change. So readers should probably keep that in mind before diving in (see what I did there?).

My biggest drawback for King in Limbo Omnibus 1 is that I just didn’t love the art style. That sounds fussy, but it kept me from getting too invested in the story. Something about it just felt so low-res/low-quality.

Highlights:
Healing & Friendship
Josei
Sleeping Sickness
Dream Diving

Will I continue the series? Maybe

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Summary:

Kaina and his people do a decent job of surviving high in the trees, seeking out some sort of life in this dying world. Naturally, they’re not all that used to visitors, believing themselves some of the last survivors.

When a visitor does arrive, much to their surprise, Kaina and his people quickly learn how wrong their assumptions are. Not only are there other survivors, but they’ve found a safe place to live.

Review:

I wanted to love Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Vol. 1. The title and cover made it look like this story would be my ally. While I agree it has a lot of potential, it failed to suck me in before I finished the first volume.

The premise is compelling - a small, isolated village doing everything possible to survive. They have every reason to assume they’re the last surviving village, so imagine their surprise to learn that there’s at least one other. Cool, right?

It’s definitely a problem with execution, not premise. The world didn’t feel all that fleshed out despite telling us the stakes (again and again). Likewise, I didn’t feel all that attached to any of the characters, including the titular character.

Overall, I’d say that Kaina of the Great Snow Sea Vol. 1 was worth the read, but it is not a series I’ll be continuing. Great concept and potential but slightly disappointing results.

Highlights:
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Action Manga
Dying World

Will I continue the series? Nah

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Summary:

It’s a tale as old as time - a young girl accidentally finds a portal to fairyland and falls through head first. At first, little Gert’s dream came true - minus the falling and grievous injury part.

Unfortunately, what was meant to be a quick adventure through fairyland has gone on far too long. Now, all Gert wants is to find a way to get out of here and go home. She doesn’t even care what the price is at this point.

Vol. 1

I have been meaning to read I Hate Fairyland for (checks notes) eight years!?! How did that happen? Anyway, I’m super late to the scene but better late than never, right? I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 is an instant chaotic mess, and I loved every second of it.

I love the totally different take on fairyland here. Yes, it’s still a magical world full of mystical creatures, but they can also get into mayhem, as Gert quickly finds out. This isn’t the first time I’ve read a fairy story where the human got the short end of the stick, but I appreciate that the story is vastly different even here. For one thing, while Gert’s adventure is dark and gory, it also has plenty of humor. It’s not all sadness and death.

Well, not Gert’s death, at least. Her quest has taken a violent edge, and it’s easy to see why so many readers have loved this series. It’s quirky, hilarious, and not afraid to take risks. The overarching story is always present, but each volume reads more like an episodic format.

I picked I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 and 2 from the library, so I am lucky enough to dive right into the next volume after this.

Picture Candyland but with a lot more blood and mucus, and you’ll have a solid idea of how I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 feels. I love Skottie Young’s jarring combination of bright/happy colors and gory events. It’s alarming, but intentionally so.

This series perfectly blends styles and expectations. But the details are what really sell the world (aside from the colors). Yes, that sometimes adds to the goriness, but again, that’s the point.

Vol. 2

Oh wow, I Hate Fairyland is such an amazing series. I’ve really been missing out these past few years! I Hate Fairyland Vol. 2 is as funny as the first, though in different ways. The first volume was all about Gert’s attempt to get out of fairyland, whereas the second volume…well, her adventure has changed.

It feels like this volume is split into two halves. The first half is all centered around the royalty arc, while the second half feels more serialized. By that, I mean that each issue felt like it had its own complete adventure. The best part about these adventures? Most of them were references, so that was highly entertaining.

It’s amazing to see how Gert’s story has continued and evolved over the course of two volumes. I have no idea what the long-term goal/game will be for her story, but I’m eager to find out.

As with the first volume, I Hate Fairyland Vol. 2 is as vibrant as it is violent. The colors are bold, and the damage is high. I still love the juxtaposition of a happy world and Gert’s violent rampages. There’s something oddly satisfying about it.

I will give bonus points for this volume's visual references. That really enhanced the story in my book. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the second volume as much if not for those moments.

Highlights:
Chaotic Characters
Fairy Tale Setting Gone Wrong
Sarcasm and Snark

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Violence & Gore

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Summary:

It’s a tale as old as time - a young girl accidentally finds a portal to fairyland and falls through head first. At first, little Gert’s dream came true - minus the falling and grievous injury part.

That was decades ago, and Gert is thoroughly fed up at this point. She wants out and doesn’t care much about who she hurts in the process, even if that means killing the Queen of Fairyland. But whoops! There’s a price to doing that, as Gert just found out.

Writing:

Oh wow, I Hate Fairyland is such an amazing series. I’ve really been missing out these past few years! I Hate Fairyland Vol. 2 is as funny as the first, though in different ways. The first volume was all about Gert’s attempt to get out of fairyland, whereas the second volume…well, her adventure has changed.

It feels like this volume is split into two halves. The first half is all centered around the royalty arc, while the second half feels more serialized. By that, I mean that each issue felt like it had its own complete adventure. The best part about these adventures? Most of them were references, so that was highly entertaining.

It’s amazing to see how Gert’s story has continued and evolved over the course of two volumes. I have no idea what the long-term goal/game will be for her story, but I’m eager to find out.

Art:

As with the first volume, I Hate Fairyland Vol. 2 is as vibrant as it is violent. The colors are bold, and the damage is high. I still love the juxtaposition of a happy world and Gert’s violent rampages. There’s something oddly satisfying about it.

I will give bonus points for this volume's visual references. That really enhanced the story in my book. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the second volume as much if not for those moments.

Highlights:
Chaotic Characters
Fairy Tale Setting Gone Wrong
Sarcasm and Snark

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Violence & Gore

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Summary:

It’s a tale as old as time - a young girl accidentally finds a portal to fairyland and falls through head first. At first, little Gert’s dream came true - minus the falling and grievous injury part.

Unfortunately, what was meant to be a quick adventure through fairyland has gone on far too long. Now, all Gert wants is to find a way to get out of here and go home. She doesn’t even care what the price is at this point.

Writing:

I have been meaning to read I Hate Fairyland for (checks notes) eight years!?! How did that happen? Anyway, I’m super late to the scene but better late than never, right? I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 is an instant chaotic mess, and I loved every second of it.

I love the totally different take on fairyland here. Yes, it’s still a magical world full of mystical creatures, but they can also get into mayhem, as Gert quickly finds out. This isn’t the first time I’ve read a fairy story where the human got the short end of the stick, but I appreciate that the story is vastly different even here. For one thing, while Gert’s adventure is dark and gory, it also has plenty of humor. It’s not all sadness and death.

Well, not Gert’s death, at least. Her quest has taken a violent edge, and it’s easy to see why so many readers have loved this series. It’s quirky, hilarious, and not afraid to take risks. The overarching story is always present, but each volume reads more like an episodic format.

I picked I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 and 2 from the library, so I am lucky enough to dive right into the next volume after this.

Art:

Picture Candyland but with a lot more blood and mucus, and you’ll have a solid idea of how I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1 feels. I love Skottie Young’s jarring combination of bright/happy colors and gory events. It’s alarming, but intentionally so.

This series perfectly blends styles and expectations. But the details are what really sell the world (aside from the colors). Yes, that sometimes adds to the goriness, but again, that’s the point.

Highlights:
Chaotic Characters
Fairy Tale Setting Gone Wrong
Sarcasm and Snark

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Violence & Gore

You Can Also Find Me On:
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Summary:

Laurie has always wanted to be a writer. He works mostly freelance but could really use a break to get his name out there. Enter Oryan Adjei, a chef who was made famous through all those cooking competition shows.

It'll be golden if Laurie can nail this interview with the chef. Of course, he idolizes Oryan, so this is going to be more intimidating than usual. Hopefully, he doesn't completely mess everything up.

Review:

Okay, can I please have the authority to give an award for the cutest graphic novel? No? Bummer. If I could, I'd give that award to Hungry Heart. It was sweet, fun, and heavily character-driven - just how I like them!

In truth, there's a lot to love about Hungry Heart. Laurie is a likable character. He has little to no self-esteem, yet he's trying to make a life for himself by writing. His journey is relatable. As is the fact that he's a total fanboy.

Likewise, Oryan is a likable character. Anybody who enjoys cooking shows (like The Great British Baking Show) will probably appreciate Laurie's fan crush on Oryan, but that's just a relatable layer to the story.

Overall, I really loved their adventure here. It's soft and sweet, providing realistic takes on two characters coming to know one another.

Highlights:
Contemporary Romance
LGBTQ+
Mental Health
Writing Aspirations

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Book Summary:

When Tess Claibourne was just a little girl, her father arrested the most infamous serial killer of the time. Now, decades later, that killer is finally getting the justice he deserves. However, his death is about to kick a hornet's next.

It all starts with another series of murders, this time close to home. Then, a kidnapping. Now, Tess and her partner will have to desperately race against time to prevent the cycle from repeating once again.

My Review:

I have read and loved two other novels by J.H. Markert, so I fully expected to enjoy Sleep Tight. However, I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed by this read. Maybe I set my expectations too high?

My biggest problem with this book is its faux psychology. It heavily relies on psychological tropes, not all of which I consider appropriate. I don’t know how else to say this while avoiding spoilers.

While I enjoy Markert’s writing style, the constant twists and turns in Sleep Tight irritated me. It feels like every psychological trope was thrown into this book, and it really didn’t need that. Most of them did the book a disservice, as by the end, I felt like I was playing trope bingo.

On that note, be sure to lead a full list of the trigger warnings for Sleep Tight before diving in, especially if you’re sensitive to common triggers. There’s a lot in this book.

Highlights:
Suspense & Thriller
Thriller
Criminal Investigation
Serial Killer

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Death & Violence
Kidnapping & Abuse
Child Abuse
Mental Health Concerns
Sexual Assault & Pregnancy

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Book Summary:

Aihui Ying has always been what her village considers a wild child. She doesn't want to follow a girl's "normal" path. She wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a world-class engineer.

After her father's death (read: murder), Ying makes the dangerous decision to join the male-only guild, under disguise, of course. With the help of a prince, her cover may be safe, but only if she's careful. Unfortunately, the more she learns, the less she understands. Worse, she doesn't know who to trust.

My Review:

Of Jade and Dragons is a fascinating magical read about one girl’s determination to follow in her father’s footsteps - no matter the danger. It’s also a bit of a murder mystery, with plenty of intrigue and politics.

Overall, I felt like this story had a lot of potential, some of which was sadly left on the table. Aihui is a brilliant engineer, and it was nice that those parts of her mind got to shine. However, she’s clearly naive when it comes to people, as evidenced by all the red flags she overlooks. It makes you want to scream.

Readers will have to suspend their disbelief a tiny bit over the course of Of Jade and Dragons. It’s hard to believe that only one person would discover her secret (technically, two). Likewise, the romance was far from my favorite part of this book.

I don’t know how I feel about the ending. It will either make the next book a lot stronger…or weaker. There’s no in-between for this one, and I’m curious to see which way it goes.

Highlights:
Dragons & Destiny
YA Fantasy
Mythology
Determination

Trigger Warnings:
Familial Death
Prejudice

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Book Summary:

Amelia Collins is a dedicated and hardworking woman who loves her job. Unfortunately, her family is convinced that a happy job isn’t enough in life and thus keeps trying to force relationships on her.

That’s why she’s bringing a fake date to the next family wedding. It totally doesn’t have anything to do with how attractive her fake date, Reginald Cleaves, is. Though she’ll admit that there is something oddly compelling about the man.

My Review:

So, I did it again. I picked a book through a book box (Aardvark) without realizing that it was a sequel. Oops. The good news is that I can officially say that you can dive right into My Vampire Plus-One without feeling like you're missing a whole lot.

The premise of this one should feel pretty familiar, as it combines a few tropes: an immortal man falling in love with a mortal, a fake date, and forced proximity. Also, there is family drama, but that's more of a bonus.

It's a decent read overall. It's not the deepest romance, but it is cute and funny. My one complaint is that they kept telling us that Amelia didn't need love to feel happy and fulfilled…only for her to fall in love and feel happy/fulfilled. I know it's a romantic trope, but it felt a bit belittling.

Read My Vampire Plus-One if you want a vampire romance with multiple perspectives and plenty of drama.

Highlights:
Paranormal Romance
Vampire Romance
Best Friends Forever

Trigger Warnings:
Cheating
Blood/Gore

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Book Summary:

Rachel Morrigan has a talent for getting herself into all kinds of trouble. For the last several months, she’s been forced into a place of power. In this role, she’s meant to exert control over Cincinnati, keep the peace, and just try to stay alive.

Unfortunately, things don’t stay calm for Rachel. Somebody is trying to set her up, and in doing so, they’re about to rock the core of Cincinnati’s supernatural beings. Everyone from the witches to the werewolves will be affected.

My Review:

Have you ever picked up a series and wondered where time has gone? Somehow, The Hollow is 17 books long (18 technically, as I’m behind by one), yet it’s still going strong. Demons of Good and Evil is the latest addition to the series, and it packs a punch.

Let’s see; we have werewolf/pack drama, vampire politics, witch shenanigans, elven problems, and demons (enough said). It’s a lot for anyone to juggle, especially Rachel (let’s be honest, the girl doesn’t always prioritize that well).

While some characters (like Ivy) were largely shunted to the side in this novel, I appreciate that it gave more time to highlight others. Jenks really shone here. Also, while we’re on the subject of characters, I really want to sit Rachel down. She makes rash decisions and then jumps to conclusions about how people will react. It’s almost a form of self-sabotage.

The whole witch/coven subplot was my favorite. Two major twists happen because of the witches. The first was really clever, and it felt like it came out of left field. The second, well…that’s our cliffhanger ending. I don’t know how to think about it.

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Witches & Demons
Elves & Werewolves
Power & Loyalty

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Book Summary:

Most people know what it's like to face debt. Brandon Walker happily agreed to take on his student loan debt, thinking he'd pay it off with a good job in the medical industry in a few years.

Then the rules about debt repayment changed, officially screwing up all those plans. Now, it looks like Brandon will never pay off those loans. Not unless he's willing to do something extremely drastic, like fake his own death.

My Review:

Oh wow. This book hit me where it hurts. No, seriously. I feel like anybody who has ever faced student loan panic will feel this book right to their core. Dead Broke: or How I Faked My Death and Eliminated My Student Loans, or Dead Broke, as I’m going to call it from now on, is a cuttingly clever novel that will resonate with many readers.

To say that Dead Broke is full of commentary would be the understatement of the century. This book has opinions on everything from student loans to AI in the healthcare industry and pretty much everything in between.

What makes these opinions unique is that they’re woven into the narrative in an almost satirical way, sometimes making them humorous. It’s the right balance for this book, as it otherwise would have been far too heavy at times.

The characters in Dead Broke are adorable, but maybe not in the way one might expect. They’re all intelligent, well-educated people. Yet they’re prone to panicking and making the most bizarre decisions at times. It’s the foundation for this book, and it would not have been possible without them or their impulsive actions.

Overall, I enjoyed Dead Broke and its message. I loved its writing style and witty sense of humor, and I would be happy to read another adventure in this world.

Highlights:
Creative and Witty
Social Commentary

Trigger Warnings:
Crippling Debt
Death via Negligence

Thanks to Greg Trumble and Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Book Summary:

Lore is a rare magic user with a tie to death. It makes her a criminal in the city of Dellaire, so she’s been forced to hide it her whole life. Until a betrayal changes everything, and now the powers that be want to use her.

So now Lore has to use her death magic for the crown - while also spying on the crown prince. It’s a complicated situation, to say the least. One wrong move could easily result in her execution.

My Review:

Let me preface my review by saying this is the first time I’ve read anything by Hannah F. Whitten, so I cannot make any comparisons to her past work. Perhaps that’s why I seem to have enjoyed The Foxglove King more than her regular readers.

To start with, the magical system and world are fascinating. We have a world torn apart by forbidden (death) magic and religious zealots, from the sounds of it. There’s also a complex political system, especially if you enter the capital. And then there’s the poison, which can be used for the obvious, in addition to lengthening one’s life, if used carefully enough.

As for the characters, there are three primary characters. I mostly liked the three of them, with varying degrees. I’m not huge on the romantic subplot and may even be in the minority for my ship (I have no idea; I haven’t seen people talking about it too much).

Long story short, I really enjoyed how creative The Foxglove King was! I already went ahead and got my hands on The Hemlock Queen, so I’ll have to make myself some time to read that, hopefully soon.

Highlights:
Romantasy
Magic & Poison
Lies & Betrayal
Forced Proximity

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Book Summary:

Red London has endured a lot over the past few years, but it survived. With Rhy Maresh on the throne, some are still unhappy with the potential outlook. These people formed a group known as The Hand and wanted to take out the king.

Rhy is not without allies, as Delilah Bard, Kell Maresh, and Alucard are all by his side, plus many others. However, each character has their own problems to deal with, as they are soon to be reminded of.

My Review:

Ahhh! I think it’s a tradition for me to be behind on reading everything Shades of Magic. I was late to discover the original series, and now I’m late in reading The Fragile Threads of Power, though at least this time, only by a year (oops).

I don’t know why, but part of my trepidation for reading The Fragile Threads of Power is because I got irrationally afraid that the series was about to kill Kell off. So I got two chapters into the series, panicked, and shut the book. It took me a further two weeks to get over myself and continue reading. Yes, I embarrass myself sometimes.

The good news is that I can safely say that The Fragile Threads of Power is worth the wait! This novel has multiple stories/perspectives weaving throughout to tell a larger story. You can already tell it will be another complex and probably very dangerous adventure.

While some twists were predictable, I largely found myself enchanted with this return to the world(s). The new characters were a nice addition, though I almost wish Tes was in her own series instead (so readers could have more time to explore her ability).

I look forward to seeing where the Threads of Power series leads. Here’s hoping my favorite characters continue to live and tell enchanting stories!

Highlights:
Part of a longer series
Magical Worlds
Politics, Drama, Family Dynamics
Magic & Pirates

Trigger Warnings:
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
Controlling Behaviors

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Book Summary:

It’s been years since Frank Szatowski heard from his daughter. He knows the distance is his fault, but what can he do about it? So imagine his surprise when his daughter calls him to share the big news.

Now he’s packing up to head to another state, all for a grand wedding. He hasn’t met the future in-laws and knows little about his daughter’s fiance. All he knows is that everything feels…wrong.

My Review:

The Last One at the Wedding is an interesting thriller and not what I expected. That said, it's probably my favorite novel with an unlikeable character, though that's probably not saying much.

Let me put it this way: I didn't like any character in The Last One at the Wedding. Frank is a judgemental jerk; his daughter is well… she's a lot, and not in a good way. And then there's the family she's wrapped up in; they're a whole new level of wicked.

Basically, the only good person in this book is the innocent little girl who gets dragged along for the ride. So it's hard to root for any conclusion, except maybe one. On the bright side, it somehow increases and lowers the stakes simultaneously. I stopped worrying about what would happen to most of them while looking forward to seeing how karma would find them.

While I didn't love the characters, I did love the writing style and overall atmosphere. It was creepy in an understated way, always hinting at the situation's wrongness. The descriptions made it easy to picture this isolated wedding event and all its grandness.

Long story short, The Last One at the Wedding is worth the read, even if I didn't end up falling head over heels for it.

Highlights:
Mystery/Thriller
Horror Elements
Drama at the Family Wedding
Family Secrets

Trigger Warnings:
Missing Person
Controlling Behavior
Substance Abuse/Addiction

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