Clara by Christophe Lemoine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clara is a heart-rending story about a little girl who lost her mother because of illness. Before her mother passed away, she gave her daughter Clara the doll she used to own when she was still a kid. Death is not an easy topic to discuss with children like Clara, but because of her dad and grandma's patience to explain to her what happened, she was able to understand about her mother's death.

Kids in Clara's age has a vivid imagination, so maybe it is her wild imagination that the doll talks or it is really true that have the ability to talk. Nevertheless, that doll that was also named Clara by her mother helped her cope up with on her mourning.
Clara is a great graphic novel that could be used by parents or teachers to educate children about the concept of death and how to deal with it.

Superb: Life After The Fallout by David F. Walker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Superb Volume 1 is a tie up to the Noble Vol. 1 comic series by Brandon Thomas. The story of this graphic novel tells us about how the Foresight Corporation tries to find those who possessed extraordinary powers among the teenager residents of Youngstown, Ohio.

If you enjoy reading superhero stories, you may find this just like every comic series you've read in the past. Why I gave this a 4-star rating is because I like how the authors made a teenager with down-syndrome a superhero and the main character and that the pacing and storytelling is much better than its counterpart, the Noble comic series.

Krista Kim-Bap by Angela Ahn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Krista Kim-Bap is a middle-grade fiction book which is about the story of Krista and her Korean family who resides in Canada. Krista was struggling with some of the changes she's experiencing such as the change in her style of clothing, and the change in how her classmates treat here. Because of these changes, her relationship with her best friend Jason was on the rocks. Her sister, grandma and her mom all helped her by trying to let her clear and understand some things, especially on how she must learn to accept what she really is.

Through a school project, she also learned about her Korean ethnicity: its culture and its history, specifically which are related to food. Krista's relationship with her grandma and her older sister has come into good terms after; family is a family and must help each other especially during times of need.

The Wellspring Trilogy: The Crystal Key by Robert Gronewold

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Crystal Keyis the first book in the Wellspring Trilogy written by Robert Gronewold. This young adult and fantasy fiction novel is about Felicity Bough, a sixteen-year-old orphan who was adopted when she was two by her mother's best friend, Lenora. Every year, her birthday wish is to become just like her mother and Lenora, a Doorward.

A Doorward is a caster who helped protect and maintain the mirror was. On her sixteenth birthday, unexpected guests arrived on their doorstep and informed Felicity that she could be more than just a Doorward; she could be a Turnkey just like her dad. A Turnkey is an expert in combative magic who prevents Horrors from the Dark from slipping in the mirrorways.

The first eight chapters of the story tackle character development and world building. Thus if you are waiting for the better part, you have to wait until chapter nine because that's where the conflict begins. In the said chapter, Felicity, Harry and Margo went to the grand unveiling of the new mirrorway central hub. During the event, there was a catastrophe in the venue and Felicity was able to save Harry. However, the Horror grabbed Felicity through the Mirrorgate and then the gate was shattered, making her trapped inside.

If you are a fan of young adult and fantasy fiction, you will appreciate this kind of story even though that it's quite long. It took me a week to be able to finish this 388-page novel, but I could say that it's worth it.

La Casati: The Selfish Muse by Vanna Vinci

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never knew who Marchesa Casati is and thanks to this graphic novel, I was introduced to the bizarre yet very interesting life of this prominent person in the early 20th century. Casati's eccentric and extravagant fashion and way of living will engross those who will read this memoir of hers.

Casati maybe vain, but we could learn a lot from her life, especially on how dauntless she is and not imitate her carelessness especially on financial matters. She always lived in the present and never mind what her future would be, thus she was left with literally nothing when she got old. This memoir is a great read that will not only entertain readers but also will teach a lot of lesson in the end.

Between Me and You: A Novel by Allison Winn Scotch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Between Me and You is a fiction novel that tells about the story of the married couple, Ben and Tatum. It narrates the imperfect relationship they have: from the struggles, jealousy, secrets, jealousy and infidelity.

The story was narrated through Ben and Tatum's perspective; the flashbacks dated from their first meeting in the bar where Tatum used to work up to how their lives were entangled in secrets and deceit during their marriage. They both know that they still love each other, but there are instances that they felt one has already fallen out of love.

This novel sort of reminds everyone that there's no such as perfect marriage, but it's up to those who are in the relationship how to work it out. There will be problems that married couples encounter during the course of their marriage; trying to forgive and forget is one of the important factors to consider and remember. And this is what Ben and Tatum did to be able to save their relationship.

Zen Pencils: Creative Struggle by Gavin Aung Than

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book I've read from Gavin Aung Than. His books are not only entertaining to read but are also very inspirational. The illustrations drawn by the author and the quotes and stories of some of the famous people that he compiled in this book will make an impact on those who read it.

Through this book/graphic novel, we are reminded that even the popular personalities are ordinary people also because they have encountered problems in achieving their goals. These books of Gavin Aung Than are the type of books that should be included in everyone's bookshelves, especially in public libraries, so everyone could have access to them and will help boost everyone's morale.

First Year Out: A Transition Story by Sabrina Symington

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The title of this graphic novel piqued my interest, thus I checked out on what this about. The story is about the transition period of the transgender woman Lily up to her SRS, or sex reassignment surgery.



The experiences of the transgenders were discussed throughout the story. People will learn a lot from reading this. I recommend that those who have preconceived opinion about the LGBT should try to read this.

Thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publisher for the ARC of this graphic novel.

Review: Second Generation - The Things I Didn't Tell My Father

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Second Generation is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Michel Kichka. It tells about not only the story of his dad, Henri, but also how the author and his siblings grew up with a parent who was a Holocaust survivor. The recollections of what happened to Michel's dad in this book are less vivid and haunting compared to the other books I've read before that tackles the same topic.
However, I found the ending a little bit odd and abrupt. Nonetheless, it's an entertaining graphic novel that will like by readers.

Moonhead and the Music Machine by Andrew Rae

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

How odd?! That's my initial reaction after checking out this graphic novel by Andrew Rae. The illustrations are undeniably eye-catching, but I just don't get some parts which I found really strange.

Also, the artwork has the psychedelic vibe because of how multicolored they are. Even though it didn't make to my criteria of notable reads, there are other people who can find this graphic novel still inspiring — notably those who are artists or musicians.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know how Wonder Woman looks like, but I still haven't read any comics issue neither watched the TV series nor the movie(s) of this iconic superhero. Therefore, this is my very first time to read or rather listen, as I had the chance to download an Audible audiobook of this novel by Leigh Bardugo.

The quest of Diana and Alia in this book is truly exciting to read because how it was magnificently written by the author. The revelation and twist in the story are quite unexpected, as well as the friendship blossom in the least expected people. What I was expecting is how the relationship between Diana and Jason will develop, but I was disappointed with what happened between them.

Nonetheless, I still like this story of the Warbringer Alia, and the Amazon Diana because it contains a lot of action-packed scenes that readers will definitely enjoy. Now that I had finally finished reading this, I might try to watch the recent Wonder Woman movie that star Gal Gadot, or perhaps I will check out the latest issue(s) of the comics series — I think that I still need my dose of Wonder Woman and her awesomeness.

Nurse Nurse by Katie Skelly

Nurse Nurse by Katie Skelly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I like the originality of the story of this graphic novel. However, the drawing is quite disappointing because I find them really horrendous. Looking at those illustrations feels like it was just drawn by a 5 year old.

In addition, the story has that psychedelic vibe and the ending will also make you wonder on what it meant. It felt like that the ending was rather abrupt because the author can no longer think about what to write.


Special thanks to Sparkplug Books for providing the reading copy of this in exchange for an honest opinion.

Black Comix Returns by John Jennings

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

Black Comix Returns is best recommended for those who are a fan of comic books and are in the graphic design/animation industry. This art book contains 91 artists that feature some sample of their work(s) and a short biography in the side.

Plenty of the illustrations included in this book are extremely good and impressive. I'm quite familiar with some of the artists included here, just like Whit Taylor, Christina Stellart, Shauna J. Grant, and Sean Mack. But I was also got to introduce to other amazing illustrators when I checked out this book.

For those who are pursuing a career in the creative design industry, this is a must-read because you will learn a lot from the diverse techniques used by the artists.

Zen Pencils--Inspirational Quotes for Kids by Gavin Aung Than

Zen Pencils--Inspirational Quotes for Kids by Gavin Aung Than
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Praises for Gavin Aung Than and his publisher Andrews McMeel for coming up with this graphic novel that contains 23 inspirational quotes from some of the notable personalities, such as Winston Churchill and Confucius . The supporting illustrations drawn by the author himself were quite appealing that will undeniably pleased both young and adult readers.



In this book, one of the remarkable quotes for me is by Howard Thurman , "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." The accompanying story and artwork for this quote is absolutely appropriate; as it depicts how we usually forget about our dream because our parents dictates what we should become. There are other issues addressed in this graphic novel, such as hatred, bullying, and racial differences, to name a few.



I'm hoping that the author will release a second volume of this; because I believe that there are a lot more uplifting quotes that were not included in this book. Kids really need this kind of book — to inspire them and boost their morale — especially now in this chaotic times. I don't have any unpleasant remarks for this book, only satisfactory and delightful compliments.

View all my reviews

The Censor's Hand by A.M. Steiner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first book in the Thrice~Crossed Swords trilogy and pretty much concentrated on the character development and world building. Daniel and Miranda's stories are the best for me; on the other hand, Jon's tale is a little bit depressing yet still a good read.

I'm anticipating for the second installment in the series, The Pillow Knife, because I reckon it would be more action-packed than the first. If you enjoy reading fantasy fiction books, mystery, murder, magic, and steampunk, then The Censor's Hand should be on your next read.

Wolves and Roses by Christina Bauer

MY RATING: 2 of 5 stars

Wolves and Roses, the first book in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, is a fantasy and young adult fiction written by Christina Bauer. The storyline is based on the fictional characters such as werewolves, fairies, witches and other fairy tale characters.

I stopped reading this novel around pages 90-95 because I felt that the story is going nowhere. The pacing of the story is quite slow and what irked me is how horny the character of Knox is; I was annoyed of the repetitive, "Mate! Mate!" whenever he sees Bryar Rose.

Despite that I didn't finished reading this, I still give this a 2-star rating because I like how unique the plot of the story is. However, Bauer wasn't able to deliver well because the end-product is not what I'd expected from the synopsis.

Hatsune Miku: Future Delivery, Vol. 1

MY RATING: 1 of 5 stars

I want to give this graphic novel a good rating, but I just want to be fair even though I got a free reading copy. I'm disappointed because I didn't expect that the supposed-to-be-adventures are not that magnificent, instead, they are like hasty mix-up together just to put up a story.

Thanks to Dark Horse Manga for the reading copy provided.

Honey Moon Scary Little Christmas by Sofi Benitez

MY RATING: 4 of 5 stars

The latest book in the Honey Moon Series is about how Honey Moon wants to celebrate normal Christmas in their town of Sleepy Hollow, a place where it is Halloween all year round even on Christmas. Honey Moon's school is planning to have a Nativity re-enactment on Christmas Eve, but Mayor Kligore had put up a Haunted Holiday Festival where Halloween theme Christmas is to be celebrated. Because of this, the school play is on verge of cancellation and Honey Moon wants to prevent it from happening.

Honey Moon's mother told her that there was a time on their town before it was converted to its current setting by the Mayor, the church town had the tradition to rung its 12 golden bells on Christmas Eve. This gave Honey Moon an idea to make their Christmas normal in Sleepy Hollow. Along the way, Honey Moon and her friends discovered a lot while they were digging pieces of evidence and trying to persuade the reverend to bring back the ringing of the church bells.

The Enchanted World Of Honey Moon A Scary Little Christmas is a short yet meaningful story that will teach and reminds everyone that Christmas is on the hearts of those who believe in it; not on the tangible things that we can see and touch.

Thanks to Rabbit Publishers and Netgalley for the reading copy provided.