Book Review: Crown of Horns by Jeff Smith

Title: Crown of Horns

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 9)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 232

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2004

Format: Hardcover

"Trapped in the dungeon while the fate of the Valley is decided by two raging armies, Thorn is haunted by the dangerous and mysterious object of power known as the Crown of Horns. Guarded by dragons, the Crown of Horns is the only thing that can stop the Locust and end the war... but how, and at what price? Fone Bone believes he knows the answer, and he must decide where his heart truly lies..."

My Rating: 3/5

This series wasn't all I hoped it would be. I felt that there were too many repetitions, and while I respect it was one of the first very popular graphic novels for young adults that I interacted with it's not the best one I've read. I may still read the prequel if the urge strikes, but I'm not in a huge rush.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Treasure Hunters by Jeff Smith

Title: Treasure Hunters

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2002

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"The Bone cousins, Gran'ma Ben, and Thorn reach the city of Atheia, where they prepare to battle The Lord of Locusts. Meanwhile, Thorn's visions are becoming more threatening, and Phoney Bone is convinced Atheia is rich in gold, and he is determined to find it!"

My Rating: 3/5

While I'm glad I'm finishing this series, some of the content feels repetitive. Phoney Bone is obviously intended to be an unlikeable character, but his repetition of not learning from his own mistakes if frustrating and annoying to read. I like the Thorn plot line, and I look forward to seeing how the series ends.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Coven by Soman Chainani

Title: Coven

Author: Soman Chainani

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Graphic Novel

Pages: 272

Publisher: HarperAlley

Year Published: 2025

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Need your magical crime solved?

Call the Witch Coven.

Hester, Anadil, and Dot are legendary across the Endless Woods are vigilante detectives and protectors of the peace. The famed trio are not only talented witches but also ride-or-die friends who've never left a case unsolved.

That is until the Coven answers a call for help from a mysterious new world- Red Isle, where the Light and Dark Lands are on the brink of all-out-war, each blaming the other for a grim spree of deaths. Now the Coven must work together and unmask the killer before Red Isle tears itself apart. Little do they know: The real enemy might be hiding in plain sight..."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an interesting read. I didn't realize that it was connected to the middle grade school for good and evil books. This was a great book to flip through.  The art was fun, the idea was heavy-handed but great, and overall, such a quick, great read. Loved it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old Man's Cave by Jeff Smith

Title: Old Man's Cave

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 6)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Pages: 128

Publisher: Cartoon Books

Year Published: 1997

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"As war spreads through the Valley and the rat creature mount a vicious offense, Gran'ma, Lucius, Phoney Bone and the villagers join the Veni Yan warriors and set up base camp at Old Man's Cave to make a final stand against the Rat Creature army. Will Fone Bone be able to hold the alliance together? Will the rat creatures finally take over the valley and unleash the power of the Lord of the Locusts? Find out and discover much much more in this pivotal book."

My Rating: 3/5

I enjoyed this one; it was fine, but it felt rather short for what it was. I am curious to see how the rest of the story plays out, but I'm starting to wonder if I have even the foggiest idea where this is going.  I'm feeling a little lost.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Waverider by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Waverider

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet (Volume 9)

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Pages: 256

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The highly anticipated, thrilling conclusion to Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series! After her confrontation with Ikol, Emily finally understands the stone's power and what she must do to defend Alledia from the shadows. As she travels to Typhon to help her mom and Navin. Prince Trellis returns to the Kingdom of the Elves to save his countrymen-- and confront the fraud who has seized power in the absence of a king. The threat of darkness follows all Stonekeepers closely, and it will take the strength of both new friends and old foes to conquer it... and survive."

My Rating: 4/5

I'm not sure what I expected for the end of the series, but it wasn't this. I guess I thought the ending itself would be a bit more epic, but I have to remind myself that this is for middle grade. So happy endings and endings that are open-ended might make sense for this age range. I liked it, I can see why people love it, and I look forward to getting it into the hands of preteens and middle grade students as time goes on.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Book Review: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border by Jeff Smith

Title: Rock Jaw Master of the Easter Border

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 5)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 116

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 1998

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Trying to return a rat creature cub to the mountains, Fone & Smiley Bone encounter yet another adversary: the sly and mighty mountain lion, Rock Jaw.

In this fifth volume of the BONE saga, Fone and Smiley Bone strike out into the wilderness to return a lost rat creature cub to the mountains. It doesn't take long before they run smack into Rock Jaw, "Master of the Eastern Border," an enormous mountain lion with a none-too-friendly disposition. Life gets even more complicated when they befriend a group of baby animals who are being orphaned by rat creature attacks. Everything comes to a head in an earth-shattering clash between Rock Jaw and Kingdok, the leader of the rat creatures."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was not what I expected to read in this next installment. It wasn't what I was hoping for, and while the plot was interesting and we gained some intrigue, I look forward to reading the next volume in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Dragonslayer by Jeff Smith

Title: The Dragonslayer

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 168

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 1996

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Jeff Smith's New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning BONE books are one of the most popular graphic novel series of all time! Fone Bone confronts a host of Along with Gran'ma Ben and Thorn, he has a terrifying encounter with Kingdok, ruler of the Rat Creatures. The Hooded One is inciting their army to full-scale war. Someone is continuing to haunt Thorn in her dreams. And then Gran'ma Ben disappears. To make matters worse, Phoney Bone has hoodwinked the townspeople into believing that he is a mighty dragonslayer. When he actually does catch the Red Dragon- much to his surprise-- he must face up to his promise-- to slay the dragon at sunrise."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I don't know if it was the length of this one or if I just was struggling to focus on it, but this one had a lot of action, but almost felt like it was a touch too long. I enjoyed it. I love where the plot is going and the art is great, I'm curious to see how the next volume continues on this arc. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Supernova

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade

Pages: 199

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily's brother, Navin travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia's survival."

My Rating: 5/5

This installment in the series was such a great turn for the plot. Not only did we expand on the world, but we also expanded on the magic system, which was super interesting. I also love a little foreshadowing, which I can assume was present. Again, the art style is excellent, and I recommend it to both lovers of graphic novels and middle grade students alike. Loved it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Eyes of the Storm

Title: Eyes of the Storm 

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

Pages: 174

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 1994

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In 'Eyes of the Storm,' volume three of the nine-book BONE saga, Lucius, Smiley and Phoney survive an attack by the rat creatures and return safely to Lucius' taven in Barrelhaven. Phoney, desperate to win a bet with Lucius, stokes the townspeople's fear of dragons and boasts that he is a professional dragonslayer. Back at the farm, Fone Bone and Thorn are troubled by strange dreams, and Gran'ma Ben's reaction to them is stranger still: She reveals long-kept secrets and warns of great danger. Thorn, Fone Bone, and Gran'ma Ben may have to leave the farm forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I remember reading this volume when I was in middle school, and it blew my mind. At that time, my library didn't have any of the other volumes, so I stopped reading there. This is one of my favourites so far in the series, and I look forward to continuing on and seeing where this series takes me. I think there are more than nine books in the series now. I'm looking forward to continuing and learning more about the forces at play. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol. 7

Title: Lore Olympus Volume Seven

Author: Rachel Smythe 

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 7)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 416

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love- the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including a brand new bonus short story!

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.

This full-colour edition of Smythe's original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lor Olympus features exclusive behind the scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

I have loved this series for a while. I first found it on webtoons and then as they've been published, kept up with them in the bindup versions of the stories. I love Rachel Smythe's work and I think that her creative lense is fantastic. Her ability to work with drama, create cliff hangers and a slow-burn romance is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next instalment!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Shame: Conception Pt. 1

Title: Shame: Conception: Part 1

Author: Lovern Kindzierski

Artist(s): John Bolton

Series/Standalone: Shame Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction, Horror

Pages: 60

Publisher: Renegade Arts Entertainment

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When the purest woman on earth allows herself one selfish thought it is enough to conceive the most evil woman the world has ever known.

From the imaginations of award winning creators: Lovern Kindzierski, John Bolton and Todd Klein, is born the dark faery tale trilogy of shame."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't think I realized what this graphic novel was going to be, and after reading it, I'm still not sure I can describe it. The feeling of, "What the hell did I just win?" is still rattling around in my skull. I didn't find it to be in my wheelhouse and for that reason, I won't be continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Title: When Stars Are Scattered

Author: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

Pages: 264

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbours who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability.

When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university- and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp."

My Rating: 5/5

I am currently taking courses to get my library tech diploma, and in one of my classes we were asked to discuss a middle grade age graphic novel, one of my classmates brought forward this one. What an incredibly moving and impactful novel!? For children and adults alike this offers an inside look at what being a refugee in a camp after going through incredibly traumatic life events looks like. I would highly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Lore Olympus Volume 6 by Rachel Smythe

Title: Lore Olympus: Vol. 6

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus Series (Volume 6)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Romance, Retelling

Pages: 432

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Witness what the gods do after dark in the sixth volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, feeling exclusive behind-the-scene content from creator Rachel Smythe.

'We have to make an example of her.'

Chaos reigns in Olympus as Zeus publicly declares Persephone a traitor and issues a warrant for her arrest. But Hades defies his brother's decree, sheltering Persephone in the Underworld- and as the pair spend more time together, they are able to speak openly about their pasts. The goddess of spring admits the truth behind the bloody secret that led to Zeus's ire, and the king of the Underworld shares the trauma he suffered at the hands of his power-hungry father, Kronos.

But as Hades and Persephone's relationship grows stronger, others begin to fall apart. The bond between Hades and Zeus is stretched to its limit, threatening to fracture the peace between their realms. Persephone and Artemis's friendship hangs by a thread as the goddess of the hunt slowly uncovers the vile truth about her twin, Apollo. A line is being drawn in the heavens, putting everyone's loyalties into question as all the gods are forced to choose sides.

And as the cracks in the foundation of the pantheon spread, something darker and more earth-shattering might soon be released..."

My Rating: 4/5

I liked this volume but it wasn't my favorite out of the series. As per usual the art is excellent, and the character growth was great but it was just missing a little something plot-wise for me. While the book was long, it also felt long which is not what I hope for from a graphic novel. I look forward to seeing how Rachel Smythe finishes the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Everything Vol. 2: Black Friday

Title: Everything Vol. 2: Black Friday

Author: Christopher Cantwell

Illustrator(s): I.N.J. Culbard, Steve Wands

Series/Standalone:

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Science Fiction, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Berger Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Things in Holland, Michigan are stranger than ever: while some of the townspeople fall deeper into the mysteries of the disturbingly alluring and increasingly inescapable Everything mega-store, a growing array of renegade citizens form an underground resistance against its masters. Murky answers to bizarre questions finally surface... who, or what, is really in control of Everything... and why? Monstrous villains will be revealed, all out war will explode out in the parking lot, and deep beneath the store, the remaining few will venture forth into an unfathomable- maybe even inhuman- horizon as the American Dream gets derailed in a nightmarish turn."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't know why I expected this to be able to hit all the plot points that I hoped it would. This felt rushed and I was hoping for a bigger build-up of what was going on with this company, this town and this science fiction setting. It was not all I hoped.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Everything Vol. 1

Title: Everything Volume 1

Author(s): Christopher Cantwell 

Artist(s):  INJ Culbard

Series/Standalone: Everything Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Dystopian, 

Pages: 128

Publisher: Berger Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Everything is a gleaming new mega-department store that has everything you want... but it might take away what you need... things like your sanity, or maybe even your life.

From wayward teens to lonely housewives and ambitious city officials, most in this otherwise-sleepy Michigan town are thrilled with the arrival of EVERYTHING and its catalog-perfect manager, Shirley.

But thrill turns to frenzy and when bouts of mania, random hellish fires, violent explosions and unshakeable psychic disturbances start to overtake the population, a few-like depressive out-of-towner Lori and a suspicious local named Rick- begin to suspect EVERYTHING might be the cause.

What twisted power has taken hold of Holland, Michigan and its town-folk? Who-or-what- exactly is in charge here and what insidious plans are in store?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an odd introduction to a series but it hooked me right away. A dystopian book about the greed of capitalism? Sign me up. I would strongly recommend if you want a little disturbing mixed with an odd feeling of familiarity, EVERYTHING may not be as it seems.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 7

Title: Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 7

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist: Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children (Volume 7)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Horror, Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM!Studios

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The final chapter of the Tribulation saga and the decisive showdown between Eric Slaughter and Cutter.

After narrowly surviving the Duplicitype, Erica Slaughter must still reckon with the murderous Cutter in order to save the people of Tribulation. Seperated from Dolly and driven by desperate rage, Cutter won't stop until she exacts her revenge on Erica. But the horror is far from over as the terrifying Duplicitype, the infamous monster wearing Erica's likeness that changed Something is Killing the Children forever, also remains at large and in relentless, sinister pursuit! And with Cecilia showing up onsite, will Erica finally find the ally she needs or is betrayal in the cards? Whose side are they on? Most importantly, what chance does Erica stand?"

My Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this one more than the last one and I think the addition of flashbacks helped my enjoyment overall. I look forward to continuing the series. 

Sidny

Review: How War Begins by Igort

Title: How War Begins: Dispatches from the Ukrainian Invasion

Author: Igort

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction

Pages:172

Publisher: Fantagraphics Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In 2022, Igort, an acclaimed Italian cartoonist, began taking down the testimonies of Ukrainians during the Russian invasion. He turned them into online comics journalism, collected here for the first time in English. "The collapsing bodies look like marionettes. The clouds of dust captured by drones have a surreal beauty. The crumpling buildings look like houses of cards. Even so, It's upsetting, panic-inducing. How can you not think about the human lives, just like your own, buried under that rubble?" In this real-time work of graphic journalism (posted serially on Facebook), the cartoonist Igort uses the medium of comics to depict the telephone testimonies of Ukrainians as Russia invaded in 2022. In vignettes that grow ever more horrifying- infiltrating spies, bombed cities, recorded accounts of children whose parents were murdered in front of their eyes, and more- Igort also relays the events that led up to the invasion, such as the torture and killing of human rights activists. He tells stories of individual struggle and suffering with no resolutions because they are still Of Tetiana, who fled in the middle of the night with her children and whose car broke down on the steppe. And Maksim, who lived in Belgium and went for a five-day family visit and who could not return home when his mother died of COVID due to martial law. In art styles that veer from cartoon simplicity to photorealism, depending on what the moment demands, Igort paints portraits and scenes of ordinary people trying to survive among almost 10,000 civilian deaths. how War Begins is an important document of the past, the present and the future. Full-color illustrations throughout."

Unrated

This is an extremely important read. The way the war in Ukraine has gone is something we can't even imagine the atrocities that are happening. And to have these documented for historical facts. I would recommend giving it a read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

Title: Adulthood is a Myth

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Coffee-table books

Pages: 112

Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library)

"Are you a special snowflake?

Do you enjoy networking to advance your career?

Is adulthood an exciting new challenge for which you feel fully prepared?

Ugh. Please go away. 

This book is for the rest of us. These comics document the wasting of entire beautiful weekends don't he internet, the unbearable agony of holding hands on the street with a gorgeous guy, dreaming all day of getting home and back in pajamas, and wondering when, exactly, this adulthood thing begins. In other words, the horrors and awkwardness of young modern life."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I enjoyed these comics after a long week and think they are perfect for a fun little read. My only issue is the commentary on weight but I understand that might be a specific problem. Fun and cute. Would recommend.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

Title: Big Mushy Happy Lump

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Coffee table book

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published:2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Sarah Andersen's second comic collection picks up right where the first left off- huddled under a pile of blankets avoiding the responsibilities of the real world. These new comics (and illustrated personal essays!) follow the ups and downs of the unrelenting self-esteem roller coaster that is young adult life: budgeting woes, cramps, the nuances of sweater theft and the joy of staying home all day with a box of pizza. All aboard."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really liked this collection of comics, I have been following this author's Instagram for some time and then came across this collection at my local library. It was the perfect way to wind down and have a few giggles after a long day. Would recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Primer by Jennifer Muro

Title: Primer

Author: Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski

Artists: Gretel Lusky

Series/Standalone: Primer Series

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Superhero

Pages: 159

Publisher: DC Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Primer introduces a brand-new superhero with a colorful array of superpowers to explore.

Ashley Rayburn is an upbeat girl with a decidedly downbeat past. her father is a known criminal who once used Ashley to help him elude justice, and in his attempt to escape, a life was taken. he now sits in federal prison, but still casts a shadow of Ashley's life. In the meantime, Ashley has bounced from foster home to foster home and represents a real challenge to the social workers who try to help her- not because she's inherently bad, but because trouble always seems to find her.

Ashley's latest set of presumably short-term foster parents are Kitch and Yuka Nolan. Like Ashley, Kitch happens to be an artist. Yuko, on the other hand, is a geneticist working for a very high-level tech company, one that's contracted out to work for the government and the military. And it's Yuka's latest top secret project that has her very concerned. Developed for the military, it's a set of body paints that, when applied to the wearer, grant them a wide range of special powers. Fearful that this invention will be misused, Yuka sneaks the paints home, substituting a dummy suitcase with an ordinary set of paints in their place.

From here, signals get crossed. Ashley comes home from school one day with her new friend Luke, and thinking that the Nolans have purchased a surprise gift for her upcoming birthday, finds the set of paints. Being an artist, Ashley naturally assumes these are for her. It isn't long before she realizes that she's stumbled upon something much bigger and a lot more dangerous. Although she uses her newly discovered powers for good, it's not before the military become wise to what happened to their secret weapon. And this spells big trouble not only for Ashley, but her newfound family and friends as well."

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a sweet middle grade story. Not only does it have a girl who is going through some difficult life stuff at a young age, it shows her making friends and taking power into her own hands. The story itself is fun and heartwarming, the art is perfect and I would strongly recommend to middle schoolers. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny