Review: Garlic and The Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Title: Garlic And The Vampire

Author: Bree Paulsen

Series/Standalone: Garlic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Pages: 160

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"A farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring a heroine who is braver than she realizes. 

Garlic feels as though she's always doing something wrong. At least her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it's nice and safe.

But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.

After all, garlic drives away vampires... right?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a fun little middle-grade graphic novel. We follow Garlic as she learns confidence in who she is, how to stand up for those around her, and that is something we all need to remember right now. I don't see myself continuing the series but would recommend to a middle-grade audience.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Lore Olympus: Volume Nine

Title: Lore Olympus: Volume Nine

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume #9)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Mythology, Adult, Romance

Pages: 432

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2025

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The Underworld has a queen!'

Persephone and Hades are finally reunited when the banished goddess of spring returns to the Underworld to claim her rightful place as queen. Now that Hades and Persephone have defeated and imprisoned the power-hungry Kronos once more, nothing can keep them apart, and years of being separated have only made their desire for each other grow. But the other Olympians can't help but meddle, pushing the pair to make things official with a coronation- and a wedding.

Ignoring the others who try to define their relationship. Hades and Persephone choose to take things at their own pace and focus on rebuilding the Underworld. They begin by investigating how Kronos was first able to escape, and they learn the horrifying truth that he has captured a powerful young god whose abilities help Kronos project his thoughts outside of Tartarus- thoughts he uses to plague Hera's every waking moment. Though Krono's physical form is locked away, Olympus will never be free until they can rescue the child from the furious Titan's grasp.

To save the realms, Persephone must figure out her fertility goddess powers and embrace her role as Queen of the Underworld- even as it takes her further from her mother's expectations and her former place in the Mortal Realm."

My Rating: 5/5

After just being ok with the past couple of volumes in this series, or not finding them super memorable, I felt that this one was well-paced and memorable. I really enjoyed the art style (as always), and the story felt like it truly ramped up in this volume. I can't wait to continue on and read the next in the series as it comes out in June. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Saga Volume 10

Title: Saga Vol. 10

Author: Brian K. Vaughn

Artist(s): Fiona Staples

Series/Standalone: Saga Series (Volume 10)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"At long last, Hazel and her star-crossed family are finally back, and they've made some new... friends? The collection features the latest six chapters of the most epic adventure in comics, including the series' double-sized first issue back from hiatus."

My Rating: 4/5

This felt like a weird place to pick up. I think when the series is finished or continually putting out more issues I will be buying them as they come out again so I can reread past volumes in order to keep track of the story lines. I liked this one, just didn't quite love it. I look forward to seeing how this series continues.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Little Moments of Love by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Little Moments of Love 

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Romance

Pages: 148

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"What began as stray doodles on scraps of paper became an internet sensation when Catana Chetwynd's boyfriend shared her drawings online. Now, Catana Comics touches millions of readers with its sweet, relatable humor. Little Moments of Love collects just that- the little moments that are the best parts of being with the person you love."

My Rating: 5/5

Although this coffee table book is short it is so touching. These stories focus on relationships and weirdos which is exactly what I am lucky enough to have with my husband. These made me laugh and I remember when I first discovers these comics on Instagram. I would strongly suggest both the coffee table books and their page. Great to share with your partner.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Alex + Ada Vol. 3 by Jonathan Luna

 Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 3

Author: Jonathan Luna

Artist(s): Sarah Vaughn

Series/Standalone: Alex + Ada (Book #11-15)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Library Copy)

"The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in the realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot. Alex takes a huge risk to unlock Ada so she can think for herself and explore life as a sentient android. As Alex and Ada spend more time together, they become closer. But as restrictions tighten on artificial intelligence, Ada feels unsure about her place in the world, and Alex questions being with an android.

In this final Arc, Alex and Ada struggle against the growing hatred for sentient robots and their human allies. Can they survive what's around the corner?"

My Rating: 1/5

I really thought that this series would get more interesting as time went on but I just felt like there were too many things that the author was trying to do. Things weren't laid out well enough with enough weight to them to feel any of the consequences that took place in this final instalment. I really don't think that there was enough time spent on dramatic aspects of the story. They were glossed over just as quickly as causal conversation throughout the first 2 volumes. I wouldn't recommend this series unless you have read this description and are sure this is something you "have" to read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Paper Girls Vol. 1

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artists: Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, Jared K. Fletcher
Series/Standalone: Paper Girls Series (Volume #1)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 144
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12 year-old newpaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time."

My Rating: 5/5

Part of me is really lost about what the hell this was but at the same time I loved it. There is a sense of intrigue, rebellion and wholesome content just due to the age of the characters that we are dealing with. I'm loving the Stranger Things vibes that this is giving off and I'm hoping to take out the rest of the books in the New Year. Sorry I ignored so many people who recommended this to me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 3

Title: Giant Days Vol. 3
Author: John Allison
Illustrator/Colourist: Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Vol. 3 and Issues #9-12)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Young Adult
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Best friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy are rounding out their first semester at university. The girls, along with their male hallmates Ed and McGraw, find that college is more than academics and bad microwavable meals. Add some pub-hopping, hookups, breakups, and political scandal and this might just be the most eventful first semester ever."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This one made my heart wrench. I think the idea of first loves and first times is hard thing for authors and illustrators to capture sometime but somehow these people have completely captured it. Between that and the ideas of giving up whether that's on love, or class or a person it's just crazy to me. I can't wait to continue the series and see where it goes. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny