Book Review: Lore Olympus Volume 2

Title: Lore Olympus Vol. 2

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, 

Pages:368

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Persephone was ready to start a new life when she left the mortal realm for Olympus. However, she quickly discovered the dark side of her glamorous new home- from the relatively minor gossip threatening her reputation to a realm-shattering violation of her safety by the conceited Apollo- and she's struggling to find her footing in the fast moving realm of the gods. Hades is also off-balance, fighting against his burgeoning feelings for the young goddess of spring while maintaining his lonely rule of the Underworld. As the pair are drawn even closer, they must untangle the twisted webs of their past and present to build toward a new future."

My Rating: 5/5

I want to preface this by saying that I had read some of this series through webtoons before the physical copies had started to be published. And I loved them then, and I continue to love them now. Rachel Smythe's merging of mythology and current world technology leads to fun story telling and excellent art. I loved this instalment and look forward to reading more soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act 2

Title: The Fade Out: Act 2

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Artist) 

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Act Two of the acclaimed Hollywood Noir from the best-selling team of Brubaker and Phillips."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This instalment felt like filler for a three-volume graphic novel series. I will be finishing the series, but I anticipated something else. It's just ok. Not something I could recommend at this current time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks by Shuzo Oshimi

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 2

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 2)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 208

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"His mother has done the unthinkable... and now Seiichi must decide if he will be complicit. but before he can even catch his breath, what remains of his sense of self is smashed to pieces by her next shocking act..."

My Rating: 5/5

The way this volume was so unsettling in my bone was exactly what I want this to be. The art style and the way the characters act appear normal on a surface level but it takes a moment for all that to change. I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about a horror manga that is more just unsettling to start.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 2

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 2

Author: Hajime Isayama

Artist(s): Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 189

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"BIRTH OF A MONSTER

The Colossal Titan has breached humanity's first line of defense, Wall Maria. Mikasa, the 104th Training Corps' ace and Eren's best friend, may be the only one capable of defeating them, but beneath her calm exterior lurks a dark past. When all looks lost, a new Titan appears and begins to slaughter its fellow Titans. Could this new monster be a blessing in disguise, or is the truth something much more sinister?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This volume was better for me than the first volume, now that the world is more set up and it all is set up I was able to understand characters better along with their motivation. I can't wait to see where the series goes and hope to watch the show as soon as I finish the manga. 

Sidny

Review: From the Roots

Title: From the Roots

Author: Tasha Spillett

Artist(s):Natasha Donovan

Series/Standalone: Surviving the City (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 64

Publisher: HighWater Press

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Dez and Miikwan's stories continue in this sequel to Surviving the City.

Dez's grandmother has passed away. Grieving, and with nowhere else to go, she's living in a group home. On top of everything else, Dez is navigating a new relationship and coming into her identity as a Two-Spirit person.

Miikwan is crushing on the school's new kid Riel, but doesn't understand what Dez is going through. Will she learn how to be a supportive ally to her best friend?

Elder Linda is doing her best to be supportive, but she doesn't know how to respond when the gendered protocols she's grown up with that are being thrown into question.

Will Dez be comfortable expressing her full identity? And will her community relearn the teachings and overcome prejudice to celebrate her for who she is?"

My Rating: 5/5

This series has been a great quick read while still staying informative about racism, past and current injustices, and how First Peoples in Canada are reclaiming their culture that was unrightfully taken from them. I think this is a wonderful series and would be interested in reading more from the authors. I hope these novels find youth who felt unseen and help those in need feel witnessed and understood. 

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Review: Here There Be Dragonflies

Title: Here There Be Dragonflies

Author: Joe Henderson 

Series/Standalone: Skyward (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 104

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Now a fugitive, Willa leaves Chicago and goes on the run! But when she takes refuge with some low-G farmers, she stumbles into a plot to attack the city. oh, and on top of all that: giant, man-eating bugs! Maybe we should have led with that."

My Rating: 4/5

I thought this volume was inventive and fun but it didn't carry the interest that I hoped it would. I think that this series could be longer if it had taken a different direction. I plan to finish the series, but it wasn't really the way I hoped for it to go down. Ps. Giant bugs did deliver terror though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Y2K-O! by Carly Usdin

Title: Y2K-O!

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Nina Vakueva

Series/Standalone: Heavy Vinyl (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"An all-new original graphic novel follow up to the award-nominated Heavy Vinyl: Riot on The Radio that reunites everyone's favorite girl vigilantes to save the day by stopping Big Music from killing digital music in 1999!

SAVE THE INTERNET, SAVE THE WORLD (OF MUSIC)!

It's 1999 and Chris is living her dream: working at Vinyl Destination by day and fighting for (musical) justice by night (okay, maybe during the day too) in the world's coolest teen girl vigilante fight club. But when the girls of Vinyl Destination enter Battle of The Bands- to investigate and, of course, win - they learn that the shadowy corporate masters of the music industry plan to destroy the fledging world of digital music and blame it on Y2K. Now it's time for Christ and the gang to dial up 56k (or more, pretty please) of justice so they can save the day once again!"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I wish that this series had more volumes, the cliffhanger that this one ends on was not what I needed from the series. Also watching as the characters traverse long-distance relationships, new relationships and crushes. I loved the way this tackled so many things while staying fun and keeping the music involved. I would read anything else this author put out! Anything!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Avant-Guards, Vol. 2

Title: The Avant-Guards, Vol. 2

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The Avant-Guards have been on a roll, but when they hit the end of their winning-streak, will these new friendships survive? As The Avant-Guards struggle to move forward, they'll soon learn just what it means to truly be a team- on the court and, most importantly off the court. The critically-acclaimed team of writer Carly Usdin (Heavy Vinyl) and artist Noah Hayes (Wet Hot American Summer) deliver the next chapter of the series where every shot counts when you take them with your friends."

My Rating: 5/5

This is such a fun contemporary graphic novel series. I appreciate that the creative duo took the time to further flesh out more of the characters in this second volume and I could honestly read this series forever. It's fun, cute, comfortable and diverse. I'm loving it.  I look forward to finishing the series although I think it will be a bittersweet moment!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Ties That Bind by Jim Zub

Title: Ties That Bind

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great patterns of destiny and power that will change Japan forever?"

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this installment in the series. I thought that this volume was the right mix of action and character building. It had the same great art that I loved from the first volume and the plot is fast-paced enough for me to read through each volume in one sitting. Exactly what I needed from a graphic novel at this moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: By Night, Vol. 2

Title: By Night, Volume 2

Author: John Allison

Artist(s): Christine Larsen, Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night Series (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM!Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Two estranged childhood best friends unexpectedly travel through a portal into another, spookier world where they attempt to create the greatest documentary of all time

Jane Langstaff and Heather Meadows have been to the other side... and now it's just a question of how to bring proof back home with them. And then there's the question of how the portal got there in the first place... and whether or not the town of Spectrum, South Dakota is safe, or monsters are about to start pouring through to our world. Not to mention, with Gardt facing the consequences for Jane and Heather's invasion, have the girls actually been the monsters all along?"

My Rating: 1.75/5

I have liked Giant Days for so long that I just wanted something a little bit similar. I was hoping that with their similar art style and the same-ish-aged main characters I would get the same feelings. But this series is completely different and that's fine, it's just not what I wanted. I think that the plot isn't enticing enough for me to keep going at this point, but I also have a few lingering questions and there is only one more volume. Dare I go for it?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Review: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen

Title: Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the world of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity."

My Rating: 4/5

This was far more entertaining than the first book. I felt like I started to understand what was going on for the characters and the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The art style is phenomenal. I look forward to continuing the series and finishing it as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Split the Party by Kieron Gillen

Title: Split the Party

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"No one can escape DIE until everyone agrees to go home. Or rather, no one can escape DIE until everyone who is alive agrees to go home. The second arc of the commercial and critical hit of bleakly romantic fantasy fiction starts to reveal the secrets of the world and our heroes' past. Yes, they can't escape DIE. They also can't escape themselves."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is just such so bleak, dark fantasy. If you love to play Dnd, or other role-playing games this is a great graphic novel for you to pick up. If you enjoy high-stakes scenarios and an interesting world. This is for you. If you want weird magical abilities, this is for you. If you can't handle blood or gore, DO NOT pick this up. The art style is stunning, the story is amazing, I can't wait to continue on with the series.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Review: The Show Must Go On by James Tynion IV

Title: The Show Must Go On

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

Jory and the rest of the Backstagers have one goal this semester: to put the best show their town's ever seen. But best laid plans aren't easy to achieve when there's an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain! When one of the actors suddenly goes missing, the Backstagers must band together to save their comrade and maintain the natural balance of.... theater."

My Rating: 4/5

This next installment was such a great addition to the story, and the characters we read about in the first volume. I love the art style in these, and the atmosphere that has been created with the backstage world. I look forward to reading the last installment this upcoming week. If you're looking for a fun, short graphic novel series I would recommend!

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Review: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu

Title: The Blood

Author: Marjorie M. Liu

Artist(s): Sana  Takeda

Series/Standalone: Monstress Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 152

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Maika Halfwolf is on the run from a coalition of forces determined to control or destroy the powerful Monstrum that lives beneath her skin. But Maika still has a mission of her own: to discover the secrets of her late mother, Moriko.

In this second volume of Monstress, collecting issues 7-12, Maika's quest takes her to the pirate-controlled city of Thyria and across the sea to the mysterious Isle of Bones. It is a journey that will force Maika to reevaluate her past, present and future, and contemplate whether there's anyone or anything, she can truly trust-- including her own body."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I'm slowly starting to understand more about the world and our main characters. I really enjoyed reading this installment and the art style is absolutely gorgeous. I"m looking forward to continuing on with the series and seeing where the world takes us. I'm grateful that the artist and author are taking time to flesh out the world after throwing us in the deep end in volume 1. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Heartstopper: Volume Two by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper Volume 2

Author: Alice Oseman

Series/Standalone: Heartstopper Series (Volume 2)

Genre: LGBT, Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy

"Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family... and himself."

My Rating: 5/5

These are so incredibly touching and the characters are so heartwarming. I've really been enjoying the cute art style and the storyline. I think this is a great story if you are looking for something cute to read or wanting to feel the warm and fuzzies. It also touches on the idea of coming out and the different ways people feel about speaking about their sexuality. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Alex + Ada Vol. 2 by Jonathan Luna

 Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 2

Author: Jonathan Luna

Artist(s): Sarah Vaughn

Series/Standalone: Alex + Ada (Book #6- 10)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Library Copy)

"Tensions rise between humans and robots in this sci-fi/drama set in the near future. Alex took a huge risk to unlock Ada and it seems to have paid off- Ada can now think of herself and explore life as a sentient android. As Alex and Ada spend more time together, they become closer. But as restrictions tighten on androids, Ada feels unsure about her place in Alex's life and the world."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I think what's really getting me down in these graphic novels is the art style, it's just not one that I gravitate towards. The storyline is interesting to me, and in some ways reminds me of a lot of plot points in Detriot: Become Human, the video game. I will say that our main character is just very bland. Other than a mysterious woman from his past there isn't much that intrigues me about him. I do plan on finishing the trilogy in the near future just for the fun of it, but I don't know if I will pick anything from the author again unless I need a guilty pleasure read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Far-Reaching Tantacles of N'Rygoth by Kurits J. Wiebe

 Title: The Far-Reaching Tentacles of N'Rygoth

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artist: Roc Upchurch and Stjepan Sejic (I don't know how to find accents on blogger ok?)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Volume #2

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N'rygoth never lets his children stray too far."

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this instalment in the series. I love a great second volume of graphic novels, on most occasions, I find that's when you are invited more into the plot points and learn more about your main characters. This was no exceptions. I loved hearing more about the character's past, while still intrigued by an RPG style adventure. The art is absolutely beautiful as well! Overall very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next volume.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2

Title: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

" The concluding volume in the story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan- Yachi's brother-in-law-- changes their lives and perception of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japenese culture.

As Mike continues his journey of discovery concerning Ryoji's past, Yaichi gradually comes to understand that being gay is just another way of being human. And that, in many ways, remains a radical concept in Japan even today. In the meantime, the bond between Mike and young Kana grows ever stronger, and yet he is going to have to return to Canada soon-- a fact that fills them both with impending heartbreak. But not before more than a few revelations come to light."


My Rating: 4/5

These two stories are so amazing. It's important for everyone to read. I think that this story really explores the view of homosexuality through biases in Japan as well as through the fresh eyes of a child. Working with children, I often see a parent having problems with something that children don't even linger on as "odd". I will certainly read anything else translated from Gengoroh Tagame. I hope that they continue this somehow with Kana and Yachi go to Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Free Women by Jeremy Whitley

Title: Free Women
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Artists: Rosy Higgins, and Ted Brandt
Series/Standalone: Raven the Pirate Princess (Vol. 2)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Pages: 128
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Raven and her crew cast off to the high seas and the adventure of their lives. But before they can take on Raven's brothers they'll have to learn where they are and what's happened since Raven was locked away. So they're headed back to Raven's ancestral home island, The Island of Free Women. It's swamped with every kind of thief, assassin, and despot. Can Raven's crew face their first challenge? Can they even handle being cooped up in the same ship together?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm loving that this series is doing so many things for women. It talks about sexuality and the need for equal rights in all employment but in a way that's ridiculously fun. I also think that there is just a wonderful cast of characters that I can't wait to read more about. Slowly but surely we are learning about each person's strengths and weaknesses. It's been interesting and fun. The references to our time period have been given the grateful nod and I can't wait to continue laughing with the characters in the next instalment. That being said this volume contained some really intense drama, so maybe the next one will rattle other emotions as I read it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Before the Dawn Burns Us by Rick Remender

Title: Before the Dawn Burns Us
Author: Rick Remender
Artist/Colourist: Greg Tocchini and Dave McCraig
Series: Low Series (Vol. 2)
Pages: 104
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2015
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Will Stel Caine rise from the depths to become the first human in millennia to set her foot on the surface of the Earth? Who is the relentless Minister of Thought on a quest to put an end to Stel's attempt to restore the light to a dying world?"

My Rating: 4/5

This volume was far easier to follow. There were still twists and turns but due to a better understanding of the dynamic of the story, I was able to follow it better. I will say that this is a series that dumps you in headfirst and it is up to you to sort out what the hell is going on. If that is something you enjoy, you'll likely enjoy this. If it's something you find difficult, I would recommend reading the first two volumes and then deciding where to go with your reading. I really enjoyed this one. It showed other worlds, but also explained the reason that Stel is so hopeful. It helps the reader understand what really brought her to be so hopeful.
I plan on continuing the series for now and seeing where it takes us.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny