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. 3

Title: Lore Olympus Vol. 3

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Mythology, Romance, Adult

Pages: 384

Publisher: Del Ray

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Witness what gods do after dark in the third volume of stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe.

'It is natural for a King to be curious about his future Queen....'

All of Olympus- and the Underworld- are talking about the God of the Dead and the sprightly daughter of Demeter. But despite the rumors of their romance, Hades and Persephone have plenty to navigate on their own.

Since coming to Olympus, Persephone has struggled to be the perfect maiden goddess. Her attraction to Hades has only complicated the intense burden of the gods' expectations. And after Apollo's assault, Persephone fears she can no longer bury the intense feelings of hurt and love that she's worked so hard to hide. 

As Persephone contemplates her future, Hades struggles with his past, falling back into toxic habits in Minthe's easy embrace. With all the mounting pressure and expectations- of their family, friends, and enemies- both Hades and Persephone tell themselves to deny their deepest desires, but the pull between them is too tempting, too magnetic. It's fate."

My Rating:5/5

I am so glad that these are being physically published! I absolutely love the art style and the storytelling. The way the story is laid out keeps me coming back for more without being too much overall. I would highly recommend it to fans who want a cute retelling with a slow burn!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The last days of summer creep toward a violent climax....

Seichi's family begins to fall apart in the wake of his cousin's "accident," but nothing compares to the mental and emotional torture he undergoes as he tries to maintain some sense of self in the face of his mother's manipulations. Torn by his love for her, Seiichi is pushed to the breaking point and finds himself unable to speak, both literally and figuratively.

The tension continues to build in Shuzo Oshimini's masterwork of understated psychological horror, as Seiichi falls further and further into the abyss of his mother's unravelling psyche."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I pick up a new volume of this I feel more and more disturbed. I'm enjoying reading manga with a different vibe than the ones I have read in the past. Both the art style and the writing is so well done that it just puts the reader on edge. I look forward to binging the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Volume 3

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 3

Author: Hajime Isayama

Artist(s): Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack On Titan (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 208

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"TRAITOR

The last thing Eren remembers before blacking out, a Titan had bitten off his arm and leg and was getting ready to eat him alive. Much to his surprise he wakes up without a scratch on him, with a crowd of angry soldiers screaming for his blood. What strange new power has he awakened and what will happen when the boy devoted to destroying the Titans becomes one himself?"

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite volume so far. It was action-packed and filled with information about the world. I know that I have a lot more to read in the series and I can't wait to see it all come to light.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Down to The Wire by Carly Usdin

Title: Down to the Wire

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"THE FINAL SHOT. Everything's happening- Liv & Charlie figuring out what it means to be Liv & Charlie, the final game of the season is here, creating the perfect fundraiser and everyone's parents showed up to cheer them on during the most stressful time the team could imagine. It's Just A Lot For Everyone To Deal With. Luckily the entire existence of the league doesn't depend on this one game or the Avant-Guards winning, right? Oh wait..."

My Rating: 4/5

This was, I think, a wrap on this series. I believe that this series does so well on discovering who you are in college and beginning to understand who you are as a young adult. Where you're going, who you want to be and the people you meet along the way. This one was fun, but not all that different than past volumes, so forth the rating. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fix the World by Joe Henderson

Title: Fix the World

Author: Joe Henderson

Series/Standalone: Skyward Series (Volume 3)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Willa's faced terrifying storms, giant man-eating bugs, a deadly rebellion and a whole lot of heartbreak, but nothing can prepare her for this. It's time for Willa to fulfil her father's last request. Time to fix the world. But a revelation will rock Willa to her core and test her in ways she never imagined possible."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This series is such a fast, fun read. I would recommend just binge read these back to back. They're fun, fast-paced and enjoyable. I liked the art style immensely and the plot was just ok. Overall I think that this series was fun, but it wasn't earth-shattering for me. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Out from the Shadows by Jim Zub

Title: Out from the Shadows

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"After the massive revelations of Wayward volume two, chaos reigns. The New gods of Japan have arrived and a clash with the myths of old will change the country forever."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was what I assumed a middle book in the series would be, while it was still interesting once I got into the plot line, it didn't really hold my interest and took several attempts to gain intrigue. The art style is as amazing as ever and the addition of new characters is fascinating. I'm curious to see where the series goes and what else we learn about our already existing characters.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Parliament of Magpies by Kieron Gillen

Title: The Parliament of Magpies

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Once & Future (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Retellings

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The next chapter in the critically acclaimed and Eisner Award nominated series as Bridgette, Duncan and Rose must find a way to stay one step ahead of Merlin and keep things secret, but it's a modern era and secrets never stay hidden very long...

THE WORST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Although the monsters of Beowulf may have been defeated, the convergence of stories means the tether between our world and the Otherworld grows dangerously thin. Determined to stay one step ahead of Arthur and Merlin's plan, Bridgette and Duncan start with what they know, tracking down the last connections Nimue had: the nationalists she used to resurrect Arthur, and Lancelot. But finding the legendary knight may not be enough Melin has found his last piece of the puzzle and it goes all the way up to the highest reaches of British government. In order to prevent more chaos, Bridgette, Duncan, and Rose must fight harder than ever to keep things secret, but it's a modern era and secrets never stay hidden for long..."

My Rating: 3/5

I enjoyed this instalment, at this point though I don't think that I'm going to love this series. It's been really interesting and I've enjoyed the art for sure, but overall the storyline isn't doing the most for me. So far it's just been ok. I hope that the next installment either wraps this series up or keeps it going in a momentous direction. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Great Game by Kieron Gillen

Title: The Great Game

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die Series (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In the world of DIE, the players are now real players. Countries are their pieces and the board threatens to run red with blood. Who is the Queen and who are the pawns? Who's playing to win? Who's forgotten what they're playing for? And will they do when they're reminded of the real stakes? The critically acclaimed dark fantasy smash hit goes epic in its third volume."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This wasn't my favorite volume of the series, the more we add characters the less I'm certain about where the series is going. I do love the atmosphere of these stories. A fantasy world based on different works of literature is so entertaining to me. I hope that we gain momentum in the last volume in the series. I plan to read it as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Encore by James Tynion IV

Title: Encore

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Brittney Williams, Caitlin Rose Boyle, Katy Farina, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 96

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

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

The Backstagers are back in (stage) blacks, for a festive collection of Valentine's Day and Halloween stories! Join Jory and the rest of the Backstagers as they wrestle with anti0Valentine crusades, totally creepy phantoms (NOT of the opera), and the ever-present magic of the backstage world in this romantically spooky third volume of this hit series."

My Rating: 2.75/5

I just think that this is where the series seems to end. This one was cute, it was a fun holiday read, but it doesn't really add anything to the storyline. Really the plot wrapped up in the second volume, this is just here for some fun character content. I liked it, but it just wasn't where I hoped that the series would go. If another volume comes out and is available at the library, I'd check it out, but it's not something I feel like I need to read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Heartstopper: Volume 3

Title: Heartstopper Volume 3

Author: Alice Oseman

Artist(s): Alice Oseman

Series/Standalone: Hearstopper Series (Book #3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, Contemporary

Pages: 384

Publisher: Hodder's Children Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In this volume we'll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private...

Meanwhile Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem... rather close...?"

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed the change of setting and the different characters we were able to see in this story. I think that Alice Oseman does a great job of making you care about other characters and their relationships. I wasn't expecting to care so much for side characters and yet, here I am. I also love how cute the art style is in these. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Haven by Majorie Liu

Title: Haven

Author: Majorie Liu

Artist(s): Sana Takeda

Series/Standalone: Monstress Volume 3

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Maika Halfwolf has begun to unlock the mysteeris of her past but the challenges of the present are only growing. In this third volume of MONSTRESS, collecting issues 13-18, Maika's journey takes her to the neutral city of Pontus, where she hopes to find temporary refuge from her pursuers. Unfortunately, Pontus may not be as safe as Maika and her allies had hoped.

As the impending war between humans and Arcanics creeps ever closer, and powerful players fight for the chance to control her future, Maika finds she must work with Zinn, the Monstrum that lives inside her, in order to ensure their mutual survival. But even that alliance might not be enough to prepare Maika for the horrors to come."

My Rating: 4/5

This series has so many things going on. The world is intense, and while there is a lot to learn, I feel like I'm starting to understand what's happening with some characters. That being said, it's very confusing, and not a light graphic novel if that's what you're looking for. I am excited to see where Maika and Zinn end up in the future along with what Zinn's memory will reveal. Excited to continue on.

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: Demons by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: Demons

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artists: Tess Fowler (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colours), and Ed Brisson (lettering)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"Having survived the end of the world, the Queens follow Hannah back to where it all began: Mage University. A long perilous journey awaits the Rat Queens as they attempt to find out what happened to Hannah's father while battling their own demons."

My Rating: 5/5

This volume had a bit of a different art style that took a bit of getting used to for me. I find that when art styles change it throws me off a little and takes a while for me to get to the plot at hand. That being said, as with the last volumes I was sucked into the plot quickly. After learning more about the main characters pasts I'm beginning to understand how they came together as a party of rage tag, drinking, partying, and badass women. I look forward to seeing where the plot goes from here, as I've seen reviews that say we go in a totally different direction with no explanation of what becomes of our current plot points. I hope that it isn't too disjointed. Would recommend this series overall so far though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Shore of the Dying Light by Rick Remender

Title: Shore of the Dying Light
Author: Rick Remender
Illustrator/Colourist: Greg Tocchini, and Dave McCaig
Series/Standalone: Low Series (Vol. 3)
Genre: Comics, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
Pages:128
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Stel Caine rises from the depths to the surface of the Earth, the first human in millennia to walk on the sun-blasted wasteleand. Her daughters aren't far behind, and not everyone shares Stel's hopeful outlook of the future. Will this family reunion reveal the key to mankind's salvation... or snuff out the light forever?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I've been waiting for this series to really grab me and this was the one. I really got invested in the storyline and the world. Especially during the final battle scenes and seeing how the family reunion is changing different elements of the faith of hope. I also think the idea that hope is a religion makes for an interesting aspect of the story. I can't wait to continue the series and see where it goes. 

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