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: 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: 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

Review: Saga Volume 9 by Brian K. Vaughan

 

Title: Saga Volume 9

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Artist(s): Fiona Staples

Series/Standalone: Saga Series

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Edition)

"The multiple Eisner Award-winning series returns with a spacefaring adventure about fake news and genuine terror. Get ready for the most shocking, most impactful SAGA storyline yet."

My Rating: 5/5

There is something about this world that just sucks me in every time.  I think the ever-evolving characters, the changing setting and the dramatic stakes. This was continued on the path that the artist and author are taking us on. A heartbreaking path but one I'll continue on wherever it goes. While it's started a new arch I am curious to see how the rest of the series goes.  I look forward to rereading the volumes that are out and continuing on as the series is published.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny