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kwichris's reviews
128 reviews
The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The style in which this was arranged was definitely interesting even if at times a little confusing. There's a lot to infer from what you read or see on the page, which definitely comes from the author intending to have readers engage with the book. It's definitely a melancholy story and not for everyone; the ending is a little confusing but ending this story as expected would seem pointless after learning the basics of the plot within the first few pages. David is such an aggravating character at times but still relatable when you look back at your own life and decisions and thought process. This isn't a read for everyone, but it was definitely worth a look for those wanting a graphic novel that is a little more adult and less heavy-handed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Gun violence, Infertility, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Finding My Elf by David Valdes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall, I ended up enjoying this sweet little read and was so happy my library picked it up when I had suggested it. The book does at times rely a little too heavily on references to very specific cultural moments that sadly date this book even though it's brand new. I much prefer when references are spread out vs all in quick succession. Cam's dilema and inner turmoil is definitely relatable for anyone who's switched majors after realizing what they think they wanted may be different from what they really do want (guilty as charged). I will gripe about the few spelling mistakes given how short the book is for those not to have been caught before the final printing. Overall, a fun, inclusive, and holiday extravaganza of a book for those wanting a quick holiday read to get you in the feels. :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Teen Titans: Starfire by Kami Garcia
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was so excited for this next volume given the last 2 were so well written, illustrated, and brought to life. I feel like this is a step back in quality a little and things do jump around a little too much here vs other volumes, reminds me of the pacing of the first two volumes. Starfire doesn't ger her name here which is a little dissappointing. There's good chemistry with cyborg/Starfire & starfire/Robin which I love to see. The additional boyfriend and lynch angle for HIVE is a bit much and sometimes I did really wanna smack Kira. But overall I still enjoyed this and am looking forward to a true teen titan group novel in the next volume!! I really like the current team and power sets, plus their backstories are all so much better compared to some comics in recent years. EDS Starfire is a highlight, love to see it! Until fall 2025, I'll just be waiting in anticipation....
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a very interesting concept that at times worked better than others, but as a whole still worked really well. The characters are well thought out, but there's a few unexplained bits of information and some underdeveloped elements of the story that are a bit upsetting. All I can say is I hope this never comes to fruition in our reality, cause those kids need some serious therapy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Classism
Spy x Family: The Official Guide—Eyes Only by Tatsuya Endo
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This is a standard collection of information from across the series. It works well and does have some added information and illustrations not in the books (yet), but it is a rehash of what you already know and is rather lengthy.
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
On round two, we think we know this world, but there is much to continue to explore and unearth. Again, Schwab is truly great at World building in a satisfying way that does reward readers for paying attention to detail. That being said, this book really does feel like that middle chapter in a story, whether that be due to the sudden cliffhanger at the end or the fact of how long it takes for the main event of the book "The Essen Tasch" to begin roughly 340 pages into the story. Don't get me wrong, I like all the subtle drama and back and forth viewpoints of events (which works out really well in some chapters where the event picks up from different POV seamlessly), but for how much the event is talked up, it's a relatively short-lived part of this story. I'm genuinely more intrigued by Lila as we keep going forward, albeit sometimes ya just wanna yell when she makes some choices. Rhy seems like a more well rounded character in this outing and the brotherly conflict and care seems much more genuine. Now to seek out book 3 to find out what Osaron, White/Red London, and Kell/Lila/Rhy have in store!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Self harm, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Stalking, Alcohol, and Classism
Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I liked the change of pace in the latter half of this volume and how the story delved into some more complex issues. I do still roll my eyes at how stupid Anya can be in regards to Damian. I also think Yuri is generally more annoying than enjoyable to see in this series, and ironically Loid (& Yor/Anya) also agree he's a pain to have in the story. I am intrigued by whatever weird mumbo jumbo is going on with Damian's mother, that's really a weird mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2 by Shima Shinya, Daniel José Older
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content and Colonisation
The Edge of Balance Vol. 1 by Justina Ireland, Shima Shinya
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content