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jshawreads's reviews
559 reviews
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
Blood on the Tracks by Guy Hale
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
I Feel Awful, Thanks by Lara Pickle
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley, Lara Pickle, and Oni Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
I Feel Awful, Thanks is the story of Joana, a young witch, moving to a new city to work in a new job, and slowly learning about herself, her boundaries, and the true depth and meaning of her own happiness.
Frank and honest discussions about mental health between characters are always wonderful to read, and Joana's journey of self-discovery and self-love is a beautiful one to be brought along on. Mix all this into a world of fantasy and magic, and you have an emotional, joyous read as Joana seeks help and is assisted in finding and developing the tools and tricks she needs to manage her emotions and anxieties.
Also, one of my favourite things about I Feel Awful, Thanks, is the art. To see the panels splinter, crack, and shatter as Joana tells people "I'm fine" or as she spirals into negative thought patterns was mindblowing. Simple, yet incredibly effective. I loved this graphic novel, so much.
I Feel Awful, Thanks is the story of Joana, a young witch, moving to a new city to work in a new job, and slowly learning about herself, her boundaries, and the true depth and meaning of her own happiness.
Frank and honest discussions about mental health between characters are always wonderful to read, and Joana's journey of self-discovery and self-love is a beautiful one to be brought along on. Mix all this into a world of fantasy and magic, and you have an emotional, joyous read as Joana seeks help and is assisted in finding and developing the tools and tricks she needs to manage her emotions and anxieties.
Also, one of my favourite things about I Feel Awful, Thanks, is the art. To see the panels splinter, crack, and shatter as Joana tells people "I'm fine" or as she spirals into negative thought patterns was mindblowing. Simple, yet incredibly effective. I loved this graphic novel, so much.
The Dyatlov Pass Mystery by Cédric Mayen
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for providing me with a free electronic copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
I've recently gotten into reading more non-fiction graphic novels, and when I saw something about the Dyatlov Pass Incident, I knew I needed to read it. One of the most interesting unsolved mysteries I have ever read about, this graphic novel manages to maintain the suspense and intrigue, whilst following the established facts and not going crazy with the conspiracies. I really enjoyed the sections covering the inspector and his struggles with the beaurocracy and internal politics of the USSR, and there is a large section at the back with interviews and some of the more accepted theories of what actually happened.
A great read, full of new knowledge, even for people like me who have read about Dyatlov Pass before. Great illustration and use of colour to distinguish between time and the inspectors' visualisations of the facts and clues around him. Really enjoyed this!
I've recently gotten into reading more non-fiction graphic novels, and when I saw something about the Dyatlov Pass Incident, I knew I needed to read it. One of the most interesting unsolved mysteries I have ever read about, this graphic novel manages to maintain the suspense and intrigue, whilst following the established facts and not going crazy with the conspiracies. I really enjoyed the sections covering the inspector and his struggles with the beaurocracy and internal politics of the USSR, and there is a large section at the back with interviews and some of the more accepted theories of what actually happened.
A great read, full of new knowledge, even for people like me who have read about Dyatlov Pass before. Great illustration and use of colour to distinguish between time and the inspectors' visualisations of the facts and clues around him. Really enjoyed this!
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Chernobyl: The Fall of Atomgrad by Matyáš Namai
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Andy Warhol: A Graphic Biography by Michele Botton
informative
fast-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
2.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Following the life of one of the most famous artists of all time, this graphic novel highlights key moments from Andy Warhol's upbringing, his career, and his founding of The Factory, all the way to his passing.
I have to admit I was left a little wanting. With a graphic novel of course the level of detail of a traditional biography isn’t possible, but this felt like a very bullet pointed list of things I already knew, and didn't add very much for me. Perhaps that is my mistake in reading it, and expecting something that was never going to be. The art was lovely, a real blend of 50's esque comic book and pop art.
Following the life of one of the most famous artists of all time, this graphic novel highlights key moments from Andy Warhol's upbringing, his career, and his founding of The Factory, all the way to his passing.
I have to admit I was left a little wanting. With a graphic novel of course the level of detail of a traditional biography isn’t possible, but this felt like a very bullet pointed list of things I already knew, and didn't add very much for me. Perhaps that is my mistake in reading it, and expecting something that was never going to be. The art was lovely, a real blend of 50's esque comic book and pop art.