becandbooks's reviews
1118 reviews

This continues to be my favorite and most recommend graphic series for adults.

 Inspired by the horrific reality of the Victorian era, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a book to devour and be devoured. Every single aspect of this book deserves to be awarded - from the paranormal world-building to the ferocious and authentic character-building to a plot filled with vivid mystery and intrigue, and horror elements both of and not of this world. This author is proving to be phenomenal in his creation of horror, with this book being the absolute best example. 

Silas is an autistic and transgender character, written so that these are both wholly part of who he is but are not the extent of his character. Readers are immersed in his story as he struggles with the misogynistic, and often brutal, consequences of his time that are forced upon him and the girls around him. This book is heavy, but the graphic descriptions of gore and horror are used in a way that is incredibly necessary rather than shock-value. This book tells a story that is very much its own but also screams about the very real abuse and opinion that has existed within human society. 

This is an incredibly informative, but a little stale nonfiction book about the state of the Australian economy and the impacts on younger generations. Perhaps it was just because it was also super depressing to read, knowing that the state of distress when considering things like buying a house is rooted in a lot of reality and decisions made by generations that benefited.

Pick this up if you are a young Australian who wants to understand why everything is currently how it is. Also, pick this up if you are an older Australian who doesn't want to believe that it is currently ridiculously hard to get by for younger generations and it's because of decisions past. Because the facts are in this book.

Tillie Walden has created a story that is grand - in the places it goes, in the growth of its characters, and in the emotion and weight instilled in every illustrated panel. In the second volume of Clementine, readers are met with not just a companion to a well-known universe, but to a story with breadth and character.

Clementine, herself, is an enormous young character whose wisdom and toil beyond years are striking on the page. But the real applause is for the relationships throughout the story - the primary trio based on survival, the resilience of relationships lost and the development of bonds with countless characters along the way. This is a story that speaks deeply and slowly, a story of apocalyptic survival that will resonate with hearts today.

Note: Review copy received from Edelweiss. This does not impact opinions within this review.

Opening with a scene of a young girl on crutches fighting her way through a plethora of undead, the first book of Clementine proves it is a story of young strength and hardship from the very outset. Clementine herself is an incredibly fierce and resilient character, depicted both in the plot and her backstory. She is straight out of the world of The Walking Dead, as is the entire series. It is perfect for readers who want more out of the world and its characters, or for any reader new to the characters looking for a gritty graphic novel about survival. 

It is a story of survival, but also of loss, loneliness and despair, hope and forward thinking. There is unlimited tenacity in every single page. A great book with incredible characters you will quickly be rooting for, Walden has begun a gripping and tense series of graphic novels.

Lavender House is the first book in a new detective series that is steeped in 1950s atmosphere with strong queer conversations. Andy is a gay man in a time that is not kind to him. While at his absolute breaking point, he becomes swept into a household incredibly unique for its time. It is also a place in turmoil, following the death of their matriarch. They want Andy to use his detective roots to discover the truth of what happened.

Rosen has created not only a solid and engaging mystery but also incredible historical world-building from a perspective often missed. The characters are incredibly individual and wonderfully fleshed out, with their backstories only adding to the tangible world created. A great recommendation for readers that enjoyed Razorblade Tears but are looking for a lighter read. With a sequel expected to publish later this year, it is absolutely a series worth following.