Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II

author: James Tynion IV
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/29
date added: 2018/08/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II' by James Tynion contimues one of my favorite crossovers in fine fashion.

The Turtles and Batman live in different universes, but Donatello remembers how helpful Batman was to the team last time, so he forces open a dimensional rift to get Batman to help. Unfortunately, Batman is not the only one to enter this time. Bane shows up in the Turtleverse, he gets Baxter Stockman to come up with more venom for his new army. When Master Splinter gets hurt, Donatello takes drastic steps, and Batman turns to an unlikely ally to defeat Bane.

I think I liked the first volume just a bit better, but this was still a really clever crossover that really seems to work well. Damian shows up this time, and isn't given a whole lot to do, which was disappointing to me. The art by Freddie E. Williams II works just as well this time around. Here's hoping for a volume 3.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Forgiveness is Really Strange

author: Marina Cantacuzino
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/26
date added: 2018/08/26
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Forgiveness is Really Strange' by Marina Cantacuzino and Masi Noor with illustrations by Sophie Standing is a graphic novel that talks about a difficult subject.

What is forgiveness? Should it always be given? What does forgiveness do to our brain and body? These questions and more are covered. There are lots of real world quotes from people who have been wronged. The thorny questions remain around allowing the person who wronged you off the hook to err again. We forgive for what it does for us, though. Not for what it can do for others.

Having gone through a tough bout of forgiveness, I would have found this book very helpful. I wish I'd had it at the time. There are no easy answers, but this book chooses a path that helps the wronged and may clear the way for restoration, although not always.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Singing Dragon, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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A Sea of Love

author: Wilfrid Lupano
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/26
date added: 2018/08/26
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Sea of Love' by Wilfrid Lupano with illustrations by Gregory Panaccione is a journey of two characters told completely without words.

A little old fisherman with huge glasses sets out on the sea every day. Every day his wife packs him sardines for lunch, and every day, he tosses them in the boat's hold. One day, his boat gets caught up in the net of a bigger boat, and he doesn't come home. The book then splits between his journey, which goes from bad to worse, the waiting that his wife is doing back in the village. Eventually, she decides to go find him, and both of their journeys go back and forth in this charming and funny story.

I liked this story that doesn't have any words. The story works very well and communicates everything the writer wants. The art was fun too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Roots of Chaos, Volume 1: Lux

author: Felipe Hernández Cava
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2011
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/25
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Roots of Chaos, Volume 1: Lux' by Felipe Hernández Cava with art by Bartolomé Seguí tells a story about how we sometimes don't know those who seem to be the closest to us.

In March of 1953, Marshal Tito is visiting London. A man named Alexander walks the streets with a bomb that is intended for Tito.

From here we flash back to Alexander, a scientist working for Scotland Yard with an ailing mother. When his mother is found dead miles from the home she is in, Alexander is drawn in to a shadowy world filled with thugs, secret agents, and a handful of blank postcards. It seems his mother may have been in possession of a bomb of her own at the time of her death, and that her death may not have been the accident that it first appeared to be.

The story took a while to engage me, and the art was just ok. The people had a harsh and hollow look to them. Just as the story was moving along, it ends. Perhaps the story improves in the next volume.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Loud House #3: Live Life Loud

author: The Loud House Creative Team
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/25
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Loud House #3: Live Life Loud' by Chris Savino and The Loud House Creative Team is another volume based on the Nickelodeon series.

I don't watch the cartoon, so last time I read one, I tried to pay attention the characters and keep them straight. This time around, there were so many characters, I didn't even try. Still, the book does a good job of giving most (maybe all) of the characters something to do. There are a bunch of short stories and gags featuring the characters.

Considering Lincoln Loud has 10 sisters, plus friends and neighbors, the writers did a pretty good job. It doesn't hurt that most of the characters have pretty unique interests. I liked the stories and art, and it would be a fun read for those more familiar with the cartoon than I am.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Papercutz and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The True Death of Billy the Kid

author: Rick Geary
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/25
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The True Death of Billy the Kid' with story and art by Rick Geary is a graphic novel about the famous outlaw and how he died.

The book begins with Billy the Kid in jail awaiting sentencing, then does a flashback to his life up to this point. Henry McCarty, aka Billy the Kid, was born in New York. He lived with his mother and brother. When he was 16, his mother died, and he and his brother were abandoned by his stepfather. Shortly after this, he started a life of crime. When he was finally caught and jailed, he made a daring escape. Eventually, he was killed.

If I'd had these in school, I would have loved them. The black and white art, at first didn't jump out at me, but over time the textures and details won me over. I really like the art style for this story. The story ends with a few questions that leave the reader something to think about. I found it pretty interesting.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from NBM Publishing, Papercutz, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Cult of the Sacred Fire (The MERCENARY The Definitive Editions #1)

author: Vicente Segrelles
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.69
book published: 1981
rating: 5
read at: 2018/08/25
date added: 2018/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Mercenary #1: The Cult of the Sacred Fire' by Vicente Segrelles is part of a 40th anniversary of the writer/artists work. What I found inside was gorgeous painted art and an unusual fantasy world.

The mercenary is on a job to save a woman being held hostage. She is in a cage, and like many of the women in this work, she is naked. After he saves her, she tries to convince the mercenary not to take her back to her husband, but he does anyway. The husband sensing betrayal casts the mercenary out of his home in the clouds. The mercenary lands in a world below the clouds where another woman is being held hostage.

The story feels like something I would have read in the magazine Heavy Metal. The world building is unusual and unique enough to have held my interest. The artist's work drawing for engine manuals inform such details as the ropes and pulleys holding up a balloon city. In an afterword about the artist, I learned this as well as his thoughts on other designs, like creating 2-legged dragons instead of four. The work was a good read, and the painted pages add to the richness of this strange world.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from NBM Publishing, Papercutz, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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I Spy the 50 States

author: Sharyn Rosart
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/24
date added: 2018/08/24
shelves: childrens
review:
'I Spy the 50 States' by Sharyn Rosart with art by Sol Linero is a fun picture book with lots of iconography representing all the states.

Starting from the East and moving West, each state gets a page full of colorful pictures representing what you might find in that state. From maple syrup to dinosaur skeletons to surfers and famous buildings and monuments. Each page has a series of things to look for that are easy enough to find. Along with the things that make states different, there are also the things they have in common.

I liked the bright simple pictures that crowd each page. They made if fun to hunt for things. I also liked looking up the places I'd been to see what was included and what got overlooked. That's the problem with only including a handful of images. Something is bound to get overlooked, but for the armchair traveler, or even one on a long road trip, this would be a fun read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Shadow Warrior: Based on the True Story of a Fearless Ninja and Her Network of Female Spies

author: Tanya Lloyd Kyi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/24
date added: 2018/08/24
shelves: childrens
review:
'Shadow Warrior: Based on the True Story of a Fearless Ninja and Her Network of Female Spies' by Tanya Lloyd Kyi with illustrations by Celia Krampien is true. Maybe.

Young Mochizuki Chiyonne trains to be a ninja, and she's quite good at it. Unfortunately, before she can use her skills, she finds herself married off to Mochizuki Moritoki, the nephew of a powerful daimyo named Takeda Shingen. Soon after her wedding, her husband goes off to war and she feels like her training could be put to good use. She finds a young orphan girl named Aki, and starts a school. The cover is that her girls will be in a religious order, but they will actually be spies.

Some of the characters are real, and some are fictional. There isn't much known about Mochizuki Chiyonne, but there are legends about her. It makes for an interesting story. Especially when the beautiful art by Celia Krampien is added. Along with that art are drawings from the time period, which helps add nice flavor to the story.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Sour Apple Sour Apple

author: Szyłak Jerzy
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/08/24
shelves:
review:



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Moteki Vol. 1

author: Mitsurou Kubo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2018/04/04
date added: 2018/08/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Moteki Vol. 1' by Mitsurou Kubo is an English translation of an older manga by a famous creator. The manga is popular enought that it has been turned into a television series.

When Yukiyo Fujimoto turns 30, he finds himself single with no prospects. When he suddenly gets contacted by several women in his life, he thinks it is his "moteki" or time of popularity. Through the course of the story, we see how these past relationships have gone badly, mostly due to Yuki being awkward and not being assertive enough. We also see a few of these events from the female side. Yuki seems doomed to be single forever, but with the help and advice of friends, he may yet find the right person to be with.

At first, I wasn't crazy about this story of a love-starved, sex-focused, inept guy. I didn't really feel for him. Through the course of the 438 pages (!), I did end up liking the story and it's female characters, even if I didn't warm much to Yuki.

The art is pretty good. There are something like 14 issues of the series as well as some funny back up comics included.

I received a review copy of this manga from Kodansha Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Bearskin

author: Zidrou
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/21
date added: 2018/08/21
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Bearskin' by Zidrou with art by Oriol tells the story of a young man who cares for an older man, and learns some things the old man did when he was young.

On a beautiful island in modern Italy, a young man rides his bike up a hill. His daily appointment is to read that day's horoscope to aging Don Palermo. Along with the horoscope, Don Palermo tells of his younger days in America as a bear trainer and the right-hand man for a mafia boss named Don Pomodoro. Pomodoro is named that for his tomato colored complexion. We find out about the things he did for the mafia, and the things he did for love.

The art style seemed a bit like caricature. I can see why it was used, but it wasn't my favorite style as the features on all the characters are overexaggerated. It's a pretty violent story at times, but I liked this story of an old man remembering long gone days.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Arab of the Future 3: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1985-1987: A Graphic Memoir

author: Riad Sattouf
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/21
date added: 2018/08/21
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Arab of the Future 3: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1985-1987' with story and art by Riad Sattouf is a memoir of the author's childhood. This is the 3rd volume and takes place mostly in Syria.

In a story that has more humor than I was expecting, Riad talks about growing up in Syria with his family. There are stories about his mother constantly trying to get his father to move to France, where she is from. Riad's school seems pretty harsh, with the school master asking the boys to bring in implements for beating them with. Western culture creeps in with the giant toy robot that Riad has his eye on, and the very R-rated 'Conan The Barbarian' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Riad and his cousins like to pretend they are barbarians themselves, unless a bigger kid comes along.

The th‌ing about a memoir like this is that it can show that childhood has some universal themes worldwide. There are moments of terror, parents can fight, and kids find ways to cope with the world around them.

The art was a lot of fun, and fit the story very well. I haven't read the other two volumes, but I'd love to at some point. This one was a very interesting read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt & Company, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The People Awards

author: Lily Murray
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/19
date added: 2018/08/19
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'The People Awards' by Lily Murray with art by Ana Albero is presented like an awards show. The recipients feel a bit quirky in their choice, but I don't think this is a bad thing.

In the pages of this book, the reader will learn a little about people like Albert Einstein, Valentina Tershkova, Vincent Lingiari and many others. Each person has a short biography, and a made up award that relates to them. Wangari Maathai gets 'The Stand Up For What You Believe In Award' for founding the Green Belt movement in Kenya. Trischa Zorn gets 'The Amazing Athlete Award' for winning medals in the Paralympics. There are people I've heard of and people I had never heard of.

The book shows the range of things people can do from stopping slavery (like Abraham Lincoln) to just being yourself (like David Bowie). It feels like a pretty random collection, but it feels inclusive and global in nature. The illustrations are fun and the text is easy to read and learn from.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Kid Beowulf: The Rise of El Cid

author: Alexis E. Fajardo
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/19
date added: 2018/08/19
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
I only received a 45 page preview for 'Kid Beowulf #3: The Rise of El Cid' by Alexis E. Fajardo, but based on that preview and what I know from reading the previous volumes, I can confidently state that this will be another fun adventure where young readers learn more about legendary heroes.

This time around Kid Beowulf and Grendel find themselves fighting in Spain. They meet a knight named Rodgrigo. There is also a good preface telling the story that we know of El Cid. I was really only familiar with El Cid from the Charlton Heston film that came out ages ago, so I liked this version.

The story and art are similar to the first two volumes. There are lessons to be learned and humor along the way. If you liked the first two volumes, like I did, then I can recommend this one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Poppy and Sam and the Leaf Thief

author: Cathon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/19
date added: 2018/08/19
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Poppy and Same and the Leaf Thief' with story and art by Cathon is a fun graphic novel for young readers.

Poppy and her panda bear friend, Sam live in a garden and are the same size as the bugs in the garden. Their friend Basil, the basil plant, has had someone munching on its leaves. Poppy and Sam are on the case! They start interviewing the various bugs in the garden like the bees, ladybugs, and other creatures. They try to catch the leaf thief in the act, and even set traps. What they discover leads to two important lessons: 1) It's better to ask than to take, and 2) Patience leads to yummy things like ripe strawberries.

I loved the illustrations in this book, and the two friends are fun characters. We never learn why they are so small, but in the end, it doesn't matter. This garden seems like a fun and positive place to live.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Owlkids Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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How Luck Happens: Using the Science of Luck to Transform Work, Love, and Life

author: Janice Kaplan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.30
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/19
date added: 2018/08/19
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'How Luck Happens: Using the Science of Luck to Transform Work, Love, and Life' by Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh had a title that intrigued me. For the most part, I found this book upbeat and encouraging.

Luck favors the prepared. That one sentence sums up much of this book. From chapter titles like "Skate to Where the Puck Will Be" (thanks Wayne Gretzky), to the countless seemingly chance encounters with the fortunate, this book felt pretty encouraging. Barnaby Marsh is along to provide the science side of things, and I liked this part of the book.

I like the message of the book. We all have good and bad things that happen to us. Being prepared and having the right attitude can make the difference. The book was a fun read until some of the later chapters where the science became secondary to a sort of New Age emotional kind of mush. Which is too bad, because I enjoyed the first 80% of this book.

I received a review copy of this book from Dutton in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.


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Jazz Maynard Vol. 2: The Iceland Trilogy

author: Raule
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/18
date added: 2018/08/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Jazz Maynard Vol. 2: The Iceland Trilogy' by Raule with art by Roger continues the adventures of trumpeter and adventure improviser Jazz Maynard.

This time around, he is offered a job in Iceland. Circumstances in his town in Spain force him to take the job and drag his friend Teo along. They have to find a golden eye that has mystic powers. The eye isn't the only mystic element. Along the way, they find a racist who is throwing people out of helicopters, and we learn a bit more about the shadowy past of Jazz.

These books have a cool style. I like the art, but the angular nature of the characters left me confused a couple times trying to figure out exactly who someone was. Still it was a fun story with lots of violence. I like the color palette that is used in these books.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge and Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Yallah Bye

author: Joseph Safieddine
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/18
date added: 2018/08/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Yallah Bye' by Joseph Safieddine with art by Park Kyungeun is about a family on vacation and the conflict they find themselves in along the way.

In 2006, the family of Gabriel El Chawadi left France for a vacation in southern Lebanon. Once they get there, the Israelis start an aerial attack on Lebanon. Gabriel, back in France, starts receiving phone calls about the events as he watches them on the news. At first, there is little concern, but as the story moves along the tension builds as the family is forced to move from one place to another. Gabriel's brother is a hemophiliac, so he knows he needs to try to get the French government to intercede, but he isn't alone in this quest.

I liked this story and the art. The tension builds as the story goes. The visiting family doesn't understand things, but the locals seem to be pretty familiar with events. Gabriel, back home, becomes a wreck as any son would who doesn't know what is happening.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Kingdom of Needle and Bone

author: Mira Grant
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/08/14
shelves:
review:



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Little Tails: Under the Sea

author: Frédéric Brrémaud
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/12
date added: 2018/08/12
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Little Tails: Under the Sea' by Frederic Brremaud and Federico Bertolucci is the latest version of this graphic novel series that introduces young readers to the animals of our world.

This time around Chipper and Squizzo get an emergency message from a sea turtle and set out to help. They have a little submarine to use, which is useful because their journeys take them underwater. They meet whales and squids and polar bears among others. The turtle teaches the reader about man's part in protecting the animals on our planet.

Along with the comic strip story of Chipper and Squizzer are full color illustrations of animals, just like in previous versions. The ecology lesson is less than subtle, but poignant and thought-provoking.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Josephine Baker

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/12
date added: 2018/08/12
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Little People, Big Dreams: Josephine Baker' by Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art by Agathe Sorlet tells the life of Josephine Baker in a picture book format.

Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis. Early in her life, she noticed that white people lived differently than she did. Josephine used her natural talent to leave St. Louis. She ended up in New York, but was still limited because she was a black woman, so she moved to France to become even more famous. Later in her life, she marched with Dr. King and she adopted children of many different races.

I loved the bright contrasting art in this volume. I also loved the way the hair was colored, and how Josephine almost always seemed like she was in motion. This was a fun entry in this series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Mother Teresa (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Isabel Sanchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/12
date added: 2018/08/12
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Little People, Big Dreams: Mother Teresa' by Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art by Natascha Rosenberg tells the life of Mother Teresa in a picture book format.

Little Agnes was born in Macedonia. She was taught to love God and others from a young age. This turned in to a compassion for the poor. She became Mother Teresa and became famous all over the world.

The art was cute and colorful. I like the way the story is told. I like this series because it tells a number of stories and presents a number of different creative ways to live a life and make a difference.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Jane Austen (Little People, Big Dreams)

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2018/08/12
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Little People, Big Dreams: Jane Austen' by Isabel Sanchez Vegara with art by Katie Wilson tells the life of Jane Austen in a picture book format.

Jane Austen grew up in a big family, but being a girl was kind of a pain. Even though she was a girl, she found ways to learn, and she loved to read. After a relationship ended badly, Jane got the inspiration for one of her greatest books.

I like this series for young readers. The art is all by different artists, and this one was nice. I especially loved the portrait gallery of all the main characters that Jane created. I also liked the picture of Jane Austen outside a modern bookshop named after her. There is plenty in this series to inspire young readers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Tebori - Volume 1

author: José Manuel Robledo
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/12
date added: 2018/08/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tebori' by Jose Manuel Robledo is a graphic novel about violence and tattoos. It takes place in Japan, so that makes some sense.

When Yoshi continues to get in trouble, his grandfather sends him to work with Seijun, a master tattoo artist. His friends are convinced that Yoshi is tattooing yakuza, but it's not until Seijun is injured that Yoshi learns about the secret room where Seijun worked on these dangerous clients. Now Yoshi is working day and night to help Seijun, and learning to tattoo on Seijun's secret customers.

Initially, I found this story to be a bit confusing because I couldn't tell that time was passing or what I was seeing was a flashback. I did end up really liking this story, and the art. The art and coloring are really good in this story. While the story doesn't finish here, I'd like to read more of this series.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Forgotten Slaves of Tromelin

author: Sylvain Savoia
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/11
date added: 2018/08/11
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Forgotten Slaves of Tromelin' by Sylvain Savoia is two true stories woven together. One is from history, and one is from those looking to discover that history.

In 1760, a French ship named the Utile ran aground on an island called Tromelin. It had 160 slaves aboard that it wasn't supposed to be carrying. Of the 80 that survived the shipwreck, we follow the life of a young woman trying to survive. The white men build a boat and leave the island. One promises to return, and the young woman believes him.

In the current day, the island of Tromelin has a remote weather station. A group of men, including the author/illustrator are there to uncover what can be found of the life that the castaways found. Along with this, are the feelings of being on a remote island with limited water and power. In a place of sparseness and beauty, the author finds a rhythm to life.

Along with the story, is a written account in the back with maps, letters and photographs of the event and the archaeological dig that took place.

I found it fascinating. I liked both stories, and how the lives of these two people centuries apart intermingled. The art works really well for the story. Since the drawings have no borders, I sometime found reading to be confusing, as I wasn't sure if the text was below the line I was reading, or above the line below. That's a minor quibble and shouldn't stop you from reading this.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Just the Right Size

author: Bonnie Grubman
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/11
date added: 2018/08/11
shelves: childrens
review:
'Just the Right Size' by Bonnie Grubman with illustrations by Suzanne Diederen is a reassurance for those of us who think we are too big or too small.

Through a series of juxtapositions, we meet a series of animals both small and large. A lady bug can land on a branch. A giraffe can not, but is large enough to reach the tree. Through the other animals like a kitten, a moose, an ostrich and others, we see that some are small enough and some are large enough.

The message that the reader is just the right size should be of comfort. We are all just the right size for a hug.

The illustrations are soft and the animals are all smiling. The illustration style had a sort of Golden Book style that I really liked. The story is a good length for squirmy toddlers, who will learn about different animals and maybe learn that they are just the right size.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Clavis Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Anne Frank

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/08/11
date added: 2018/08/11
shelves: classics, non-fiction
review:
'Little People, Big Dreams #13: Anne Frank' by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara with
illustrations by Sveta Dorosheva seemed like a difficult task. Tell the story of Anne Frank in a picture book for young readers without traumatizing them.

For those unfamiliar, Anne Frank lived in Germany during the worst time for a young Jewish girl to live there. She is famous for keeping a diary which has gone on to be world famous. She was forced to hide with her family, but they were discovered, and all we have left of Anne is her diary.

The story makes this accessible to young readers. I can say that about all the books I've read so far in the series. Each book has a different illustrator, and Sveta Dorosheva's illustrations in this volume are my favorite by far. Her illustrations are starkly black and white. Anne is drawn with eyes that pull you in. A series of bird illustrations are used to convey themes of life and death. I found this to be a very moving version of this story.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Glow in the Dark: Voyage through Space

author: Katy Flint
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.56
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/11
date added: 2018/08/11
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Glow in the Dark: Voyage through Space' by Katy Flint with illustrations by Cornelia Li seemed at first to be the sort of gimicky kids book I would always see at bookstores, but I was pleasantly surprised by the content and illustrations.

This book is a trip through our solar system from the Sun to the Kuiper belt. Traveling with us are young astronaut and her dog. Part of the fun is finding them on each page. Also fun are the facts about the objects we see along the way. We learn about the temperature and size and the kinds of explorations that have been made.

Each object gets two pages, so that leaves plenty of room for the beautiful illustrations. They are colorful and full of motion. Nothing feels static in this book, and that helps bring the feeling of wonder to the reader.

I love being a reviewer because I can review great books like this, but my review copies don't include things like glow in the dark star maps, so I can only imagine how lucky a young explorer will be to open the map in a dark room and gaze in to space.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Truth About Dinosaurs

author: Guido Van Genechten
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/11
date added: 2018/08/11
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Truth About Dinosaurs' by Guido Van Genechten is a picture book for kids about dinosaurs presented as a family album.

On the first page, we meet a chicken. The chicken is accosted by a worm and accused of being in the wrong story. The chicken then shows its family album showing how dinosaurs were like chicken. From feet to feathers to eggs, the similarities. The book ends with the chicken sitting on a very large egg. I wonder what is inside?

I liked this cute kids book. The chicken font was a bit small, but the illustrations are fun. It's a fun book for kids who like dinosaurs, or to introduce young ones to the big creatures.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Clavis Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Junior Braves of the Apocalypse #1

author: Greg Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.50
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2018/04/21
date added: 2018/08/10
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Junior Braves of the Apocalypse Vol. 1' by Greg Smith with illustrations by Zach Lehner is a book I've seen at comic conventions, and looked through, but never read.

A troop of Junior Braves from Tribe 65 go on a campout in the mountains. When they return home, their town has been destroyed and is overrun by mutants. They do their best to get away, and with the help of some grownups are safe for a while, but even these adults seem to have something wrong with them. Can the boys find safety?

My first problem was the art. It's a bit vague in places and I was mixing some of the characters up. They just weren't distinct enough. My other problem was that even though most of the town has turned to mutants, there are only crazy adults left. There are no other kids or adults that can be trusted. Maybe this will change in future volumes.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Small Country

author: Gaël Faye
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/09
date added: 2018/08/09
shelves:
review:
'Small Country' by Gael Faye with translation by Sarah Ardizzone is a coming of age story set against a civil war in a small African country.

The main character is Gabriel, and the book is framed as a memoir he is writing in his 30s now that he lives in France. It tells the story of his family in 1992 living in Burundi. His Rwandan mother escaped her own atrocities years earlier and Gabriel and his family seem to have a pretty good life at the beginning of the book.

The looming future hangs over the book, but it seems like it takes a while to start. When it does, Gabriel sees it affect those around them, including himself.

I felt a little detached from the main character. He was hard to feel empathy for, and I can't understand why. Is it because this is a story we are familiar with in more recent news? Maybe it's because Gabriel himself seems a bit detached about things. I liked the book, but not as much as I imagined I might.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Hogarth, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles, #1)

author: Philip Reeve
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/09
date added: 2018/08/09
shelves: sword-and-laser, young-adult
review:
'Mortal Engines' by Philip Reeve has a premise at its center so ludicrous, that you just have to go with it, and let the story roll over you.

It's the future and cities are now on giant treads. To be successful, they have to chase down other cities and consume their resources. This story is about the great rolling city of London, a young man name Tom, and a young woman named Hester Shaw who is after revenge. There are other characters as well, and their motives initially seem set, but as the story goes, further motivations reveal themselves making things more complex.

It's a YA book, and it's a pretty quick read. It's also got some pretty surprising bits of humor. I found it to be a good palette cleanser between other books I was reading at the time.


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The Grande Odalisque

author: Ruppert
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.67
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/09
date added: 2018/08/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Grande Odalisque' by Ruppert, Bastien Vives and Mulot Jerome is a stylish graphic novel that is mostly style over substance. It reads like a summer blockbuster, and that's not always a bad thing.

Carole and Alex are attractive cat burglars. They have an uneasy relationship due to Alex always being in and out of relationships at inconvenient times (like during heists). They get a new job of getting a painting called The Grande Odalisque out of the Louvre. It's a tough job, so they add another new team member, Sam, and a bunch of unusual tech toys, but the clock is ticking on this group of cool thieves.

It was pretty light and fluffy, but I didn't mind it. The art was on the sparse side with details like faces just ideas in some panels, but the style is like the story: fast and loose. Sticklers for realism will have plenty to criticize, but for those looking for a stylish heist, this wasn't too bad.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Wolves of La Louvière

author: Balthazar Flore
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/08
date added: 2018/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'The Wolves of La Louviere' by Balthazar Flore is a biographical graphic novel that follows a family in Belgium as they experience the war.

In 1940, the Nazis occupied Belgium in 18 days. In the town of La Louviere, life seems to carry on, but eventually there are noticeable signs. Father goes off to war, food is scarce, and the town has soldiers occupying. A teacher at the school, who seems to be ok with the Nazi occupation, has her own secrets to keep.

The story and art are so charming that it gives the story a disarming nature. This doesn't downplay the story, but rather it makes the survivors seem brave in the face of things. The book ends with some text and photos of the family.

I'm familiar with some of these events from an American or British perspective. I appreciated the story from people who happened to have to live in the midst of such a struggle.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Night Dragon

author: Naomi Howarth
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/08/07
date added: 2018/08/07
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Night Dragon' by Naomi Howarth is a beautiful story about the dragons that bring on the night.

Maud the dragon is one of five dragons, but she is different. The other dragons fly and blow smoke and fire and turn the sky to night. But not Maud. She gets ridiculed about this and has only her friend Mouse to turn to. Mouse's advice is for Maud to be herself. When Maud learns this lesson, wonderful things happen.

I liked this story of being authentic and not trying to be like those around you. The lesson is clear, and the illustrations are beautiful.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Pizzasaurus Rex

author: Justin Wagner
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.75
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2018/08/07
date added: 2018/08/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Pizzasaurus Rex' by Justin Wagner feels like a fossil from another age. I think it should have stayed buried.

Jeremy Duderman is a pretty boring scientist who unleashes a reptile that likes pizza on the world (sound familiar?). The dinosaur has pizza shaped everything, like skateboards and guitars. He also says the word "Rad!" A lot. The almost only girl in the book gets a rad transformation and then is mostly referred to as "the hot chick." The bad guys are infinite, which is good, because they keep losing their heads as the main bad guy keeps lopping them off.

Is this for kids? Is this a lost book from the early 1990s?

Whatever it is, it just wasn't very good, and felt really dated.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Strange Fruit, Volume II: More Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History

author: Joel Christian Gill
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2018/08/05
date added: 2018/08/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Strange Fruit, Volume II: More Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History' by Joel Christian Gill is a graphic novel telling about the lives of 8 African Americans that are little known or forgotten.

The book is wonderfully illustrated and tells the stories in positive ways. I learned about Jourdon Anderson, a former slave who wrote a letter to his former owner after that owner asked him to come back. Mary Fields worked hard, drank hard, and became a postal service contractor. Cathay Williams was a woman who disguised herself as a man so she could fight in the Civil War. There are others, and the stories are all just as amazing.

The art has a really wonderful quality that suits these stories. The stories told are about people who had undoubtedly rough and sad lives, but the focus is on the persistence to overcome those situations. This is a perfect collection of stories for younger readers. I've read another graphic novel by this same author, and I find his work impressive.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Fulcrum Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this inspiring graphic novel.


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Ninefox Gambit (The Machineries of Empire, #1)

author: Yoon Ha Lee
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/05
date added: 2018/08/05
shelves:
review:
'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee is the first book in a military SF book where math is a weapon and the undead can be brilliant tacticians.

Kel Cheris is a young commander caught using unconventional methods of battle against a heretical enemy. Her next assignment is going to be to take the Fortress of Scattered Needles, a seemingly impossible target. She is given unusual help in Shuos Jedao, an undead and highly dangerous ally. Jedao is unbeatable, but also more than a little crazy. Cheris rides the knife edge of trusting Jedao, while those around her warn her to be ready for him to turn on her.

I confess to being a bit lost on this one. I liked the concepts and the characters, but much of it seemed to whoosh right over my head. I do want to read more in the series, and I hope that going forward things become a bit clearer. It's a really interesting approach to space battles and military in space.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Solaris, Rebellion, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Kill Your Idols (Gregory Graves Vol. 1)

author: Brent Schoonover
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.75
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2018/08/05
date added: 2018/08/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Gregory Graves Vol. 1: Kill Your Idols' by Dan Harmon and Eric Esquivel with art by Brent Schoonover, Ted Naifeh, Paul Mounts and Rebecca Nalty tells a variation of a familiar story to comic book fans.

Supervillain Gregory Graves is in deep lockup along with other supervillains. A famous reporter is granted an interview. During the interview, we learn the origins of Gregory as well as the strange hero from another planet, Luminary. Gregory Graves knows some things about Luminary, like his secret identity, and how he might actually be a threat. Could the man the world fears the most, be it's greatest hero?

It's a variant of the Superman/Lex Luthor matchup with Lex possibly being the one who is right. It tries to be funny at times, and that feels like it falls flat. The art was mediocre and didn't impress me. I do like what they tried to do with this though.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Starburns Industries Press, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Dawn of the Code War: America's Battle Against Russia, China, and the Rising Global Cyber Threat

author: John P. Carlin
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/08/05
shelves:
review:



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