The Last Session Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative

author: Jasmine Walls
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/29
date added: 2022/07/29
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Last Session Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative' by Jasmine Walls with illustrations by Dozerdraws is a graphic novel about a group of role-playing friends.

A group of friends starts a game of Dice and Deathtraps while they are in high school, but never complete the campaign. Now that their lives are moving apart, they decide to get together one more time to try to finish, but when one player brings a friend, there is tension.

This story made me want to hang around with the characters and play some games. They are interesting and the art is nice.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/NPYJzb7

Pandora's Star (Commonwealth Saga, #1)

author: Peter F. Hamilton
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/29
date added: 2022/07/29
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Pandora's Star' by Peter F. Hamilton was the March book for my book club and I am woefully behind on finally finishing it. Regardless of that, I did enjoy it.

This 768 page sprawling novel takes place in 2380 when humans have inhabited planets and learned to extend their lives, but are still humans in many flawed ways. A disappearing planet begins a voyage of discovery, but what is found may not be so beneficial to humans.

There is enough content here for a couple books. There are lots of characters to follow and as one friend stated it "a very long camping trip." I enjoyed the journey and I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/W5aFbiE

Sleeping While Standing

author: Taki Soma
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/07/27
date added: 2022/07/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sleeping While Standing' by Taki Soma is a graphic novel memoir told in very short stories.

Each chapter has a one word title like Minnesota, Demon or Addict. The stories are frank and sometimes sad and unpleasant. They tell of assault, loss and neglect, but the thread of hope glimmers somewhat. The art is quite good. I really like Taki's line work and color choice.

Originally done as a creative project and shared with fellow artists, the author was eventually encouraged to create a book. We are the benefactors, not because this is a light fun biography, but because it can show us that we all struggle, even if some struggle more.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/7hADO0c

Batter Royale

author: Leisl Adams
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/27
date added: 2022/07/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Batter Royale' by Leisl Adams is a graphic novel about a crazy baking competition.

Rose and her best friend Fred get invited to a cooking competition because of a dessert Rose makes at the diner Fred's mother owns. It is a good chance for Rose to earn the money to go to culinary school. For Fred, it's a chance to help save the family business. It won't be easy with the twists and turns the competition takes and the cutthroat competition.

I liked this fun, somewhat romantic story of two friends who might end up becoming more. The art works really well and has a really nice animated quality to it.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/wNOakju

Lucy: Speak Out! (PEANUTS AMP Series Book 12): A PEANUTS Collection

author: Charles M. Schulz
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/26
date added: 2022/07/26
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Lucy: Speak Out!' by Charles Schulz is a collection of classic comics focusing on Lucy Van Pelt, but other characters get featured as well.

Lucy has her purple beanbag chair to sulk in, and Peppermint Patty has Marcie to jump start her brain in class. Snoopy is perpetually Snoopy.

Featuring a set of comics written in the late 1970s to support Title IX, and with an accompanying essay at the end, this is not only a fun collection but has some nice history as well.

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this title.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/eazcJF9

Blast Off!: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America Into Space

author: Suzanne Slade
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/25
date added: 2022/07/25
shelves: childrens
review:
'Blast Off: How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space' by Suzanne Slade with illustrations by Sally W. Comport is a picture book about a rocket scientist in the early days of the space program.

Mary Sherman grew up in North Dakota in the 1920s and found a passion in school in science and chemistry. That led her to a field where she had to prove her intelligence.

I found this biography fascinating and I loved the illustrations. I think this would be a good read for a young dreamer.

I received a review copy from Astra Publishing House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/c2UaqWM

The Path

author: Bob Staake
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/25
date added: 2022/07/25
shelves:
review:
'The Path' with story and art by Bob Staake is a picture book with encouraging advice on life's journey.

Life's journey has it's ups and downs, and while it may seem similar to others, it it all ours to discover. That is told here by New Yorker cover artist is lush illustrations and prose. As a bonus, the book jacket includes a poster of The Path.

I received a review copy from Astra Publishing House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/27tPAyl

The Idhun Chronicles, Vol. 1: The Resistance: Search

author: Laura Gallego García
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.71
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2022/07/25
date added: 2022/07/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Idhun Chronicles Vol 1: The Resistance: Search' by Laura Gallego, Andres Carrion Moratinos and Studio Fenix is a graphic novel adventure story.

I love a good adventure story, especially with fantasy, but this one has so much explanation and exposition that it makes a sadly boring comic.

To recap, a young boy named Jack is orphaned and finds himself suddenly in somethig called the Resistance. I wish the pacing and art and been up to the story potential.

I received a review copy from Diamond Book Distributors, Ablaze, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/8Xm0cn7

Timo the Adventurer Book 1

author: Jonathan Garnier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/23
date added: 2022/07/23
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Timo the Adventurer Book 1' with story by Jonathan Garnier and art by Yohan Sacre is a graphic novel about a young boy explorer.

What's a boy to do after he has read all the books in the village? For Timo, that means it's time to put all that knowledge to work and explore. So he steps outside his village to meet the strange weird world outside.

This is a fun read for younger readers. The art is pretty fantastic and the story is good.

I received a review copy of this title from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/INeuzoX

Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

author: Donald J. Robertson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/23
date added: 2022/07/23
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius' by Donald J. Robertson with art by Ze Nuno Fraga is a graphic novel telling the life of the Roman ruler.

This book tells of the rise of one of the more powerful Caesars. When his father died, he was drawn to philosophy and that informed his life. Some of his ideas alienated him to those closest to him, but he was able to be a good leader.

at 272 pages, it's a fairly long graphic novel, but I found the story fascinating and enjoyed it. The art was nothing outstanding but serves the story adequately.

I received a review copy of this title from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/5JlH6ia

Cross to Bear

author: Marko Stojanović
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.48
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/22
date added: 2022/07/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Cross To Bear' by Marko Stojanovic with art by Sinisa Banovic is a graphic novel about the Wild West and a quest to find Jack the Ripper.

Set in 1889, this story follows a couple of descendants, a group of Crusader knights tasked with eradicating the unnatural discover that Jack the Ripper is now in the West. The quest leads to an ex-member of the order and some secrets and betrayals.

I liked this story of the old, weird West. It seems to have a lot of story elements going for it and that's it's strength and weakness. It works but feels like a lot. I did like the art too.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/NKDfqPT

Alabaster: Pale Horse

author: Caitlín R. Kiernan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2014/10/05
date added: 2022/07/22
shelves:
review:
'Alabaster: Pale Horse' by Caitlin Kiernan collects a series of stories about her character Dancy Flammarion. There are illustrations throughout the book by Ted Naifeh.

Dancy is a young albino girl who is tasked by an angel to dispatch evil in the world. Specifically in the Southern U.S. She seems small and unable to perform the tasks. Her relationship with the angel seems vague, burdensome, and almost hallucinatory. Her travels find her on foot, being kidnapped by travelers, and in spooky places like abandoned buildings and dangerous gas stations. Throughout, she is threatened and unhelped, and yet she endures.

I liked the order the stories were presented in. The reader will have to discover that for themselves. Caitlin Kiernan provides some interesting history for where the character came from. The drawings by Ted Naifeh are a bit different from his work on Courtney Crumrin, but not wholly dissimilar. The stories are very much of a place, but I hesitate to use the term Southern Gothic to describe them. The stories are well written and this is a very interesting character. I enjoyed these stories and I'd like to read more by this author.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Diamond Book Distributors, Dark Horse and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this really good collection of stories.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/zB5yTAS

Tales of the City Graphic Novel (Volume One)

author: Isabelle Bauthian
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/20
date added: 2022/07/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Tales of the City Vol. 1' adapted by Isabelle Bauthian with art by Sandrine Revel is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel by Armistead Maupin.

The story is all about the loves and lives of those who live at 28 Barbary Lane in San Francisco in the 1980s (maybe late 1970s). Mary Ann is a fresh naive newcomer to the city. Anna Madrigal is the enigmatic landlord. Michael aka "Mouse" is the personable young gay man. They are all looking for love with varying results.

I loved the novel when I read it years ago, and this is a great adaptation of it. It's a story that does a great job of capturing a time and place. The art fits very nicely.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/BSOZrai

The Cloud Raiders

author: Samuel Sattin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/20
date added: 2022/07/20
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Glint Book One: The Cloud Raiders' by Samuel Sattin and Ian McGinty is a graphic novel that takes place in a different place with different creatures.

Mora is a tiny planet where denizens mine for Glint for their overlords. One of the tiny miners, Loon Ozoa, has bigger aspirations: to become a warrior and fighting in an elite fighting unit. The problem is that Lon's grandmother and her crew are not happy about it.

The story was ok, but I felt myself drifting as I read it. It took a while for me to get in to the story, but I ultimately liked it. The art and character design is disarmingly cute for the kind of dark story that this is.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/e91OC3n

Marilyn Monroe

author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/16
date added: 2022/07/16
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Marilyn Monroe' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Ana Albero is a picture book biography in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.

Before she was Marilyn, she was Norma Jeane. She grew up in a series of foster homes. She grew up with a love of movies and the dream of becoming a star one day, and that dream came true.

I like this series and I'm always curious how they will handle difficult biographies. The illustrations are on the quirky side which works well for the subject.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/Vu8hJ0a

J. R. R. Tolkien

author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/16
date added: 2022/07/16
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'J.R.R. Tolkien' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Aaron Cushley is a picture book biography in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in South Africa and then his family moved to England. His interest in inventing languages continued after his mother died and he went to King Edward's School. He made good friends there who later died in the Great War. He became famous after publishing 'The Hobbit,' a book he wrote for his children.

This is a lovely entry in the series and the lush illustrations are wonderful. The tragedy is there for older readers to find, but diminished for younger readers.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/8E1ch6l

Hans Millerman

author: Bernadette Watts
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.73
book published: 1969
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/08
date added: 2022/07/08
shelves: childrens
review:
'Hans Millerman' with story and art by Bernadette Watts is a picture book about a lonely miller looking for a friend.

Hans Millerman is looking for a friend. A little caterpillar lives with him, but Hans wants more. He heads out into the world away from home and hearth and tries to befriend a snowflake, a flower and a fox, but they won't be his friend. Could it be that his best chance a friendship is waiting for him at home?

I like the message of friendship in strange places. I also liked the artwork that accompanies this gentle tale.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/gL4CTqd

Adrastea

author: Mathieu Bablet
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/07/08
shelves:
review:
'Adrastea' with story by Mathieu Bablet is a graphic novel telling a story about an undying man on a journey to find his own death.

The king of Hyperborea has reigned for 1,000 years without aging, but immortality has its drawbacks, so he travels to Mount Olympus to ask if he can finally die and be with his loved one. Dealing with the gods is never easy and it is certainly not this time.

It's an odd tale, but it's really about the journey, not the destination. The art is worth a look, and I love how the color palette was constantly changing. The story is somewhat sparse, but the art is detailed.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/T8NA3Fl

Marathon

author: Nicolas Debon
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Marathon' with story and art by Nicolas Debon is a graphic novel about the marathon at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928.

Told by a reporter at the 1928 games, this book follows the various runners in the marathon event. From crowd and country favorites emerges an unknown runner from Algeria. He is a factory worker wearing the French jersey. While other runners falter in the wind and terrain, he plods on and plots his chance to win.

Told in a mostly wordless format, I liked this story of athletes battling the elements and each other. The sepia tone style art really worked for this story.

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.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/qPhTeu7

Sue & Tai-chan, Vol. 1

author: Kanata Konami
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/03
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Sue & Tai-chan 1' with stories and art by Konami Kanata is a manga with a series of stories about a young cat and an old cat.

Sue is an aging housecat who goes to live with her owners son. He gets a new kitten named Tai-chan, and Sue isn't so sure about this living arrangement. Tai-chan wants to play when Sue wants to nap. Sue has to show Tai-chan what litter box to use and what food not to eat.

These are pretty cute stories about a couple cute cats. The art is great as are the stories.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/zDKuV1M

Irons - Volume 1 - The Engineer

author: Tristan Roulot
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/03
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:



via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/oeZOBmA

Corvis from Earth: Corvis Epic: Book One

author: R. Cody Carver
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/03
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'Corvis from Earth' by R. Cody Carver is the first book in a space-faring series.

Corvis is an ICU nurse in the midst of fighting a pandemic. Those skills are called in by his friend Jake when Jake needs a pilot to take a group of children off of Earth to Enceladus to escape a pending holocaust. With only one other adult on the ship, Corvis faces a long trip with a group of children that were already struggling.

I liked the main character being an ICU nurse. That was a good approach to a capable main character. I also liked the idea of a future Africa able to build and send rockets. The romantic element played a bit forced at the end of the book for me, but overall, it was a fun read.

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


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/VqdT5m6

Danielle's Goal Book: Yearly Goal Planer Journal Gift for Danielle / Notebook / Diary / Unique Greeting Card Alternative

author: NOT A BOOK
name: Wayne
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves:
review:



via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/AmhiYgc

Sea Storm (Underwater Investigation Unit, #3)

author: Andrew Mayne
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/03
shelves:
review:



via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/TXeEnqM