REVIEW: Frankenstein: Dover Graphic Novel Classics by Mary Shelley

Disclaimer: I received a free, e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Classics, Dover Graphic Novel Classics, Teen, Young Adult, Who is really the monster here?

About the Book: Generations of readers have thrilled to the story of a young doctor who dared to play God and the horrible consequences of his experiment. This graphic novel offers an easy-to-read version of Mary Shelley's classic of Gothic horror. Original illustrations, accompanied by condensed narrative and dialogue, bring new life to an enduring tale. This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials. [Synopsis from the publisher.]

My Review: This graphic novel version of Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein" is on par with the rest of the series. These short, easy to read graphic novels are a great way to revisit classic literature without taking up a huge chunk of your day. But the key word is short. At just under 40 pages, this is not enough to give you the full gist of the novel.

Like the other Dover Graphic Novel Classics reviewed on Novel Addiction (See Dracula and Sherlock Holmes), these would be best used as a read-along, or a revisit of an old favorite. For example, I would eagerly hand this out to a student struggling with the imagery and language of Frankenstein.

But what this graphic novel does well is convey the story and emotion of the original novel. Of all the Dover Graphic Novel Classics I have read thus far, this one would probably be the worst. Still a solid three stars, but it needed to be longer.

Cover Lovin': This fits in perfectly with the rest of the Dover Graphic Novel Classics line. Black and white with just an eye-catching splash of red.

Recommendation: For readers that want a quick refresh of the original novel. Not recommended as a solo read - it doesn't even come close to capturing the whole novel.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5).

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker & John Green (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: November 19, 2014

Type: Dover Graphic Novel Classics, Graphic Novel, Classic, Historical, Science Fiction, Vampires, Fast Reads, Black and White, Rawr

About the Book: Readers will be spellbound by this graphic novel version of Bram Stoker's "Dracula."""The granddaddy of all the modern vampire stories, the immortal tale unfolds in a gripping journey into the past that recounts a Victorian-era struggle against ancient evil. Original illustrations add an extra allure to this easy-to-read edition.
This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials.

My Review: This graphic novel started off well. I curled up in a dimly lit room on a dark and stormy night, huddled under a massive pile of blankets to keep out the October chill... and then I was left feeling very "meh" after reading a Vampire classic! Like the previously reviewed "Sherlock Holmes: Hound of the Baskervilles" graphic novel, "Dracula" is short, around 50 pages. I figured it would be a quick, fun read - but this left me feeling more agitated than anything. 

The graphic novel has very clunky and confusing scene changes. The rush from Dracula's castle to England is a blur, and often locations would change while on the same page. My biggest suggestion is that this graphic novel could really benefit from 1. being longer, and 2. some scene change or even "intermission" style artwork. 

I would gladly read a longer version of a "Dracula" graphic novel if it was more true to the original. The story here was not changed at all, but it was hard to care about the characters or the situation when so much is cut out or rushed along.

Hoping for better in the next Dover Graphic Novel Classics release!

Cover Lovin': Good cover! Dracula looks appropriately horrifying, and this is definitely something that would catch someone's eye. 

Recommendation: This graphic novel adaptation is definitely for serious fans of the book, or for someone that just wants a good brush up. Not suggested for people who are looking for their first taste of the classic. 

Final Rating: TWO POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (2.5/5). This was a very disappointing adaptation of the amazing original. It was clunky and the scene changes were rough. Only recommended if you're desperate for a Dracula refresher or board during your flight to Transylvania. 

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Dover Graphic Novel Classics)

Disclaimer: I received a free, advance e-galley from Netgalley.com  in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: November 19, 2014

Type: Dover Graphic Novel Classics, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Classics, Fast Reads, Black and White, Mystery, Adventure

About the Book: The intrepid detective and his faithful assistant take on a supernatural challenge in one of Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular mysteries. This graphic novel's original illustrations accompany an easy-to-read account of Holmes and Watson's investigation of a family curse. Readers will be irresistibly drawn into the search for a giant spectral hound that haunts the fog-shrouded moors.
This Dover Graphic Novel Classic offers readers ages 8 and up an exciting introduction to a time-honored tale. Expertly abridged and packed with dramatic illustrations, this version offers a streamlined narrative that retains all of the storytelling essentials.
My Review: As this was a quick book to read (50 pages, if you include the cover), this will be a quick review.

The art was well done. The clothing was authentic, and facial features were done well enough to tell the difference between the several characters in the story. What pleased me the most about this graphic novel interpretation was how true it stayed to the classic story. Short and sweet, this is a great graphic novel to give to a reluctant reader that might enjoy mysteries or adventure. While some may disagree, I think these graphic novel versions of classics are a great way to introduce new or struggling readers to some of the best books in reading history.

Cover Lovin': This cover is short and sweet. I do like the splash of red near the bottom, really makes the title and publisher information pop out.

Recommendation: For fans of Sherlock Holmes. I also love this trend of releasing classics as graphic novels - bringing the greats to a whole new group of readers.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Great representation of a classic. Fast paced, with simple but elegant art.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Manda at Novel Addiction ~!~