Review: DRESDEN FILES: DOWN TOWN by Jim Butcher & Mark Powers

Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Type: Series, Magic, Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Wizards, Between the Novels, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Talking Skulls and Such

About the Book: Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden and his new apprentice, Molly Carpenter, intend to end the havoc caused by a mad sorcerer - one whose ambitions would have the Windy City streets carved out as his own private kingdom. But when the magical upstart enters into an alliance with the notorious mob boss "Gentleman Johnnie" Marcone, will the fast-and-loose Dresden and his young charge survive unscathed? This graphic novel collects the critically acclaimed, six-issue series in one volume, and features a bonus section with Jim Butcher's original story outline, sketchbook artwork from Carlos Gomez, cover gallery with roughs from Stjepan Sejic, and more! [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: I like these "between the novels" stories because it lets me get a taste of Dresden's world for a short time. I really enjoy this series, in fact, I consider it a modern day classic in the field of Urban Fantasy. Dresden is a fascinating character, and his friends even more so. All the wacky members of his family (be they blood related or no), add so much to the series, and make it something special - and this graphic novel is no different. In fact, I think Mouse, Molly, and the ever interesting Marcone make this graphic novel more interesting than it would have been if it was just Dresden fighting the bad guy.

There was nothing wrong with this story. I didn't find any major faults. My only comment is that it wasn't so deeply fascinating and magical that I couldn't put it down. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. Maybe because this story is so short, it doesn't have the magic of the actual Dresden novels. But this was good enough to hold me over until Dresden gets his next book.

Cover Lovin': Looks good, and fits with the other Dresden Files graphic novels I have seen.

Recommendation: At least some familiarity with Dresden is recommended prior to reading this. Background information is included for those that might not be caught up, but there's a lot of little stuff that will leave the reader confused or unsure if they're not familiar with the series.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5).

Check out some of the other Dresden Files Graphic Novels!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

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

Review: "Rat Queens v2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth" by Kurtis J. Wiebe

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

Release Date: May 19th, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, Fantasy, Book Two, Totally D&D-esque, Epic Quests and Epic Comebacks, Ladies Rock

About the Book: A brand-new, booze-soaked tale of the Rat Queens reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N’rygoth never really lets his children stray too far.Collects issues #6-10 of the smash-hit series, plus extras. [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: So when this book popped up to review, I jumped on it. I loved the first book - as in, took a snap shot of a few images because I loved them so much, and laughed out loud multiple times because it was so hilarious. And maybe it's because I loved the first volume so much that this one felt lacking.

The art was still great - everyone was distinct, the expressions were clear. But the humor was just present. It wasn't as punchy as it was in the first book. I still chuckled, but this volume wasn't something to write home about. Humor seemed to take a back seat to a greater story. And the story is good, very compelling - but the humor is what made me fall in love with this series in the first place, so it's not something that should fall by the wayside.

My heart still belongs to Rat Queens, so I will of course be continuing the series. Especially since this volume put us in the middle of rebuilding the city yet again after a huge epic battle - and there are still bad guys on the loose. I have to see what kind of trouble the Rat Queens get into next. And hopefully the third volume will bring back the comedic gold this one had lacking.

Cover Lovin': Good cover. Fits in well with the first book in the series.

Recommendation: For fans of hilarious comics and D&D/epic fantasy role playing games! And be sure to check out book one in the series: Rat Queens v1: Sass and Sorcery!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). This volume was great, very un-put-downable. However, I'm knocking it down on star because it wasn't as amazing as the first book. But I'm still desperate for more!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Jupiter's Legacy" by Mark Millar!

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

Type: Graphic Novel, Superheroes, Comic Books, Now and Then, Kids grow up so fast (and horrible), Diamond Books

About the Book: The children of the world’s greatest superheroes may never be able to fill their parents’ shoes. When the family becomes embattled by infighting, one branch stages an uprising, another goes into hiding. How long can the world survive when one family’s super-powered problems explode onto the global stage? [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: I almost want to review the first half of this graphic novel separately from the last half, because I felt so differently about each. But no, this is one story and must be judged as such - which is why my final rating will be a three. Which I think is being charitable.

The concept of this is fantastic. Superheroes change the world - but how does that superstardom change their families? Like the spoiled brats most of them are, I hated pretty much every character in this book, honestly. It wasn't until the last few issues that some of the characters redeemed themselves in my eyes, and I started enjoying the story. I think the introduction was just so heavy that it made this less like reading, and more like wading through sludge.

Cover Lovin': Uh, I don't know. I might find this cover a little off-putting. Or expect it to be about aliens, or at least space, rather than superheroes and their progeny.

Recommendation: This is one of those books that will appeal to people who like odder graphic novels. Maybe things that are more meta?

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). The first half would get one star, but the last two issues were our star worthy - so three total.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Shadow Show: Stories In Celebration of Ray Bradbury" by Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, et al.

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

Release Date: July 7th, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, IDW Publishing, Anthology, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Ray Bradbury is the bomb

About the Book: In Shadow Show, acclaimed writers and artists such as Joe Hill, Mort Castle, Audrey Niffeneffer, Charles Paul Wilson III, Maria Frohlich, Eddie Campbell, Neil Gaiman, and more come together to pay tribute to the work of the one and only Ray Bradbury. In this collection are stories based on "By The Silver Water of Lake Champlain," "The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury," "Backward in Seville," "Weariness," "Live Forever!," "Who Knocks?," "Earth (A Gift Shop)," "Altenmoor, Where the Dogs Dance," and "Conjure." [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: Reviewing anthologies can always be difficult, since there is multiple authors and therefore multiple styles. Usually they run either really amazing, or ultimately forgettable. Shadow Show falls right down the middle of the road. There was one story that scared me, another that made me very sad, and a few I couldn't wait to end because they were mildly boring.

Anthologies are tough enough, but imagine a graphic novel anthology, where each story has to be broken up into panels. As a collection of short stories celebrating the great Ray Bradbury, this anthology is just okay. But as a collection of comic shorts, this was very well done. The art was great, and each singular graphic novel flows well into the next one.

Cover Lovin': This cover is all over the place - which is very fitting considering that is how the book runs as well. This cover also looks very similar to the Unwritten series by Mike Carey.

Recommendation: For fans of Ray Bradbury, of course!

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). Like all anthologies, some stories were amazing, and some were... not-so. And therefore, it evens out to a solid, enjoyable three.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Give to the Heart, Volume 2" by Wann

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

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Manga, Series, Mythology, Book 2, Magic, Every guy's shirt has some sort of malfunction?!

About the Book: Earth suffers a cataclysm. Three godlike beings emerge to rule over survivors. Lord Ganok controls all waters. He nourishes nations with rain or blights them with drought.Yet, despite his terrifying abilities, the Water King can't win the heart of the woman Sooyi because the human heart contains more intense storms than even he can create. Furthermore, Sooyi seeks to fulfill a vendetta...and the power to slay the Water King. [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: Yes, I gave the first volume a higher rating, but that doesn't mean I liked this second book less. Actually, in some respects I liked volume 2 more. Then why the lower rating? Because I wasn't as immediately sucked in to the story in this volume as I was in the first volume. Well, that is only mostly accurate. I was sucked in quickly, then lost the desperation to continue the story in the middle, then picked it back up again near the end. The story dipped a little for me in the middle, but it picked right back up, and ended on a strong note. So for that, it gets one less star than the first book - but it was still a great read for me.

In book two, we get less of the Water King, and more of Sooyi and her travels with her companion, who has a mysterious story of his own. I cannot wait to find out what is going on with him. We get a teaser at the end of volume 2, but it is not enough! I must find out what is going on.

Side note: I feel so bad for the poor guys in this story. There is a plague of shirt malfunctions throughout the story. But I guess this is payback for all the gratuitous panty shots that show up in other mangas?

Cover Lovin': Eye catching, check. Good representation of the art, check. Gives an idea of what is actually going to happen in this volume? Nope.

Recommendation: For fans of the first volume, definitely. And for those than like the author's other works.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Good, in some respects I liked it better than volume 1, but I wasn't as immediately sucked in like I was with the previous book.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Give to the Heart, Volume 1" by Wann

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Type: Graphic Novel, Manga, Comic Book, Mythology-esque, Magic, Series, Let's give this a shot!

About the Book: In the far-off distant future, the Earth suffers a cataclysm that destroys modern civilization. Over centuries, human survivors regroup and organize into primitive cities. Three godlike beings arise and oversee the well-being of the world. Lord Ganok rules all waters. Nations prosper - or starve - on his whim. He nourishes farmlands with rainfall or blights entire realms with drought. He can unleash violent storms that level entire cities. Yet, despite all his awe-inspiring abilities, the Water King can't win the heart of a simple human woman named Sooyi. Lord Ganok quickly learns that the human heart contains more intense storms than he could ever hope to create. Furthermore, Sooyi seeks out a power of her own in order to fulfill an old vendetta...the power to slay the Water King once and for all! [Description provided by Goodreads.com]

My Review: I loved this. This is exactly the type of thing I obsess over. I love mythology mixed into my fantasy stories - so of course the whole demons controlling certain aspects of the earth got my attention. I would even say this story seems to be futuristic, though a future where civilization moved backwards - which makes tons more sense when you actually see it, I assume.

The art was very appealing, and there were plenty of shirtless male shots to appease the female readers (and hey, some males too, I don't judge). I like the relationship between the Water King and Sooyi, and I can't wait to see how this develops in further volumes - or not, considering the end. Need more now, please!

Cover Lovin': This cover will certainly appeal to shojo manga fans! It definitely got my attention, so overall: good cover.

Recommendation: For fans of things like Fushigi Yugi, From Far Away. It's not too similar, but I thought the vibe was there.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars. Right up my alley. Loved it, and I can't wait to read on!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: Edward Scissorhands Volume 1: Parts Unknown by Kate Leth and Drew Rausch

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

Release Date: May 19, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, IDW Publishing, Movie Tie-in, Series, Science Fiction, But how does he use the restroom with scissorhands?

About the Book: An all-new adventure revisiting Edward Scissorhands' two decades after the end of the fan-favorite movie! In a castle just outside a sleepy suburban town, a brilliant inventor created Edward Scissorhands…but left him tragically unfinished. Two generations of exile have left Edward digging through abandoned experiments, but once he wakes up a creature left buried, he discovers he isn't the only one missing a vital piece. As Edward tries to fix a grave mistake, he comes face-to-face with a teenage girl who was sure he was only myth... despite the stories her grandmother told her about the man she could never touch. [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: Talk about a blast from the past. When this was offered up for a review, I jumped at the chance. Poor Edward has been hiding up in his castle for years. And when he gets so lonely that he decides to wake up another invention made by Edward's own creator. Unfortunately, this doesn't turn out well, at all. This graphic novel definitely fits in with the tone of the movie. Comical, in places, but very dark. If you could have a lighthearted dark story, then Edward Scissorhands, this comic book included, would be the very definition.

Sometimes it is hard to review a book that you loved, but it also made you a little depressed. You're not sure what to focus on, because the stuff that made you depressed isn't bad, it's just part of what makes it good. So I'll just say this - I desperately want more Edward Scissorhands. This was a great read, and I cannot wait to read more.

Cover Lovin': Excellent cover! Super well done. Love the art, love the hedge creations. Reminiscent of the beloved movie but still being something new and original.

Recommendation: For fans of the movie, for sure.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Darker tone, but I loved and relished the chance to return to the Edward Scissorhands world.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: Birthright, Volume 1: Homecoming by Andrei Bressan and Joshua Williamson

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

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Magic, Time Travel (sorta?), Fantasy, Parallel Worlds, Kids grow up so fast...

About the Book: For the Rhodes family, losing their son was the most devastating thing that could have occurred...but it couldn't prepare them for what happened when he returned. Skybound's newest hit turns fantasy into reality in this all-new series from the creator of Nailbiter and Ghosted. Pick up this introductory-priced collection and see what everyone's talking about! Collects Birthright #1-5 [Summary provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: This was a fun volume to read, and definitely entertaining enough that I had to read it all in one sitting. But ultimately, I don't feel like I have to keep going. I don't think I connected to everyone as much as I wanted to - but this is only volume one of what will be an epic series. This happens. I can't fall into insta-love with every comic book series. If I was given the second volume, I would gladly read it, but this is not a story I will desperately be hunting in stores.

Would it be odd if I said this felt almost like an adult version of Chronicles of Narnia? There are a lot of similarities - kid gets sucked into a different world, fulfills his destiny (or does he?) and comes back to his original world, only to find not as much time has passed. There are some huge differences, obviously - he comes back as a fully grown adult, and a year has passed, not mere seconds. This connection to a childhood series might turn some people off, but it's what drew me to Birthright to begin with. I love reading about people from our ordinary mundane world getting thrown into a fantasy world they never knew existed.

I can really see the potential in this series. And really, Volume 1: Homecoming is a great start. Just, as stated, I wasn't immediately desperate for more.

Cover Lovin': I like this cover. It doesn't do much to give the reader a good idea of what to expect, but it certainly is attention grabbing.

Recommendation: For fans of destiny! And this almost has a Chronicles of Narnia vibe, with the being transported to a magic world. Mind you, it's a heck of a lot darker than that.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5). There was a lot about this I liked. But ultimately, I didn't feel like I absolutely had to read more.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Bob's Burgers, Volume 1" by Chad Brewster, Jeff Drake, Justin Hook, Rachel Hastings and Mike Olsen

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy is exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, Humor, TV-tie-in, Uhhhhhh...

About the Book: Now you can read about the Belcher family (parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene and Louise) with brand-new in-canon stories created by the TV show's producers, writers, and animators! 

That's right, all-original stories that expand upon the fan-favorite animated series, including hilarious installments of "Louise's Unsolved Mysteries", "Tina's Erotic Friend Fiction", "A Gene Belcher Original Musical", "Letters Written by Linda", "Bob's Burgers of the Day", and much more! [Description from Netgalley.com]
My Review: I am a huge fan of the show, so of course I jumped at the chance to read a graphic novel based on it! Long time fans of Bob's Burgers will be able to read this graphic novel in each character's voice - and laugh their butts off! I snorted more than a few times while going through all the different sections devoted to each family member in every issue. I have to say, my favorite is probably Tina's Erotic Friend Fiction, just because it is so absolutely ridiculous.

My only note I have is that Gene gets to create a musical in every issue - awesome! - except... we can't hear it! Readers have no idea how the songs are supposed to go. Sure, it was mildly fun coming up with my own tunes, but Gene's musical genius is just that - genius - so I'd love to hear what he came up with. Other than that, this comic is totally aces in my book, and I cannot wait for more!

Cover Lovin': Great cover - really shows the ridiculousness that is the Belcher family!

Recommendation: For fans of the TV show, of course. The jokes and general story line would fly over a non-fan's head.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE STARS (4/5)! Hilarious, great fun. My one big downer was that I had no clue how Gene's musical numbers were supposed to sound. But loved it all!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "In Search of Lost Dragons" by Elian Black'Mor and Carine M

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

Type: Graphic Novel, Illustrated Novel, Journal, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Travelogue, Here Be Dragons

About the Book: On the trail of dragons forgotten, an intrepid illustrator and reporter journeys from Europe through the Middle East and finally to Saigon in search of the dark caverns and mountaintop perches where the elusive winged serpents dwell. With the gift of seeing the invisible, our explorer friend records each encounter in a journal of gorgeous, fully painted artwork, capturing every majestic and fearsome visual detail of the scaly behemoths, and accompanies his findings with snippets of local lore as evidence that these hidden beasts continue to shape the world in ways we may never expect! [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: This book did have a story line, I just have to be honest and say I didn't really care. When I think about this book now (several days after reading it), I can only remember some of the goal of the trip, and what he was searching for. What I can remember? The illustrations. They were superb! There were maybe two pictures I didn't drool over, and that was only because they were of icky looking little dragons. I still marveled over the artistic talent, even in the icky dragon pictures. I would gladly have a poster of any dragon in this book - if not all of them!

If I were to judge this book on just the story, it would be a 3 star read. But luckily, there is so much else going on - the reader will never be bored. I find journal or travelogue style books to be fun reads, so this book is definitely up my alley. And even better, this book is something that can be given to fans of many ages, though I would still say 13 or 14+. Highly recommended, fun read!

Cover Lovin': Certainly something I would grab off the shelf if I saw it! Absolutely gorgeous.

Recommendation: For dragon lovers, of course! Also recommended for fans of "A Natural History of Dragons" by Marie Brennan

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars. The story was mildly amusing, but the journal format was fun and the illustrations were amazing.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~