Tag: netgalley

Review: Call the Name of the Night, Vol. 1

Author/Aritst: Tama Mitsuboshi
Translator: Amanda Haley
Publisher: Yen Press
Released: March 21, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

How many stories begin deep in the forest? Yet that is precisely where Mira’s story begins. She’s been living with her physician, Rei, who is desperately searching for a way to calm her…affliction. Said affliction just so happens to be her ability to call forth darkness whenever she’s upset or distressed. As a little girl, you can imagine how often that happens – and how distressing it is.

Unfortunately, Mira has an incident involving darkness when Rei isn’t around. Worse, one of his friends witnesses it and takes a sudden interest in her abilities. All of which will kick off a chain of events.

Review:

Okay, let me address the obvious first: Call the Name of the Night Vol. 1 has fantastic artwork. And I do mean fantastic. It’s worth reading for that alone, and I do mean that. I especially love the color of the cover. Not ashamed to admit that.

It took me a while to feel any connection to Mira’s story. Yet once I became invested, worrying about everything that would happen was easy. Mira’s struggles, which pushed to an unrealistic extent (calling darkness), do feel very human and thus relatable. It was well done.

Overall, I was blown away by how sweet and cozy Call the Name of the Night felt. It may have been a new story to me, yet something about it felt like coming home. That’s how cozy it is.

Highlights:

  • Fantasy
  • Cozy Manga

Thanks to Yen Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Thinking of You

Thinking of You (but not like in a weird creepy way): A Comic Collection
Author/Artist: Beth Evans
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Released: May 2, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Book Summary:

Thinking of You is a collection of comics by Beth Evans (@bethdrawsthings). She’s a great artist with a fantastic sense of humor. More importantly, she works hard to help others see the value in themselves. You don’t find that every day.

You’ll likely have seen Beth Evans’ works online, especially the ones about her Blobs. They’re the most popular. This is a collection of many of those moments designed specifically to help others feel seen and valued.

My Review:

Thinking of You is such a sweet and funny comic! Don’t believe me? Read the full title and think again. I love this sense of humor. It feels almost…gentle? Like the author is trying to uplift her readers through humor. Oh, wait, that basically is what she’s doing! Love it.

Many of the moments in this comic will be super relatable, especially to anyone who needs a bit of affirmation or encouragement. Honestly, there’s not a lot to say about Thinking of You – it pretty much speaks for itself! So go read it; you won’t regret it.

Highlights:

  • Humorous
  • Self-Help Comic
  • Blobs!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Why Are You Like This?

Why Are You Like This? An ArtbyMoga Comic Collection
Author/Artist: Meg Adams
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Released: March 7, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Book Summary:

Who doesn’t love millennial humor? Why Are You Like This? Is a collection of comics about millennial life, including marriage, adulthood in general, self-love, self-care, pet ownership, etc. It’s perfect if you need help looking at your life and finding something to laugh about!

But seriously, Why Are You Like This? Is a sweet and humorous comic about daily life and perspective.

My Review:

If you need a good laugh, may I recommend reading Why Are You Like This? The title alone does an excellent job of giving you an idea of what sort of humor you’ll find within the pages.

Meg and Carson couldn’t be more different. One is an introvert, the other an extrovert. You’d think that wouldn’t work – but it does! This combination is also fairly common, so I feel like many readers will relate to the humorous situations this couple finds themselves in.

Obviously, my favorite arcs revolved around the pets and other chaotic humor. It’s far too relatable, and I love it! The romantic moments were both sweet and funny, which is always appreciated. Read this if you need a smile.

Highlights:

  • Slice of Life
  • Humorous
  • Opposites Attract Comic/Romance

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: My Coworker Has a Secret! Vol. 1

Writer/Artist: Mushiro
Publisher: LOVE x LOVE
Released: April 11, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Akari is twenty-five years old, has no savings, and is obsessed with a pretty-boy idol. Her obsession is part of the reason why she’s perpetually broke. When a pigeon steals her lunch, Akari hits a breaking point.

Thankfully, a kind stranger is nearby to see her breakdown. His offer to share his lunch saves Akari’s lunch – but little does she know that this stranger will soon become a significant part of her life. Can she trust him to keep her secrets?

My Review:

Overall, I think My Coworker Has a Secret! Vol. 1 has a charming premise. I think we’ve all been part of a fandom that tempted us into buying too much stuff (whether or not we caved to that temptation is a different story). So in a way, Akari’s story is fairly relatable.

There’s more to her story than one might expect. I appreciated that depth, as I think it was needed. Likewise, there’s more to the kind stranger’s story, though we have yet to learn all of it (of course).

While I think this was a fun and cute story, I feel like one volume is all I needed. I’m not sure I’d read the rest, as the first volume probably carried the most impact. This is a great read if you like humorous romances with a dash of insta-love.

Highlights:

  • Coworkers to Friends
  • Friends to Lovers?
  • Cutesy Plot
  • “Tragic” Secret

Trigger Warnings:

  • Homelessness
  • Crummy Ex

Thanks to LOVE x LOVE and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!

The Awkward Yeti Presents: Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!: A Heart and Brain Collection
Author/Artist: Nick Seluk
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Released: May 2, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Book Summary:

It’s the return of Heart and Brain! Okay, not really a return, as they haven’t gone anywhere. But it is the latest installment of their graphic novel collection. Onward to Good Things! Contains three different sections, all with a different focus/prompt.

Heart and Brain is a webcomic series, and you’ve likely seen their comics wandering the web. They’re cute, charming, and highly inspirational at times. More importantly, they often help people feel seen, as they portray similar experiences to what we’ve all been through.

My Review:

As always, I love Heart and Brain. So obviously, I knew I would adore Onward to Good Things! And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Honestly, in many ways, I feel like this was exactly what I needed to read right now.

Nick Seluk, the mind behind Heart and Brain, does such an excellent job capturing these little moments. They’re not quite slice-of-life, but they certainly are relatable. I love that the series has been branching out and including other organs, such as the stomach. So funny!

This comic series is perfect if you need little reminders about the importance of self-care and work-life balance. Or even if you just need a laugh or two. Whatever the reason, please consider picking up Onward to Good Things!

Highlights:

  • Webcomic
  • Humor
  • Oddly Inspirational

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Paper Planes

Author: Jennie Wood
Artist: Dozerdraws
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Released: May 16, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Dylan Render and Leighton Worthington used to be best friends. Like many high-schoolers, their friendship has faded, thanks to drama and other concerns. If not for their time at summer camp (for troubled youths), they may never have had the opportunity to repair the damage done.

Their time at camp will change that, as both of them need to get a good review from the camp, or they’re going to be in a new world of trouble. This forced proximity may even bring some closure as past events come to the surface.

Review:

Oh wow, Paper Planes is such a bittersweet and endearing read. Anybody who has ever lost a friend or struggled with troubled friendship waters will empathize with the story that unfolds here. It’ll hit you right in the feels – and then some.

It took a little while to understand the full depth of everything going on here. Dylan and Leighton have fairly complex backstories, even without the whole friendship complication. Obviously, this is where a lot of the sadder and bittersweet elements come into play.

The namesake of this story, the paper planes they send, is a really nice touch. Not only does it add a lot to the emotional telling of the story, but it is also visually appealing. Dozerdraws did a fantastic job with these scenes. Honestly, I almost want to see if I can track down a print of one of those panels; they’re so perfect…

Highlights:

  • LGBT
  • Romance
  • Genderfluid
  • Ace Character
  • Bittersweet Vibes
  • Cute Art
  • Forced proximity

Thanks to Mad Cave Studios and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Pebble and Wren

Author/Artist: Chris Hallbeck
Publisher: HarperCollins US
Released: May 3, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Book Summary:

We’ve all heard the story of the monster that lives under your bed. But what if the monster only wanted to be your friend? Enter Pebble and Wren. Wren is a sweet little girl whose best friend just happens to be a monster named Pebble.

Wren is working hard to teach Pebble about the human world, but that takes work. After all, you weren’t born understanding everything about our world, right?

My Review:

I can’t get over how cute Pebble and Wren is. If you’re looking for a light and endearing read, choose Pebble and Wren. It’s basically a modern version of the ‘monsters that can be our friends’ trope, but with a few original twists.

The core of this story is the strong bond between Pebble and Wren. They’re so very different (obviously), yet they’re fast friends. More than that, their story proves that they can move mountains if they work together. I love that message.

Highlights:

  • Middle Grade
  • Graphic Novel
  • Endearing Monster

Thanks to HarperCollins US and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Dega

Author/Artist: Dan McDaid
Publisher: Dr. Ink Production
Released: June 2021
Received: NetGalley

Book Summary:

What would you do if you found yourself the lone survivor on an empty planet? Okay, not the only one – you get to have a droid for company. That’ll help, yes? Dega seeks to answer that question as our lead finds herself stranded following a crash, up against the dangers of an unknown planet – and the monsters within.

My Review:

As per usual, it was the cover of Dega that originally caught my attention. But in my defense, it’s pretty amazing, right? The colors are so bold and demand that you pay attention to what is offered within these pages.

Dega reads like a show if that makes sense. It’s a battle for survival, but it’s also surreal, beautiful, and so much more. This is the story of one woman (and droid) fighting to survive in a dangerous situation. In the process, there will be a whoooole lot of life lessons.

It’s worth noting that Dan McDaid wrote and illustrated Dega, which explains the strong sense of cohesion between the two. This graphic novel series is worth looking into, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

Highlights:

  • Surreal
  • Existential
  • Strong Female Lead

Thanks to Dr. Ink Production and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: Love After World Domination, Vol. 1

Series: Love After World Domination, Vol. 1
Author: Hiroshi Nada
Artist: Wakamatsu Takahiro
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: October 5, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

In a world where heroes and villains exist, how long do you think it would take before they start falling in love with their opponents? It’s bound to happen, right? Enter Fudo Aikawa, aka Red Gelato of the Gelato Five, and Gekko, Desumi Magahara.

They live on opposite sides of this war. One is a hero, the other a queen among villains. Will their love survive? Can they keep it hidden? What will happen should their love come out into the open?

Review:

Okay, Love After World Domination, Vol. 1 is a seriously funny and cute series. You’ll probably enjoy this series if you love forbidden romances with a sense of humor and an overall light touch! Given how many dark series are out there, I appreciated this lighter read.

My only regret about this series? It starts with our two leads already in love. I would have adored the chance to see them meet and fall in love. That will have a lot of opportunities if you ask me. However, I understand and appreciate what the author is trying to do here by throwing us into the middle of the romance.

This is a series to look out for, as it will likely be worth following. I’m not sure how long they can keep things a secret – especially in a more comedic telling. That alone means that somebody is going to mess up at some point. Can’t wait to see how it goes.

Highlights:

  • Heroes & Villains
  • Forbidden Lovers
  • Humor
  • Romance

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1

Series: The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1
Author: Chouchouhassha
Artist: Kayatamaru
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: September 28, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Tsuguto Sumihara is one of those people you would label nice but maybe a pushover. Unfortunately, Tsuguto’s demeanor directly resulted in his death, as he unwillingly gave up his bus seat, only for the following crash to kill him (and only him).

That should have been the end, but instead, Tsuguto woke up in a new world. It appears to be a mining camp buried beneath a tower of sorts. At least in this world, he was quick to make a friend – he will need all the help he can get!

Review:

The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1 begins like many other Isekai/reincarnation stories – with a sad background followed almost immediately by death. That bit really shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone, though it did a good job of quickly setting the tone.

It also made the new world stand out in stark contrast, as it has nothing in common with Tsuguto’s old world. While it isn’t a video game world, it does have those vibes. If that’s something you enjoy, you should check this one out!
This series is perfect if you’re looking for an interesting but casual fantasy read. Oh! I should also mention that the story picks up the farther you get, so I bet the next volume will be even more interesting.

Highlights:

  • Isekai
  • Fantasy World
  • Team-Up

Trigger Warnings:

  • Character Death

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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