myqz's review
3.0
Loved Ba's artwork, the way the story connected to fables I was unfamiliar with, and the way things came together in the final chapter- looking forward to checking out more from Juni Ba.
lovebliss's review
3.0
Loved the art, all these vibrant colours, the reimagining of mythology, oral history and african culture. Wish the story was more fleshed out. The book felt really short even though it tackled some interesting subjects.
I'm a sucker for all of these magical tales and stories that normally all the nanas and aunties tell us, so... 3 stars.
I'm a sucker for all of these magical tales and stories that normally all the nanas and aunties tell us, so... 3 stars.
novelerachavela's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
livlamentloathe's review
I'm not always a big fan of elaborate fantasy/adventure. I'm more into characterization than worldbuilding; this one was hard for me to follow so I decided to skip it after trying for 1/4 of the book. This is a personal preference, not a reflection on the book or writing.
I imagine it's probably a very cool story--but I struggle with pronunciations as is, so it lost me pretty quickly. Maybe I'll try again in the future. But DNF for now.
I imagine it's probably a very cool story--but I struggle with pronunciations as is, so it lost me pretty quickly. Maybe I'll try again in the future. But DNF for now.
altlovesbooks's review
3.0
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a (partial?) digital ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
It's difficult for me to rate/review this fully, because the copy provided to me appears to only be a sneak peek. It bothers me a little that I can't rate based on the entire book and thus feel like this may be a bit of a misleading review. In any case, the 28 pages I was provided was an interesting take on folklore. I think this is my first Senegalese graphic novel, and I really liked the striking, bold art. Lots of blacks, lots of reds, and very bold lines.
The story was a little confusing to follow, especially considering the short preview I received. You're dumped straight in the middle of the story, and much like Mansou, have to find your own way. There's a brief page or two of exposition at the beginning, talking about a wizard who brought the apocalypse down and sealed himself in his ivory tower, and then we're straight in the thick of it. I found it rather confusing to follow though, even with the inclusion of side notes and clarifications by the author in-line.
In short, an intriguing but a little confusing glimpse into a post apocalyptic fantasy/sci fi world using folklore as the framework for a new story.
It's difficult for me to rate/review this fully, because the copy provided to me appears to only be a sneak peek. It bothers me a little that I can't rate based on the entire book and thus feel like this may be a bit of a misleading review. In any case, the 28 pages I was provided was an interesting take on folklore. I think this is my first Senegalese graphic novel, and I really liked the striking, bold art. Lots of blacks, lots of reds, and very bold lines.
The story was a little confusing to follow, especially considering the short preview I received. You're dumped straight in the middle of the story, and much like Mansou, have to find your own way. There's a brief page or two of exposition at the beginning, talking about a wizard who brought the apocalypse down and sealed himself in his ivory tower, and then we're straight in the thick of it. I found it rather confusing to follow though, even with the inclusion of side notes and clarifications by the author in-line.
In short, an intriguing but a little confusing glimpse into a post apocalyptic fantasy/sci fi world using folklore as the framework for a new story.
revolution666's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
tubercule_oursidae's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
love the plots, the drawings, the characters
nana_fy's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nessma's review
4.0
i liked this a lot! everything from the art to the storyline to the characters was done really well, but what i loved the most was the west african setting and having the story being based on west african folklore was truly magnificent to see translate into art panels. the art style was expressive and the color scheme fit really get with the aura of the graphic novel. i enjoyed this so much!
— digital arc provided via netgalley
— digital arc provided via netgalley
chayote's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0