Reviews

The Cloven: Book One by Matthew Southworth, Garth Stein

kandicez's review

Go to review page

2.0

I wanted to like this, I really did. First, the cover seems to be referring to [b:V for Vendetta|5805|V for Vendetta|Alan Moore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1343668985l/5805._SY75_.jpg|392838] by [a:Alan Moore|3961|Alan Moore|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1304944713p2/3961.jpg], and that simply cannot be an accident! Second, it's written by [b:The Art of Racing in the Rain|3153910|The Art of Racing in the Rain|Garth Stein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1377206302l/3153910._SY75_.jpg|3175590], who wrote [a:Garth Stein|194531|Garth Stein|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1229127424p2/194531.jpg], one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, and written exquisitely from the POV of a dog. This one is clearly about animals so I was very hopeful.

I didn't like it.

The illustrations were not to my liking, for one. They were very color saturated, which is fine in the right circumstance, but they were also splashy. Not splashy because the content demanded it, but seemingly as an excuse for two and four page splashes that served no purpose and didn't advance the story at all. They simply gave a larger canvas for art that was perfectly contained on a page level.

Then the story. It just wasn't compelling. Not only were ineffective flashbacks used, to at first build a narrative, but later to unravel it, this felt very much like the first issue of 7-9 issue arc. Certainly not the first volume of a saga.

hidinginstacks's review

Go to review page

3.0

Interesting graphic novel about a young boy discovering that he is a Cloven (half-human, half-goat). Takes a bit for the story to get good pacing, but the jagged, gritty art is captivating. The ending is a proper cliffhanger & introduction to what will be chaos in Book Two. I’ll definitely read it!

esselleayy's review

Go to review page

4.0

Really enjoyable start to the series. The artwork is little messy, but sort of fits the floating timeline/fever dream quality of the storytelling.

dziggetai's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

laread's review

Go to review page

4.0

This is a solid story told well visually and textually. It's not the most original idea and pleasantly reminds me a bit of the television series Dark Angel, but most stories have been told countless times, with original twists and voices. I especially appreciate the setting that reflects certain issues of our times as it explores timeless ethics. I will definitely read the follow-ups.

thedreaminghare's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

ccatsol's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

alwroteabook's review

Go to review page

5.0

In a fit of whimsy, I hereby announce I will give everyone five stars, but the reviews may not reflect it.

Consider this Sweet Tooth's less interesting little brother. I did enjoy this, it was weird and fun but it failed to separate itself from the masses. I would read book 2, but only if I saw it at a library.

rah10's review

Go to review page

3.0

Wasn't sure about it going in, but I did enjoy this one. The story can be a little too familiar at times (we want them as soldiers plot...ok) and for me the opening was a little too cold - needed some intro to Tuck's current life outside testing. Otherwise, enjoyed the story and art. It's only book one, so things are left on a cliffhanger.

go_and_find_out's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Lush and atmospheric, the illustrations look like Seattle in the rain.
More...