chrispyschaller's review against another edition
3.0
Los Angeles in the grip of sorcerous, colourful cabal that shimmers just beneath our perception.
lilliangretsinger's review against another edition
2.0
I probably found this on a librarian blog or podcast. Can't remember why I had it on my tbr list. Not what I was expecting. But beautiful art work.
sianami's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous art, atmospheric, strong lead characters & obviously deep worldbuilding. Plot of the first trade is a little predictable but excited for the next instalments
artsymusings's review
4.0
'I'm here to claim my birthright.'
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. I waited and waited to read this because there's been no news about a volume 2 and then just thought fuck that. Still wish the series will eventually continue, but for now, this was amazing
I will say that the art is easily the best of Blackbird. Like, this is Jen Bartel and she knows her shit. There is a WicDiv vibe, yes but I think that's more due to the individual issue covers than anything. Neo noir fantasy is the best way to describe it, though and the magic in this ahhhh
In terms of the story, things did get a little bit repetitive and the mystery almost got annoyed past a certain point like just tell her (and us) already! But I loved Nina immediately and Clint is cool, too. Oh and Sharpie the cat is the best, ofc
Anyway, I just want to see Nina owning everything and everyone
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. I waited and waited to read this because there's been no news about a volume 2 and then just thought fuck that. Still wish the series will eventually continue, but for now, this was amazing
I will say that the art is easily the best of Blackbird. Like, this is Jen Bartel and she knows her shit. There is a WicDiv vibe, yes but I think that's more due to the individual issue covers than anything. Neo noir fantasy is the best way to describe it, though and the magic in this ahhhh
In terms of the story, things did get a little bit repetitive and the mystery almost got annoyed past a certain point like just tell her (and us) already! But I loved Nina immediately and Clint is cool, too. Oh and Sharpie the cat is the best, ofc
Anyway, I just want to see Nina owning everything and everyone
dru's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3 the stars are entirely thanks to the stunning art. 0.25 stars because I think the concept was very interesting even if the execution poor.
The characters were hard to like. The pace felt off and the ways the plot was advanced felt illogical and not well thought-through. The romance felt very forced, rushed and OOC for Nina (+ it made me feel queerbaited).
Would probably read the others just cause the art is so beautiful though 🤩
The characters were hard to like. The pace felt off and the ways the plot was advanced felt illogical and not well thought-through. The romance felt very forced, rushed and OOC for Nina (+ it made me feel queerbaited).
Would probably read the others just cause the art is so beautiful though 🤩
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism
allysunsun's review against another edition
4.0
I'd had this book on my shelf for way too long and just finally finished it. When I did pick it up I was hooked and could not put it down. I really liked Nina's story and it definitely grips you in! While Nina herself took time to warm up to personality wise it made sense to write her that way. The world itself was very cool with magic cabals and paragons, I look forward to reading more of this series to uncover more of that back story! The artwork was absolutely stunning and even at times when the story seemed to lose itself the art would draw you back in.
All in all a great first volume and I look forward to learning and reading more from this world!
All in all a great first volume and I look forward to learning and reading more from this world!
ericawrites's review against another edition
5.0
Love the art. Love the mystery of the story. Cannot wait to read more.
pinesreading's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0