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terhill's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
pagesofplatypus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is a beautiful, magical love story about closeted Morgan Kwan and Keltie, a selkie (seal person) from Morgan's past. I love the art style of this comic. The characters are so expressive and I love how colorful everything is.
The selkie mythology was very cool to read about, and Keltie's transformation and wearing her seal skin was done in such a neat way. Her bond with her seal clan will warm animal lovers' hearts.
Morgan's blossoming romance with Keltie and her own journey of self-acceptance was equal parts painful and poignant.
I really like how messy the romance was between Morgan and Keltie, especially as Morgan tried to keep her identity hidden. But it never felt like they were toxic or incompatible. Morgan's familial and friend relationships were also nicely developed, although I do wish she didn't blow her friends off quite so much. But I love Morgan's mom, as awkward as she may be.
I definitely recommend for a quick, touching read.
The selkie mythology was very cool to read about, and Keltie's transformation and wearing her seal skin was done in such a neat way. Her bond with her seal clan will warm animal lovers' hearts.
Morgan's blossoming romance with Keltie and her own journey of self-acceptance was equal parts painful and poignant.
I really like how messy the romance was between Morgan and Keltie, especially as Morgan tried to keep her identity hidden. But it never felt like they were toxic or incompatible. Morgan's familial and friend relationships were also nicely developed, although I do wish she didn't blow her friends off quite so much. But I love Morgan's mom, as awkward as she may be.
I definitely recommend for a quick, touching read.
lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up at the bookstore over the weekend and - gasp! - actually read it in a timely fashion! What a shock!
Anyway, this was really cute. I liked the art, the setting, and the characters. Ostertag did a good job of using body language and facial expressions to convey a lot about her characters, including the side ones, and that helped to make the story feel more layered and dynamic.
The plot was fun and I was definitely swept along in all of the emotions. I've never fallen in love with a selkie, but Morgan and Keltie were adorable!
I liked Morgan's friends, particularly Liz. Her family was good, too. The ending was
Overall, this was a solid, engaging read that went by quickly and was both adorable and a bit heart wrenching in places, as well as funny. 4 stars!
Anyway, this was really cute. I liked the art, the setting, and the characters. Ostertag did a good job of using body language and facial expressions to convey a lot about her characters, including the side ones, and that helped to make the story feel more layered and dynamic.
The plot was fun and I was definitely swept along in all of the emotions. I've never fallen in love with a selkie, but Morgan and Keltie were adorable!
Spoiler
When Morgan's mom tried to do the literally coming out of the closet joke, I cracked up.I liked Morgan's friends, particularly Liz. Her family was good, too. The ending was
Spoiler
a bit sad, but I kind of liked the realism of it, given Morgan's age (15). The older couple at the end gave a spark of hope, too.Overall, this was a solid, engaging read that went by quickly and was both adorable and a bit heart wrenching in places, as well as funny. 4 stars!
kaysesoka's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
veronn's review against another edition
5.0
Super adorable <333
Tengo muchas ganas de que este sea un año en donde me hinche a leer libros de este estilo porque son monísimo y preciosos.
Tengo muchas ganas de que este sea un año en donde me hinche a leer libros de este estilo porque son monísimo y preciosos.
spenkevich's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so unbelievably delightful and I’ll be rereading it a dozen times just to feel all the feelings. A queer, coming-of-age romance featuring a selkie and a plot surrounding friendship dynamics and environmental activism? What is not to love!? The Girl from the Sea is the latest from Molly Knox Ostertag, author and illustrator of [b:The Witch Boy|31193426|The Witch Boy (The Witch Boy, #1)|Molly Knox Ostertag|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488508665l/31193426._SY75_.jpg|51838873] series, and this single volume graphic novel is another stunning beauty of art and storytelling.
When Morgan kisses a mysterious girl who saves her from drowning, the girl reveals herself to be a selkie granted power to walk on land from their kiss. But this awkward girl is embarrassing to have around her “cool” friends, mostly because Morgan is fearful of coming out. Ostertag manages to keep the story feeling fresh as she examines the volatile emotions of balancing friendships with romances and not letting the opinions of others get in the way of what the heart wants.
One aspect that works particularly well is the way group texts figure prominently in the novel, showing the friend-group dynamic and Morgan’s notable absence. Juxtaposing the digital conversations with Morgan’s dates with Keltie the selkie is effective and anyone who has ever felt guilty for ignoring texts while trying to enjoy time away will certainly vibe with these scenes.
After reading a couple series, it was refreshing to visit a single volume story. The plot is paced quite well and while it is a bit of a low stakes narrative compared to her other works it still provides just as much of an emotional impact. Plus the whole “the rich family is ruining the local environment” is kind of a great staple of young adult narratives that urges readers to look at human impact on the wider world. I wish books like this existed when I was young and I will endlessly support and read them now so my inner confused child can enjoy this quality LGBT content they needed.
The adorable and tumultuous love story really sings and the harmonizations of everyday life with friends and family all orchestrate together for a simply stunning book. Dealing with divorce, public opinion and trying to plan for her life all adds nuance and gripping textures to the overall story and are sure to connect with a wide audience. The family dynamics are sure to pull the heartstrings and it’s always lovely to see a coming out scene where the parent is supportive (Take note, parents, being supportive is literally life saving). I loved The Girl from the Sea with it’s beautiful art and story, and I hope you will too.
4.5/5
When Morgan kisses a mysterious girl who saves her from drowning, the girl reveals herself to be a selkie granted power to walk on land from their kiss. But this awkward girl is embarrassing to have around her “cool” friends, mostly because Morgan is fearful of coming out. Ostertag manages to keep the story feeling fresh as she examines the volatile emotions of balancing friendships with romances and not letting the opinions of others get in the way of what the heart wants.
One aspect that works particularly well is the way group texts figure prominently in the novel, showing the friend-group dynamic and Morgan’s notable absence. Juxtaposing the digital conversations with Morgan’s dates with Keltie the selkie is effective and anyone who has ever felt guilty for ignoring texts while trying to enjoy time away will certainly vibe with these scenes.
After reading a couple series, it was refreshing to visit a single volume story. The plot is paced quite well and while it is a bit of a low stakes narrative compared to her other works it still provides just as much of an emotional impact. Plus the whole “the rich family is ruining the local environment” is kind of a great staple of young adult narratives that urges readers to look at human impact on the wider world. I wish books like this existed when I was young and I will endlessly support and read them now so my inner confused child can enjoy this quality LGBT content they needed.
The adorable and tumultuous love story really sings and the harmonizations of everyday life with friends and family all orchestrate together for a simply stunning book. Dealing with divorce, public opinion and trying to plan for her life all adds nuance and gripping textures to the overall story and are sure to connect with a wide audience. The family dynamics are sure to pull the heartstrings and it’s always lovely to see a coming out scene where the parent is supportive (Take note, parents, being supportive is literally life saving). I loved The Girl from the Sea with it’s beautiful art and story, and I hope you will too.
4.5/5
mir_sputnik's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.75
laverna's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
xmochimonsterx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-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
3.5