librarypatronus's review
4.0
3.5 stars, this was an advanced reader’s copy and it was hard to read in parts, but was definitely creepy. The full color art was mentioned in the synopsis, but the advanced copy wasn’t in color and I was kinda bummed about that (whether ARCs have color seems hit or miss, but I couldn’t tell going in). The story was good from what I could read, the art well done (though black and white), and there were some very creepy parts, with a satisfying ending.
zogg's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nerdypotsie's review
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to review this book.
I almost DNFed this book. The font and the text was weird, which made it almost impossible for me to make out what the words were saying. Hopefully the final text of this book will be easier to read.
My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They were beautiful and they’re the sole reason why I am giving this book more than one star.
I haven’t read “On the Road” yet, so I can’t compare this graphic novel to the short story that it was based off of, but what I can say is that it didn’t feel like this story translated well to a graphic novel. The story was heavy on thoughts and descriptions. When I read graphic novels, lots of dialogue and only a little bit of inner thought flows smoother. The lack of dialogue to some extent prevented me from getting invested in the story.
This story is probably good as a short story, but this graphic novel adaptation just did not work well for me.
I almost DNFed this book. The font and the text was weird, which made it almost impossible for me to make out what the words were saying. Hopefully the final text of this book will be easier to read.
My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They were beautiful and they’re the sole reason why I am giving this book more than one star.
I haven’t read “On the Road” yet, so I can’t compare this graphic novel to the short story that it was based off of, but what I can say is that it didn’t feel like this story translated well to a graphic novel. The story was heavy on thoughts and descriptions. When I read graphic novels, lots of dialogue and only a little bit of inner thought flows smoother. The lack of dialogue to some extent prevented me from getting invested in the story.
This story is probably good as a short story, but this graphic novel adaptation just did not work well for me.
sarah_krawat's review
2.0
I wouldn’t say this story is bad, it just wasn’t my thing. The art is beautiful and detailed, which is why it got too graphic for me and spooked me a bit. I wouldn’t want my review to stop anyone from trying this graphic novel.
keishasliterarylabyrinth's review
4.0
This book reminded me of the masquerades in Okorafor's Akata Witch and Akata Warrior. Walking in and out of the wilderness is a crazy trip! The art was creepy AF, especially anytime the little boy was in a panel. But I really liked it!
ketallpot's review
4.0
A very good adaptation and the art enhanced the horror and awe she was going through.
readingvicariously's review
5.0
Wow, what a great story! It’s like a tale of Nigerian spiritualism from Chinua Achebe run through a filter of Clive Barker with a dash of Evil Dead thrown in. I can’t say too much without spoilers, but this was such a creepy and engrossing read for me. It’s rife with imagination and moments of straight up horror.
I loved the emphasis on Nigerian spirits and folklore. I also appreciated its attempt to explore Chioma’s double consciousness through a lens of magical identity. And the art is so cool in a fantastical sort of way. It does inventive and amazing work with the pages and panels like I’ve never seen before in a comic, every border bleeding into another and overlaid with smaller images to reflect the conflict and Chioma’s emotional state. It’s hard to explain, you just need to see it for yourself!
My only complaint is that the ending left me without a clear understanding of what all had taken place. That and the copy on netgalley is pretty fuzzy and hard to read at times. I truly wish I had a physical full-color copy of this beauty.
I loved the emphasis on Nigerian spirits and folklore. I also appreciated its attempt to explore Chioma’s double consciousness through a lens of magical identity. And the art is so cool in a fantastical sort of way. It does inventive and amazing work with the pages and panels like I’ve never seen before in a comic, every border bleeding into another and overlaid with smaller images to reflect the conflict and Chioma’s emotional state. It’s hard to explain, you just need to see it for yourself!
My only complaint is that the ending left me without a clear understanding of what all had taken place. That and the copy on netgalley is pretty fuzzy and hard to read at times. I truly wish I had a physical full-color copy of this beauty.