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A review by nietnoah
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
I was surprised by how many good reviews this book has because, honestly, I found it pretty difficult to get through. While most of the characters were solid and the story itself was well thought out, I just couldn’t stay fully engaged. I really enjoyed the first part of the book, but things started to fall apart for me as it went on.
The art style and the world we’re thrown into were the main things that tripped me up. The graphic novel throws you into this unique, otherworldly setting, but I spent a lot of time wondering, “What am I actually looking at?” The spaceships shaped like fish? The vague, dusty-looking atmosphere? While the art is undeniably creative and visually striking, it was so abstract at times that I found it hard to follow what was going on. Creativity is great, but when it gets too obscure, it can lose the reader—and that’s what happened to me.
All in all, I think this graphic novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. There were moments when I thought it was about to grab me, but those moments were fleeting. Still, I can see the appeal for others, even if it didn’t fully land for me. I’d give it a 2.75/5 stars.
The art style and the world we’re thrown into were the main things that tripped me up. The graphic novel throws you into this unique, otherworldly setting, but I spent a lot of time wondering, “What am I actually looking at?” The spaceships shaped like fish? The vague, dusty-looking atmosphere? While the art is undeniably creative and visually striking, it was so abstract at times that I found it hard to follow what was going on. Creativity is great, but when it gets too obscure, it can lose the reader—and that’s what happened to me.
All in all, I think this graphic novel just wasn’t my cup of tea. There were moments when I thought it was about to grab me, but those moments were fleeting. Still, I can see the appeal for others, even if it didn’t fully land for me. I’d give it a 2.75/5 stars.