A review by just_one_more_paige
Nimona by ND Stevenson

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 
Every once in a while, as you know, I get in the mood for a graphic novel (thought recently I’ve been filling that mood with Lore Olympus). But there are more, if you’ll recall, like The Prince and the Dressmaker, The Girl from the Sea (which is actually written by Steveson’s partner, as my random Googling has just informed me – cool!), On a Sunbeam, and, of course Heartstopper. This is one I’ve held on the backburner for some time now, and with the new Netflix adaptation having just come out (which I’ve heard great things about and am really excited to watch), I decided to go for it. Because, book first, always. #booknerd 
 
Pitted against each other, in a tale as old as time are the villain with a vendetta, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and the hero defending the governmental structures, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. When our titular MC, Nimona, shows up and offers her shape-shifting services to Blackheart, to help his take down the Institution, he reluctantly accepts. And though their methods are polar opposites, order and science versus chaos and destruction, the find themselves becoming more than just a good team, but relationally important to each other. While on the other side of the law, Goldenloin struggles with serving the powers that be while not compromising his own morals…well, not any more than he already has, in an action that cost him the friendship (and more?) of Blackheart himself. 
 
My goodness, I did not expect this to be so freaking funny! I mean, I laughed three times in the first couple chapters, out loud! It’s a snarky humor that’s both self-aware and punchy, and I loved it all. Speaking of self-aware, the clear self-awareness in the story (you can tell just from the names of our opposing forces – Blackheart and Goldenloin? – I mean come on, LOL) lends itself perfectly to the irreverent tone of the unfolding plot. Like, if you were a fantasy-loving kid (and I assume probably remain so as an adult…), this graphic novel is the stuff of your dreams, but with an edge of hilarity because it takes those common tropes and uses them effectively but with deep humor. It’s just so fun. 
 
And then, somewhere in there and a bit unexpectedly, this also hit my feels! I felt like Blackheart actually, a bit blindsided by the connections (and reconnections) that he didn’t plan to make, or even want to make, but found himself with in the end. Like, the sweet and cautious tension between him and Goldenloin gave me butterflies in my belly. And the Nimona-Blackheart dynamic was just…heart-swelling. And my goodness that ending and epilogue just melted my giant swollen heart all the way down with the bittersweetness and hope and reconciliation and the special kind of belief/defense/loyalty/support that is always welcome but means even more when it comes out even when the person it’s meant for isn’t there to receive it directly. OMG. Yes. 
 
And let’s not forget all the drama and action in the plot itself: dragons and swordfights and explosions and taking down evil authorities and so much shapeshifting! It’s packed full and oh so much fun! Plus, the illustrations are simple, but fit the story just right, in style and coloring. 
 
This was just such a fun (and funNY), fast, entertaining, sarcastic and surprisingly heartwarming read! Netflix adaptation, here I come! Also, I absolutely will now be checking out more of Stevenson’s work. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings