Victor is a necromancer, with magic in his blood that lets him cast spells. If anyone finds out, he would be put to death: necromancy is illegal and fanatically persecuted by the religious order that polices the city. And it’s not easy to hide, given that every transaction–from buying a snack to getting married – requires a blood signature, and necromancer blood visibly glows with magic. So Victor keeps to the shadows, solitary except for his cute one-eyed cat, just trying to survive.
Then wealthy young banking heir Enrique makes him an offer: use magic to resurrect his dead bride, and Enrique will use his vast resources to smuggle Victor out of the city to a place where necromancy isn’t illegal, where he can live a normal life. Victor reluctantly agrees, though he isn’t familiar with the spell Enrique instructs him to use. And neither of them expects the result: Enrique’s bride, Mercedes, is resurrected, but her life is bound to Victor’s. If they get too far apart, she’ll die. She has also come back a little… different. For one thing, she has no memories. For another, her beautiful body is now crisscrossed with stitches–and extremely strong. And then there’s the awkward fact that she’s extremely drawn to Victor. Is it just because of the spell, or something more?
Even if Mercedes doesn’t remember him, Enrique isn’t ready to give up on her. And if she can’t be separated from Victor, well, the three of them will just have to stay together. Which might just lead to more romance than any of them was expecting.
Love Me to Death started as a popular Webtoon, inspired by Frankenstein and influenced by Disney films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It also reflects the creators’ love for Mexican culture, especially in its lush visuals, which often call to mind Day of the Dead celebrations.
The story revels in cute, often silly romantic tropes. Oops, Mercedes saw Victor shirtless, and he’s hot! Oh no, they tripped and fell on top of each other! People keep mistaking them for a couple! Blushing abounds! There are serious elements to the plot – it’s dangerous to even associate with a necromancer, let alone be one, and also Mercedes is starting to wonder if she might have been murdered. Sometimes the romance, too, is more serious: Victor has major emotional scars, Mercedes is confused and scared by her new situation, and both have trouble believing that someone could want them when most people would consider them monsters. But there’s also lots of humor and sweet moments. There are a few hints in the direction of the three main characters ending up in a polyamorous relationship, but that’s as far as it goes in this volume, though the author’s note at the end confirms that that’s where things are going.
The artwork is colorful and expressive, full of pretty settings and even prettier people. Victor and Enrique are both cute while being very different types, and Mercedes looks like an attractive woman in a very effective “sexy Frankenstein” Halloween costume. (During a costume party, another character basically assumes that’s what she is.) There are a few manga-esque elements, like roses appearing around Enrique when he smiles and characters looking chibi sometimes in funny moments. We see elegant architecture, fun outfits, colorful festival décor, and lots of sparkly magic. This volume also contains a bonus short story about Victor’s past, which is mostly text with just a few illustrations.
Love Me to Death combines an interesting fantasy setting, sympathetic characters, and hefty doses of both angst and humor. Hand it to fans of shojo manga and fantasy romance.
Love Me to Death By Toonimated Little, Brown, 2026 ISBN: 9780316587198
Company Age Rating: 14+
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Like a filmmaker having a soft spot for movies about movies, I am a sucker for a book or comic on the importance of stories. The Author Immortal is for anyone who has a soft spot for the stories that made you.
The plot follows a writer named Hector Ramirez when he is given the opportunity to reboot a classic young adult fantasy series. The opportunity comes with a cost and what’s worse is that his loved ones may pay the price. By the time he learns that the original author was sucked into his own fiction, it is too late. He and his nonbinary teen, Al, are whisked away to a fantasy land corrupted by dark magic and ink that runs like blood. There, they meet the very characters of this story, but something is wrong. Monsters run rampant and the heroes have changed into something wilder and more dangerous. We follow Al and their father as they navigate the corrupted land of The Mage’s Apprentice, a fantasy series with a strong influence from C.S.Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Even the title is a nod to The Magician’s Nephew, the first and often forgotten book in the series. What follows is an exploration of identity, the role stories play in our lives and the things you are willing to do for the ones you love.
This queer fantasy is a love letter to the stories we got lost in. Childhood hours spent lost in the pages of a book, going on adventures in a world far from ours. This new world of magic and monsters is from the new creative duo: Frank J. Barbiere (he/him) and Morgan Beem (she/her). Both creators have worked in the industry for years, but this is their first collaboration. Barbiere has written on titles like Violent Love and Lobo, meanwhile Beem has drawn for titles like Swamp Thing and You Belong Here. This debuting duo complement each other’s styles marvelously.
Barbiere’s biting script full of emotion is elevated to eleven through Beem’s expressive art. Her watercolor illustrations create a world not bound by limitations similar to how her paints are not bound to the pencilling on the page. Her color palette contrasts itself to match the changing tone of the scenes within the comic. The pair really knocked it out of the park with this one.
There is no publisher’s age rating but the violent and horror elements are geared towards older audiences.This new and terrifying world is not for the faint of heart. Vol. 1: Death of the Author collects issues #1-5. There is currently no release date for issue number 6. Image comics would be remiss if they do not continue this run to a conclusion. The story does not strike me as one made for an ongoing series, but a satisfying ending is for sure a possibility if allowed to run its course.
The Author Immortal Vol.1: Death of the Author By Frank Barbiere Art by Morgan Beem Image, 2026 ISBN: 9781534334786
The killers are back and they’re bloodier than ever.
Exquisite Corpses Vol. 2 picks up right where the first volume left off—with the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine fighting for survival against a cabal of thirteen powerful families and the menagerie of violent murderers they have gathered to compete in a “game” that has already left a trail of bodies behind. From Image Comics and helmed by James Tynion IV and Michael Walsh, this new volume yet again offers up an incredibly talented roster of writers and artists for these next five issues of carnage and survival.
With Tynion as co-writer, each issue of the series maintains a consistent voice and tone, while the other writers—Che Grayson, Jordie Bellaire, Tyler Boss, Michael Walsh, and Pornsak Pichetshote—have the chance to shift focus among people on all sides of the conflict—townsfolk, killers, and the families behind it all. It’s a stacked roster of comics creatives, all coming together to tell a story that steps on the gas from page one. The pace in this volume is as quick as ever as the young people of Oak Valley gather for a party, unaware that they are creating a possible killing ground. The unhinged killers, each with their own vivid personalities and approaches to violence, crash onto and off of the page with the same chaos they have introduced to the quiet town, battling each other and anyone unlucky enough to get in their way. But the story continues to find its quieter moments as well. Not all the killers are bloodthirsty. The infighting of the rich families leisurely watching the night unfolds in layered questions of morality and power. And the town survivors must decide for themselves if they will hold onto hope or give into darker impulses as they struggle to save their loved ones.
For a story of nonstop action, Tynion and the others never forget that the humanity of the characters gives the rest meaning. The writers give the story space to breathe and allow vivid emotion amidst gripping pacing and an unfolding sequence of reversals and revelations. There are compelling personalities on all sides, and even as the bodies continue to fall, it’s hard to look away from the spectacle. Perhaps that is its own sort of commentary on the whole ordeal.
The art remains excellent throughout the volume. Claire Roe, Gavin Fullerton, and Adam Gorham join Michael Walsh deploying a relatively muted color palate across the grittier scenes, bringing realism to the visuals that helps ground the bold premise of the series. At the same time, the artists shift the major colors across characters and sequences, capturing mood and stylizing action to dramatic effect. There’s just something about a morally ambiguous woman in a fox mask flying across the page with a katana that captures the attention. The art is equally effective when two trained killers in masks are participating in a dance of death in a quiet graveyard—and when grief and horror settle in as the survivors realize the increasing cost of the nightmare that has settled over them. There’s a striking cinematic quality to the entire series, and with Walsh and Tynion both as co-creators, it’s an excellent example of artistic vision brought to life.
Fair warning to potential purchasers and readers, Exquisite Corpses earns its mature rating with graphic violence and injury and strong language throughout. The visuals never revel in the violence quite as much as the killers do, but the series never shies away from it either. Hands are removed, eyes come out, and character good and bad, young and old, are caught in the crossfire. For those who can stomach the violence and occasional sadism however, Exquisite Corpses sits comfortably in the evil rich people genre that has been popular these last few years—including films like Ready or Not and The Menu as well as comics such as Sarah Gailey’s Eat the Rich. Mix all that with a serial killer battle royale, and there’s plenty here for older readers to enjoy. Be sure to track down volume one first, but this is an action horror series well worth your time.
There’s still hours to go until dawn for the citizens of Oak Valley, and with the series still ongoing, I suspect the worst is yet to come. I, for one, will be back to see what happens.
Exquisite Corpses, Vol. 2 By James Tynion IV Art by Michael Walsh Image, 2026 ISBN: 9781534334687
Company Age Rating: M
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+) Creator Representation: Gay, Character Representation: Black, Queer,
Tripping Over You, Volume 2, from Suzana Harcum and Owena White, picks up not long after the first graphic left off, showing unlikely couple Liam and Milo navigating their maturing relationship. This slice of life romantic comic was adapted from real life couple Harcum and White’s webtoon in February and promises more volumes to come. Fresh out of high school, the pair are growing into young adults and trying to allow their relationship to grow with them. Liam and Milo are in a very interesting phase, kind of semi-out to their families (who bring their own baggage into their relationship) and striving to make room for each other as their lives grow fuller. Liam doesn’t know what he wants out of his future and Milo seems plagued with self doubt, but they keep circling back to find comfort in each other. This volume catches our couple at a very real, very vulnerable time where a high school relationship can evolve into an adult one or where it can flounder under the weight of growing up.
This is a sweet story that young readers can easily connect with. The art is incredibly cute with Harcum and White using a style that hits me as a kind of Disneyified Manga: characters with big eyes and bold lines in a world of saturated color. It is very easy to read and honestly just pretty. Liam and Milo give classic black cat/golden retriever energy and seem hyper aware of the struggles that can come with relationships where people have different needs and communication styles. While this comic does show a growing young adult relationship and the intimacy that comes with it, there’s nothing explicit on page or even suggested and I would probably recommend it as young as 6th or 7th grade, depending on the reader. There are a couple of shirtless scenes and implied sex and Liam still hasn’t kicked his smoking habit from book one. But with that, their relationship maintains an innocence that will keep it accessible to a wide range of readers.
The plot beats were a bit of a hang up to me. The small domestic moments of our couple meeting new people, fighting to find time together, struggling with demanding families, and eventually moving in together feel almost like filler, like all of these moments are leading towards conflict in a future volume. The most striking of these involve Milo’s new friend Hebert, an American theater student. There isn’t immediate conflict but there is definitely unresolved tension and Hebert’s motives are questionable at best. Many of the plot points feel unresolved. Liam still does not have a clear career path and Milo still seems uncertain in aspects of their relationship. All of these things made this feel less like a step in their story and more like laying groundwork for the next book.
But honestly, I don’t know if I care. It was still a lovely read. The characters are ones you want to spend time with and their relationship is easy to invest in. It’s sweet and loving and a ready made next read for my Heartstopper fans. Parts of it do come off as wish fulfillment, particularly the moment where Liam comes out to his father. But queer kids deserve as much wish fulfillment as they can get. I can’t help but worry that these boys will have a tough time ahead of them, but my fingers are crossed for a happy ending.
Tripping Over You, Volume 2 By Suzana Harcum Macmillan First Second, 2026 ISBN: 9781250330734
Company Age Rating: 14-18
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16) Creator Representation: Lesbian, , Character Representation: Queer, Jewish ,
Mira and Rosie are perfectly capable of babysitting their little sister Peanut… usually. But their parents have been gone for a week now, longer than their expedition was supposed to last, and Peanut is, well, manifesting magical powers. Hiding them is beginning to be a problem.
Mira and Rosie’s whole world was built on the ruins of a civilization destroyed by magic, and the few remaining magical beings are considered dangerous monsters. If Peanut is actually one of them, then Mira and Rosie have to keep that a secret. That’s getting more difficult all the time: Peanut is shapeshifting, bringing toys to life, and creating fires and floods. She’s a sweet, well-meaning little kid, but she has a toddler’s emotional volatility combined with powerful magic she can’t always control. Mira and Rosie are scrambling to keep her abilities hidden while also trying to pass the all-important combat trials at their high school.
Then a monster hunter arrives in town. Which isn’t even the sisters’ biggest concern, because Peanut’s magic has attracted the attention of something even more dangerous. Luckily, Rosie and Mira are joined by some unexpected allies as they fight to protect their beloved little werebeast of a sister.
Mira and Rosie are both patient and loving with Peanut. They sometimes get frustrated with her or with each other, which is understandable given their stress levels. Besides keeping Peanut safe, they have to compete in the combat trials at school, which determine who will be accepted at the prestigious Adventure Academy. Rosie is desperate to get in and be like their mother, an adventurer who makes expeditions into the dangerous Depths to recover artifacts from the age of magic. But while Rosie is determined to follow in her footsteps, Mira isn’t so sure that adventuring is for her. This adds to the strain on the two sisters as they navigate the combat trials.
The setting is a fun, vibrant mishmash of modern elements and fantasy. Rosie and Mira attend high school, but their classes include lessons on adventuring and magical versus mechanical artifacts. Their house is equipped with familiar technology like plumbing and kitchen appliances, but it also has a security system with booby traps like spiked floors and swinging axes. Sometimes the technology levels seem curiously mismatched – Mira and Rosie have a cell phone but also an old-fashioned rotary phone and a TV with rabbit ear antennae – which adds to the quirky feel of the setting. (Or possibly it’s just their family that’s quirky.)
The art is colorful and really showcases the setting’s blend of modern and fantasy elements. For example, the clothes range from modern-looking t-shirts to school uniforms to the hooded cloak of the Monster Hunter. There is also some interesting architecture. The characters are all highly expressive and a bit cartoony, especially during silly scenes, like when Rosie babbles at her crush. The depictions of magic range from fun and joyful to menacing: Peanut’s powers are glowy, bubbly, and brightly colored, while the magical creature that stalks her has a gloopy, tar-like appearance and, eventually, a creepy mask.
There is a little scariness in the book: the shadowy creature that pursues Peanut lurks in the background, seen by the reader but not by the sisters, growing as it feeds on magic. Ultimately, the creature tries to kidnap Peanut, leading to a big fight between it and the sisters and their allies. There are a few injuries, but no blood, and all the good guys are okay in the end.
The book has lots of fantasy action and some fun silliness, like when Peanut uses her powers to resist taking a bath. It also has lots of heart: it’s a story about two girls struggling to protect their sister and then discovering supportive friends in their community. There is some nice casual inclusiveness: the cast includes people of different races, and Rosie has a crush on a female classmate.
Some readers may be familiar with author Alina Tysoe from her webcomic, What’s Up, Beanie? That comic’s cute style carries over into elements of this book. Hand it to readers who like gentle fantasy adventures and sweet family stories.
My Sister the Werebeast By Alina Tysoe Macmillan First Second, 2025 ISBN: 9781250896681
Company Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13)
From a single line of Greek myth, acclaimed creator Felicia Day builds the story of Philonoe, The Lost Daughter of Sparta—cursed and loved by the gods themselves.
As the story opens, we meet young Philonoe, who was born with a marked face that those around her perceived as a curse, so she was raised in the wilderness. Then the day arrives when she is summoned to return home to her parents, the king and queen of Sparta. But this is not the happy reunion Philonoe has longed for. Her family does not welcome her with embraces. She is soon to be married to a harsh prince in pursuit of an alliance. Most of all—she learns that their family bears a curse, that she and her sisters are each doomed to betray their husbands. Fresh off war in Troy, fought over Philonoe’s sister Helen, the burden not to further disgrace their family looms large.
It is for this reason that Philonoe seeks out the goddess Aphrodite, who first laid this curse on the family. Begging for a chance to undo the curse and prove herself worthy to a world that has rejected her, Philonoe sets out to complete three challenges issued by the goddess. If she can do this, perhaps she can rewrite fate in a way her sisters never did. On this journey, Philonoe finds herself accompanied by and at odds with the goddess Artemis, who has her own reasons for involving herself in Philonoe’s quest. With her family searching for her, monsters and danger ahead, and the gods themselves watching to see what Philonoe will achieve, this quest for belonging will soon become a great deal more, and perhaps reshape Philonoe’s place in the world forever.
From Gallery Books, the author’s note explains how writer Felicia Day saw a passing reference to Philonoe and decided to dig deeper into the history of this little-known figure. Though little remains known about Philonoe’s original place in myth, Day writes that the story which grew from that initial discovery became one that was immensely personal, but also in line with many other modern interpretations and reinterpretations of women in Greek myth through fresh eyes. Indeed, the themes of the story are laid out plainly, but never so much that they overshadow the personal story beneath. As Philonoe navigates a patriarchal society that sees women as pawns or prey, this coming of age tale explores what it means to survive, to belong, to endure, and to choose—even when external forces would deny this agency. Day brings a clear appreciation for quest narratives to her debut graphic novel, echoing familiar tales such as Hercules alongside references to other recognizable Greek figures. Doing this slots Philonoe nicely into the broader cannon of Greek mythological retellings. At the same time, in Day’s accomplished hands, Philonoe balances naiveite, earnestness, and fire as she faces a confusing world head on in her quest to find herself and her own belonging. As small and personal as this story is in some ways, Day balances classical character against themes that feel immensely relevant, filling the book with messy fierceness and tenderness that, together, feel both timely and necessary.
Day’s writing is accompanied by art from Rowan MacColl. Almost entirely in black and white, with heavy line work and a recurring use of the color red, MacColl’s art achieves complexity without overwhelming. It feels intimate and emotive at all the right moments, maintaining the seriousness due to the subject matter without ever abandoning the wonder and fantasy of the broader story. Gods walk among humans, nations make peace and war, and through it all, MacColl brings the often familiar realms of Greek heroes to life in a way that is immediately recognizable to a familiar audience, but which retains its own distinct charm and character as readers meet Philonoe for what is likely the first time.
Given the subject matter of oppression and patriarchy—along with generalized themes of sexual violence and coercion often present in Greek myth—the book is better suited to older teen readers and adults. However, the focus of the book is clearly on Philonoe and her journey rather than lingering in trauma. Past harms are never overlooked, but neither are they lingered on. There is never any explicit detail of such assaults and any on-page violence is brief and non-graphic. With no profanity and only brief non-detailed and non-sexual nudity, the maturity of the book comes almost exclusively from themes and general subject matter, rather than any specific depictions within. It’s a good choice on the part of the creators, acknowledging realities that are fundamental to the story, but keeping the overall book accessible to a wider audience. Awareness of trauma informs the story, but does not overshadow the more immediate events and characters. By finding moments of beauty and growth rather than harm, Day and MacColl deliver a sweeping adventure, an intimate tale of growing up, and a magical world of myth and legend that nevertheless has a great deal to say about where we are today.
For readers who enjoy mythological stories, especially titles like Lore Olympus—as well as feminist and queer-friendly reimaginings of classical figures—The Lost Daughter of Sparta should offer plenty to enjoy, bringing a forgotten figure from the past boldly to life–and I expect modern audiences will be better off for having met her.
The Lost Daughter of Sparta By Felicia Day Art by Rowan MacColl Gallery Books, 2026 ISBN: 9781668010723
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18)
The new hefty graphic novel by K. Wroten (co-author of My Ex-Girlfriend’s Ex-Girlfriend is My Girlfriend) is a pretty relatable exploration of grief, toxic relationships/friendships, and depression that is likely to find its fanbase in readers nostalgic for early 2000s emo music.
The book follows Carson and her best friend, Ash, while they float between high school and local concerts with the kind of apathetic attitude only the coolest teens can muster. Chapters are laid out like the tracks on a mix tape called, of course, Everyone Sux But You, that Ash creates for Carson. All the songs (and a lot of music references in the book) are from bands like Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, etc. and they are included in their entirety at the end of the book (some creative Spotify users have already created accompanying playlists).
When we meet them, Carson is starting to realize she has romantic feelings for her friend just as Ash is beginning a flirtation with a guitar-playing exchange student. She is also trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life moving forward—something she has been indifferent about—and still processing the death of her mother alongside her witchy aunt and guardian, Deb.
While Ash has an unusual relationship with her own mom, Carson’s mom is someone we see only in flashbacks that are heart wrenching and slowly unveil how she died. Both characters had a connection to Carson’s mom, and each has a different perspective of her life and who she was. Compounding their shared grief is their complicated relationship with each other. Both Carson and Ash drag other people—crushes and friends—into the messiness of their dynamic, although everyone else around them sees the toxicity of their bond and the path to destruction they are both on with much more clarity. When it comes down to it, the message of the book is that sometimes we have to break free of the narratives we tell ourselves in order to find out who we are.
It’s not a perfect story. Much of it is confusing and messy—both in terms of the art and also the story itself. The font is a bit hard to read at times. Sometimes, the illustrations are rendered in such a way that it makes it hard to distinguish who is who and when something is taking place. The palette is very minimal—mostly black, white and a light indigo- that lends a bit of gloominess to the story but also might have contributed to some of my confusion while reading.
I do think, although imperfect, this book shows potential in Wroten’s storytelling capabilities and will most likely satisfy fans of the Young Adult graphic novel Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me. Despite its messiness in presentation, it is going to stick with me —and I feel like it’s going to stick with a lot of other readers, too.
Everyone Sux But You By K. Wroten Henry Holt, 2025 ISBN: 9781250821669
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Princess Alya is sure she’s a disappointment to her warrior queen mother. Dubbed “the Ordinary Princess,” she’s not especially skilled at combat or at magic. So when the royal traveling party is attacked, and the queen badly wounded, the best Alya can do is run away. Unfortunately, she can’t outrun the attackers’ magic, and now she is under a curse: during the day, she turns into a goat, and only returns to human form at night.
Trill is a goatherd from a remote mountain village. She wants to see the world and be a hero, but how can she do that when her strongest magical skill is the ability to communicate with goats? Trill’s magic does come in handy, though, especially when she meets a determined princess-turned-goat on a mission.
With the queen still recovering from her injuries and Princess Alya missing, a usurper has taken over. Alya needs to get to the palace and reclaim her throne. Trill agrees to help. The two (metaphorically) butt heads sometimes on their travels, but grow to like and respect each other – and maybe even more than that.
Meanwhile, traveling incognito means Alya hears the common people’s views on the royal family – and they’re not great. Even if she and Trill can reach the palace and overthrow the usurper, will the people accept the Ordinary Princess as their ruler? Can she find a way to fix the harm her family has caused? All of which might be a moot point, because if they don’t break the curse soon, Alya will be stuck as a goat forever.
This is a fun adventure with two brave, goodhearted heroines and a fascinating fantasy world. The setting has lots of unusual details, from the distinctive clothing and hairstyles to the giant goats kept by the mountain folk to the wildlife and food. The story, too, has depth. Alya is unaware of how the royal family has been gatekeeping the use of magic, and how that has impacted the common people; she has to really grapple with how to make it right.
The artwork is clear and uncluttered, with a soft color palette heavy on the earth tones. The characters are rendered simply, without a lot of fine detail, and their postures can sometimes look a little stiff, but they are expressive and easy to follow. The backgrounds – sweeping mountain landscapes, unusual architecture, bustling cities – have more complexity, though not enough to look mismatched or jarring. They also include interesting plants and creatures, making for an immersive fantasy world.
Content-wise, the story includes some brief violence, but very little blood and no deaths. There is some discussion of systemic violence and oppression. There is a very light romance with a single kiss at the end.
There is some fun back matter, including conceptual sketches of the characters and world as well as a step-by-step demo of how a page goes from thumbnail sketch to final version.
Goat Magic has action, heart, and some nifty fantasy worldbuilding. The stakes are too high and the danger too frequent to call it “cozy,” but it is perhaps cozy-adjacent, and will likely appeal to fans of gentle fantasy like The Baker and the Bard and the Tea Dragon series. The interesting fantasy setting, heroic quest, and political complexity may also appeal to fans of the Avatar: the Last Airbender series.
Goat Magic By Kate Wheeler Oni Press, 2025 ISBN: 9781637158050
Company Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13) Creator Representation: Queer, Character Representation: Queer,
Best friends Grace and Lola are on a mission to understand love! In volume one, the girls decide to research the topic, interviewing people at school to learn more about the elusive and confusing emotion and keeping their findings in a notebook called The Love Report. In volumes two and three, they have other things going on: new friends and fun adventures, including a beachy trip to Sardinia. Everywhere they go, though, Grace and Lola find reasons to wonder about love. Boys flirt with them, but what are their intentions? Should Grace confess her feelings to her new crush?
The girls are more casual now about their investigation; no more notebook or interviews, just lots of conversations and musing. And love isn’t the only thing on their minds. A boy at school is bullying and harassing people, including some of Grace and Lola’s friends. Grace is frustrated with shuttling between the households of her newly divorced parents. Lola struggles with body image issues. Their friend Adele has a rough home life, but is suddenly finding major success as an artist. But in and around all that, there’s enough romantic drama and intrigue to keep Grace and Lola asking questions about the nature of love.
Strong female friendships are the throughline of this series. Grace and Lola have some challenges to their bond in volume one, but come through them closer than ever. They also befriend Adele, Felicity, and Charlie, who all get more attention in the second and third volumes. Sometimes, the story follows one of them for awhile, showing the reader things that Grace and Lola don’t know. This expands the world of the story, since their experiences are very different—and sometimes creates juicy drama, as when the readers learn a secret Charlie is keeping from the others. All of these girls mean well and care about each other, and they are all spunky and willing to get creative to take on bullies or help their friends.
These books are translated from French (BeKa is a France-based two-person writing team). The translation is polished – minor errors noted in my review of volume one appeared in an advance copy, and have been corrected. The first two English volumes each collect and translate two of the shorter French volumes, while the English book three translates only one volume, so these three books contain volumes one through five of the French version of The Love Report.
These books touch on some heavy topics. Multiple characters have body image issues, and several have strained relationships with their parents. The school bully is constantly harassing people, especially girls, both in person and online. He even gets scandalous photos of a classmate (wearing a bra but no shirt) and shows them to other classmates. There is some harsh language (e.g. slut, bitch), which is used very rarely and not by the protagonists. Sex is only referred to occasionally, with no specifics. Refreshingly, the one queer couple is quickly accepted by most of the characters.
The manga-inspired art is detailed and full of rich, exuberant colors. Each character has a different personal style and shows it off with lots of fun, varied outfits and hairstyles. There are many different settings, from school to Adele’s art studio to the beaches of Sardinia, and they all add visual interest without stealing the spotlight from the characters.
This series will appeal to readers who like lots of emotion and drama. Grace and Lola are curious but tentative and nervous about love and romance, which will be relatable to some young readers. Hand it to fans of school stories and friendship stories, especially those who like high-drama manga.
The Love Report By BeKa Willcox Art by Maya Willcox Hippo Park / Astra Books for Young Readers, 2024 ISBN: 9781662640605
Volume
ISBN
2
9781662640605
3
9781662640889
Company Age Rating: 10 and up
NFNT Age Recommendation: Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13) Creator Representation: French, Italian, Character Representation: Queer,
Noelani is angry. She was exiled years ago and now has been suddenly called back by her former lover, the queen Isadora, for her expert aid. The princess, who Noelani has often considered her own daughter, has disappeared on the night before her wedding. Although the king does not seem wise to Noelani’s former romance with his wife (he is portrayed as somewhat dopey), there are dangers all around in the kingdom, and Noelani has to find the princess or lose her life.
On her return to the kingdom of Patria Lupi, Noelani is not met with a welcome reception from everyone. She has enemies in Queen Isadora’s new guard, Benazir (her replacement) and in her former teacher, Father Werham. Seeing the queen again also reignites feelings she previously buried, drowning them in alcohol.
Besides her exile and a summoning that basically amounts to a kidnapping, Noelani has a lot to be angry about. Throughout the narrative are the flashbacks to Noelani’s young life as the “holy champion” knight, and these are some of the more captivating parts of the story. Torn from her home years prior, she endured harsh, sadistic training to become a knight (many reviews refer to this story as “Arthurian noir,” and I can see the parallel). Even in this female-dominated world, she suffered significant abuse and misogyny; of her cruel and barbaric teacher, Father Werham, she says “He took a kind and empathetic young girl and turned her into an engine of hate.” This backstory effectively lays the groundwork for Noelani’s complex character development.
The Cold Ever After defies easy categorization, blending elements of different genres: detective story, fantasy, horror, and romance. In a flashback to how they met, Noelani battles a dragon to save Isadora (I had never before considered the smell of a dragon, but this book took me there). And in the book’s conclusion, there is witchcraft, sacrifice, and a bit of good old-fashioned gore. Overall, there is a lot going on here, but it’s the mystery and nonstop action that will keep readers turning pages.
Artwork is generally stellar—colorful, believable/realistic facial expressions—but it can get a little confusing during action sequences. The colors are often more muted, and the images are less fleshed out when characters are in battle. This one is definitely for adults and it’s sure to satisfy someone seeking a sapphic fantasy novel that leans into the dark side. There is illustrated nudity and a lot of bloody violence, so proceed with caution.
The Cold Ever After By Jeremy Whitley Art by Megan Huang Titan, 2024 ISBN: 9781787741904
Victor is a necromancer, with magic in his blood that lets him cast spells. If anyone finds out, he would be put to death: necromancy is illegal and fanatically persecuted by the religious order that polices the city. And it’s not easy to hide, given that every transaction–from buying a snack to getting married – requires a blood signature, and necromancer blood visibly glows with magic. So Victor keeps to the shadows, solitary except for his cute one-eyed cat, just trying to survive.
Like a filmmaker having a soft spot for movies about movies, I am a sucker for a book or comic on the importance of stories. 
The killers are back and they’re bloodier than ever.
couple Liam and Milo navigating their maturing relationship. This slice of life romantic comic was adapted from real life couple Harcum and White’s webtoon in February and promises more volumes to come. Fresh out of high school, the pair are growing into young adults and trying to allow their relationship to grow with them. Liam and Milo are in a very interesting phase, kind of semi-out to their families (who bring their own baggage into their relationship) and striving to make room for each other as their lives grow fuller. Liam doesn’t know what he wants out of his future and Milo seems plagued with self doubt, but they keep circling back to find comfort in each other. This volume catches our couple at a very real, very vulnerable time where a high school relationship can evolve into an adult one or where it can flounder under the weight of growing up.
Mira and Rosie are perfectly capable of babysitting their little sister Peanut… usually. But their parents have been gone for a week now, longer than their expedition was supposed to last, and Peanut is, well, manifesting magical powers. Hiding them is beginning to be a problem.
From a single line of Greek myth, acclaimed creator Felicia Day builds the story of Philonoe, The Lost Daughter of Sparta—cursed and loved by the gods themselves.
of grief, toxic relationships/friendships, and depression that is likely to find its fanbase in readers nostalgic for early 2000s emo music.
at combat or at magic. So when the royal traveling party is attacked, and the queen badly wounded, the best Alya can do is run away. Unfortunately, she can’t outrun the attackers’ magic, and now she is under a curse: during the day, she turns into a goat, and only returns to human form at night.
people at school to learn more about the elusive and confusing emotion and keeping their findings in a notebook called The Love Report. In volumes two and three, they have other things going on: new friends and fun adventures, including a beachy trip to Sardinia. Everywhere they go, though, Grace and Lola find reasons to wonder about love. Boys flirt with them, but what are their intentions? Should Grace confess her feelings to her new crush?
expert aid. The princess, who Noelani has often considered her own daughter, has disappeared on the night before her wedding. Although the king does not seem wise to Noelani’s former romance with his wife (he is portrayed as somewhat dopey), there are dangers all around in the kingdom, and Noelani has to find the princess or lose her life.
