Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novel Challenge 2013 Review

So this year since I said that I would try to get to Level 3 of the Challenge That means I need to have at least 25 books read before the end of the year. That's at least 2 books a month. (and one extra one in at least one of those 12 months)   As a change from last year I'm gonna be putting the reviews up here as I get them done and then linking them in the monthly round-up at Mother/Gamer/Writer.  I also plan to try to remember my update my Challenge page at the end of the month. Want to see what the other people in the challenge are reading this month? Click here!

Monster on The Hill

By: Rob Harrell

Amazon Summery:

In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster -- much to the townsfolk’s delight! Each town’s unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism.

Each town, that is... except for one. Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn’t quite as impressive. In fact, he’s a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It’s up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling.

Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life’s challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!

My Review:

I liked this book. 

In the book there are various towns.  Each town has its own monster.  Every town takes pride in its monster and basically uses it as a tourist attraction.  People come and visit, live through an attack, and then buy souvenirs to remember their adventure.  However one particular town is very unhappy with its monster because it has stopped its attacks.  It just hides in its lair and sulks. The story follows the local town mad scientist and one of the town’s orphans as they try to find out what is wrong with their monster.

This book is hysterical.  There are tons of little one liners, as well as some great sarcastic humor, that kept me laughing throughout.  The characters were fun.  Watching them interact with each other and learn that they aren’t always what they thought was great too.

I liked the artwork also.  It wasn’t over the top detailed or realistic, but it fit well with the story and the characters.  The lettering was also easy to read.  This is a bonus since I’ve read some graphic novels that I’ve had to strain just to make out the words.

I think this is an awesomely cute book, with a lot of fun and funny moments.  It’s great for kids as well as amusing for adults.   

I received and e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.  All opinions are my own.

Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novel Challenge 2013 Review

So this year since I said that I would try to get to Level 3 of the Challenge That means I need to have at least 25 books read before the end of the year. That's at least 2 books a month. (and one extra one in at least one of those 12 months)   As a change from last year I'm gonna be putting the reviews up here as I get them done and then linking them in the monthly round-up at Mother/Gamer/Writer.  I also plan to try to remember my update my Challenge page at the end of the month. Want to see what the other people in the challenge are reading this month? Click here!

Warlord of Mars Dejah Thoris Volume 4

Amazon Summery:

Dejah Thoris, the warrior princess of Mars, heads off to the northern wastes in self-imposed exile, driven by guilt over her murderous actions while under the spell of witchcraft. In the harsh wilds, she incurs the wrath of a golden-skinned Okar warrior, before drawing the attention of alien scouts. Abducted to the rings of Saturn, Dejah Thoris finds that its bloodthirsty native race plans an invasion of Mars, and that she might soon transform into a vampiric creature herself! How will one Red Woman save her entire planet, when the only possible allies hunger for her blood?

My Review:

So I saw this in Netgalley and after seeing it on Diayll’sreview on her blog, Mother/Gamer/Writer,  I just HAD to request it!   Lucky me it was still available! 

I have to say I really loved the artwork.  That was one of the first things that caught my eye on Diayll’s review.  I mainly love the portraits and covers, but the regular frames aren’t bad either.  I especially liked the colors, they just seemed to pop in most of the scenes.

I also REALLY liked the story.  This is volume 4 so I’m sure there’s tons that I have missed out on.  But I didn’t feel lost in the story.  Would I like to know what Dejah did to feel that she deserves to be punished? Yes, but I still enjoyed the book even though I didn’t know all the details.  Also I want to find out what happens next. Especially since it hints that maybe some people aren’t as dead as they could be.

My favorite part of all?  THE FLYING DINOSAURS!!! So CUTE!!!

My least favorite part.  Ok I know I’m gonna sound a bit hypocritical since I love the outfits and such in Wonderland etc.  But really all she is wearing is pasties and a g-string….I mean seriously. Maybe Mars deserts where it’s a billion degrees it would make sense, but in the first part she is at the friggin’ north pole!  There is snow! You can see her breath in some of the frames! She even comments that she is glad she has the fur or she would be cold. But REALLY?!? That fur can’t be keeping her that warm.  She could have had a bit more clothing at that point.

Overall I liked the story and the artwork.  I think it was a great adventure and I would love to read more about Dejah and her world.

I was lucky enough to get an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novel Challenge 2013 Review

So this year since I said that I would try to get to Level 3 of the Challenge That means I need to have at least 25 books read before the end of the year. That's at least 2 books a month. (and one extra one in at least one of those 12 months)   As a change from last year I'm gonna be putting the reviews up here as I get them done and then linking them in the monthly round-up at Mother/Gamer/Writer.  I also plan to try to remember my update my Challenge page at the end of the month. Want to see what the other people in the challenge are reading this month? Click here!

War Brothers

The Graphic Novel

Amazon Summery:

Jacob is a 14-year-old Ugandan who is sent away to a boys' school. Once there, he assures his friend Tony that they need not be afraid -- they will be safe. But not long after, in the shadow of the night, the boys are abducted. Marched into the jungle, they are brought to an encampment of the feared rebel soldiers. They are told they must kill or be killed, and their world turns into a terrifying struggle to endure and survive.

In time, the boys escape. Hunted by the rebels, stalked by a lion, and even pursued by river crocs, they miraculously succeed in reaching safety. However, it is no longer enough. Jacob wrestles with the question of whether we are all really beasts inside. He decides the way through the pain is to record his story.

Daniel Lafrance's powerful, striking, and poignant artwork and the crisp, evocative text vividly capture the haunting experiences of a young boy caught in a brutal war.

This graphic novel is based on an award-winning YA novel by Sharon McKay. Sharon has spent time with child soldiers and based this story on real-life accounts.

My Review:

War Brothers is not the type of graphic novel that I usually read.  While it is not a true story, everything that happens in the novel has happened in real life.

This novel IS graphic.  I wouldn’t recommend it to younger audiences.  However the novel itself IS extremely moving.  If you’re an adult I would definitely recommend picking it up. 

From the beginning I really cared about the characters.  Given the fact that this life is a reality for many children in that area I hoped that all of them would be able to make it out ok. 

The story itself is extremely moving.  There were quite a few parts that simply broke my heart.  But even with those scenes it is a story that needs to be told.  Someone needed to give a voice to the children that have been kidnapped by the LRA, otherwise known as the Lord’s Resistance Army.

The artwork isn’t as violently graphic as the story.  The actual violence is done mostly in shadowed scenes, is cut off the frame, or from an unclear distance.  This isn’t to say the artwork isn’t well done, just that it isn’t gory. 

Minus youngsters, who it may be too traumatic for, I think that everyone should pick up this book.  People need to know what is going on and how the LRA is kidnapping children and how it effects their lives. I think putting the story into a graphic novel form was a great idea because it really brings to life their plight. 

I was lucky enough to receive and e-copy of War Brothers from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Perry Road by Emi Gayle Cover Reveal!

Perry RoadByEmi Gayle

In 2132, “We the people …” means nothing, and it hasn’t for a hundred years.

Like all the citizens of the American Union, eighteen-year-old Erianna Keating is not to ask questions. She is not to believe anything except what the A.U. tells her. More importantly, she’s not supposed to know what she doesn’t know, nor that she’s a pawn.

Like everyone else, though, she is, and like everyone else, she is a hundred percent oblivious to what’s going on.

Or is she? Are they?

Erianna thinks going to Perry Road and joining the national registration program is her next step toward adulthood; the 2132 candidates for adult-classification, though, are in for a big surprise. Especially Erianna.

Thanks to Zane Warren, an awkward but hot guy who won’t shut up about a history that doesn’t—orshouldn’t—matter anymore, Erianna will know. Will learn. That includes finding out what actually happens after registration and doing something, anything, about it.

Fixing what went wrong, what caused the U.S.A. to split into two countries, though, is not on Erianna’s bucket list, but as she faces her future, she must decide whether to fall in line with the American Union’s plan for her, or to consider that Zane might not be wrong, and the time for revolution begins now.

This book looks really good & I can't wait to read it!

About Emi Gayle:

Emi Gayle is the author of The 19th Year Trilogy. She is happily married to the love of her life.  To find out more you can find her at:

Emi Gayle
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