Hello friends! Welcome to my first Bite Size Review post for February. I was going to say that I have fewer comics and graphic novels this week, but I don’t think that’s true. There are stil quite a few graphic novels on my list for this week. Seems like that’s probably going to be a trend in 2022, and I’m totallly okay with that. Anyway, for the Week of 1/29, I read a total of 9 books!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 1/29
All the Right Reasons by Bethany Mangle (1/29)
I alreayd wrote a full review for this book this week, so just a few thoughts here! A February release for this book is perfectly timed. It’s a fun rom-com centered around reality TV, definitely with Gilmore Girls vibes. If you want a fun romance to add to your list this month, definitely be on the lookout for this one on February 15! (4 stars)
Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne (1/30)
12-year-old goblin Beetle is trapped in the middle of the magical world and the not. Her best friend is a ghost that’s stuck in the mall. When her old best friend comes back into town for training, it might take the two of them to save Blob Ghost from a terrible fate. Here’s me dipping into the middle grade market, which I’ve been trying to focus on more so far this year. Not only was the art spectacular in this book, but the storyline and the writing matched. Such a fun, magical adventure! (4.5 stars).
Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli (1/31)
Emeline has done her best to escape Edgewood, but no matter what she does, it seems to find her. When her grandfather goes missing, she has to go into the forest in order to save him. But to do so, she might have to give up something she loves. This book comes out in March, and if you’re looking for new fae stories, this one fits the bill! My main issue with it is that it seems to lose its plot about halfway through the book. There’s also some magical, memory stuff that didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. And a random, kind of steamy, sex scene? That one really felt out of place. (3 stars).
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan (1/31)
11-year-old Stevie lives with her mom, loves reading and anything to do with the sea. While her mom jokes she’ll end up with her best friend Andrew, Stevie starts to have feelings for one of her girl classmates. Told in verse, this is such a great book for middle grade readers who are also questioning their identity and sexuality. It’s also a bit of an ode to librarians, in that Stevie finds comfort in one. Absolutely tugged at my heartstrings (4 stars).
Poison Ivy: Thorns by Kody Keplinger (2/1)
After an accident at a local park, Pamela lets someone behind the curtains of her life for the first time. But will Alice be able to handle all of the dark secrets in Pamela’s house? This is another DC graphic novel, and it pretty much fits how I feel about most of them. The characters in this one are particularly well fleshed out, even if some of the world building elements aren’t. Overall, it was a fun read! (3.5 stars).
Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson (2/2)
Scott Free is stuck on the planet Apokolips, ruled by Lord Darkseid, but all he wants to do is escape to planet Earth. However, no one has ever escaped before. Scott might have a plan, as long as love doesn’t get in the way. I will admit, I was confused for about the first half of this book, going in with limited knowlege of Mister Miracle. I wish some of the world building would have been stronger. But the art was great! I really liked the color palette used (3.5 stars).
Secrets of Camp Whatever Vol. 1 by Chris Gaine (2/2)
Willow isn’t too thrilled about her family’s move. She especially doesn’t want to go to the weird summer camp her dad went to. But things change when she actually gets to Camp Whatever and learns there’s more lurking below the surface. If you’re a fan of Lumberjanes, you’ll probably love this! It’s a fun summer camp adventure, complete with great art and a fantastic cast of characters (4 stars).
All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown (2/3)
A review for this book will be coming this week, so I don’t want to give away too much here! Basically, this is a post-apocalyptic story where two boys find each other and fall in love. It’s got some good action, characters that you’ll love almost immediately, and really good world building. Even if the whole virus thing might hit too close to home. Stay tuned for my full review! (4.5 stars).
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese-American by Laura Gao (2/4)
This graphic memoir follows Laura Gao’s experience growing up Chinese American, specifically from Wuhan, and her journey also coming out as queer. The art is spectacularly done, as is the writing. This is another one that will be getting a full review this week, so stay tuned! (5 stars).