Status
Checked out
Due 14-06-2023
Call number
Series
Publication
Image Comics (2016), Edition: 01, 192 pages
Description
"Set in an alternate world of art deco beauty and steampunk horror, Monstress tells the epic story of Maika Halfwolf, a teenage survivor of a cataclysmic war between humans and their hated enemies, the Arcanics. In the face of oppression and terrible danger, Maika is both hunter and hunted, searching for answers about her mysterious past as those who seek to use her remain just one step behind ... and all the while, the monster within begins to awaken ..."--Page 4 of cover.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bragan
This graphic novel consists of the first six issues of Monstress, a comic set in a vaguely steampunky fantasy world in which humans and supernatural creatures known as Arcanics have recently fought an extremely ugly war. It focuses on a young Arcanic girl with a painful past, a thirst for revenge,
The artwork in this is absolutely gorgeous, albeit often in a dark, violent kind of way. (Although I do wish I could have seen some of it a bit better: the pages are so glossy that the glare from my reading lamp was bad enough to make it annoyingly difficult at times.) As for the writing, I have to say, the worldbuilding here is so dense, the situations depicted so complex, and the plot so full of twists, that I was so busy trying to understand everything that it was a little hard to get caught up in the story itself, or to emotionally engage with the main character as much as I might have liked. Still, I certainly did find it interesting, and rich worldbuilding and complex plotting is hardly something I'm going to complain about. And the setup here promises some potentially very interesting developments to come. At some point -- hopefully before I've forgotten all the complicated details of this one! -- I am going to have to pick up volume 2.
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and a monster living inside her.The artwork in this is absolutely gorgeous, albeit often in a dark, violent kind of way. (Although I do wish I could have seen some of it a bit better: the pages are so glossy that the glare from my reading lamp was bad enough to make it annoyingly difficult at times.) As for the writing, I have to say, the worldbuilding here is so dense, the situations depicted so complex, and the plot so full of twists, that I was so busy trying to understand everything that it was a little hard to get caught up in the story itself, or to emotionally engage with the main character as much as I might have liked. Still, I certainly did find it interesting, and rich worldbuilding and complex plotting is hardly something I'm going to complain about. And the setup here promises some potentially very interesting developments to come. At some point -- hopefully before I've forgotten all the complicated details of this one! -- I am going to have to pick up volume 2.
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LibraryThing member questbird
Sumptuously illustrated story of a girl who is carrying a demon inside her, and her struggles to control it. In this world there are humans, ancients and hybrids called Arcanics, who have fought a huge and costly war. Females are dominant; men exist but seem to be of lesser importance. The human
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side is aided by the Cumaea, a semi-religious order of psychics. The comic looked great, the world building was interesting, but I didn't find myself captivated by the plot. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwormelf
Great worldbuilding and of course gorgeous art. Can't say enough about characters yet but I'm intrigued
LibraryThing member ecataldi
Beautifully illustrated and complex, I haven't seen a graphic novel like this in ages. Filled with beautiful illustrations, a little bit of manga, and comic art this new series is sure to attract a wide audience. The storyline can be a little hard to follow at times, but overall I think it's worth
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checking out. Mix horror, manga, steampunk, and fantasy and you have Monstress. It's dark, gorgeous, and twisting and I wouldn't even begin to do it justice by trying to write a summary for it. Just check it out for yourself :) Show Less
LibraryThing member Andibook
To flesh out the story a little: the intense young woman is missing an arm; survived some shadowy massacre; is the daughter of a powerful, now deceased woman; and is an “arcane” (human-magical hybrid) who can pass for human. She’s out for revenge against a sociopolitically powerful coven of who eat people .
Now, this world is matriarchal, and nearly all of the characters are female. What’s interesting is that this isn’t part of the plot; usually this sort of gender-swap dives head first into man vs. woman politics and/or the differences in a matriarchal society. Nope, not here. Monstress makes a statement simply by giving us a real, solid story that has nothing to do with gender… and just so happens to star women with only a handful of token men, rather than the other way around.
If shadowy, dark, and magical are words that pique your interest, jump right in. There’s some gore, but it’s not splashed front-and-center across the page.
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witchesNow, this world is matriarchal, and nearly all of the characters are female. What’s interesting is that this isn’t part of the plot; usually this sort of gender-swap dives head first into man vs. woman politics and/or the differences in a matriarchal society. Nope, not here. Monstress makes a statement simply by giving us a real, solid story that has nothing to do with gender… and just so happens to star women with only a handful of token men, rather than the other way around.
If shadowy, dark, and magical are words that pique your interest, jump right in. There’s some gore, but it’s not splashed front-and-center across the page.
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LibraryThing member lissabeth21
Stunningly beautiful and hauntingly original
LibraryThing member SoschaF
A bold and beautifully rendered vision, Monstress presents a universe populated by mythological creatures like unicorns, angels, talking cats and little fox girls, but while at first glance the characters may say “kawaii”, this female-centric graphic is more creepy than cute. No matter how
The story is dark, and some of the images are quite brutal and disturbing. Suggested for mature readers only, and highly recommended, particular for readers of “Bitch Planet” and “Promethea.”
4.5 stars
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delightful to the eyes, this world is for fighters and survivors, full of secrets, deceptions and mixed loyalties, and people both profane and violent. The story is dark, and some of the images are quite brutal and disturbing. Suggested for mature readers only, and highly recommended, particular for readers of “Bitch Planet” and “Promethea.”
4.5 stars
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LibraryThing member pomo58
Monstress Vol. 1 by Marjorie Liu is a stunning blend of wonderful art and an interesting story. It took some effort to get into the flow of the story but once I did I was totally invested.
There is a large amount of world building in this volume so the story doesn't move throughout at the same pace
I would highly recommend this to those interested in graphic novels and even those who, like myself, don't read very many graphic novels. The story alone is reason enough to read this and the artwork is a phenomenal plus.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
There is a large amount of world building in this volume so the story doesn't move throughout at the same pace
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but that is minor once the reader has become accustomed to this dark world. This is not a place for the weak, at least not for long, and when a being meets its end it is not generally pretty.I would highly recommend this to those interested in graphic novels and even those who, like myself, don't read very many graphic novels. The story alone is reason enough to read this and the artwork is a phenomenal plus.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Elaborate fantasy with elements that seem to be drawn from Egyptian, European, and other sources, including the Cthulhu mythos. Maika, a girl who’s lost her forearm somewhere between the concentration camp she was held in and the present, is seeking to learn more about what happened to her
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mother. They’re Arcanic—descendants of mixed blood between immortal Ancients and humans—and Maika also has a deadly secret inside her, one that ended the most recent Arcanic-human war by convincing humans that Arcanics had a powerful weapon. Lots of politics, including among the human witches who kill and torture with impunity and the human politicians; very interesting beginning. Also it’s punctuated with lectures on history from a cat. Show Less
LibraryThing member lavaturtle
The art in this graphic novel is intricate and beautiful, even when the story is about horrible things. The fantasy world is interesting (and there's enough information by the end to understand what's going on). I like the troubled protagonist, the setting, the magical cats. I'm excited to see
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where this story goes next. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
I really loved this dark and steampunky fantasy graphic novel. The illustration is amazingly beautiful and the story is unique and engaging. It’s very intriguing to watch our heroine struggle between wanting to be more powerful through her connection to this monster (especially since she’s been
The world is incredibly interesting as well. There is a lot of world building here and I loved the steampunky fantasy world we are introduced to. You just scratch the surface of all the complexities of this world in this book and I can’t wait to read more books and delve deeper into it.
Additionally I loved the talking cats; I mean you can’t go wrong with talking cats...even if they are slightly evil at times in this book. I can’t wait to meet more types of species and monsters.
The illustration is absolutely beautiful; it’s done in dark lush tones and adds a ton to the story. The novel is easy to follow and highly entertaining.
There are tons of strong female characters in here as well and I always enjoy that. From the heroine, to her companions, to the villains...there are many intriguing strong female characters throughout.
Overall this was amazing graphic novel and I am excited to read more about this story and world. The characters are complex and amazing and the whole story and artwork is beautifully put together.
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in a lot of bad situations) and watching her be concerned about how much damage she can do to those around her with this power.The world is incredibly interesting as well. There is a lot of world building here and I loved the steampunky fantasy world we are introduced to. You just scratch the surface of all the complexities of this world in this book and I can’t wait to read more books and delve deeper into it.
Additionally I loved the talking cats; I mean you can’t go wrong with talking cats...even if they are slightly evil at times in this book. I can’t wait to meet more types of species and monsters.
The illustration is absolutely beautiful; it’s done in dark lush tones and adds a ton to the story. The novel is easy to follow and highly entertaining.
There are tons of strong female characters in here as well and I always enjoy that. From the heroine, to her companions, to the villains...there are many intriguing strong female characters throughout.
Overall this was amazing graphic novel and I am excited to read more about this story and world. The characters are complex and amazing and the whole story and artwork is beautifully put together.
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LibraryThing member Capnrandm
Review courtesy of Allthingsuf.com
MONSTRESS is a dark, dark breed of fantasy, where the magic and monsters in the world are more likely to prey upon children's bones than protect them. Wade into the horror and cruelty, plunge into this war, and even the hope hidden within carries betrayal and
This series opens a direct vein into the horror underlying mythology and fairy tales. Magic is no guarantee of safety or protection, but more likely makes you a target for people intent on harvesting your body parts. And while this is a world of women, turning the usual female to male ratio on its head, gender doesn't soften the cruelty of guards or the zealotry of cults. Children are drawn as fluffy, big-eyed sprites, making it all the more painful when they are dehumanized and abused.
This is fantasy with blood dripping from its claws, horror pumping through its veins. Dangerous and beautiful, even the magic that could save this world seems too terrible to be borne. MONSTRESS may never feel comfortable, but it is definitely unforgettable.
Sexual Content: Threats of rape.
MONSTRESS is a dark, dark breed of fantasy, where the magic and monsters in the world are more likely to prey upon children's bones than protect them. Wade into the horror and cruelty, plunge into this war, and even the hope hidden within carries betrayal and
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sadness.This series opens a direct vein into the horror underlying mythology and fairy tales. Magic is no guarantee of safety or protection, but more likely makes you a target for people intent on harvesting your body parts. And while this is a world of women, turning the usual female to male ratio on its head, gender doesn't soften the cruelty of guards or the zealotry of cults. Children are drawn as fluffy, big-eyed sprites, making it all the more painful when they are dehumanized and abused.
This is fantasy with blood dripping from its claws, horror pumping through its veins. Dangerous and beautiful, even the magic that could save this world seems too terrible to be borne. MONSTRESS may never feel comfortable, but it is definitely unforgettable.
Sexual Content: Threats of rape.
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LibraryThing member NeedMoreShelves
OH my goodness, yes, give me all of this! What an amazing collection - storytelling, art, characters, wold building - so fantastic. The ONLY thing that kept this from being a 5-star read was the sheer volume of information - I'm still not sure I completely understood everything that was happening.
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But good heavens, I can't wait to jump back into this world. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Lush artwork and interesting story, this lands you in the middle of a world where a battle between different factions has left problems and where the bodies of supernatural creatures provide power. Maika Halfwolf is a complex person who has a mission and a mysterious past and is going to wade
Interesting, somewhat gory in parts and I was left wanting more.
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through blood to fulfil her mission.Interesting, somewhat gory in parts and I was left wanting more.
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LibraryThing member Stevil2001
This is only kind of a discrete story; events come to a climax, but there's clearly a much bigger story we're only beginning to see. But what a story. Sana Takeda's art is absolutely gorgeous, a pointed contrast to the often horrific events it depicts. In a fantasy world inhabited by five races--
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humans, gods, Ancients, Arcanics (human/Ancient hybrids), and talking cats-- a seventeen-year-old Arcanic girl goes into the dark heart of humanity to root out the secret of her own existence, something relating to the Old Gods. There's sometimes too much to keep track of, but the core characters are pretty great; I particularly enjoy Maika's friend the world-weary cat Ren, and also I have a lot of affection for the improbably cute fox Arcanic, Kippa. Lush stuff, and a series I will definitely continue to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member ItsBookishMe
Monstress started out with five glowing stars just for the gorgeous artwork. I loved how intricate it was, especially those full page ones, just amazing, it makes me wish I could draw. The only downside was that it took a while, more than halfway through the book for me to start to connect to the
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story. I think it might have something to do with the fact that, even though I claim to love graphic novels, I just haven't read that many and I'm still adjusting to the format. I think that as the series continues I will begin to get more invested and will also grasp the story more fully. Overall I think this was a beautiful book with an intriguing world that I'm anxious to see where it's headed. Show Less
LibraryThing member jen.e.moore
There is a lot going on in this book, and it's all really dark and bleak and messed up, and I love it. I can't wait to see where this goes next.
LibraryThing member abergsman
While the plot seemed a bit convoluted and hard-to-follow at times, I quite enjoyed this dark, fantasy graphic novel.
Hmm...maybe enjoyed isn’t quite the right word. 😆There was a lot of violence, gore, racism, and indentured servitude.
But I’m definitely hooked.
Add in multi-tailed talking
And the illustrations... 😍😍😍 WOW.
Hmm...maybe enjoyed isn’t quite the right word. 😆There was a lot of violence, gore, racism, and indentured servitude.
But I’m definitely hooked.
Add in multi-tailed talking
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cats who act like zen masters. How can you not love that? And the illustrations... 😍😍😍 WOW.
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LibraryThing member asxz
I'd heard good things but found this overly busy and hard to navigate. Chock full of bonkers with a complicated world that is steampunky with ghosts and gods and magic and a whole mess of talking cats. I found it difficult to like.
LibraryThing member thelibraryladies
When I first heard of “Monstress” by Marjorie Liu, I was pretty compelled by the description. Hell, I even put it on one of our Highlights lists last year around the time it came out. The premise definitely sounds like it would be right up my alley: a girl is part of a group of creatures called
Maika Halfwolf is our protagonist, and we meet her just as she is being sold off for experimentation. As a member of the Arcanics, but as someone who can pass for human, she is a hot commodity for her buyer, a woman who is a Cumea. Cumea are sorceresses who absorb the life energy from Arcanics to keep their own power levels up. So right away we are shown the brutal world that Maika and others like her live in, and how it is to be in a society where they are constantly beaten down and treated as less than, so far as to be slaughtered so that others may gain from it. Intricate themes to be certain, and some that I was very pleased to see in this story. It was also really neat to see a group of female protagonists, and very nuanced and complex women at that. Maika, of course, has a lot of sides to herself. She’s violent and driven by a need to avenge her dead mother, Moriko Halfwolf, but she also has moments of compassion and empathy, as well as glimpses into a time period where she wasn’t as jaded and cynical about the world she lives in. We also get to see the power of female friendships in a time of trauma and war, as she forges bonds with a couple of female characters, some part of her new life, others part of her old one. But inside of her is a monster that is hinted at being one of the greatest evils in the history of the world that she lives in. However, it isn’t quite clear just what this being wants yet.
We also get a compelling group of villains within this world that Liu has created. I like the idea of female sorceresses being seen as nun-like, their entire lives devoted to their powers. The hierarchy of power was cool to see, and I liked the very intimidating Inquisitrixes, those sent out to find Maika and her group after she escapes. You also get a sense of the corruption that the Cumea have inside their system. Nothing says feminism to me like having fascinating female villains, and the Cumea are definitely a well rounded set of villains. But the most charming group in this are the cats. Yes, there are cats in this series that have many roles, from sidekicks to warriors to professors, and I really, really enjoyed that.
The art in this book is absolutely gorgeous. It has influences from manga, steampunk, and art deco styles, and they all meld together to make a sumptuous feast for the eyes of the reader. I was blown away multiple times by the details that went into it, and how there were so many intricate things inside of the art, from the details on the clothing to the etchings of the backgrounds. But, sadly, at the end of the day, I can only give this six stars. And that is because this is definitely a bit too high fantasy for me. But I want to really emphasize that the rating I am giving it is one that I have for it, personally, just because this isn’t really my kind of story. That said, people who really like high fantasy and intrigue to go with their monsters and mayhem would probably like this a lot. In fact, looking at how a few of my friends have rated it, I can safely say that my rating is my own, and that it should NOT deter anyone from reading this if you think that all of these things sound great. Hell, I’m probably even going to keep on going in the series, because I like Maika so much and want to see what is going on with this monster inside of her. And the themes, too, are going to bring me back for more, since feminism, racism, and colonialism can be found in their own ways in this world and are explored very well. Again, fantasy fans, take note of this one. It’s dark and it’s violent, but it’s also gorgeous and will probably completely suck you in.
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Arcanics that are oppressed and hunted down after a war, and she is possessed by an ancient monster. And while it was fantasy, a genre that I am very picky about and have very specific preferences in for it to appeal to me, I thought that it sounded enough like ‘dark fantasy’ that it would suit my tastes. Monsters, wars, dark magic and lots and lots of violence, all of these things piqued my interests, and I can say that “Monstress: Awakening” delivers all that and much much more.Maika Halfwolf is our protagonist, and we meet her just as she is being sold off for experimentation. As a member of the Arcanics, but as someone who can pass for human, she is a hot commodity for her buyer, a woman who is a Cumea. Cumea are sorceresses who absorb the life energy from Arcanics to keep their own power levels up. So right away we are shown the brutal world that Maika and others like her live in, and how it is to be in a society where they are constantly beaten down and treated as less than, so far as to be slaughtered so that others may gain from it. Intricate themes to be certain, and some that I was very pleased to see in this story. It was also really neat to see a group of female protagonists, and very nuanced and complex women at that. Maika, of course, has a lot of sides to herself. She’s violent and driven by a need to avenge her dead mother, Moriko Halfwolf, but she also has moments of compassion and empathy, as well as glimpses into a time period where she wasn’t as jaded and cynical about the world she lives in. We also get to see the power of female friendships in a time of trauma and war, as she forges bonds with a couple of female characters, some part of her new life, others part of her old one. But inside of her is a monster that is hinted at being one of the greatest evils in the history of the world that she lives in. However, it isn’t quite clear just what this being wants yet.
We also get a compelling group of villains within this world that Liu has created. I like the idea of female sorceresses being seen as nun-like, their entire lives devoted to their powers. The hierarchy of power was cool to see, and I liked the very intimidating Inquisitrixes, those sent out to find Maika and her group after she escapes. You also get a sense of the corruption that the Cumea have inside their system. Nothing says feminism to me like having fascinating female villains, and the Cumea are definitely a well rounded set of villains. But the most charming group in this are the cats. Yes, there are cats in this series that have many roles, from sidekicks to warriors to professors, and I really, really enjoyed that.
The art in this book is absolutely gorgeous. It has influences from manga, steampunk, and art deco styles, and they all meld together to make a sumptuous feast for the eyes of the reader. I was blown away multiple times by the details that went into it, and how there were so many intricate things inside of the art, from the details on the clothing to the etchings of the backgrounds. But, sadly, at the end of the day, I can only give this six stars. And that is because this is definitely a bit too high fantasy for me. But I want to really emphasize that the rating I am giving it is one that I have for it, personally, just because this isn’t really my kind of story. That said, people who really like high fantasy and intrigue to go with their monsters and mayhem would probably like this a lot. In fact, looking at how a few of my friends have rated it, I can safely say that my rating is my own, and that it should NOT deter anyone from reading this if you think that all of these things sound great. Hell, I’m probably even going to keep on going in the series, because I like Maika so much and want to see what is going on with this monster inside of her. And the themes, too, are going to bring me back for more, since feminism, racism, and colonialism can be found in their own ways in this world and are explored very well. Again, fantasy fans, take note of this one. It’s dark and it’s violent, but it’s also gorgeous and will probably completely suck you in.
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LibraryThing member m_mozeleski
A fantastic start to what should ultimately be an amazing, high fantasy epic adventure! I am blown away with how intricate the art and plot is, and I am looking forward to finishing the series.
LibraryThing member watersgendry
YES. YES YES YES YES.
that is all.
but really. pick this up asap, it is worth your time. from the gorgeous artwork to the gripping storytelling, they've done it all so well. also, i am loving the fact that it felt like 99% of the characters (primary, secondary, and background) were all womxn. i
that is all.
but really. pick this up asap, it is worth your time. from the gorgeous artwork to the gripping storytelling, they've done it all so well. also, i am loving the fact that it felt like 99% of the characters (primary, secondary, and background) were all womxn. i
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cant wait to read what comes next.... Show Less
LibraryThing member nicolewbrown
There are five races in the known world: Cats the oldest who are descendants of Ubasti; The Old Gods who were banished by Ubasti; The Ancients who wear the forms of animals and are blessed by their lunar goddess with magical abilities and immortality; humans who came forth from the sea and some of
Maika Halfwolf has vowed vengeance against Lady Yvette Lo Lim. She leaves her best friend Tuya, who is against this, behind, and gets herself captured and taken to the slave market. The Cumaea claim her outright and take her along with a few other Aracanics for free. Lady Sophia is worried about the symbol marked on Maika's chest that represents to her a demonic monstrosity. But her lover and helpmate, Atena, does her best to reassure her that there is nothing to worry about.
Maika breaks free from the prison and lets everyone loose. A little fox named Kippa decides to stay with her rather than leave. Maika kills many guards and torches Lady Sophia and stabs Atena in the shoulder. Then she heads up to Lady Yvette's chambers hoping for answers to questions she cannot form. When Lady Yvette tries to use lilium on her like shining kryptonite in front of Supergirl it effects Kippa, but Maika is able to overcome its effects and kill Lady Yvette. She reaches through the lilium barrier and grabs the piece of the mask that is there that calls to her and frees the Arcanic that is there. She grabs a photo of her mother and her with Lady Yvette and some other people that is on the mantlepiece and the three of them escape the castle in the city of Zamora and head for the forest.
The secret hunger she has has awakened again and she must eat and without thinking she eats what's left of the child from Lady Yvette's chambers, which terrifies Kippa. Master Ren the cat meets up with them and gets them passage through the forest though they do not make it through unscathed. Meanwhile, Mother Superior has arrived in Zamora to take care of things. Atena uses lilium to tend to Lady Sophia's wounds while the Mother Superior uses it to bring Lady Yvette back from the dead to find out what happened.
When Maika runs into a Cumaea witch in the forest while holding the mask her half arm grows into something wild and uncontrollable and the thing inside of her attacks the witch who flees for her life. There is something very ancient inside Maika that with the whole mask would make her very powerful, indeed if she could control it. But there are others who want that mask desperately for its power that they hope to wield. This is amazing and fresh with new ideas comic. The artwork is a bit steampunk-ish and while Lady Sophia is a scientist, the comic really isn't steampunk, per se. It has way too much mythology and not enough technology to be steampunk. I'm not a cat person, but I do love the talking, fighting, poetry-quoting cats. And interspersed throughout the book are entries that explain the world written by cats. Maika is a fierce warrior of only seventeen who has seen much and grown up way too fast. The hunger inside her makes her want to eat anything in her path, the more intelligent the better and Kippa is often in her path. She also has to deal with this ancient being inside of her trying to take control of her body and mind which will probably get her killed and leave him to try to find another host body if he can. I have fallen in love with this series and cannot wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book.
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whom have mental abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, and foretelling...the Cumaea witches seek these people out to join their ranks; and the Arcanics who are the offsprings of the Ancients and humans and are considered monsters by some as they do not, for the most part, look human and they carry the best and the worst of their forebearers. A very bloody war broke out between the Arcanics and the humans that ended in a delicate truce which is about to be broken.Maika Halfwolf has vowed vengeance against Lady Yvette Lo Lim. She leaves her best friend Tuya, who is against this, behind, and gets herself captured and taken to the slave market. The Cumaea claim her outright and take her along with a few other Aracanics for free. Lady Sophia is worried about the symbol marked on Maika's chest that represents to her a demonic monstrosity. But her lover and helpmate, Atena, does her best to reassure her that there is nothing to worry about.
Maika breaks free from the prison and lets everyone loose. A little fox named Kippa decides to stay with her rather than leave. Maika kills many guards and torches Lady Sophia and stabs Atena in the shoulder. Then she heads up to Lady Yvette's chambers hoping for answers to questions she cannot form. When Lady Yvette tries to use lilium on her like shining kryptonite in front of Supergirl it effects Kippa, but Maika is able to overcome its effects and kill Lady Yvette. She reaches through the lilium barrier and grabs the piece of the mask that is there that calls to her and frees the Arcanic that is there. She grabs a photo of her mother and her with Lady Yvette and some other people that is on the mantlepiece and the three of them escape the castle in the city of Zamora and head for the forest.
The secret hunger she has has awakened again and she must eat and without thinking she eats what's left of the child from Lady Yvette's chambers, which terrifies Kippa. Master Ren the cat meets up with them and gets them passage through the forest though they do not make it through unscathed. Meanwhile, Mother Superior has arrived in Zamora to take care of things. Atena uses lilium to tend to Lady Sophia's wounds while the Mother Superior uses it to bring Lady Yvette back from the dead to find out what happened.
When Maika runs into a Cumaea witch in the forest while holding the mask her half arm grows into something wild and uncontrollable and the thing inside of her attacks the witch who flees for her life. There is something very ancient inside Maika that with the whole mask would make her very powerful, indeed if she could control it. But there are others who want that mask desperately for its power that they hope to wield. This is amazing and fresh with new ideas comic. The artwork is a bit steampunk-ish and while Lady Sophia is a scientist, the comic really isn't steampunk, per se. It has way too much mythology and not enough technology to be steampunk. I'm not a cat person, but I do love the talking, fighting, poetry-quoting cats. And interspersed throughout the book are entries that explain the world written by cats. Maika is a fierce warrior of only seventeen who has seen much and grown up way too fast. The hunger inside her makes her want to eat anything in her path, the more intelligent the better and Kippa is often in her path. She also has to deal with this ancient being inside of her trying to take control of her body and mind which will probably get her killed and leave him to try to find another host body if he can. I have fallen in love with this series and cannot wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member MillieHennessy
I read an e-copy of this from netgalley when it first came out but it was too hard to absorb in that format. I'm glad I had the chance to read a physical copy because the artwork is awesome.
this one is very text heavy and at times I felt overloaded by exposition or world building. but I got the
this one is very text heavy and at times I felt overloaded by exposition or world building. but I got the
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gist, even if my eyes glazed over at times. I definitely want to continue on. Show Less
LibraryThing member BraveNewBks
Just to be clear, this is definitely an adult comic. Nudity, profanity, graphic violence. Not appropriate for kids.
But all of that is very much in service to the story, which is layered and well-paced, and fronted by a heroine who is tough and brave but still fallible. In fact, most of the
The real powerhouse here, though, is the artwork. It's breathtaking. Take another look at the cover, and then take my word that the whole volume lives up to that promise. The amount of work it took to render those art nouveau backgrounds is staggering. Art wise, this easily became one of my favorite comics of all time.
Story 4/5
Art 5 /5
I received a copy of this book in electronic format from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
But all of that is very much in service to the story, which is layered and well-paced, and fronted by a heroine who is tough and brave but still fallible. In fact, most of the
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characters are female (and diverse), and this world is matriarchal. Which is lovely to see, but it works for the story too; it never felt forced or like the author was making a point at the expense of the story. The real powerhouse here, though, is the artwork. It's breathtaking. Take another look at the cover, and then take my word that the whole volume lives up to that promise. The amount of work it took to render those art nouveau backgrounds is staggering. Art wise, this easily became one of my favorite comics of all time.
Story 4/5
Art 5 /5
I received a copy of this book in electronic format from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Graphic Story — 2017)
British Fantasy Award (Winner — 2017)
Arkansas Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2018)
Otherwise Award (Long list — 2017)
NPR: Books We Love (2016)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Teen — 2016)
Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Fiction — 2016)
New York Public Library Best Books: For Teens (Comics & Graphic Novels — 2016)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-07-19
Physical description
192 p.; 6.4 inches
ISBN
1632157098 / 9781632157096