Category: graphic novel

ARC, graphic novel, LGBT, ya

👻 Ghosted in LA Vol 1 ARC Review ðŸ‘»

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

👻 Title: Ghosted in LA
👻 Author: Sina Grace
👻 Illustrator: Siobhan Keenan
👻 Colorist: Cathy Le
👻 Publisher: BOOM! Box
👻 Publish Date: May 14, 2020
👻 Book Form: E-ARC
👻 Pages: 112
👻 Genre: Graphic Novels, LGBT
👻 Dates Read: Apr 5, 2020
👻 Rating: 👻👻👻👻👻

Thank you to Netgalley and BOOM! Box for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Daphne Walters moves to Los Angeles and finds that the only ones who can help her find love and live life to the fullest are the ghosts of her new home!

In Los Angeles, finding an apartment is killer—unless you live with the dead. Daphne Walters moves to Los Angeles for her boyfriend Ronnie, ready to live her happily ever after. But when happily ever after turns into happily for a month, she’s stuck in a strange city with no friends, family, or prospects for fun. Desperate to escape the lingering ghost of Ronnie’s presence everywhere, Daphne sets out to explore the city—and ends up encountering ghosts of a more literal kind! Rycroft Manor is abandoned, beautiful, and haunted. Will the dead be able to help Daphne find the life she’s been missing in the big city? From GLAAD Award-nominated Sina Grace (Iceman) and illustrator Siobhan Keenan (Jem and the Holograms) comes a story about learning how to make friends, find love, and live life to the fullest with a little help from some friends whose lives didn’t end at death. Collects Ghosted In L.A #1-4

– Goodreads

Ahhhhh! THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL WAS SO ADORABLE OMGGGGG! Okay, so I don’t normally read graphic novels. They just aren’t really my thing, I guess? But I am SO GLAD I ended up requesting this one from Netgalley. I loved it!

The story follows Daphne, who moved to LA with her boyfriend. Only to be dumped. She is wandering around LA one night, and comes across this beautiful house. The only downside is it is filled with ghosts. THey agree to let her live there, as long as she brings no other humans to the house. Of course, things go awry!

I loved seeing all the backstories of the ghosts that live in the home. We only saw three in the first collection, but they were so interesting! It was a perfect mix of past and present.

The art in this book is amazing! I love the illustrations and coloring. It really brought the story to life. When I read graphic novels, I usually just focus on the words and skim over the pictures, but this one I found myself gazing at the art and how great it was! Plus, Daphne had THE BEST style. Like, I want her closet for myself. I was drooling over those outfits!

I would recommend Ghosted in LA to anyone who loves a fun contemporary. I would usually pass since it’s a graphic novel, but I am SO GLAD I didn’t! I can’t wait for Volume 2!

Is Ghosted in LA on your radar? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, Four Star Book, graphic novel, middle grade

Sea Sirens ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Sea Sirens
  • Author: Amy Chu and Janet K. Lee (Illustrator)
  • Book Form: Physical
  • Pages: 144
  • Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
  • Genre: MG, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Rating: ★★★★

Dive into this middle-grade graphic novel about a Vietnamese American surfer girl and her talking cat who plunge into a fantasy world of oceanic marvels . . . and mayhem!

Trot, a Vietnamese American surfer girl, and Cap’n Bill, her cranky one-eyed cat, catch too big a wave and wipe out, sucked down into a magical underwater kingdom where an ancient deep-sea battle rages. The beautiful Sea Siren mermaids are under attack from the Serpent King and his slithery minions–and Trot and her feline become dangerously entangled in this war of tails and fins.

This graphic novel was inspired by The Sea Fairies, L. Frank Baum’s “underwater Wizard of Oz.” It weaves Vietnamese mythology, fantastical ocean creatures, and a deep-sea setting.

– Goodreads

Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and Penguin Random House for a free copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was SO surprised to get this finished copy from Viking today! I saw I had something coming from Penguin Random House so I was like, ‘Oh, it’s Memento.’ Even though I’m so excited for Memento, I was pleasantly surprised! And a finished copy! What?!

I was so excited I dove right in to this California surfer girl’s story. The first thing I noticed on the cover was she was holding a one-eyed cat! You never get the story of why he has one eye, however, there are more books coming!

Trot is a surfer girl who goes to the beach every day after school to surf while her grandpa fishes. Her grandpa has Alzheimer’s, which I think is really good to show in a book for younger kids. I know a lot of kids have to go through having a loved one with this disease – I did. So it’s really nice to have that representation like, hey- you aren’t alone. It’s a pretty common thing these days.

I loved when Trot and Cap’n Bill – the one eyed cat – make it to the Siren Kingdom. The story was so cute and fun. I couldn’t put it down!

I loved the diversity of the characters. I loved the underwater experience. It definitely read as a middle grade novel, but honestly, sometimes we just need something light-hearted and fun. I will definitely be on the lookout for the further adventures of Trot and Cap’n Bill!

Until next time..

adult, ARC, Erotica, Four Star Book, graphic novel, LGBT

Super Fun Sexy Times ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Super Fun Sexy Times
  • Author: Meredith McClaren
  • Book Form: E-ARC
  • Pages: 128
  • Publisher: Limerence Press
  • Genre: Graphic Novel, Romance, Short Stories
  • Rating: ★★★★

Cartoonist Meredith McClaren (Hinges) tells five short, sexy stories featuring superheroes, supervillains, sidekicks, and the people who love them.

Showing consent and character-driven erotic relationships, Super Fun Sexy Times answers the age-old question: what happens when the mask comes off? 

Two sidekicks on opposite sides get stuck in an underground lab together, and find a great way to pass the time. A tactician and superhero discuss their desires, limits, and kinks before their first time, and perhaps get a little too excited in the process. A pair of supervillains explore gender and sex together, while growing closer in their relationship. Lesbian heroes try out a kinky rolepaying scenario, and discover how to make it work for both of them. And an exhausted assassin relaxes after a long day with the kind (yet firm) attentions of his husband.

Told with care, sex-positivity, and humor, and featuring a wide variety of sexualities and bodies, Super Fun Sexy Times aims to create an erotic reading experience that lives up to its name!

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own. 

This graphic novel was surprisingly… graphic. 

Not that it’s a bad thing! But the first anatomy I saw kind of took me aback. I loved it though! I mean, I read erotica and romance all the time. But something about seeing it on the page. I don’t know. It’s like a weird mix of porn and erotica books.

This was a graphic novel of 5 short stories. There was SO MUCH lgbt rep. I loved it. It explores all kinds of sex positive things. Consent, safe words, trying and failing new endeavors. It was SO GOOD. I can’t recommend this enough. So much positivity throughout this book. That’s the thing that stuck out most to me, and also what I loved the most. It shows it’s okay to try new things. It’s ok if things don’t work out. It’s GREAT to have conversations before getting in too deep.

But beware, it is nsfw and has nudity.

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, Erotica, fantasy, Five Star Book, Four Star Book, graphic novel, Memoir, Nursing, three star book, two star book, ya

May Wrapup AND June TBR. What?!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Yall. This month has been CRAZY. I’ve been getting back to the gym. My husband had his wisdom teeth taken out. I have a two year old so that’s crazy.

I’ve gotta carve out more me time somewhere! I also need to read. Its June 9 and I have read a whopping ZERO books this month! Omg.

I am almost done with an ARC from Netgalley that I’m so excited to share with you guys! Its serving YA, contemporary, medical realness and I am in LOVE!
Okay, so maybe I have been watching A LOT of Queer Eye this month and I am OBSESSED. Especially with Jonathan. Be my bff? Please?

Jonathan if he ever sees this post.

ANYWAYS. So May reads.

The Beautiful Brain.
Audible Original.
Four stars for a medical book about CTE and brain injuries. I loved it. Most people probably won’t though, I wouldn’t think. I just look a good medical book.

The Shift.
Four Stars.
I read this in honor of Nurse’s Week that was May 6-12. Its a memoir about a day in the life of a nurse. I loved it. It brought back the feels of being a nurse on the floor I used to have.

Nimona.
3.5 Stars. This is a graphic novel, but I listened to the audio. The audio was good, the actors were good. But I think I would have liked the graphic novel better.

Collective 3 stars for this sci-fi romance series. Each book follows a different alien and his mate. They were good. The romance scenes were spicy. It just didn’t jump out as being over a 3 star.

Aurora Rising.
Oh my.
Definitely my most favorite read of the month and will probably be top 5 for the year.
I am LIVING for Kal. I mean. I want that body. haha!
Plus, I got to talk DnD with Jay Kristoff after our author chat. He is the sweetest, most genuine guy. I love him and want to play DnD with him. Love him. Love this book. Full review to come but just go read it right now.

Caraval.
Four star book.
This was a great book about magic and carnivals and deception. I can’t wait to read the next two installments!

Illuminae.
Five stars.
This was a reread. I read the physical version last year and LOVED the format. It was so interesting and original.
I listened to the audio this month and it may have been better! It was full cast. All the voice actors were amazing. Its a book that I would love to listen as I read along.

Whatever Normal Is.
Two stars.
This was the very first ARC I received.
I loved the cover, but the story was just… not good.

12 Days of Forever.
Three stars.
Typical audio romance. Wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad.

Gemina.
Five Stars.
Book two of the Illuminae files.
AMAZING. Again, I read the physical. The format was amazing. It follows different characters, so I was scared I wouldn’t like them as much. This was not the case.
New book boyfriend in the bad-boy main character.

Standing Sideways.
Four Star.
Full review posted. This was an arc I received and I really loved the way it looked at loss and redemption.

June plan? WHAT June plan?

I’m just trying to read a book, guys. But really, my plan is to read as many ARCs as possible and get caught up. Fingers crossed!

Until next time…

fantasy, Four Star Book, graphic novel, ya

Lumberjanes Vol 1 Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Lumberjanes Vol 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
  • Author: Noelle Stevenson
  • Book Form: Ebook/Graphic Novel
  • Pages: 128
  • Publisher: BOOM! Box
  • Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, YA
  • Rating: ★★★★


At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s camp for hard-core lady-types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together… And they’re not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here.

-Goodreads

This graphic novel was adorable. I loved following the girls through their camping experience. Of course, they followed none of the rules. Stayed out late, snuck out, found boys. But not for the purpose you’re thinking. The boys were brainwashed and they had to save their camp!

I went to camp when I was a kid. Once. I did NOT have a great time like these girls did. All I remember is getting stung by a wasp and my bestfriend leaving me by myself because she got to go home because she had an ‘ear infection’. I still don’t believe her and I’m still salty she left me. haha!

If you’re into kick-butt girls who break all the rules in order to have a good time – and save the camp – I definitely recommend this book! It was so funny, and such a fast read. I’m thinking of adding Vol. 2 to my TBR this month! Maybe graphic novels are my thing. Who knows?

Until next time…

ARC, contemporary, fantasy, graphic novel, Sci-Fi, ya

May Plan

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

WOW! May already. This year is flying by with Book Battle! Here are my 15 planned reads for next month! Not including the random audios I will find on scribd.

As you can see, a lot of Jay Kristoff this month, since he is coming to chat with Book Battle May 21! Also a lot of space, since our theme is Space: The New Frontier!

Sadie is the only audio I know I am going to read. I’m also tempted to get Aurora Rising in audio, but we will see. There’s also eight ARCs listed! I hope I can stick to my TBR this month! I’m excited about it!

Also, notice the nurse book! Nurse’s Week is May 6-12 so Kahla included a nurse prompt for me! I’m super excited about it, too!

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, fantasy, Five Star Book, Four Star Book, graphic novel, three star book, ya

April Wrap Up

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Wow! How is April already gone? Mylzs second birthday is early next month and I am not at all prepared!

I totaled 17 books this month, which is pretty good for a hard month in book battle. I try to read at least 15 a month, so I’m glad I hit my goal. Nine were audios, which I think is a record. Three were graphic novels, which may also be a record. Then five physicals.

Here’s what I read:

AUDIOS

  • True West by Sam Shepard – Two stars. I bought solely because Kit Harington was narrating it. I couldn’t even tell it was him and the story was hard to follow.
  • Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes – Five stars. Another creepy, enthralling read. Can’t wait for book 3.
  • What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Brundell – Four stars. Great mystery set right after WW2. Very emerging.
  • Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Five Star. Full review to come. Ensemble cast and one of the best audio’s I’ve ever heard.
  • The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally – Five stars. Full review to come. Super funny.
  • One of the Guys by Delaney Diamond – Three star. Nothing wrong with it, but typical romance. Full review to come.
  • Picture Perfect love by Melissa McClone – Three stars. Another typical romance. Full review to come.
  • Yield by Lilia Moon – Three and a half stars. Super spicy read! Full Review to come.
  • Recalculating by Jennifer Weiner – Three and a half stars. Original mystery/thriller. Full review to come.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

  • A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold – Four stars. Great introduction to kids who have autism.
  • The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York by Kory Merritt – Four stars. Super creepy art.
  • Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson – Four stars. Great friendship and girl power. Full Review to come.

PHYSICAL BOOKS

  • An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley – Four Stars. Love a book set in old Paris. Full review to come.
  • Little Darlings by Melanie Golding – Four and a half stars. Arc. Super creepy. Super amazing. Great look at PPD/PPA
  • Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce – Great beginning to one of the OGs of YA. This was recommended to me by another Words and Whimsy modmin and I loved it! Can’t wait to continue the series.
  • White Rose by Kip Wilson – Four stars. ARC. Written in verse. German resistance in WW2. Amazing read.
  • Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller – Five stars. My second Tricia book and I fell even more in love with her.

As you can see, I never stick to my TBRs. Ever. BUT I will have my May TBR up tomorrow!

Until next time..

fantasy, Four Star Book, graphic novel, Horror, middle grade

The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: The Dreadful Fate of Jonathan York
  • Author: Kory Merritt
  • Book Form: Ebook
  • Pages: 128
  • Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
  • Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
  • Rating: ★★★★


Discover the horrible fate of Jonathan York as he sets out on his journey through a spooky forest with an alarming party of travelmates!

Jonathan York has led a boring life — a pointless degree from the community college, a lackluster job at the General Store, and never any desire for something more exciting. But when fate leaves him stranded in a sinister land, he finds himself seeking an adventure of his own. Along the way he encounters ghoulish thieves, ravenous swamp monsters, a dastardly ice cream conspiracy, and a necromancer bent on human sacrifice.

In this beautifully illustrated, four-color novel, Jonathan York’s life takes a decidedly spooky turn!

– goodreads

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a huge graphic novel reader. Honestly, I read them when I think I won’t finish Book Battle criteria. They’re just not really my thing. But man, am I glad I picked this one up.

The art is amazing. It gives off a very creepy, Nightmare Before Christmas type vibe. That was exciting since that’s been my favorite movie since I was like, three.

The story was just as good as the art! Jonathan York gets lost in a swamp. He and three other people find shelter with an old man and woman, if they tell them a story. Jonathan doesn’t have a story worth telling, so he gets kicked out and ends up in a very story-worthy adventure.

I can see how this reads a middle grade. This is all about finding yourself, overcoming your fears, and not living life on the safe, boring side. I was enthralled with the book from the very first page and couldn’t put it down.

I would recommend this to anyone who has kids struggling with who they are, or even adults! Also, anyone who likes Nightmare Before Christmas-esque art will love this!

Until next time…