The Elementary Sherlock Holmes (Portico)

Synopsis:  
‘To a great mind, nothing is little’ Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes has become such an iconic figure that he’s almost real. He’s on our TV screens, he’s in our films and, of course, the books are still as popular as ever. This fascinating little miscellany tells you everything you need to know about this enduringly popular figure, and lots of stuff you don’t! It contains the plots of all the novels, character descriptions, details of some of the plethora of Sherlock websites, and highlights the best films and TV adaptations. Entertaining and engrossing, The Elementary Sherlock Holmes will satisfy the curious and enlighten even the most dedicated Holmes fan.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Before I say anything else, I must admit that this book was not really what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed reading it, but I think that's because I am relatively new to this fandom. I reckon an 'old' fan of Sherlock Holmes would find this maybe a bit basic. They would definitely not enjoy it as much because this probably wouldn't reveal anything new for them.
That being said this was a very good guide to help one enter this magical world that is the Sherlock Holmes fandom. It presents the novels, the stories and gives some backstories on the main characters and adaptations.
I really appreciate the details and timelines this book provides and I loved seeing the most iconic adaptations of Conan Doyle's detective. There were some aspects that were analysed in ways I hadn't noticed before and that was a new perspective to add to the already complicated case of Sherlock.
However, I wasn't totally pleases with the way the author chose to organise the ideas. I though it was a bit confusing, constantly jumping from one thing to another with no apparent train of thought.
Overall, this was a cool, fun and fast book to read, but I still think that, to me, it fell short, in a way. It could have been a true Sherlock lexicon had maybe a bit more passion or effort from the author come through to the reader.I absolutely recommend this to someone who just started watching the most recent adaptations, like BBC's Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman or the American Elementary (both amazing adaptations, in my opinion, yet not the most recognised by older Sherlock enthusiasts), and never had any other contact with the more classic Sherlock Holmes and wishes to understand more of what's behind it.

Horrorstör (Grady Hendrix)

Synopsis:  
Something strange is happening at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Every morning, employees arrive to find broken Kjerring bookshelves, shattered Glans water goblets, and smashed Liripip wardrobes. Sales are down, security cameras reveal nothing, and store managers are panicking.
To unravel the mystery, three employees volunteer to work a nine-hour dusk-till-dawn shift. In the dead of the night, they’ll patrol the empty showroom floor, investigate strange sights and sounds, and encounter horrors that defy the imagination.
A traditional haunted house story in a thoroughly contemporary setting, Horrorstör comes packaged in the form of a glossy mail order catalog, complete with product illustrations, a home delivery order form, and a map of Orsk’s labyrinthine showroom.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
First of all, this book deserves 50 starts for concept and originality. I loved the way it was done as a catalog. Now, I must say that this could have taken a comical turn, being designed the way it was, and I was kind of scared it would. Fortunately, Hendrix obviously knows how to deliver a good horror story and used the design in his advantage: even in the first pages of the chapters we could see the evolution of the story.
However, I was not expecting this book to be so graphic and horrifying. As the plot unfolds, it gets more and more gruesome and there were some parts where I found myself wanting to puke or looking behind my back to see if any hands were trying to grab me and put me in some horrific torturing device.
With each page we get more and more involved in this story, and I couldn't get my eyes of the pages. It's so mysterious and compelling and you want to get up, but there is no way out of the Beehive (see, you want to know what that's all about, don't you?)
I absolutely loved the rhythm of the book. The pacing increases more and more and once things start really going crazy there is no way to stop it. The fall is brutal and fast and you have no way to know exactly how much.
Also, I need to mention that this book features the creepiest séance I could ever have imagined. That was truly the turning point, when we started realising what we had gotten ourselves into. Well, us and the characters. They were such a pleasure to read about and I really appreciate the fact that there was some major character development going on. Amy and Basil were my favourites and I was rooting for them the whole time. Amy, particularly, was a very interesting character to follow, as she grew into what we wanted her to become, she realised she needed to stop quitting and she fought her way out of this horror story (and then in again). Ruth Anne also shows sides of her personality we didn't think we would get to see and I believe this is what made all these characters real and not just two-dimensional.
The ending was perfect and left me there desperately wanting more, to know what happened after they went inside, although I think it works amazingly the way it was done.
The only thing left to say is that I would love to see this as a movie, I think it could become a serious classic horror movie if it was done right, and I can't wait to see where this idea goes in the near future.
Quirk Books really knows how to make amazing and beautiful books and I thank them for doing this one specifically.

Wonder - The Books of Marvella #2 (Travis Thrasher)

Release Date: January 1st 2015

Synopsis:  
As the town of Appleton is rocked by the death of a teenager, the high school year begins under a dark shadow. Brandon continues to pursue Marvel while trying to discover what she believes will happen to her. It's easy to fall more in love with her. It's easy to forget she thinks God told her she will have to sacrifice herself to save others. But Brandon can't forget about the shapeless evil that seems to watch him around corners and seep through the streets of his town. Strange things start to occur to Brandon. He starts looking for clues about the dead student, thinking this might be related to whatever evil Marvel is talking about. He also continues to battle against the guys picking on a nerdy senior named Seth Belcher. Marvel falls in love with Brandon, and he truly accepts her faith even though he doesn't understand what to make of it. Something is growing in the darkness. Something is coming. Will Brandon be able to stand up against the malice that draws ever closer? Will he be able to save Marvel from the horrors to come?

Review:
I got this ebook from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc through Netgalley in return of an honest review.
So, first of all, I didn't realise this was the second book in a series. But, although I am kind of bummed about the fact that I skipped book 1, Marvelous, that doesn't mean that I could enjoy this one. And, boy, did I!
So, this was a YA contemporary-ish, mystery-ish book, yet, to me, it read like a fantasy book, mostly because of the writing and the setting.
It had an aura of, well, wonder and magic constantly cast upon it and I couldn't help but expect some kind of magical revelation or miraculous ending. It was honestly something like a real-life fairytale-esque story.
I absolutely loved the set of characters Travis Thrasher created. Marvel was the flawed yet perfect girl, the one we can only hope will accept her place in the world in the future, and I loved her for that. Also, Brandon was our main character, the one we can't help but root for because he was such a good guy, trying to save his friends and himself from uncertain futures. I really liked the development of their relationship between these two characters in this book, and I would have absolutely loved to have seen the way it all started in the previous volume.
All of the other characters were very well developed and most of them were incredibly hateful and dislikable, anywhere from high school mean girl to murderous drug-dealers.
Another thing I wasn't expecting and that really contributed to how much I liked it was the diversity. You can just tell this comes from a man who is used to writing multiple genres, very different from each other. Wonder was mixture of magical romantic moments under the stars and murder investigations, obsessed mean ex-girlfriends and fight clubs.
All I have left to say is that this completely grabbed me from the first page and my heart was racing until the end, to the point where I stayed up until 4 a.m. to finish the book.I need the next one in my hands now... that ending didn't give me the closure I was hoping for... in a good way. I might die until the next one, just wondering what will become of Marvel and Brandon and Devon and Artie and Carlos and even the record store...
This is an author I really want to support, so I will buy his books as soon as it is humanly possible for me to do so.

UPDATE: Read my review of Book 1 Marvelous here.

A Girl's Guide to Life (Michelle Herman, Glen Holland - Illustrations)

Synopsis:  
A Girl's Guide to Life is a timeless book of warm and sensible advice for young girls, originally written by a mother for her own eight-year-old daughter. From compassion and empathy through self-expression and creativity, from thoughtfulness and helpfulness and good deeds through gratitude and heartfelt apology, from the incomparable joys of friendship to the importance of learning how and when to say no, this little book offers wise counsel that will be of use for many years to come.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I'm going to be honest: I downloaded this book a bit on a whim, mostly because the cover was so beautiful.
The concept of this book and the story behind it, how it came to be, was actually really heartwarming, and I wish I had had something like this to read when I was younger. It accommodates all the things we've been told all our lives and makes them clear, in a way that is so important for young girls to read, but not limited to it. I believe every young child should read and follow these motherly advices and, as teenagers or adults, we can read this and look back, remember how our lives can become full and honest and rich.
In my opinion, this was an extremely sweet, heartfelt, inspiring and rereadable book that can help you at any age, no matter how many times you have heard the things it says before.
I desperately want a physical copy of this book that I can pass down to my future children, so they can take from it everything I certainly did.

A Christmas Horror Story (Sebastian Gregory)

Synopsis:  
On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…
Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting. And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after. A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.Every white Christmas has a dark side. Don’t miss A Christmas Horror Story, the gruesomely festive new story from Sebastian Gregory.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
This is not the first book I read by this author, so I thought I knew what I was getting into... (I mean, after The Boy in the Cemetery I honestly believed Sebastian Gregory's stories wouldn't surprise me and creep the hell out of me anymore).
Well, want to guess how wrong I was?
Sebastian Gregory's writing and storytelling style never fails to amaze me and this was no exception. This was straight up christmas horror and I would love to see this turn into a Tim Burton movie. I think it would be one of those movies you watch on repeat every christmas to scare your little siblings. (How is this not happening yet?)
From page one until that very last moment in gave me chills and I kept looking out the window to see the shadows pass. I believe what made this just the right amount of scary and fun was the way the different time periods were weaved together, keeping us guessing and gasping at the sound of the bells.
I really enjoyed reading about the main characters, Katy, Emily and Jake, and I kept rooting for them, all the way, even though my heart was telling me nothing I could say or hope for could give this a happy ending.
On that note, that ending left me there just wanting to cry and sob and re read it and threw my phone at the wall, it was just so heartbreaking and wonderful, just like the entire story.
After all this, this book was so different from every other christmas story that it's hard to explain why you should read it, but you definitely should!
I think Sebastian Gregory is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I desperately want more. When given the chance, I will read everything that man writes and you probably should, too.

On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house

For a creature is stirring, sly as a mouse,

He skulks on the roof, down the chimney with care,

Keep the fire burning for the Child Eater's here. ...

He has a thin face and little round belly,

Slurping down children as if they were jelly

Then out on the lawn there'll arise such a clatter.

Parents spring from the bed to see what is the matter.

Away to the window they'll fly like a flash.

Tear open the shutters and throw up the sash

The Child Eater springs to his feet, gives them a whistle,

And disappears into the woods and the thistle.

Until next year it drives out of sigh,

A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.

Strong Female Protagonist (Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Ostertag - Illustrations)

Synopsis:  
With superstrength and invulnerability, Alison Green used to be one of the most powerful superheroes around.
Fighting crime with other teenagers under the alter ego Mega Girl was fun — until an encounter with Menace, her mind-reading arch enemy, showed her evidence of a sinister conspiracy, and suddenly battling giant robots didn't seem so important.
Now Alison is going to college and trying to find ways to help the world while still getting to class on time. It's impossible to escape the past, however, and everyone has their own idea of what it means to be a hero....
After a phenomenal success on Kickstarter, Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Ostertag bring their popular webcomic into print, collecting the first four issues, as well as some all-new, full-color pages!

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
This was so different than what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a comedic story of an ex-superhero trying to lead a normal life... and, in a way, I guess it was, but it was also so much more than that.
In Strong Female Protagonist we meet Alison (a.k.a. Mega Girl), a girl that is struggling with the concept of 'Superhero'. To me, she was exactly that, a very good female character I really enjoyed reading about. I immediately felt a connection with her and it made me feel so... I don't know, proud, maybe. It was a pleasure to meet a character like Alison.
She and all the other character came alive in this book like I'd never seen before. They weren't, in my opinion, your typical superheroes, they were just as messed up and confused as everyone else, and Alison helped us understand what that means.
Some parts of the story were actually very inspiring: these people with abilities we dream of having are trying to do good things in unconventional ways and it made me want to do whatever I can to match their actions (Feral, I'm looking at you!)Also, don't be fooled. I found the story to be very emotional at times and that was probably my favourite part in the whole thing. On that note, I consider chapter four, Buster the superdog, one of the best character backstory expositions I have ever encountered.
As for the art, I found it so sweet but it went extremely well with feel of the story and all of its characters. I was spot-on and those coloured pages at the end... cherry on top of a great graphic novel!
Lastly, the little comments at the end of each page gave this comic the comedic aspects I was expecting, on top of nerdy references, amazing art, wonderful character development and inspirational-funny dialogue.
I believe this should be read by everyone and I can only say this is a feminist (people hate that word, but here it is) nerd's dream. You can read Alison's adventures online at Strong Female Protagonist, and I can't wait to keep doing so.

Ed Undead: The Chronicles of a Teenage Zombie (Edward Kent)

Synopsis:  
An unknown virus has turned most of the world into flesh eating zombies, and one teenager, Ed Kirk, has contracted it, but it is working through him slowly and he doesn’t know why. He finds his girlfriend, Lisa Jane, and together they fight to get out of their small town and seek help, meeting up with some strangers along the way. Will they be friends or foe? At the same time, they are being pursued by a dark force unknown to them. They must try to find help or a cure before Ed completely turns.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
It seems that this will be the year of zombies for me. I don't think I ever particularly cared about them until this year, when I read Zombicorn by John Green and saw REC3 (I recommend it to anyone who would appreciate a cheesy, violent spanish movie about a disease that turns people into flesh eating monsters from Hell).
This was such a fast-paced survival story set in a world where a plague as turn almost everyone into zombies. The main character, Ed, is slowly turning into one and he's fighting, alongside his girlfriend, to find a cure for his condition. In my opinion, he was a really cute character, and it was a pleasure to read from his point of view. But he also felt a bit unrealistic at times, like maybe he was too perfect, too much of a good guy.
I did love his relationship with Lisa, his girlfriend. You could really feel the love they had for each other, and nothing could keep them apart, not even (partial) death. Overall, it was kind of cheesy, but just enough that it didn't make me hate it and gave the story the cute moments and pauses it sometimes needed.The zombies they run into in their journey were people they once knew and the flash backs Ed gets at times really show the realness of the situation and it all felt very personal and emotional. It truly gave this story another side to look into: the side that breaks your heart when you think 'What if I was in this situation?' It was so moving and sad, and it might have been my favourite part about Ed Undead and the one I don't feel there's anything negative to point out. It just shows how a teenager would see this situation and deal with everything he knew gone.
I would have liked to get to know a bit more about some of the side characters, like the mother and daughter they run into. Sometimes I forgot they were there because everything kind of revolved around Ed and Lisa.
Also, Ed's sister and father really got to my nerves, but that is not even a bad thing, it was exactly like I felt you were supposed to feel about them and I think the author did that very well.
Finally, I absolutely loved the ending. I wasn't expecting it at all, but I feel like I should have. It caught me by surprise and left me there wishing I had the next book in my hands.
I will definitely be reading Dead Like Me, because this book raised so many questions that were left unanswered. Overall completely recommend it, especially to a younger public.

The Squidder (Ben Templesmith)

Synopsis:  
This all-new story finds an old soldier from a forgotten war in a post-apocalyptic world that has left him behind.
He was one of the last of the legendary Squidder Legions. Can a discarded relic with a death wish and a rebellious Squid priestess overthrow humanity’s tentacled alien overlords?
Ben Templesmith returns to his roots to finally do the tentacle/Cthulhu-orientated book he's always promised! The Squidder mixes action, horror, science fiction, and fantasy elements with a touch of Squidly destruction.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I had never, in my life, thought I would be reading something like this. Yet, here we are.
This was nothing like I could have ever imagined, but everything I was in the mood for at the time that I read it.
First of all, I can't even begin to fathom the amount of imagination that went into building something like this. I'm not going to lie, this honestly makes me question *someone's* mental health... but in a good way.
The plot was genius, horrific, extremely violent, disturbing and... unnatural, to say the least, although also a little confusing at times (hence the 4 stars instead of 5).The characters were so badass, strong and memorable, and their backstories showed that even a grotesque post-apocalyptic story about squids, such as this one, can make us feel real things, other than dread and repulsion. It ended up being an extremely emotionally driven plot and that really took 'The Squidder' to the next level. Guys, it's not just about the squids!
Finally, the art. I usually talk about this first, but in this case I felt it needed to be here. It needed it's own recommendation. I can't even begin to describe how I felt about the art. Throughout the whole book I was completely engulfed by the drawings and the colors, they genuinely took my breath away. It really caused an impact on me, it was incredibly powerful and complemented the story really well, better than I'd ever seen before. I was wholeheartedly in love with the contrast between the oranges and reds and the greens, blues and blacks.
All of these factors came together to create an incredibly awesome graphic novel and I long for the day when it will be possible for me to read more of Ben Templesmith's works.

Doctor Who: Lights Out - Twelfth Doctor (Holly Black)

Synopsis:  
As the newly-regenerated Twelfth Doctor arrives on our TV screens, Puffin are publishing the twelfth instalment in its sensational series of Doctor Who eShorts! With 11 previous stories by some of the most exciting names in children's fiction, this Twelfth Doctor ebook is written by bestselling US author Holly Black.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
As someone who is only now barely scraping the surface of the Doctor Who fandom, I would say reading short stories and books of this sort are a great thing.
I must admit I am kind of afraid of the idea of Doctor Who, but it's that kind of fear that is born from admiration, respect and fascination. I have always been so intrigued by it since I was very young and I always felt kind of pressured to know everything I possibly could, mostly to understand references. The truth is that Doctor Who has become part of our history and culture and there is no way to deny it.
Also, Holly Black wrote this, so it could only be good. She is one of those authors I hear everything good there is to say about an author and I've been dying to read one of her books.
So, for these reasons, I decided to request this book. This was very short story revolving around the 12th Doctor. In my opinion, as the very unknowledgeable fan I am, I found it the perfect short story. You can read it in an hour, yet it fills you with everything awesome Doctor Who has to offer.
Everytime I see/read a Doctor Who episode/book I can't help but fall in love with the Doctor's quirky personality (to say the least) and this no exception. I always find it mindblowing how short stories like this one can make you feel so passionate about the story that is being told.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that 'Lights Out' is exactly how everything related to Doctor Who should be: weird, fantastical, original and kind of mind*ucking. It really shows you, if you didn't already believe, that you can do anything from the basic premiss 'Doctor Who', if you just use your imagination. Anything you can imagine, no matter how weird it seems, Doctor Who makes it awesome.
Finally, Holly Black's writing was everything I hoped and more. It was so whimsical and elegant but also fits so well with what she is telling us.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable, quick read and I am excited/nervous but mainly excited to dig deeper into the universe that is Doctor Who.

A Darker Shade of Magic preview excerpt (V.E. Schwab)

Release Date: February 24th 2015

Synopsis:  
From V.E. Schwab, the critically acclaimed author of Vicious, comes a new universe of daring adventure, thrilling power, and parallel Londons, beginning with A Darker Shade of Magic.
Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands. There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I have heard nothing but amazing reviews of Victoria Schwab's books and writing, so when I saw this on Netgalley I immediately requested it... without realising it was just a preview excerpt. So I guess you could say I felt mixed things when I found out I had been accepted to review it.
I think that was part of the reason this took me so long to get through. I knew that I wouldn't get to see how it ended for a long time, and that it wouldn't count toward my reading goal (what a great excuse).Still, I don't regret reading it at all. How could I?
Victoria's writing feels so complete and labyrinthine (as in complex and rich - probably not making myself very clear, but that's how it felt to me). The world was so well built, from what I could see, and I can only describe it exactly like the writing: complete and labyrinthine. They complement each other in a way that brings to life what I believe will be an amazing full book, once I get to read it.
I am wholeheartedly in love with every single character, especially Kell. You could fell his story unfold with every chapter and I would love to know more about him, and what he learned after the end of this preview. Lila was a badass and I think she will be an amazing female character. I would love to see how this two character's stories intertwine. For some reason, I really felt a connection with Holland. I love the mystery that surrounds him and I'm intrigued to see where he fits in the end.
In conclusion, I loved what I read and I hope I get to read the full book once it comes out, which should be, like, yesterday. This was so good I had to look up words in a dictionary, and I still couldn't find the right ones. Basically, magic, multiple Londons, blood and did I say magic?

Shutter, Vol. 1: Wanderlost (Joe Keatinge - writer, Leila del Duca - illustrations, Owen Gieni - colors and Ed Brisson)

Release Date: November 25th 2014

Synopsis:  
INDIANA JONES FOR THE 21st CENTURY!
Marvel Knights: Hulk and Glory writer Joe Keatinge teams up with artist extraordinaire Leila del Duca for her Image Comics debut in an all-new ongoing series combining the urban fantasy of Fables and the globe-spanning adventure of Y: The Last Man.
Kate Kristopher, once the most famous explorer of an Earth far more fantastic than the one we know, is forced to return to the adventurous life she left behind when a family secret threatens to destroy everything she spent her life protecting.
Collects Shutter #1-6.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I don't even really know how to describe this book.
Wanderlost was an immensely original and weird collection of comics.
It was basically a gigantic emotional rollercoaster. It was sad, exciting, fun, adventurous, mysterious and mind blowing, all at the same time.
First of all, the story was incredibly fast paced, powerful and energetic. It kept me on the edge of my seat for two hours and I couldn't put it down until I was sure I had finished it. Although I was a bit confused in the beginning, (almost) everything became clear as the story progressed.
The art was so colorful, dynamic and actually kind of poignant and nostalgic, exactly what the story was trying to portray. I can't see it being any different. It was perfect during the entire book.The main character, Kate, has been though a lot in her life, and as everything she believed to be true shatters into nothingness, she develops in ways we couldn't imagine when we saw her at the age of seven. She was badass and a very strong female character, that just had to accept that everything was changing.
At her side, we meet a diverse and interesting set of characters, all fascinating and important to every part of the story, particularly her sidekick, Alarm Cat, and Chris (spoiler?). They were absolutely adorable and a great source of comic relieve in the intense plot.
I really appreciated the flashbacks that we got through the story that gave the backstories of some of the main characters. They were precisely where they were needed and ended at exactly the right place to give us enough information but keep us hooked to see the aftermath of such memories.
In general, I can say without a doubt that that cliffhanger might have ruined my life, because Gods know when I will be able to read what happens next.
Recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a few splattered guts every now and then.

The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act (Kieron Gillen and Jamie Mckelvie - Illustrations)

Synopsis:  
Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #1-5.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
This was one of the weirdest and most original graphic novels I have read recently.
First of all, the art was amazing, I could tape it to my walls and I wouldn't get tired of looking at it. The colors were spot-on and you can tell the passion that went into every page.
The characters were all fascinating and unbelievably funny, especially our main character, Laura. The Gods were so sarcastic and rude and I loved every bit.
The plot is completely explosive (literally). It draws you in from page one and you can't help but keep reading until the end. Although the beginning was a bit confusing, the ending still let a lot of questions to be answered and I will definitely read the next volume as soon as it is humanly possible.
One thing I need to point out is that this deals with very unexpected themes, like sexuality (as in subtle homosexuality), mixed-race or non-white characters and even a transgender character.
To add to all this, I always appreciate it when the authors show some cover-art or the process of creating the story itself in the end of the book, so I was extremely pleased with it.
In conclusion, I think this was a perfect example of why I fell in love with graphic novels in the first place and I would recommend this to anyone with a gory sense of humour.

The Room (Jonas Karlsson)

Release Date: January 15th 2015 

Synopsis:  
A quirky and unsettling tale, of dark humour and strange realities, about a bureaucrat, an open plan office and a secret room..
The Authority looks favourably upon meticulousness, efficiency and ambition. Bjorn has all of this in spades, but it's only in the Room that he can really shine. Unfortunately, his colleagues see things differently. In fact, they don't even see the Room at all.
The Room is a short, sharp and fiendish fable in the tradition of Franz Kafka, Samuel Beckett and Charlie Kauffman. If you have ever toiled in an office, felt like the world was against you or questioned the nature of reality then this is the novel for you.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
This is nothing like I usually read and I was positive I wasn't going to enjoy it that much. I was right and so wrong at the same time.
On one side, the characters were all detestable and extremely unreliable narrators, but I absolutely loved every minute of this book.
A little introduction in the beginning of the book compares the style of 'The Room' to that of Kafka, and I totally agree. It has the same gift of being able to mess with your mind, leaving everything out of place, while making you question everything you thought was true and everything you believed in.
It points a finger at the reader directly, making sure we see our own faults in these flawed characters and that makes us uncomfortable, the best kind.It's a psychological journey through a story were nothing is certain and, by the end of the book, we get to take our own conclusions, based on what we got out of it. That's the magic of books of this kind (and books in general, but this one takes it to levels is almost impossible to describe).
Honestly, I read this in a day. It kept me wanting more, I couldn't think about anything else but to know how it ended, even though I knew, deep down, that the ending would only raise even more questions, as it did.This was just an immensely mind blowing, surral and desconcerning story that deserves to be read by everyone.

We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, a true story (Josh Sundquist)

Synopsis:   
Josh Sundquist only ever had one girlfriend. For twenty-three hours. In eighth grade.
Why was Josh still single? To find out, he tracked down the girls he had tried to date and asked them straight up: What went wrong?
The results of Josh's semiscientific, wholly hilarious investigation are captured here. From a disastrous Putt-Putt date involving a backward prosthetic foot, to his introduction to CFD (Close Fast Dancing), to a misguided "grand gesture" at a Miss America pageant, this story is about looking for love--or at least a girlfriend--in all the wrong places.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
My first impression when I started reading this was An Abundance of Katherines meets The Fault in our Stars meets What's your number?
Overall this was immensely quirky and adorkable and funny and, most of all, inspirational to levels it's almost impossible to describe.
I could honestly feel every word, every emotion Josh Sundquist wrote, and the fact that this is non-fiction makes makes my heart skip a beat, although it can almost be read as a young-adult contemporary fiction novel. It was brilliant.
I completely fell in love with the story and the author's voice, his way to look at things, how he looked at his disability, the way he interpreted his girlfriend-less years, the conclusion he got to in the end and, most of all, his heartwarming ending that makes you believe that, in the end, if it's meant to be, it will happen, one way or another.
Honestly, through most of this book, I just wanted to hug him and tell him we could totally hand out sometime. I was so invested in all of this I watched almost all of Josh's videos on Youtube. I wanted more.
In conclusion, this was probably one of the cutest books I will read this year. It was perfection of a memoir, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel happy. I have no doubt that We Should Hang Out Sometime is going to make every day better and make you feel warm and complete inside.

Kinski (Gabriel Hardman)

Synopsis:  
A salesman's self-styled mission to save a puppy from its neglectful owners escalates into a righteous crusade in this quirky crime thriller written and drawn by GABRIEL HARDMAN (Hulk, Heathentown, Planet of the Apes). Collects KINSKI #1-6

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
Honestly, I didn't know exactly what I was going to find in this graphic novel. They are always an adventure. I knew this one was about a dog, and that was as much convincing as I needed.
I must say I read this in 15 minutes. It was just fast-paced, full-on classic graphic-novel goodness. I had a really nice rhythm and flow, and you could totally just look at this as one small story that completely stays with you.
That being said, it was a very bizarre and interesting story, to say the least. It revolves around a cute black puppy, but it's so much more than that in so many ways. It's more of a character study and a fascinating journey through the subconscious of this man and his love for Kinski.
I think this is an extremely metaphorical book and the art portrays that in a way that is almost impossible to describe.
Finally, although I did find the plot to be a bit confusing at times, the full picture is so much more important and I can only say that not everyone is going to enjoy it: we have to see the deeper meaning of Kinski as a whole and I found that a beautiful part of the reading experience.

Floating Boy and the Girl Who Couldn't Fly (Stephen Graham Jones and Paul Tremblay)

Synopsis:  
Things Mary doesn't want to fall into: the river, high school, her mother's life.
Things Mary does kind of want to fall into: love, the sky.
This is the story of a girl who sees a boy float away one fine day. This is the story of the girl
who reaches up for that boy with her hand and with her heart. This is the story of a girl who
takes on the army to save a town, who goes toe-to-toe with a mad scientist, who has to fight a plague to save her family. This is the story of a girl who would give anything to get to babysit her baby brother one more time. If she could just find him.
It's all up in the air for now, though, and falling fast. . . .
Fun, breathlessly exciting, and full of heart, Floating Boy and the Girl Who Couldn't Fly is an unforgettable ride.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
This was nothing like I expected it was going to be, but maybe it was even better.
The book in general was very strange, and you could sense it growing into something a whole lot stranger, and I loved it. It was exactly the kind of thing that I loved to read at the time that I did.
The plot was so fast-paced: there was never a boring moment because something was always happening.
From the very beginning I felt such a connection with Mary, the main character: she was extremely relatable and funny and I think I marked like 10 pages, just with her jokes. I mean, she calls her religious family members 'muggles'...
I really loved 'Floating Boy' and his story. He was adorable and that made this story adorable and I was either laughing at Mary's jokes or aww-ing at 'Floating Boy'. Same goes for Mary's little brother and his newly-found appreciation for the whole floating thing.I also thoroughly enjoyed the religious characters, the Claremonts, and Mary's idea of them. It was an unexpected addition to the story and it was one of the main sources for the humour in this book.
And although, like I mentioned before, this is a very funny book, it was also serious. Through jokes and anxiety attacks we got to see just how far the floating virus had gone.
With all of that, I would say this was quite predictable, but it wrapped up really nicely and I believe younger reader would find this extraordinarily entertaining.

Henni (Miss Lasko-Gross)

Release Date: January 20th 2015 

Synopsis:  
In a fantastical world where old traditions and religion dominate every aspect of life, lives a girl named Henni.
Unlike most in her village, Henni questions and wonders what the world is like as she comes of age.
Striking out on her own, Henni goes out in search of truth, adventure, and more!
Written and drawn my Miss Lasko Gross (A Mess of Everything and Escape From Special), Henni is a commentary on, religion, coming of age, and being yourself.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
The first thing that needs to be mentioned about Henni is the art, the illustrations, the color-scheme. Everything was so fascinating and completely set the tone for the entire story.
This was certainly a very engaging read, and to me it felt very personal. I connected with the main character, Henni, immmediately... she starts questioning everything, if what she is taught to believe is really all there is, and then leaves on a journey to find out the truth about the world and herself.
All through the story we get valuable life lessons. We can't help but wonder what we truly believe in, what is the right thing, and if it is our right to impose it on everyone else.
This touches very real and present themes that still exist all around us, in our so called 'modern society', in a very philosophical yet simple and understandable way.
I found this to be a genuinely inspirational journey about staying true to your beliefs and fighting for what you think is fair and right.
I definitely recommend this, especially for younger readers, particularly young girls starting to question their place in society.

The Boy Who Drew Monsters (Keith Donohue)

Synopsis:  
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Child comes a hypnotic literary horror novel about a young boy trapped inside his own world, whose drawings blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Ever since he nearly drowned in the ocean three years earlier, ten-year-old Jack Peter Keenan has been deathly afraid to venture outdoors. Refusing to leave his home in a small coastal town in Maine, Jack Peter spends his time drawing monsters. When those drawings take on a life of their own, no one is safe from the terror they inspire. His mother, Holly, begins to hear strange sounds in the night coming from the ocean, and she seeks answers from the local Catholic priest and his Japanese housekeeper, who fill her head with stories of shipwrecks and ghosts. His father, Tim, wanders the beach, frantically searching for a strange apparition running wild in the dunes. And the boy’s only friend, Nick, becomes helplessly entangled in the eerie power of the drawings. While those around Jack Peter are haunted by what they think they see, only he knows the truth behind the frightful occurrences as the outside world encroaches upon them all.
In the tradition of The Turn of the Screw, Keith Donohue’s The Boy Who Drew Monsters is a mesmerizing tale of psychological terror and imagination run wild, a perfectly creepy read for a dark night.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
The Boy Who Drew Monsters is not a horror book and yet, at the same time, it is.
The biggest assets of this book were the atmosphere that surrounded it and the incredibly developed characters.
As for the fist, I found it to be just perfect for a story like this: mysterious and dark and impersonal. You were seeing it all happen inside your head and it messes up with your mind. You could sense the story slowly building up and becoming more and more like we expect it to be. The climax was so gory and surreal and grim I never saw it coming, at least not like it did.As for the characters, they were such an important part of this story in particular. We get to see this through the perspective of the parents, Tim and Holly, and the boys, Jack and Nick, and that made it possible to present the backstories of these characters, bit by bit, which completely enhanced the reading experience.
This was honestly a very emotional read: Jack Peter's disorder, the thoughts going through his parents minds and Nick's own struggles, they really got to me in a way I didn't expect.
The monster/fantastical part was spot-on. It was introduced gradually and obscurely enough that it completely got under my skin and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The side stories (the shipwreck, the priest, the Japanese housekeeper) they all came together so well with the main plot, and they turned this into a truly horrifying and creepy read.The only 'negative' thing I need to point out is not even negative: the pace was very slow, so it took me a while to read it, but, like I mentioned before, that really contributed to the atmosphere and general feel of the book.
And then came that ending! Never saw it coming and it hit my heart like a wall of stones. It was a beautiful conclusion to this incredible book.
I would definitely recommend this to read at night, under the covers with your lights out, but I would also mention that this is a bit more suitable for older readers, as it contains a bit of violence and gore.

Knife Fight and Other Struggles (David Nickle)

Synopsis:
A young man at loose ends finds he cannot look away from his new lover's alien gaze.
A young woman out of time seeks her old lover in the cold spaces between the stars. The fleeing worshippers of an ancient and jealous deity seek solace in an unsuspecting New World congregation.
In a suburban nursery, a demon with a grudge and a lonely exorcist face off for what could be the last time.
And when a big city mayor who delineates his mandate by the slash of a blade faces an unexpected challenger, it turns into a struggle that threatens to consume everything.
In Knife Fight and Other Struggles, David Nickle follows his award-winning debut collection Monstrous Affections with a new set of dark tales that span space, time, and genre.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
If you're thinking of reading this book, just prepare for a serious roller coaster of horrifying stories.
In the beginning, there's an introduction by Peter Watts that really sets the tone for the whole book. In it, Watts explains right from the start that the short stories in this book aren't exactly straight-up horror... and he's entirely right! They would be less terrifying if they were. They are the kind of horror that crawls under your skin and just lingers, keeping you up at night thinking about them. All of them cast a new light on things and really give you another perspective to look at reality, and that terrified me most of all. They are bold and fast and rude and don't leave you indifferent. Every one of them gave me something to think about and really meditate on what I would do if I ever found myself in those situations, and let me tell you that some of them were completely insane and crazy!
My favourite stories have to be 'The Nothing Book of the Dead' and 'Drakeela Must Die', which were also the two shortest stories. I really wanted more and if the author ever writes a full book based on those two (doubtful, but one can dream) I will read them for sure!
Also, at the very end we get a prelude to 'Volk', a book that is coming out in 2016 and that I will get my hands on as soon as possible! That story, entitled 'Orlok' said everything it wanted, leaving us there believing that all of that actually happened. Again, what a fearless and thought provoking piece of literature.
I highly recommend this book if you like being shocked and provoked with every turn of a page. Just read it, but know what you're getting into, because you won't be able to forget about it anytime soon!

The Field (Ed Brisson, Simon Roy - Illustrations)

Synopsis:
An underwear-clad amnesiac; an ex-bible salesman on a meth induced murder spree; a seedy biker gang on a revenge mission; and a group of cosplayers out to save the world.
What more do you need to know?
Collects The Field #1-4, and includes never-before-seen extras, including extra comics.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
Wow... This is my next favourite thing!
First of all, this was such a badass book. It messes with your head in ways you can't even imagine, so beware when you're going into it. To be honest , it's like waking up from a horrific nightmare you never want to see become reality, but that you think is a great idea for a book: this was it!
It was just so gory and violent and I absolutely fell in love with it from the very beginning... so much blood and death and unanswered questions: right up mu alley!
I was so hooked: I couldn't figure out what story to believe in, who I could trust and by the end I still couldn't figure that out.
The art, the colors, the plot, the way it was conceived, you could tell this guys know what they are doing... such a rich story and I wanted it to go on forever, but I also desperately wanted to know how this would wrap up!
That ending left me there not knowing what to do... I need to read more by the authors, like, right now.
Then, after 'The Field' itself, we were presented with some extras, and we got to find out how this story came to be and the process of doing the actual comics, which I think it's fascinating.
After all this, I can only assure you I will definitely be buying the physical copy as soon as I get a chance to do so!

Stuff You Should Know About Stuff: How to Properly Behave in Certain Situations (Tripp Crosby, Tyler Stanton)

Release Date: November 4th 2014 

Synopsis:
Do you know how to properly conduct yourself in a public restroom? What about while in the midst of a profoundly awkward silence? Have you perfected how to get out of helping your friend move?
If you answered no to those questions, then you need Stuff You Should Know About Stuff, the book that future anthropologists will no doubt call "the Rosetta Stone of handling trivial life situations."
From the guys who created the viral videos “Sh*t Nobody Says” and “Things You Can't Do When You’re Not in a Pool," Tripp and Tyler bring you the written word in Stuff You Should Know About Stuff, a guide instructing you how to navigate the treacherous waters of life’s extremely trivial situations.
There are even photos and illustrations for people who enjoy photos and illustrations and stuff like that. You can read it from cover to cover or you can choose to educate yourself only in conjunction with your bowel movements. Totally your call there.
Stuff You Should Know About Stuff places the priority on the trivial experiences of life, because that's where we spend most of our time; trying to recover from going for the fist bump when a casual acquaintance wanted a high five.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
Who says life doesn't come with instructions? We all know how we should behave at a funeral or a wedding (maybe), but what about choosing a picture for your Facebook profile or when it is inappropriate to say 'That's what she said' (spoiler alert: never)? These guys asked the perfect questions and came up with a manual for the trivial moments in life when we find ourselves wondering what to do, and they did in the funniest way possible.
I would say I related to about 90% of this book (the urinal part is not my forte) and that really helped to read through it in a sitting. I can't remember a single moment when I wasn't smiling or laughing hysterically or nodding in agreement.
On the other side, I kind of felt sorry for poor Neil in the examples and conversations used in this, but then a funny comic would appear to illustrate the point and I would be laughing so hard I forgot all about him.
The references in this were spot on and made this something incredibly special.
All this said, this is a pretty honest and useful book, an I can think of a great deal of people who could really do with a bit of these glorious tips...
I have since then researched more into the authors and I surrendered to their youtube channel. What a great time! Some of the parts in this book are from videos they made and I found the 'You're Doing Twitter Wrong' one just perfect!
I don't think everyone would enjoy this or find it funny, but I would seriously recommend this to anyone with a good sense of humour and that understands level 56 sarcasm.

Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night (Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery)

Release Date: December 2nd 2014 

Synopsis:
Volume 4 of the award-winning series returns with a high seas tale of pirate battles, vengeance, and lost love.
Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Shakespeare become pawns in a deadly game of survival between the legendary masked pirate Captain Cessario, his first mate Viola, and the new terror on the water, Titus Andronicus’ forbidding war ship The Lavinia.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
Shakespeare and pirates. Who wouldn't want to read that?
I hadn't read the previous volumes, so it started quite confusing and abruptly for me, but I got hold of the story pretty quickly from then onward.
The illustrations were as they usually are: amazingly powerful and put us immediately in the right atmosphere that is necessary to a storyline like this. They were also vert graphic and violent. Very violent. I would not recommend this to everyone.
As for the story itself, I thought it was original, rude and badass. I felt like I was in a parallel universe where Shakespeare's characters were badass pirates and Juliet was in love with Hamlet and Viola was the bravest, most awesome pirate captain I have ever seen, yet they all talked in Shakespearean style!
With an explosive ending (in every sense of the word), I will get my hands on the previous volumes as soon as possible.
A retelling/adaptation well done, in my opinion.

The Boy in the Cemetery (Sebastian Gregory)

Release Date: October 29th 2014 

Synopsis: 
This is the story of a girl who didn’t want to live…
Carrie Anne is desperately unhappy. Tangled in a web of abuse, she seeks solace in the cemetery that backs onto her garden. But something creeps between the gravestones. Carrie Anne is not alone… 
…and a boy who cannot die.
The cemetery is home to a boy. He has guarded these forgotten bones since meeting a gruesome end two hundred years ago. Neither dead nor alive, he has been watching for a long time. And now, he finally has the visitor he’s been waiting for…

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
Going into this book I was expecting a funny, light hearted story about the friendship of a girl and boy who happens to live in a cemetery. Nothing like that!
This actually surprised me positively. From the first page I knew it was going to be more than I first thought it would, and that got me excited.First of all, the characters were fascinating, but that is not the same thing as likable. I found both the boy's and the girl's fathers to be detestable, but most of all, I hated Carrie Anne's mother. She knew what her husband was doing, yet she did nothing. Carrie Anne almost got killed on the first day of school and she got abused by her father, and yet her parents just kept asking where she had gone wrong, what was wrong with her. I really felt sorry for her.
And even though we only got to read one chapter of the boy's story, I felt really attached to him, especially when he makes his appearance in Carrie Anne's life.
From that moment on, this book took a turn. It became a really eerie, creepy, dark, sinister, odd, cute and sad at the same time. And that was alright, it worked really well with the way the story progressed.
The ending caught me off guard. I reckon it ended in the perfect place, making this such an incredible tale. It touched serious matters and made the situation of the people living them very understandable to someone who doesn't know them. In fact, I believe this book was quite the allegory!
I recommend this one hundred per cent, and I really hope to read more by this author in the future.

The Empath (Erica Crouch)

Synopsis:
In a Victorian society fascinated by spiritualists, something wicked sinks its claws in from the other side.
Odessa is a psychic; her mother, the Great Madame Elena, is a fraud. After a séance goes terribly wrong and a woman ends up dead, an evil force slips into the land of the living.
Though Odessa and her mother try to outpace the rumors spreading, they can't escape the danger that has taken residence within Odessa herself. When Odessa is shouldered with the responsibility of the Great Madame Elena’s business, she starts to lose control of the spirit world, and she can’t afford to make another mistake.
Asked to open the door to the other side again, Odessa witnesses a brutal murder that hints at black magic and is faced with a choice: risk her life for freedom from her mother, or go on living a life of servitude. If she goes into a trance again, will she be able to maintain control?

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
This was such a great opportunity to read a book surrounded by fantasy and occult elements at the time that I did.
It's more of short story, but it didn't feel like it. It was like reading a full novel, with so much action, adventure and misunderstood characters.
The Empath was fast-paced and sad and beautiful and kind of amazing. It puts the reader under a spell, and I can't remember a single time when I felt bored. I honestly couldn't stop reading it until I had finished.
All the eerie, occult and fantasy parts were spot-on. Everything was done perfectly, or almost perfectly.
The only problem I kind of had with it was something I thought I wouldn't see in this story, but that I wasn't surprised to find - romance. I thought the romance as a whole was good, but the way it was handled left something to be desired. It was quite angsty, but I can't really blame anyone for that. I reckon it's something most authors have a problem with, creating realistic situations when there's a cute boy in the room with the female main character. I find authors try to make their conversation quirky and flirthy, even if they don't realise it. It can work, and it can become a really good romance. This one didn't, be it because of the time period it was set in, or because the characters had just met. Now, after all that, I must say, I can't really call this a problem. I was so enthralled by the story and the atmosphere, I didn't even care about the less fortunate part of the deal.
Finally, I think Erica Crouch nailed that ending. It left me there wanting more, and I reckon that, at the end of the day, that is a real win for an author.
Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I will read anything by this author that I can get my hands on.

An Hour in the Darkness (Michael Bailey)

Release Date: October 28th 2014 

Synopsis:
Michael Bailey’s new novel charts the unsettling and powerful story of one young man’s slide into a confused reality.
‘I have been hugely inspired by JD Salinger – The Catcher in the Rye,’ observes Edinburgh author Michael. ‘I enjoy using the first person narrative and this style works well with An Hour in the Darkness.’ Michael’s novel begins when his narrator, Franklin, suffers a bang on his head that jars his grasp on reality. Franklin begins his desperate journey through his home town in his search of love, forgiveness and understanding. He finds comfort in conversations with his young sister Jenny – but as he reveals himself to be a highly unreliable narrator, we must ask if Jenny exists or is merely a figment of his troubled mind?
Franklin is increasingly losing touch with reality when, against the backdrop of a local landmark he meets a man he believes to be God. This stranger tells of his own son who had similar problems and in his increasing confusion Franklin believes the man is likening him to Jesus. As Franklin’s life spirals further out of control his behaviour becomes ever more erratic, culminating in his touching, frightening attempts to win the affections of market-girl Ronnie, who is fascinated and frightened in turn by this strange, funny, ill young man.
Dealing with such universal themes as loss, love, guilt, forgiveness, relationships and mental health, this is an unsettling, but powerful, novel which will appeal to readers of books such as The Shock of the Fall.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I... I don't even know how I can give my opinion on this book. As soon as I read the synopsis on Netgalley, I knew I needed to read this, and thank God I did. For Chrissake, An Hour in the Darkness was just crazy, and emotional, and insane.
It starts of with the main character, Franklin, hitting his head really hard and, from then on, we follow him in his journey through madness and back again.
I must admit, I couldn't put it down. It just pulls you on right from the start. I reckon part of this is due to the dialogue style narrative, in which Franklin talks directly to us. As the book progresses, we get to see his quirky characteristics, as well as his view on life and everything around him.
Franklin, in my opinion, was that rare kind of character that should be a horrible person to be around in real life, but that, seeing the world though his eyes, we can't help but absolutely love and pity. He knows he's not well, and yet he still truly believes he's this type of heartbreaker. I found him to be such a fascinating character. He's just trying to find himself, his own self before he hit his head, forgiveness and love. And although he is a very unreliable narrator, you can't help but want his version of reality to be true.
We also get to meet Jenny, his sister, a man he believes to be God and Ronnie. This was one of the most emotional and heartwarming cast of characters I have read in a good time. And I must admit, a few moments made me cry. I was really upset throughout the latter half of the book, but in a very good way.
It was such a powerful and poignant book and I recommend it to everyone. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Nailbiter Volume 1: There Will Be Blood (Joshua Williamson, Mike Henderson and Adam Guzowski- Illustrations)

Release Date: October 14th 2014 

Synopsis:
Where do serial killers come from? And why has Buckaroo, Oregon given birth to sixteen of the most vile serial killers in the world?
NSA Agent Nicholas Finch needs to solve that mystery in order to save his friend, and he'll have to team up with the infamous Edward "Nailbiter" Warren to do it.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
So... I had no idea what I was getting into when I requested this book, but it didn't take long to figure that out.
I think it's safe to say that this graphic novel completely beat all the other ones I read. It was the most gruesome, amazing and eerie story I read this month.
I was biting my nails (excuse my choice of words) throughout the whole thing. The art was so realistic and terrifying it gave this an extremely mysterious and spooky setting, and I guess reading it under the covers at night didn't hurt.
I couldn't stop reading this, and when it ended I was crying for more, while, at the same time, hoping I would never have to go trough that rollercoaster ride again.
As a whole, I can't find a single flaw I feel like I need to point out. The authors perfectly nailed it... sorry.
Honestly, I can't even think of anything else to say. I was so terrified at everything... it was like being in a trance, surrounded by the worst serial killers I ever heard about. For me, the perfect quick Halloween read.

Doomboy (Tony Sandoval)

Synopsis:
A lonely, metal-obsessed teen sends a heartfelt song to his missing beloved, only to find out that his
music has traveled to the beyond, and re-broadcast to the entire city.
Only his best friend knows that he is really the mysterious rock god and anonymous legend known as "Doomboy."

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Another graphic novel to add to my collection. And this one I will definitely have to get my hands on the physical copy.
I always feel sad, because there isn't much one can say about a graphic novel of this sort, but I will do my best to convey my thoughts.
All throughout the book the atmosphere and plot line were so extraordinary and melancholic, sad and entertaining, depressing and lighthearted, all at once.
I reckon what made this work really well was the way the kind of supernatural elements were portrayed. The whole idea and mystic characters were very well done and the drawings were the most beautiful, intense ones so far, of all of the graphic novels I have read. They completely immersed me in the story and almost made me feel like I was really there, feeling the wind in my hair and the sand on my feet, listening to the pain in Doomboy's songs.
It was an amazing read for a stormy day and I completely recommend it.

Dresden Files: War Cry (Jim Butcher, Carlos Gómez - Illustrator, and others)

Release Date: November 11th 2014 

Synopsis:
A war is raging between the vampire forces of the Red Court and the White Council — a war that the
So desperate are the Council that they've dragooned the experienced and the outcast to reinforce their thinning ranks of Wardens.
One of these draftees is one Harry Dresden, Chicago's only wizard-for-hire and a guy who's long been looked upon with suspicion by the supernatural authorities.
Now, he's one of them, and his first big mission as a Warden is a doozy: take a small team of greenhorns to a frigid town in the middle of nowhere to rescue a handful of mortals who've been targeted by the Red Court.
The question is, why exactly are these particular mortals so crucial to the outcome of the war?
The answer will come only if Harry can keep them, and his team, alive for one very long night.
This graphic novel collects the critically acclaimed, five-issue series in one volume, and features a bonus section with Jim Butcher's original story outline, sketchbook artwork from Carlos Gomez, cover gallery with roughs from Stjepan Sejic, and more!
wizards are losing.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I have heard of Jim Butcher through many sources, specially Booktube, about his Codex Alera series, so when I saw his name under the title, I had to download it.
The Dresden Files seems to be an acclaimed urban fantasy series he wrote, that now gets turned into a graphic novel series. I have not read the original, but I can talk about this graphic novel as that: a graphic novel.
It was extremely enjoyable, being because of the explosive and addictive plot, the colourful action-packed illustrations or the quirkiness and badassness of the characters. Either way, it worked.
So, Harry Dresden, the main character, was absolutely fantastic. A great badass lider that kept his cool throughout a vampire atack. As for his team, each had their quirky personalities, wich made them so well portrayed.The vampires in this were so terrifying. The illustrators did an amazing job at scaring the crap outta me with all the supernatural elements.
War Cry constantly kept me on the edge of my seat, although it was kind of predictable.
Overall, a solid 4 or 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I can not wait to read the next one, as well as the original book series.

The Red Magician (Lisa Goldstein)

Synopsis:  
Winner of the 1983 American Book Award: In the shadow of the Holocaust, a young girl discovers the power of magic.
In the schoolroom of a simple European village, Kicsi spends her days dreaming of the lands beyond the mountains: Paris and New York, Arabia and Shanghai. When the local rabbi curses Kicsi’s school for teaching lessons in Hebrew, the holy tongue, the possibility of adventure seems further away than ever. But when a mysterious stranger appears telling stories of far-off lands, Kicsi feels the world within her grasp.
His name is Vörös, and he is a magician’s assistant who seems to have powers all his own. There is darkness growing at the edge of the village—a darkness far blacker than any rabbi’s curse. Vörös warns of the Nazi threat, but only Kicsi hears what he says. As evil consumes a continent, Vörös will teach Kicsi that sometimes the magician’s greatest trick is survival.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review. 
I really, really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t.

In fact, I was honestly expecting to love it. I mean, magic during the Holocaust… right up my alley. How can you go wrong with that?

The problem was the fact that it wasn’t done as I imagined. For that same reason, I have a lot to say about this book, so sit tight.

It had such an incredible and intriguing premise. A girl meets a magician that foresees the Holocaust. I was genuinely excited.
But, as soon as I started, I realized this was not going to be the book I initially thought, at all.
Now, before I start with what I didn't like about The Red Magician, I should say that I did enjoy Lisa Goldstein's writing. It was simple but used very good descriptions. But that was it.
It took me so long to get through a 127-page story because, the entire time, I felt so disconnected from everything. I didn't get to know the characters enough to care about what happened to them and I found most of them to be particularly unlikable. Their decisions, what they said, what they though... it was all so unrealistic and two-dimensional, I felt I was watching everything happen underwater. I was outside and I felt bored while being there, to be honest.
Some parts just dragged on and on and on and on, while others suddenly stopped, and when it restarted, a year had gone by. The big laps in time, as well as the inconsistency between them let me feeling like I was reading 5 different short stories. The atmosphere, the plot, the feelings it gave me, everything felt as though it had been written by very different authors for very different books.. very confusing books.
I need to mention the main characters: Kicsi and Vörös. On one side, Vörös felt as though he was written to be that one very likable character, that we were supposed to love. The wise magician. I just disliked him, because, being a magician, he could have done so much more to help the situation, but instead he just disappeared in random and very inconvenient moments in time. And although I did dislike him, nothing compares to Kicsi. She was such an annoying character. I found myself wanting to shout at her most of the time. Not wanting to spoil anyone, I need to mention this particular case: when the Germans arrived and Kicsi's family and friends were taken, she just accepted the fact that her parents and siblings were dead... she just cared that she might never see that random older guy that appeared midway through the story (and to whom she had told her biggest secret), the one she had met the previous year for two days and fallen in love with (particularly bad case of insta-love). And whenever she tough about how so many people had died, she immediately though of him, she never mentioned the family she had lived with for 11 years.
Now, I could have lived with how unrealistic the whole thing was, how bad guys immediately turned good if you just talked to them, because you 'couldn't' have done that before everyone was dead. What I couldn't deal with was the fact that the main thing that drew me to this book, the Holocaust, was only a very small part of the book. It was barely mentioned, and when it did happen, it just went by in 20 pages.
In the end, I just thought this book was trying to be a very emotional Holocaust book and it ended up being the only Holocaust book I disliked.
The ending kind of redeemed the rest of it and kept me from giving this 2 stars, but still, I really, really didn't want to have to write this review.

Alive (Hajime Taguchi)

Synopsis:
GEN Manga is Indie Manga from the Tokyo Underground.
GEN Manga was made to give fans an exclusive look at real doujinshi, otherwise known as indie manga, that they had heard about, but until now, unable to get their hands on.
In its essence, doujinshi is manga traded among other manga artists. Manga for manga lovers!
Seemingly mundane events twist with an unusual presence of the unreal as the psyche of ordinary people is explored.
Depression, time, and thought are redefined.
Alive is a collection of melancholy love stories saturated with sadness.
Characters struggle to connect with one another but never quite succeed. They are essentially alone.
Enter a world that is dark and disturbing — suicide is constantly contemplated and feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and suppressed sexuality surface as identity itself becomes a terribly fragile thing.

Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I have been having a real adventure reading graphic novels and mangas lately, and this was no exception.
This is another Gen Manga production, but I enjoyed it a lot more than Sorako. It was still about normal people, but it had an tiny something of surreal and it made of this a very good read.
The stories had no logical sequence, but in this one that was okay, because there wasn't a main character: it combined a lot of people, living their everyday lives... and discovering that life isn't always as our narrow vision imagines it.
Although it was quite weird and, I'd say, eccentric, it was still emotional at times and I felt it dealt with themes we don't often see in literature, serious themes. And because of the themes handled in Alive, as well as the way it dealt with them, I think it was an extremely bold book. Very, very graphic, I would not recommend this to younger readers, but I found it to be an extraordinarily brave way to write a manga about such matters.
Finally, I reckon there is more to this than what it looks like on the surface. It was an intense and profound story to existencial levels and I think I still have a lot to discover beyond the beautiful illustrations used in here.