Category Archives: Graphic Novel or Adaptation

Review: Hollow Magic by Mars Lauderbaugh

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Hollow Magic by Mars Lauderbaugh

Hollow Magic
Mars Lauderbaugh
Feiwel & Friends
Published August 11, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Hollow Magic

Seventeen-year-old Rosefinch has been traveling along the weather-beaten coast for two years on a quest to find a witch strong enough to help her control her magic. Her magic is volatile, hard to wield, and Rosefinch is tired of the pain of magical backlash. When she’s directed to the sea-side village of Harp, she discovers the ancient castle of a long-lost Witch Queen with the inhabitants long gone; the only remaining soul is a knight encased in solid ice guarding the door.

When she attempts to lift the curse, she frees Thierry, a human with no memory of who they are, wrapped in cursed magic so strong that they cannot leave the castle. Thierry is soft spoken, strong, and in possession of a fey sword that should be impossible for them to have. But they have secrets of their own, as do other members of the Harp family still hidden within the walls.

Harp castle was left in ruins for a reason, and Rosefinch must find a way to cure the curse or lose Thierry—and the chance to learn the truth about the Witch Queen—forever.

My Review

I’m really enjoying the fantasy graphic novels that I’ve read this year. Hollow Magic is another great example of a story that creates really interesting fantasy landscapes for its characters. The illustrations are really immersive.

I loved the mystery of the curse that Rosefinch tries to break to free Thierry. Following that thread led to many situations and revealed connections I hadn’t expected. I devoured the second half of the book. I really wanted to find out what happened.

The story reminds me a little bit of graphic novels by K. O’Neill. The style is a little bit different (and doesn’t have as many cute fantasy animals), but something about the pacing and the way the characters interacted reminded me of A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill.

I can definitely see fans of O’Neill or maybe Hari Conner enjoying this one. If you like stories about the Fae and a quest to break a magical curse, put this one on your reading list!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some characters can perform magic. The story includes some lore about moonbeams becoming fae and other creatures.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to curses.

Drug Content
Rosefinch drinks a powerful potion and eats herbs to enhance her magic.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Dare You to Dance by Rebecca Mock

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

Dare You to Dance
Rebecca Mock
Random House Graphic
Published July 28, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Dare You to Dance

From the award-winning illustrator of The Four Points series comes a heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a small-town ballerina attending a prestigious dance workshop. Determined to push herself, she picks the best dancer in class to compete against—only to discover that what her rival really needs is…friendship.

Gracie is ready to take on the ballet world — starting with the Young Dancer Summer Workshop in New York! It’s a two week summer course, and while she misses her family in Ohio, she is ready to show this ballet school that she has what it takes.

Too bad none of the other students got the memo and now Gracie feels like she’s already being left in the dust! Luckily, she knows the best way to get herself motivated is with a good rival and who better to pick than the star of the class, Sariah!

Except Sariah doesn’t seem interested in a fun competition with Gracie. In fact, she’s so serious that it seems like she barely enjoys dancing at all? Can Gracie break through to Sariah and find the exciting rival she wants? Or is this rivalry, and Gracie’s future in ballet, both doomed before it can even start?

My Review

I love stories about ballet and dancers. This one captures some of the competitiveness of dance without the intensity that usually accompanies it. Instead, characters have many different approaches to their dance experience. One character enjoys dancing and doesn’t want to be competitive about it. Another is very reserved, despite her obvious talent. She’s driven internally, but she doesn’t express those thoughts out loud. Still another dancer talks a LOT about her prowess and her future plans. She’s not shy about positioning herself front and center and criticizing other dancers she perceives as in her way.

Gracie must find her way around this big city dance camp, and she makes a lot of mistakes along the way. She doesn’t always understand the instructor’s directions or keep up with the choreography. She enters camp expecting the competitive atmosphere, but what truly helps her orient herself and settle into the dance routine is an unexpected friendship.

Some humor about body odor keeps the story light. Gracie’s bold expressions and big feelings also add to the humor. Periodically, the story zooms in on the older characters’ perspectives, offering a glimpse of what the instructors see happening and the relationships among professional dancers.

Ultimately, this is an uplifting story that celebrates dance and the friendships born out of summer camp and long hours of practice. I highly recommend this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
References to injuries. A dancer is injured during class. Rumors spread that another dancer injured herself on purpose or was injured by a rival.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom by Dave Roman

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom! (Unicorn Boy #2)
Dave Roman
First Second
Published May 5, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Unicorn Boy and the Slumber Party of Doom!

In the second exciting installment of this magical adventure, our hero Unicorn Boy sets out in search of deep mystical how to fit in at a sleep-over, how to handle everyone seeming cooler than you are, and what’s up with this whole unicorn thing? Perfect for readers of Narwhal and Jelly, Grumpy Unicorn, and InvestiGators.

Brian Reyes always felt a bit different—even before growing a unicorn horn, discovering a talking muffin, and swallowing the ruler of the Underworld to save his BFF. So when he receives a mysterious invitation for a Unicorn-Only Sleepover, Brian wonders if these fellow magical creatures might help him make sense of his increasingly odd world. Held in an enchanted castle in the clouds, not everything at this glitzy, glamorous party is as it seems, and Brian will have to fend off increasing social anxiety, ignore the negative feelings in his gut, and stay true to himself if he’s going to survive the night!

With a wave of his magic pen, Dave Roman has created a cast of charming oddballs reckoning with normal, every day problems—you know, things like heroic destinies and the fate of all magic in the universe.

My Review

I missed the first book in this series, but didn’t really have any trouble following this second one. There are some hints about what happened in the first book, and a problem that runs through the book that began in the first Unicorn Boy graphic novel.

The main character is unusual– a superhero, but one who isn’t easily classified. He’s a boy with a unicorn horn who seems a little bit shy and anxious. He seems like the kind of character that kids who feel a little out of place will enjoy reading about.

The book follows a superhero story format, introducing a villain-driven problem that the hero’s superpowers must solve. Here, Unicorn Boy depends on relationships and teamwork to put things right.

The quirky cast (which includes a character under a curse who appears as a sentient muffin) adds some humor. The underlying message about belonging and friendship will resonate with middle elementary-aged readers.

All in all, this seems like a great series for readers who’ve aged out of the Narwhal and Jelly books or who are interested in modern stories about superheroes.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 7 to 10.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Contains superheroes and characters with superpowers. One character is the former ruler of the Underworld.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Some brief scenes show bullying.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: To Dance the Moon and Stars by Tasia M. S. and Barbara Perez Marquez

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To Dance the Moon and Stars
Tasia M. S.
Barbara Perez Marquez
Joy Revolution
Published July 14, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About To Dance the Moon and Stars

In a kingdom where dance is forbidden, a future high priestess must bend the rules to stop an ancient evil from destroying everything and everyone she loves, including the crown prince, in this sweeping romantasy graphic novel.

Eighteen-year-old Myra has spent her entire life training to replace her grandmother as High Priestess. But with the day of her ascension rapidly approaching, she’s not sure if she’s meant for this path. How can she become the herald of the god Alrun when he forbids the thing she loves most: dancing?

Her kingdom can’t afford her hesitation though. Not only is the emperor looking for Alrun’s wisdom ahead of a peace treaty, but forces of darkness are seeping through the barrier between worlds. The only source of light Myra has is her childhood best friend, the crown prince. Without his support and…love, she may not be able to stop what’s coming.

To save her people, Myra must delve into her kingdom’s forgotten history, even if it means defying the laws of the land. But the key to salvation may just require her to make the biggest sacrifice of all.

My Review

The artwork in this graphic novel is nothing short of stunning. Bold, romantic colors fill the pages. The chemistry between Myra and Eyden is so clear in every image of them. I love the scenes showing Myra dancing and Eyden playing music. Every page is just absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations create a very immersive storytelling experience. I felt like I could almost hear and smell what was happening in each scene.

I wish that some of the plot elements had unfolded a little bit more slowly. At some points, I think the story would have benefited from an extra scene showing a transition or experience. Despite that, I still enjoyed every page.

Despite some of the quick transitions, the plot of the story is easy to follow and understand. The tension is well-portrayed. The cast size is perfect for the story. There are enough named side characters to make the story feel full and interesting, but not so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all.

I also really appreciated the Author’s Note from Tasia M. S. that explained what inspired her to create the book. I love that she has such a personal connection to the theme about dance being forbidden despite its importance to the culture.

All in all, this is a beautiful graphic novel. I think fantasy fans will want a copy of this on their shelves.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
The main character is training to become High Priestess serving the god of her kingdom. The visions he sends her seem to contrast what she’s been taught. The story shows ceremonies and prayers.

Violent Content
References to threats of war. Someone is poisoned. Dark shadows possess people, leading them to do things they don’t remember later.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Corpse de Ballet by Megan Kearney

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Corpse de Ballet
Megan Kearney
First Second
Published July 7, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Corpse de Ballet

In her solo graphic novel debut, Megan Kearney weaves a fresh tale of dark academia and brutal competition. This psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Black Swan!

Arriving at Saint Anselmus in the middle of the year, Rosamund Hammond is ready to practice hard and prove she deserves to be there. But something at this boarding school doesn’t feel right.

It turns out that just before Rosamund enrolled, a student disappeared without telling anyone. Was it really a leave of absence—or something more sinister? Together with her new roommate, Rosamund spirals deeper and deeper into an obsession with the truth. As the school prepares for its showcase performance of Coppélia, can she commit to her hard-earned ballet dreams while solving the mystery that’s haunting her—or will she lose herself in the process?

My Review

As a former dancer, I love books that feature ballet. Graphic novels are especially fun because of the visual representation of dance. This one is no exception. I loved the way that the illustrations captured the movement of dance. The story emphasizes the difference between rote performance and transcendent embodiment of roles and movements. The panels capture that nicely.

I also enjoyed the psychological elements. For a long stretch of the story, I wasn’t sure what to believe. Is Rosamund imagining things? Which characters are trustworthy? Someone is hiding things, but who is it? As the intensity builds, I found myself reading faster, eager to reach the moment the truth is revealed.

Another wonderful surprise in this book is how much history it contains. While I was familiar with the ballet Coppélia, I didn’t know anything about the original tale it was adapted from or anything about the author of that story. That history and some information about famous performances of the story tied together really well with the story Kearney tells here.

Altogether, this is a clever, gorgeous story that will delight and haunt its readers. It’s not quite as intense as the movie The Black Swan, but if you like that kind of story, definitely check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used pretty infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Rosamund believes a ghost is communicating with her. References to a story about an alchemist seeking to animate an automaton.

Violent Content
Bullying and manipulation. Psychological tension. Brief reference to a ritual human sacrifice in a story.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , , , , ,

The Ribbon Skirt
Cameron Mukwa
Graphix
Published November 12, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Ribbon Skirt

A joyful coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel by debut Indigenous creator Cameron Mukwa about the journey of a two-spirit kid who wants to create a ribbon skirt for the upcoming powwow.

Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by women in the Anishinaabe tradition, for an upcoming powwow. Anang is two-spirit and nonbinary and doesn’t know what others will think of them wearing a ribbon skirt, but they’re determined to follow their heart’s desire. Anang sets off to gather the materials needed to make the skirt and turns to those around them — their family, their human and turtle friends, the crows, and even the lake itself — for help. And maybe they’ll even find a new confidence within themself along the way.

My Review

I was a little slow to connect to Anang as a character. In the first few pages of the book, I wasn’t sure what was going on. Some of that might simply be that a graphic novel format doesn’t leave room for much exposition. I found myself picking up hints about what was going on as the scenes unfolded.

Once I understood why Anang worried so much about making a ribbon skirt, everything clicked into place. This happens on page 9, so readers aren’t asked to invest much time before the story becomes clear. I just spent those early pages feeling like I’d missed something.

I loved the way the spiritual part of Anang’s journey is represented in the story. Mukwa crafts a very visual experience and even involves Anang’s companions. (Their reactions are funny, too.)

The storytelling is gentle and warm. Mukwa lets readers glimpse some of the bullying Anang has endured without letting those moments upstage their current experiences. The focus remains on Anang’s quest to find materials for and make a ribbon skirt for the upcoming powwow.

The backmatter has a helpful note to visitors who would like to attend a powwow on how to engage as a guest and behave respectfully. The author also includes a short note explaining the history and meaning of the two-spirit identity that readers will find informative.

All in all, this graphic novel is a lovely, uplifting read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 9 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Anang asks spirits (two turtles and a lake) for guidance about making a ribbon skirt. The spirits help them find materials and remind them to be true to themself. Others with Anang see and interact with the spirits as well. Anang offers tobacco in thanks.

Violent Content
Some transphobic comments.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.