The Writer Diaries: Micropoetry April 2016

A reminder, my dear blog-readers that micropoetry is something that I came across on Twitter, and dutifully dived into with little to no thought.


March was my first 'Writer Diaries' micropoetry post - where I essentially stick all the little bits and bobs of micropoetry I've written in the month into one blogpost, so that it's not lost forever in the mire of my Twitter feed.



Much less micropoetry from li'l old me this month, though.


I guess that's what happens when my method is essentially:

• have random phrases going round and round my head 
• write them down (usually directly into the Tweet box)
• head is now free of random phrases (woo!)

 

 

31st March

Not for the first time,
She wondered
Why they would make a girl of ink,
Into flesh and bone...




5th April

But surely you knew this before?
That she liked to watch the transient
Fade into decay
While celebrating and mourning the same?




5th April

My Shadow Man -
I dread the day
When you shadow another.
Am I your Shadow Girl?




20th April

You thought my spark had gone out
Hell no,
I'm a wildfire -
And I still burn




Like This Post? Try These:

• The Writer Diaries (or, I Need to Be Brave)
• The Writer Diaries: Micropoetry - March 2016

Friday Fics Fix! - No Sex, Please, We're British

Do you want the good news first or the bad news?

 

Let's lead with the bad news: this week's fic is Omegaverse.

I've explained Omegaverse and all of it's bizarreness before, and I'm not doing it again. Go check that post if you want to know more.



The good news then?

There's no sexy-times!

Did you hear that???? Omegaverse - the fount of weird alternate-universe porn - has produced a completely no sexy-times fic!!!!!!

via GIPHY

 

In fact, this fic (from the Sherlockians, that most dearly beloved and often most deranged group of fangirls and fanboys,) is about an asexual and aromantic Omega-designated Sherlock.

Now, a round of applause really has to go to the fic writer here: asexuality and aromanticism in Omegaverse?

You, my friend, are a credit to the fandom. You should have a certificate for services to nerd-dom.

 

via GIPHY

 

(Fangirling note: this gif, my dear nerdlets, is from the original 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.' That is Kimberley, Billy, and Tommy. Non-90s-kids do not know the pain. That was my childhood, right there.)

 

 

Also, I really love the whole Lestrade-is-protective-of-Sherlock (on account of him being basically Sherlock's dad,) thing.



This week's fantastical piece of fanfiction, then, is:

I Can Stand Alone by SailorChibi

Honestly, I'm so chuffed to have found something which takes a well-worn AU and finds something original to say about it :)



Also, I haven't recommended a fic with sexy-times in a month. Still can't help feeling it's the calm before the storm.

via GIPHY

 

 

 

 

Like this post? Try these:

 

• Friday Fics Fix - There Is Omegaverse (And I'm Taking You All Down With Me)
• Friday Fics Fix - Stuck in the AU



Comics Wrap Up - Nuttier Than a Squirrel's Hoard

Film Trailers

The final trailer for X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, is here.

Stand-by for extreme fangirling:


OHMYGOD THIS LOOKS SO FAB, MYSTIQUE IS ON THE GOOD-SIDE AND APOCALYPSE LOOKS NUTTIER THAN A SQUIRREL'S HOARD!!!!

PLUS - THE CLAWS!!!!!!! AT THE END - LOOK AT THE FREAKING CLAWS!!!!!!!!

X-MEN VERSION OF QUICKSILVER!!!! DUDE IS SO AWESOME!!!!

KURT, EVER-LOVING NIGHTCRAWLER, WAGNER!!!!!!


In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a little bit excited.



Graphic Novels



This week, I reviewed I Hate Fairyland, Volume 1 (UK - US). I love Gert and her wacky green hair and completely cynical (and more than slightly demented) outlook on life :)


You can see my review of I Hate Fairyland here.












I've decided to put my review for Luna The Vampire Vol 1: Grumpy Space (UK - US) back a month or two so that it goes up closer to the release date for this title.










My review of Blood Stain, Volume 1 (UK - US,) which I told you all about last week, is, at the time of writing, the most popular post of all time on my blog, which kind of rocks :)


You can check out my review of Blood Stain here.








Like this post? Try these:

• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - I Hate Fairyland, Vol 1: Madly Ever After
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Blood Stain, Vol 1
• Comics Wrap Up - This Ain't a Scene

Month in Review(s) - April 2016

Lots more reviews this month! Especially of graphic novels.

There've been some truly rocking graphic novels out this month - my faves are probably Blood Stain and I Hate Fairyland.

Check out all the lovely reviews! :)

Kids

Eliza Rose by Lucy Worsley - historical fiction



New Adult

Growing Up by Tricia Sol - contemporary, LGBTQ+, short stories, romance (m/m)



Adult

Play Hard by J T Fox - LGBTQ+, romance (m/m,) short stories, contemporary
Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult - contemporary, crime*, witches*, magic realism* (*ish)



Graphic Novels

Golem by Lorenzo Coccetti - dystopian, sci-fi, manga
Paper Girls, Vol 1 by Brian K Vaughan - sci-fi
Blood Stain, Vol 1 by Linda Šejić
Echoes by Joshua Hale Fialkov - horror, crime
I Hate Fairyland, Vol 1: Madly Ever After by Skottie Young - fantasy, fairies/fae, humour

Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - I Hate Fairyland, Vol 1: Madly Ever After

Title: I Hate Fairyland, Volume 1: Madly Ever After

Author: Skottie Young

Contributors: Jean-Francois Beaulieu, Nate Piekos of Blambot, Rian Hughes

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Fairies/fae, Humour

Series: I Hate Fairyland (#1-5)

Release Date: 20-26 Apr 2016

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

Didn't really know what to expect from this one: but it looked mad as the proverbial box of cats, so I went for it.

And you know what?

It was most definitely mad as the proverbial box of cats.

Premise:

Little Gertrude was brought to Fairyland when her wish to go there was granted.

To get home, she just has to finish her quest and find a key.

Turns out, quests aren't Gertrude's strong-suit.

Flash forward twenty-seven years, and still looking like an eight-year-old, Gertrude is pi*sed (in more ways than one,) and making chaos and killing the hell out of sh** wherever she goes.

And she's still trying to get that damned key!

Best bits:

You know when something is so random, and so off-the-wall that its just ridiculously funny? That's how I find this book.

It's difficult, as a reviewer, to call something funny, without it sounding fake or forced.

But I mean it - I found this really funny, and I was actually laughing at more than one point while reading it.

It has Deadpool-style humour: lots of violence, lots of randomness, lots of breaking the fourth wall in pretty b*lls-out style.

The artwork is perfectly balanced for the blend of randomness and violence - cartoony, but not kids-style cartoony.

It's bright, but not cutesy, with enough hints of fairyland to make the violence stand out more without resorting to dark and brooding. Dark and brooding this book is not.

And I love the fact that Gert's natural hair colour is apparently green. I mean, why not, right?

Not so great bits:

THIS BOOK IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS.

I can't tell you that enough. This ain't for kids, folks.

Lots of gore and violence, and lots of Gert giving pretty much everyone the finger.

Most of the gore and violence is perpetrated by someone who looks eight, and is in fact, fairly damned bloodthirsty.

So, if that's not your thing, you've been warned.

Other than that, there's very little to fault with this book.

Maybe it all felt a little loose and out-of-control in a few small places, but then, with a plot this random I'm just surprised there was any semblance of control at all, really.

Verdict:

Quite simply - I loved it.

It's not going to be for everyone. Because if it doesn't suit your sense of humour, you will hate it.

But the randomness, the off-your-head plot, the insanity of it all?

Well, it was all very me, wasn't it?

If it sounds like it's you too, then give it a try.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 1
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) Red Sonja: The Black Tower by Frank Tieri

Review Time! - Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

Title: Salem Falls

Author: Jodi Picoult

Genre: Contemporary, Crime*, Witches*, Magic Realism* (*ish)

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I figured of all Jodi Picoult novels, this was the one I'd be most likely to enjoy.

It has witch-y elements and secrets and atmosphere, and all that sort of stuff. Cool, huh?

So when I saw it in the library I figured I'd pick it up and give it a try.

And there is a lot to talk about here - buckle up guys!

Premise:

Jack St Bride is a man looking for a fresh start and a town where no-one knows him. What he finds is Salem Falls.

Addie Peabody is the owner of Salem Falls' local diner. She's clinging onto a painful past when Jack St Bride walks in one day, looking for work...

Gillian Duncan and her coven are hiding what they are from their town and their families.

One night can change everything.

Salem Falls may be a small town, but it has a lot of secrets - what really happened in the woods that night?

Best bits:

I loved that this book had so many layers. It's one that really gives you a lot to think about. 

Even the title can be interpreted in as many metaphorical ways as you can shake an English teacher at. (Please don't shake your English teacher - they don't appreciate it.)

All the different aspects and themes going on in this novel make up an uber-intricate piece of fiction.

And it's good for books to make us think occasionally - to challenge our perceptions and ideas. Salem Falls certainly does that.

This is a book that is just full of feels. I mean it - the intensity is like: argh!

And every time you think we're headed somewhere something else happens!

You're like: dude, are you even serious right now?!?!?!


Jack's already dealing with the thing and the other thing and you're going to stick THIS on his plate as well?!

LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!!!!

The writing is serviceable and draws you on... and by the end, you SO want to know what happens that you WILL finish this book!

I liked the atmosphere and all the intricacies, and the fact that nothing here is quite what it seems to be.

I also liked the references to Arthur Miller's The Crucible (UK - US) (note to self: want to read or find on audiobook,) and Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter (UK - US) (which I listened to on audiobook in the LA Theater Works version (UK - US,) and loved.)

Not so great bits:

It can't be avoided that the mean theme of this book is rape and sexual assault, mainly involving underage girls.

There is a lot about the subject in this book - and if it's an issue that affects or distresses you then I strongly advise that you do not read this book.


There's also some swearing and violence.

While you can tell that Picoult has made an effort to balance-up the portrayals of sexual assault, and its victims, in this book, I still felt like it didn't make clear enough that teenage girls are rarely the seducer in these cases, and that false allegations of rape are extremely rare.

Girls are also rarely quite as manipulative as I felt some of them came across here; some of this may even be seen as victim-blaming. I personally think it stops short of that, but others may not see it that way.

It did also get a little over-dramatic for my tastes (I could practically hear the Eastenders cliff-hanger music in places,) but it keeps your attention I suppose.

I didn't find the denouement (me and all my posh and fancy words ;P) to be all that convincing, given what happened before.

I can't really go into too much detail about that, given the spoilerific possibilities, but I just wasn't quite sold on the resolution here.

I hated Jack's mother - she was just so holier-than-thou but she didn't seem to give two sh**s about Jack.

Jack himself I have mixed feelings on - again, can't go into too much details due to spoilers, but one of his flashback scenes changed the way I looked at the character and how he treats women.

While the writing was largely fine, I occasionally got the feeling that the writer was mentally high-fiving herself for being so smart. Not often, true, but it annoyed me.

Verdict:

Not entirely sure how much I liked this one. I did like it, and I didn't like it: does that make sense?

Still, the amount of thought-provoking moments and happenings make this well worth the read.

And if you like books with lots of intensity, lots of stuff going on, and a deep level of atmosphere, then this is one for you.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• Review Time! (Yay!) - Carnevale by Michelle Lovric
• Review Time! - Growing Up by Tricia Sol

Nerd Church - What To Do When The Mean Girl Finds Success

Did you ever have that girl (or guy) growing up, who just couldn't stand the sight of you? (And the feeling, let's face it, was mutual.)

I did. Thing is, that girl - that ball of spite who I can't remember ever saying anything nice (and not just to me,) has found herself a degree of success.

via GIPHY

 

 

Not a huge amount, it's true.

But the local press (who have very little to report usually - all the things that actually happen here are quietly pushed under the rug,) are just pleased as punch.



Should I just be happy for her?

Because honestly, I can't bring myself to be. I do not wish ill on her - God, no! But I can't be happy for her either.

via GIPHY

 

 

And yes, I'm definitely jealous. I admit it.

She's getting all this attention and I'm here, struggling to make my own way in the world with my blog, my self-employed job, my childhood bedroom, and a side-order of depression and anxiety.

Does that make me a bad person?



I thought there was supposed to be some sort of natural balance...

We're always told when we're kids that if we're nice, good things will happen to and for us. And if we're horrible, then horrible things will happen.

Unless this girl has changed a lot in the few years since I last saw her - and I knew her for well over a decade before that - then, I'm sorry, but she is not a nice person.

So why does the universe seem to be on her side?



So, what to do...?

Well the simple answer is this: nothing.

I need to take a deep breath, and not think about it.

Instead I need to think of what I do have going for me: my wonderful friends and family, and my cats (and my love of reading ofc.)

Hating on her will do me no good. It will just burn me from the inside out.

No, I don't have to be happy for her (I'm always going to think of her as the girl that used to call me fat and mock my accent (I wasn't born in this town - shocker.))

Instead, I'll dismiss her entirely from my mind - her life has no effect on mine. Maybe it did, once, but not now - not for a long time.

I don't have to be happy for her success - but I don't have to care about it either.


Nerd Church is a weekly post where I ramble and rant about any issue that may be on my mind. Feel free to continue the discussion - whenever & wherever - but please link back here ;)



Like this post? Try these:

• Nerd Church - A Rich Man's World
• Nerd Church - Millennials Are Gonna Get There... Somehow

Conversations - Is 15 Years Old Too Young To Be Reading Fifty Shades of Grey?

Conversations is a meme from Geraldine @ Corralling Books and Joan @ Fiddler Blue.

Basically, 'Conversations' is a bunch of topics to discuss at set times - and you know I me, I like a discussion.

I figure I'll just put in my two-pennies if/when I feel like jumping in on a topic. Because that's how I roll guys ;)


This week's topic is:

Is 15 Years Old Too Young To Be Reading Fifty Shades of Grey?


My first response to this question was a knee-jerk one, and it was this:

15 YEAR OLDS SHOULDN'T BE READING FIFTY SHADES. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD?!?!?!

via GIPHY

 

 

Then I calmed the hell down and decided to think about things logically.



Now, I haven't read Fifty Shades, so this is going to be a general erotica/sexy-times-related discussion.

I'm pretty sure the points will also relate to Fifty Shades - because I haven't been living under a freaking rock, and I have a basic understanding of what Fifty Shades is about.

Just to be clear - what we're dealing with here is graphic sex scenes and BDSM.



15 years old is below the age of consent in most countries.

I would never EVER actively encourage 15 year olds to read erotica.

Because that would be giving porn to a minor, and apart from being hugely creepy *shudders*, it's probably bordering on illegal.

Well...maybe not. I don't know - it ain't right to encourage you anyhow! So I'm not going to.

via GIPHY

What is erotica?


A difficult one to define - but let's be honest: erotica is a book that is written with the sole purpose of sexual arousal.

via GIPHY

 

 

It always has graphic sex scenes. Usually more than one sex scene, dependent on the length of book.

I'm sure the argument can be made that a lot of romances border on erotica, or even are erotica. But there's always going to be fuzziness between genres.

I think intention is important - sure, you can have a steamy romance, but if it's more focused on the relationship than the sex then it's probably still a romance.

If the only reason for the relationship stuff is clearly to get the characters (ahem) together in the bedroom-sense, then you're probably dealing with erotica.

Again, there's no definitive here - but if you're dealing with a lot of graphic descriptions of the (ahem) mechanics of the bedroom, then it's probably erotica.



Why do people read erotica?

I'm sure there a lots of reasons - but at it's heart, erotica is a way of exploring sex, sexuality, and ultimately what (ahem) appeals to you... without placing yourself in dangerous or inappropriate situations.

For a discussion on the appeal, and the pros and cons, of erotica in general - and BDSM erotica also - take a look at Hans M Hirschi's excellent blog post.



The 15-year-olds perspective...

Remembering back to the dim and distance time in which I was fifteen, I'd say that the majority of fifteen-year-olds believe they're mature enough for this, but actually aren't.

At the same time, you aren't going to stop kids from getting hold of Fifty Shades and the like if they really want to.

Obviously, don't encourage them.

But, if they are reading this stuff, then hopefully their parents/relevant adults are approachable enough to make sex a topic that's not forbidden, but not so approachable that it starts to get a little weird.

(Talking to your parents about sex is uncomfortable at best. Let the kid know you'll talk about it if they want, then wait for them to come to you. And try to give off the general aura of believing in safe, sane, and consensual, sex.)

via GIPHY

The Internet exists, and the genie's out of the bottle

Ignoring the sheer amount of live-action and 'traditional' porn on the Internet, there's also a lot of pornographic fanfiction and fanart.

I know this, because I read fanfiction. And there are some things I just will never be able to un-see *fanfiction flashbacks here.*

What worries me the most though is that most fic writers, and readers, are under 16. This is some pretty heavy sh** to be writing and reading when you're so damned young.

And how do you even know this level of detail at that age?!?! I didn't know about lube at 16, but apparently the teenagers of the Internet are experts in the subject. (*Further fanfiction flashbacks.*)

Fifty Shades of Grey actually came from Twilight fanfiction, on the Internet. Yes, this is the typical level of sexy-times that is available to most movie, book, and TV franchises and fandoms on fanfiction sites.

via GIPHY

 

To be honest, Fifty Shades is tame compared to some things I've read *more flashbacks.*



So, what was my point again?

In an ideal world, no 15-year-old would be reading erotica.

We don't live in an ideal world - we live in the real world (*sigh*  I'm gonna find Narnia someday, honest.)

In the real world, teenagers are curious about sex, and porn is readily available. You do the metaphorical math.

The way forward, my dear friends, is not to expect 15-year-olds to be angels, but to be ready to talk to them if and when they have questions.

And to place emphasis on respect, safety, and consent.




Like this post? Try these:

• Pleasure, Not Guilt
• Friday Fics Fix - There Is Omegaverse (And I'm Taking You All Down With Me)

Friday Fics Fix! - Stucky Time

Another week, another chance for me to scar you all for life via the medium of fanfiction.

 

But fear not, my nerdlets!

There is no graphic sex in this week's fic! For like, the third week in a row. I'm actually beginning to worry.

(It's quiet... too quiet...)

via GIPHY

 

 

 

Maybe I've just had the luck to find a rich vein of non-pornographic fanfiction. I'll try and enjoy it while it lasts (this is fanfiction we're dealing with, it's not going to last long.)

So, this week's fic is a non-graphic-in-terms-of-sexy-times Stucky fic.

(Fangirling note: Stucky is where Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, and Bucky Barnes have a romantic and/or sexy-times thing going on.)

via GIPHY

It's worth reading just for Bucky screaming at Steve for being such an idiot; I chuckled - a lot.


This week's fic is:
You Make Sense To Me by FawkesFlame123


There is swearing, just to throw that out and letcha know. (Yes, I said letcha. Yes, I know that's grammatically incorrect. No, I don't care right now. 'Cause I'm a rebel.)

It's also a little clunky and clumsy here and there, but I liked it. So check it out, and see what you think.



Like this post? Try these:

• Friday Fics Fix - Sweet Stucky Fluff
• Friday Fics Fix - Stuck in the AU

Comics Wrap Up - This Ain't a Scene

Film Trailers


So many the teaser trailers for Captain America: Civil War this week guys! SO. MANY. THE TRAILERS.

OK, the people in the next one with the punching and the kicking and the weapons?

STOP HURTING MY BUCKY BEAR!!!!!



Graphic Novels

This week I reviewed Blood Stain, Vol 1 (UK - US) by Linda Šejić.

Dudes, I cannot explain fully in this brief wrap-up the degree of the rockitude of this graphic novel. You'll have to go read my review.

And Linda Šejić? A very cool person, who was totally classy when I accidentally shared the wrong link to Twitter. (I should not be permitted online before coffee. It just doesn't end well.)

I also read and reviewed Echoes (UK - US) by Joshua Hale Fialkov. Creepy, cool, and black-and-white, you can check out my review here.

I read Luna the Vampire, Volume 1: Grumpy Space (UK - US) by Yasmin Sheikh - an uber-wacky set of adventures about a vampire who lives in space. As you do.

My review for Luna the Vampire will probably be up within the next week or so.

Other Stuff

Came across this weird little faux-documentary trailer thingummy as promo for X-Men: Age of Apocalypse:



-0-

AND GERARD WAY HAS A DC IMPRINT!!!!!

THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!!

Gerard Way's DC imprint is Young Animal. And it looks pretty damned cool.

-0-

This week I also spent far too long watching spoofs of superhero movie trailers.

Here're two of my favourites from ArtSpear Entertainment (adult humour, gore, swearing, etc...)



Like this post? Try these:

• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Blood Stain, Vol 1
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Echoes, Vol 1 by Joshua Hale Fialkov
• Comics Wrap Up - Little Frayed Around the Edge



Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Echoes, Vol 1 by Joshua Hale Fialkov

Title: Echoes, Vol 1

Author: Joshua Hale Fialkov

Contributors: Rahsan Ekedal, Troy Peteri, Ryan Cady

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Crime

Series: Echoes (#1-5)

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

This looked both cool and creepy.

To be honest, it doesn't really take more than that to draw me in. Cool? Creepy? Yep, I'll give it a shot.

Premise:

Brian's father is dying. What he says next will change everything.

Is it true - the box, the house, the sick trophies? And if it is, if Brian's father is a monster, what does that make Brian?

They share the diagnosis of schizophrenia... could they share this horrible legacy?

Best bits:

I loved the way that nothing is quite what it seems in this book. You think one thing, and suddenly it's completely flipped on its head, and you're left questioning all of your assumptions.

Brian's schizophrenia is a large part of this - we don't know what, if any of this, is real. How much is he hallucinating? How much is really happening?

The black-and-white artwork helps with this - it gives everything a vibe that's half-classic-horror-film, and half-dreamscape.

It's literally a world that's made up of grey-area - and the confusion is handled wonderfully, playing the reader and leading us through the feelings we're supposed to have at various points.

And you will have some pretty intense feelings with this book. The sickening dread is brought to just the right level to give you that thrill you want from a comic like this.

It's not just the reader's assumptions which are turned on their heads here - it's society's too. Assumptions about the sort of people who would commit a crime, about the sort of people we should or should not trust, are questioned and broken open. And it's incredible.

Not so great bits:

A lot of people will find this book distressing. There's some sensitive subjects in here - mental health, Alzheimer's, and some hugely unpleasant things happening to children.

The portrayal of schizophrenia is purposely vague and contradictory - because it's here that the 'did he do it?' aspects come in. I personally didn't mind this depiction, but I think some people might find it offensive or distressing.

There's also swearing, blood, gore, and implied violence - the usual cohort of stuff that I feel it my blogger-ly duty to warn you about, just in case.

There's also horror elements. If you don't like horror, then I don't recommend this book.

I would've liked a more conclusive ending, but that's very much a personal thing. There was nothing wrong with the actual ending we have here.

Verdict:

This is a great graphic novel - one that really makes you think.

The artwork is great, and the story drags you along, challenging everything you think it's going to be, and every turn you think it's going to take.

If you fancy something creepy, something challenging, something compelling, then give this a try.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

Liked this post? Try these:

• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Blood Stain, Vol 1
• Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Sons of the Devil Vol 1

Review! (Graphic Novel Edition!) - Blood Stain, Vol 1

Title: Blood Stain, Volume 1

Author: Linda Šejić

Genre: Graphic Novel

Series: Blood Stain

Release Date: 19 April 2016

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

This looked to be in a similar style to the graphic novels by Linda Šejić's husband, Stjepan.

And since I loved the way that sort of style worked in Death Vigil (UK - US) which I reviewed last year, I thought I'd try this too.

Premise:

Ellie is out of work and out of luck.

So... maybe the scientist's assistant job looks a bit... freaking creepy... but... she needs the work. Right?

Best bits:

I loved, loved, LOVED Ellie's memories of jobs gone wrong, as well as her slightly paranoid mental ramblings and imaginings. It made her a) likeable, b) realistic, and c) laugh-out-loud funny!

The style of artwork that Šejić uses is similar to her husbands style - that same openness of lines, and deft work on facial expressions, can be found here as well as in Stjepan's work.

But Šejić brings her own edge, her own voice, to the book.

Instead of being caught in her husband's shadow, she flourishes in it - using the bits she requires, and binding it with own humour and storytelling.

I think you can probably guess by now - I LOVED this book.

I loved the characters. I loved the situation. I loved Ellie's random scatter-brained thoughts.

Ellie rocks - a character you can sympathise with, empathise with, and laugh at, in equal measure. I love her!

I also absolutely loved the possibilities for further instalments - DAMMIT I NEED MORE!

Not so great bits:

The odd bit of swearing, and some panels that could be conceivably called gory if you squint and turn your head a bit, won't put most people off. But I've told you it's there, so now it's up to you.

I did get slightly discombobulated (love that word!) during one or two of the flashback sessions. Because I didn't understand what we were flashing back to. But I worked it out in the end!

My main problem with this graphic novel though is that THERE WASN'T ENOUGH OF IT!!!!!!

I need to know what happened!!!

We're only just getting started on the juicy stuff - the stuff that is our actual premise, dear book, and now you're going to pop off into the wasteland of between-volumes?!

WHY?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!?!

Verdict:

If you like relatable, realistic, awesome-sauce female leads, and awesome storytelling in general, read this book.

If you like graphic novels that actually have a brain-cell, and a fab style of artwork t'boot, read this book.

Basically, just READ THIS BOOK. Because man, I loved this book.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads

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