Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Format: 209 pages, Hardcover

Published: August 27, 2019 by First Second

Ya/fiction/library

I read this one for bookclub and it was a great pick. I really liked how it was drawn, and there was even a map at the beginning to show the place where these two worked.

Two besties who are only besties when they worked together at this enormous very US thing. Like Pumpkin land? Anyway I guess they do not go to the same school. And they have worked there for years and Josiah has a crush on someone. This story takes place in one night as they hare trying to find his crush since this is their last year before college.

On the way there they meet others, try all the yummy stuff you can buy, there is a goat on the loose and well it all ends well.

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V5 by Alice Oseman

Author: Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper #5

Genre: LGBT, YA, Romance, Graphic Novel

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Published: December 7, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.

Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

Review:

Book 5!!!! Weeeee!

We continue on Nick's and Charlie's journey of love and awkward teen years. Nick is a year older and is going off to university next year. What university? How far? Will their love be able to make it? At the same time of Nick deciding where he wants to go, Charlie is still battling his demons. 

Now that I have this finished....I'll have to wait for the next one. UGH wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen????? The ending left me needing to know what is going to happen. I guess I have the show I can finish (gah. I only did season 1...so behind).

I hope they can stay together, but it is hard being school sweethearts and then college...especially if the go far away for college. I do worry about them and what the future holds. 

Seeing Charlie blossom is amazing. He's had a journey and I'm so happy to see him finally loving himself. 

We got to see some other subplots and character development with our sides. It didn't take away from our mains. Beautifully done!

The art is cute and perfect. 

My only issue is that it felt....slow. Lots of repetition. Enjoyable overall, but my eye did twitch a little bit. Yes, I get we are seeing their inner monologue, but it did get....old. 

I can't wait for the next one. I believe the next one might be the finale....or close to the finale. 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Amusing

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #35

Book Review: Mog and Tom by Leila Summers

Author: Leila Summers

Illustrated: Nicole Reasonda

Title: Mog and Tom

Genre: Graphic Novel, Cartoon, Children's book, short story

Format: ebook

Pages: 40

Published: July 31, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

Mog is a daring cat who loves trying new things. Tom is more of a homebody and a sloth. It is rare to see him anywhere other than lying on the soft, red sofa. One chilly afternoon, Mog has an idea. She draws a map and convinces Tom to go on an adventure.

Mog and Tom is a charming children’s story in the Humorous Healing Anagrams series using words that are anagrams of the phrase “stomach flu” and other connected words and phrases. These two cats will warm your heart as they take your mind off your problem, allowing you to focus on something different. You’ll find that sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you don’t know where you will end up.

At the end of the book is a list of the anagram words used to create this story. Children are encouraged to write their own fun stories using this list of words.

Review:

I was asked to read and review this little gem of a story. It is about cats so OF COURSE I said "Sign me up". 

Mog is daring. Tom is a homebody. They are best friends, but oh so different. One chilly afternoon, Mog has an idea. She convinces Tom to go on an adventure with her. He reluctantly agrees, but doesn't want Mog alone out in the big world. 

This was so utterly adorable. I loved Tom and Mog. They are too cute!!!! I loved how different they were but how much they loved each other. So very sweet. 

The animation was cute and the story was sweet. 

Honestly, this should be a print. I don't think kids would enjoy this as much...plus I think it would bring the art to life. 

I loved the messages this conveyed. 

However, I didn't fully get the anagram thing at first. I read some reviews and etc and then went back. Okay....I see it but I don't think it's necessary at all. I just enjoyed the story, the cats, and the art. Maybe I am missing the point. 

Minus the whole anagram thing, I found this delightful and cute. I would read this to a little one. 

4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V4 by Alice Osema

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 4
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary, Romance
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: May 6, 2021
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.

Review: 

I'm loving this series SO much. It's so dang sweet and....real. 

We continue following Charlie and Nick on their journey of young love. Things get a little heavier in this one. 

Not only do they want to scream "I LOVE YOU" to each other, but both are so scared and unsure.....we also get to glimpse at some of their demons. They both don't have the perfect family life. Charlie's mom is having a hard time trusting him. Nick's brother is a monster and his dad is absent. He's a 1 time a year father. 

We also dive into Charlie's mental health issues and eating issues. I'm sure a lot of it stems from that whole year he was bullied to the point the police should've been involved. Poor kid....Charlie is so sweet and didn't deserve that at all. :( 

Don't get it twisted...even with the heavier plotline here it is still light and YA. It just made their world seem more real....and it makes you adore them even more. You want them to be happy and have the perfect life. We all know life isn't like that though......

But yes. This is still really good and I want more! MORE PLEASE!

5 stars. I loved that it went a little darker and we get to see more behind each character. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Beautiful

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #22

Graphic Novel: Heartstopper V3 by Alice Osema

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 3
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom.

But coming out isn't something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they're dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris. As Nick and Charlie's feelings get more serious, they'll need each other more than ever.

Review: 

This series is just so cute so far! I still need to watch the next season of the show. But full steam aheaddddddddd!

Nick and Charlie are finding their groove as a couple. However, coming out isn't easy and isn't something that just happens once. They will struggle to figure out when to tell their friends and family (who don't already know). It gets harder when the school takes a trip to Paris. The city of Love. 

What I love about this is that we do get a couple of side stories, but the main focus is Nick and Charlie. They are adorable and sweet and they deserve each other. 

There is some worry about Charlie by the end of this. Does Charlie have an eating disorder thanks to the year before when he was bullied relentlessly? Ugh poor kid. I do worry that this may throw in unnecessary drama. But we shall see. 

We get to see a little bit of Nick's relationship with some more of his family. F his brother and F that father of his. GRRR. Nick is a gosh dang angel. 

So very sweet and so very easy to read. I'm trying not to devour the series. 

The animation is adorable. 

All-in-all, this series is great. It is so very YA, but not cringey which is a huge bonus. Just a sweet tale of love. 4 stars for this one. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #19

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper, Volume 2

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 2
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself.

Review: 

Awwww! I have to read more of these. The story and the art is so adorable!

We continue were we left off in V1. I guess a spoiler...but Nick and Charlie are best friends. We left off when they kissed and Nick took off. Charlie has been openly gay for a long time and Nick thought he knew himself...but after meeting Charlie...is there more to himself? 

BE WARNED! Some spoilers are ahead!!

I simply adore Charlie. He is so sweet and kind and really helped Nick. He didn't hold it against Nick for needing sometime to figure out himself. No pressure to make Nick come out. I really loved this. 

We get to see Nick try to figure out himself and his mates. He has some not nice friends (dang popular boys) to deal with. And telling his mom? He is scared. I loved how the scene with his mom was dealt with. It broke a tear to my eye. So sweet. I love his mom! I loved that WHOLE scene. 

The ending was simply adorable! I can't wait to read V3!!!

The art is adorable and fits the vibes very well. 

I'm loving this series so much. The characters are very sweet. We have a couple meanie weanies that Nick used to be slight friends with. Hopefully they can grow up. 

Giving this a 5 because I can and I will. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #16

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper Volume 1

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 1
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 288
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Review: 

I watched the TV show a couple years back (I still need to watch season 2 - whoops) and I've been meaning to read the original works. 

Here we follow Charlie and Nick. Charlie is high-strung and an over-thinker. He's been openly gay at his school. Nick is a kind boy who plays rugby. They meet when they are partnered up and a friendship quickly blooms. However....could there be more? 

The story is beautiful and I love these two together. Charlie is adorable and Nick is so dang sweet. 

I also really love the illustrations. So beautiful and impactful. 

Charlie and Nick really need each other and deserve each other. Charlie had a terrible year after coming out and then BEN showed up. Grrrr. Ben is shit. 

This is just so sweet and adorable. 100% recommend. 

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #15

TMST: Graphic Novels

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

7/12/2022 Do you read graphic novels? Why or why not?

I used to be obsessed with graphic novels in my youth. I used to read them online or from the library. I even had some that I bought/was given. 

As I have gotten older I feel like I don't read them as much. I try and make myself read one or two a year. Even that isn't a guarantee. 

Are graphic novels still popular with the youth? I feel like they are not that popular anymore. That could be just from my POV since I don't actively go hunting for them anymore. 

Graphic Novel Review: José and the Pirate Captain Toledano

Author: Arnon Z. Shorr
Illustrator: Joshua M Edelglass
Title: José and the Pirate Captain Toledano
Genre: Historical Fiction, Children’s Graphic Novels, YA 
Pages: ebook, 96 pages*
Published: January 1st 2022 
Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion

*Available in Print and ebook

Summary: 

Set in the shadows of the Spanish Inquisition, this is the coming-of-age story of José Alfaro, a young refugee who forms a powerful bond with the mysterious Pirate Captain Toledano. It’s also a dynamic pirate adventure on the high seas, with hand-to-hand combat and ship-to-ship action, and the powerful story of a dark time in history when people took different paths to survive. José Alfaro is a cocky, rambunctious teen in the 16th-century colony of Santo Domingo, pulling pranks and dodging the authorities. One day, José’s mischief lands him in serious trouble. Hoping for a fresh start, he stows away on the Laqish, not knowing that it’s a pirate ship. From his hiding place, he watches the pirates divide their loot and plan their attacks on long days at sea. He also takes note of the respect they have for their captain, the intimidating Toledano. But the captain has a secret―like José, he is a Jew. For him, piracy is not about the gold; it has a different purpose. Under the tutelage of the ship’s quartermaster, José learns the intricacies of pirate life. But when he can, the captain finds ways to pull José away from the crew, to teach him about his ancestors.

View Trailer Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr

Review: 

 When I was a wee thing myself I LOVED anything pirates so I know this would've been perfect for me so I knew I had to check this out. That cover...the storyline...the title....perfection!

Here we follow José Alfaro who is a young refugee. After certain events, he finds himself on a pirate ship and forms a powerful bond with the mysterious Pirate Captain Toledano. Set during the Spanish Inquisition, José and the captain have a secret that is dangerous for themselves and their crew. 

I finished this in one sitting. I literally couldn't stop reading! I had to know what was going to happen to our hero, his family, his friends, and his crew. No one is safe during the Spanish Inquisition! Such a dangerous and dark time. 

It made me sad watching José be forced to grow up so quickly. He went from a standard rambunctious and carefree teen to a young adult with a dangerous secret and worry and sadness. But he never lost his spirit! 

I loved watching him and Captain Toledano form a friendship. It was nice seeing the captain take José under his wing. 

By the end, I found that I enjoyed it, but it also saddened me. Some people are just so evil. Humans can really stink, but I loved the ending message here. There is hope for humanity, but it is a rough road. 

I loved, loved, LOVED the art. It was perfect for this story. It was a perfect balance of realistic vs animated. I think kids will really like it.

The only thing I consider an "issue" is that I felt like we needed more. I would've loved to see/read more of José's lessons with Captain Toledano. Learn more about the history of the Jewish people and the religion. Maybe see more about what it takes to be a pirate like fighting, etc. Maybe an extra couple of pages? I think that would've been an extra cherry on top.

In the end, I really enjoyed reading this. Can this please be made into a TV show or a movie??? I would for sure watch that! The story, the characters, the message...bravo. If you like historical fiction you'll enjoy this. I think this would be a good story for kids...especially if they like pirates. It has a great message at the end. Overall, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

This giveaway is for 2 print copies One for each of 2 winners. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on July 1, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Graphic Novel Review: Old Souls by Brian McDonald

Author: Brian McDonald
Illustrator: Les McClaine 
Title: Old Souls
Genre: Comic, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal
Pages: Hardcover
Published: June 25th 2019 
Where I Got It: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: Chris Olsen has a good life. He has a regular job, a wife and daughter who love him, and a promising future. By any measure this is a good life, but it isn’t his first.

When a troubling encounter with a homeless man triggers something inside Chris, memories of his past lives bubble to the surface. A lost Chinese boy, a wailing grandmother, and a love so powerful it never left his soul—all compete for his attention.


Chris sinks deep into the seedy and seductive world of “grave robbers,” vagrants known for their ability to relive their former lives. But can he find closure to a tragic episode in his past without losing himself in the process?





Review: My friend highly recommended this for me so she let me borrow her copy. It is right up my alley and I reallllllly must read more graphic novels!



The story follows Chris who has a pretty good middle-class life. He has a job he likes, a wife, a daughter, and a promising future ahead of him. When a troubling encounter with a homeless man triggers some memories to start haunting him, everything changes. He realizes that this wasn't his only life. He's had many lives before. He finds himself becoming addicted to learning about these hundreds and hundreds of past lives. However...could he lose everything in this life for his addiction? 



I 100% believe in reincarnation. Too many stories and facts and my own personal experiences have made me a true believer. This really did a wonderful job showing that learning about your own past lives CAN help you. However...it is a dangerous road. Like anything, you can become addicted and start wasting your life away. Poor Chris. It was an important journey for himself, BUT sighs...he starts falling apart. It was sad to see him fall apart and start losing everything he worked so hard for. 


This made me tear up at one point. Poor Chris. 


The ending made me happy. I won't spoil it for you, but it made me smile. 

I felt for the homeless man too especially when we get to learn more about him and his pasts. Such a sweet old man. I feel for him. 

This was SOOO good. I finished it one sitting. I was so engrossed! I could not put it down. 

I loved the art. I loved how it was in black and white! It all fits the story and narrative very well. 

Overall, if you even remotely like graphic novels, I highly recommend this one. It had a good plot and characters you get attached to. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Comic/Graphic Review: Xena - Penance by Meredith Finch

Author: Meredith Finch
Title: Xena - Penance
Genre: Comic, Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Expected publication: October 9th, 2018
Where I Got It: Netgalley

The path to redemption is never easy, and the journey of a warrior princess seeking to wash the blood of innocents from her hands is no exception. Xena travels to Athens, to plead for redemption in the temple of Eleos. But some things can never be forgiven and the shadows of past sins are long. Will Xena find redemption or betrayal waiting for her in the temple of the gods? The power, the passion, the danger... her courage would change the world. Xena: Warrior Princess. 



Ooooh, Xena. Love her. She was my hero growing so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go. 


The art is really good. I loved how Xena and especially her costume seemed to be very influenced by Wonderwoman. It makes sense and I loved the art. It was done well. The characters have similar looks to the original show, but I was happy that the artist decided to put her own spin on the characters. 


The story begins at the beginning with Xena on the road where she meets Gabrielle. She saves Gabrielle from some bandits and allows her to join her. It was good to start. It has been so long I cannot remember how the show started but I think it was similar. 


I honestly wished we didn't have to deal with Gabrielle. She is so annoying. Or, I wish, had her show up later. I would've liked some character building with Xena without Gabrielle running amok and getting in trouble. 


Overall, this was good. I enjoyed the art and this interpretation. I wouldn't mind some more! I'll give this 3 stars. 

Blodeuedd Reviews: SAGA by Vaughan & Staples

From the Hugo Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Y: The Last Man) and Fiona Staples (North 40, Red Sonja), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Searching for their literary hero, new parents Marko and Alana travel to a cosmic lighthouse on the planet Quietus, while the couple's multiple pursuers finally close in on their targets.

Collects issues 13-18.

My thoughts:

I am confused now, did I read vol 2? And now when I search in the library catalog I can not even find this one! *headdesk* But it did not feel like I missed anything. I remember that space ship, and they were still in it...oh well.

Two star crossed lovers being hunted across space. And they have a baby to protect.

I always say it, but I cannot review graphic novels...what should I say? They are short, they can be read fast. Yes stuff happens, but but.

Story: They meet an author. They try to live as normally as always. Good.

Illustration: Yes, that part I find the most important. I really like the illustrations. They are awesome. Really really well made.

Conclusion:

Good. But I really need to try to check at the library if I have read vol2 ;)

Cover

Great

Paperback, 1st edition, 144 pages
Published March 25th 2014 by Image Comics (first published March 19th 2014)
Saga, Volume 3
Graphic novel, sci.fi
Library

Comic/Book Review: Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman
Title: Marvel 1602
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi, Comic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 248
First Published: 2003
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

"All's not well in the Marvel Universe in the year 1602 as strange storms are brewing and strange new powers are emerging! Spider-Man, the X-Men, Nick Fury, Dr. Strange, Daredevil, Dr. Doom, Black Widow, Captain America, and more appear in the waning days of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. As the world begins to change and enter into a new age, Gaiman weaves a thrilling mystery. How and why are these Marvel stars appearing nearly 400 years before they're supposed to?"

Randomly stumbled upon this when I was at the library. I use to read comics and mangas all the time in my youth, but when High School came around, I stopped. Maybe it was because I got a group of friends (who were mostly girls) and none of them were really interested in that stuff. Well, one other girl. Our nerd world was a secret world. Thus is life. Now that I'm out of High School and dating someone who is also into this stuff, my love of comics and manga are resurfacing. yayy! When I found this I HAD TO READ IT! It mixes my love of history and superheros. eeek!

First off....this was certainly a spin on the original marvel comics. They had an interesting cast playing interesting roles: Spiderman (who didn't even get his powers until the very end), Nick Fury, Dr. Strange, Daredevil, Dr. Dooom (wish he played a bigger baddie), Black Widow (who was a baddie), Captain America (didn't expect him to pop up), Quicksilver, The Fantastic 4 crew, Thor, Cyclops, Ice-man, Professor Xavier, the Beast, the Angel, Jean Grey, and many more random ones. Clea was there too, but I didn't think that was her until I looked it up. Sad to say it, I thought she was a white version of Storm. Well, she looked like her and she summoned thunder and etc. I missed the reference that she went back to her dimension. >__< I liked the characters they picked. It mashed well. There were a couple characters I wished they put in there, but honestly there is only so much one can do. I do wish that Spiderman got his powers sooner, but oh well.

I loved the cast of real historical figures as well: Queen Elizabeth, King James of Scotland, William Shakespeare (I didn't catch that was him until waaaaay later), and legend that is Virgina Dare. I loved how they made Miss Dare sort of into a superhero with powers of shape-shifting and whatnot. It was a nice twist to that. 

The blending of two different worlds is tricky. It's like adding two different book genres together. One slip-up could ruin the whole story. This did wonderful at combining the two worlds. The characters didn't seem cheesy in this world, they made some sort of sense. I loved how they blended Magneto's Jewish history into that of the Spanish Inquisition years previous. His parents fell victim and he somehow managed to get away and grow up to be a Christian priest in disguise. Clever writer.

The drawings were lovely and the dress that he had them wearing was done well. Some were off by historical measure, but on the whole he did a great job with being historically correct. He should have given Black Widow more weapons (I think she at one time had a cross-bow...I don't recall). I loved the drawings...they had that classic comic-ness about them. Beautiful and gory (but not over the top) when need be. 

Honestly, there is so much I want to talk about, but I shall stop myself. I'm trying to get Boyfriend to read it (he's into all that stuff), so we can chat about it. Alas, he says he'll try. Hopefully he does before I have to take it back to the library. I recommend this to those that like comics or just the superhero genre. It's interesting. In the end, I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Nick Fury, Dr. Strange, Cyclops, Virgina Dare, Jean/John Grey, Javier, and Elizabeth I
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Magneto (I usually like him for the baddie he is, but he was a hypocrite), The Hulk (he's a baddie), and Iron Man (a baddie...in a way...).