Xanthe Bouma

A cosy and occasionally funny story about Rayla and Callum, as their grief, fear and budding romance between season 3 and 4 sets the stage for what's to come. I appreciate a tie-in story being this intrinsically connected to the main plotlines. This feels pleasantly like an important story that easily could have been its own episode of the show, rather than the standalone, forgettable tale I was expecting.

Jess (who is half Diné, living alone with her father after her mother left them) has a tough time making friends. She and Olivia, her best (and only) friend, bonded over their mutual love of roleplaying. Jess has created a lone-wolf D&D character named Sir Corius, who goes on solo adventures while Olivia acts as Dungeon Master.

Jess is happy with the way things are, but Olivia seems intent on shaking things up, going so far as to create a D&D club where anyone could join her and Jess's show more game. She's also considering running for student council, which would make it tough for her to find the time to continue acting as Jess's DM. Jealousy and hurt feelings abound.

This reminded me very much of Jasmine Walls' The Last Session, except that one starred college students instead of middle schoolers, and this one was maybe higher on the "hurt feelings" percentage. In both works, D&D offered the characters a way to work through their issues with each other and learn to appreciate newcomers to their established groups.

I loved the artwork and thought Olivia's plans and ideas were pretty clever. All in all, this was a good read.

Extras:

Some character designs and concept art (all squeezed onto one page, so super tiny), and a page showing how the graphic novel went from script to final art.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) show less

A school librarian mentioned that all the kids at his school are reading this series so I picked this up to check out. Longtime best friends Jess and Olivia love playing Dungeons and Dragons. Jess says Olivia is the best dungeon master. But when Olivia suggests opening up their play to other kids and starting a D&D club at their middle school, Jess is uncomfortable with the idea. When Tyler joins the club, Jess kills off his character. The role-playing will draw fans of the game but also a show more realistic look at how middle school friendships can stumble or thrive. show less

This book goes back and forth between a D&D campaign of a school club and the real world of Highland Middle School where the main characters face bullies, friendship drama, and dealing with pressures of everyday life. As Olivia wants to expand their social circle, lone wolf Jess isn't sure she wants to do that.
The colors and art style changes with the section of the story.