E.B. Roshan

While I read my share of murder mysteries, I find murderless mysteries to be a refreshing change of pace, as this story was for me. I'm guessing the matter of prosthetics and the presence of an airship are what makes the setting an alternative Edwardian England, though to me, the read pretty much just felt like a standard historical cozy.

By that I mean a mysterious read with a clever and quirky kind of style. The illustrations are quirky as well and added an endearing quality to the show more characters and the overall flavor for me. But what I probably find the most remarkable is that I enjoyed the story so much even with its rather unlikable heroine.

Through much of the book, I was thinking that in large part, Opal's got more tolerance and compassion for plants than for people, and it's evident that she has some sort of psychological condition. Yet, it also seems evident that she and those who care about her don't know or understand what that condition may be. It's an unfortunate reality that many people with various conditions have and do go through life undiagnosed and misunderstood.

Seeing Opal's shortcoming and struggle in the area of human relationships, and getting glimpses of how that struggle affects her heart, gave me a different appreciation for her character, even without my fully understanding her. (Because that's how life is with real people sometimes.) Her struggle also made the ending in regard to her rather Sense-and-Sensibility-esque relationship with her sister such a picture of grace at work, along with the conclusion Opal eventually reaches about people. A conclusion helped along by the meaningful perspective of a certain foreign character.

Beyond the technical details of the mystery, the story of human connections between flawed people is what I loved most about this novella. A truly satisfying read for me.

I received an advance reading copy of this book for an honest review. show less

- given a free copy for an honest review -

I vaguely remember the Greek story this was based on, but the story opens with a much needed recap. It was also a very fun choice to use in an octopus in place of a Minotaur. This story is set in space with aliens and royalty to boot.

The story takes itself seriously despite the wacky designs of the world’s inhabitants. A serious toll is continually paid to keep the maze running. Serious drama here and no one is playing haha, but it’s not gruesome show more or scary for younger readers. It’s just a matter of fact. Like, a knight who has to kill a dragon to save the kingdom.

I liked the relationship between Sima and his bodyguard Lanard, who is resigned to his fate to watch over this reckless young man. Surly character with a soft spot is some of my favorite tropes. In addition, the bit of depth given to the Maze princess's feelings was nice and acknowledged it’s not always that easy to let go of a problematic thing/place you love.

Concerning the artwork, the panels are easy to follow and has a good variety of images. It’s not just talking heads back to back. The color scheme is grayscale without shading. Sometimes, you could see too many words crammed into a speech bubble, but for the most part, the artwork worked fine.

3.5 show less

- given a free copy for an honest review -

I vaguely remember the Greek story this was based on, but the story opens with a much needed recap. It was also a very fun choice to use in an octopus in place of a Minotaur. This story is set in space with aliens and royalty to boot.

The story takes itself seriously despite the wacky designs of the world’s inhabitants. A serious toll is continually paid to keep the maze running. Serious drama here and no one is playing haha, but it’s not gruesome show more or scary for younger readers. It’s just a matter of fact. Like, a knight who has to kill a dragon to save the kingdom.

I liked the relationship between Sima and his bodyguard Lanard, who is resigned to his fate to watch over this reckless young man. Surly character with a soft spot is some of my favorite tropes. In addition, the bit of depth given to the Maze princess's feelings was nice and acknowledged it’s not always that easy to let go of a problematic thing/place you love.

Concerning the artwork, the panels are easy to follow and has a good variety of images. It’s not just talking heads back to back. The color scheme is grayscale without shading. Sometimes, you could see too many words crammed into a speech bubble, but for the most part, the artwork worked fine.

3.5 show less

Farz and his family have harvested Silki’s precious silk, as Silki-charmers for generations. But Silkis, giant, spider-like creatures, can be dangerous and the government has decided they don’t want them around. But even though Farz is ready to try a new life, it doesn’t mean he wants Silkis to disappear forever. What happens when his past and present crash together one day?

I was pulled into the plot of this graphic novel and turned pages as fast as I could. The simplicity of the art show more style, mixed with straightforward dialogue make it a quick and easy read.

A part of me respects the quickness of the story, but the other part of me wants to know more about this world and not only the Silki-charmers, but everyone else as well as being able to dive into the world building. E.B. Roshan has many layers that are only briefly scratched in this novel. It honestly gives an opening to possibly make this into a series.

This young middle grade graphic novel has a lot of appeal to those who like sci-fi with alien adventures that humans will understand too.

*Thanks to the author for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review show less