The Curie Society

I truly enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I was very curie-ous about the development of the idea at the basis of the book, female scientists empowering each other. And I found my expectations were not disappointed. The main characters of this story are three young girl teens interested in science, each with different interests and personalities, who soon got involved in a secret society, the Curie Society, founded by Marie Curie in 1903 to support women in science. Our heroines found themselves leaving apart their interests and overcome their ambitions, for working together on an unexpected mission. Even if this graphic novel is expressively designed for a young audience, I think that many elements could interest also grown-ups: show more leadership, failure, ambition, collaboration, loyalty are everyday topics for scientists to deal with. Besides, a lot of real science is introduced in the story: ionic planes, de-extinction of lost species, ecosystems conservation profit from illustration to effectively explain the most recent science discoveries. I could just be a little disappointed by the open final until I realize more sciencey adventures could come in the near future. show less

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

New to Edmonds College, Simone, Taj, and Maya find themselves sharing a dorm room in Lovelace Hall. Though they're all exceptionally talented young women with ginormous brains, they seemingly have little in common: Simone the biologist loves doting on her ant colony, while ambitious mathematician Maya hopes to impress her demanding father by cultivating influential Mensa connections. Computer wiz Taj is a bit of a rebel, with her illicit art installations and penchant for (well-deserved) fisticuffs, both virtual and IRL. Needless to say, all these big personalities crammed into one small space results in conflict like whoah.

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The trio is forced to work together - and, dare I say, bond? - when they all receive cryptic invitations to join The Curie Society. Founded by none other than Marie Skłodowska Curie herself, the secret society exists to help women scientists achieve their full potential, despite the many hurdles placed in their paths by entrenched misogyny (and racism!). The Edmonds chapter is led by two of their professors, Drs. Burkhart and Warsame, as well as their "orientation guide," Emma - and they waste no time in pushing their latest recruits to their physical and mental limits.

The girls' training is fast-tracked when, during a field trip to the Waterton Glacier International Park, thieves manage to break in and steal hard drives containing years of the group's de-extinction work. Worried that the information will be sold on the black market, the new class's first mission is to intercept the suspected sale at the upcoming N.E.D. talk. But why are their mentors acting so sketchy about the group's history? Where are all the previous class's members? And what is Dr. Burkhart and Emma hiding about their connection to corporate espionage?

THE CURIE SOCIETY is a really fun and engaging spy story that has the added bonus of promoting STEM/STEAM as an exciting opportunity for girls and women, including women of color. There's lots of nerdy goodness to be found here, whether you're into IT, math, biology, cryptography, engineering...the list goes on.

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Among my favorite panels are those set in the wildlife park, where thylacines and wooly mammoths walk the earth again (even if I don't necessarily agree with the ethics of the thing).

The mystery that drives the plot is interesting enough but, to be honest, it mostly takes a backseat to the ins and outs of the secret society - and, of course, the science!

The characters are fairly multidimensional, especially considering there are around eight major players in a 168-page book. They're very diverse, with the main and supporting characters coming from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. There's also what looks to be a budding F/F romance that's been super-sweet to watch unfold thus far. (Let's hope!)

The plot's denouement involves a potential "ecoterrist" threat which could be prove fertile ground in future installments. (Again, let's hope!) I'm interested to see how it plays out. show less

It's nifty to see a graphic novel built around the adventures of young women in science, but I found the characters a little hollow and the story a bit dull. It was hard not to compare this to the much better The Unstoppable Wasp: G.I.R.L. Power, the Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur animated series, or even the male-inclusive The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook.

This just book just feels stiff, having to set the scene and introduce all the characters, as well as being the product of a rather large committee of creatives. Too many cooks?

I have the next Curie Society book on hand from the library, and it has a different writer dropped into the mix, so I'll give it a go to see if she can give the series a little more life.