This comic appealed to me on every level possible. Strong Female protagonist check, Cats as a race check, StFind this and other Reviews at In Tori Lex
This comic appealed to me on every level possible. Strong Female protagonist check, Cats as a race check, Strong World Building check, non-white characters check, Fearsome Villain check, Witches check, Humor Check, Action check and Fantastic Fantasy elements check. This comic rocks because it's unique storytelling reaches in, engages you and doesn't let you go. Maika Halfwolf is a force to be reckoned with, she manages to be fearless, reflective, violent, and admirable through this whole volume. Maika sets off on a mission to discover who she is and why, a teenager who refuses to give up until she finds answers. Along the way we learn about this fantasy world, that is cruel, unforgiving and filled with entity's who are after her.
Maika is a Monstress because a being has latched on to her, one she doesn't understand but which could have serious implications for the world around her. Maika is Arcanic which is a race created by human and Ancient's mating. Arcanics don't usually look human, but are invaluable for humans who use them as slaves and worse. The Cats are wise beings, who can talk, are not to be trusted, and multi-tailed characters I grew to love. There is also so much quality humor that this could also be labeled as a dark comedy. In the midst of being introduced to amazing characters, the author was able to weave in significant amounts of world-building that was presented flawlessly. The main characters are powerful women, who's powers are unmatched, and caused me to swoon. This reads like a fantasy love letter to all the wonderful women characters who have too often been left out of fiction.
This is one of my new favorite comics, and I will happily re-read it before I dive into Volume 2, because there is so much subtle wonderfulness to unpack. The artwork was dark, beautiful, and minimized enough to never become distracting. I felt privileged to find such quality writing, and I fell in love with all of the multi-layered well developed characters. The ending hints at future adventures full of surprises, and sure not to disappoint. I would recommend this to every adult reader, who enjoys fantasy, well thought out world building, and fantastic characters.
This comic appealed to me on every level possible. Strong Female protagonist check, Cats as a race check, Strong World Building check, non-white characters check, Fearsome Villain check, Witches check, Humor Check, Action check and Fantastic Fantasy elements check. This comic rocks because it's unique storytelling reaches in, engages you and doesn't let you go. Maika Halfwolf is a force to be reckoned with, she manages to be fearless, reflective, violent, and admirable through this whole volume. Maika sets off on a mission to discover who she is and why, a teenager who refuses to give up until she finds answers. Along the way we learn about this fantasy world, that is cruel, unforgiving and filled with entity's who are after her.
Maika is a Monstress because a being has latched on to her, one she doesn't understand but which could have serious implications for the world around her. Maika is Arcanic which is a race created by human and Ancient's mating. Arcanics don't usually look human, but are invaluable for humans who use them as slaves and worse. The Cats are wise beings, who can talk, are not to be trusted, and multi-tailed characters I grew to love. There is also so much quality humor that this could also be labeled as a dark comedy. In the midst of being introduced to amazing characters, the author was able to weave in significant amounts of world-building that was presented flawlessly. The main characters are powerful women, who's powers are unmatched, and caused me to swoon. This reads like a fantasy love letter to all the wonderful women characters who have too often been left out of fiction.
This is one of my new favorite comics, and I will happily re-read it before I dive into Volume 2, because there is so much subtle wonderfulness to unpack. The artwork was dark, beautiful, and minimized enough to never become distracting. I felt privileged to find such quality writing, and I fell in love with all of the multi-layered well developed characters. The ending hints at future adventures full of surprises, and sure not to disappoint. I would recommend this to every adult reader, who enjoys fantasy, well thought out world building, and fantastic characters....more
Dnfed at 12% wasn't connecting to the characters and world building. I did enjoy some unique elements but didn't vibe with the story.Dnfed at 12% wasn't connecting to the characters and world building. I did enjoy some unique elements but didn't vibe with the story....more
It has been a long time since I have read an entire volume of anything in one sitting. I'm puzzled how this illustrator and author can find new ways fIt has been a long time since I have read an entire volume of anything in one sitting. I'm puzzled how this illustrator and author can find new ways for me to empathize, cheer, or hate the characters I thought I knew well. The characters, world building and lore of this world continues to expand in interesting and new ways. I now have to patiently wait for a new volume after I have fallen in love with this world even harder then when it first started.
As the poets say, please let this comic have many, many issues....more
This was a great short classic. It eloquently describes how two woman navigate their racial identity, when the consequences of race were more dangerouThis was a great short classic. It eloquently describes how two woman navigate their racial identity, when the consequences of race were more dangerous than today. Irene befriends Clare after many years again and struggles with their friendship and her allegiances as Clare passes as white.
I was surprised how familiar and cyclical the racism and stereotypes were in the book. The author while describing friendship also explores obsessions' and jealousy in a suspenseful way. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy books that tale about uncomfortable racial dynamics that still permeate our society today. ...more
I really enjoyed this exploration of how men would with grapple being subjugated the way that women are now. The parallels were shocking and made me tI really enjoyed this exploration of how men would with grapple being subjugated the way that women are now. The parallels were shocking and made me think even more about how much woman just learn to put up with for the sake of society's expectations. A great read for those who enjoy thinking about feminism and our society's gender roles....more
A fantastic short story that manages to capture the frustration and commodification of black culture in America. The use of sci-fi, character developmA fantastic short story that manages to capture the frustration and commodification of black culture in America. The use of sci-fi, character development and Hoodoo, made this a unique and interesting read for everybody....more
I became a fan of Jasmine Mans after watching her perform Footnotes for Kanye on YouTube. This collection included that poem and some others that stirI became a fan of Jasmine Mans after watching her perform Footnotes for Kanye on YouTube. This collection included that poem and some others that stirred up my soul and demanded my attention. So much packed into these lines, love, identity, lost, betrayal and race. If your a fan of poetry and want to bless yourself, please read this.
My last book read of 2021, was a perfect pick me up for these trying times we find ourselves in....more
I really enjoyed this short story collection set in New Orleans with memorable characters and circumstances. The story's feature a raActual Rating 3.5
I really enjoyed this short story collection set in New Orleans with memorable characters and circumstances. The story's feature a range of sexuality, gender, poverty, poetry and the black experience. Unlike We Cast A Shadow which was entirely satirical, this author was able to develop characters who are rebuilding themselves and the city around them after Katrina.
My favorite story was Token which describes a man's day as he shrinks himself mentally and physically so his identity as a black man doesn't make other's uncomfortable. "this is how you take a blow beneath your belt and fall to the parched earth; this is how you stay down and laugh it off; this is how you get up and let them pat your skull." Another standout story was Ghetto University about a ex young professor who recently fired who decides to rob tourists unarmed.
This was a eclectic read about being black in New Orleans and it captures the culture, desperation and unique atmosphere that you can only find there. Some of the stories were too brief and I wish they were more developed, but all were worthwhile reads. If you enjoy thought provoking short story's definitely given this a read. ...more
Deka is a fierce protagonist who grows into herself and seeks out the truth of what is happening in the Otera empire. I enjoyed learActual Rating 3.5
Deka is a fierce protagonist who grows into herself and seeks out the truth of what is happening in the Otera empire. I enjoyed learning about this world, with creatures that are far more then what they seem. Deka is able to bond with her fellow alaki who have been labeled demons and form a wonderful sisterhood. The comradery and character development was great to read. The world building and memorable characters kept me invested in what happens next.
However the action was not well paced, so towards of the middle of the book I felt like things dragged. Despite that the story was done well, and I will be continuing the series. This book highlighted the importance of diversity, sisterhood, and challenging the status quo. If you enjoy young adult fantasy, with feminist themes and memorable world building, please pick this up. ...more
This is story within a story with a fictional time traveling book exploring race and power. City is a wonderful protagonist who is still trying to makThis is story within a story with a fictional time traveling book exploring race and power. City is a wonderful protagonist who is still trying to make sense of the being black, from Mississippi and puberty. The tale begins as City competes in a competition where he must use a work correctly in a sentence. While preparing for the contest he ruminates on race, people calling him gay and the weight of the pressure on him. His humor and wit used while discussing racism, kept me interested to see what happens next.
"When you and everyone you like and everyone who really likes you is treated like a pitiful n--r, or like a disposable n--r, or like a terrorizing n--r, over and over again, in your own home, in your own state, in your own country, and the folks who treat you like a n--r are pretty much left alone, of course you start having fantasies about doing whatever you can-not just to get back at white folks, and not just to stop the pain, but to do something that I didn't understand yet,"
Toward the middle of the book the story changes and you flip it around to be read the opposite way. While City is still the protagonist, it's him from a different time. Intermingled with the narrator shift is the slow reveal about what the Long Division book may be and how the characters may be apart of it.
I was entertained by this book but it ultimately fell flat. The scope of what the book explored was far too big for the size of this book. Things were rushed and half explained, and it could have been so much more gripping and relevant if things were explained more. The writing was phenomenal. I just wished the plot and sci-fi could match it. If you enjoy character driven sci-fi, where the author challenges you to fill in the blanks, definitely give it a shot....more
A positive, engaging and disarming memoir, I'm hopeful that the Exonerated Five will continue to bring change to the criminal justice system. Yusef haA positive, engaging and disarming memoir, I'm hopeful that the Exonerated Five will continue to bring change to the criminal justice system. Yusef had his adolescence stolen from him, because of a corrupt and unjust criminal justice system. In his memoir he described the many ways that he was protected and given divine purpose despite his circumstances. Yusef illustrates how negative stereotypes that have driven mass incarceration, and the danger of ignorance in a society that has stripped humanity from young black men.
"The systematic oppression created by white supremacy and white male dominance has to alter us in order to justify it's evil works."
Yusef talks speaks honestly about his hardships in prison and the mental issues he had to grapple with as he returned to a society where he was branded as a rapist. The captivating storytelling has a overarching positive message about perseverance and resilience. I was awed by how Yusef and his family channeled their rage into positive actions to help others, despite their infuriating and unjust experiences.
"My challenge to you is this: No matter what life has taken you through, try to live full and die empty."
I would recommend this to readers who want a encouraging call to action to continue to fight against injustice . Yusef is Muslim so he illustrates how his faith helped him with some passages of the Quran. But he encourages readers whatever their beliefs are to have faith in themselves and their purpose. ...more
This book challenged me, enraged me, taught me and gave me hope for the future about race relations. Kendi carefully explains the many ways that racisThis book challenged me, enraged me, taught me and gave me hope for the future about race relations. Kendi carefully explains the many ways that racism in America affects everything in our life, and how over time self-interest has pushed racial policy's forward. One of the most challenging tenets I had to come to terms with is yes black people can be racist. I read this with my co-workers at my law firm and am happy we were thinking deeply about this topic and how to be anti-racist.
"Like fighting an addiction, being an anti-racist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination."
The reality of how racist policies have advanced and continue to move forward was enraging but important to confront. We can only challenge the status quo when we understand it. It's disturbing how much I bought into assimilating and becoming a model minority as a way to move my race forward. Unfortunately that is a racist way of erasing my humanity and I want to strive towards allowing myself to be myself. Powerful and important and for everybody, I loved this book.
"Racist ideas often lead to this silly psychological inversion, where we blame the victimized race for their own victimization."
Now more then ever everyone has to do their part to counter their own racism, and fight against racist policies flexibly to get results. This book addresses colorism, ethnicity, gender, class, culture, space and so much more. I look forward to reading more from him in the future. ...more
A whirldwind of ideas and truths stuffed into a character driven sci-fi tale about love and self acceptance. This book was a thriller that took many tA whirldwind of ideas and truths stuffed into a character driven sci-fi tale about love and self acceptance. This book was a thriller that took many turns I didn't expect at all. Vern who we follow as she figures out who she is and becomes a mother is a force to be reckoned with. She slowly learns what exactly the compound Cainland is that she escaped from. Through her discoveries she is still navigating how to be herself, and it is a honest depiction of what growth is to most of us.
"Was it really so much easier to pretend everything was good than to face the possibility that it wasn't? Folks fell as madly in love with the illusion of the truth as they dud with truth proper."
It's weird but good weird, the kind of weird that makes you laugh at the absurdity then google scientific terms you never heard of. While this is fiction experimentation on black bodies in the US is a known and troubling phenomenon. Through fiction they portrayed the real manipulation and lies that have led to so much tragedy in black and Native American communities.
"The primary freedoms this nation protected were the ones to own and annihilate."
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy thinking deeply about identity and how our society is run. Definitely a great story with humor, mystery and truth dripping off the pages. ...more
I pushed through reading this book slowly, because of booktubers opinions who praised this as a wonderful sci-fi. I shouldn't have. This book follows I pushed through reading this book slowly, because of booktubers opinions who praised this as a wonderful sci-fi. I shouldn't have. This book follows Cara a world traverser, who slowly unravels the secrets about the company she works for. The politics and way this world worked wasn't explained well. The late character development and half explained concepts made me feel like I was reading a great concept for a book, but not the book itself. Everything just fell flat.
I did enjoy some of the action described while Cara's unmasked secrets. The plot although slow moving, was engaging at times. I just wanted more. I think this author has some great ideas that may spawn into something that connects with me in the future.
Not for me, but this world jumping story featuring multi gender romance may be for you. You will know within a few chapters if you'll enjoy it because it keeps the same cadence and tone throughout....more
Just not feeling it, only listened to two hours of this on audio, before I decided not to continue. Solid writing and interesting characters, I just cJust not feeling it, only listened to two hours of this on audio, before I decided not to continue. Solid writing and interesting characters, I just couldn't connect with the story. May listen again when im in the mood for a contemporary thriller....more
This is a unique young adult fantasy about two witches trying to do what's best for their island and wrestle the power away from a Queen who savagely
This is a unique young adult fantasy about two witches trying to do what's best for their island and wrestle the power away from a Queen who savagely sacrifices the people of their kingdom. The Jamaican influences and patois set this apart from most young adult fantasy, so I was excited to get into the rich world building here. However the first 100 pages of the book was overly focused on world building, so it was hard to keep reading and be invested with characters we weren't introduced to in the beginning.
While the plot picks up and I did become invested in what happens to Iraya and Jasmyne, I was disappointed with the slow pacing of the book. In this rich world, the character development was introduced so much later then it should have. I switched to the audiobook while reading, and the narrator read the book with a great accent, which encourage me to finish the book.
If you enjoy diverse fantasy you should definitely check this out, the character development will require patience, but some readers enjoy world building more. I will not be continuing the series, but appreciated the diversity in character and sexuality within the book. ...more
Entertaining yes, overhyped also yes. In this world of magic, gigantic crows, witches and prophecies the characters were funny, relatable and entertaiEntertaining yes, overhyped also yes. In this world of magic, gigantic crows, witches and prophecies the characters were funny, relatable and entertaining. The pacing however was slow, so by the time the action happens I was let down by how short the scenes were. I was happy to read about a fantasy world inspired by pre-Colombian cultures of the Americas. The religions and creatures were a refreshing part of the book. The plot twists were unexpected because the world was so unique.
“There are only two kinds of men: ones who betray you sooner and ones who betray you later.”
The entire book is a lead up to the winter solstice, but the ending did not flesh out enough of the event for me. It felt rushed and just clear build up for the next book. I'm unsure if I will continue with the series, because while I enjoyed the characters and action, I just wanted more. This is a great intro into a larger mythos, but on it's own it doesn't hold up well. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy character driven fantasy with rich world building....more
A wonderful exploration of what it means to learn who you are while facing the dangerousness of being black and gay. Saeed draws you in with quality pA wonderful exploration of what it means to learn who you are while facing the dangerousness of being black and gay. Saeed draws you in with quality prose and keeps you interested by walking you through his trauma so you can't look away....more
Once again I'm drawn into this world of betrayal, twists, and more types of monsters then I can keep track of. Maika Half-wolf is still a mystery thatOnce again I'm drawn into this world of betrayal, twists, and more types of monsters then I can keep track of. Maika Half-wolf is still a mystery that I am enjoying. I hope in the volumes to come we learn the crux of why the war, old gods and new are all coming to a head now.
A worthy addition to one of the best story's and comics I've come across. Excited to continue the series. ...more
This was a quick read featuring a fantastic creature who is determined to lead the protagonist Jam toward a monster in the midst of her community. JamThis was a quick read featuring a fantastic creature who is determined to lead the protagonist Jam toward a monster in the midst of her community. Jam is a trans girl who is able to start her transition early with the full support of her family. She also uses a lot of sign language to communicate and can relate to her surroundings in a special way. She was a strong but realistic girl who is empowered by every part of her identity to find evil.
Throughout this book the young characters have to confront their fears and face the unknown. The world described was familiar enough to relate to, even with its fantastical elements....more