Mini Reviews [38]

X-Force #1 by Benjamin Percy, 

Dustin Weaver & Joshua Cassara (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): THE HIGH PRICE OF A NEW DAWN! X-Force is the CIA of the mutant world—one half intelligence branch, one half special ops. Beast, Jean Grey and Sage on one side, Wolverine, Kid Omega and Domino on the other.

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I really didn't like X-Force. The entire story felt disjointed and bounced from one character to the next without much preamble (and there are a lot of characters in this one). It's also very violent and gory, which isn't my cup of tea. I think the author killed someone for the shock value, and then twisted their death so that it somewhat impacted the rest of the story.

This person! I'm having a hard time believing everything went down the way it did. Running away? Seemingly scared to death? An island full of mutants is overwhelmed by a handful of nobodies? Ugh. I'm sorry, but it simply wasn't plausible. Magneto? Apocalypse? Any of the psychics? The island? No one was able to glimpse or prevent the outcome? (My husband is telling me this is normal for the X-Force comics, and that nobody stays dead for long.)

When you kill a popular character, people are going to want to know why, so you sell more comics. I'm too frustrated with this issue as a whole to even consider continuing the series. If I wouldn't have felt ridiculous, I would have DNFd it after the first few pages. Additionally, the artwork felt sloppy and didn't compliment the story being told. (★★☆☆☆)

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Family Tree #1 by Jeff Lemire, Phil Hester,

Eric Gapstur, Ryan Cody (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When an eight-year-old girl literally begins to transform into a tree, her single mom, troubled brother, and possibly insane grandfather embark on a bizarre and heart-wrenching odyssey across the back roads of America in a desperate search for a way to cure her horrifying transformation before it’s too late. But the farther they get from home, the more forces threaten to tear the family apart as fanatical cults, mercenaries, and tabloid Paparazzi close in, determined to destroy the girl—or use her for their own ends.

A new genre-defying series written by New York Times bestselling author JEFF LEMIRE (GIDEON FALLS, ASCENDER) and illustrated by acclaimed artist PHIL HESTER (Shipwreck, Green Arrow), FAMILY TREE combines mystery, action, and horror into an epic story about the lengths a mother will go to in order to keep her children safe.

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Family Tree was trippy in the best possible way! Jeff Lemire is an astonishing writer, and this story is incredibly unique. What would you do if your child started transforming into a tree?? I would freak the fuck out! I'm not sure how her mom stayed so calm and clear-headed, and surprised myself by laughing when her brother made a joke (he's a sarcastic teenager). It was definitely not the time or place for humor, which made it even more hilarious.

I also really liked the setup! We get to see a normal day play out before the world falls apart, which provided a nice before-and-after contrast. I honestly have no idea what's going on (was that Lumberjack Santa?), only that I need to know more! The family was dysfunctional but seemed solid, and I particularly loved everything that happened with the son at school -- hah! It felt authentic and totally believable, which is saying something since the girl is turning into a tree. (★★★★☆)

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Spider-Man & Venom: Double Trouble #1

by Mariko Tamaki, Gurihiru (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): You’ve seen ‘em duke it out in the Marvel Universe for years, but prepare to see Spidey and Venom as you never have before: as begrudging… buddies? It’s fun of the freaky variety this time around, as an unexpected mind-swap sets Spidey and Venom in each other’s bodies! But WHO swapped them, and why?! From Mariko Tamaki and Gurihiru comes an all-new take on your favorite arch-Frienemies in the MU – and now they’ve gotta work together to set things right!

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Spider-Man & Venom: Double Trouble was incredibly childish and not at all what I was expecting. It's definitely a series to read with your children, and I struggled to enjoy it on my own. I think my son would've liked it, but that would require me reading it a second time, which I'm not inclined to do. On a more positive note, the artwork was phenomenal and really captured the essence of the story. I think if I had been better prepared, I would've liked this one more. (★★★☆☆)

Mini Reviews [37]

All About Allosaurus: A Funny Prehistoric Tale About

Friendship and Inclusion by Greg Gormley

Expected publication: February 18th 2020

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A fun story that introduces children to different dinosaurs, with a light message on inclusion and friendship.

Allosaurus is fed up. All anyone ever talks about is T. rex. T. rex this and T. rex that. Well he thinks it's his turn now—he's going to write a book all about him. Allosaurus sets to work, but soon everyone wants to be in his book. With a page for everyone, there might not be room for Allosaurus after all. And just what will happen when T. rex finds out she isn't included?

Beautifully illustrated, QEB’s Storytime series introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Featuring charming animal and human characters, the books explore important social and emotional themes like friendship, gratitude, perseverance, and overcoming fears. A Next Steps page at the back provides guidance for parents and teachers.

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I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

All About Allosaurus was not about "friendship, gratitude, perseverance, and overcoming fears." It was about manipulation, bullying, and self-pity. Allosaurus was jealous of T. rex's popularity, so he decided to write a book about himself. He kept bumping into other dinosaurs that wanted to be included in his book, and despite his initial protests of "It's all about Me!", Allosaurus caved as they cried and bullied their way onto his pages. After adding everyone else, Allosaurus said his book was finished and claimed there was nothing special about him (which is not how or why this story started), and the others had to convince him otherwise (ugh). The writing was choppy, the dialogue was confusing, and the story itself was very off-putting. I think this book sends the wrong message(s) to children, and I wouldn't recommend it.

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Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1: 800 + Fun and

Challenging Trivia Questions by Donna Hoke

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Become a triumphant trivia boss.

If you want to impress people with your wide-ranging knowledge at the next game night, pick up Ultimate Trivia, Vol. 1. The 800-plus questions in this book are spread over amusing and diverse categories creating a wide and fun playing field for everyone.

Pass the time on a cross-country road trip with questions on literature and fine arts. Test your family’s historical knowledge at the next holiday gathering. Or belly up to the bar and engage in a Q&A about animals and nature. It doesn’t matter the setting—this trivia book is perfect.

Ultimate Trivia, Vol. 1 includes: A variety of formats—Try team vs. team in group play or go head-to-head with a friend to see who comes out as a trivia master. Checked and double-checked—All the information has been strenuously fact-checked to ensure everything is accurate and up to date. So many subjects—You name it, it’s probably covered: US and world history, pop culture and food and drink—it has it all.

Leave a lasting impact at the next trivia night with this brain-busting book.

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I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

This trivia book was surprisingly easy, which was disappointing. I don't want the questions to be impossible, but I would like for them to be a little challenging. Most of the sections felt too simplistic, and some of the answers weren't very accurate. For example, one of the questions asked: "What is Lord Voldemort's real name?" The answer: Tom Riddle. I felt like Marvolo should have been included in the answer choice, since the middle name is necessary for the anagram. However, the other options were laughable (Tim Reed, Travis Rawlings, Trevor Rowling), so it didn't really matter. My husband had a lot of issues with the Animals and Nature section, but I don't remember anything specific. Sadly, this was not a "brain-busting" book.

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Modern Vegan Baking: The Ultimate Resource for

Sweet and Savory Baked Goods by Gretchen Price

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The ultimate guide to real vegan baking―Modern Vegan Baking is your best resource for creative, substitution-free treats that are both savory and sweet.

With new ingredients like agave, arrowroot, and aquafaba, vegan baking is every bit as delicious and exciting as traditional baking. Mixing inventive ingredients and cutting-edge methods, professional vegan baker and blogger behind Gretchen’s Vegan Bakery, Gretchen Price shows just how delicious substitution-free cooking can be. With 125 recipes, plus step-by-step tutorials, Modern Vegan Baking provides a variety of tried and tested recipes for anyone who enjoys vegan baking.

Modern Vegan Baking contains:

125 Vegan Baking Recipes for making both savory and sweet treats, including must-have classics and innovative creations
Easy-to-Follow Instructions for new vegan baking techniques and ingredients

Helpful Extras including a complete guide to vegan baking substitutions

Recipes in Modern Vegan Baking include: Triple Chocolate Glazed Donuts, Rosemary and Fig Focaccia, Lemon Lavender Shortbread, Pumpkin Pie with Oat Nut Crust, and much more!

Taste how much better baking without butter can be with these creative and dairy-free delicacies!

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I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

This cookbook arrived just before the girl's birthday, so I decided to try two of the recipes for their cakes! The super-easy vanilla cake and bakery-style fudge icing recipes were both a success, and really complimented each other. The girls and our guests thoroughly enjoyed the cakes, which is saying something, since everyone is always hesitant to try our vegan versions of things. My one complaint would be an excess of fudge icing, but it's halfhearted. Can you really have too much chocolate? 😉 I've attempted a few other recipes from this book, and it's definitely one I can see myself continuing to use in the future.

Mini Reviews [36]

Undiscovered Country #1 by Charles Soule,

Scott Snyder, Giuseppe Camuncoli & 

Daniele Orlandini (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): This November, New York Times bestselling writers SCOTT SNYDER (WYTCHES, A.D.: AFTER DEATH) and CHARLES SOULE (CURSE WORDS, the forthcoming novel Anyone) will team up with artists GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI (The Amazing Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Hellblazer) and DANIELE ORLANDINI (Darth Vader) and 2019 Eisner Award-winning colorist MATT WILSON (THE WICKED AND THE DIVINE, PAPER GIRLS) to embark on an epic adventure in the brand-new ongoing series, UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY!

In this special oversized first issue, readers will journey into the near future, and an unknown nation that was once the United States of America—a land that’s become shrouded in mystery after walling itself off from the rest of the world without explanation over thirty years ago. When a team seeking a cure for a global pandemic breaches U.S. borders, they quickly find themselves in a struggle to survive this strange and deadly lost continent!

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Even after reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Undiscovered Country. Normally, I wouldn't grab something like this on my own, but my husband was very excited when he stumbled across this series, so I decided to see if it was worth all the fuss he was making over it. Surprisingly, it is worth the fuss and fanfare. Soule and Snyder have created something utterly unique and captivating, and I cannot wait to see what they do with this story.

The United States of America hasn't been in contact with the rest of the world in over three decades, and no one knows what's been happening inside of its walls. There's even a barrier in the air that will destroy any aircraft or person that tries to breach it, which means someone from the inside has to allow access. After all these years, a team has been invited inside the walls, and what they found was... sooo unexpected. I'm still thinking about everything I saw! I thought the characters were interesting, and particularly liked the sibling aspect. I want to know more about them and how they found themselves in their current circumstances. 

The characters, world-building, and story all exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for something you've never seen before, Undiscovered Country is definitely worth picking up.

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Amazing Mary Jane #1 by Leah Williams,

Humberto Ramos & Carlos Gomez (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One lucky lady just hit the jackpot with her own series — THE AMAZING MARY JANE #1 by writer Leah Williams and artist Carlos Gomez will bow this October, putting the spotlight on the love of Peter Parker's life! But if Spider-history has taught us anything, such a position is rarely a good one and usually spells trouble! In a story spinning from the pages of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #25, Mary Jane Watson just got her big shot — but at what cost? And can she really trust anyone as she pursues her Hollywood dreams?

Mary Jane is no stranger to drama, so you can be sure that THE AMAZING MARY JANE will be offering up action, glamor, grit, and even a little sass in this new ongoing series, coming in October!

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Finally! A comic about MJ and what her life is like without Spider-Man's influence. Normally, we see her in his comics and she's developed just enough to make her relevant, but not so much that her character overshadows Peter. After all, he's Spider-Man, and she's just his classmate-friend-girlfriend-fiancé-wife (depending on the comic). However, MJ is so much more than that, and she's repeatedly proven that she can hold her own in a universe full of Powered People. 

Leah Williams is writing a few things I'm reading, and I'm still undecided on whether or not I like her writing style. I feel like she takes some liberties (which writers are allowed to do) that change the essence of very predictable characters. Take Gwenpool for instance... she's one of my favorite characters, and I'm really fond of how both Hastings and Thompson have written her in the past. Williams writes Gwenpool in a way that feels both familiar and foreign, and it's throwing me off (not in a good way).

In The Amazing Mary Jane, we get to see MJ live her life outside of Peter Parker's shadow, and it's a breath of fresh air. She's presently surrounded by various villains, and the girl's not even breaking a sweat. She taking everything in stride, and hasn't told Peter any of the dirty details surrounding her arrangement with a certain someone. I do love that Peter is still in her comic, and that he's there without being the focal point. It's an interesting perspective for sure! We'll see how it goes. 

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Canto #6 (of 6) by David Booher,

Drew Zucker (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The blockbuster finale to Canto’s first epic quest is here and… there’s no place like home! Atop the Emerald Tower, Canto faces the Shrouded Man to demand his beloved’s heart. Having finally made it to the end of his journey, will Canto learn the truth behind his people’s captivity? Can he battle the Shrouded Man… and survive to return home to tell the tale?

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Canto was a mini-series that ended without really ending. I was expecting the story to conclude at the end of this issue, but a lot of nothing happens before we're told Canto's story will continue in blah blah blah. 

I felt like Canto was underdeveloped as a character, and none of the secondary characters were memorable. Honestly, I couldn't even tell you their names at this point. Someone assisted Canto in the later issues and they had a dragon-like creature, but I can't remember who they are or where they came from. Canto also has a pet that doubles as a friend (sort of). 

I grabbed this comic because I thought it would be an interesting story to read with my son, but there was nothing that separated one issue from the next. Canto goes on a journey, but it never felt like he did anything. I wish we'd seen more between Canto and the girl whose heart he wanted to retrieve/save, but there are only a few broken conversations in the darkness, which were just his memories. If he's risking his life to save someone, I want to know more about that person. 

Also, the villain is the bag guy... why?? His story didn't make sense either. He's super evil now because his own journey didn't go the way he wanted it to? So? Dude makes super evil creatures, enslaves countless others, and all because someone peed in his Cheerios? He said he was "saving" everyone, but I couldn't get behind his reasoning. Canto isn't a series I will be continuing in the future.

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Rivers of London: The Fey and the Furious #1

by Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, Lee

Sullivan & Paulina Vassileva (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The award-winning urban fantasy series Rivers of London begins a new story of fast cars and fairy queens, from series creator Ben Aaronovitch!

When an English racecar washes up in the Netherlands, wizarding cop Peter Grant is called in to investigate its unusual cargo. Fresh from suspension, Peter infiltrates the street racing big leagues – but can he find the finish line when he’s sucked into real-life fairyland?

A canonical story, set after bestselling novel Lies Sleeping.

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Make it stop. Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!

If I wouldn't have felt terrible for DNFing something that was maybe thirty pages (and something I spent money on), I would have stopped reading Rivers of London: The Fey and the Furious after just a few pages. The story was boring, confusing, and the characters left a lot to be desired. Needless to say, I will not be continuing this series.

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Deadpool #1 by Kelly Thompson,

Chris Bachalo (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Deadpool’s newest mercenary job has him going after the King of Monsters, who has claimed a new kingdom for his monstrous subjects…on Staten Island! But you know what they say, when you come at the king, you better not miss! The Merc with a Mouth finds himself neck deep in political intrigue, monster law, and a monster hunter out for blood! It’s like The Crown but with even more swords and monsters! Can Deadpool’s smooth charisma and deft diplomacy allow him to keep his head, or will he be royally screwed?

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Deadpool! Kelly Thompson! Jeff the land shark!

I've always thought Deadpool was an interesting character, but I tend to avoid his comics because he's really gross. He can't die, so he usually gets hurt in very creative and disturbing ways. Also, there was the one time he hid on the Guardians of the Galaxy's ship, and everyone knew he was there because of how badly he smelled. He had broken himself on purpose to fit into a panel or something, and then his body odor gave him away. See? GROSS.

However, I will forever read whatever Kelly Thompson writes, and she's currently writing Deadpool. I loved both her All-New Hawkeye and West Coast Avengers series, so I'm hoping this one will be just as entertaining and creative. I really enjoyed the first issue, although the story didn't unfold how I thought it would. I started to care about one of the characters too soon, and was left feeling very angry at the end. I'm totally okay with this, because it means Thompson is a remarkable writer that makes her readers feel invested in the story and its characters, but ugh. THAT GUY. 

Mini Reviews [35]

Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook: 100 Mouth-Watering

Recipes for Time-Crunched Vegans by J.L. Fields

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Versatile vegan recipes for quick and easy meals.

Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just interested in eating more plant-based foods, variety will spice up your life. The Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook brings a new selection of fresh meals to your table, pronto! From one-pot to pressure cooker, choose your favorite cooking method—without being held hostage for hours in your kitchen.

This flavorfukitchen.

This flavorful vegan cookbook doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or a huge time commitment. The preparation techniques are simple—there’s even a chapter devoted to not cooking at all (Gazpacho, anyone?). Every recipe lists nutritional information, and most include tips for ingredient substitution, adding more protein, or other easy customizations.

The Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook includes:

100 tasty recipes—Whip up meals full of personality and variety like Artichoke Heart Salad, Spicy Pinto Bean Skillet, Mushroom Stroganoff Bake, and more. Fast, easy, or both—Choose from chapters on 30-minute recipes, sheet pan and casserole meals, 5-ingredient dishes—or even recipes with no cooking required! Dietary options—This vegan cookbook lets you adapt menus to your needs with handy labels for gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, or soy-free diets. 

Eat easily, healthfully, and deliciously with the Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook.

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I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

It is so hard to find a cookbook that I'll use regularly, especially one that's 100% vegan. Typically, I'll end up using only a handful recipes, so keeping the entire book has always felt a little pointless. Does anyone else do that? Buy an entire cookbook just for a couple of recipes? Well, I am happy to report that there are quite a few recipes in the Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook that I'm looking forward to making. I've skimmed the entire book, marked the pages that snagged my attention, and successfully made Creamy Portobello Soup. 

My son had to leave school early on Friday because he had a fever, and soup is a pretty standard response when someone is sick. Me? I always want potato soup (the chunky kind my mom makes, but that I can never get exactly right). However, my son loves mushrooms. I remembered seeing a recipe in this book, so I stopped and grabbed some friendly fungus on our way home. 

There are a lot of cookbooks out there that claim their recipes are "fast and easy," but most of the time that's simply not true. Thankfully, Fast & Easy Vegan Cookbook is exactly what it claims to be. The recipe I followed was straightforward and required very little of my time. Bonus: I already had most of the ingredients (just not the main one, haha), and was able to prep this meal and have it ready in 15-20 minutes.

I also really liked the variety in this cookbook, and appreciated the inclusion of the recipe index and dietary labels at the end. Whether you're a vegan or not, this cookbook is definitely worth looking into. Side note: I used 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of 1 teaspoon, waaay more salt that what was required, and 2 mushroom caps instead of one (in case anyone decides to give this recipe a whirl). 

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How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen

by Joanna Faber & Julie King

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A must-have resource for anyone who lives or works with young kids, with an introduction by Adele Faber, coauthor of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, the international mega-bestseller The Boston Globe dubbed “The Parenting Bible.”

For over thirty-five years, parents have turned to How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk for its respectful and effective solutions to the unending challenges of raising children. Now, in response to growing demand, Adele’s daughter, Joanna Faber, along with Julie King, tailor How to Talk’s powerful communication skills to children ages two to seven.

Faber and King, each a parenting expert in her own right, share their wisdom accumulated over years of conducting How To Talk workshops with parents and a broad variety of professionals. With a lively combination of storytelling, cartoons, and fly-on-the-wall discussions from their workshops, they provide concrete tools and tips that will transform your relationship with the young kids in your life.

What do you do with a little kid who…won’t brush her teeth…screams in his car seat…pinches the baby...refuses to eat vegetables…throws books in the library...runs rampant in the supermarket? Organized according to common challenges and conflicts, this book is an essential emergency first-aid manual of communication strategies, including a chapter that addresses the special needs of children with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders.

This user-friendly guide will empower parents and caregivers of young children to forge rewarding, joyful relationships with terrible two-year-olds, truculent three-year-olds, ferocious four-year-olds, foolhardy five-year-olds, self-centered six-year-olds, and the occasional semi-civilized seven-year-old. And, it will help little kids grow into self-reliant big kids who are cooperative and connected to their parents, teachers, siblings, and peers.

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How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen was a phenomenal book! Parenting isn't easy, and I always wonder what I could be doing better. I don't like feeling frustrated with my children (but we all know it's unavoidable), and this book offered insights into their way of thinking, and how they might perceive a situation. Oftentimes, what I'm frustrated about can be easily resolved if I take the time to address their concerns in a way that makes them feel really listened to.

This book provides tools that have improved my understanding, bettered the communication between me and my children, and created a more positive environment for everyone. It's not always a quick fix, and it doesn't work every time, but there has been a noticeable difference in our day-to-day lives and how we respond to problems. The tools are effective more often than not, and I think that says a lot about the benefits of this book.

The girls will be three this month, and my son is five, so they've started fighting more often and using words like mine. The arguing, fussing, and crying were driving me crazy. This book helped me implement tools that made my children feel like they were being heard. It's amazing how many problems can be resolved just by acknowledging their feelings. They calm down and explain what's wrong without whining, and my ears are endlessly thankful.

I have highlighted this book to within an inch of its life (not an exaggeration), and have flipped back through the chapters whenever I'm struggling to communicate clearly with my kids, or when I think they're fighting more often and coming to me with this or that conflict. Sometimes just changing how I say or ask something can make a situation more positive and provide better results. If you're a parent, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Mini Reviews [32]

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Bestselling adult author of The Bear and the Nightingale makes her middle grade debut with a creepy, spellbinding ghost story destined to become a classic. Now in paperback.

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie who only finds solace in books discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man"--a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about on a school trip to a nearby farm. Then, later, when her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. As the trio head out into the woods--bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them--the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: "Avoid large places. Keep to small."

And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

"You can't, she decided, be super scared for very long before you start just laughing or crying."

I read Small Spaces with my monsters and it was delightfully eerie! I was often tempted to continue reading after the kids fell asleep, but knew my son would likely never forgive me. The girls are still too young to really follow along, but he definitely would've noticed. I read Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale and thoroughly enjoyed her storytelling skills, and Small Spaces was no exception -- wonderfully written!

Ollie is dealing with the loss of her mother, and that pain is evident throughout the book. I enjoyed how realistic her feelings were, and how her emotions impacted her day-to-day life. Ollie is no longer interested in school activities, even those she's really good at, and she chooses not to have any friends. She's isolated herself on purpose, and she doesn't want pity from her teachers or others, even though she does occasionally use it to her advantage.

I thought Ollie was a remarkable character that children will be able to relate to. She's intelligent and compassionate, she likes to think outside of the box, and she's willing to go above an beyond to save people from a horrific thing. I thought she was incredibly brave and enjoyed her interactions with others (especially her unlikely allies).

The story itself was creeptastic and only intensified my dislike of scarecrows.

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The Magicians: Alice's Story

by Lilah Sturges, Lev Grossman, 

Steve Morris, Pius Bak, Dan Jackson (Art)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Alice Quinn is manifestly brilliant, and she’s always known that magic is real. During her years at Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, she rises to the top of her class, falls in love with Quentin Coldwater, and witnesses a horrifically magical creature invade their dimension.

It’s not soon after graduation when Alice, Quentin, and their friends set their sights on the idyllic setting of Fillory: a place thought to only live in the pages of their favorite children’s books. A land where magic flows like rivers . . . But in this magical realm nothing is what it seems to be, and something darker lies behind the spellbinding facade. It is in the darkness where Alice will discover her true calling and her life, and those friends, forever changed.

Acclaimed novelist Lev Grossman teams with New York Times bestselling writer Lilah Sturges (Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass), and breakout artist Pius Bak for a new look at the smash hit trilogy The Magicians.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I requested The Magicians: Alice's Story even though I'm unfamiliar with Lev Grossman's series and the television show. I know both are popular... but this graphic novel is what finally piqued my interest. I thought it would give me a good feel for the characters and the setting, and I was intrigued by the promise of magic and a mythical world.

Unfortunately, the story felt long and was unexciting. We see what Alice was like as a child, observe her relationship with her parents, watch her obsess over an unresolved issue with a sibling, and then witness her time spent at school. Things picked up when the group went to Fillory, but it was also unimpressive. I felt like certain aspects of this story could've been left out to make this a quicker read, but the details started to feel tedious after awhile. I'm sure it was an interesting story for people familiar with the series, since they're already acquainted with the characters and the setting, but I would not recommend this for someone just starting out.

If you are familiar with this series, did you expect the ending? I thought it was rubbish and unnecessary. It made me angry. I did enjoy how everything eventually connected, but I felt like a lot of bad had to happen before something good came out of it. 

An interesting story, a peculiar setting, and unique characters make up The Magicians: Alice's Story. I may try the series at some point in the future, and that might make me like this one more. As it stands, it was mostly enjoyable but ultimately unremarkable.

Mini Reviews [31]

Ghosted in L.A. #1 by Sina Grace,

Siobhan Keenan & Cathy Le (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In Los Angeles, finding an apartment is killer—unless you live with the dead. Rycroft Manor may be old. It may be abandoned. It may even be haunted. But Daphne Walters doesn’t care about any of that—it has a pool and the rent is free. 

New to LA, coming off of a bad breakup and having a pretty terrible week, Daphne might need to crash on this haunted couch for a while, but having undead roommates might be more than she bargained for! Will the dead be able to help Daphne find the life she’s been missing in the big city? 

From GLAAD Award-nominated Sina Grace (Iceman) and illustrator Siobhan Keenan (Clueless, Jem and the Holograms) comes a story about learning how to make friends, find love, and live to the fullest with a little help from some friends whose lives didn't end at death.

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The artwork is phenomenal! I really loved every frame. Unfortunately, the main character is obnoxious and unlikeable. She's petty, flighty, and unbelievably naïve. It's clear she's having an identity crisis, but her flippant attitude kept me from caring about her problems. She's also a sucky friend, childish, and way to willing to move in with ghosts she knows nothing about. Hard pass. 

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Saban's Go Go Power Rangers: Forever

Rangers #1 by Ryan Parrott, 

Dan Mora, Eleonora Carlini, 

Simona DiGianfelice, Raul Angulo

(Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Everything in GO GO POWER RANGERS has been leading to THIS MOMENT! Don’t miss the epic conclusion as The Power Rangers face off against Alpha 1 and the reveal of Rita’s true plan; a familiar newcomer whose arrival in Angel Grove will change everything.

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My son and I were really excited about this one, but it was way too confusing, especially for a first issue. The first page starts with Alpha-5 and Zordon, which makes sense, but then we jump to the Power Rangers fighting Alpha-1 with no warning or explanation. Everything about the fight scene was jumbled, and I had a hard time following what was happening. After the battle, we see them interacting with each other at school, but then we flashback to Zack nearly being abducted (I'm assuming it was a flashback since he was in other frames later). Saban's Go Go Power Rangers: Forever Rangers might be okay if you've followed the previous comics, but for someone that just grew up watching the television show, it was too erratic and labyrinthine.

The characters weren't introduced until the very end, which left me making assumptions about who each person was for most of the issue (I know there are certain characteristics about each character that should stand out, but it would have been nice to have a refresher at the beginning). I feel like the first issue shouldn't assume that people will automatically know what is going on. Instead, it should be informative and offer explanations while also setting up the story. My son wants to continue reading this one because it's the Power Rangers, and he's recently started watching the television show (love sharing things from my childhood with him), but I'm not sure if I want to invest time and money into something that's confusing and inconsiderate of new readers.

Mini Reviews [30]

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Narrated by Brittany Pressley

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie's dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

No phone.
No Internet.
And not a single word from Logan.

Maddie tells herself it's okay. After all, she's the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. (She’s also the only girl for twenty miles in any direction.) She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
And Maddie wants to kill him.

But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back- and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
But she has to save him first.

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Not If I Save You First was really great on audio! Brittany Pressley is an amazing narrator, and she's one of the reasons this book received four stars from me. Another reason was the setting. Alaska! I liked how completely stranded Maddie and Logan were, and thought it added another layer of tension to the story. Alaska was basically its own character.

My main issue with this book was believability. Maddie and Logan were both sixteen, but they occasionally acted like they were much older. Other times the two acted incredibly childish. I know Maddie has spent the last six years living in isolation, but her ability to discern edible from poisonous berries (with just a glance) felt a little farfetched (even she said they looked nearly identical). I'm sure it's possible, but her nonchalance was unconvincing. Additionally, Maddie's badass behavior felt forced at times. I have no doubt that her experiences hardened her in some ways, but her "bedazzled" ax spoke volumes. I wish we had seen that Maddie mixed in more throughout the story. Instead, we mostly see her acting tough and overconfident.

Overall, I thought it was a very enjoyable and quick read. There's a lot of suspense and a few surprising twists. I'm not thrilled with how the story ended (again, the believability of it), and a decision Maddie made without considering all of the facts. I'm also not sure how she managed to stay on her feet for so long after... everything. She and Logan proved to be very resilient characters, and they surprised me with how well they handled a kidnapping and the Alaskan wilderness.

Side note: I wish their childhood nicknames had been explained. Mad Dog and Rascal? There has to be a story behind those, right? I was also interested in the kidnapper's backstory. We're told very little about his circumstances, although it doesn't excuse his actions.

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The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking

Glass Wars, #1) by Frank Beddor

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Alyss of Wonderland?

When Alyss Heart, heir to the Wonderland throne, must flee through the Pool of Tears to escape the murderous aunt Redd, she finds herself lost and alone in Victorian London. Befriended by an aspiring author named Lewis Carrol, Alyss tells the violent, heartbreaking story of her young life. Alyss trusts this author to tell the truth so that someone, somewhere will find her and bring her home. But he gets the story all wrong. He even spells her name incorrectly!

Fortunately, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan knows all too well the awful truth of Alyss' story and he is searching every corner of our world to find the lost princess and return her to Wonderland so she may eventually battle Redd for her rightful place as the Queen of Hearts.

The Looking Glass Wars unabashedly challenges our Wonderland assumptions surrounding mad tea parties, grinning Cheshire cats, and a curious little blond girl to reveal an epic battle in the endless war for Imagination.

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I started this series years ago, but never finished it! I decided to start from the beginning (to refresh my memory and not as an excuse to buy more books). I mistakenly thought this would be another series I could read aloud to the kids before bed, but I'd forgotten how violent it was. I started skimming all of the fighting (really bloody) and battles (scary stuff), but quickly realized that violence was intricately woven into this book, and it would be pointless to skip over 75% of the story. Alyss returns to a war-torn Wonderland, and the story reflects the devastation and unfavorable circumstances.

Needless to say, I read this one solo and started something else with the kiddos. It didn't take long for me to turn the last page, because I was completely wrapped up in the story from the start (again). I really liked Beddor's take on Alice in Wonderland, and enjoyed how he turned something whimsical into something shady.

Additionally, the author was very creative with his characters and their roles within this book. Hatter Madigan is hands down my favorite, and I say this knowing that there's not much character development in the first book. There's just something alluring about him, that I believe is explained in the second book (if I'm remembering correctly). Alyss herself isn't a sweet and innocent child that tumbled down a rabbit hole, but a rebellious and stubborn princess that knows she's important. She flaunts her imagination and typically gets what she wants, so her unexpected predicament really paved the way for her transformation. I think she would have stayed a spoiled and irresponsible child, if she hadn't grown up in a completely different world.

The Looking Glass Wars was a delightfully dark spin on one of my favorite childhood stories. Beddor is a creative genius, and I'm amazed at how he's made this story so entirely his own. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series and seeing how it inevitably concludes!

Mini Reviews [29]

Little Bird #1 by Darcy Van Poelgeest, 

Ian Bertram (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Director/screenwriter DARCY VAN POELGEEST boasts a long list of awards and accolades for his storytelling prowess and brings the same writing finesse to IAN BERTRAM's breathtakingly detailed artwork in the gorgeous, hyper-detailed miniseries LITTLE BIRD.With the same limitless scope as a new EAST OF WEST or SAGA and the drama and surrealism of Akira, LITTLE BIRD follows a young resistance fighter who battles against an oppressive American Empire and searches for her own identity in a world on fire.

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I didn't hate this, but it wasn't really for me. It was weird and disturbing, but also incredibly gory and violent. I'm looking for more happiness in my comics these days, not torture and death. I think I saw more of what people looked like on the inside (literally, not figuratively), than on the outside. Bleck.

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Transformers (#1-3) by Brian Ruckley, 

Angel Hernandez (Illustrator), Ron

Joseph (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A NEW ERA DAWNS! In the infinite universe, there exists a planet like no other: Cybertron! Home to the Transformers, and a thriving hub for inter-stellar commerce, it is a world brimming with organic and constructed diversity. Immense structures line its landscape. Mechanical giants roam across its surface. Starship-sized titans orbit its skies, keeping a constant protective watch above and below. Ancient Transformers merge into its very fabric. Small, mysterious creatures skulk in its shadows. It is a truly amazing realm, long untouched by war, and exuberantly reaching for the stars. This is the Cybertron that Optimus Prime and Megatron vie for in this bold new origin—a world of seemingly endless peace! All that changes when Bumblebee and Windblade take a newly-forged Cybertronian on his first voyage through this world of wonders—they are confronted by the hard reality of the first murder to have occurred on Cybertron in living memory!

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My son and I are loving the new Transformers series! He watched Transformers: Rescue Bots on Netflix when he was younger, and now he likes Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Trasformers Prime. However, all of these shows are about their lives once they've landed on Earth. The comic offers more backstory and history. We get to see where they live, how they're created, and what their home planet (Cybertron) looks like. In the movies and television shows there are so few of them left, but in this comic we see how vast their world and population used to be.

Optimus isn't a Prime yet, he's Orion Pax. There hasn't been a war, so Megatron is just like everyone else, and there are no Decepticons. Orion Pax tries to keep the peace and balance what's already there, while Megatron encourages them to do more as a race. He wants them to be more. Bumblebee still has a voice, and there are a lot of other familiar characters as well. I think the story and the illustrations have been fantastic so far, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. It's so nice to be starting from the very beginning!

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Runaways #20 by Rainbow Rowell,

Kris Anka & Andres Genolet (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The fallout from “That Was Yesterday” is still very much being felt. There’s rebuilding to do, both metaphorical and literal – Are the Runaways up for these repairs?

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This is going to be my last Runaways comic! I haven't been enjoying is as much the last few issues, and I feel like the characters are stuck on a loop. There is no growth, and nothing happens that really challenges them (physically or emotionally). 

I understand that they're a unit, a group that's always been together, but it would be nice to know them as individuals, too. They have their romances and conflicts, but it all feels very on the surface. It's rare to for Rowell to dig deeper into their personalities and give us something life-changing or relatable. 

Honestly, I feel like they all avoid their problems until everything blows up, and then they scrape by until they resemble what they were before. There's no forward movement, and nothing to indicate that they are going to be anything more than what they are now. Gert is unhappy, since she's literally in the wrong time and place, and her romantic interest is beyond complicated. However, all we see are shared looks and a glimmer of what she's really thinking and feeling. I wish the characters were more open about what they're feeling, but everything seems to stay bottled up.

Old Lace had the potential to be my favorite character, but felt more like a decoration than a member of the team.

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Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Sirens (#1-2) by Sztybor Bartosz, Jakub Rebelka & Cory Godbey (Illustrators)

Synopsis (via Goodreads):  The critically acclaimed Jim Henson’s The Storyteller celebrates four mythic tales of sirens, inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson’s beloved television series. In this first issue, Polish writer Sztybor Bartosz teams with artist Jakub Rebelka (Judas) to reimagine the classic Polish folktale “The Fisherman and the Mermaid”. The fisherman is not happy with his life. He works all the time, struggling to make ends meet rather than spending time with his wife and their daughter. One day, while fishing, he hears a mermaid singing and the song overwhelms him with joy. He can’t stop thinking about this song so he captures the mermaid and imprisons her.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I thought the first two books in this series were wonderful! I'm a fan of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, and was thrilled when I saw Boom! Studios had created a new series (that I still need to read). There's also a Netflix show in the works. Anyhow, Jim Henson is a fantastic storyteller, and The Storyteller: Sirens was no exception. I thought the first issue was a great retelling of The Fisherman and the Mermaid (sad and thought-provoking), while the second issue was a spin on the mythology surrounding Nuwa (super interesting and creative). Both were beautiful and well-written!

Mini Reviews [28]

This Place Is Not My Home (Brothers, #2)

 by Cyn Bermudez

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Hi-Lo Fiction. Victor and Isaac aren't sure how long they'll make it in their foster homes. Isaac is comfortable around his foster parents, but afraid they'll give him up. Victor has just landed in a new, crowded home with lots of rules, and is accused of stealing. The brothers make a secret plan to run away from their foster parents and make a home of their own. Will their plan work, or will they lose everything trying?

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

This Place Is Not My Home was told using emails between Victor and Isaac. There was zero character development, and something that only vaguely resembled a plot. I have no idea what either brother looked like, and there are no details about their personalities. I'm also not entirely sure how old they were, only how old they've been when referring to things that have happened in the past. Also, if they're able to communicate with each other, why is there no correspondence with their sisters? The brothers mentioned their siblings a few times, but never talked about what happened to them or where they were.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this one, but it left me feeling disappointed and a little frustrated. I wanted to know more about the brothers, but they share very few details about their lives. Basically, Isaac was in a play and nervous about a girl, and Victor was trying to prove his innocence. Everyone in his foster home (both the children and the adults) thought he was stealing things, but even that aspect of the story was anticlimactic. Victor runs away, gets picked up by the police, and all of that is handled in a single email with two or three sentences. 

It's really hard to review this one, because there's simply no substance to this book.

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War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery

(#1-2) by Clint McElroy, 

Andre Araujo (Illustrator)

 Synopsis (via Goodreads): The creators of the blockbuster podcast The Adventure Zone bring their talents to Marvel for a wild romp through THE WAR OF THE REALMS! Earth is at war, besieged by an army of Frost Giants, Trolls and Fire Goblins — and the mighty Thor is nowhere to be found! But could it be that the key to turning the tide is…Thor’s baby sister? Journey into Mystery with Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Wonder Man, and Balder the Brave as they go on an epic quest to save Earth’s only hope! (And, yes, deal with diaper duty.)

This review is mainly for the second issue in the series.

I think this one tried too hard to be funny, and I don't think the jokes always landed. Apparently there was a reference to The Princess Bride that went right over my head, even though that's a movie I've seen a thousand times. Also, this comic is about a really odd mashup of characters, and I feel like more backstory would've been beneficial for readers. I only have a vague idea of who some of the characters are.

Additionally, this second issue doesn't pick up right where the first issue left off, so there's some confusion at the start. They were face-to-face with Ares at the end of the last one, yet we start somewhere else with only a vague reference to his character. If he's a god, I'm sure he could have pursued them with very little difficulty, but now it's like he doesn't even know where they are. Also, the dialogue felt choppy and forced, and it was hard to really connect with the characters. 

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Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6

by Tom Taylor, 

Andrew C. Robinson (Illustrator),

Juann Cabal (Illustrator) 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The neighborhood, and the planet, is doomed. Spider-Man is powerless to stop the end of the world. Only Earth’s Newest and Mightiest Hero, Spider-Bite, can save the day. Wait, WHAT?!

I was really, really confused when this issue started, but thankfully it all made sense at the end. This issue of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man doesn't pick up where the last one left off, or even feel like a one-shot, but instead throws you into the middle of an unfamiliar story (a really wacky, almost unbelievable story).

It's a good things comics are so short, because I might have skipped over this one thinking there was a mistake, but I'm so happy I saw it through to the last page. It's very Peter Parker, and it's nice to remember that our favorite superheroes are also human (mostly human, or at the very least have feelings and emotions). I absolutely love what Tom Taylor did with this issue!

Also, the Jurassic Park reference was gold.

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Goosebumps: Horrors of the Witch House #1

by Denton J. Tipton, Matthew Dow Smith, 

Chris Fenoglio (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When young tech entrepreneur Veruca Curry buys the old Whaley House, the kids in town are worried the ghosts who haunt it will get her. But when they discover Veruca’s horrible secret, it will turn their world upside-down!

This issue was the perfect setup for a new Goosebumps series! The team is vaguely introduced, and since they haven't actually spoken more than a few words to each other, I'm curious how well they're going to work together. 

The Whaley house is supposedly haunted, and even the adults stay away from it. Randomly, a woman decides to buy the house, and we quickly learn that she isn't what she seems.

My son and I had a lot of fun with this one, and the illustrations were amazing! I think they'll really appeal to a younger audience, and the details were fantastic. We're both looking forward to the next issue!

Mini Reviews [27]

Daredevil (#1-4) by Chip Zdarsky, 

Marco Checchetto (Illustrator), 

Julian Tedesco (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): KNOW FEAR.

My husband loves Daredevil. I've lost track of how many times he's re-watched the series on Netflix, but I do know it's a ridiculous number. We watched the first two seasons together, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't something I was itching to see again. However, when I discovered Chip Zdarsky was writing the new series, I was curious. I've really liked some of his other work, and wanted to see his version of the Devil of Hell's Kitchen. 

Zdarsky didn't disappoint! I'm already weirdly addicted to this darker version of Matt Murdock and what that means for future issues. Matt has been struggling with his identity and his place in the world for a while now, and I like that the author not-so-gently pushed him over an invisible line. Matt's going to face some hard truths, and who is more honest than Frank Castle? Honestly, I'm more partial to Frank's sense of justice, and I'm not sure what that says about me. It's hard to disagree with him when Matt fights the same enemies over and over again, and Frank only fights them once.

I'm curious what role Detective North will continue to play, since he seems to have issues with both Daredevil and Fisk. Also, Daredevil's attire at the end of the fourth issue was badass, and hopefully foreshadows an ever darker version of the Devil and what he's capable of. However, I disagree with his treatment of Frank after what Castle did for him. Jerk.

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Spider-Man: Life Story (#1-2) by Chip

Zdarsky, Mark Bagley (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In 1962, in AMAZING FANTASY #15, 15-year-old Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and became the Amazing Spider-Man! Fifty-seven years have passed in the real world since that event — so what would have happened if the same amount of time passed for Peter as well? A special high-end limited series that’s a part of the celebration of Marvel’s 80th anniversary, SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY combines the talents of Chip Zdarsky (SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, MARVEL 2-IN-ONE) and Mark Bagley (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN) to tell the entire history of Spider-Man from beginning to end, set against the key events of the decades through which he lived! In this first oversized issue, when Flash Thompson is drafted to serve during the Vietnam War, Spidey must weigh the question of where his responsibility truly lies!

Clearly I'm on a Chip Zdarsky kick, and I'm totally okay with that! I've read the first two issues of Spider-Man: Life Story and really enjoyed them both. We get to see how Peter Parker would have reacted to problems over the span of a few decades. Does he join the war because he has powers and could really help, or does his involvement only perpetuate the problem? It was interesting to see Peter's moral dilemma as Spider-Man, and seeing him question himself made him even more relatable.

I've always liked Spider-Man, and I hate that his life has always been so hard and full of heartache. He's trying to live his life as Peter Parker, but also save people as Spider-Man, and sometimes one negatively impacts the other. I hate that happiness doesn't seem to last long for Peter, and Zdarsky makes that very apparent at the end of the second issue (this author likes to write dirty). Give Peter some love, Chip! You know he deserves it.

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Miles Morales: Spider-Man (#1-5) by

Saladin Ahmed, Javier Garron Illustrator),

Brian Stelfreeze (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Balancing his normal life, school, parents, etc…and super-heroing has never been easy, but when the Rhino and a cadre of mysterious criminals start plaguing Brooklyn, things take a dark turn. And Miles doesn’t even know the half of it yet. Eisner Award-winner Saladin Ahmed (BLACK BOLT) and Young Gun Javier Garrón (ANT-MAN & THE WASP) bring you the latest incarnation of the coolest character in the Marvel Universe!

Saladin Ahmed is a new favorite! His writing is phenomenal, and he's made Miles Morales completely relatable. He even manages to address real world problems within the comic, and it makes you really think about the world we live in. I know some people like to read to escape, but Ahmed makes it clear that you cannot avoid the hard realities happening all around us.

Miles is an amazing character that's dealing with school, friends, and even a love interest. He also has two parents that love and accept him and his secrets. They just want him to be happy and responsible. I like that they're being supportive, even though their child is constantly putting himself in danger. He's Spider-Man, and that isn't an easy life to live. Also, Miles may be a different version of Spider-Man, but they're both sarcastic and like to be witty when fighting bad guys.

Miles is your typical teenager, but with superpowers, so it's interesting to see how he chooses to handle problems. I really love everything they're doing with this comic and cannot wait to see what happens next!

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West Coast Avengers #10 by Kelly Thompson,

Gang Hyuk Lim (Illustrator), 

Moy R (Illustrator) *FT

Synopsis (via Goodreads): THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BEAUTIFUL CONCLUDES! HAWKEYE and HAWKEYE lead the fight to save AMERICA CHAVEZ from a cult that believes she’s their prophesized chosen one who will lead them into the light — and also into victory — as they attempt a takeover of Los Angeles. But just as things look darkest, the team is joined by a mysterious and powerful new ally. Amid flying arrows and punching fists, relationships are both blossoming and being torn apart — what does it all mean for the future of the West Coast Avengers?!

Kelly Thompson is a goddess with brilliant ideas, and she knows how to tell a story. She weaves little threads that connect throughout a series, and now we'll never know what was going to happen with this one! I have so many questions about Kate's parents and Ramona's heritage. I wanted to see the relationships flourish or run their course. Despite the comic's untimely end, Thompson managed to leave this one on a high note with all the sarcasm and charm that I've come to love from these characters.

West Coast Avengers has been one of my all-time favorites, so I'm super bummed it was cancelled just like Thompson's All-New Hawkeye. Even though All-New Hawkeye ended in a positive place, there were still a lot of unanswered questions. However, the author managed to tie those loose ends into this new series, and things were going fantastically well! The team was growing, they had a place to call their own, and the characters were diverse and perfect. Gwenpool was back and as crazy as ever, both Hawkeyes were in this one (hell yes), and America was a fierce force to be reckoned with. I loved her relationship with Ramona. There were even siblings on the team! Seriously, this one had everything I wanted and I hate that it ended so soon after it started. Also, Jeff fighting vampires was the best! He was absolutely perfect for Gwen (and so was someone else...)!

The current arc was wrapped up, but it's clear Kate and crew had more adventures to go on. I look forward to seeing what Thompson does next, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that West Coast Avengers is brought back in the future (preferably the near future).