Graphic novel heavy month and then I started to read an ADULT FICTION book (I know!) but that means my reading speed slowed down so you’ll find out more about that title next month hopefully!

Blades of Freedom: A Tale of Haiti, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase by Nathan Hale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales is one of favorite series. I am embarrassed to say that I have learned more American History from these short graphic novels for kids than most places. They are well researched Hale does his best to make it entertaining and accessible.

This title is no exception – there is SO MUCH information in one small book. Again, for an adult that claims graphic novels are not actually “reading” or “real books”, I would shove this tiny tome into their hand. Again, a part of history I was ignorant of and today’s kids will get to read about it and understand why the world is so lopsided.

Lucy in the Sky by Kiara Brinkman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to love this as it was about a girl discovering The Beatles and using their music to get through middle school, something I VERY much relate to. It was just okay though, and I was a little upset by how much I had hoped the character would grow by the end and how much she actually did. Especially with her one “friend” – I really wanted a “Smile” revelation at the end, realizing there was some toxic stuff going on there and perhaps breaking up with that friend was the best thing for her to do.

Coda, Vol. 3 by Simon Spurrier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coda was a series I enjoyed from book 1, but I wasn’t sure how it was all going to end…but the finale was the cherry on top – not just the epic battle, but how the twists and turns from the first two books paid off in a way I did not expect. A great limited series. Pick up all three trades if you like fantasy and unique art.

Die, Vol. 1: Fantasy Heartbreaker by Kieron Gillen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what a start to a series! I admit, I was skeptical when people told me about this series, the premise being that people are sucked into the world of D&D and must survive. But that leaves out any and all spoilers. And oh the [spoilers].

Gillen takes full advantage of the format, I can’t imagine some of these sequences being anywhere near as powerful in just printed text.

Even if you don’t play role-playing games, I highly recommend this well crafted dark fantasy adventure. I read all three of the volumes currently available in a matter of days. I am very excited to see how it all plays out, each book has had its fair share of plot twists that caught me off guard but served the story in the best possible way.

Bonus, if the book does inspire you to dabble in the world of TTRPG, Gillen is working on a Kickstarter for next year to publish a game guide set in the world of Die!