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4.46 AVERAGE
4.46 AVERAGE
I rarely read YA books. Reynolds is talented. The incredible watercolor graphics make this one a 5-star. About a young Black teen about to avenge his brother's death, being visited by ghosts showing him a different path.
Beautiful story assisted by stunning and powerful visuals.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's been a couple years since I read the book, but as far as I remember, nothing has been changed or reduced in this version, just visuals added. The water color style of the art lends a greater bleeding of emotionality to the already heartfelt text, and I particularly enjoyed the occasions in which the book forces you to just sit with the art and pause to take in the emotion without any words. The text itself is just as well crafted and gut wrenching as the original, and did still make me cry. The exploration of cycles of violence and the "rules" of masculinity and protecting/avenging your loved ones furthering that violence is extremely well done for how short the work is, and I love the open endedness forcing the reader to examine what they believe to be the best and/or most likely choice for William.
I originally listened to the audiobook and as poetry is often best when read aloud, I do still ultimately recommend that version, but this version is also excellent. 5⭐️
I originally listened to the audiobook and as poetry is often best when read aloud, I do still ultimately recommend that version, but this version is also excellent. 5⭐️
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reynolds is utterly profound.
The watercolor-style art meaningfully impacts the poetic writing of Reynolds--blue/grey scale, with pops of color.
Definitely interested to read the novel version of this piece.
The watercolor-style art meaningfully impacts the poetic writing of Reynolds--blue/grey scale, with pops of color.
Spoiler
I felt like I needed to read the last few pages numerous times when I finished because they're so open for interpretation. This felt like it was done intentionally, and done so well, but I wanted to continue to follow Will once the elevator opened.Definitely interested to read the novel version of this piece.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Blood
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The illustrations are gorgeous and add a beautiful layer to the emotion already in the text. The story is really masterful and thought-provoking, and revisiting it as a graphic novel is a great addition.