I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and my blog closer to the publication date but basically, I really enjoyed this! I don't read a ton of graphic novels but I think this has inspired me to read more!
The artwork was absolutely stunning. I couldn't get over how gorgeous it was, and what life it brought to the story. And the diversity! It made my heart so happy to see how diverse the characters were, in race and sexuality. As for the actual plot, it was short and sweet, and really entertaining. I was surprised by how invested I was. In summary, I gave this 4.5 stars and I can't wait to publish my full thoughts because this was amazing!

Wow, truly a magical story. Gave such good feeling of home vibes and true friendship plus family feels. I found myself smiling from start to finish. Also what great representation for queen, nonbinary, and hearing impaired characters! I can not recommended adding this graphic novel to your collection!

Mooncakes is the story of a Chinese-American girl named Nova, who lives with her gay grandmothers. Nova's family are witches, like her, and run a cute little bookstore cafe named Black Cat Books, with a back room filled with spellbooks and lore. Just as some strange things are spotted in town, Nova's childhood friend, Tam, reappears. Tam, a non-binary, green haired werewolf, is one of the few people in Nova's life who knows all about magic - and what it's like not to have your typical family dynamics. While things between Tam and Nova start heating up, there's a demon on the loose - and it seems like Tam and Nova's different branches of magic aren't enough to vanquish it.

If that premise doesn't reel you in, I'm sure the super cute artwork will. This story is packed full of diversity, with two Chinese-American main characters, more than one LGBT+ romance, and not to mention that our cute little witch, Nova, is hard of hearing. Nova's grandmothers are such strong role models for their granddaughter, and while they keep a close eye on Nova, they never doubt her abilities, or her feelings. The rest of Nova's family are... not at all what you'd expect. I'll leave that little surprise for when you read this book (yes, I'm the worst. You'll be glad of it later!). However, Tam is out on her own, escaping the clutches of her awful step father.

​While Nova seems content with her life, working in the book store with her grandmothers, hanging out with her best friend and her cats, it isn't until Tam shows up that she realises she wants to see more of life - with Tam right there by her side. Nova is sweet and sensitive, but also unfailingly brave, especially when it comes to protecting those she loves. She listens to the advice of others with an open heart, and always knows when to set her own feelings aside when others most need help.

Tam has never truly settled in one place, never really felt at home. When they return to the familiar forest and witchy book store, it's hard for them to believe that they're so accepted and welcome back into Nova and her grandmothers' lives. Nova comes out as non-binary a few times throughout this story, mainly by correcting pronouns, and every character in this little world, good or evil, abides by those pronouns without second thought. Tam has a lot to figure out in their life, and they realise pretty soon that they can't do this alone. Even as part of Nova's family, they can't help but miss their mother.

Overall, this book was stunning. Everything from Tam's god-awful puns, to park bench kisses, and magic wands, this was everything I've always wanted in a graphic novel. While I only wish I could have stayed in this little world a bit longer, the story nether dragged nor fell short. This graphic novel will be the perfect tame-spooky read this October. You're going to love it!

Cute, fun read about witches, family and relationships,

My only problem was that just over halfway through the graphics became colourless, which ruined it a little for me,

Comics are not my forte. They feel too short for me and I have a harder time falling into their worlds than with books. Overall, though, I really liked Mooncakes. It features a non-binary werewolf and a queer, Chinese-American witch with hearing aids that are reunited after years apart, and while they fall in love they must deal with a demon threatening their town.

What I liked about it the most was just how sweet it was. Not corny sweet like cotton candy, or unrealistic-sweet like lollipops. It brimmed with reassuring calm like berry-flavored tea, reflected too in the wonderful art style. Though dark/grim stories work best for me, sometimes I think we all need a little sip of fluffiness. This comic was exactly this: a pastel-colored, gentle, welcoming beacon of hope with an encouraging ending and relatable, lovable characters. My personal favorite was Nova, the witch, who had to confront her comfort zone to understand what she wanted from her magical future.

However, I felt that the pacing was a bit off. That’s a common trait I find also in the comics I love: they all seems rushed. Also, while Nova and Tam were absolutely cute together, I didn’t feel the chemistry that led them to love each other. It either happened too fast, or too much in the untold background.

In any case, it proved a pleasant, easy read, perfect for bright autumn afternoons, or while you wait to fall asleep with a warm cup of tea.

This graphic novel has so much to offer, it has the paranormal, twists, a non-binary character, a hearing impaired character, and non-traditional living situations. The story is told through Nova and Tam, who were once friends but then Tam moved away. Together they have to defeat evil witches and demons in order to save Nova's town and Tam's life.

The story was wonderful, full of the paranormal and adventure and I love any time a story has witches. In addition to a great story, the artwork is beautiful to look at an detailed and perfect for the story. And then there is the romance which is so sweet and simple and just what it needs to be.

I loved the characters, they were charming and realistic, even with magical powers and the ability to turn into a wolf. They were both caring and compassionate and that is hard to find in a lot of books. I really liked this story it was a pleasure to read.

Blog Review will be live on 10/11/2019

Mooncakes is the story of Nova and Tam two childhood friends that after spending some years apart meet again and realize that maybe what they feel for each other is more than friendship. All this while battling a demon and a cult intent on using Tam’s werewolf magic.

A super cute graphic novel with great artwork and tons of diverse and queer characters (the two MCs are a deaf queer witch and a non binary werewolf) and although the magic storyline is quite predictable and not too special, the love story between Nova and Tam more than make up for it.

I loved this! It was absolutely adorable and everything I wanted from a witchy werewolf read. I’m hoping there will be more from this duo in the future!

This book is a beautiful story of love, family and witchcraft. It's a very diverse read and that made it more enjoyable. The story is very cute and fun and I really liked the style of the illustrations.
I recommend this book to all the teens who want to read something queer and fun at the same time.

I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
This was very cute!
It follows Nova and Tam, who always had a crush on each other but when Tam comes back to town, a demon appears in the woods, and the feelings between them resurge.
The art and the colors were definitely my favorite part of this graphic novel, it has this soft pastel colors, despite having read this as an ARC, the novel hadn't been colored completely yet, but it still managed to stand out to me. Other than the art, I loved the diversity included, Nova is hard-of-hearing and queer and Tan is non-binary and also queer.
Unfortunetly, the plot wasn't special, it was very simple and not that original, but I would still recommend this graphic novel regardless.

This was such a wholesome and enjoyable read. The characters were incredibly sweet and the plot was well-paced and easy to get invested in. The art style was also incredibly clear and adorable, making the reading experience even easier! Will definitely be interested to pick up anything else by these authors.

<b> I received an early copy through Netgalley for an honest review </b>

This was a super sweet graphic novel!
So diverse as well and has really good rep! One main character is a werewolf, they are also non binary! Then we have a witch who’s dead, and uses heating aids. We also have fat rep, and lesbian grandmas! So amazing I love the character so so so much! The art is beautiful and like one of my favorites I’ve ever seen honestly.

This has a really cool plot as well, trying to take down a demon, Tam tried to do it on her own for a while before Nova found her and brought her home, by the way Nova had the cutest home. They live about a book store/ cafe that they own ❤️

At first it kind of bothered me that they were talking about wolf magic and learning things but it never told us anything about the magic or what was being learned but I guess that’s just a graphic novel for you...

This is one of my favorite graphic novels for sure! Can’t wait to buy a finished copy.

Oh, my goodness. I loved this so much. To start off, the color scheme was amazing and very appealing. I loved the tones and the way the colors were influenced by the story. The characters are a whole other deal. I loved every character (and loved-to-hate some). Each character had a clear personality and story, which I absolutely loved. The character development is fantastic, as well, especially considering the format that this story is told in. As for the story itself, it was wonderfully paced, the timing was explicit and made sense, and the plot moved smoothly. The romance was a large part of the story, but did not overtake the magical crime-fighting, which was fantastic! I also enjoyed the representation (LGBT+, non-binary, hearing impaired) that was shown throughout this story. Overall, I absolutely loved this and I would 100% recommend this to anyone!

This was so adorable!! I couldn’t get enough. I loved the main characters and their relationship. I especially adored the representation, the idea of found families, and etc. I’m excited to see what else this duo accomplishes!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! It was cute and sweet. I will definitely purchase a finished copy for my classroom. I enjoyed the characters, the magic and especially the story.

*Big thanks to NetGalley for this E-ARC, my very first one from the site!

This tells the story about a deaf/hoh girl Nova, she's witchy, sweet, and spunky! One night in the forest she finds a horse demon, and is protected by a wolf, who just happens to be a childhood friend, Tam.
Tam is non-binary, and old feelings spark up again when they have to put their heads together and figure out what's going on. Nova's nanas are old hands, but only so much magic can stick to keep things at bay.
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I absolutely loved this graphic novel! I heard Oliviareadsalatte talking about it on YouTube, and when I saw it I had to request it! I can't wait to recommend it to my friends when it comes out!
This absolutely made my heart explode, the characters, story and theme are all magnificent!
I loved the artwork,!
Happy reading,
M.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of all things witchcraft and growing up/finding yourself. Mooncakes is a beautiful story of friendship and love, but also a suspenseful adventure and tale of finding what you are capable of. I liked the diversity of the characters and how the witches loved so openly. Everything was so open and did not have judgment. I really appreciated that aspect.

This book was provided to me via NetGalley.

Mooncakes is an alright read and has a compelling message, but I personally find the characters to have stiff dialogue at times; it simply does not come as something natural within a conversation.

The plot is interesting and I would have enjoyed the focus on the world-building to be a tad more, but regardless holds up pretty well on its own.

The main protagonists have a nice, budding relationship and the nods to the gender identities of one of them are done with relative ease and it brings up the subject of deafness in a world that is sound-focused in a way that can make one reflect.

I want to thank netgalley for allowing me to review this graphic novel. I loved it. It keep me glue in. I would love to tell my friends about this book

I received an eARC from Lion Forge via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightfully queer witchy graphic novel this was! I’m honestly living for all the witchy books coming out this year, it warms my heart.

I’ll admit the art style wasn’t really for me. It’s quite a sketchy style which I usually enjoy, but I wasn’t a big fan of the colouring. It just looked patchy and a bit unfinished. There were also some things that were a bit out of proportion which really bugged me.

I love how diverse this graphic novel was. Tam uses they/them pronouns and Nova wears hearing aids. They’re both also Chinese American. I just adore how we’re getting more diversity in our stories and how effortless it’s becoming.

As much as I love the rep and how witchy it was, the plot itself wasn’t great. It was just very simple and cookie cutter and didn’t feel like YA. If this was marketed as middle grade I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid.

The characters were also super cute but again, their wasn’t much depth to the, and felt younger than they were.

Basically, I’d recommend picking this up for a queer witchy read, but don’t expect much depth to the plot or characters.