Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Sweet, simple conclusion to the tea dragon graphic novel series. These always feel like you're getting more of a snapshot or slice of life than a complete story, but they're relaxing to read and the artistry cannot be matched.

**Advance copy from NetGalley for honest review**

Was this review helpful?

This entire series is just so special to me, and this newest installment is probably my favorite thing by Katie O’Neill to date. The Tea Dragon Tapestry truly feels like a love letter to remember loving yourself through all your phases.

I think something we just don’t really talk about enough as readers and reviewers is that sometimes we truly read a book at the most perfect moment in our lives, almost like it was destiny for us to choose this particular story at this particular moment, and that was very much me with The Tea Dragon Tapestry.I honestly don’t think I can put into words how much this story means to me at this time in my life, but I suppose I should give it a try still.

”The sadness, the loss, the hurt, as well as the joy, the love, the friendship – it is all part of you tapestry.”

This is a series about a small little village, where some of the community members have tea dragons! Tea dragons are little dragons that sprout little tealeaves when they are being well taken care of. And even though tea dragons are very rare, we get to fall a little bit more and more in love with their caretakers each installment!

This is also one of the most inclusionary graphic novels, which has some of the most beautiful diversity. This story has sapphic characters, gay characters, characters of all different skin colors, disability representation, nonbinary/genderfluid representation, and one of the most beautiful found families of all time.

Like always with my graphic novel reviews, I’m going to try to do little breakdowns of each chapter so I can come back and recap when needed! I’m going to try to keep this relatively spoiler free because this beautiful volume isn’t out yet but use caution still if you’d like to go into this one not knowing anything!


➽ Chapter One:
Brick is the cutest little coal sprite in the whole wide world. My heart’s quadrants still belong to Ginseng & Greta and Chamomile and Minette! Hesekiel and Erik and their tea dragons and little tea house mean everything to me too. And in this chapter, we get to see how tea dragons have an extremely strong bond with their caregivers!

➽ Chapter Two:
Minette starts to have magical dreams (that are drawn… so breathtakingly beautifully, oh my word, I’m still rendered absolutely speechless) and Greta is going to try for a blacksmithing apprenticeship!

➽ Chapter Three:
A lot happens in this chapter, but this is where the graphic novel starts to talk about our life’s purpose, and how sometimes our lives do not go the way we thought they would (even if extremely planned and laid out for us), but that is okay. We all experience phases where we question things, even ourselves, but we are never alone with that experience. Also, being nostalgic is very human (and dragon) things, that we all love to feel, but we shouldn’t compare the happiness of the past to the sadness we could be possibly experience in the present.

”It sounds strange, but I feel homesick for the person I used to be…”

➽ Chapter Four:
We get to see Rinn and Aedhan from The Tea Dragon Festival again and my heart felt like it had wings of it’s own! And how sometimes all our senses work together to remind us of happy or sad things and times.

”Taste has a strong association with memory”

➽ Chapter Five:
This was my favorite chapter, and I kind of just wept while reading it. Life can be so hard, and so sad, and so unexpected, and so all of these things at the very same time, but you just have to remember that it will get better, it can get better, and that this is only part of where you are at in life right now. One of the most beautiful things about life is that it is a full journey, where we will change, and people will change, and that’s okay, an that can be beautiful, but we have to keep changing and keep growing and keep living.

”…Little one, you are the person you are meant to be”

➽ Chapter Six:
And even if your journey might be a little unexpected, be happy that it is your journey. I truly know I sound like a bit of a self-help reviewer right now, but this chapter is just so beautiful, and hopefully, and left me so very excited to see where the rest of my journey will take me, no matter how many sad days are left and coming, because there will always be even more happy ones along the way, too.

”…Remember, that you are already whole.”

➽ Epilogue:
This epilogue was so good because it shows you the history on tea dragons! And Hesekiel is too kind to us to show us these secrets and stories of the tea dragons. And to remind us that all our stories are so very important and worthy to be told. And it’s also important to go on your own path and make many more new stories to keep on telling your loved ones who make you feel safe.

”Everything that happens is part of your wholeness”

The Tea Dragon Series is just a gift to the whole world. It feels like a comforting hug from my very own family and friends who are too far away to give me one. Again, this series just means a lot to me, and if you’re looking for a little light in a world that feels easy to be dark, then I really just recommend this installment with my whole heart and soul. Words and stories really have healing power, and this one truly made me feel so much lighter. And I promise, you are right where you are supposed to be too, friends.

Was this review helpful?

OMG this book is PRECIOUS! The connections that they have with their dragons is perfect and I love the conversation of helping someone through the grieving process in such an easy and digestible format. Katie O'Neil can do no wrong!

Was this review helpful?

A big Thank you to Oni Press & NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.75 ✨

I honestly adore this graphic novel series. If you by chance haven’t picked up The Tea Dragon books I could not recommend them higher. These books are a yight hug, a warm cup of tea, and sitting cozy in front of a fireplace. I adore these stories and the love behind them and wish I could always stay within the pages.

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is the third book in this series and in this story we revisit characters from book one and I was so happy to be back with Greta and Minette. This aren’t the type of stories that are high adventure and leaving you at the edge of your seat but the ones that will have you constantly smiling and feeling like coming home. I really loved what volume 3 brought to this story and cannot wait to see where the events of this book will bring the rest of the series. In this volume we got to understand a lot more of Minette and her history, as well as see the journey that Greta is about to go on.

I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to see where the rest of this series will go!

Was this review helpful?

Disclaimer : ARC in exchange of an honest review

WOW, hum can we just take a moment and appreciate how cute it is !??!?!?
I love Katie O'Neill art, it is just so cute and addictive, her stories are oh so wholesome. This is the third installment in her series, trilogy ? Not sure... Either way I will never say no to more of her books, that's how much I love them, I cannot stop myself from reading them, hopefully even if it is a "conclusion" she will write more ! Of course, while this was not my favourite of the bunch, I really enjoyed it . The representation was wonderful, to a character in a wheelchair, to Queerness and themes tackled such as grief. The author has a beautiful way of putting things together in a way that keeps you thinking about them.
I cannot recommend this series enough, just pick it up and thank me later.
4/5 stars
Bookarina !

Was this review helpful?

SO CUTE AND WHOLESOME 🥰

It's like each book in this graphic novel series amazes me so much more!

All the characters that I love from the first two were included along with new ones.

I actually cried at this certain part where Greta was crying because I could literally understand that feeling she felt.


This graphic novel series is so much more than cute drawers and aesthetics, it's about humans experiencing certain feelings spanning from lost, grief, not belonging, shame, acceptance, etc.


I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH 😍😍😍

I felt so warm inside and overall just blissfully happy!

Was this review helpful?

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is a charming conclusion to Katie O’Neill’s Tea Dragon series. In this final book, Greta cares for a Ginseng tea dragon who is grieving its previous owner. She also wants to create the perfect object to impress a renowned metalsmith and become his apprentice. Minette is haunted by strange dreams and a sense of homesickness. She adds to an old tapestry to reckon with her past and draw connections to her present. Both struggle individually, but with each other and the Tea Dragon Society, they each find themselves just where they need to be. O’Neill’s illustrations are absolutely stunning as always; she could make anyone want to run away to live in a sleepy magical village! I also continue to be impressed with how seamlessly she incorporates characters of different skin colors, sexualities, abilities, etc. into her work. All in all, this is a great conclusion to a lovely series.

Was this review helpful?

This book was as calming and comforting as a cup of tea. The illustrations are stunning, colorful, and unique. I enjoyed that all of the characters were so different, yet they valued each other for exactly who they are. I think it’s take on grief and just simply being there for someone who is grieving was well done. This is a book children need in their lives, one that I hope can inspire unconditional kindness.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC via Netgalley and the Publisher though doesn't influence my thoughts.

This is the conclusion to this amazing series and I'm rather sad because I have loved all of the books.

There are many beloved characters who make a guest appearance in this story such as Rinn, Erik, Aedhan, Erik, Hesekiel, Greta, and Minette, though not surprisingly, one of my top favorites is the Tea Dragons.

I loved the topics talked about including grief, friendship, the different paths life can often take, believing in yourself and especially how just because someone is sad, it doesn't mean they need to be fixed and the importance of offering support.
I also loved that Greta is encouraged to continue her Mom's trade of Blacksmithing and what tender care she has towards Ginseng who is in mourning of a previous owner.

I highly recommend this book and series in general because it's so precious and who doesn't want to read about Tea Dragons?

Was this review helpful?

I want to thank Katie O'Neill, Oni Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Tea Dragon Society in exchange for an honest review. I have read every book published by Katie O'Neill and this final installment of The Tea Dragon society truly solidified my love for these books.

The artwork itself is simply stunning. I love the contrast between day and night (usually shown in dreams) that O'Neill presents. Each and every page tells its own story and deserves attention, even the ones where there is no text. I believe that the images perfectly reflect the story being told as well. One thing that I have always admired about this series is the ability to capture emotions whether it is through the characters' facial expressions or even the way the setting is drawn. Every single detail adds to the story.

Minette is one of my all-time favorite characters and I am constantly cheering her and Greta on. I loved following Greta as she worked for an apprenticeship with a blacksmith. Of course, I also simply adore the tea dragons that are presented (Ginseng will always be my favorite!)

Overall, this was not my favorite in the series. I thought it was a solid conclusion that left nothing unsaid, but I just wish that there was more. It felt like it ended too soon! I will absolutely be recommending this book to everyone.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful conclusion to a beautiful series! Katie O'Neill gives us everything. Beautiful illustrations. A beautiful story. Queer rep. Disability rep. Mental health rep. Body diversity. Grief. I can't wait to hold a copy in my hands.

Was this review helpful?

This book is so, so gorgeous, and not just the art but also the story and the characters. It's a very comforting and hopeful book, though the characters are dealing with things like grief and losing passion for things you once loved. It is filled with so much warmth, kindness, and emotion and I'm looking forward to rereading this series many times in the future. I would really recommend this series to everyone.

Was this review helpful?

Just as beautiful, sweet and gentle as the rest of the series. I loved how this touched on grief and loss, with a dash of hope and love. The art of this series is exactly what I love in a graphic novel, the characters are diverse in a natural feeling way, and I love to be able to share it with my 7 year old, this is a series that is perfect for all ages, and you don’t need to be a fantasy lover to enjoy it!

Was this review helpful?

This series is really cute. With a lot of graphic novels, I feel like you don't get to know the characters well and the plot seems a little rushed, and this was no exception. I really wish I had gotten to know the characters better.
I did enjoy Greta's journey to figure out what to make for the blacksmith apprenticeship and I enjoyed Minette's journey to figure out how she fits into her new life. I liked how the book dealt with grief and Ginsing missing it's former owner and having to get better on it's own. But also explaining that Greta can be there lending support the whole time even if she isn't the one who heals Ginsing.
I do wish there had been a little bit more about the dragons since the title's all have dragons in them. I feel like the first one had more to do with the dragons and then they were kind of more sub plots that didn't focus on them as much.
I really loved the art style. It was bright and colorful and beautiful.

Was this review helpful?

What a magical and satisfying ending to one of my favorite graphic novels.

From the first page you are immediately immersed into the soothing and dreamy world of Tea Dragons. The characters are all unique and beautifully drawn, showing emotions in such detail that it enriches the peaceful story that unfolds.

This graphic novel plays out like a Studio Ghibli movie- taking you on a grand adventure, and leaving you full of hope and warmth. In particular, this story deals with the idea of what happens when the life you have planned suddenly changes, and how to make peace and keep moving.

I know I will be reading this story again and again, each time picking up something new as I let myself sink into this beautiful tale. Recommended with a warm cup of tea!

Thank you Netgalley for the ebook arc of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is the third book in the Tea Dragon series and it's still cute and adorable. It still follows Greta and Minette with the Tea Dragons but this time they have different problems. Greta struggles with her future and a potential apprenticeship with a renowned blacksmith. Also, she can't seem to help her Tea Dragon Ginseng deal with its depression because of the loss of its former owner. All the while, Minette is dealing with problems of her own. She is suffering from some deep dark homesickness and lack of purpose. Together and with the help of their friends, Greta and Minette can find their way.

I got this as an advanced reading copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I love the Tea Dragon series and I'm so thankful that my wife discovered this series AND that Net Galley had this ARC. This is a truly wonderful children's book that had some beautiful illustrations and had a very open and positive story.

This is what a kids book should be. It's beautifully inclusive and makes the inclusivity look like an everyday normal thing which it is and should always be. There are different races getting along, There are characters of color. There is LGBTQ representation. There's a disabled character and it even deals with mental health. The story normalizes all of it without coming across as preachy.

I plan buying this series for my children because it's the type of book I want them to read. As a bonus, I would live to reread our myself.

Was this review helpful?

I received an e-arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Tea Dragon Tapestry is a delightful and beautiful addition to The Tea Dragon Society series. As with the previous books in the series this one is filled with gorgeous artwork that is so soothing and pleasing to the eye. I feel like I could look at each page for so long just drinking in the images.

Alongside the beautiful images you also have wonderful storytelling that weaves in real issues. This book really spoke to me about mental health issues and the ways they can affect different people. In particular topics of grief, burn out, and also finding a purpose in life really stood out to me. The story blended each topic seamlessly together and in the end left me feeling hopeful.

I would gladly recommend this series to all.

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

These stories are just so full of goodness and I will cherish these illustrations forever.
This is a direct sequel to The tea dragon society as we follow Greta and Minette growing up. There is yet again some adorable illustrations paired with some great discussions around serious topics like feeling out of place, grief and loss, growing up and finding oneself. I liked this one even more because you can really sense the feeling of home and intimacy from the romantic relationship and the found family. I greatly recommend this graphic novel serie to anyone of any age it is a true delight.

tags: a lot of diversity, disability representation, poc characters, lgbtq+ relationhsips, characters of all body types, adorable little dragons, sweet little beans characters
content warning: loss of loved ones, displaced characters

Was this review helpful?

This third and final installment in the Tea Dragon series finds Greta still trying to help Ginseng the Tea dragon feel better and stop grieving for her departed master. She is also trying to get an apprenticeship with a well known blacksmith. Her friend Minette is sad and keeps on having the same dream about her ancestors. Both of them come to rely on friends and family to help them solve each dilemma.
I enjoyed this last book as much as the two previous installments. The artwork is colorful and exquisite and manages to tell the story so well, even without words. The story made me a little teary eyed towards the end. I don't agree with everything portrayed, but I liked the story very much. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys lovely art and a cute story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This entire series is beautiful. What a magical world Katie O'Neill creates. This is the third book in this series where tea dragons grow tea leaves on their head, when brewed it bring back all the memories of the dragon and their caregiver. The installations are rich and beautiful along with the most adorable tea dragons. The storyline of each book is easy to follow. I love the explanations about each tea dragon at the end of each book.

Was this review helpful?