This is a silly, simplistic graphic novel about a girl who loves gothic romance novels, and then finds herself in one (sort of). Haley has to learn to understand the workings of the pocket universe, and with her encyclopedic knowledge of gothic romances, help the brothers defeat the invading evil-and so protect her world as well.

This is a fun romp that makes fun of gothic romances and its tropes while also leaning into gear-punk (if that's a thing). It's meant for YA but it's still firmly acceptable as a middle grade book as well. Haley learns that gothic romance novels aren't so cracked up to be in but, it does lead her to gain interest in other genres of books.

This story was well-told and engaging throughout. I think it will definitely find its right audience and continue to inspire.

This was a quirky and genuinely interesting read. I had a lot of fun seeing the tropes of gothic novels turned on their heads. While I would recommend for anyone, I would especially recommend for fans of both graphic and gothic novels.

ARC via Netgalley, but a paper copy in my house now. This comic is self-referential and demented and absolutely hilarious. You can't go wrong.
I can't keep this on the shelf in my middle school library, and the kids who borrow it live it and recommend to their friends as well.

I loved this book so much that I went right out and bought a copy. My students have already enjoyed borrowing it from me. I teach a gothic literature unit, and I could see offering this novel as a fun conclusion after the class has learned the markers of the genre.

I liked this book but I didn't love it. I would read a sequel if given the chance! *********************************************************************************************

This teen graphic novel had me cracking up the whole way through. I loved the characters, and the art was also fun. Definitely will recommend this one.

A gothic romance-obsessed teenager is transported to a pocket dimension full of gothic tropes that is Earth's last defense against an encroaching universe of evil. Haley loves seeing all her favorite tropes and character archetypes come to life, but soon the reality of the situation becomes dire enough that even Haley recognizes that she's in over her head. It's a fun, YA graphic novel full of gothic tropes and fantasy shenanigans.

Oh my GOD, I loved this book. I thought it was so funny how it called out all of the tropes of a, specifically, regency/Victorian romance novel. I was laughing throughout this book and was hoping that they would be able to fix the leak! I loved how it ended and NEED a sequel! I know girls in my school would eat this one up.

What a beautifully funny deconstruction of literary tropes! Absolutely hysterical and I adored every page. Reminded me of Nimona which is always a plus.

For Haley, the main character of this graphic novel, her only wheelhouse is gothic fiction. She’s obsessed. So she’s thrilled when somehow helping a drowning man lands her smack dab in the middle of any number of her favorite books, cliches and all. But this “pocket universe” is in danger, which puts our whole universe in danger. Haley will have to help the gentlemen of Willowweep Manner save the world.

This one was a lot of fun. Exaggerated cliches of gothic fiction, a heroine who doesn’t know how to save herself and her friends, but she’s going to figure it out as she goes along. The characters were a blast, and I loved the science fiction element. I would definitely contine the adventure if it turns out not to be a standalone.

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor is hilarious! I love the concept, the illustrations, and the creativity in this story. Haley's obsession with Gothic romances is probably relatable for many. At its core, this is a story about whether or not one should accept the role they were given or reach for the role they want to play in their life. This is a timeless issue for a lot of people, no matter the age.

It was wonderful to see a Black nerdy girl as the lead in a fun book like this. There's no Black trauma and the author doesn't really point out her race. This is not to say that the author and illustrator ignored this aspect of Haley's identity. In fact, Haley wears braids during the entire book and a bonnet when she goes to bed. Those may seem like tiny details for non-Black folx, but it shows relatability to me.

Overall, this is a cute and funny book that I think anyone into sci-fi, gothic literature, and graphic novels would be into.

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor is a funny and engaging graphic novel great for any young adult or graphic novel fan. I love the illustration style and the light-hearted air throughout the work. I like the way it toes the line between parody, humor, and seriousness. What a great read!

A wonderful teen graphic novel about a modern girl obsessed with Gothic novels, who rescues a gentleman from drowning only to find herself swept to an island universe that obeys the rules of a Gothic novels. Worrisomely, the universe seems to be having issues…. I love the art in this so much; it is straightforward but the character’s eyes and faces are exceptionally expressive.

A cute graphic novel with a strong and funny female protagonist that gets thrown into her own story after her teacher asks her to stop doing book reports on gothic romances. A bit outlandish at times, but I loved the artwork and diversity.

3.5 ⭐️

This book is a really fun read. It features a character who loves romance stories and is transported into the world of a romance novel, but with a twist! It is funny, engaging, and features characters you will not forget. If funny graphic novels for teens circulate at your library, this one is a must buy!

This was a really fun graphic novel that combined a lot of the things I enjoy: gothic romance tropes, scifi pocket universes, genre bending, and a heck of a lot of humor about the story its telling. Haley as a heroine was super fun, full of energy and excitement and knowledge about the trappings of her surroundings (she kind of reminded me of Gwenpool in a way). I loved that while the book was merging a lot of different genres and tropes, it still had a great sense of humor about everything going on. The illustration style was fun and reminded me a bit of Lumberjanes (which I love). And I enjoyed that it was a complete story with a slightly open ending, leaving everything within this story tidily wrapped up. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author; hopefully they'll be as fun and entertaining as this one was.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Willowweep Manor is a wonderful combination of adventure, sarcasm, and fun! The panels in the graphic novels were expressive and really helped bring the gothic themes and story to life. Haley’s character was satisfying as she proclaimed her love of all things gothic romance and she was a great heroine anyone would root for. The tropes and comedy made this an easy read and one that will be easy to recommend for lovers of fantasy gothic novels.

Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Really funny, amusing satire of Gothic romance, with a fun pocket universe twist! I enjoyed the humor and how the creators subverted reader expectations.

After falling into another world, Haley flips the script on the three gothic male leads to take charge of a seemingly impossible situation, using her knowledge of gothic novels and general determination to save the day.

This graphic novel was such a fun look at gothic tropes. I think that whether you’re a reader who loves gothic novels or loves to hate them, you’ll find something to enjoy in this unexpected mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and classic lit. I’ll definitely be pulling this one to recommend during spooky season for readers who want a dark and stormy atmospheric read that leans more funny than scary.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and Netgalley for an advance copy of this graphic novel.