I got an ARC of this wonderfully fun graphic novel from Net Galley. I really loved the art work, female friendships, and magic in this. Abby’s almost-sister goes missing, and she goes on an adventure with her friends and all of their familiars (WHO CAN TALK) to figure out what happened.

While the book really is reminiscent of Harry Potter (magic school, trio of friends getting into trouble) this book is a vibrant graphic novel that stands well on its own. I do wish there was more time spent on world building, but I had a wonderful time reading this book.

(This review can be found on GoodReads)

First off, what an incredible opening scene!

I enjoyed the art style immensely, the characters were all very expressive and each panel felt well motivated. I want art prints!! I especially enjoyed the panels that “zoomed out” and gave the reader a wider view of the setting. It felt very cinematic to see the broader surroundings mid-conversation and only just barely be able to identify where our main characters sit. It conveys a greater sense of scale than I’m used to with graphic novels, other than the occasional scenic shot of a building or forest. I enjoyed seeing the people passing by and living their life alongside our story. What a fun technique!

Unfortunately, much of the story itself felt contrived, there were highly predictable (but still fun!) storylines for both the primary and secondary plots. There were a few interesting twists, but the foreshadowing was too heavy-handed for my taste. I WANT to be guessing up until the end, and most of the big reveals here felt fairly obvious.

Overall, I enjoyed the witchy vibes and the gorgeous artwork and that’s really what I came for. Definitely will be wanting to give this one another go come October and would absolutely read a sequel! Thank you Netgalley, Sweeny Boo, Harper Alley, and HarperCollins Childrens for the e-ARC.

This graphic novel had such a great vibe and essence to it. It was visually appealing and the story was unique and refreshing, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated the LGBTQ visibility and the found family trope and loved the familiars! Another small detail that really stood out were the quotations that began at the start of each chapter, setting the tone for what was to come. I was thoroughly impressed with this story and recommend it to fans of the supernatural.

This book follows Abby, who is a student at a magic school called Younwity. In the days leading up to Samhain, one of her friends, Noreen, goes missing. Abby and her friends decide to look for Noreen even though the school says the Coven is looking for her. They get pulled further and further into the mystery and it leads them towards the haunted woods - which are off limits to students. Will Abby and her friends be able to find Noreen? Can they solve the mystery of a missing student from years before? You'll have to read this for yourself and find out!

Overall, this was such a fantastic graphic novel. I loved the artwork and the color palate was so warm and inviting! I can't wait to see more by this author.

Young foundling witch Abigail is attending school at a hidden magic academy. When her friend goes missing in the woods where another young witch went missing years ago, Abigail will stop at nothing to find her. I want more stories in this world! Wonderful art and great characters!

This was really great until the last 15 or so percent which felt really rushed, but overall I still enjoyed it and I think I'll likely be grabbing a physical copy of this when it comes out. It's a fun, witchy dark academia read. I love the familiars and magic system, but I do think some more background could have been included.

The illustrations are super lush and captivating. The colors used in the illustrations change frequently and help set the mood for what's happening.

It's definitely a great pick for folks who are really into the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the digital ARC of 'Over My Dead Body' by Sweeney Boo.

So, I will admit, I was a more focused on looking at the description of the book that I somehow missed that it was a Graphic Novel. It was very pleasant surprise when I opened up the story in app at 3am when I was having trouble sleeping. I've always been an avid collector of comics, and before teaching I used to assist at comic conventions - it's always exciting for me to see stories that are NOT the typical superhero story.

The things I loved:
- Each chapter began with a few lines of 'Alone' by Edgar Allan Poe.
- The artwork, and subject matter. I always love books that deal with magic - no matter what form they're in.
- The dark secrets that Abigail uncovers, that have been hidden for so long.

My only issue:
- There was so much story to tell, and I wanted more backstory... more detail. The story felt a little rushed. This was a graphic novel that could have been better as a multiple volume story... not a single volume 240-ish page read.

Overall though, I loved it, and wish there was more to continue reading. This is definitely something I want to add to my home library, and classroom library. 5/5

*Review will be posted to Goodreads closer to release date.

This graphic novel is mysterious and has an interesting world. It takes place at the Younwity Institute of Witchcraft and follows Abby and her friends as they try to find their missing friend. It is neat to slowly get to know each character and their familiar. Anyone who likes school life stories and fictional covens will really enjoy this. There is mystery, friendship, and some romance. The art is also warm and detailed. It's a good read.

Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

I love a good graphic novel and this was a good one! The art is beautiful and reminiscent of The Worst Witch and Harry Potter with a bit of Studio Ghibli mixed in. The story is cute and I loved the twist ending. For a quick stand alone read this was a lot of fun!

This book was everything! The art, the storyline, the characters, and the twists were amazing. I hope to see more from this world!