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Thirteen years ago, there was a fire in the Severin family manor, a fire that took the lives of Camille’s mother and her twin sister, leaving Camille scarred both mentally and physically. Ever since that night, she has lived with her Aunt Athalie, who took over as Matriarch of the Severin coven after Camille’s mother’s death, and her cousin Avaline, a rare Severin child born without a twin sister. The physical scars have healed, but Camille’s memory of that night has always been a shadowed moment she can never fully see.

Avaline and Camille are as close as sisters, both looking forward to their coming of age when they will cast the Severin ritual to mark their entry into the coven. With a circle of blood and magic, they will summon a demon and make a wish — for riches, for a husband, or for power — and with their newly awakened magic, they will serve the coven and make Aunt Athaline proud.

The demon Camille summons, though, isn’t right. Instead of horns and teeth, there are vines and the smell of earth. Panicking, Camille cancels the ritual and tells her aunt she failed. Irate, Athalie leaves Camille in her cousin Silvia’s care at the Severin estate and takes Avaline back home. Silvia is a dark, tragic figure who Camille knows next to nothing about, but this quiet cousin is kind, understanding, and Camille likes her.

What she doesn’t like are the Dupree witches who visit, seemingly friends with Silvia. It’s the Dupree witches, after all, who were blamed for setting the fire that killed her mother. But … what if Athalie was wrong? What if the Dupree witches weren’t the ones who set the fire, and what if her mother’s death wasn’t a ritual gone wrong?

Previously an online web comic, Muted has been picked up for traditional publication and Muted: Volume 1 is the first book in the series. The author is also the illustrator, and her illustrations are beautiful. From the dark and mysterious swamp to blooming gardens, from the bustle of city life to quiet game nights, the backgrounds are detailed and evocative. The character art is also strong, with every witch having a unique look and vitality to them.

Camille goes from being repressed and afraid — living under her aunt’s thumb, doing as she’s told for the good of the coven — to finding freedom on the quiet country estate. For one, she’s now able to set free her familiar, Toben. The red-headed robin was locked away to convince Camille to focus on her magic and to keep her obedient. It’s lessened their bond, but between the two of them and the earth magic of swamps and gardens, they soon find themselves as close as nature intended.

Nyra Dupree has fire magic, in contrast to the Severin family’s blood magic, and she’s just as passionate and vibrant as her element. When she first meets Camille, it’s dislike at first sight, as the Severin’s blamed the Duprees for the fire when they had nothing to do with it, and this is a hatred that Camille was raised with. Once the two of them calm down, though, Nyra can’t help but be interested by Camille, who she thinks needs to unwind from her prim and proper upbringing.

In between a confusing and charming romance, Camille is dealing with two other problems: The truth behind her mother’s death, and the demon she summoned who isn’t what they’re supposed to be. Oh, and there’s a second demon out there who may or may not be trying to kill her. Leaning on Nyra and Silvia for support, Camille has to decide what she’s going to do: uphold the Severin values and be a good, dutiful niece … or follow her heart and learn more about her father’s magic, the magic she’s not supposed to have or be able to use. The magic that might just help her find balance in her life, and the strength to make her own path.

I have a slight confession to make … I read the web comic last year from start to finish. I did it in a single day, and loved ever minute. This story has everything I want in a good romantasy: strong characters, excellent world building, twisty plot, and sweet romance. While this book hints at only the slightest beginnings of what Nyra and Camille’s relationship will be, trust me, it only gets better. Please read this story! Please enjoy the art, and the story, and then join me in waiting for Volume 2 to release!

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"I'm...tired of being afraid all the time. I want to have control back...of my life, my dreams, and my power."
3.5☆|5

Despite a hard start, this ended up being quite a lovely read! In the first volume of this Webtoon, we follow Camille, 13 years after a fire killed her sister and her mom when she was just a kid. Camille, who lives with her abusive aunt, and who doesn't understand why she can't seem to use her magic the same way as the rest of the family. But as she fails the traditional blood ritual, she gains a very precious thing: time. Time away from her aunt, time to discover the secrets…

When I opened the first chapter of this comic, I was a bit disconcerted by the art style. It is so soft, and it didn't seem like it belonged there. But somehow it grew on me, and I now like it a lot. This book was a heavy read, despite the cute art style. Camille's story is heartbreaking, and part of me wanted to cry for her. And yet we get ourselves entangled in the story, not wanting to leave.

This volume has been a nice introduction to the lore and introduces us as well to the lovely characters. I really liked Camille as well as Nyra. I also really like to see the blooming lesbian romance; it was really cute. Finally, I ADORED the magic system and the relationships and links between the different families; that was fascinating!

Thanks to Ten Speed Press and Netgalley for sending me this e-ARC, it goes out on July 8th!

CW: emotional and physical abuse; self harm; death of a parent; death of a child; blood

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𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏
𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

- - -
Read this if you like:
□ paranormal graphic novel
□ secret identity
□ found family
□ magic
□ LGBTQIA+
□ animal familiars

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

This is such a spellbinding paranormal graphic novel. I absolutely loved this! The illustrations are divine, the characters are so well-thought and diverse, the story is marvelous and also emotional. I could not put this book down!

If you love witches, demons, magic, and LGBTQIA+, then this graphic novel is for you!

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13 years after that fateful night where her mother and twin sister died in a mysterious fire, Camille, a witch from the Severin Household, is back from the manor where it all started. As one of the possible matriarch of the Severin family, Camille needs to perform a demon-summoning blood ritual that will summon a high ranking demon and grant anything that her heart desires, but the real question is what is it that she truly wants, because deep down she knows her desire is different from what her aunt’s carefully laid out plan. And when her ritual goes awry, she runs to the swamp to escape from it all, and when she needs to stay back to recover, she starts to discover long-lost memories and secrets.

Muted Volume 1 by Miranda Mundt is a nice opener for a graphic series; the overall pacing is just done right. The characters and conflict were laid out nicely. Camille is an interesting and relatable character with her insecurities and all, and I’d say how she was trying to gain back her independence after being the watchful care of her aunt is a nice touch.

Some issues were resolved within the volume, but there are still questions left unanswered that will leave readers reaching out for the later instalments. If you are looking for your next graphic novel read, you may want to give this one a try.

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This volume doesn't have a story on its own so if you're expecting it to have a story arc or a conclusive ending, you'll find none.

Camille is an adolescent witch who had pretty traumatic childhood. Her parents dying in fire, then being adopted by evil stepmother who doesn't care about her at all and only does her duty. She isn't the most outgoing person and barely has any friends. On top of that there's plenty of skeletons in the closet she inherited by being part of Severin family. Carmille doesn't know yet what type of person she is. Like there's a moment in the story (I am trying not to spoil here) when she reveals her deepest secrets to a nice person she just met. Because she has nobody else to talk to.

Can't say much more without spoiling. I liked it. Solid 4/5

(I want to know more about the demon-lover girl though)

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The art was beautiful, intriguing story, definitely one to watch.

Like most graphic novels, this is story is going to be multi volume. Set in the US, there are matriarchal families of witches with different powers that are never allowed to blend.

Eerie and engaging and with a really complex magic system, I'm enjoying where this story is going, and have immediately rushed off to see what the future for the series is so that I can keep and eye out for the future.\

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4/5 stars!

Oh wow! I had really been putting this one off, but I read the entire thing in one hour! It really sucks you in and the characters are so charming that the pages were just flying by! I do feel like some parts were not explained all the way or just glanced over so we could move along the plot, but I don’t think it hinders the experience at all!

If you like sapphic witches with sad backstories and cute familiars, this is the book for you!

I cannot wait to see what the next volume has in store after that ending! I also hope there is a TON more Toben! Love him dearly already!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

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Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for this eARC!
I haven’t read many graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this one! It is so cute! Camille Severin comes from a long line of witches. After her mother and twin sister passed away, she moved in with her aunt and cousin. Camille’s aunt, who is now the matriarch of their family, is very hard on her, and demands perfection when it comes to her magic. After she fails with a Severin family ritual, Camille’s aunt decides to leave her at the family estate with her cousin to work on her magic. Instead, Camille discovers a family secret that makes her question everything, even her own abilities. With her familiar Toben by her side, Camille embarks on a mission to discover who she is, what her powers are, and finally the truth behind what happened to her mother and sister.
I really enjoyed reading this, and I can’t wait for volume 2 to come out! This graphic novel has all the witchy vibes and some really pretty artwork that really pulls you into the story.

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Fantasy, magic and mystery all tied up into one book... Yes please! I was drawn in by the cover and glad I gave it a read. The story flows well and keeps up a good pace throughout. I look forward to reading the next chapter in Camille's story.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced e-copy of Muted: Volume 1.

I absolutely adored this. Witches, blood magic, found families, SECRETS! And the inks were beautiful. I have always been attracted to suspenseful stories surrounding the supernatural and this one was a hit. Nothing is too graphic, but I reccommend checking content warnings first, as it may not be suitable for everyone. I loved the contrast between black, green and red in THOSE scenes, and I love a MC who's finally trying to make her own path aside what she's known for most of her life. It may be predictable at some points, but not in an annoying way. I am very interested in the possessions, mostly, and in some family members (aunt, spoiler-related family members). I am expecting the next volume to come soon, I will be waiting!

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Absolutely enthralling! Muted is a story you want to get tangled up in. It has everything, from witches using a plethora of magics to a mystery behind one of the most prestigious families in their time. There are thrilling and suspenseful moments that shocked me, even as an avid horror lover. Thankfully, the author, Miranda Mundt, makes it a point to portray everything respectfully and put trigger warnings at the start of the book so readers can be prepared if choosing to continue. I adore the relationships between the characters, each being so unique and complicated. As much as I wanted to devour this book as fast as I could due to the compelling plot, I stayed strong and took my time. Luckily, the art made it easier as it’s so pretty! It displays the personality of each character beautifully. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little bit of horror, witches, and lgbtq+ stories! Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for letting me read this early.

#MutedVolume1 #NetGalley #bookish #MirandaMundt #Bookishreview #graphicnovel

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Magic is in the blood.

Muted, the supernatural comic series by Miranda Mundt, first debuted on Webtoon in 2018, before being added to the site’s Originals lineup in March 2019. The series ran for three seasons and a total of 125 episodes until its completion on March 17, 2022.

As with many other popular Webtoon titles, Webtoon and Ten Speed Press (an imprint of Penguin Random House) have joined forces to bring these fan favorite stories to wide print and distribution. And this writer is so glad to be introduced to Muted in this format.

It all begins with a summoning spell gone awry:

“It has been thirteen years since the mysterious fire at the Severin family manor that killed Camille’s mother and twin sister, and the last thing Camille wants to do is return to her old home deep in the swamps of Louisiana. But she doesn’t have a choice. Deeply ingrained family tradition and Matriarch Athalie—Camille’s coldhearted aunt and head of the Severin household—demand it.

When the time comes for Camille to perform the demon-summoning blood ritual that every prospective matriarch in her family must complete, she is fearful of making a mistake. No matter how hard she tries to be a witch worthy of the Severin name, nothing is ever good enough for her aunt. Camille has practiced and practiced, but instead of the beat of demonic wings or the snap of talons, her blood calls forth evergreen vines and leaves. Terrified, she flees into the swamps.

But her failed ritual gives her something precious: time away from Aunt Athalie. Time to spend with her beloved familiar Toben and kindly cousin Silvia. And—unbeknownst to her—time to fall in love, discover the truth of her magic, reunite with long lost family, work through her grief, and solve the mystery of who killed her mother and sister.”

Spanish moss. Stillness on the bayou. The cloak of magic and intrigue that New Orleans proudly displays. This is where our story is set. And fittingly so.

Muted is a contemporary, witchy fantasy with Southern Gothic sensibilities that imbues the entire story with a kind of meditative ease that allows for slow, rich world-building. Ancestral lines and blood ritual clash against themes of found family and coming-of-age with a mature perspective on self-discovery and acceptance. Mundt’s jaunty narrative pace keeps the action flowing; revealing secrets in one chapter, only to create more questions in the next. Bolstered by a sharp, attractive art style, Muted is effortlessly cool.

The cast of characters introduced in Muted: Volume 1 is wonderfully diverse and dripping with as many worthy baddies as colorful side characters. From the magical system and its laws, to the setting and the characters that represent it, Mundt crafts a rich, flavorful world for readers to enjoy.

As this is the first entry in a series, there is still much to learn about Camille and the magical families that surround her. But the promise of romance and the warm hug feeling of any good found family story starts things on a comforting note that both invites the reader in and leaves a bitter aftertaste of concern, knowing that things can (will) take a turn for the worse. In an all-too-short collection of panels, it is so easy to fall under the spell of Camille and the witch families of New Orleans.

Spice, Triggers, and Tropes [Warning: This section contains spoilers]

On the whole, Muted: Volume 1 is an accessible title that finds the right balance in every sense. Subtlety and sincerity allow the story threads on lesbian yearning and implied trans identity to flow organically. A thoughtful reflection on identity and discovery — in all its forms — that is beautifully presented. While romance can be felt simmering below the surface of character interactions, the “spice” levels are still well within the range of mild. A flavorful gumbo of potential for what’s to come.

Given the subject matter, one can only assume that the Muted series will introduce increasingly dire horror elements as the stakes are raised. That being said, Mundt’s overall approach of subtle detailing and allowing the imagination to be carried by her art style should keep the most unsettling depictions in her story manageable for most readers.

Please keep in mind that Muted is a developing work and these observations, while true for the series as of now, may expire as the plot progresses.

Readers should be advised of the following content warnings:
* Implied neglect and abuse
* Family death
* Witchcraft and demonic ritual
* Light artistic depictions of blood

Final Thoughts:
Muted: Volume 1 walks the razor’s edge of light and darkness with finesse. Warmth and humor help to diffuse some of the darker subject matter, but the threat that looms just beyond what has been revealed rests heavily on the narrative. The shadow realm of witchcraft and demons adds the right tang to the sweetness of found family, budding sapphic romance, and self-discovery; Muted has all the simple pleasure of fine dark chocolate. With a pinch of cajun cayenne and personality.

Muted: Volume 1 will be available on July 8, 2025 wherever books are sold!

Sincere thanks to Ten Speed Press for the advance copy.

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The artwork alone is swoonworthy in this graphic novel about witchcraft, loss, and found family.
Camille, a young witch from a powerful family, accidentally summons a demon that opens up her view of world. She begins to question her place as she learns more about her parents and the fire that killed her mom and sister.
Being the first volume, it really only sets the stage and develops the characters, but it builds plenty of drama, making me eager to read more. You can bet I'm heading right on over to Webtoons to find the rest!

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Thank you so much to Ten Speed Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this one.

I am absolutely in love with this story.

The artwork is STUNNING. Seriously some of the most beautiful graphic novel artwork I have ever seen. The colours are so crisp, the characters so lively, and there’s a vibrant air to everything that had me absolutely enthralled.

The plot is super engaging. I’m loving following Camille and her story of grief, of finding herself and the truth about her past and her parents. Camille is such an intriguing character. She’s quiet and withdrawn, an orphan and a victim of abuse, and she’s just starting to come out of her shell and let people in a little.

And she’s just casually being haunted by a demon, no big deal.

Also the potential budding romance??? I am living for it!

I’m really excited to see what happens in the next volume.

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I really enjoyed this graphic novel, I love the witch vibes the colours used were beautiful and really popped. I am excited to read more volumes.

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I loved this graphic novel. I found all of the characters to be unique and interesting. Im interested in learning more about everyone's stories in future volumes. I love the sapphire witchy vibes!

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Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this graphic novel.
It is fast-paced but still easy understandable.
I also really like the illustration style and colours being used.

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I loved this! I felt immediately drawn to the characters and loved the art style and colours! I really can't wait to read more and buy the volumes in print because I want to see this beauty in a physical form! I really enjoyed the way expressions were conveyed and the lore was deep but not overwhelmingly so, everyone was unique and easily distinguishable and I want to know more about them all!

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This graphic novel is dark, broody, and completely engrossing. I was so captivated that I devoured it in a single sitting.

Beyond the compelling plot, the story offers a wonderfully diverse cast of characters and insightful commentary on difficult family dynamics.

While the story ends on a cliffhanger, common to graphic novels, it was so effective that I'm already eager for more. A fantastic start to a new series.

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Thank you Ten Speed Graphic for the drc via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved the artwork for Muted! The colors were vibrant and the light/dark elements really set each scene and the emotions of the characters. The story itself is witchy and fun with lots of darker elements: haunting, trauma, and some references to abuse. Everything is handled well and makes it an interesting spooky tale that will have you wondering what's really going on in Camille's family and with her power. I liked seeing how different each witch family is, even just in how they each dress -- it's all unique. There's also a little bit of a romance going on and I like that it's in the very beginning stages so it feels like a natural progression. Since it's the first in the series, we are introduced to a lot of characters but are only just getting to know each a little bit so I look forward to seeing how each character develops throughout the series. I love seeing Camille grow and experience things she was never able to do before and start to heal from the way her aunt raised her and how she kept her disconnected from anyone who could have shown her kindness. She's forging new friendships and learning more about herself while gaining an independence she hasn't had since her family died. I am curious to see what happens with her cousin though as Camille seems to be distancing herself and it's the first time they have spent apart since she went to live with her aunt and cousin. Overall, it's an interesting story and I look forward to reading more.

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