I found this graphic novel to be very interesting. It was a good, quick read, and I enjoyed the dark, mysterious world that the author created. The premise of the book can be a wee bit confusing at times, but it’s fairly easy to read, even when you’re a tad confused. I would recommend.

A rebellious Irish teen, Nell, is forced to stay with long-lost relatives after a school suspension. She's less than thrilled, to say the least, but her bad mood quickly turns to terror when she uncovers a dark family secret: she's slated to be the next sacrifice in a generations-old blood ritual. Talk about a twisted family reunion!

This graphic novel plunges you into a truly chilling tale. Nell is a fantastic protagonist—fiery, independent, and utterly relatable in her desire to forge her own path. Her fury at the world is palpable, making her predicament all the more terrifying. The pacing is spot-on, building a strong sense of unease that steadily ratchets up to outright horror. The art style perfectly complements the creepy atmosphere, with panels that effectively convey Nell's escalating fear and the sinister nature of her family.

While the concept is incredibly strong and the execution largely successful, I found myself wanting a little more depth in certain areas. Some of the ancestral lore felt slightly rushed, and I would have loved to delve deeper into the motivations and history behind the ritual. Additionally, a few supporting characters could have benefited from more development, making their roles in the overall narrative even more impactful.

Despite these minor quibbles, this is a genuinely unsettling and captivating YA horror graphic novel. It's a gripping story of a young woman fighting for her life against an ancient, inescapable evil. If you're looking for a page-turner that will make you think twice about visiting distant relatives, this is definitely one to pick up!

I didn't expect this book to be amazing but it was flipping amazing! The lore, the magic, and the time travel all combined to make a great paranormal mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for me to review!

The art in this is GORGEOUS, i really loved how the big family secret was revealed. The drama of it all!! Definitely what I'd hoped for when picking this one up. Was hoping to see more follow-through of the differences after the time change, but oh well.

This was a short, interesting story about a girl who visits relatives on an island in Ireland, and learns about the banshee mythology and her family's role in this dark ritualistic sacrifice. There are elements of time travel, LGBTQ+ romance, and family secrets. I would have liked the story to expand on some of the characters and their back stories. I thought it was interesting that the author learned about Irish mythology and how the banshees are said to only sing for 5 families, one of whom are the O'Connors, which is why she wrote the book.

I think it would appeal to fans of Irish mythology and secret societies, but they will be left wanting more.

Cry Out Loud was a pretty fast read, an interesting premise, and features some great art. Unfortunately, I found the story and characters confusing at times and some aspects of the plot felt a little incomplete. We don't really get to know anyone too well outside of the main trio, leading some of the side characters to feel more like a plot device. Several were introduced only to then pretty much never show up again. I enjoyed the details of characters speaking with Irish accents, and it was a neat idea to do a twist on how family histories intertwine with Irish banshee folklore.

Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor is a YA graphic novel that follows the character of Nell as she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, who she does not know, after getting suspended from school. Nell has a complicated relationship with her mom, who only likes her younger siblings. Nell quickly learns that her existence is actually part of a centuries long spell, and she is the next victim. The description of this book is labeled as "spine chilling," and I think that's a bit of a stretch. There are spooky elements closer to the end, and there is loose fantasy/science fiction elements, but overall it is engaging enough of a story. The graphics are engaging and easy to follow despite the numerous characters. This is a second purchase for school libraries where students are looking for more teen-based fantasy graphic novels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.