This was a cute story about a witch and her cat familiar in trying to join a coven academy for their new art program. It really gets into the mind of failure and to not give up on your dreams. The illustrations were well drawn and the names of some of the characters were funny.

The Summoning Vol. 1 tells the story of Claire and her familiar, Edgar, as she goes through trials and tribulations during her application to the Ridgewood Coven. Filled with beautiful black and white artwork, the story highlights Claire’s kindness and uniqueness while trying to understand the mysterious Ridgewood Coven. Left on a cliffhanger, I will definitely be checking out Vol. 2- hopefully we don’t have to wait too long! 4⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Summoning Vol. 1!

So cute! I absolutely adored this graphic novel. The art style is charming and unique. It was refreshing to see a graphic novel in black and white with a pencil sketch type style to the drawings. It made the story feel more organic and personal. The characters in this are so charming, relatable, and funny. There are plenty of adorable side characters (a poetic spider, oracle caterpillar, and a bunny with anger issues). I loved the world and all the different species of life. I found myself scanning the background of same panels for a look at some of the unique creatures from the world. The story has a great message regarding self esteem and believing in yourself. I really enjoyed seeing Claire go through the trials and using her magic. The magic system in this story is so interesting. It is related to someone’s craft. (Drawing, potions, weaving, etc) The magic has a lot of heart in it, just like this story. This is only volume 1 and I am eager to read the next installment. Definitely a new favorite. I will be buying a physical copy upon release!

Cute, a little creepy and a bit quirky? Sign me up. I loved this comic. So much so I finished it in just one sitting and then went back to reread it. The art is brilliant, it's got a strange but kooky vibe that I love. The storyline is rather wholesome and a little funny too. The characters let me say they are perfect because they are! If you are looking for something a little different but also with a gripping and lovely storyline look no further.

Magic is truly an art form.

Follow manifestation witch Claire as she strives to be admitted to the illustrious Ridgewood Coven, along with her familiar Edgar and her hilarious neighbour Flufftops. During the tests to get in, she encounters potion influencer Swan and many other unique magic practitioners. But is everything as it seems?

Illustrated fully in black and white, Elyse Castro's debut graphic novel is a smash hit. I was sold on the story immediately, and loved seeing the way the plot unfolded while also building this magical world. Flufftops is an amazing injection of sinister comedy, while readers will empathize with the doubts that Claire faces about herself.

I truly hope that Volume 2 comes out soon, because I need to know what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

i want to live inside this story!!

the main character claire (cat like witch) is on a mission with her familiar (full cat) to try and get into this coven program to get better at magical art, like it doesn’t get better than that

i thought i would be bothered by the fact that there was no color, but i think the b&w style somehow made it cozier. loved the illustrations and all of the characters. this was 10/10 for me

thank you netgalley!

"The Summoning: The Art of the Craft Vol. 1" is a YA graphic novel by Elyse Castro about a young witch named Claire who is trying to improve her magic. When she sees that a local mysterious coven is offering tryouts, she applies against her mother's advice. She now is competing against other young witches for a spot. Claire is full of self-doubt, but with her friends to help her, she finds her strength. Illustrations are cute and humorous. A suggested purchase for YA graphic novel collections, especially where fantasy and witches are popular.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me an ARC.

Claire is a young witch who applies to join a covern she sees on a flyer. Her mother suggests she should get an apprenticeship instead, but Claire decides to apply. As part of the application process, Claire has to go through three trials to test her magic. With the help of Edgar, she faces the tests put to her by the covern.

Firstly, the art style is absolutely stunning. The pencil illustrations combined with the monochromatic colour scheme give it a really witchy gothic feel that suits the book perfectly. The familiars are absolutely adorable, especially Petal and Edgar. I loved the dynamic between Claire and Edgar, it was so sweet, and I love how supportive Edgar was of her.

I really liked the different trials. Claire seems to make friends wherever she goes and she genuinely cares about helping people. The text is so funny at times and the illustrations are always so emotive.

Overall, a really fun and light-hearted read.

The Summoning: the Art of the Craft follows our beloved duo Claire and her familiar Edgar in the beginning of this new adventure. Claire is a talented and creative young witch that [currently] specializes in the magic of manifestation through art. She creates wonderful artworks that convey emotions and other wonders which she paints with her by-hand paintings done from nature-based elements. Even though that is amazing by itself, it seems Claire feels something is missing from her life. One day, while she's with Edgard at The Cat's Bean, she sees a flyer with the latest news: the Ridgewood Coven is looking to take 4 new students under their wing. Claire decides to apply, even if her mom warns her that someone like Claire, who is able to create free magic (without the bounds of the coven who decides if something should or should not be done-in other words, restrictions and possible censorship), might not be the best fit. During this stressful process of applying and taking tests to see if she gets chosen to be part of the coven, she meets other friends that are just as interesting and cute!

We have the pastel-goth influencer Swan with the CUTEST familiar Petal, an adorable, sweet and friendly froggy. This duo is very powerful. They are cute, smart and very creative with their amazing potions. I also love the impish character Erik and the sweet druid Clementine. We also got to see our crazy-cute bunny Flufftops! Last but not least, the lore is expanded, and we get to know more of the characters from the animation, including her world, her mom, siblings, neighbors, other magical creatures-all in this new story!

Wow, where to begin?! I applied for this arc with hopes of reading this beautiful jewel, and I am sosososo thankful. What a beautiful, enigmatic journey this book has been. I seriously cannot wait for the continuation-I need to know what happened to our sweet friend, learn about the coven secrets and continue to see how these lovely characters continue to evolve and grow. The background details are superb, you will want to zoom in and look closely at every little detail. I plan on buying a physical version of the book because it is just so cute and cozy, and I want to re-read it and also look at the pretty drawings at any time. I truly fell in love with the characters and the stories, which tend to have such unexpecting endings and cuter monsters I would love to befriend. If you love graphic novels, creepy-cute and magical stories, you need to add this book to your collection!

Thanks to NetGalley, Oni Press and the author for the arc copy in exchange for my honest review. 


Please note: I will upload this review here on NetGalley and Goodreads. In October, I will release it in an infographic format on my Instagram. Thank you!!!!

I wasn’t familiar with the cartoon before reading this, but I had a fantastic time with the graphic novel. The storyline and the art style are both great! The characters are genuinely compelling, and I’m really curious to see where the story goes next.

I especially loved the focus on friendship and how everyone looks out for each other. Even the mother, who’s not exactly thrilled about the coven, still supports her daughter in her own way. The magical world is super creative, I loved seeing the different types of magic and how each student brings something unique to the coven. The tech element into the story is a cool twist.

I’m really looking forward to volume 2 to learn more about these characters and hopefully see her find her missing friend.

P.S. I watched one episode of the cartoon after reading and it's also really nice.

Thanks #NetGalley and #OniPress for the ARC.

This graphic novel is like the Wednesday version. The artwork is displayed in dark shades of grey with quirky characters and occasional spider cupcakes and magic potions. I thought the plot was engaging, and I was rooting for the main character.
The story focuses on friendship even when competing for one place.

I fully appreciate the black and white artwork as it gives its unique character to the graphic novel.
If you like Wednesday TV series and quirky witchy movies, this book is for you. Perfect for the spooky season. It is for a young audience.

Thanks #NetGalley and #OniPress for the ARC.

I was given an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good graphic novel, I love witchy stuff, and I love cosy stories that branch out to more and crack open the world at the end of the tale leaving you wanting more. The Summoning is exactly what this was. It has a beautiful art style and storytelling that reminds us we all need to be a bit more sure of ourselves and not judge people from the get go.

This book is about an aspiring witch trying to get into a coven to hone her skills. The characters are absolutely adorable and relatable. The illustration is irresistibly cute. Children will love this book for sure.

What an adorable story with tons of little lessons throughout! I loved the overall storyline, the art style, and how darn cute all the characters were. I can't wait for the next volume to see what happens, as hinted at in the epilogue.