Lithári Nyx

This is a light, quaint jaunt into the queer boy-love graphic novel world. It's not quite as deep as Heartstopper thematically, but there's definitely a taste of something more. The art is exceptional, unique, and absolutely kept me interested even when the narrative felt a bit hasty and convoluted.

Loveable characters, beautiful art, and a touching story that cycles through all the emotions. I cried, I smiled, I laughed. This was a wonderful experience from start to finish and though it's a faster pace read (as most independent graphic novels are), I could come back to this story time and time again for a piece of the cozy, comfortable warmth it gives through the story of the lives of young adults finding their places in the big, wide world.

I thought that I was having a difficult time getting through this book because I was having focus issues, but it turns out that this is meant to be a slow read, the type of book you'll want to savor and process as you take it in. It's meant to be a healing experience, something that makes you take stock of your own life and experiences as you read, taking in the characters' own experiences. This title is thought-provoking and insightful, but a lot of the depth of the interpersonal issues and themes of severing familial ties and immense individual guilt over not fitting into the intense work culture can be lost on readers who aren't familiar with Korean culture's tough stances on these things.

Overall, the book is a commentary on work culture and societal expectations with an overarching theme of rediscovering your passions and following through on fulfilling your life for yourself, not other peoples' expectations. If you're in a time of your life where you need to take a retrospective look at what you're doing and the path you're on, this is a book you need to read.

I don't know if this story just wasn't for me and if maybe I'm the problem here, but this felt like every negative stereotype and toxic trope about lesbians wrapped up into one succinct novel. Lesbian MC falls for straight girl and is type-cast as a 'predatory lesbian' by basically everyone around her. The straight-girl-maybe-closeted-lesbian MC is... a lot. These characters are fundamentally unlikeable and the 'romance' makes me cringe.

BUT if you enjoy high-tension, full of drama, absolutely dripping with angst queer stories, especially with characters who are real and raw and absolutely unredeemable (maybe in a sequel?), this might be the book for you. The hook was strong, the plot definitely drew me in, but the entire time I was going, "What am I reading right now?" I love a story with characters that have experienced and caused trauma as much as the next person, but at least one of those characters has to grow and develop and change to make the story feel worth it. I didn't feel like anyone made any positive change throughout this read.

Basically, for me, this book just lacked the deeper development I expect from a tale with fallible, real, raw characters. I was never immersed in it, but I felt I had to keep reading because inevitably there'll be growth, right? Wrong.

I love a good subversive read. If you're looking for an easy read that subverts your expectations of the genre without being too much, this is the pick for you.

Nimona made me chuckle, made me furrow my brows, and made me teary-eyed. From start to finish, this felt like a delightful and energizing journey. The art fits the storyline so, so well -- every stroke feels rough, raw, and real, just like the characters and the plot.