Unfamiliar by Haley Newsome

Information

Goodreads: Unfamiliar
Series: Unfamiliar #1
Age Category: Middle Grade/YA
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

Kitchen witch Planchette buys a new house, only to discover that the discounted price must have been because it is haunted! Unfortunately, Planchette’s powers are mostly good for cooking and not for exorcisms, so she heads to town to make new friends and find a little help to reclaim her home.

Review

Unfamiliar is a fun graphic novel that I am sure will appeal particular to tween and teen readers with its quirky art style and somewhat random storytelling arc. For my own part, I find it rather obvious that the book began as a webcomic. The plot is all over the place and makes no significant headway before the book abruptly ends–no closure here, just a hope that readers will return for the next installment! But I do know many younger readers who will enjoy the characters and the premise, without worrying about the overall structure. So, pick this one up if you enjoy webcomics, I guess!

I am sure many types of webcomics exist. My own limited experience, however, is that often these stories kind of meander along with no real place to go–at least not in a hurry–because the creators want readers to keep returning. Oftentimes, the focus is more on the characters than the plot. This seems to be the case with Unfamiliar. The book sets up the initial premise–that kitchen witch Planchette has a haunted house and needs help removing the ghosts–but then diverts immediately into introducing the new characters, Planchette’s found family: a siren who does not like attention, a not-powerful witch from a very powerful family, and a girl under a curse. Backstories are given and friendships formed. Aw! No need to worry about the actual problem here. The ghosts can wait while readers go on little “side quests” with all the new characters.

This sort of storytelling may be unfocused, but undoubtedly has its fans. Personally, I would have preferred for book one to have, at least, a discernible sort of arc so I could feel closure at the end, and then an invitation to keep reading with book two. I was surprised that Planchette made almost no progress on her house issue, and that the book seems to end practically mid-scene. This will, I think, frustrate some readers, even if they enjoy the story. Most readers do not want to be hanging like this. It’s not a well-crafted cliffhanger or anything like that. It just…stops. Presumably because the story was conceived of as one continuous work, and not meant to be broken up here at all.

The artwork is also a bit too quirky for my taste. I like the “cutesy” nature of the illustrations and can see it appealing to readers. I do not like the way the eyes are drawn with actual objects in them instead of pupils. (And not the usual dollar signs or hearts. More like, if the protagonist sees a pony she likes, her eyes both have ponies inside.) It looks weird and creepy, yes, but also seems like a strange shorthand. Instead of drawing characters with actual emotions, the artist can just put pictures in their eyes to show what they are thinking. I would prefer more emotive characters instead of the pupil replacement strategy.

Unfamiliar has an intriguing premise and introduces some characters I would like to see more of. It is not for me, however, a must-read series. I can see myself forgetting about it and losing interest by the time a book two is released.

10 Books If You Like The Baby-Sitters Club

Do you love the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels? Looking for more books about middle school, friendship, and identity? Check out these ten recommendations for fans of the Baby-Sitters Club!

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Best Babysitters Ever by Carol Cara

Twelve-year-old Malia Twiggs is inspired by the Baby-Sitters Club books to start her own babysitting business. How hard can it be, right? Well…a lot harder than she thought! (Note: Not a graphic novel.)

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

On her first day at her new school, Penelope (Peppi) Torres pushes a boy so she will not be labelled his nerdy girlfriend.  But soon she discovers that Jaime may be just the friend she needs.  Can she overcome her embarrassment to apologize?  And can the two them find a way to unite their opposing clubs–art and science?  One thing is certain.  Middle school is never dull.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Bree cannot wait to start at her new school, Enith Brigitha, and join the Math Club. But then she learns that the only elective still open is Swimming 101–and Bree can’t swim. With the help of her elderly neighbor Etta, however, Bree takes the plunge and even joins the school swim team. The Mighty Manatees are counting on her and her teammates to bring home the State Championship, and save the pool from being sold for a smoothie shop. But the team is having growing pains, and if they cannot work together outside the pool, they may not be able to work together in the pool.

The Secret of Danger Point by Kim Dwinell

Sam and Jade’s friendship has felt a little off lately. Jade keeps giggling over boys, which annoys Sam. And now Sam can see ghosts–and Jade thinks she might be losing it. The ghosts want Sam to help save their home. But what can one girl do?

Twins by Varian Johnson

Maureen and Francine Carter are entering the sixth grade, and things are changing. Francine wants to be called “Fran,” she keeps disappearing after school to hang out with her new friends, and she doesn’t want to share all her classes with Maureen. Then she runs for student council president–but Maureen decides to run, too. Can their sisterly bond withstand the competition?

Sweet Valley Twins by Francine Pascal

Elizabeth and Jessica have always done everything together, but middle school threatens to tear them apart. While Elizabeth wants to join the school newspaper, Jessica is more interested in joining the popular girls in the Unicorn Club–even if that means earning her entry by playing cruel pranks on the other students. Will the twins be able to find their separate ways and remain best friends forever?

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao

As a Thai American, Christina has never really felt like she fits in her small Texas town. Then, she sees the middle school cheerleaders. They are everything she is not, but wishes she were. So, along with her best friend, she decides to join the squad. But that means performing a tryout in front of the entire school! Join Christina as she gives her all to the competition.

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo

The March sisters are facing a Christmas without presents as their mom works late shifts as a nurse and their father serves overseas.  But they soon realize that others have it worse than they do, and that there is still plenty in life to appreciate.  Together, they will face whatever life throws at them and come out stronger.  A graphic novel retelling of Little Women set in modern-day New York City.

Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noelle Weir & Myisha Haynes

Siblings Matthew and Marilla decide to foster a teenage girl for the first time–and upbeat Anne Shirley immediately makes a place for herself in their West Philadelphia home. She makes friends with Diana, joins the robotics club, and soon is enrolled in STEM competition with her rival Gilbert. But can West Philly be Anne’s home forever?

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams

Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are sophomores at Hazelton High and they are tired of the tampon/pad dispensers always being empty. If the school can afford new football uniforms, they can stock the restrooms with free menstrual products. They are on a mission to destigmatize periods. But not all of them are as enthusiastic as their leader and, when she goes too far for the cause, their friendship is in jeopardy.

Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki, Trans. by Alex Dudok de Wit

Information

Goodreads: Shuna’s Journey
Series: None
Age Category: Young Adult
Source: Library
Published: 1983; Translation 2022

Official Summary

From legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki comes a new manga classic about a prince on a quest for a golden grain that would save his land, never before published in English!

Shuna, the prince of a poor land, watches in despair as his people work themselves to death harvesting the little grain that grows there. And so, when a traveler presents him with a sample of seeds from a mysterious western land, he sets out to find the source of the golden grain, dreaming of a better life for his subjects.

It is not long before he meets a proud girl named Thea. After freeing her from captivity, he is pursued by her enemies, and while Thea escapes north, Shuna continues toward the west, finally reaching the Land of the God-Folk.

Will Shuna ever see Thea again? And will he make it back home from his quest for the golden grain?

Review

Two years before Studio Ghibli was founded, Hayao Miyazaki’s book Shuna’s Journey was released. Based on a Tibetan folktale, it follows Prince Shuna as he leaves his famine-stricken land to search for a fabled golden grain that can save his people. The trademarks of Miyazaki are all here–the epic scope, the flawed hero, the strong and determined heroine, and the beautiful artwork. Fans of Miyazaki will not want to miss out on another compelling story from the master storyteller!

Perhaps what intrigued me most about Shuna’s Journey was the sense of ambiguity it has. As with many of Miyazaki’s stories, much of the storytelling is actually left to the reader. Shuna travels across strange lands and encounters people both cruel and kind, but often what exactly is happening is never explained. Why do the city dwellers want to capture Shuna? What are the green giants? Are the gods still there? And, if so, are they good? Only the reader can decide.

The storytelling also does not fear to go its own way. Many stories on the market today seem similar to the point of being formulaic, but Miyazaki’s tale does not follow convention. If he wants to follow Shuna for most of the book, only to switch to another character’s perspective towards the end, he will! If he wants to upend the traditional way of fairy tales, he will do that, too. It is always pleasure to read something that feels original, and Miyazaki always delivers with his own unique vision.

Miyazaki fans will definitely want to check this one. The gorgeous water color artwork, especially the landscapes, are evocative, as always. And the story, strange and mysterious, is compelling, as always. This is a book that is more of an experience than a book.

Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, Illustrated by Victoria Ying

Information

Goodreads: Diana and Nubia
Series: Diana: Princess of the Amazons #2
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Expected Publication: 2022

Summary

Nubia loves living on Themyscira, but it does get lonely being the only kid. Then she makes a wish to Hera–and the next day wakes up with a stranger in her room–Diana, who claims she is the princess of Themyscira! Worse, their mothers seem to think that both girls have existed there as sisters all along. The two will have to work together to make things right.  But what if it means losing the first friend they have had?

Review

Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons is a cute graphic novel about being sisters.  Diana and Nubia start their relationship feeling competitive, and like the other is an interloper in their life.  As time progresses, however, the two see how well they work together–and how much fun they can have.  The focus remains on the relationship between the two, brushing aside bigger questions about the nature of the worlds and the potential consequences of their actions.  I do not think younger readers will read too much into the backstory, however, and instead will find both the story and the artwork absolutely adorable.

In many ways, I think Victoria Ying’s illustrations really make the book.  The story is not particularly original, though it is fun to see Diana and Nubia interact with each other.  What really makes the book stand out is just how cute the pictures are!  Both Nubia and Diana are drawn as the sweetest little characters–and their big, emotive reactions to everything that happens is the icing on the cake.  Truly, I picked up this sequel for the artwork more than anything else.  As much as I have liked Shannon Hale’s books in the past, I have found her newer ones to be a bit standard.  Not bad, but not standouts.

The plot is arguably very kid-friendly, though, as an adult, I found it a little lackluster. Hera promises Diana and Nubia that the two have to complete a challenging quest.  However, they do it very easily, with only a big scene of a mountain climb and a monster at the very end to hint of any danger.  Really, they are merely engaged in a scavenger hunt.  I do not doubt that this will appeal to kids and that it seems age appropriate.  I just think that if Hera promises a challenge, the two should be shown struggling more.

On the whole, however, Diana and Nubia: Princesses of the Amazons is a delightful graphic novel.  And I am sure it will be especially beloved by readers in the targeted age range.

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros

Information

Goodreads: Anne
Series: None
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, residents of the Avon-Lea apartment complex, asked to foster a baby. But a computer glitch sends them feisty teenage Anne Shirley instead. But soon Anne is winning over their hearts–and losing hers to her best friend Diana Barry.

Review

Anne of Green Gables meets the modern world in this graphic novel adaptation from the author of Jo. Anne Shirley arrives at the apartment complex the Avon-Lea, where she enchants Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, and falls in love with her best friend Diana Barry. Though the artwork is not the most appealing I have seen for the tween crowd, the story is heartwarming, and I think readers will fall in love with Anne all over again.

Anne reminds me strongly of Anne of West Philly, another recent contemporary graphic novel adaptation of L. M. Montgomery’s classic work. Both works feature Anne at school, working on trending STEM projects, and crushing on Diana instead of Gilbert. In this version, however, Anne does not consider herself good at science (which made me sad) and contributes more to the artistic angle of her school project. Additionally, Gilbert comes off rather badly–kind of like a bully who just will not understand why it is not funny to tease Anne when she asked him to stop. Most notably, however, this version features a lot of talks from the adult figures in Anne’s life, which help her with her social-emotional learning. She has some anger issues, but she learns to deal with her emotions in a mature way instead of lashing out.

The colors are a bit muted and the artwork is not altogether to my taste. However, I think the storyline is enough to carry the book. And, though I tend to favor a different art style, I recognize that my tastes are not universal. Plenty of readers might like the illustrations more than I! At any rate, I do think Anne is worth reading for this fun contemporary take on a beloved children’s book.

Pick this one up if you are a fan of middle grade graphic novels, or if you love seeing how authors put new spins on old tales. Or, of course, if you are an Anne fan and just can’t get enough of the beloved redhead!

Miles Morales: Stranger Tides by Justin A. Reynolds & Pablo Leon

Information

Goodreads: Miles Morales: Stranger Tides
Series: Miles Morales Graphic Novels #2
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

Miles Morales is starting to get the hang of being Spider-Man. Then people around the world start freezing–and the phenomenon seems to be connected to the launch of a highly-anticipated video game. Miles is on the case, but he might need some backup if he plans to defeat the Stranger. The Stranger has judged humanity and deemed that the only justice is for the world to consume itself.

Review

Miles Morales is back in the sequel to Shock Waves, and he finally feels like he might be able to swing this whole Spider-Man thing. Furthermore, people are starting to accept him as a real superhero, and he even has an invite to the launch of a hot new video game. But when the Stranger judges humanity and decides that half the populace must die, Miles might just find he needs some backup. Stranger Tides is not the most original story, but it features an engaging protagonist and stellar artwork. It is worth a read for fans of Spider-Man, even if does not feel like a must-read for graphic novel fans in general.

Justin A. Reynolds is known for his banter, and that works particularly well for a character like Spider-Man. Miles’ narration feel genuine for the character, and sometimes even witty–not just sarcastic. I love Miles, so it’s rewarding to see him in good hands. Reynolds balances the humor with heart, showing how Miles’ love for his friends and family drives him. The relationships in the book are one of the most rewarding aspects, even when it sometimes feel like they deserve a bit more development.

Though the storyline sometimes feels confusing and not all characters get enough time to feel fully developed, fans of Spider-Man will still love this one. The fast-paced action, large cast of characters, and general feeling of forward motion will keep the attention of readers, while the fun and colorful artwork is also sure to attract. Stranger Tides may not be my favorite Miles Morales story, but it is entertaining, and I would likely read another installment in the series.

Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends by Francine Pascal, Nicole Andelfinger, et al

Information

Goodreads: Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends
Series: Sweet Valley Twins Graphic Novels #1
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Official Summary

Jessica and Elizabeth have always been inseparable twins, but starting middle school means a chance for new beginnings! Elizabeth is excited to organize a school newspaper, but Jessica is more interested in joining the exclusive Unicorn Club. What will happen when the twins realize they might not be as alike as they thought?

Middle school is hard enough, but with these twins each dealing with becoming their own person–will they be able to stay friends at the same time?

Review

The graphic novel adaptation of the Sweet Valley Twins series seems obviously meant to capitalize on the popularity of the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel adaptations. And, really, I see no reason why this series should disappoint fans of the BSC comics. It features many of the same scenarios–changing friendships, middle school cliques, and family relationships–and has some fun (if more muted) artwork. I don’t know how fans of the originals will feel about this new take, but I do think tween readers will fall in love with the Wakefield twins and their drama.

What really fascinated me, as an older reader, about this book is how it does not in any way teach a Good Message. I only read a few Sweet Valley books in the day, but the general idea seems to be the same. Jessica is an absolute monster whose desperation to be popular causes her to be a stuck up bully. Elizabeth is the “goody two shoes,” and the one who is smart, organized, and reliable–but she has her moments of pettiness, too. Does anyone learn a lesson here? Does Jessica realize that the Unicorn Club is just a bunch of Mean Girls and quit to find better friends? Do her parents or Elizabeth intervene when they see Jessica becoming a Mean Girl? Does the school care that the Unicorn Club spreads gossip and makes new members perform dangerous/mean pledges? Nope! Elizabeth actually wants to join the Mean Girls, too, and their mother is very supportive of Jessica being her own person who, um, I guess now spends her days mocking the other girls in her class. Not only that, but the big finale is Elizabeth pulling a Mean Girl-esque prank on the Unicorn Club–and readers are supposed to cheer! It might have been wrong for the Unicorn Club to be bullies, but, in this book, if the bullies are bullied it’s called Justice. This is not a book that could have been written today.

But, hey! I enjoyed it! I don’t need this book to have a Lesson. I am perfectly capable of realizing that Jessica is a terrible person all on my own. And the drama kept me reading. This is the same drama, I imagine, that captured readers back in the day. Will the Unicorns accept Jessica? Is that cute boy a future love interest? What lucky girl will get the lead in the ballet performance? I need to know. Where is book two?

The main critiques I have both have to do with the art. Personally, I thought the color palette was a bit too muted; I would have liked to see something more along the lines of the Baby-Sitters Club books. More pressing, however, is the problem that Jessica and Elizabeth often look exactly the same in many of the panels, and I often had no idea who was talking, even after rereading a few times. I thought sometimes, for example, that the person on the left should have been one twin, based on their physical positions in prior panels, but they would be saying something that seemed like the other twin was talking. It is very confusing, and if the girls had just been drawn with a different necklace or a different color scrunchie or something, it would have been helpful for reading comprehension. And, finally, the friends are not properly introduced, and I had difficulty keeping track of who is who.

On the whole, however, this series seems perfectly positioned, to me, to appeal to tween readers of the Baby-Sitters Club books and I don’t see any reasons it shouldn’t sell well! The series will likely have a nostalgia factor for older readers, as well.

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega & Rose Bousamra

Information

Goodreads: Frizzy
Series: None
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

Marlene just wants to be herself and have fun, but all mother wants is for her to behave and keep her curls from going wild. This means a weekly trip to the salon to achieve what her family calls “good hair.” With the help of her Tía Ruby, Marlene will learn that all hair is good, and how to embrace hers.

Review

Frizzy is the type of story that will pull at readers’ hearts. It follows Marlene as she strives to be accepted by her family, but is always made to feel less-than her cousin who is perfect and has “good hair.” Even Marlene’s well-meaning mother places pressure on her to present herself as “professional” and “grown-up” by straightening her hair every week through a torturous appointment at the salon. Marlene’s journey to self-love is sure to move and inspire readers.

Reading Frizzy was honestly quite difficult, and I found myself tearing up at times over how Marlene’s family treats her. Though they say they love her, they constantly compare her to her cousin with straight, blonde hair, acting like Marlene’s natural curls are akin to a moral failing. Worse, whenever Marlene tries to speak up to defend herself or to explain how she feels, she is punished for being rude. Like many adults, her family feels that grown-ups can say anything they like to children–no matter how hurtful–and that children must never say anything back. This behavior was particularly difficult to see from Marlene’s mother, whom Marlene notes used to wear her own hair curly, but now has bought into the idea that only straight hair is beautiful.

The book, however, treats Marlene’s mother with as much sensitivity and kindness as it does Marlene. Tía Ruby explains to Marlene how she and her sister were also brought up with the harmful idea of “good hair,” and how that has affected Marlene’s mother, and led her to perpetuate the idea with her own daughter. With Tía Ruby’s help, Marlene is able not only to learn how to care for and style her curly hair, but also is able to rebuild her relationship with her mother. The story is a real tearjerker!

Frizzy is a must-read for fans of middle grade graphic novels. It is written with sensitivity and insight. And, though it is sometimes hard to read, it ends with a hopeful message that things can change and all hair is beautiful.

Enemies by Sveltana Chmakova

Information

Goodreads: Enemies
Series: Berrybrook Middle School #5
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

When Felicity’s overachieving sister Letty accuses her of never being able to finish a project, Felicity decides to enter a competition for entrepreneurs. But the quest for success is more stressful than she thought, and Felicity starts to lose friends aong the way.

Review

Svetlana Chmakova returns to the world of Berrybrook Middle School with her signature insight, sympathy, and humor. The latest installment focuses on Felicity, who has artistic aspirations but can never seem to commit to a project. To prove to her overachieving sister Letty that she can indeed finish something, she joins an entrepreneurial competition, but makes enemies in the process. Once again, Chmakova demonstrates that she understands the pressures of middle school, but also has the wisdom to know that people can change, kindness always counts, and things can get better. Another winning story!

What I really love about Chmakova’s work is that it always feels inspirational, but never preachy. Her characters are real and flawed and their struggles are relatable. But they never receive or impart a big Message about what they should do. Rather, events unfold naturally, showing how their moments of doubt or frustration can create ripple effects that come back to haunt them. But also that their choices to talk things through, ask forgiveness, and move forward can repair relationships and boost their own feelings of self-worth. I always end her stories feeling a little bit brighter.

And I also love how tween-friendly the artwork is. I enjoy how emotive all the characters are, and love how the illustrations really work with the text to tell the story. But I know members of the target audience who appreciate how the illustrations can sometimes take on a bit of manga feel, with little hearts or symbols coming from around the characters, the eyes transforming, and the little speech bubbles with sort of character emoji faces in them. Manga is super huge right now, so pointing out the art style is what enable me to get some people interested in the books.

The art style also adds a bit to the subtle humor of the story. Watching the characters “over-act” their emotions gets across how dramatic everything can feel in middle school, while adding a bit of levity and reminding readers that not everything is the end of the world. But the story itself has humor, too. My favorite running joke in this book was the Spanish partner who refused to do any work on the group project, and then vowed revenge on Felicity when she secretly fed him ridiculous Spanish lines to say in front of the class. Everyone has had that kid in their group, so he became one of my favorite side characters. Maybe he’ll get a book one day!

Chmakova’s stories are always relatable, engaging, and funny. There really isn’t anything I don’t love about her books, and I really hope that she continues this series all the way through the letter “Z.” I don’t care if she has to title the last book “Zebras!” I need all the Berrybrook Middle School books!

Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo, Illustrated by Dani Pendergast

Information

Goodreads: Demon in the Wood
Series: Grishaverse #0
Age Category: Young Adult
Source: Library
Published: 2022

Summary

As Grisha, thirteen-year-old Eryk and his mother Lena are always on the move. Even their own kind do not fully accept them, misunderstanding their abilities and fearing their power. When the two join a new Grisha camp, Eryk hopes they can stay this time, at least for awhile. But others seek to use the two for their own ends. A prequel to Shadow and Bone, and a graphic novel adaptation (with some expansions) of the 2014 short story The Demon in the Wood.

Review

Told from the perspective of the Darkling, Demon in the Wood gives readers a backstory that makes a fan favorite character just a little more sympathetic. The Darkling, after all, was not always a feared leader or the head of an army. Once, he was a scared boy, hiding from the witch hunters and vowing to make a place of safety for his people. While I did not find Demon in the Wood particularly original in terms of plotline, avid fans of the Grishaverse will likely devour this book, or any book, from Leigh Bardugo.

Since Demon in the Wood is based on a short story, the plotline is necessarily limited. Far from being the Darkling’s entire backstory, it more of a slice of life, an episode from his past that covers only a few days. But those days are meant to illustrate the fear that the Grisha lived in before the creation of the Little Palace, and the ways in which that fear shaped the Darkling’s future. Readers who already shipped the Darkling and Alina, or who saw him as more conflicted than evil, will likely appreciate this glimpse of a boy whose fate is yet undecided, and who could have made different choices.

I don’t think the slight narrative really sustains much more than a reading in which the audience are supposed to contemplate that people are not always fully good or fully bad. And that sometimes even villains have had experiences that make them more understandable. It’s not a unique narrative choice–plenty of prequels have delved into the pasts of villains, seeking to make them more sympathetic. I think this one was probably originally conceived largely as a gift to fans and was not meant to be particularly thought-provoking, though.

But this is the graphic novel adaptation of the short story and so, of course, we must consider the art. The illustrations are bold and compelling, and they also seem to fit in with the teen audience that YA books are ostensibly for. Adult readers who fell in love with Bardugo’s more mature reads like Six of Crows or King of Scars might not fancy a book in which the Darkling seems sort of emo, or maybe like he belongs in a boy band. But I thought the art style appropriate for the intended age range, while also being visually appealing. I also liked the artistic nods given to the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

I wouldn’t really say that Demon in the Wood is a must-read, even for avid fans of the Grishaverse. But it is short and it is fun. Fans who can’t wait for more books set in the Grishaverse at least will have this adaptation to tide them over.

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• Thoughts on the Ending of King of Scars
• Thoughts on Netflix’s Shadow and Bone