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Adaptogenia by Wayne Wightman personal collection
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell library book
The Cat Barked? by Lydia Monks library book
Cat Skidoo by Bethany Roberts and RW Alley personal collection
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City Lullaby by Marilyn Singer library book
Corona Centurion™ by Terry Bisson personal collection
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Grey Seas Under by Farley Mowat bookcrossing
Grimm's Grimmest by Tracy Arah Dockray bookcrossing
Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup personal collection
Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them by Rolfe Cobleigh bookcrossing
Harriet's Recital by Nancy Carlton personal collection
I Feel Skitty by Tracey West personal collection
Kin by Holly Black review copy
The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh bookcrossing
Mama, Don't Go by Rebecca Wells library book
No, Never! by Sally O. Lee review copy
Oh, the Things I Know! by Al Franken bookcrossing
Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper library book
Paradiso Lost by Albert E. Cowdrey personal collection
Project Anastrophe by George Karnikis review copy
The Publishing Game: Publish a Book in 30 Days by Fern Reiss bookcrossing
The Shipwreck of a Nation by H Peter Nennhaus review copy
Skim by Mariko Tamaki review copy
Sooner or Later or Never Never by Gary Jennings personal collection
Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss bookcrossing
The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield bookcrossing
The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee bookcrossing
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon library book
Yoko Writes Her Name by Rebecca Wells library book



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Kin (Good Neighbors 1): 08/27/09

Kin (The Good Neighbors Book 1) by Holly Black was a Cybils finalist in the graphic novel category. It's an urban fantasy similar in tone to the early seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but done with faeries instead of vampires.

At the start of the book Rue Silver's mother is missing and her father has been accused of killing her and hiding the body. Rue doesn't believe the official version and feels the answer to her disappearance is out there if she if she just looks hard enough.

In the process of hunting for the truth Rue discovers her mother was a faerie and she is therefore one as well. This new knowledge opens her eyes to a new way of seeing the world which both frightens and amazes Rue.

For such a potentially colorful and magical world the illustrations were a let down for me. They are done with dark thick lines creating an overwhelming gloom in all scenes.

Of course there are dark themes. The fae are dangerous and mistrusting of humans. There is animosity on both sides but it's more a mystery with fantasy elements than it is a Gothic horror. The style of the illustrations though try to buttonhole into Gothic horror when it's not.

Comments (4)


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Comment #1: Saturday, August, 29, 2009 at 13:17:58

Joana

Well that sounds disappointing. Just looking at the cover, the drawing style and font used led me to believe it was a dark tale, which really caught my eye. To know that it's misleading is discouraging. Still though, I probably will end up trying to read it regardless.



Comment #2: Monday, September 7, 2009 at 19:59:36

Pussreboots

The series might get darker but this first book reminded me most of the sillier episodes of the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.



Comment #3: Wednesday, September, 9, 2009 at 05:28:30

Rhinoa

I'm really sorry you didn't like the artwork in this. I have read a few graphic novels Ted has illustrated and really like his style so maybe I am biased. The second in the series is out soon I think which I am relaly looking forward to.



Comment #4: Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 19:56:14

Pussreboots

I didn't dislike Ted's artwork. I just didn't think it fit Holly's text. I love the cover art. It's warm and inviting and more in the spirit of the story. The inside black and white pannels though just didn't work for me in conjunction with the story.



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