Reading level: Young AdultGenre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Size: 128 pages
Publisher: Oni Press
Release Date: April 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1934964118
Stand Alone or Series: 4th book in the Courtney Crumrin series
Source: Gift fro Xmas
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
This is the fourth (and final?) book in the Courtney Crumrin series. There is a follow up series called the Courtney Crumrin Tales, which is supposed to give more background on Courtney's uncle. This book was probably my least favorite of the series; it just had a lot of things happen in it that didn't make a whole lot of sense. The sudden inclusion of werewolves and vampires (and the loss of focus on Night Things) made me feel like Naifeh was trying to cater to the whole teenage girls with werewolves/vampires trend.
This installment consisted of two chapters. The first dealt with a group of werewolves and a young boy and girl in love. Courtney tries to help the boy and girl be together, but finds that nothing is as simple as it seems. The second chapter deals with Courtney meeting a handsome boy that only she sees; she falls in love with him but he is not what he seems to be.
The theme of this installment in the series seems to be romantic love. Courtney is trying to believe in love and help it along, but again and again she is shown that the truth is much harsher. It is kind of depressing overall, you see Courtney's dreams and hopes dashed over and over again.
The drawing is in keeping with previous installments. I missed the Night Things and wondered why Naifeh decided to set this in Europe with traditional paranormal creatures. Courtney doesn't really develop her witchcraft any more; this book just seemed so not in keeping with the Courtney we've come to know and love.
That's not to say the story wasn't engaging; it was a quick read and interesting. I enjoyed it, I just thought it was less exciting and more depressing than previous books in the series.
Overall a decent book in this series, but my least favorite. The story is kind of depressing and Courtney seems much more melancholy than in previous books. I still highly recommend this series for fans of fantasy graphic novels.
This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- Graphic Novel Challenge
- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge
- 150+ Books Reading Challenge
- TBR Pile Reading Challenge
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