This is a bit late…we’re already nearly halfway through May. But I’ve finally gone through my reads from April and put together a list for y’all to check out. .

• Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons #1 by  Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Jimenez – A jaw-droppingly stunning book filled with mythology and incredible art.
• Shirley & Jamila’s Big Fall by Gillian Goerz – A delightful follow-up to the first graphic novel in this series. I deliberately use the word “follow-up” rather than sequel since this is totally standalone (as is the first) and require any additional context to enjoy. The characters are engaging and relatable and I loved that the stakes rose in this story, revolving around privilege, bullying, and more. Goerz is excellent at adding in other subtle details exploring deeper themes and messages. Young readers will definitely enjoy this book and series, especially if they enjoy a good mystery to unravel.
• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Vol. 1 by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe – This manga took me by surprise! It’s D&D but what happens after the party ends their adventure and what comes after. The relationships formed and the connections shared and what happens to everyone when all but one are mortal. Surprisingly contemplative and beautiful, focusing on quieter moments in fantasy storytelling.
• Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert – One of the most beautiful and extraordinary graphic novels I’ve read in a while. Top-notch art and colours pair perfectly with the story of two companions as they travel together on an epic quest. It feels cinematic and the art guides you around the page effortlessly conveying the tale. Truly wonderful and worth reading.
• The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith – When a family is torn apart by a murderous play for power, young twins flee to the Communion of Blue where they hide until they can make a move to enact justice. However, along the way, each twin begins to discover more about themselves as they find their true places in the world. A beautiful story with stunning art and palettes. An exploration of identity, family, acceptance, and more.
• Piranesi by Susana Clarke – I know lots of people who love the heck out of this book…I was not one of them. It was fine but it felt so deliberately dense and I struggled to get through it. I did make it all the way to the end but even having completed it, I’m still not entirely sure what actually happened. I was definitely into the concept and the worldbuilding but there wasn’t enough of that for me overall.

And then a few things that I read but don’t have much to say about them:

• Best Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
• The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 1 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, and Touco Shino
• The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell and Various Contributors
• Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

What did you read in April? Leave a comment or reach out on socials and say hello!