I hesitated about whether or not I was going to do a review of this book. I am, by no means, an expert in comic books (graphic novels...what-have-you) and so didn't know if I was really qualified to do a proper review of this book. But, after reading the thing, I had a lot I wanted to say about it so...here I am. Now, while I'm not an expert on the medium, I am a fan of graphic novels. They can tell just as gripping a story as a regular novel and can be accompanied by some really beautiful artwork and this is the perfect example. Let's dive in.
Maika Halfwolf lives in a world in a delicate state of post-war. A catastrophic battle between humans and Arcanics. Trying to solve the mysteries left in the gaps of her memory, Maika must hunt down the deadly Cumaea sisterhood. In doing so, she stumbles upon an incredible power that threatens to destroy her and anyone else who dares to stand by her. Seeking answers and trying to keep the beast within her in check, Maika is constantly in the midst of hunting or being hunted, killing or being killed.
Now, when I picked up this book I was told that it was a steampunk fantasy and...I kinda see it. The steampunk element is there but it's not very prominent, at least in this first part of the story. It's most especially obvious within the Cumaea base, where we get to seeings like a brass flamethrower in use (which was pretty awesome, I must say). So, yeah, the steampunk style is mostly reserved for the weapons, an airship, and that's pretty much it. For the most part, it sticks to being mostly fantasy. Not that this is a bad thing. The two elements always work really well together, and here's a great example. Everything in this world feels like it belongs and the inclusion of technology and magic together flow nicely together. It's a great combination.
Here's something that I don't get to talk about normally...artwork, and heavens it's gorgeous! The colors, while sticking to mostly muted tones, gives life to the dark and gritty tone the book sets. The characters and designs are just beautiful. Maika looks every bit the fierce warrior she's meant to be. This is the advantage that graphic novels have over traditional novels, you can see the characters and know just how they look and can read their expressions instead of having the information fed to you. One look from Maika in a silent panel and we know what she's thinking and how she's feeling without it being told to us. They did great work on her. Sir Corvo looks great, Kippa is adorable, and if I weren't allergic to cats I'd take Master Ren home and spoil him rotten! Both artwork and writing for these characters is just awesome and I really liked it.
Now, before you go off buying this book for your kid or something...don't. This is a mature comic and for good reason. It's a violent book. There's blood, there's gore, there's swearing, and...well, some nudity. It never goes too far or is overly explicit but it's there. It hides and blurs details to keep it from being too much, but it's still there. This is defiantly for older teens and adults who can handle this kind of material. However, it's not just violence for violence's sake. It serves a purpose. This is a comic that features war, inhumanity, slavery, cruelty, cannibalism...really heavy themes and the graphics reflect those themes. So, yeah, viewer discretion advised with this one. However, if you're one of those people who doesn't mind this kind of material in any medium, then it's fine.
Final Verdict
It's been so long since I've looked at a good graphic novel and this book marks its welcome return in my life. Am I going to review a ton more graphic novels/comic books from now on...eh, maybe. For now, let me just say that this was an enjoyable, quick read and definitely worth your money at your local bookstore.
Have you read the book? What did you think? Comment below and share your thoughts. Please make sure to Follow Midnight Readings for instant updates. Have a book you'd like me to read or would like to make a recommendation? Contact me on goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/65448711-michelle-beer
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Powerless-Shelley-Miller/dp/1543482546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519062043&sr=8-1&keywords=powerless+by+shelley+miller
Xlibris: https://www.xlibris.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001175242
Next Time: I've heard of being a tree hugger...but this is ridiculous....
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