Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel by Melissa de la Cruz

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Hyperion

Pages: 112pgs

The Story

For this elite group of teenagers, New York is all about parties, fashion . . . AND BLOOD.

Schuyler Van Alen is a loner, and happy that way. But when she turns fifteen, her life dramatically changes. A mosaic of blue veins appears on her arms, and she begins to have memories of another time and place. When a classmate is found dead at a night club, the mystery deepens. Most surprising of all, Jack Force, the hottest boy in school, starts showing a sudden interest in her.

Schuyler wants answers, but is she prepared to learn the truth . . . especially when she discovers her part in it?

The sexy and secretive world of the Blue Bloods comes to life in this stunning graphic novel adaptation of Book One in Melissa de la Cruz's internationally best-selling series.

The Review

With the final book in the Blue Bloods series, Gates of Paradise, being released earlier this year, it's just really nice to have to have a graphic novel adaptation to bring back the love I have for this series and have me looking forward to yet another great addition to Melissa de la Cruz's much beloved vampire world. So when it comes to this new graphic novel it sure doesn't disappoint its readers and certainly NOT me because this new graphic novel reminded me of all the good times I had with this series and where this love of mine had all started from . . . it was really a great treat indeed especially for a super fan like me!

While some sections of the first book - which this graphic novel is adapted from - were cut out for obvious reasons as a graphic novel can't fit in every single scene, but I still enjoyed this graphic novel on a whole. Not only was the original character dialogue (well most of it) kept for this graphic novel rather than the narration part, but it also contained much of the original storyline too, featuring some really memorable scenes and some of my favourite characters too, which was great . . . even for a graphic novel of a much smaller form.

But what I loved most of all and where all of my high praises go straight towards is the artwork alone. Even with characters having similarities to Bratz dolls but I didn't care . . . it was beautifully drawn regardless and so were the backgrounds and the character emotions. Beautiful. Crazy beautiful. Now for some readers of the original series, the characters may not be the ones inside of your head (we can all argue here because we all see our characters differently), but for me most of the characters - especially the main ones - were EXACTLY how I imagined them as weird as it is, so I was very pleased on that part. So yay for that!

Overall, this was a fantastic graphic novel and really lived up to my high expectations. While I loved this book but I firmly believe this graphic novel will only appeal to those fans and readers of the Blue Bloods series or perhaps, if you're looking for something really beautiful, new and interesting to read, may help push new readers to start reading this wonderful vampire series!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Frostbite: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead, Leigh Dragoon and Emma Vieceli

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 144pgs

The Story

The drama and romance continue in this 144-page full-color graphic novel adaptation of the second Vampire Academy novel, Frostbite, which was overseen by Richelle Mead and features beautiful art by acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli.

The Review

FROSTBITE is the second installment of Richelle Mead's bestselling YA series Vampire Academy, only, unlike its original book form, it is a graphic novel and one of the best I've read in graphic novels so far! So, if you're considering buying this graphic novel than I would strongly recommend that you read the actual book series prior to starting this graphic novel since some minor details are left out from the books in this rendition. Anyway, I absolutely loved the first Vampire Academy graphic novel released last year because it's yet another Richelle Mead creation being brought up onto the table and honestly who doesn't want more of Richelle Mead's VA world? I, of course, certainly want more of it and I adored this new book as it turns out!

There's just something special and so captivating in Leigh Dragoon and Emma Vieceli's work, and I love how much effort they have put into their own interpretations of the Vampire Academy world, not to mention in a much shorter form. For them personally, I think it would really tough in trying to create something where millions of readers are eagerly awaiting for their favourite YA series to turn into a graphic novel and I thought they did the best job they possibly could in doing so! While I had trouble in liking the depiction of Rose and Lissa's characters, since that's not how I imagined him, and even the really 'buffed-up' Dimitri was not my Dimka, however in this second piece of artwork of FROSTBITE, every other character has improved in the looks department and the scenery is just so beautiful and so much in detail . . . so once again a very well done job on the artist's part!

Now like most readers wanting to get their hands on this graphic novel right here, while Dimitri is in our mists and we love seeing any piece of nakedness coming from him, but what we were most looking forward to was seeing our chain-smoking, ridiculously-good-looking, witty-comebacking boy Adrian and once I saw his face come up onto the fine glossy pages . . . he was exactly how I imagined him in the books and boy was he handsome! And once you add the same scenes from the book - ones filled with action, romance and a lot of complications as expressed and remembered from the book series - and not to mention adding a very hot looking Adrian AND a smexy Dimtri . . . everything was just . . . AWESOME in this graphic novel! Absolutely everything!

Overall, the FROSTBITE graphic novel was more than I thought it would be and it will certainly not disappointed us obsessed Vampire Academy fans! It's fast-paced and gets straight to the itty bitty details that we so desperately want to relive from the book series, and I'm sure you'll want this baby up in your VA collection without a doubt too!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Richelle Mead's Storm Born Issue #4

Book format: Graphic Novel

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Pages: 32pgs

The Story

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past . . .

The Review

A big thanks to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for sending me links to this issue!

This graphic novel series has become a dear favourite of mine and this fourth installment definitely tops the first three that have been issued. Not only do the colours pop out more and more to the readers as the graphic novel series progresses, but the writing itself is one of the best that I've seen in graphic form. The writers have managed to keep the storyline at its best - like in Richelle Mead's books - but they have also managed to keep the same old good snark in Eugenie's character, with all sorts of comments and comebacks that have made me laugh out loud on many accounts. To say the least, I'm impressed.

Unlike in the other issues of the series, this installment we finally get answers concerning Eugenie and why all the Gentry are after her . . . and how they know her name. Plus readers will also have a family secret revealed, and learn about the prophecy Eugenie is supposed to be apart of. So expect some really great stuff from this fourth issue.

On a whole, this was my favourite issue by far! Much like the other three, the artwork is gorgeous and absolutely impressive. Be sure to start this graphic novel series if you haven't already. Highly recommended.

The Rating

5/5 stars

Vampire Academy Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead, Leigh Dragoon and Emma Vieceli

Release Date: 23rd August, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 144pgs

The Story

After two years on the run, best friends Rose and Lissa are caught and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, a private high school for vampires and half-bloods. It's filled with intrigue, danger - and even romance. Enter the dark, fascinating world through a new series of 144-page full-color graphic novels. The entire first Vampire Academy novel has been adapted for book one by Leigh Dragoon and overseen by Richelle Mead, while the beautiful art of acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli brings the story to life.

The Review

Now it's no secret that I'm an obsessed fan of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, and of course, I'm also a huge fan of graphic novels. I know I'm such a geek when it comes to those two things. So when I found out that yet another Richelle Mead book series was going to be made into a graphic novel form - for those that don't know her Dark Swan series was also recently adapted into graphic novels and they were just awesome - I was really, really excited to see our beloved characters drawn onto full-colour pages.

First off, before I talk about the plot, I want to talk about the artwork itself. For those worried about how their characters will turn out, not to worry though because while a couple of characters were a little different to my own interpretation of them in my head . . . it was nonetheless an awesome graphic novel for those desperate for more VA action. For the past year or so I've been a fan of Emma Vieceli's artwork and followed her more closely as soon as I heard she was to be the illustrator for Vampire Academy, and I'm so glad she was chosen to undertake such a difficult task - you know, since this YA series has a huge following and all. There's no doubt that this girl has talent and the character designs were just phenomenal. The details within themselves were exceptional, and while the scenaries were beautifully drawn, but what I loved most was the raw emotion displayed on the characters faces. Especially when it came to Rose's humour and Dimitri's ever-so-seriousness.

Moving onto the storyline. Look when it comes down to it, not every single scene in Vampire Academy will make it to the actual graphic novel. While many loved scenes were not in the book, but a lot of fans like myself will recognise the most important scenes that were featured - one including a favourite scene of mine, that being the Rose and Dimitri 'bandage' scene which a lot of you will know about. So in terms of the plot, I thought Leigh Dragoon - the person in charge of putting the entire story together - did an amazing job in grabbing the most essential scenes and laying them out clearly for readers to understand what was going on.

Really, my only complaints about the graphic novel was Rose herself (not to mention her chest size) and a couple of other supporting characters. They were not how I imagined them to be, but everyone has different versions inside their heads but I still loved their character designs no matter what. Rose facial expressions were well captured and so damn classic. And MASON! What surprised me the most was that when I read the first Vampire Academy book I thought Christian was supposed to hot, but in the graphic novel form I thought Mason was way hotter than Christian. So kudos to Emma for drawing a very hot Mason for the world to see! *hugs*

In the end if you're a fan of Vampire Academy than I have no doubt in my mind that you will want this for your own personal VA addictive collection. Beautifully depicted with great action sequences, intimidate details, and a whole lot of epic fun and adventure, this graphic novel shall not disappoint you and you will fall back in love with this series. All I can leave with you guys is - beware of the half-naked Dimitri. I swear, fangals might have a heart-attack after reading this book and seeing his 'naked' side. Just giving you a heads up is all . . .

The Rating

5/5 stars

Richelle Mead's Storm Born Issue #3

Book format: Graphic Novel

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Pages: 32pgs

The Story

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Up until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance sharman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin to emerging from her past . . .

The Review

A big thanks to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for sending me links to this issue!

When I received an email from Sea Lion Books with links to the latest STORM BORN issue 3 graphic novel, I was very, very excited to review this! Being an obsessed fan of the graphic novel series so far and of Richelle Mead herself, I was super stoked when I finished reading all of this third issue. Not only has the artist upped their game in terms of colourful graphics and wonderful drawing depictions of the characters, but they have also created a really great adaptation of this book series.

I think what I love most about this graphic novel is Eugenie herself. I just love how her character was drawn and her facial expressions are just really spot on! In this issue, unlike the other two I've review here and here, we finally get to meet the beloved king, Dorian. Now I don't know about you guys who've read the book series, but my absolute favourite character is Dorian himself, and while his character was drawn a little different to the Dorian stuck in my head, but the artists still kept his wit about him which I loved. And of course I just had to mention something . . . the COLOURS! With a fast-paced storyline and wonderful character drawings, the colours alone totally blew me away! So two big thumbs up for the artist who drew and inked these graphic novel pages! You are so talented!

Overall if you're a fan of Richelle Mead and of her Dark Swan series, then seriously start reading this graphic novel series.

The Rating

5/5 stars

And here's a little treat for you guys desperately wanting to read this third issue of Richelle Mead's Dark Swan graphic novel. Sea Lion Books has given me the first 6 pages of the third issue for your own viewing . . . so enjoy!

Richelle Mead's Storm Born Issue #2

Book format: Graphic Novel

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Pages: 37pgs

The Story

Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldly creatures. Those who try have 'The Dark Swan' to deal with. But Eugenie's about to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue a girl that nobody else will. Will she make it back across alive?

The Review

A big thank you to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for sending me links to this issue!

If you haven't read my review on STORM BORN's first graphic novel issue, then you can read it here. For issue #2 of Richelle Mead's new graphic novel series, it picks up exactly off where issue #1 ends - diving straight into the action. After some hot 'love-making' with a guy named Kyo and even before the night ends, Eugenie is met with something unexpected - something otherworldly - and soon learns that Kyo himself isn't all what he appears to be. When a creature attack goes wrong and Kyo awkwardly disappears into the night, Eugenie knows she's in a big fat mess. Again like in issue #1 Sea Lion Books has published yet another great installment in the STORM BORN graphic novel series and the action scenes were very awesome, much like I expected them to be.

What I loved most about this issue was the action! There was definitely more of it in issue #2 and they were shown through amazing scenes, vivid colours, and the overall story was developed so very well - even for a graphic novel it's surprising. Anyway, in this issue I'm glad that we got to see more of Eugenie and her well . . . her personal life. Readers will also learn a little bit more under that hardrock shell of hers and will appreciate Eugenie as the main character. And also - I can't wait to see what will happen with Kyo, especially after the way things ended with him in this issue. But I already know what happens since I've read the books that the graphic novels are based on, but still . . . it'll be interesting what issue #3 will bring up next onto the table! So graphic novel and Richelle Mead fans, you should definitely pick up a copy! Well worth it! Thanks again to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for giving me the opportunity to read this very awesome graphic novel!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Richelle Mead's Storm Born Issue #1

Book format: Graphic Novel

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Pages: 36pgs

The Story

Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past . . .

The Review

A big thanks to Patrick from Sea Lion Books for sending me links to this issue!

For those obsessed Richelle Mead fans like myself, then you're going to love this graphic novel adaptation of Mead's adult book series, the Dark Swan series - which can also be known as Storm Born. When I first heard Richelle Mead was going to have yet another one of her books published into a graphic novel, I was super excited for this! Not only because it's another Mead book to collect, but it's because I'm a major fan of anything graphic novel! Comics, manga, graphic novels . . . you name it!

For the first issue of STORM BORN it went beyond my expectations! The drawings and the colours clearly spoke for themselves and I have to say two thumbs up for Sea Lion Books! They did a brilliant job with this! It brought a wonderful feel to the story and since I'm a big fan of the adult novel series, it was super awesome to see some of my favourite characters brought to life in graphic novel form! The only thing I was disappointed in was the length because it made me want more and more of it! Bring on more Eugenie Markham please!

If you're a fan of Richelle Mead (which is a silly statement to make since you ALL have to be a fan of hers) or if you're simply looking for a great graphic novel to read, then be sure to pick up a copy of this first issue since it's a very cool new addition to the graphic novel book department since it'll become one of your favourites! Though be warned to younger readers of Mead's Vampire Academy series, this graphic novel does contain some sexual content. Once again, thank you to Patrick for allowing me to review this early!

The Rating

5/5 stars