Friday, March 13, 2009

Weekly Graphic Novel Review - The Good Neighbors: Kin by Holly Black


The Good Neighbors by Holly Black, illustrated by Ted Naifeh. (Book 1). Graphix/Scholastic, 2008.

Gr. 8 and up

Things are terribly wrong in 16-year-old Rue’s life. Her mother has disappeared under dubious circumstances and her father is an emotional wreck, and when one of her father’s students is found murdered, suspicion falls upon him. If that weren’t bad enough, Rue keeps seeing odd creatures all around – creatures with wings, horns, or pointy ears that seem to be masquerading as “ordinary” teenagers.

It turns out that, thanks to her mother, Rue is half-faerie, and this is the crux of this exhilarating story – what fey teenager (and I’m thinking of a certain little pointy-eared 14-year-old I know, who looked just like a baby goblin when she was born) wouldn’t give almost anything to learn she was a faerie? Rue doesn’t seem too excited about it, but that’s because her world is truly falling apart around her ears. Readers will be thrilled on her behalf, especially as Naifeh’s moody, hip artwork depicts a dangerous and oh-so-fabulous world of un-human creatures. This is an intense and atmospheric ride and will leave readers gasping eagerly for book 2. I hope it comes out soon, as I was as seduced as any elf-addled teenager. More more more!

1 comment:

  1. This novel was the best i ever saw.Believe me i just got that from my friend.

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