2.5

This graphic novel follows the artist Matisse on his trip to Tangier in 1912.
It's a slow paced slice of life historical graphic novel.
I liked the colour pallet used in this book. However unfortunately I didn't like the actual story as much as I expected to. Instead I found myself getting bored.
It was just an ok read for me.

*I received this book via Netgalley*

After reading the first volume I'm super intrigued to find out where this story is heading.
I enjoyed this volume a lot. I'm excited to continue this series and find out where it's going, because this was a good start.

*I received this book via Netgalley*

The Storm We Made follows the stories of one family from the 1930s when Malaya was occupied by the British, through to the mid 1940s when Japanese forces had taken over and occupied Malaya.
Through switching perspectives, we see multiple members of this family fighting to survive through a turbulent time and multiple heartbreaking events.
Throughout this novel I was enthralled. From the richly developed characters, to the well described setting. I felt as though I was right there with the characters.
This book is an emotional one. Shining light onto the horrific events many had to live through. All while weaving a complex story of how decisions have a lasting effect.
I truly loved this book. 

*I received this book via Netgalley*

4.25

Under the Tamarind Tree follows the lives of four childhood friends, with a focus on Rozeena, a young doctor whose family fled to Pakistan during partition.
It's told in dual timelines, both set in Karachi. The earlier timeless being in 1964  leading up to an event which shaped the lives of the charactees and the later timeline set in 2019 after Rozeena has retired, and forms a bond with the granddaughter of one of her old friends.

From the beginning I found this book intriguing. I haven't read a lot about partition and the effects it had for years afterwards on those affected by it. However, it's an area of history that I've been wanting to learn more about.

One thing I loved so much about this novel was how believable and fleshed out the characters were. That along with the compelling setting kept me interested throughout. 

I will say that I did enjoy the historical timeline more than I did the modern day sections, which often happens to me with dual timeline books like this one.

However, overall this was a throughly enjoyable novel about societal pressures, friendship, secrets and how history impacts generations. Definitely glad I read it


*I received this book via Netgalley*

This first installment has immediately intrigued me. I really like the premise is really interesting and I enjoyed the art style as well.
It was a good set up for this comic and I'd definitely be interested in continuing and seeing where it goes.

*I received this book via Netgalley*

I found myself having a hard time getting into this book. The characters were fine, but I never really felt that invested in their story.
It read quick, which was nice and I did like the worldbuilding.
But overall for me, this isn't a book that had me hooked and I probably wouldn't continue on to the next book.

*I received this book via Netgalley*

3.75

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The characters were interesting and the plot was good too. It was very reminiscent of older YA dystopian in tone.
Easy and fast to read, with some interesting comments on society and its beauty standards. 
I will say that some of the language used in replacement of the words we'd use in real life, felt a bit weird. 
But overall it was an enjoyable read.

*I received this book via Netgalley*