Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea and Illustrated by Yana Bogatch –ESSENTIAL

Grimoire Noir by Vera Greentea and Illustrated by Yana Bogatch, 275 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second (Macmillan), 2019 $18  

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 (Kidnapping, Drowning).

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  AVERAGE

Bucky is a 15 year old with a big problem. His little sister is missing and it feels like no one is doing anything about it. She can’t have gone far, the small town where they live is protected by a magical barrier, a barrier meant to keep witches, like his little sister (and his mom) inside. In fact, all of the women in the town are witches, their power manifesting in a variety of ways. So Bucky, with a bit of help from his former best friend, Chamomile, decides to investigate But the witches of the town don’t take kindly to becoming suspects. In the meantime the entire town is flooding as his mother’s grief manifests as a magical rainstorm, and his father doesn’t want Bucky involved in the investigation.

First off the artwork in this book is just incredible. Some of the creepiest and most beautiful I have ever seen. The characters are just luminous. This was the perfect spooky read I have always wanted. Not nightmare inducing but still very chilling. I could not put this book down. The story was interesting and full of lots of little characters and details which helped to make the whole town seem very plausible. I think teen readers will love this, and since its fairly G rated, with no swearing or mature content, it’s a great fit for a school library as well. My only complaint is that cover is so dark, this book may be passed over, going unnoticed.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.