Fantastic artwork and monsters in and out

Here’s a story worth reading even if only for the graphic. Luckily the plot was also interesting and it had a nice cast of characters with the main heroine leading the way.

Awakening (Monstress #1) by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda

My rating: 

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I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maika, a one-armed girl, with hidden powers, is searching for answers about her past. She’s willing to be enslaved by her race’s enemies to get them. But she’s not willing to die just yet.
While she’s fighting for her life and piecing the puzzles of her mystery, a dark power awakens inside her. Now she’ll have to learn to control the demon before he’ll take over her own body.

Let’s face it, the most appealing thing about this novel is graphic. I adore it! The details, the style, the colors – everything is perfect. Yes, it’s a bit brutal, but it fits.

The setting looks like some alternative version of Asia, with magic and steampunk-like technology. The war between Arcanics (magical creatures) and Cumaea (a kind of humans, but with some special gifts, technology, and skills) split the land into two fractions. They seem to have a treaty, but it’s far from peaceful. This world is filled with fantastic creatures – humans, demons, strange talking cats with fighting skills and multiple tails, winged hot dudes (well, there was one but I bet there’s more of them;)), cute (and not so cute) chimera-like creatures, and much more.

The plot that is seemingly chaotic at first, but as it unfolds we can see everything is connected. Some of the events take place in the past and these pieces might be a bit confusing at first, but I got used to these little jumps.

It’s the characters that make it all fascinating. Maika is strong, independent, but she has a hard time trusting others. Each time, when her faith depends on others she’s trying to run away. Part of it is because of the monster inside her, but that’s not all. I can’t say I liked her, but I admire her strength.

I kind of liked the cat that was following Maika and Kippa (the part-fox child). He was annoying and a bit stubborn, but helpful and smart. I’m guessing he was supposed to be Maika’s guide in this journey.

As for Kippa – she was simply adorable. Yes, most of the time Maika scared her, but she didn’t give up. Maybe she just had no place to go to, maybe she wanted to help. She definitely did the latter, thanks to her Maika started controlling her dark powers just a little bit better.

To sum it up – I want a hard copy of this novel! Reading it on a computer screen is not the way to do it. Sure, it’s still pleasant, but just not the same.

Have you read this?
What were your thoughts?