#BookReview Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens

Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in years… And I think you all should hear about it!

I love a good graphic novel, and this book really did it for me! The fantasy and family mix was a very nice flip on the typical tone of werewolves. Normally, werewolves seem to be portrayed as scary monsters who go hide in fear alone from society. This story makes the werewolves as a pack front and centre. The family unit is important and learning about one’s self is key. I liked that aspect, especially since this book was more fun and friendly about it.

Artie wants to learn all about herself, her family and werewolves in this coming of age story. Her Mother recruits family and friends to help her learn about the story behind her lore. Throw in Artie’s crush on Maya and the secret past of her family… and you’ve got one fun hit on your hands. Oh, and did I mention the illustrations are also SO FABULOUS. I love them. They work so well with this story.

The mythology of the story is cool too, with the freedom aspect being heightened. I think, overall, this book did justice to what I would want in a positive spin on werewolves. There’s so many ways to do werewolves “wrong” or make them not relate to the reader, but I think this book did a great job of making werewolves not seem as scary and seem more like just a “different” kind of person. Not different in a bad way of course, similar to how your neighbours might drive you insane from their recycling ways but there’s nothing bad about them. They’re different from you, but not bad.

This book will make you smile, laugh and cry as Artie learns more about herself. It’s a true coming of age story in a fun, fantasy environment. Add in the LGBT presence, and it’s got one heck of a story that does representation well. The whole book felt very cohesive and nice to read. It was elegant and just all around awesome. It’s hard to find books like this these days (at least for me), so finding one that wows my socks off… Well, I just have to share it! These days, letting the world hear my high praise on books is the kind of positivity I want to share.

I highly recommend! Grab it while it’s still hot! Or while it’s cold… Either way, give it a try!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Ready to hype this book up and give it a go? Here are some helpful links to start you on your reading journey:
Goodreads
Amazon.ca
Chapters / Indigo / Coles
Kobo
B&N

Find out more about the author, Olivia Stephens, with these handy dandy links:
https://www.olivia-stephens.com/
Goodreads Author Page

Looking for more books to read? Well, why not check out some of my other fave fantasy reads that have been featured on my blog:
Juana and the Dragonewts Seven Kingdoms by Kiyohisa Tanaka
Moon-Force 1 by Janelle M. Adams
Loki’s Wolves by K.A. Armstrong and M.A. Marr

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