I am back with another book review! This time, I read a graphic novel that I adored. Magical realism meets some good sapphic representations and moments that chilled me to the bone. The first section will be a spoiler-free synopsis, and then I’ll talk more about the plot, which will have spoilers.

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Synopsis

Pamela Isley is a quiet high school student who spends her time caring for plants and helping her father at home. She deems everyone as untrustworthy, and as a result, does not have many friends. Pamela meets a goth girl named Alice Oh at school, and they develop a strong bond. The more she spends time with Alice, the more Pamela opens up to her.

That is until Alice sees something she wasn’t supposed to see and revealed Pamela’s father’s secrets. Pamela also realizes a power she possesses and struggles to use appropriately.

Will Pamela learn to love and trust others? What happens when others find out about her father’s secrets?

SPOILERS — READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

What I liked:

Pamela and Alice’s relationship

Their development was excellent. I never felt that the author rushed the relationship despite the novel’s brevity, and I enjoyed the angst of “I want to help you.” vs. “People have hurt me in the past. I want to trust you, but I can’t”. Alice teaches Pamela to stand up for herself when others try to speak for her or step all over her. Granted, Pamela first attempts to use brute force, but soon she finds her voice.

When they kissed, I hollered to myself in my bedroom. I enjoyed it so much. Pamela’s development throughout the novel was well-paced and believable. Alice helps with Pamela’s character growth, but at the same time, she has a fully fleshed personality herself. Overall, beautifully executed.

The art

I loved the art style. The action scenes came off viscerally. In other words, they gave me a chill, and it felt like I was watching a movie. The scenes were easy to follow, and each one bled nicely into the others.

I am looking forward to reading more from this author and illustrator.

The mystery of her father’s experiments

The plot of this story takes a dark turn when the reader finds out that Pamela’s mother is not on a trip but in a coma. Pamela’s father is a doctor and will stop at nothing to find a cure for his wife. The way he tests his treatments is on his daughter. These tests make Pamela weak and sick and might be responsible for her plant powers.

I’m glad she stands against her father in the end because he treated her so harshly. She did end up killing him, which is brutal. She did what she had to do to save Alice and herself. They take Pamela’s mother to a hospital, and they treat her adequately there. In the end, she shows some signs of consciousness but has a long while to recover.

What I wish the author did differently:

Made it longer 😩

I’m not sure if the author will write a sequel, but I sure hope he does. I want more of this story. I felt it was too short! The novel’s timing was great, but I got so invested that I want to know what happens next.