Category / graphic novels

by The Booked Unicorn

The African Speculative fiction Society 2022 Nommo Awards : Shortlist Finalists

Hi,

Its been a while! Life has been life-ing and i am alive i promise! So here’s a post that has been on my mind for a while time. And in case i haven’t said it to you happy new year! ( yeah i know the irony of this coming in June)

I am kicking of this post with the African Speculative Fiction 2022 Nommo Awards Shortlist finalists. I saw this on Brittle Papers post on Instagram and i immediately made it a point to read some books from the different categories before the awards. I would also be doing a review on each one i finish.

There are four categories

  • Novel (The Ilube Nommo Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novel by an African)
  • Novella
  • Short Stories
  • Graphic Novel

You can click on this link to see the full list of all the books that have been shortlisted!

Sometimes to find what you are looking for you have to look in front of you. I have been looking for African Scifi and fantasy and while i discovered some authors , this list has lead me to more that i am excited to read. The African Speculative Fiction Society ( ASFS) is on Twitter so give them a follow to find out about African authors writing Sci-fi and fantasy.

I’ll be reading and reviewing books from Three categories, Novel, Novella and Graphic Novel.

Novel Category:

Son of the storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa ( this would be a reread for me ) Available on Amazon

They made us Blood and Fury by Cheryl S. Ntumy ( Just discovered her and i bought the book on Amazon you can click here to get it!

The Library Of the dead by T.L Huchu Available on Amazon

Novella Category:

The Future God of Love by Dilman Dila ( read this recently and it was so good review to be posted soon!) Available on Scribd

Not Seeing is a flower by Erhu Kome ( read this and loved it, my review is on Instagram but i’ll post it here also) Available on Amazon

Remote control by Nnedi Okorafor ( i am currently reading this)

Graphic Novel Category

Iyanu: Wonder Child Volume 2 by Roye Okupe (creator/writer), Godwin Akpan (illustrator): Available through subscription on the Youneek Website, $2.99 for an unlimited read!

IJournal by Awele Emili ( Available to read here)

Join me to read these books and broaden your horizon on Scifi and Fantasy. I think you will enjoy them and discover new things along the way. So click on the links!

Are there any book awards you look forward to ? and Have you completed any books on any awards list Please let me know in the comments. Also Share this post. Thank you!

As Always,

Nelo- The Booked Unicorn!

by The Booked Unicorn

March Wrap up

Hey guys,

I have to ask….what the fuck was March? Because it felt like 7 years in one month. I am so glad its over. How are you holding up? I know for some of its the best holiday ever while for other, it been a time of anxiety and depression. My heart goes out to you and i pray to God that this ends soon. Remember to sit ya butt down at home to help flatten the curve.

I had a mini slump last month because with everything going on some of my plans were cancelled and that sucked big time. Somehow i was able to get back to reading again so here’s what i read and did for the month of March:

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  • I wrote a review for The Empress of Salt and Fortunes by Nghi Vo please check it out and i promise its a good novella
  • I read:

other books not shown are

Muse Volume 1 and 2 by Dennis-Pierre Filippe 

  • I am finally getting back to bookstagram please follow me on there @bookedunicorn007 i follow back.
  • I am using this time in Quarantine to figure out things, and concentrate on what really matters. Some days its hard and depressing af but i have to keep pushing. I believe something good will come out from this. Use this time to get the much needed rest you need.

Thanks for reading and stopping by!

As Always,

Nelo the Booked Unicorn

by The Booked Unicorn

Future Hauls (Maybe?)

Hallo and Welcome!

This was almost a tweet but last minute I decided to turn it into a post (Hooray for brain powers!).

This is the way I choose the format of books i want to read; sometimes i get a feeling my eyes would not appreciate them in E-book format and so i would get a physical copy, other times i appreciate them more as audio books , and if i like both physical and audio books i get both and read them together. Does anyone else do this or am i just a weirdo? let me know.

Here are the books i am planning on getting this year and the format

Books i am looking forward to getting ( I may not get everything on this list because my bank would curse me out!)

  • The Book of Lost Saints by Daniel Jose Older: It has Magic realism which i love. Hardback because that cover is BEAUTIFUL.

 

  • Sabbath by Nick Mamatas:  rock n roll fun. Its currently £11.52 on amazon Which is mad expensive however i am saving up to get the E-book already have it on audio [Blogger recommended]

 

 

  • The library at mount Charby Scott Hawkins: i am shocked i haven’t read this, i saw V.E Schwab recommend this on twitter and i was interested. I am getting it in paperback

 

  • Monstress book 1 and 2 by Majorie. M Liu: i am thinking of giving this one more chance, i tried the first volume and maybe because it wasn’t much i didn’t understand what was going on but since there are more volumes now i think i would be able to follow. And the art is pretty. To add to my growing graphic novel collection, I would be getting a physical copy.

 

  • The Wicked and the divine book 3 and 4 by Kieron Gillen: this has the same issues with Monstress, however i would re-read book one and two this year before getting them. Physical copy to complete my collections

 

 

What back list tittles do you want to get, and why do you want to.

 

And that’s all folks, Thank you for stopping by!

Please comment, like and share!

As always,

Nelo- Booked Unicorn.

by The Booked Unicorn

January 2020 Wrap-up

Hello Humans,

Boy am i glad this month is over! What a way to start the new decade with all the weirdness in the world. You want my advice? Turn of your tv!

I read a total of five books this month i enjoyed four of them, the last one was meh

January Books

  • [owned physical copy]Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman: Absolutely enjoyed this! The first book i read from this duo, i am encouraged to read the illuminae series now. I am looking forward to Aurora Burning.
  • [kindle E-book]The travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa: I wrote a review of this book already. I friggin loved it, i am just saying if i get a cat you would know why.
  • [dARC] Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo: Pre-order this NOW! I will get a review out when its time but trust me its awesome. 
  • The Half-god of rainfall by Innua Ellams [Audio book available on scribd]: Do you ever wish all the women Zeus abused got revenge well strap in for a ride because this epic poem by Innua Ellams lays to rest that wish. I listened to the audio book and its spoken by the author its just beautiful. The review would be up tomorrow
  • [Manga ARC] Don’t Call me dirty by Gorou Kanabe: And of course this Manga broke my five star streak .It wasn’t bad it was just meh ( The meh scale is 2.5- 3 stars ).

I also started Killing commendatore by Murakami Haruki which i have been dying to read since forever ( also shout to Kate Pfeil…i watched her YouTube videos on Japanese literature. I was just getting in Japanese Lit when i stumbled on it. Check out her videos 

I tried to start a habit journal and well i fell off the grid hard.  I will try again Next month ( *eye roll* which means i have to prepare it). I am thinking of using this as an excuse to get more washi tape.

I also started a course on Skillshare: The art and science of drawing with Brent Eviston, it breaks down drawings to the basic shapes while teaching  the proper techniques for drawing. One thing i am learning is that draw is a skill not a talent and to improve you have to practice ( get that muscle memory going).

Thank you for reading, i pray February is even better than this month. I would like us to remember to treasure our loved ones.

 

As Always,

Nelo-Booked Unicorn.

by The Booked Unicorn

Monday Book Recommendations

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Hellur!!

Ah its Tuesday already, bruh today feels like Monday. 

 Also please ignore the fact that i am posting this on a Tuesday when it says Monday

On Mondays i would share my recommendations with you all so you can get those Tbr piles high and proud.  If you have read them let me know what you thought. And if you plan to let me know why too!

DividerHere it goes:

The Charm of Magpie series by KJ Charles:

I may have mentioned this before and i am mentioning it again because you need this series in your life. It’s M/M , light horror ( there’s something about rats that’s all the horror you need) and its magical. I finished the series recently and boy it goes out with a bang.  Check it out its available on Scribd.

 

The Shadowmaster series by M.K Gibson 

I wish i wrote this book ( i said this in one of my reviews). If you like books were the character talks directly to you ( i mean he slightly curses you but you’ll be fine), is most definitely a villain and knows all the plot holes in popular genres, then this is for you.

Its important to remember that Julie Jackson the shadow master is evil but he gets shit done. I love the dialogue in this one, the twists and turns are just perfect. Its available on Kindle unlimited, and i also recommend that you pick up the audio book with this one, the narrator is incredibly talented, it does deviate from the story sometimes ( that is the audio book) but its a fun deviation.  Check it out on audible

 

The Darkside series by Kristy Cunning ( pen name for C.M Owens)

If you don’t already know i am a reverse harem trash. What’s reverse harem? Simple its when the girl doesn’t have to choose and she gets all the guys. And well this works perfectly for  me because i HATE love triangle with a burning passion.

This book has a kickass funny female lead and four handsome Apocalyptic men.

I mean the MC name is Paca ( but if you read the book you will find out the full name and it is jaw dropping).

And finally

Adorned by Chi ( Manga) by  Jacque Aye , Magus Ato (Illustrator) Tiana Mone’e (Cover Artist).

adorned

Magic girls and boy but make them Igbo. I supported this on kickstarter and i have zero regrets on doing that. I loved everything about it, from the Igbo culture to the costumes!! And yes i still drool over 2d charcters.

When an ancient apocalyptic beast is awakened and threatens humanity, five Nigerian students must embrace their magic, put their differences aside, and band together to defeat him.

You can read excerpts from Adornedbychi.com and also buy the book.

 

Have you read any of these books and if you haven’t do any of them interest you, let me know in the comments below. 

 

As always,

Booked Unicorn

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by The Booked Unicorn

Day 4: Graphic Novels and Comics i recommend

THIS PROJECT IS HOSTED BY SEALEA FROM THAT BOOKSHELF BITCH ( THE GORGEOUS HEADER WAS ALSO PROVIDED BY HER)

Now i love me some  good comic books, they help my complete my GR challenge and i love the adaptation of words to art.

Confession: a lot of times when i am lazy to read the novel i go straight for the graphic novel if it has one ( i did that with Maximum ride and the Kite Runner and i’m not ashamed).

I  read my comics on Webtoons, Tapas and Tappytoon. If you download the apps, you can download the comics and read anytime.

TapasTapas: This is a website i read comics and graphic novels from. There’s Premium content which you pay for and free content. I will Indicate which ones are free as well as leave links for you to check them out. Most of them are diverse with LGBT and POC representation. Top recs here are Les Normaux, a supernatural slice of life following different couples in Paris EVERY LGBT Representation you can think of is here ( and more are being developed). If you loved i was Born for this by Alice Oseman check out her Comic Heartstopper. WanderLust ? Live Vicariously through 100 days in Europe, the art style is gorgeous.

  1. Les Normaux by Knight JJ
  2. The beginning after the end by Turtle Me
  3. Adonis by Team Adonis
  4. The God of Pain’s groom by Demon black cat
  5. 100 days in Europe by Jihyo Kim
  6. The one who loved you from behind by Ghost feet
  7. Black Pupil  by Tub
  8. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
  9. Jack The American Ghost by Han & AN

webtoon Line Webtoons: All the comics here are free. There are so many to choose from but i’ll just recommend my faves. I HIGHLY recommend Murrz and My Giant nerd Boyfriend they are comedy gold/

  1. My Giant Nerd Boyfriend by Fishball
  2. Murrz by Murrz
  3. Small world Wonsun Jin
  4. Love advice from the great duke of hell by unfins
  5. My Dictator Boyfriend

TappyToons : This is a pay per view comic site. I recommend these comics because i think they are worth the coins.

  1. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp by Yuin Mini
  2. The empress of another world
  3. The reason why Raelina was at the duke’s mansion
  4. Daughter of the emperor by Runo Yinsul
  5. The abandoned empress by Ina Yuna
  6. Light and shadowLight and shadow

 

Graphic Novels: You have every representation ( well a lot ) under the sun in this section. Saga series is my most recommended

  1. Saga by Brian  K, Vaughn
  2. The Grave Yard book Vol 1&2 by Neil Gaiman
  3. Maximum Ride Volumes By James Patterson
  4. The Kite Runner by Kahlid Housenni
  5. LumberJanes by Noelle Stevenson et all ( seriously there are a lot of people)
  6. Sleepless by Sarah Vaughn ( click for review)
  7. My Lesbian experience with loneliness by Nagata Kabi
  8. Bingo Love
  9. Locke & Key (The entire series is worth it mate!!) by Joe Hill
  10. Nimona By Noelle Stevenson

 

And that’s all for my fourth list i hope you enjoy and check them out. Tell me which comics you like and you think i should try. Also have you read any of them, lemme know.

Until next time

As always,

Booked Unicorn

 

 

by The Booked Unicorn

Book Review: Sleepless Vol 1.

Hey Rainbow army,

I don’t know if any of you have read Saga by  Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples if you haven’t hunny you are missing out. So i learnt they are going on a years hiatus, they recommended a couple of comics to keep us happy while they are gone, one of them is sleepless.

sleepless vol 1

Author: Sarah Vaughn

Artist: Leila Del Duca

Colorist: Alissa Sallah 

Letterer: Deron Bennett

Genre: Fantasy

Issues: #1-6

Rating: 5 HOW DARE YOU CLIFFHANGER stars

Date of release :July 10th 2018

Publisher: Image comics

Synopsis from GR:

Lady “Poppy” Pyppenia is guarded by the Sleepless Knight Cyrenic, but becomes endangered when an assassin threatens her life in the new king’s reign. As Poppy and Cyrenic try to discover who wants her dead, they must navigate the dangerous waters of life at court, and of their growing feelings for one another. Writer Sarah Vaughn (ALEX + ADA, ETERNAL EMPIRE) and artist Leila del Duca (SHUTTER, AFAR) team up with editor / colorist Alissa Sallah and letterer Deron Bennett for this fantasy romance.

 

The review

So after reading this comic, the first thing i did was appreciate sleep by taking a nap (WAIT! Its not because it was boring, i was just appreciating sleep i know its weird stick with me). 

We meet Lady Pyppenia poppy and her sleepless bodyguard Sir Cyrenic , now this Cyrenic guy takes a vow not to sleep FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE! in order to guard Poppy ( Dear unicorn saints above pizza heaven…if that was me That would have been a HELL TO THE FLUFF NO but hey that’s why its fantasy).

What i can tell you is there is court drama, the medieval kind and Poppy has to be strong or else she and her guard would be dead. Cyrenic is loyal and very protective of Poppy but he needs help quickly.  As for poppy, she’s graceful but she needs more wisdom in order to survive. And everybody in the court is suspect, as you read the book trust no one.

 The art it is gorgeous the styling of a black lady in a Medieval time is just something that has to be seen . It was really easy to read and follow the panels. This is just the first volume but the plot thickens and the cliffhanger is frustrating but hey good news issue #7 is out….but i will wait till it collects into a vol 2.

To get the book the link click here Amazon UK, Book Depository , Google Play

I hope you enjoy this book as much as i have and let me know in the comments which graphic novels you would recommend.

As always

Booked Unicorn

 

by The Booked Unicorn

Unicorn reviews: Hasib & The Serpent Queen

hasib and the queen of serpents

 

Image from comixology

 

Title: A tale of a Thousand and One Nights: 
Hasib & the Queen Of Serpents
Author: David B.
Genre:Graphic Novel, Fantasy,folktales
Reader age: 18+
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: NBM Publishing
ARC provided: Netgalley
Date released:1/06/2018
Pages:112

Blurb from GR:Heir to the wise Daniel, Hâsib is a young woodcutter promised to a great future. When his greedy companions abandon him in the middle of the forest, he meets the Queen of Serpents. She then tells her story, a fabulous adventure filled with gods and demons, princes and prophets. From Kabul to Cairo, journeys intertwine with intrigues and spiritual quests while the fabulous nights follow one another. An enchanting and intricately designed interpretation of the story of Hâsib Karîm ad-Dîm, through which David B. opens for us the gates of the Thousand and One Nights

 

 

I received this ARC from Netgalley all opinions are my own.

In this story we meet Hasib who has just been betrayed by his co workers, he is trapped in a cave and perchance meets a scorpion that leads him to the serpent queen.

The adventure begins

Although this book is a folktale,from the first page i was sure this book was not intended for a younger audience its a bit graphic.

The story is interesting, right from the first page the story grips you. If you are familiar with the one thousand and one nights you would know that this tale is narrated by Scheherazade  ( your girl doesn’t want to get offed). It’s a tale within a tale within a tale, in that order until you get to the end when all the characters you thought were gone jump back to life ( i mean if i had nine- lives i would  do that too).

Now the art style is absolutely gorgeous ( i found my self thinking this defies logic and the laws of anything on earth, but hey that’s why its fantasy), a perfect fit for the story.

 

If you love Arabian Nights i suggest you read this comic, you will enjoy it.

 

As Always be kind and spread rainbows,

Booked Unicorn

 

 

 

by The Booked Unicorn

Book Review: A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns

 

 

a-quick-easy-guide-to-they-them-pronouns-9781620104996_hr

Title: A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns

Authors: Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson

Genre: LGBTQIA Non-fiction

E-ARC: Netgalley UK

Publisher: Limerence press

Publication date: June 12th

Rating : 4 stars.

The Blurb from good reads.

 Archie, a snarky genderqueer artist, is tired of people not understanding gender neutral pronouns. Tristan, a cisgender dude, is looking for an easy way to introduce gender neutral pronouns to his increasingly diverse workplace. The longtime best friends team up in this short and fun comic guide that explains what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them. They also include what to do if you make a mistake, and some tips-and-tricks for those who identify outside of the binary to keep themselves safe in this binary-centric world. A quick and easy resource for people who use they/them pronouns, and people who want to learn more.

This comic explains the basic use of gender neutral pronouns they/them, ze/hir . Its really useful if you meet people that use this pronouns and why they use it. I think it all boils down to respecting a people, i like how it explains that at the beginning you will mess up when trying to use the pronouns but that’s okay . The book also gives an insight on how non-binary people feel when you misgender them.
The art is perfect for this sort of explanatory-type comic focuses more on the message that’s being passed. It covers the basics you need to know and if you are interested in knowing more you can always research. I think its essential to have this book at work and school so that people know how to start using third person pronouns and get comfortable with it.

Don’t forget to check it out On Amazon its out on June 12th.

 

Till next time

Booked Unicorn

 

by The Booked Unicorn

Comic review: Casa Nostra

casa nostra Rating: 3 stars

Type:Crime/ Noir Graphic Novel

E-Arc provided by : Netgalley

Recommended reader age : 15+ 

Author and artists: Chris Sarracini, Nick Kilislian (Illustrator), Matt Moylan (Letterer)

In 1933, four women run a comforting safe house for Chicago criminals looking to lay low. But when the ladies find themselves violently betrayed by one of their distinguished guests, revenge becomes their new business. Daring heists, dirty money, infamous gangsters and Tommy guns are all a part of the plan in this original noir graphic novel.

What i liked

  • Strong female characters who have their individual strengths bind together in a business were many people do not venture
  • The careful plot of Claire, it was cunning and well executed
  • The art style was well matched with the story
  • The captions were easy to read

The not-so great part

  • There was not enough information on  Charlie, Rosa and Claire’s father
  •  Some of the panels were not clear enough.
  • The story was  difficult to read.

I would recommend for those who love mafia/organised crime comics. It just was not  interesting for me to read, who knows you might actually love it better than i did.