As someone new to graphic novels and comic books, I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I loved it, and I hope there's a sequel coming up. I loved how Mary as a teenager was trying to find her footsteps and liberate herself from family legacy, also the illustration was on point. What i did not like about this book was 1. The pace was not consistent at some points, the romance which was injected into the book abruptly, even tho dreamy still lacked chemistry. 2. The fact that Mary's best friend turns out to be a witch felt somehow forced? I didn't feel it was necessary except for the scene where she helps the monsters. Probably the writer has plans for Mary and her friend if there are any sequels.
Overall it was an enjoyable read for me as an adult, sure can be enjoyable for teenagers who are looking for adventures of their own.

This is a great graphic novel and by the end of it, I found myself wishing there would be a sequel. Imagine you're Mary Shelley--not THAT one, but rather her descendent. All of the women in your family are incredible writers and it's hard enough having one family member being a famous author; imagine all of them being famous authors. The titular Mary learns that there's more to the original Mary Shelley than she ever knew, and she learns how to carve her own path.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandaughter is an upcoming YA graphic novel about the teenaged descendant of the famous author who shares the same name. What modern Mary doesn't know is that she has gifts beyond this world and she is about to fall into a role she wasn't prepared for.

The women of the Shelley family have all become successful writers. But Mary isn't so sure she wants to follow in their footsteps which brings a lot of arguing between her and her crime-novel writing mother. If life wasn't stressful enough for a teen, she also find out that monsters are real and she has the power to heal them, which is also a trait inherited from the Shelley women. And to make matters even worse, demons are hunting her down. So Mary has big decisions to make and a lot to learn about who she really is.

The art is perfect for this story and is very well done. Especially when we see different monsters and their unique appearances especially compared with the human world.

Much like Mary, we have a lot to learn as readers about this monster world, demons, and the fact the Shelley's have the ability to heal monsters. The story is well-paced where it is not confusing to follow despite it being crazy for Mary to live. And it is a story full of surprises that I really enjoyed.

The writing and humor are really on point. Hands down my favorite character is Bun Bun who is possessed by Shirley Jackson. Yes you read that correctly. It is a really funny companion character to Mary that pairs well with the overall core group of Mary, the undead Adam, the harpy Polly, and the witch Rhonda.

While the novel ends in a way where it could be the end, I really hope it isn't because the world and story they set up is great for a series. I would happily read more about the antics and shenanigans of being a monster healer. Plus the demons aren't done, as far as we know. So hopefully we get more adventures.

Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It is a fun read full of humor and interesting story. I can see it being enjoyable for younger teens as a coming-of-age story about finding your own path and what you want to be in the world.

Mary by Brea Grant illustrated by Yishan Li releasing October 6th
5/5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this graphic novel! And I highly recommend it! It follows a young teenage girl as she struggles to discover her identity and what she wants to do with her life.
This graphic novel is perfect for young readers (and older ones as well). I really related to Mary and her desire to figure out what she wants to do with her life while struggling with familial expectations. Also the illustrations are amazing!
Thank you @netgalley and @sixfootpress for a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

Treats: Very likable characters, a fun brisk plot, quick witted, and a positive message make this an enjoyable read.

Tricks: A breakneck pace might give rise to some confusion regarding the plot, the romance lacks chemistry, and some fuzzy world-building might leave some readers wanting more.

The Legal: This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Legacy often times can be a weight constantly clinging to the psyches of those who have to live under it. Whether good or bad, all too often the children are judged through the lens of their family history. Couple this with the dread one begins to feel in high school when they think about what’s next and it can almost incapacitate you. This is where we find our main character Mary in Brea Grant and Yishan Li’s new graphic novel Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter out October 6 from Six Foot Press.

Mary is your typical disaffected 16 year old, gifted but distracted in her studies and constantly hounded by her mother to take up the family tradition of being a writer. It doesn’t help that under the same roof as her and her mother are her grandmother and aunt, both also distinguished writers in their own right. Mary doesn’t seem to have much interest in being a writer and is pretty sure she doesn’t even have the chops to be one which puts a strain on her family relationships, except with her Aunt who seems more than happy to let Mary be whatever she wants to be. One night, Mary catches a glimpse of a mysterious stranger who turns out to be a monster and who is determined to convince Mary that she has a different calling, that of a healer. It’s a calling that will expose Mary to her hidden strengths and show her a new life that she can forge for herself while still giving honor to her families legacy.

Mary is a great read for people who like to spend time in the world of the spooky without being spooked. While there are monsters, demons, and ghosts, the tone is always fun, airy, and never too dark. Mary herself is a strong main character, one you empathize with and want to to be friends with. She’s snarky, sharp as a tack, and a bit of a goth crush with her black heavy wardrobe and Cure posters adorning her room. Her best friend Rhonda is a fun counterpoint to Mary. Assertive and smart, bold in planning her future where Mary is wishy-washy. The various characters that enter Mary’s life are colorful and unique, each bringing a specific flair with the star of the bunch being the ghost of Shirley Jackson who inhabits a stuffed bunny rabbit full of vim and vigor. This is one funny book with some genuine laugh out loud moments. The art is equally good with manga artist Li bringing the characters to life in their facial expressions. The action is clear and well blocked with each panel used fully without ever losing the thread of which panel to read next.

That being said, there is some clunkiness to the story and world building that might leave some readers confused. Everything in the story happens really fast. The monster characters all assume Mary is up to date and knows more than she actually does. This lets the reader feel Mary’s confusion and anxiety about her quickly escalating life but readers may find themselves in the same boat. The story lurking off the page is only given cursory mention and isn’t fully developed. Talk of treaties between humans and monsters, the laws of the supernatural world, and the roles some of the characters are left vague and to be explained later. Our main monster Adam looks like a normal person (aside from the missing foot) so why is he a monster? There is mention of a treaty between humans and monsters being broken but doesn’t go into how exactly and why this makes the demons so intent on attacking Mary. There is also the start of a budding romance between Adam and Mary which feels a little forced and lacking in chemistry. Not to mention the missing body parts and Mary being 16 while Adam is 200. All of this might be attributed to the book feeling like it is part one of a soon to be ongoing series. This would be good news as Mary and company are certainly worth going on further adventures with, but it would be nice if the story had a more defined ending and contained feeling.

Overall though Mary is a highly enjoyable read and perfect for a Saturday afternoon. Hopefully there will indeed be more adventures with Mary and her pals that will expand and flesh out the rules and intrigue of the monster world and what exactly Mary’s newfound powers entail. It’s a book with a needed message about forging your own path, staying true to what interests you and not being beholden to what’s expected of you just because it’s always been that way. There’s lots of treats to be had for fans of these kinds of stories and it’s sure to offer them a good time.

Brea Grant does everything! She acts, directs, co-hosts the wonderful Reading Glasses podcast, and now, alongside illustrator Yishan Li, she has started an exciting graphic novel series about author Mary Shelley's great-great-great-great-great granddaughter, who also happens to be named Mary.

Young Mary Shelley has quite a legacy to live up to. In a family of writers, it is expected that she will become part of "the family business". But at only sixteen years old, she is still trying to figure life out, and does not need the extra pressure. However, when genuinely weird things start to happen, and the world of monsters starts to become real, Mary realizes she has a bigger destiny than her family could ever have imagined.

Mary is an incredibly enjoyable graphic novel, and I really hope this is the start of an on-going series. It is funny, honest, and genuinely exciting. This first installment has a stuffed bunny possessed by the author Shirley Jackson, the Loch Ness monster, and a Harpy carrying a giant egg. Not to mention the "normal" challenges of trying to navigate high school.

Yishan Li's illustrations are clear, classic, and do not distract from the story. I especially love her take on the aforementioned Shirley, who has some hilarious facial expressions.

I love this new spin on a literary great. Brea Grant and Yishan Li have created an incredibly charming world, and some compelling characters. I really hope there are a lot more adventures to come.

3.5 stars! 16-year-old Mary Shelley (yes, great great etc granddaughter of) feels the pressure of living up to her ancestors’ legacies. Problem: she has no idea what to do with her life. That is, until she figures out she’s able to resurrect dead creatures. Now, she still doesn’t know what to do with her life but she’s suddenly overrun by a range of ghosts, dead guys with a missing foot and harpies with ancient eggs and dental problems that all want her help.

Someone described Mary to me as the kind of novel that when you read it, you slightly feel as if you’re on drugs. 50 pages in I thought, “Well, it’s an interesting concept and fun in execution but on drugs? Nah.” 10 pages later I suddenly had an “Aha” moment (this was around the time the harpy with human tooth issues made an appearance. We’re not in the business of calling women harpies here, by the way. This is a literal actual harpy). Let’s say this though - they’re not bad drugs, Brent. Mary is great fun - both the book and the character. When previously mentioned harpy, named Polly, shows up in Mary’s treehouse, Mary self-awarely states, “I don’t want you here, and I’m 16. In a game of stubbornness you’re no match for me.” Who is a match for her? Oh, the giant rodent with laser eyes that comes to visit her, insisting he’s “a marsupial” and “closer to a kangaroo”.

That also brings us to a couple of... issues? There’s a lot going on in 146 pages. Maybe a little too much. Definitely a little too much to explain. I’m left with questions about when this story is supposed to be set because Adam says he’s 200 years old and to prove that he makes Grey’s Anatomy references? Sir that proves that you have been around for the past 10 years. The rest of the world looks vaguely 2010-2020-esque. And that’s just a small one. I have a whole bunch more worldbuilding questions that leave me feeling... a little unsatisfied by the end of the book. Maybe it’s pacing, partly. There’s so much happening so fast that all decisions and developments happen really fast as well, and I think a little too much without explanation for my tastes.

Again - great fun, though! Absolutely a delightful, light, funny graphic novel. Would recommend it for any teen who like a bit of spookiness, some monsters, and a whole lot of sass.

I loved the art style of this comic, it definitely kept me hooked! I loved to read more adventures of Mary! A fun thrilling adventure!

First of all, thanks to netgalley for sending me a copy.

This was such a crazy story.
It has excellent halloween vibes and is a very fast and fun read.

I think the illustrations are very cute and I love the main storyline.
Although it is not extraordinary, the plot is very captivating and immersive.

I also loved the way family pressure is addressed. Sometimes we are so afraid to disappoint the people around us that we end up not being ourselves.


Although I loved this book, I feel that the romance was a little unnecessary. This seemed very forced and unnatural.

I rate this book with 3.9 stars out of 5.

Dark, suspenseful and mystifying, this graphic novel follows Mary, a descendant of Mary Shelley, famous sci-fi writer, who has a huge legacy to live up to. She is constantly being pressured to become a writer but she couldnt be less bothered. Sudden;y she happens reanimate a dead frog and realizes her power to heal monsters, kept secret from her and starts to meet up monsters at every corner asking for her help. This was fun to read as Mary learnt to accept that she would never be a writer and instead chooses her own path. It was funny and i loved how fed up she was at her mom, cause so relatable. Cant wait to read the next volume.

Whoa! I have been officially blown away! I have to say this is one of my favourite graphic novels I have read. I absolutely adore the concept and the characters and just absolutely everything. This has everything I love: monsters, a strong female lead (who has the most amazing style), a beautiful art style, an amazing plot and so much potential for more.

The art style is beautiful and the attention to detail is amazing, as well as the colour palette. I had so much fun reading this, it was truly an experience that I will want to relive again. I will definitely be purchasing my own copy and I really hope there is more in the works for Mary! The whole concept of this is right up my alley! I was so excited to read this and it definitely didn’t disappoint, in fact it exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend this graphic novel to my friends.

I enjoyed this book as a whole; it was quirky and so much fun! I liked that it had a theme that I felt resonated with me. When I was younger, I certainly struggled with identity and choosing what to become in my future. I feel like many teens feel this way, and this graphic novel will reach lots of hearts. The art is lovely; the characters are lovable, and overall this graphic novel was one I would pick up off the shelf and enjoy. However, I did not feel as though it stood out as much as I had hoped it would. I thought that it followed a pattern I've seen many times before. The way I am referring to is where the main character feels different, finds out they are different and finds a mysterious older guy who goes on adventures with them. I've seen it before, and I would have appreciated a plot that deviated from this standard path. With that in mind, the graphic novel was a fun read, and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I have! Love, Brittany

🇬🇧 Mary is a YA Fantasy graphic novel by Brea Grant – with illustrations by Yishan Li – that transports us into the world of an angsty teenager called Mary Shelley.

Yes, you read that right! She comes from a family of descendants of Mary Shelley, the amazing author. However, Mary doesn’t want to follow in her families footsteps, she doesn’t want to be a great writer, no matter how hard her mother pushes her to be just that.

When a strangely pale and cute boy asks her to heal his mysterious wound, Mary learns something new about her heritage, a secret kept for generations that turns her life upside down. The first Mary Shelley had the power to heal monsters, and now that Mary does too, they won’t stop coming to her asking for help.

And all of this is happening while Mary just wants to pass biology.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! It was super atmospheric, giving you those Mary Shelley vibes, with a smart, funny and independent main character and really cool illustrations – especially of the monsters!

It was a mix between a fun read and a book with a strong message – with Mary being pressured by her family to do something she doesn’t want to do and how that plot line is resolved.

Overall I think the concept is really interesting and the execution was pretty well done! I just hope that there are more volumes coming!!

If you enjoy graphic novels – or Mary Shelley –, I really recommend this one!
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🇵🇹 Mary é uma novela gráfica young adult de fantasia escrita por Brea Grant – e com ilustrações de Yishan Li – que nos transporta para o mundo de uma adolescente angustiada chamada Mary Shelley.

Sim, leram bem! Mary vem de uma família de descendentes da Mary Shelley, a autora incrível que todos conhecemos. No entanto, ela não quer seguir as pisadas da família, não quer ser uma grande escritora, por muito que a mãe insista para que ela o seja.

Quando um rapaz giro e estranhamente pálido vai ter com ela e lhe pede para curar uma ferida misteriosa, Mary aprende algo novo sobre a sua herança, um segredo guardado por gerações que vira a sua vida do avesso. A primeira Mary Shelley tinha o poder de curar monstros, e agora que a Mary também o consegue fazer, eles não param de a procurar para pedir ajuda.

E tudo isto está a acontecer enquanto tudo o que a Mary quer é passar a biologia.

Gostei imenso desta novela gráfica! Foi super atmosférica, dando-nos aquelas vibes de Mary Shelley, com uma personagem principal inteligente, engraçada e independente e ilustrações incríveis – especialmente as dos monstros!

Foi uma mistura entre uma leitura leve e divertida e um livro com uma mensagem a passar – com a Mary a ser pressionada pela família a fazer algo que não quer fazer e a maneira como ela lida com a situação.

Em geral, acho que o conceito é muito interessante e a execução foi bastante bem conseguida! Só espero que haja mais volumes em trabalhos!!

Se gostas de novelas gráficas – ou da Mary Shelley –, recomendo muito esta!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I was so excited I squealed <3

I L O V E Mary Shelley. Like, really truly love. I've always admired her determination and persistence to be a published author, especially as a woman, so it comes as no surprise that I loved Brea Grant's graphic novel about the distant relative of *the* Mary Shelley.

Our beloved, angsty girl Mary is so lovable in a "she scares me, but I'd also like to hug her" kind of way. We love that. She's not only smart and brave, but also relatable. Her teenage crush on Adam is adorable.

The world surrounding young Mary and her family is incredible. Monsters? Mayhem? Mary being angst-ridden? YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU!

5 stars! I really enjoyed this stand-alone graphic novel!!

Such a wonderful graphic novel perfect for the spooky season! The story was engaging, the characters came alive right off the page and the illustrations tied everything together beautifully. This is a fantastic read for fans of Mary Shelley and those new to her alike. What's not to love about a paranormal coming of age story?

The artwork for this graphic novel was amazing I loved the details to the characters and scenes. Sadly this was the only thing I liked about this. The writing felt very fast and it left me confused after each page turn like I was missing every detail on what was happening between the characters. There was too much happening it felt all bunched up with what the characters and with what they were talking about.

(3.5 stars)

I really enjoyed this one! It was a quick read, and I always love a good story about strong women and witches.

I loved how the characters were portrayed as strong women and very independent. That's always something I love about a book.

The art in this novel was stunning, and I absolutely loved it the whole way through. The dialogue was fine, but there was a little lack of detail, which was a thing the whole way through.

Mary was a great character, and I really enjoyed reading about her. She's funny and she's smart, and I really liked that. Some of the monsters were really enjoyable as well.

Now I'm just left wondering if there will be more, because it did move fast at times, and I feel like I was really left wanting more.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My experience with this graphic novel hasn't been entirely positive. On one side, I thought that the rhythm of the story was quite jumpy, with the narration switching scenes a bit too quickly, specially in the first pages, leaving me with a sense of half-bakedness, so to speak. On the other, the characters do not seem that well-developed, so I found myself being mostly indifferent to their actions and fate. I thought this aspect would get better along the way, but it actually didn't, or, to be more accurate, it did, but only a bit, not enough to make me feel really into the story.

On the bright side, I like Mary's flat acceptance of everything that happens to here: she's never in shock, just barely surprised, when monsters or demons appear to her or even try to kill her. I found that emotional detachment to be a fun and nice addition to her character. Also, the visuals are generally very good, so it was a pleasure to keep reading to discover new art.

I hope there will be other issues of this series and this graphic novel can find its footing: I think the potential is there, I see good qualities around, they just need to be organised in a more structured and effective plot, with more attention to characters and their backstories.

I thought this was a very interesting concept for a graphic novel. I love the idea of having a decedent of Mary Shelly and having magical powers. Mary is a teenager who is struggling with finding out who she is and how is hates trying to live up the family expectation of being a famous writer of some sorts. Then one day she discovers that these creatures were asking for her help to fix them. I hope that there will be more to this series. I also love the art style of this graphic novel.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I actually really enjoyed this graphic novel. I'm not one for graphic novels, as illustrations do not do much for me, but I found the storyline of this novel quite interesting and it's a fresh take on the lineage of Mary's family.

I love the humour in this (especially from the Mum) and the 80% all-female cast!

The monsters are a nice touch and I'm quite excited to see how this series evolves.