Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin for allowing me access to this book. After losing my mom only four months ago, this book hit a little too close to home and made me cry ugly tears. But this isn't just a ghost story because it covers so many other hard-hitting topics, such as mental health, creating boundaries, the feeling of burnout, and death.

Darien sees ghost and engages in them to pass onto the afterlife, which is all fine and dandy until he finds out that death's door is locked and none of the ghost can find peace. All the ghost come and bombard Darien who wants nothing more to help but feels like he's going to breakdown since he is doing everything in his power to help, but the ghosts aren't being appreciative enough to see he is doing the best he can.

The part that hit the hardest for me is when Darien's grandmother, who is also a ghost, started yelling at him for not spending enough time with her. She thinks just because she saved Darien from going to the asylum, she deserves more attention than anyone else, that he should think less of himself and more of the job he is doing. It makes you realize that someone you are close with deserves all the time and attention from you and your social life. You deserve to put up boundaries and do what you need to do before you break down.

I also loved the queer rep in this book. The book doesn't full focus on the love interest because the other rep in the story is more important, but I would have loved something more between Brody and Darien.

I loved the art throughout the book. It goes from light.& fluffy to creepy real quick, and I love how detailed everything was.

Overall, this is such an important story for everyone to read, whether you are going through some mental heath stuff or not.

"The Ghostkeeper" by Johanna Taylor is an atmospheric and haunting tale that seamlessly blends mystery and the supernatural. Its evocative setting and intricate plot create a captivating and immersive reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing a copy of this eARC for review.

I thought this story was absolutely wonderful. The way the story discussed mental health was positive and informative. There were also strategies included throughout the book that would be helpful to many. The characters were sweet and so sincere. I also very much appreciated that boundaries were addressed. .There is only so much we can do for others before we need help ourselves. Also, I love the message that we can help one another - it doesn't take a professional exclusively; we can all contribute.

And a ghost cat? That just makes my day.

Finished 07/21/2024 || The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor || #TheGhostkeeper #NetGalley #Achillean #Horror #FoundFamily #MentalHealth Representation #LGBTQAI

Thank you NetGalley, Johanna Taylor, and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for making this e-ARC available!
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author and myself.
All of my thoughts are my own~

5 Stars

CW: neglect, death, abandonment, child abuse, mental health, mild body horror

Dearest me- my heart, my soul!!! I am 100% buying this graphic novel as soon as it hits the shelves and if it’s not already ordered, I am definitely requesting copies for all the libraries I am connected to and have cards at. I cannot suggest enough that y'all give this lovely graphic novel a chance as well!

The description explains to us that this graphic novel follows Dorian Leith who is simultaneously cursed and blessed with the abilities to see and interact with ghosts due to his "ghost-eye". He spends his time trying to help the ghosts eliminate their rot and seek rest and peacefully cross to through death's door. But one day, the key to death's door goes missing and the local exorcists are using harmful chemicals that affect both the dead and living and there is disastrous affects.

Dorian works together with the dead and the living to find a solution and way to help everyone be at peace, but what does it cost Dorian?

I loved this graphic novel so much- I loved the focus on mental health and making sure that you're taking care of yourself as much as you are caring for others. The casual representation of Black and Brown characters as well as openly queer characters was also just such a lovely vibe. I cannot recommend this graphic novel enough to most all audience ages - only limiting it from younger audiences as there is some intense and scary scenes and emotional nuance that may not be developmentally appropriate for those under 10, viewer discretion is advised!

Edit 08/10/2024: I bought a copy !!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and lovable. The pacing was perfect and left you wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more by this author!

At first, it was kind of cute and funny to see the main character trying to help ghosts. Dorian Leith is a young man who can see and interact with ghosts thanks to a near-drowning event when he was young. His sister was his first ghost, but now he tries to help all the other ghosts he encounters. Accompanied by his grumpy ghost grandma, Dorian acts as a therapist, asking the ghosts about their feelings and problems.
But he takes on too much of their worries, and it leads to him feeling lonely and powerless as he cannot help as much as he wants. I was so heartbroken for him, and it was so beautiful as he learned his real place in the world.
The story is gorgeous, and the illustrations are gorgeous too. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

I love graphic novels that have fantasy elements! They're honestly my favorite. This one was cute! I loved a lot of the art style!

The Ghost Keeper by Johanna Taylor is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. I want to start this review with a personal note. I recently lost someone I greatly cared for. I greatly appreciate the content warning the author included at the beginning of the book. It gave me the opportunity to make an informed choice and to prepare myself for the story ahead. I cannot say that I did not struggle to read this graphic novel. Because I did struggle (caused by my recent loss), but it was worth it. There are so many things I loved about this book. The characters, the story, the accurate portrayal of mental illness, the softness, the ideas around death, and the satisfying ending.

Dorian, the main character, was so easy to love. He is soft and kind much to his own detriment. Johanna Taylor did an amazing job with his depiction as a therapist. It was so accurate he even at some points sounded like my own therapist. I sympathized with him and wanted nothing more than to see him succeed. He was absolutely my favorite character. Aside from Muffin who was my favorite side character.

Other than the characters the world itself was fascinating. A lot of the world is built around fear of the unknown and the different, as well as actions and choices. Every action taken and choice made had a profound affect on the world and the characters both living and dead. Something I greatly enjoyed about the world and story was its grayness (the idea of grey vs black and white thinking). It seemed there was no good verses evil but rather understanding verses unknowing. Or understanding and kindness verses fear and rash action based on lack of knowledge. I would love to see more books with this type of grey thinking. I found it very thought provoking.

Overall, The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor was a delightful and emotionally challenging read. However, it also helped me process my own grief. The way death was portrayed and the ambiguity of the afterlife brought me an odd peace. It was also a surprisingly soft read. But that could be caused by the romance. This graphic had a soft and slow queer romance, with longing looks and sweet moments shared between the chaos. And I truly think I will be reminded of this book every time I am grieving. I like the idea of meeting again behind deaths door despite the lives we live. I don't think the ending will be leaving my brain anytime soon. Lastly. I have yet to try it but I loved the inclusion of "Fife's Fantastical Scones" recipe.

I think you should read The Ghostkeeper you might like it.

Other than a couple of transitions that had me backtrack to make sure I didn’t skip a page this graphic novel was so heartwarming and heart wrenching all in one package. There are several heavy subjects that find a home in The Ghostkeeper. Dorian’s story is impactful and I truly enjoyed my time watching the story unfold – I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting.

The ghosts that Dorian assists with moving on have a wide variety of reasons why they’re stuck in our plane. I loved Death’s message at the end – it made my heart swell to see how she cares for all. It’s difficult for me to explain how this book got to me emotionally without giving anything away – Johanna is a gifted storyteller. The frames below are just one example of a page that really got to me.

Graphic novels have always been a favorite but they’ve been upping their game big time. I’ll be watching for new books from Johanna (I can only hope Dorian & crew get more page time in a second book or series) – I’ve grown extremely fond of graphic novels like this one. The closest comparison I have is Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker & illustrated by Wendy Xu. A big thank you to Penguin Teen for the gifted copy, the opportunity to read and review, and introducing me to a new favorite.

Cute art and story, that becomes much dark and focuses on real topics.
Loved this and hope to see more books set in this world in the future.

Very fun book I loved all the characters. This is a very good middle grade I highly recommend to all parents with children or just people wanting a lighter read.

Absolutely wonderful art mixed with a compelling story that had me hooked. I loved the way it handled mental health and learning how to balance it out. It's certainly a story that could help teach a lot of people how to cope with some of their own problems in life; and it's just an added touch that it's queer and about ghosts

The themes in this book were dealt with in a carefully crafted way that tied the main plot and the subplots together very well. I loved Leith's character and him slowly realizing that it's ok to set boundaries along with the help of his friends along the way. Muffin stole the spotlight and my heart. The symbolism about the key to death's door being a way for ghosts to accept entering through the door instead of being forced through was amazing.

The Ghostkeeper is a fun vibrant Gothic Young Adult graphic novel about a guy named Dorian who helps ghosts on their journey to the afterlife. But the key to the door is stolen. Dorian has to find it before it's too late for the ghosts trapped on the side of the living. Perfect for spooky season.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with a review copy.

A vey engaging young adult graphic novel that will keep you turning the pages from the suspense and tension of Dorian trying to help ghosts to their final resting place. Dorian is a human man who can see and communicate with ghosts so he acts a a short therapist. This is a creative and subtle way to teach readers some therapy techniques as well as lessons about boundaries, burnout, and creating a good support system. The art is vibrant and does an excellent job using color to express the differences between the living and the ghosts and uses a bright green to signify the development of “rot” from grief and how it can develop into something bigger.
Highly recommend! Greta for fans of Grimoire Noir
by Vera Greentea.

This was intense! The pictures and the story were amazing. I highly recommend this one!! So good!! Perfect for spooky season or any time you’re in the mood for something cute and spooky.

The Ghostkeeper follows Dorian, a young medium who sees ghosts and helps them move on to the afterlife. He’s like a ghost therapist. Things get out of control when the key to death’s door is stolen and the ghosts are stuck in the living world.

I enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the artwork and the coloring. I thought the story was interesting, heartwarming and sad. The story deals with death, grief, and learning how to move on. I may have cried a little at the end.

If you’re looking to read a paranormal graphic novel that will tug at your heartstrings, definitely read this one.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC of this graphic novel via NetGalley for review.

I enjoyed the story, though I felt it could have easily been a little longer to flesh out some parts. That might just be a part of the goal for the page count, however, and everything got wrapped up neatly enough. The plot was good, I thought the world was quite interesting, I enjoyed the characters, and I loved the plot. Very sweet read with a heavy push towards reconciliation and healing, while also acknowledging that sometimes that just isn't possible and everyone's situation is different.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this graphic novel. 4.5/5 stars.

This is a powerful graphic novel about hurt, pain, grief, death, and mental illness/therapy. While yes, it's based on ghosts, the main character -- gifted with ghost sight -- becomes a therapist to ghosts and helps them move on. As the graphic novel progresses, the main character also loses himself to his work and forgets to take his own advice i.e. coping skills. Not only is there also LGBTQ rep (albeit lowkey) it is also just a beautiful representation of mental illness and the power of therapy and help. And that it's okay to not be okay.

And yeah, I may have almost cried at the end.

This was so beautifully done. Amazing messages on grief and anger and fear. It felt like a therapy session for me. I loved the hints of gentle parenting we got while Dorian was working with the little girl. I loved the queer love. I loved the real life struggle with setting boundaries. This book was so relatable and if you couldn't tell, I loved it.