The overall premise of this book was lovely- the ghost psychologist helping them with their issues. The artwork was interesting, the rot haunting. The overarching plot was also very meaningful- finding someone you love who will accept all your baggage, the meaning behind death and moving on, and even the importance of separating work from life, having a sacred space that isn’t infringed upon. My only issue was that the dialogue was a little cerebral and long winded. It could have been edited down a bit. But overall I enjoyed it and I’d consider it for my graphic novel loving son.
Thank you netgalley for the earc

I was excited to read this graphic novel because of the plot and art, but it didn't quite live up to expectations for me. Despite the wonky formatting (all of the words in random upper and lower case, and the art panels on different pages from the text), I did give the story a chance. I found my mind wandering and the plot didn't keep my attention as I would have liked. The main character was mid-range for me, I didn't dislike him, but he wasn't my favorite either. The ghost cat was cute though!

I dnf’ed at 22%

I just couldn’t get into the characters or the story. Like it was all just… meh. Dorian as a character felt very weak.

The format also may have been a factor as I was reading this on netgalley so the whole two page spread was one page. Which made zooming necessary… and annoying.

The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor

Dorian can see ghosts, a power he uses to help ghosts talk through their issues so they can resolve them and move on from the mortal plane. But when the key to Death’s Door is stolen by an errant ghost child, ghosts find themselves stuck on the mortal plane and affected by the painful ghost rot. Now the pressure is on Dorian to cure local ghosts of their rot, get the key back and convince the town that painful (for ghosts) exorcisms are not the way to handle unwarranted ghosts, in addition to managing Dorian’s own personal life.

So I’ve had a string of bad luck as far as NetGalley graphic novel ARCs go but this one super worked for me. I really loved this. I spent a good third of this book trying to figure out why it was being marketed as YA when the MC is clearly in his early 20s. Y’all, this book is the most incredibly written/(drawn?) analogy for emotions like fear and anger that begin to control your reactions, and goes into coping mechanisms and that talking to a friend or a therapist or the person directly that you’re having issues with can help you deal with your emotions. There’s also a really good analogy in here about how fear can be like a wolf, but we should think of it more like a crow.

Regarding the plot itself, it was great and I had such a fun time reading this. It’s a well balanced plot, and you feel so much for Dorian, who gets put in some really tricky spots. His relationship with bookshop owner/landlord Brody is strongly queercoded and while they make a great pair, it’s super easy to write them off as nothing more than friends. And while I wish there was a stronger LGBT presence in this book, as someone who was looking for graphic novels without a romantic plot line two months ago, I can appreciate that this book is written for kids who might not be ready for a more romantic storyline yet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book exchange for an honest review.

Ever since he survived nearly drowning, Dorian Leith has the ghost sight. Viewed as a nuisance, residents of Rockwood hire Dorian to take care of their ghost problems. Talking with ghosts like a therapist would, Dorian is able to help many ghosts find death’s door. When a little girl ghost takes the key to death’s door, ghosts can’t go through. This creates a backup of ghosts in the town who are being overcome with rot (a strange substance that clings to ghosts stuck on Earth). Getting upset with the paranormal activity, the villagers enlist the help of a group of beak masked men, who use a chemical to not only exorcise the ghosts but kill them. Running out of time and options, can Dorian figure out a way to help the little girl but the key back in death’s door? Will he save the ghosts and himself before it’s too late?

The illustrations are masterfully done with a mixture of mute and vibrant tones to indicate ghosts and humans. The plot is confusing and drags at first but is well worth the read. The text and illustrations work well to tell the story. author does a great job of handling setting boundaries while still being able to help people. With unexpected twists and turns and guesses as to who is a hero and who is a villain, readers will be engaged and intrigued. Readers who like ghosts, mysteries, the paranormal, and graphic novels will want to pick this one up. Recommended for collections where ghost mysteries are popular. 4 stars, Gr 7 and up

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Let me start off by saying: this is quite possibly one of my favorite graphic novels I've ever read, and not just because it involves ghosts and Celtic mythology. From the opening panel onward, I couldn't put The Ghostkeeper down. Centering around Dorian, a young "ghost therapist" who uses his ability to see ghosts as a way to help ease the afterlives of the very disgruntled, The Ghostkeeper manages to encompass all the familiar themes of haunting alongside honest ruminations on mental health, burnout, and grief.

Not only is it beautifully drawn, with Taylor's style fluidly moving from the tender to the, quite frankly, terrifying, it's beautifully written. Reading The Ghostkeeper feels like the literary equivalent of a warm hug. It's a gentle and at times ferocious reminder that helping others does not have to come at the cost of your own sanity, and that boundaries are an act of self-love. It's also just a genuinely enjoyable story, with fun characters, a cute romance, and fascinating worldbuilding.

I look forward to seeing more of Taylor's work! I really, really loved this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and Johanna Taylor for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Ghostkeeper is a breathtakingly beautiful gothic graphic novel.

The book revolves around the story of Dorian Leith, a young man with an extraordinary ability to see ghosts, which he acquired after a near-death experience. Dorian uses his gift to help the ghosts by resolving their rot (their regrets) and enabling them to move on to the afterlife.
However, one day, the key to Death's Door goes missing, and a ghost named Lucille possesses it. Dorian realizes that the ghosts cannot reach their ultimate destination, and he has to convince Lucille to return the key. Will Dorian succeed in his mission, or will he be burdened forever?

The author has skillfully woven a tale of mental health, closure, and the supernatural. The book is a showstopper, with well-executed art and a captivating storyline to keep readers on the edge. The ghosts are intriguing, and each character has a unique backstory that adds depth to the narrative. Dorian is a remarkable protagonist with a kind heart and a strong work ethic. His loyal friend Brody is a perfect companion, and Lucille's character is adorable, which makes her untimely death all the more heartbreaking.

The Ghostkeeper is an unputdownable read that will leave readers emotionally invested. It is an excellent book for anyone who loves gripping stories with a touch of the supernatural.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Pub Date: 23 Jul 2024

Thank you, @netgalley and @penguinteen, for the complimentary ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a cute, kind of cozy, fantasy story. It's like a Victorian version of The Frighteners but with cozy lovey happy feelings and cute artwork. I enjoyed it but wasn't enthralled, and had to push myself a bit through parts when the dialogue becomes a bit of a slog (but this isn't From Hell either, so it's not a LOT of text for a comic like that one has lol). There's a good lesson about taking responsibility for your actions in there as well, which I was glad did manage to come through strong but not preachy.

When it comes to comics, most of the story should be told through the art but I felt like that wasn't done well here. It relies a bit too much on exposition, with the art just being there on many pages, not really adding much. Which is a shame because the art is VERY cute and pretty.

Overall a decent story that I can see some young teens and middle schoolers enjoying a lot.

this was such an awesome story to read. the drawing style was amazing. this story follows a ghost therapist who helps ghost heal and pass to the afterlife. this story deals with some heavy topics and gives great insight on grief and the importance of mental heath and self love/care. I would highly recommend everyone go check this out when it releases. thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an e arc in exchange for an honest review

A fun ghosty graphic novel is a book I'll never get sick of, this beautiful book touched on mental health in such a perfect way. Dorian is such a phenomenal main character and I became really invested in his life and his relationship with his grandmother warmed my heart and made me feel all warm and gooey inside. I did not expect this story to be one of grief, belonging and a queer love story but I'm so glad it did. The art style was also so beautiful and I cannot wait to read more from Johanna Taylor.

Thank you penguin teen for the e-arc, all opinions are my own

This was a cute story with lovable characters. I enjoyed seeing the main character’s development to focus on self-care, and the way that this book handled grief and loss.

This was so cute and so heartbreaking at the same time. Dorian can see ghosts, and has gotten in over his head with trying to help them with their unfinished business. Torn between helping with an overwhelming amount of ghosts, his grandma, and the cute bookstore boy, Brody, Dorian is struggling with balance. A sweet look at new love, family, and grief.

The Ghostkeeper follows Dorian who, after a near death experience, has the power to see and talk with ghosts. With the stigmas against ghosts, Dorian has to balance his powers of healing with education the living on ghostly behaviors. With so many demands surrounding him Dorian has to find peace for himself before being able to help others. I really enjoyed the art style in the graphic novel and the way the art supports the storyline. At times the story felt a little stagnant with no progress and the characters complaining but overall I was really captivated by the book.

I love many things about this book. The art is fantastic and beautiful. The characters have humor and warmth and personality, relatable. The representation is great and engaging. A solid ghostly plot with twists and turns and humor and emotion.

After a near death experience as a child, Dorian can see ghosts. His ambition is to help these ghosts cross over into the next life by providing them with therapy. Along the way he meets a handsome bookshop owner who helps him come to some realizations.

This was really cute. Ghosts, a few banshees, historical setting, mental health awareness, and some MM romance (light on the romance).

Dorian has had a rough life, and he just wants to be able to help the ones he can see that others can’t. Why do so many people want to work against him and his goals?

This book does a great job of discussing mental health and the importance of setting boundaries in your life.

This gem is definitely worth picking up!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy of the book.

4.5 stars rounded up

Okay, this was really adorable! Spooky, sweet, and entertaining. The Ghostkeeper is about a man who is a therapist for ghosts. Because maybe they just need to talk through their baggage! But there are people who want to exterminate the ghosts, which only makes them more upset. Plus there is a gay romantic subplot that is very sweet and supportive!

This is partly a story about how, in order to give and help others in need, you must also take care of yourself and have good boundaries. Otherwise, you're likely to experience burnout. But it's also about the things we don't say or put off saying to loved ones, and about different ways people experience grief. The artwork is a lovely blend of cozy and spooky and I really enjoyed this! I received a copy for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

A delightful, adorable, and heart-wrenching graphic novel. I loved every character in this book, they all felt so vivid and lovely. The art was beautiful, and the plot was incredibly engaging. A solid graphic novel that I will recommend widely.

The Ghostkeeper is an outstanding graphic novel following Dorian, a ghost therapist who can see ghosts after coming back from Death's Door as a child. The story introduces themes of grief and compassion, and the illustrations were so vivid and beautiful that I found myself lingering on each page. Truly a unique and beautiful story from beginning to end.

Perfect for fans of unique graphic novels, non-scary ghosts, and heartwarming stories.

I received an ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Often, I read graphic novels as fluff or fillers. They tend to be pallet cleansers; however, this one was way more than I ever expected. First, I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin/Putnam for a chance to read this beautiful story.

The Ghostkeeper teaches us many things about emotions, feelings, how they affect us, and more. The artwork is BEAUTIFUL and flows with the story in such a way that you are immersed in it. I wasn't expecting much going into this, but it will be a story that will stick with me.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC of The Ghostkeeper, all thoughts are my own.

The Ghostkeeper is a poignant story about loss, grief, and learning to love yourself just the way you are. I lost my mom a few months ago, and I didn’t realize how much I needed this book until I found myself sobbing through the pages.

I hope that teens will take away from this how important it is to learn how to recognize when helping others comes at a detriment to their own well-being and that it is okay to set boundaries to protect your peace and health. It is a message I didn’t come across very often as I was growing up and it has made it harder to learn as an adult.

I loved how this focused on the importance of recognizing that people’s thoughts, feelings, and hurts are valid and important, and that being dismissive of them only makes it worse for everyone involved.

It’s a beautiful story with stunning artwork that teaches the importance of community and belonging.

I can easily see myself adding a copy of this to my shelves when it comes out.