Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an e-ARC of The Ghostkeeper!

The moment there was a ghost cat doing cat things, I knew this was gonna be a good one.

Dorian can see ghosts & he uses this power to be their therapist & help them get to the other side. Unfortunately, a ghost girl steals the key to the other side’s door & it’s up to Dorian to retrieve the key before it’s too late.

I absolutely adored the art style in this graphic novel, along with the characters we get to know throughout the tale. There’s a precious Queer relationship & The Ghostkeeper digs deep into mental health & grief.

A definite recommend from me!

Dorian has been able to see ghosts since he was a child and as an adult he uses his ability to try and help ghosts pass to the other side, a ghost therapist if you will. At first I thought this was going to be a simple and sweet story of a man trying to get the living to understand and sympathize for the ghosts instead of fearing them, and while there was elements of that, it took some turns I was not expecting! My favorite aspect of the story was how it touched on mental health and on the balance of living for others vs living for yourself. The artwork is beautiful, the story is touching, and the characters are well rounded. Definitely one to pick up as soon as it releases!

An emotionally charged graphic novel that kept me engaged. The artwork is gorgeous and its full of tons of representation that we need to see more of in books like these. The story was cute and heartbreaking all wrapped up in one.

This was so awesome and I loved every moment of it! I adored Dorian and died over how he was always trying to help the ghosts around him and how they drowned him out at some points. He was so kind and good, and it killed me how he was always trying to help, even when people weren't appreciative of all he did for them. It kind of hurt how his grandmother's ghost was one of them, how she was sometimes there for him and sometimes part of the problem.

I really loved Brody and how he was there for Dorian when no one else was. I liked how easily he took Dorian and everything that came along with him. I liked how he accepted that sometimes Dorian had conversations with people he couldn't see and sometimes those people also lived in his house and he would never see them, but that was okay. Brody was just a sweetheart, and I really liked how he pulled Dorian out of the darkness and gave him the support and love that he needed.

I really loved everything about this graphic novel, from the gothic setting to the ghostly essence to the casual queer representation. This was awesome, and Dorian and Brody were the absolute best! <3

The first thing that jumped out at me was the art style. I love the illustrator's art style. The colors are perfect and each palette sets the tone with its deep. blue hues.

As far as the story, I really enjoyed it. I would classify this graphic novel as a cozy read. Perfect for spooky season or when you're in the mood for a cute, fun story that keeps you entertained and immersed. I loved the characters, especially Dorian's gran who worked almost as his subconscious. I like her wittiness and brutal honesty. I also loved Dorian and his love for ghosts. His empathy for ghosts is exactly what I would have as well so I can relate a lot to Dorian.

Also, the ending was a tear jerker so keep tissues at the ready.

Wow. I didn't know what I was getting into when I started this and it does take a little bit to really get into but the last third packs such a punch that it just sends this whole book into an amazing category.

Dorian can see ghosts. He works as a ghost therapist to help ghosts find their way to the afterlife. When the key to death's door is taken and ghosts can no longer get to the afterlife, they start coming to Dorian and bombarding him to help them.

This book is a beautiful exploration of grief and healing as well as learning about boundaries and healthy relationships. It really is a fantastic graphic novel. The artwork is stunning and the story is amazing.

It's also casually queer. The main character Dorian is queer and the love interest is fat. Their friendship to relationship is a very minor part of the story but it's also constant throughout.

I looooved the idea of this story and I think the artwork is absolutely precious. Sadly, for some reason the copy I received was just atrociously formatted and eVeRy wOrD wAS wRiTteN LiKe tHiS which you can imagine is VERY difficult to pay attention to so I ended up DNFing it about a quarter of the way through. Once it’s available, I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy so I can enjoy it pRopERLy ;)

The story follows a guy who can see and communicate with ghosts, As he helps them they want to keep talking and relying on his help. He learns a good lesson as things turn for the worse. It teaches us some valuable lessons about how bandrys are not a bad thing, that having your own space is important and valuable for one's mental health. The art in this story is very nice. I love how the ghosts look and are portrayed.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this novel.

A cozy queer novel mixed with a bewitching ghost story equals happiness. The Ghostkeeper is a delightfully fun story about Dorian a man who can see ghosts and works as a Ghost Therapist. With the help of his ghostly grandmother he helps heal spirits who wander the earth. But when a young girl steals the key to the door of death Dorian alongside his sweet and always helpful roommate Brody has to overcome the challenges of being the only person who can help these ghosts and reopen the door of death. I had great fun reading this novel and loved the art style.

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley for the advanced review copy of this title, in exchange for my honest review.

I want to start out saying that, on no fault of the author, the kindle version I was sent was almost impossible to read. It did not, however, dampen my enjoyment of this story. However, I'm going to be as vague as I can in regards to the content, as I feel that people should read it for themselves.

The art of this Graphic Novel is absolutely lovely. I fell right into it and into the world that the artist was portraying. Dorian is a wonderful character - in truth, all the characters are fun and interesting in their own ways. They all have a spark of (forgive me) life, and plenty of personality, too.

The story is wrought with ups and downs, all it's own little mysteries - even though it does remind me of other stories that are somewhat similar, like ParaNorman (I do mean similar in some aspects, not all, of course). The theft of key to Death's Door is where the start of all the trouble began, and it's also the main driving point. Will our hero be able to retrieve the key and help all these poor bound souls with their plight? A secondary stress point of the tale is the rot that the ghosts have begun to experience - and how Dorian might be able to get rid of it. Together with his (somewhat unlikely) companions, Dorian sets out to do just that, even if he loses something of his own in the end in doing so.

Overall, I really liked the pacing, the way the story is told, and the characters. But the art is what really drew me, I absolutely adore the style, and I'm glad that it caught my eye. I really do think that if you pick up a copy of The Ghostkeeper, you won't be disappointed. It's got a dash of horror, comedy, and folklore! Dorian, while living in a fantasy version of Victorian Scotland, has very real problems that a lot of people might be able to relate to, as well. Mental health is often an issue that gets somewhat overlooked, so having a story such as this one weave into it a very real issue, and to see Dorian try to manage it all is very relatable. That, to me, makes the story that much more endearing and enjoyable.

Please give it a chance, I'm almost certain you'll greatly enjoy it!

I did not expect to love a graphic novel about a queer ghost therapist to be this awesome and endearing, but The Ghostkeeper seemed determined to exceed my expectations from the first page. To begin with, I loved the art style, and in particular how the ghosts were portrayed; the blue-tinged characters and in particular the clearly different speech bubbles helped keep the story clear and moving at a fast pace, and made the dialogue easier to follow than most other graphic novels I've read. The use of color schemes and panel shapes created a fabulous sense of atmosphere, and worked together with the quirky characters and fast-paced plot to create a story I couldn't put down.

But I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one of my favorite aspects of the story - Dorian himself. I connected with him so deeply - his internal struggles, his determination to help ghosts, his self-sacrificing propensity, his insecurity, and the depth of his friendships. The ghost therapist concept is brilliant to begin with, but The Ghostkeeper brings it alive, and the incredibly realistic (but also hilarious) strategies that Dorian uses to counsel the ghosts grounded the premise and made it utterly believable. I was particularly drawn to the way Dorian struggles to separate what he needs from what the ghosts need, a thread of realism that helped wholeheartedly sell me on the entire story.

Highly recommended!

Dorian takes on every ghost he comes across as his patient. He works hard, too hard, to try and help them move on. The cost is his own sanity. This book should be read by everyone who struggles to find a work life balance. It's a perfect reflection of how we can let our jobs consume us, and how dangerous that can be. Some moments in the book felt disjointed. I wanted better transitions between moments and scenes. Other than that, this was an amazing read.

A therapist helps ghosts move on to the afterlife until the key to Death's Door is stolen. A sad and lovely exploration of grief with a sweet romance subplot. Loved the comic-style art and layout.

The Ghostkeeper is a graphic novel about a man who after almost dying can now see and talk to the dead. Based on a novel by Oscar Wilde, the story is very well written. I literally could not put this down until finished.
It was fascinating as well as a beautiful look at our ways of grieving and relating with death and the dead.
There was no over the top, shock searching horror just the reality that death comes for us all at some point.
Dorian attempts to help those who lose their way on their journey to the next stage. He uses compassion, patience, and understanding to help them while others are using chemicals to exorcize the dead.
Add a very sweet love story and you have a great story.
Highly recommended. Publish date 6/23/24

Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I found myself thinking about this graphic novel again and again. A positive LGBTQ+ relationship, mental health awareness, dealing with loss, and growing through grief are all predominant themes in this young adult historical fantasy.

Dorian Leith not only sees ghosts, but he counsels them and cures their "rot." While the ghosts seek Dorian, community members see him as an outcast. His grandmother -- who passed away before he was born -- guides him through his paranormal experiences.

When the key to death's door is stolen, ghosts become trapped and turn to Dorian for relief. Will Dorian do whatever it takes to give final rest to the dead even if it costs him more than anything?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Overall, I really liked this. The characterization of the ghosts in this story was really creative. Ghosts' regrets physically manifest as rot. They literally grow spores and plants on their bodies the more they let their regret and anger eat away at them. I thought the metaphor created out of this concept to show the consequences of not only getting stuck in your own grief but getting stuck in someone else’s as well was really well done.

It can, at times, read a little on the younger side of YA, maybe even more middle-grade, in my opinion, especially Dorian’s lessons on coping and grief and change. My only real critique would be that I thought the middle bit dragged, as all the characters seem to go around in circles for a while before learning their lessons, which, while understandable, can get a bit frustrating, although I was so invested in the ending that it didn’t affect my rating.

This was a lovely, thoughtful read I’d recommend checking out when it comes out.

The book was super cute but I couldn't see the pictures very well. I think the file may have just downloaded weird on my computer. Nothing against the author, the book was great!

Thank you NetGalley, publisher, and all involved for providing me with a free eARC!

This book is honestly so silly and fun but also I’m in emotional distress after that ending. I liked the drawing style and the characters dialogue was easy to follow. I was sometimes crying and sometimes kicking feet and giggling! It’s so good and not to mention the main character has a huge crush on the bookshop owner! I just think that’s so gay my heart sings with joy.

There’s honestly nothing more I could ask for in life than a graphic novel about a gay ghost therapist, and this absolutely delivers. The story is sweet but packs a punch, and it does an amazing job of explaining concepts about how to deal with sadness and trauma in a way that will make sense to younger readers.

Brody is so sweet and compassionate, and the parallels between Dorian and Conall (and Lucy/Lazarus) really show how having (or not having) a support system can affect the way different people react to similar traumas.

The only thing I didn’t love about The Ghostkeeper is that sometimes it feels like there’s more dialogue than there is art to accompany it, but that may just be because I love the art so much that I wanted to see more if it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC!

HOLY ABSOLUTE LIMBO.

Y’ALL. I cannot recommend this enough. I know what you’re thinking, SAV it’s meant for teens & YA. 😵‍💫 GUESS WHAT, I DON’T CARE.

👻 Paranormal Fantasy
👻 LGBTQIAP+ Romance
👻 Mental Health Advocation
👻 Setting Boundaries

Let me tell you that when I say I think I had a whole therapy session with this graphic novel I mean it. It was so beautiful. I laughed and cried and threw a tantrum all in the matter of the two hours it took me to absolutely devour this book. I really loved The Ghostkeeper, and I adored Dorian’s compassion for souls and therapeutic approach to healing them. I connected with him in so many ways and how all he wanted was to help these people, even though everyone else in town thought he was insane. He gives so much that soon he is pouring from an empty cup, and I think most of us can understand what that feels like. His approach to dealing with our fears and negative emotions was truly inspiring for me and I can’t wait to try some of these approaches in my own life.

If you’re struggling with grief, healing, setting boundaries, or even understanding emotions, this is a must read. The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the diversity throughout. I hope we get to see more of Dorian’s story in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for the digital arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to pick this one up when it comes out!