Member Reviews
An absolute delight! I loved the first volume of this graphic novel series and I am just as smitten with this one! The art is adorable and the storytelling is light and quirky. It's all so upbeat and whimsical. Lots of smiles. Lots of giggles. This book is pure joy.
I do have one gripe... The cliffhanger ending! No! Why?!
But still, there are no words to express how much I love the art and the stories in this series. These books are like catnip for me. My favorite graphic novel series, to date.
This is a super adorable and sweet story. I really look forward to her next volume. Gronk was super adorable too. I don’t really need to read her my little pony or marvel stuff…. But I hope that’s paying the bills so she can keep telling her original stories too!
Love this book! The characters are just so enjoyable and each special in their own ways. Callie is an awesome heroine and I love how she is a proud of being different. The relationship between her and Declan is adorable and playful. And Radish is the ultimate cute, sassy animal sidekick (even though he is the spirit of a plant). Him and all the other plant spirits make me laugh. This book offer beautiful illustrations, a fun adventure and is the perfect lighter read to take you away from reality for a while.
When I started this story I didn't know it was a second part, but I quickly got the hang of it.
It has been entertaining, a story has a nice vibe with everything related to the fantasy world, what I liked the most was the drawing, it took me a while to turn the page just to contemplate them for a long time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I. Love. This. Series. Beautiful, fun, wholesome, exciting, adorable. Radish's side quest of releasing all the spirits from their lanterns through out the entire story was my favorite part. Need more graphic novels like this please 🙏
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel is taking me longer to finish, more than I’d like. I have to dnf this one, sadly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Nothing Special vol.2 was a 4⭐️ read for me.
After the events of book one, Callie and Declan (and radish) are settling in to working in Callie’s dad’s shop, teasing Lasser about his cheesy romance novels, and spending time with each other. When Declan’s injured wing starts causing pain and starting fires the group must find a way to stop it. What should be a small journey to learn about the faeries and find a healer turns into a whole lot more, and as it turns out, there may be a lot more to Declan than anyone suspected.
I absolutely loved volume 1 of nothing special and I was so excited to read volume 2, but it fell a little bit flat for me. Let’s start with what I loved: The artwork and banter were still amazing,and I loved seeing all the characters interact together. Watching Callie and Declan navigate their established relationship, and seeing the flashbacks as they planned their future was a lot of fun. Lasser’s storyline and the romance novels was so endearing and sweet as well and showed a side of him I really enjoyed. There was beautiful new settings and characters that also made this such a fun read. I just felt that this book had a bit of a pacing issue. Most of the book is spent travelling, which got a little repetitive, and then as the book reaches the pinnacle of the story, it ends. On a major cliffhanger.
While I am so excited for volume 3, and to see what happens next, this book just didn’t quite hit the mark as much as the first one did.
I was able to read the first volume through NetGalley, I am so excited to be able to read the second. This did not disappoint. You get to meet new characters and you also get to meet Declan’s family. I love the vibes and story this author gives us. It’s not really like anything I’ve seen through graphic novels lately.
In this story Declan is having fairy issues so the go on a quest to find a healer but they end up finding more than they were expecting and some issues arise because of it. This volume focuses mainly on Declan, and I was excited to see more of his story. I hope in the future we get to see more of Lasser’s story.
Summary:
Callie's life hasn't exactly been the same – not since the day she crossed the boundary looking for her father. Thankfully, she has a great boyfriend and countless new friends to help support her through these changes.
However, Callie isn't the only one facing changes. Declan may have found out he was a fairy when he turned eighteen – but apparently his adventure is only beginning! Now his magic has gone wonky, and they're all in need of some answers.
Nothing Special was originally a Webtoon (It still is, really), but they're turning the different seasons into volumes.
Review:
Oh yay! I'm so glad the (published) adventures continue in Nothing Special Vol. 2! I really adored the first volume, and had questions about where the story would go from here. Now I have my answers...and I want volume 3. I'm so greedy, I know.
Where the first volume of our lovely series focused on Callie, this second volume is all about Declan! But don't worry, he's not alone. All of our favorites are back, plus some new characters. In other words, it's another delightful romp through this fantasy world!
When I say I devoured this book, I pretty much mean it. I read it cover to cover within the hour. I kind of regret that, as now there's nothing left (yes, I know I can read it online). And I have SO MANY questions about what is going on and what's going to happen with Declan's magic. I need to know!
If you're looking for a cozy middle-grade fantasy with fantastic characters, please be sure to check out this series. You can either read it in graphic novel format (like me), or check out the Webtoon!
Highlights:
Middle-Grade Graphic Novel
Fantasy
Magic & Critters
Still a fun story! I like all the little side doodles. This series has a cute style and likeable characters. I look forward to the next volume.
NOTHING SPECIAL remains something special indeed. Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish's adventures (and flashbacks) delight and charm, and the exceptional world-building with its combination of Eurocentric fairytale elements and contemporary pop culture deserves many accolades.
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I love this series so far. The artwork is adorable. The styling of the layout is well done; I really like the little asides with the radishes and such. The characters are all very likable and wholesome. This is the kind of cozy reading that I really enjoy. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope the next volume comes out soon!
I really enjoyed this- not sure if I missed any details because I’ve not read the first but still quite an enjoyable story even without prior knowledge. I also really enjoyed the artwork
Nothing Special is a book that is just so easy and fun to read. The characters were all charming and the story fast-paced.
The art style was very cute and I liked how much little details I could spot in the background.
Due to the book’s length, it also feels like you’re getting your money’s worth - for a graphic novel, Nothing Special was rather chunky.
I could have done without the cliffhanger though since it seems like it’ll be quite a wait until Vol. 3.
Overall I had a great time reading this and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Loved it’s more than the first one. Love the relationship between the main character and her father and her growing relationship with the magical word around her. Can’t wait for vol 3.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this!
I had originally read Nothing Special when it was on Webtoons but somewhere before it got published, I lost track of what was going on. After having read Volume one recently, I was excited to see the second volume be available with new lore and world-building relating to Declan's heritage. With it having a big storyline to follow, I found it very dialogue heavy but nothing too hard to keep track of. I still think the best formatting for this is the scroll feature through NetGalley but I do like how it's spaced out of a regular print graphic novel.
This graphic novel is still a light and fun story despite the main reason for their adventure being that Declan is cursing himself, the ghost radish interludes are fun as well. I do think the flashbacks near the second half of the novel are a little distracting, with the whole plot being a year after the last novel, it would have been easier to follow if there were other interludes throughout the first half as well to just be even instead of the kids in the beginning updating about his mother passing. Even though the ending wrapped up a few things, I was a little dissatisfied with the cliffhanger because it made the journey towards it feel incomplete (which is what a cliffhanger is supposed to do) but I'm not sure if it worked well, I'd have to read the next novel to properly word that feeling that normally comes with reading lore-heavy sequels within a series.
(review will be cross-posted closer to pub date)
Just as cute and charming as the first one! I adore this world and this graphic novelist. You can tell so much work and love went into the story. I love all the details added in the backgrounds of every panel whether it be signs or book titles. Radish as always has my heart. I also love the comments from the other plant spirits. There are more fairies in this volume so that makes everything even better. It’s adorable, hilarious, comforting, and cozy. Everything I look for in a graphic novel. One of my new favorite graphic novel series. I’m so happy to be learning more the magic our characters possess!
The second installment of <i>Nothing Special</i> by Katie Cook is finished and I have no idea what to do with the rest of my life! Okay, that's probably overly dramatic and not entirely true, but <i>still</i>. The lack of this story in my life has definitely made my week somewhat less exciting. In such a short time, I have become incredibly attached to Callie, Declan, Radish, and Lasser. And if you read this series, I'm certain that you will, too.
I have to preface this review by saying that if you haven't read season one of <i>Nothing Special</i>, there will be some small spoilers popping up in this review of season two since the major plot is very much centered around important events from the first.
<i>Nothing Special</i> part two picks right back up with all your favorite characters. They've finished their first adventure and now both Callie and Declan have graduated high school with Radish, as usual, by their sides. Lasser is now working for Callie and her father at the Antiques and Oddities shop they run and Declan is still kind of learning the ropes about this other world he's only recently learned he's a part of. But when Declan's injured wing begins starting fires and causing him to faint, the three soon determine that they must set out to the Earth Fairy estate to find out what's wrong with him.
I had <i>so much fun</i> reading this fantastic follow-up to the first season of <i>Nothing Special</i>. It was here, I think, where I really found myself falling in love with the characters and the story. The utterly adorable artwork continues and Lasser has developed a rather amusing love of romance novels—it’s safe to say Lasser is unquestionably now my favorite character—that he is, unfortunately, using as a guide to finding his own romantic partner. All new characters arrive, each unique and wonderful in their own ways. I especially adored Quinn.
All of this to say, the first time I reviewed this book it was based upon the completed “Season Two” of <i>Nothing Special</i> on Webtoon. With this new and updated installment—finally in book form!!—I have to admit that it did not end where I thought it would. I’ve mixed feelings about that if only because I would have loved the entirety of the original packaged up all together. I don’t hate the cliffhanger—possibly because I already know what happens next—and I’m more than happy to have multiple copies of Katie Cook’s brilliant series on my shelf.
So, all that’s left to say is that I am eagerly awaiting the continuation of this series. My goodness, it could not come fast enough!
"Nothing Special Volume Two" follows Declan, Callie, Lasser, and Radish on another grand adventure full of magic! Declan comes down with a mysterious fairy illness after using his magic for the first time, so the team sets off to find someone who can help heal him.
This was another great graphic novel in the series! The artwork is so cute and detailed, often with little jokes mixed in on the side. I love how colorful it is and the style the artist chose. There are a lot of references to pop culture/movies/tv shows that are super funny and show how Declan and Callie's magical world still connects to our present day world. The story this time was very interesting, learning about Declan's family history and fairy magic. I can't believe it ended on a cliffhanger because I just want to hear the end of the story! It just makes me even more excited for a book 3!
I think you would enjoy this book if you are interested in: graphic novels, magic, fairies, and fantasy. This would be a great reads for teens or older, as the characters are 18 years old in this novel. I cannot recommend this series enough and give this book 5/5 stars!
Thank you so much to netgalley and Ten Speed Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.