i read this so quickly, i gobbled it up. it was delicious, and i need the next one now please.

the art, the story, the character designs!! aaaa, i just love it so far, and i feel like the adventure is only just starting.

4.0 ⭐

"The Night Mother" is a middle grade fantasy graphic novel.
The storytelling is straightforward and easy to read, making it suitable for younger audiences while still appealing to older readers. The pacing is steady, allowing for moments of reflection that add depth to the story.
Overall, it's a solid read for MG audiences, offering an enjoyable experience.

Gorgeous first volume of a promising new fantasy series.

The Night Mother is at its core a terrifying tale that conjures your worst nightmares - what if it was eternally night and a creature was lurking to feed on unsuspecting souls instead of helping them? That said, it looks to be targeting younger audiences who might appreciate the stunning artwork, compelling story and that it is a quick read.

I particularly loved the intricate details in both the art and the storytelling. The author manages to build characters and a world that live and breathe from page one, and I ended up finishing the entire volume in no time because I was constantly attracted to some interesting element on the next page.

Overall, a promising start although fairly short read. I'd continue the series to see what happens next with our characters and get more of this beautiful artwork.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Thank You for the e-ARC!

</i>“The moon is stuck. Frozen in place on Barnabus Tock’s clock that doesn’t tell time. A fault, perhaps. A gear that refuses to turn, you might say. But the clock tells no lie. The moon is stuck in the night sky.”</i>

The Night Mother snuggles its way into the same part of your heart as old fairytales, Studio Ghibli movies, and that one short played before a Pixar movie that has stuck with you for years (I’m looking at you, La Luna)

I absolutely inhaled this book, the story is unlike any I’ve read before whilst still filling me with a sense of nostalgia.

I don’t think I’ve seen such stunning artwork in a graphic novel for a long time. Reading took me far longer because I was studying the artwork and its beautiful details. Particularly the illustration of Maddy’s nightmare on page 28, I want to frame it and put it up on my wall so I can stare at it forever.

I hope my students enjoy this book as much as I have. Vol. 1 hasn’t even been released yet but I’m already waiting patiently for Vol. 2.

This was a quick and fun read that was kind of spooky too. I enjoyed it! I definitely look forward to reading volume 2.

Thanks to Oni Press for making 'The Night Mother vol. 1' by Jeremy Lambert, Alexander Sharpe and Becca Carey available as an ARC on Netgalley

The moon has frozen in the sky, leaving the world in perpetual darkness. Barnabus Tock, local gravedigger and father to 12-year-old Madeline, who is beleaguered by nightmares when asleep and surrounded by the voices of the dead while awake, fears that his daughter is in danger. Despite his attempts to keep her inside, Madeline puts herself in danger to save a stranger from the storm-swept ocean, who informs her that she is the only one who can save them all from the ruler of the moon, the Night Mother, who is searching for souls to prolong her eternal life.

The art in this graphic novel is beautiful and dynamic from cover to cover, matching the mix of whimsical and dark storytelling. You get a good sense of who Madeline in particular is as a main character, but even secondary characters have moments that help define them, whether it be in a line of sarcastic humour or a moment of anxious indecision about stepping over a self-imposed boundary. Every opportunity is taken to bring life to this story and the characters within it.

This volume comes out on October 8th, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the next instalment.

This book, y’all! It might be one of the best graphic novels I have seen lately. The art alone is so, so worth being mentioned and praised! And the storyline, although packed in short-ish 80-something pages, is rich and well-written.
An absolutely perfect middle-grade read!

Richly narrated, packed with drool-worthy eye-popping illustrations, and steeped in lore from the very first page, The Night Mother is just the beginning of an intimate trilogy of a girl discovering her power, shaping her identity, and fighting for the people she calls family.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with the e-ARC.DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a quick and engaging middle grade graphic novel and I was immediately hooked into this story from the very first page. The premise is interesting, the art was lovely, the characters were loveable and its a perfect fall spooky read. I am looking forward to reading future volumes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for granting me access in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for the advance digital copy of “The Night Mother” by Jeremy Lambert. This was a truly intriguing start to the story, a world out of balance stuck in darkness and the girl Madeline who hears the whispers of the dead. Who is this mysterious Night Mother and why does she want Madeline? Beautiful illustrations by Alexa Sharpe, some great character design and colors. I'd recommend this to young readers looking for a new fantasy series that's also a bit scary.

This was an amazing graphic novel.

The artwork and color were so vibrant, I enjoyed it a lot!

The story was spooky and the characters were compelling, I think it is the perfect read for fall and Halloween!

I will continue with this one for sure!

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In a village by the sea, a town suffers through a neverending night. At the lighthouse, across the bridge from the small town, the local stargazer lives with his young daughter, Madeline. She hears whispers of the dead, giving them comfort in their last resting place as, every night, she has terrifying nightmares. But, when a washed-up girl arrives on their dock, she warns Madeline of the Night Mother, a force of darkness like no other. The Night Mother wants Madeline for herself and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
It was a delight to read this first volume of The Night Mother, part whimsical and haunting as I read this tale of a twelve-year-old Maddy and the daunting task of helping the whispers of the dead. Darkness and shadows loom closer to the seaside village as the art dazzled me even more, page by page. This graphic novel weaves starlight and the cosmos into a tale of wonder and awe. Of one luminous young girl and the journey to the moon.

I absolutely devoured this wee graphic novel. The art style is stunning and a delight to view, the story engaged me the whole way through. Just an all round great little reading experience.

Very excited to see where this goes in Vol 2.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

This was some very cool mythos. I'm not sure if it's based on something in particular but it seemed like it was. The illustrations were marvelous. Every detail of it was so pretty and I loved all the swirling colors. It was a lot shorter than. I was expecting, even for a graphic novel, but I still really enjoyed the story details. I loved the narration of Barnabus and Maddy and wished, as a reader, that I could've spent more time with them. I'm looking forward to where the rest of the story goes and what Maddy and Nura will do together.

This graphic novel has the most gorgeous artwork, intriguing world building, and enough mystery to make you needing more!

Overall, this is great but my only critique is that there is some clunky expositional dialogue which isn’t effective.

I loved this so much and will definitely be reading onwards when I can.

The Night Mother was an interesting story. I really enjoyed the illustrations and colors used throughout. I wish the book would’ve been longer and more detailed, but I understand why it ended where it did. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!

Compelling story and captivating illustrations. Definitely interested in reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an arc.

In the haunting embrace of “The Night Mother Vol 1”, Jeremy Lambert crafts a narrative woven with the threads of gothic mystery and celestial wonder, beautifully illustrated by Alexa Sharpe. This graphic novel introduces us to Madeline Tock, a young guardian of the dead, living in a town smothered by an unyielding night, tasked with facing the enigmatic Night Mother.

Madeline serves as our eyes and ears, a bridge between the reader and the eerie world of the novel. Her innocence and resolve make her a compelling protagonist. Barnabus Tock, her father, is a beacon of love and protection, whose depth is slowly unfurled through secrets that shape the narrative. Nura, a newcomer, initially seems like she’s there for support but ends up showcasing her own strength and complexity, promising more layers to be revealed in future volumes. The Night Mother, reminiscent of Coraline’s Other Mother but with a grander cosmic role, is both fascinating and frightening as she manipulates the celestial cycle to harvest souls.

The plot is a tapestry of classic Neil Gaiman and the whimsical pathways of Neil Gaiman’s “Stardust”, marked by an art style that evokes a “Coraline”-like eeriness. Each page is a piece of folklore brought to life, with the storyline guiding us through dark revelations and gripping twists, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next volume.

Sharpe’s illustrations are nothing short of captivating—each panel enriches the tale’s dark folklore vibes and breathes life into Lambert’s chilling narrative. The character designs, especially the creepier ones, add layers of depth to the already rich story, enhancing the folklore and fairytale essence that permeates the pages.

Central to the story is the concept of family—how bonds of love and duty hold stronger than those of blood alone. This theme resonates deeply through the interactions between Madeline and her father, highlighting the realness and warmth of adopted families.

“The Night Mother Vol 1” is a compelling start to what promises to be a deeply engaging series. It is perfect for those who love their fantasy with a touch of nightmarish beauty and those who find solace in stories of the night sky. For anyone who cherishes stories like “Coraline” or enjoys the mystical flow of “Stardust”, this graphic novel is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Dive into this eerie adventure and let yourself be swept away into the night that Madeline battles to save.

Positives of The Night Mother
Captivating characters: Madeline and Barnabus Tock bring depth and relatability.
Enthralling art style: Alexa Sharpe’s illustrations are beautifully gothic and atmospheric.
Engaging storyline: Combines elements of folklore with a suspenseful plot.
Rich themes: Explores meaningful concepts like the value of chosen family.
Promising setup: Ends on a cliffhanger that promises more intriguing developments.

Negatives of The Night Mother
Predictable plot points: Some twists may seem obvious to seasoned readers.
Limited setting: Most of the story unfolds in one locale, which might feel restrictive.

“The Night Mother Vol 1” serves as a stellar beginning to what promises to be a gripping series. With its rich blend of eerie aesthetics and a heart-pounding narrative, it stands as a testament to the power of graphic novels to tell complex and mature stories through the artful interplay of words and images. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, folklore, or just looking for a beautifully crafted tale that explores the depths of family and courage, this book is a compelling addition to your reading list. Keep an eye on the night sky – and this promising series!

I am always up for reading a new graphic novel and really enjoyed the imagination that was present in this book. It is a combination of a creative author, as well as a talented artist. I would gladly add this book to my classroom shelf and enjoyed it on my own as a comics reader — a wonderful book for a variety of ages

G9rgeous artwork that kept me speechless in this new worldbuilring that border on dark fairy tales , explores a father-daughter relationship without being cliché with original mythos and likeable characthers