A unique graphic novel experience mainly due to the color shifts woven into the story telling. At its heart it’s about a girl figuring out the world around her and her place in it. I thought the font was a little hard to read and found my eyes more interested in the art.

Thanks to netgalley and annick press for an eARC

Let's start with what I liked - the art work. I loved the transition of color depending on who the MMF was talking to. Things that I think would have improved the story - a bit more explanation about Breth. I was very confused - are people in this universe born without souls and then they are supplied by weavers? Is having a soul optional? Are new beings not birthed? I think all of this would have aided me in better understanding and enjoying the story. All in all I think the main themes explored - capitalism, philosophy, family relationships - were interesting.

This Brave New World-esque graphic novel is equally beautiful and eerie at the same time. The world is set in a dystopian alternate reality where organic matter is spun into souls. A corporation comes in to "modernize" the process, which brings a whole host of problems along for the people and the society in which they live. The takeaways from this graphic novel are very relatable to real life, from the influence of technology and corporate greed on the world, to young adults searching to find themselves in the bustle of life. Beautifully written and even more beautifully illustrated.

Thank you to Annick Press and netgalley for an advance copy of this graphic novel.

Soul Machine is an interesting take on technology and what makes us human. There are "soul weavers" who use an organic plant to create souls, that then people buy. But there is a company creating "digital" versions, which are not as good and deteriorate over time. It is an interesting idea, but I found the world building confusing.

A graphic novel about a girl's quest to save her family's livelihood and possibly the entirety of existence itself. Chloe and her sister make souls by by their hands... but when their material to make souls runs low, they are forced to franchise by an evil corporation and now Chloe is determined to find a new source and a way to get back to what is true. This is a metaphysical science-fiction story about family, spirituality and megacorporation ideas. This was definitely an interesting story that deals with a lot of unique points and connections.The artwork was interesting too and I do think it's a fun read that makes you consider and think about things.

Release Date: June 3,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Annick Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

In this dystopian graphic novel, Chloe embarks on a journey to find the now rare breth crop, which has been replaced by a synthetic alternative called digitbreth. The story explores how digitbreth fails to live up to the qualities of the original, sparking a deeper reflection on the consequences of technological advancements. Set in the world of Mcorp, the novel features characters who are controlled by Maya, a powerful yet morally ambiguous girlboss figure. Driven by capitalism, Maya's quest for success through the sale of digitbreth comes at any cost, even if it means exploiting those around her.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this.

I sadly had to dnf this at 30%

While I was enjoying the structure of this, I had to drop it very shortly in with the context of a dead parent. But for the most part this was enjoyable, I just couldn't get into it.

Me: 4/5 stars I love a good sibling relationship and the strain between Chloe and Lacey’s relationship made my heart hurt. Chloe is dedicated to saving their soul weaving business and finding their missing dad. The focus of human connection being tied to souls was a really beautiful concept.

11 year old: Early DNF, it was a little too creepy

8 year old: 5 bajillion/5 stars. I like when she goes with the group and Persie. I like when they went through a portal basically. I didn’t think the dad needed to die.

Soul Machine does an interesting job exploring complex societal issues from the perspective of a sheltered child, Chloe, who’s eager to learn yet also, understandably, susceptible to effective marketing. The symbolism of corporate greed being so vast that it eats away at us down to our souls is sadly realistic and the book does an adequate job delving into that idea in a visual way. At the core of Chloe’s journey is the desire for connection that feeds all human beings and the rise of technology that severs that connection, leading to isolation and loneliness. It’s a tiresome cycle of greed and overconsumption all in the name of connection. The characters other than Chloe could use some more depth beyond their main directives. The development that her father has is one of the most unexpected parts of the narrative and I wish that it led to something more substantial. The art itself is unique and eye-catching throughout, especially due to the evolving colors as the tone changes.

For this to be a graphic novel, it provided some real world issues that most people have a hard time facing like the parent doing something that is unforgivable and the child calling them out on it or just simply hating them. Lacey and Chloe dealt with a lot of stuff during this novel and I wish there was more to like a normal book but, this was so good. I got really drawn in towards the middle when she was trying to find her dad in the city because there was some things that she just needed to learn on here own really. I enjoyed this and if there is more to read on it, I want every copy.

The graphics were pretty good to know what was going on, kind of reminded me on Sunday paper comic section.

This is gonna be a really quick review because unfortunately I don’t have a ton to say. To start I will say that I absolutely loved the art – the colours and tones were so well done and all the characters were really distinct. The layout was also really easy to follow.

For the story itself, it was just very forgettable to me? I also didn’t fully understand the message that the author is trying to convey, because honestly all the adults minus Lacey were just so…meh. Even she was a little meh herself at times. I also didn’t really like the main character but since she was young I can understand where she’s coming from and why she’s so frustrated.

This was a decently quick read with pretty art but a forgettable story, definitely not bad but not the best thing I’ve ever read.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced readers ebook of this by the publishing company through Net Galley for an honest review. I just want to start off saying thank you. This was my first book I got to read through there. Now going into this I was already intrigued as I am a long time enjoyer of graphic novels. I love the combination of art and story that go into them. Most of what I have read have been very unique and fun while some were powerful in their own right. This one was a combination of both unique and fun while also being powerful and emotional. I love when it all comes down to it, family is always the number one. The messages in this were beautiful and strong. This book is much deserving of the five stars. I truly enjoyed it. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it. I will buy it when it is out too. I posted this on goodreads also. Thank you again. I intend to share my review in more places. Instagram, threads, facebook.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I liked the art. As for the story, I was hoping for more of a twist or at least more ambiguity with the characters. Basically, Lacey is the only good adult, and the rest are just straight up selfish and bad. The adults are all written to be very one track - minded and completely unsympathetic. I think the semi-twist of the dad being who people say he is instead of what Chloe believes was interesting, but it felt like there should have been more, like either making him a tragic character or the actual big villain, instead of just another selfish jerk. He did try to blame his wife's death during his experiment on her not fully believing in his crazy plans, but it still could've been taken further or made that a big reveal or something more dramatic. But I did like the dystopian ending, where things in the city ultimately haven't changed.

Soul Machine brings up interesting metaphors on very topical subjects, and I loved Jordana's art style.

I also loved Chloe - I really got to see a young girl who, in a world like this, still doesn't know who (and what) to believe in - as well as suffering her own internal problems.

I think that, in certain parts, there were some issues with the pace of the narrative - but nothing that took me out of the world.
A good debut graphic novel!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t a book I absolutely loved but I didn’t hate it. I did enjoy that the novel touches on issues we as a society should question and speak about. It is pouring with symbolism and does set the stage for the reader to interpret the books message however they see fit. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys graphic novels and wants something to devour in one sitting !