4.5 stars - A prologue to a rather bleak world

Many thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.

Alternate London has been home to a magical society called the Circle for several centuries. They influence politics, leave the handprint on history and generally have a finger in every pie. Oh, and they like to frame people for murder. Dorothy is seeking revenge for her husband who was dragged to hell after one such false accusation. But does he really deserve her efforts?

As stated above, the world of this comic is rather bleak. We don't find out much in this volume about how the Circle came into power or why and how there is a resistance, but it certainly suggests that the world at large is not a safe and happy place.
While the story mainly focuses on Dorothy's personal quest and beef with the Circle, she no longer has the bandwidth to care about the greater conspiracy afoot. This task is left for the characters supporting her, as well as the reader who now anxiously awaits the next morsel regarding the fate of England in the grasp of two-faced sorcerers.

This comic contains graphic depictions of violence, but that isn't what makes it an adult read. The absolute hopelessness, grief and despair that the main character radiates despite her determination are what make this story truly dark. Things do gradually start looking up for Dorothy thanks to the tremendous effort she puts into her mission, but the end of this volume suggests that there is still a long road ahead.

I hope to read more of this series in the future, as there are plenty of mysteries to unravel and the art style is right up my alley.

This story is one of revenge. Dorothy Schaefer wants revenge for the untimely death of her husband, John. He was murdered by a magical organization called The Circle who seemingly have their fingers in every pie in old London town of 1952. Dorothy has been hobbled magically into being a mute after defaming The Circle about the wrongful death of John Schaefer. She finds an organization that opposes The Circle, one called Silver Claw, to assist her in her plan for vengeance. A demon blade is needed to exact the revenge against the demon, Astaroth, who drug her husband to hell, at the behest of The Circle. A lot of information was shoved into a matter of pages in this first volume but I am eager to see what is on the horizon for Dorothy.

While I really liked the art and the idea of the story I find myself feeling underwhelmed by the actual execution. Somehow the comic feels incomplete, perhaps because of it´s short length. I feel like they tried to cram a story that could have been easily expanded in a couple episodes in a single volumen that's only a 100 pages long! Everything happens quite fast and it ends up being slightly confusing as a lot of stuff just doesn't have any explanation, nor there's any kind of worldbuilding. The magic seemed interesting but there's no explanation to how It works, how one can improve, become stronger, etc. Perhaps some stuff will be explained and expanded on future installments but so far I see no indication of this being a comic with more than this single release?

I just feel like they had a good idea, they should have just let the comic breathe,

Thank you netgalley for this ARC for this graphic novel the cover really caught my eye and i really enjoyed the artwork and story it was a very cat and mouse novel and also took place back in the day i really enjoyed alot of the characters especially the main character. It follows a smog taking over a town and stuff and showing the repercussions of it and how it was affecting the people and at times the artwork had some dark moments but i loved that from start to finish it all came together at the end and we see corruption and power and magic and witches and lots of other elements! Good graphic novel!

This was a nicely done revenge story. The buildup to the climax had just the right amount of tension, and the gritty art style goes well with the atmosphere and the storytelling. I'm curious to see where this goes next.

I will give this another go when it fully comes out but in its current state this is unreadable. Half the speech bubbles are white and not filled yet. It's just unfinished as it is right now but I feel like this is something to look out for.

i absolutely fell in love with the artwork and the story within. it was so so good! it kept me engaged and wanting to know more every time i flipped the pages! while it wasn’t my absolute favourite, i highly recommend reading this if you want a quick and interesting graphic novel!

Witchcraft and demons and REVENGE!

The Order of the Circle is the dark and dangerous magic you need in your life! This story focuses on a cursed girl as she attempts to enact her revenge on those that wronged her all while attempting to do the unthinkable. Slay a demon.

The illustrations and story within these pages are so exceptional. They evoke emotions and showcase the vulnerabilities of the characters. They also depict some of the most badass moments you can think of. I was hooked on this story within moments and I know readers are going to sink their teeth into this story and will be clamoring for more!

Check out this latest story by Dead Sky Publishing!

The Order of the Circle killed Dorothy's husband John when he threatened to expose the extent of their corruption. Dorothy is now looking for revenge on the Circle and the demon that dragged John to Hell.

"There is no truer justice than that of the purest revenge."

I really enjoyed my time with this graphic novel! It has a unique voice, and the art fits it perfectly. Mkheidze has a distinct art style that easily switches between pretty and gritty. She also has a keen eye for interesting, innovative compositions. Combined with De La Cruz' colouring and Mirabella's lettering The Order of the Circle is a feast for the eyes.

This is a cohesive story that feels like the beginning of something bigger. The world is intriguing and begs to be explored further. I am also eager to get to know the characters better in future installments.

"There is a certain feeling one has after their first kill. It is no different from person to person. All of us are built compassion, guilt and empathy. So, in killing someone, you manifest suffering within yourself."

The Order of the Circle is for you if you enjoy an adult story set in a rich fantasy world with layered characters.

TW include, but are not limited to: corpse mutilation, mutilation, death, forced drugging.

this comic left me shock, crying, wanting more. the plot twist got me on the floor!

the story behind our main character, and the buildup was so well done.
I would definitely recommend this comic to anyone.
I need more of this~