I read this as a Webtoon when it first came out and am so happy to see it's now becoming a graphic novel!

This is very slice of life about teenagers just doing their thing throughout freshman year of high school. It's not super plot heavy yet since this is pretty much just introducing all the characters and their personalities. I love the artwork and the inclusivity, and I hope there will be more graphic novels of the rest of the toon!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This was a cute read! I felt like it kind of jumped around at some points which makes things a little confusing, but it was fun. I liked all of the representation that this story has, and I like that it touches on multiple issues that teenagers often face - bullying, making friends, and just being your own person. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy to read!

Acception Volume One is a lighthearted high school drama that celebrates self expression in spite of adversity, but the execution feels scattered. While Arcus is fun and optimistic, the story struggles with consistency. It introduced characters and subplots that fade without resolving. The overall message of staying true to yourself is uplifting, but I was left feeling disconnected to the story and main characters. The lack of a clear plot and character development left me wanting more. It's a decent read with positive themes. Just didn't leave a big impact on me.

Thank you to Netgalley, Edelweiss and Webtoon Unscrolled for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel. I enjoyed the art and plot of this graphic novel although there is some bullying and misunderstandings galore, however, I felt that I did not understand the payoff or the point of the story (especially since the ending of this was such a cliffhanger). Because of these points, I have to give this 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This book! I was fully engrossed in this story. It does have its issues where it jumps from point to point and there’s no connection and it feels like there’s holes. But overall, this is an interesting and fascinating study. It’s about being different in a new school. It’s about the various people who will use you for what you have. It’s also about true friends, family and hope and acceptance. Altogether the story was lovely, and I was not ready for it to end. I might have to go online to read the next part.

Was a little hard to read with the water mark in some places.
However, I've been reading this webtoon for years and it's so great. It deals with a lot of societal issues. Bullying, new schools, and making friends are the main issues in volume one.
Great for teenagers, will be recommended to all my YA customers.

great book! some parts felt a little unclear to me, and would have loved more backstory into the main character. but not bad overall and would recommend to anyone who likes this kind of book. enjoyed!

thanks to negalley for letting me read this in advance!

So cute, not gonna lie. I got so many questions about this, but such a fun read. I hate that it ends on a cliffhanger, though. I'm so happy it is getting published as i did read it originally on webtoon. Would normally rate on goodreads but couldn't find it on there yet.

Warning Spoilers ahead.
There is just so much going on in this book. While I love the representation and that it is hitting on very important topics, the way it is handled is off to me. It feels very badly weighted. and the plot was not clear. The first 3 quarters of the book are relatively mundane teen stuff, like the kids who are "different" being bullied and treated poorly by others. Conflicts were introduced, like the popular girl figuring out about Gold Star's identity, however that new knowledge didn't lead anywhere. Then we hit the last 30% of the book and it's like BAM Alcoholic parent/parentified child, then BAM terminally ill parent. And then we just end it. I honestly did not see much of a story arc here. It just seemed like a throw everything in the pot kind of story and was kind of disappointing.

Arcus dresses unlike anyone else at his high school, where he has just arrived from the UK, to somewhere in the Netherlands. He wears colorful clothes, and seems to walk to his own beat. He is not sure, from what I can tell, if he is queer, but he gives off that sort of energy, and some of his fellow classmates aren’t even sure if he is trans or gay, or a girl, and he doens’t bother to enlighten them.

He is a bit of an outcast. And so makes friends with a Goth girl, Maud, who doesn’t seem to like him, but tolerates him.

However, if his friends knew that he was also a famous online fashion designer, they might like him more, but he wants to keep that secret.

Fun mix of mean girls, and bullies, and the usual things one finds in a high school story.

This is only volume one, in an ongoing web cartoon, so there should be more coming after this.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 27th of May 2025.

I struggled throughout reading this book to figure out who this book is really for.
In theory it should resonate with at least some small part of me, I've had similar experiences to some of these characters, felt the way they've felt, struggled as they struggled, but at no point in reading it did I feel a real, and proper click. I found characters to be both too mature and too immature for the ages they're meant to be, and I struggled to really connect with any of them.
Unfortunately I did not enjoy Acception anywhere near as much as I thought I would and found it hard to suspend my disbelief for a lot of my reading experience here.

I did not know where this book was going at first but it was actually pretty sweet. The world we live in now has everyone confused just like all the kids in this book were. This young boy who does not let the world tell him who he has to be really won my heart, and that ending? Gut wrenching.

**Book Review: *Acception, Volume 1* by Coco Ouwerkerk**

*Acception, Volume 1* by Coco Ouwerkerk is a heartfelt and visually engaging graphic novel that delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges of high school life. Originally gaining popularity as a webcomic, Ouwerkerk’s work brings a refreshing blend of humor, emotional depth, and vibrant artwork that appeals to readers of all ages.

The story follows Arcus, an eccentric and flamboyant teenager who unapologetically embraces his unique style despite facing judgment and bullying from his peers. Tim’s journey through high school is both inspiring and relatable, as he navigates friendships, self-discovery, and the pressure to conform. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own insecurities and personal struggles, adding layers of authenticity and complexity to the narrative.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its representation of diverse identities and social issues. Ouwerkerk does an excellent job of portraying body positivity, LGBTQ+ themes, and mental health with sensitivity and sincerity. The vibrant, expressive art style complements the story’s tone perfectly, bringing warmth and energy to every panel. The use of color and character design further enhances the themes of individuality and acceptance.

While *Acception, Volume 1* tackles serious topics, it maintains an optimistic and lighthearted atmosphere that makes it an enjoyable read. The dialogue is witty and engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and their experiences.

Overall, *Acception, Volume 1* is a touching and empowering graphic novel that encourages readers to embrace their true selves. Whether you're looking for a story of self-love, friendship, or personal growth, this book offers an uplifting message that resonates long after the final page. Fans of coming-of-age stories with a strong focus on inclusivity and positivity will find *Acception* to be a delightful and meaningful read.

I read this entire thing on WEBTOON before it got published. However I am sooo lucky to have gotten to reread it for early release. This is one of my favorite stories. I love the character progression. Everything is amazing.

I really enjoyed this. It has so much representation. The graphics were colourful and well done. Would recommend for any reader that enjoys graphic novels.

"Acception Volume One" is the first in a series of YA graphic novels by Coco Ouwerkerk about a teen named Arcus who has moved from the Netherlands to England and is facing a tough time making friends. Arcus is a boy, but has long hair with rainbow colors and wears bright clothing, so there is a lot of "are you a girl" teasing. We watch Arcus slowly make friends with Maud, a goth girl and begin to find his place at the high school. Lots of high school drama, from the realistic to more far-fetched. Illustrations are bright and colorful and add to the humor of the story. A suggested purchase for YA graphic novel collections, especially where Webtoon graphic novels are popular.