#sonia liao

[theartofthecover]

The Vampire Slayer #5 (2022)

Art by: Ario Anindito

[buffythecomicslayer]

The Vampire Slayer #6 [preview]

Script: Sarah Gailey; illustration: Sonia Liao; colors: Valentina Pinto; letters: Ed Dukeshire.

[wondereads]

Recommendation of the Week 4/5/20

You Were Here by Cori McCarthy, illustrated by Sonia Liao

Why am I recommending this book?

I read this book a few years ago, and it’s one of the few books I’ve reread so many times. It’s also realistic fiction, which I’m not a huge fan of, but that doesn’t it keep it from being one of my favorite books.

Plot  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10

This is not a plot-driven book. They have a time limit, as it is the summer between graduation and college, and they need to decide what the heck they’re going to do with their lives, but there is no mission or higher purpose. This story revolves more around the characters and their inner turmoil and less around a traditional adventure.

Characters  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

If a book that focused on the characters didn’t have good ones, it’d be a pretty crappy book. Each character, Jaycee, Natalie, Zach, Bishop, and Mikivikious (yes, you read that right), has their own dreams and obstacles that all make complete sense for their situations, but that isn’t even the best part. The five main characters are not friends (at least not at the beginning), but they all have their own reasons for joining together. They all find solutions to their inner conflict by the end of the book, even if they are imperfect. Another thing I liked was that a lot of books have one of these two issues: one, they have one or more characters that are wonderful and likable and even their mistakes play out well in the end. Two, the characters are so flawed and ‘realistic’ that they end up some of the most horrible people you’ve ever read about. You Were Here avoids both of these. Each character makes some pretty crappy decisions, but they are all, deep down, good people who are just trying to make perfect decisions in an imperfect world; you can get a taste for their good qualities and desire to become better without diabetes.

Writing Style  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Where do I start? This is the reason I love this book so much. To begin with, the story is told from the perspectives of five characters, but only three are actually written (I’ll get to that later). Jaycee, Natalie, and Zach are the regularly written characters, but even if their storytelling is the same, it’s so easy to distinguish one’s from the others. Now, Bishop is an artist, and he’s the only character we never hear from directly. His chapter are always one page-a picture of his art.

The fifth character, Mikivikious, or Mik (don’t worry, it’s his last name), is a selective mute. He only speaks to people he knows well and trusts, and his method of storytelling reflects that.

This my favorite part of this book. It’s so clever and unique, and no other book I’ve read has incorporated different points of view like this.

Meaning  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

This book is a coming-of-age story, and it revolves around the emotional issues facing the characters, whether that’s grief, heartbreak, or a fear of growing up. The characters all overcome their struggles, albeit in an unusual way. You Were Here also addresses that their problems are not magically solved by one summer adventure, but it conveys a message of hope that everything will be all right as they continue to work towards their dreams, which I believe is a wonderful message.

Overall  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

I may be a bit biased, but I love this book. It’s heartfelt and realistic while it still retains a overwhelming feeling of hope, and there’s a sort of wistful feel to the whole story, especially towards the end. I love the unique storytelling and the characters’ development. I would recommend this to anyone with a soft spot for coming-of-age stories or anyone nearing the end of high school. It’s a good book to turn to for comfort in uncertain times.

The Author

Cori McCarthy: http://www.corimccarthy.com/

Sonia Liao: http://www.sonialiao.com/

Special Mention: If you’re someone who likes to support LGBT authors, Cori (or Cory) McCarthy is nb, pan, and demi, so add them to your list of LGBT authors to support!

The Reviewer

My name is Wonderose and you can learn more about me here!

[geekcavepodcast]

“Ember in the Ashes” Prequel Series Announced

BOOM! Studios has announced a prequel trilogy to Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series. The first prequel story, A Thief Among the Trees: An Ember in the Ashes Graphic Novel, hails from creator Sabaa Tahir, writer Nicole Andelfinger, and artist Sonia Liao.

A Thief Among the Trees: An Ember in the Ashes Graphic Novel follows Fivers Elias, Helene, and Tavi. The three are “in training to become elite military recruits for the Martial Empire at Blackcliff Academy. When they’re sent on a dangerous mission to steal a heavily-guarded poison on Isle South, they soon find themselves up against surprising enemies — including other recruits! As the true horror of their assignment is revealed, these three will begin to confront the harrowing realities of Martial rule, their place in the system . . . and the choices they must make to survive.” (BOOM! Studios)

A Thief Among the Trees: An Ember in the Ashes Graphic Novel will release via BOOM! Studios’ Archaia Imprint and goes on sale in July 2020.

(Image via BOOM! Studios - cover by Sonia Liao)

[comixology]

Determined to find her mom, Tilly's investigations lead her right into the bizarre web of The Hatter, a menacing, mysterious, and unpredictable villain!

[buffythecomicslayer]

The Vampire Slayer #2 [preview]

Script: Sarah Gailey; illustration: Sonia Liao; colors: Valentina Pinto; letters: Ed Dukeshire.

[buffythecomicslayer]

The Vampire Slayer #2

Publication date: May 25, 2022

Willow is still coping with what she and Giles did when he asks her to come to the Library immediately. But when she shows up, Giles isn't alone.

Facing new challenges, Willow's resolve is tested, while Faith is introduced to a familiar slayer...

Script: Sarah Gailey; illustration: Sonia Liao; letters: Ed Dukeshire; covers: Bex Glendining, Francesco Francavilla, Jung-Geun Yoon; upcoming cover: Goñi Montes.

[buffythecomicslayer]

The Vampire Slayer #5 [preview]

Script: Sarah Gailey; illustration: Sonia Liao; colors: Valentina Pinto; letters: Ed Dukeshire.