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Book Review

Coming Back is a full-color graphic novel that focuses on Preet and Valissa, two young women living in a very magical society. It’s a society with almost no men, and very amazing mythology. 

The world building was amazing and the author/illustrator did a great job of delivering a creation myth and also explaining how new people in the village were born – from seeds and without the need for a man. 

The magic system of Shifters and Shapers was also well explained and fun to read about. 

Preet and Valissa are in a relationship but for most of this book, they spend time far apart on their individual journeys. They take certain steps and do certain things that see them growing into different people than they were at the start of the book. 

It’s a story of tradition, culture and history. It’s a story about unlearning and evolving and the importance of embracing change. 

This wasn’t a five star for me because I found it hard to connect with the characters. I also found it very fast paced to the point of being lost/jarred by the quick change in events.

5 Reasons to Read

Stunning full color illustrations

I love graphic novels but they get even more points from me when they’re in full color. This had a beautiful pastel theme going and each page sported a gorgeous color scheme.

Sapphic romance

At the heart of this book is Preet and Valissa’s relationship, even though they spend little time together. There’s no homophobia or relationship trauma, which was refreshing.

A world with very few men 

This is set in a very matriarchal society and I noticed only one character who was male coded. Women lived freely and had their own structures in place, and that was fun. 

It covers important themes 

There were so many poignant themes in this graphic novel, especially the need to embrace change and grow in light of new knowledge.

Lush world building

The world building, society history, and magic system of this book were so well done. Readers are shown how the world in this book came to be and how they’re able to reproduce without men.

About the Book

Synopsis:

A beautiful graphic novel fantasy romance that follows two young women who have to go on their own separate adventures to discover the truth about themselves and about each other.

Preet is magic.

Valissa is not.

Everyone in their village has magic in their bones, and Preet is the strongest of them all. Without any power of her own, how can Valissa ever be worthy of Preet’s love? When their home is attacked, Valissa has a chance to prove herself, but that means leaving Preet behind. On her own for the first time Preet breaks the village’s most sacred laws, and is rejected from the only home she’s ever known and sent into a new world.

Divided by different paths, insecurities, and distance, will Valissa and Preet be able to find their way back to each other?

A beautiful story of two young women who are so focused on proving they’re meant to be together that they end up hurting each other in the process. This gorgeous graphic novel is an LGTBQ+ romance about young love and how it can grow into something strong no matter what obstacles get in the way.

About the Author

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