I really can’t believe I’m reviewing my 52nd book of 2018, because I never thought I’d get here. 2018 was a slog, y’all. The funny thing is, I thought it was because I hadn’t read that many great books this year, but that wasn’t true at all–I could barely find a one least favorite for the CBR wrapup post because I had enjoyed almost everything I read. I just couldn’t get into writing the reviews this year. Luckily, I am extremely competitive with myself, and since I cannonballed the past 2 years there was no way I was going to let this year slip away from me without finishing. Thankfully, I’m finishing on a high note because this book was awesome!
Saga Vol. 1 is the first volume (obviously) in a graphic novel series in what Wikipedia describes as a “space opera.” It’s narrated by a girl named Hazel, who starts the story off with her birth. She’s the product of a forbidden affair between two species whose planets (well, one’s a planet and one’s a moon) are constantly at war, and have been for generations. The war has touched every part of the galaxy, and there’s nowhere safe for her parents to go. They are being hunted by operatives on both sides, as well as bounty hunters and their families. Saga is exciting, funny, and gripping. I read it all in one sitting and wished I had bought more volumes.
I have to admit, I am 36 years old and this is the first graphic novel I’ve ever read. Ever! And I loved it! The worst part is that it’s so short, and to buy all of the volumes is kind of an investment (at least, if I buy them all at one time which is what i want to do). I chose Saga only because my person for the CBR book exchange requested graphic novels. These came highly recommended, so I bought a copy for myself, too. I’m hopeful that this has opened up a new world to me of MORE graphic novels, if there are other ones out there that are this good! This was so fun to read.
It was great to end the year on a book that made me excited to read more. I’m sad that I struggled so much with my reviews this year. I’m going to try a half Cannonball next year and see if that works a little better for me (I also said this last year, but this year I really mean it). This year I read 62 books and reviewed 52. Next year, I hope to read a lot more but review less. I’ll still be here, though! See you next month!
Congratulations! I love Saga. The good news is, your library probably has the subsequent volumes of Saga. I hope 2019 is better for you. I hope it’s better for all of us.
Thank you! I’m sure the library has it, but this feels like something I want to own–although I could always borrow them first. I am hoping 2019 is better for everyone, too.
I blew through volumes 1-8 of Saga this year, and it is, as a group, one of the best things I’ve ever read. I have volume nine here at home (borrowed from a friend) and I’m excited and trepidatious all at the same time.
Congratulations on your cannonball, and here’s hoping 2019 is better for all of us, in general, and in reading. :)
I may just splurge after Christmas and buy the whole set. I’m sure it’ll be worth it! Hoping, like you, for better days to come, both reading and otherwise!
Congratulations! If you are interested in some other graphic novels to check out, I highly recommend Lumberjanes, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, and Ms. Marvel.
Thank you! I’ll check those out.
Congratulations on the Cannonball – and on such a great graphic novel! Great job!
Thank you! Looking forward to 2019 and CBR11!
Congrats on the Cannonball! I switched to half Cannonballs a couple years ago, and it does help when you hit a slump. I skipped reviewing a whole swath of books this summer that were just meh, and I couldn’t think of a darn thing to say about them.
I signed up for a half next year. I think it will be much more enjoyable!
Happy Cannonball! I was going to suggest the library, but it seems I was beaten to it.
Thank you! I actually get almost everything I review from the library, but this series feels special. I want to save up and own the whole thing!
Well worth the investment, in my opinion. They are one of the few graphic novel series that I actually buy instead of getting from the library.
Happy Cannonball! Saga is absolutely amazing, but yes, graphic novels can be expensive. As several other people have already suggested, libraries are wonderful things.
Thanks! I had no idea graphic novels were such an investment but much as I love libraries, I feel the need to own these lovely books. :)
Happy Cannonball!
Thank you!
Congrats on your Cannonball!
I have volume 9 on hold at the library and am nervous about picking it up.
Thank you! I felt tense all through Vol. 1. I was sure someone I liked was going to die. I have a feeling it’ll only get worse the farther into these I get.