Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker is the perfect mix of magic, friendship, and romance. It’s a graphic novel that follows Nova, a young witch, and her best friend, Tam, who’s a werewolf. They team up to battle dark magic, but there’s also a lot of heart in their journey. It’s not just about fighting evil—it’s also about rediscovering old bonds, healing, and figuring out who you are.

What I loved about this book is the characters. Nova is super relatable. she’s got a lot on her plate with her magical abilities and her family’s expectations. Tam, who’s dealing with his own emotional baggage, adds so much depth to the story. Their friendship feels so real, and you can tell how much they care for each other, even if they’re not always perfect at communicating. And the romance? So cute. It’s slow-burn and low-pressure, which I loved.

The art is gorgeous and really sets the tone. The colors and character designs are beautiful, and they bring the magical world to life. The story itself is heartwarming and a little bit magical in a way that makes you feel cozy and connected.

This was such a sweet and wholesome little graphic novel. The story did feel a little rushed and cookie cutter but I loved the diversity and representation, the adorable family dynamics, and overall vibe; it was a great quick cozy fall read.

Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

🌺 M I N I • R E V I E W 🌺
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#QOTD: If you could be any magical creature, what would you be and why?
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Here’s another mini review for you! I wanted to take a break from all of the heavier fantasy novels that I’ve been reading lately, and I feel like MOONCAKES was the best palatte cleanser I could have picked. I read it pretty much in one sitting and it was such an adorable graphic novel. I loved getting to meet Nova and Tam, and see their frienship revive and relationship grow after being away from each other for many years. I love how supportive the Huangs were - from Nova’s grandmothers and her extended family that we got to meet in this story. I hope that we get to see more of Nova and Tam in the future, especially with how it ended. Tatyana was such an amazing best friend to Nova and I loved that too. I just loved everything about this story! I feel like I was all smiles while I was reading it.

This was such a fun read. I highly recommend it to everyone. It was very cute and I enjoyed it the whole time I was reading.

"Mooncakes" is a charming graphic comic by Suzanne Walker, which takes us to a magical world where witches fight demons and concerned souls inhabit the nearby forest.
The story revolves around Nova Huang, a young witch who uses the power of magic and herbs to protect her community from supernatural threats. But when a mysterious spirit appears in her dreams, Nova is dragged into an adventure that extends far beyond her familiar streets.
Walker creates a fascinating world where magic and Chinese culture blend in a delicate and attractive way. Wendy Xu's art is precious, capturing the beauty and mystery of the magical world of Nova

Suzanne Walker's "Mooncakes" is a heartwarming and enchanting graphic novel that wraps readers in a cozy blanket of love, magic, and nostalgia. This delightful story, accompanied by charming illustrations, creates a world that is as wholesome as it is comforting, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a cozy escape into the realms of love and witchcraft.

The characters in "Mooncakes" are nothing short of lovable. Nova Huang, a teen witch with a deep connection to magic, is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her interactions with Tam Lang, her childhood crush and a wandering werewolf, form the heart of the narrative, adding layers of sweetness and sincerity to the story. The gentle exploration of their rekindled feelings is beautifully depicted, creating a sense of warmth that permeates every page.

The illustrations in the graphic novel are a visual treat. The art style not only complements the magical elements of the story but also adds an extra layer of coziness to the narrative. The blend of warm colors and expressive characters creates an inviting atmosphere that pulls readers into the enchanting world of the book.

The plot, centered around love, demons, family, and witchcraft, weaves a spellbinding tale of self-discovery. The exploration of occult rituals, supernatural occurrences, and the magic of wolves adds depth to the narrative without losing the overall sense of coziness. Walker masterfully balances the fantastical elements with the intimate moments, creating a story that is as engaging as it is heartening.

What sets "Mooncakes" apart is its ability to evoke a sense of home. If this graphic novel were a spell, it would be a housewarming charm that settles with care into the softest parts of a home and makes the houseplants grow, just as described by New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston.

"Mooncakes" is an adorable and cozy five-star gem that radiates love and magic.
Suzanne Walker has crafted a story that feels like a warm embrace, inviting readers into a world where love conquers all, and magic is a gentle force that binds people together.

I wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel to anyone in search of a delightful and heartwarming reading experience. Get ready to be enchanted by the spellbinding charm of "Mooncakes."

cozy fantasy as its max. Amazing desing, beautiful color palette, and an awesome story full of magic and mystery

Is it 5 stars because they have like 5 or something cats? What? No! I’m not that superficial (honestly it probably is). But even if there were no black cats I’d still rate this a full 5 stars. Because it was so so fun and adorable. This had me grinning from ear-to-ear and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a wholesome graphic novel.

I loved seeing the forest creatures – I wanted to know more/see more of them. I loved how they were drawn – I mean I loved how the entire book was illustrated, but I think the forest creatures have my heart the most.

I liked how the plot was laid out and how everything happened. It kept me intrigued and I was never bored even though it’s a short book. Although, as it’s over 200 pages – is that considered big for a graphic novel? The element of mystery was done well and I didn’t suss out the plot twist!

Nova and Tam were two absolutely adorable characters and I loved getting to know them. They had such a sweet relationship and made me feel warm all throughout. This is certainly a warm hug in a book – in fact it’s like a warm hug for every page in the book. Nova’s grandmothers were also sweet and funny and I loved how welcoming and caring they were!

I received an advanced readers' copy of Mooncakes from netgalley before it was released. I have literally been meaning to read this book since before it came out and I am getting to it in 2023. I am not on top of my reading.

Regardless, I absolutely loved Mooncakes. It is a great cozy fantasy with some subtle spooky vibes. The characters are queer and Asian, and one of the protagonists is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids, so there's lots of really great representation. Also, I loved the Jewish rep, seeing Sukkot in a comic book was so absolutely delightful. The characters are relatable and compelling, the story is engaging, and the art was so cute. The illustrations in the bookstore were especially cozy and I was so happy reading this. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this, even if I squandered that chance for years (like a damn fool!).

I would highly recommend this, especially for anyone who has also been meaning to read it for a solid four years and has also failed to get to it in a timely fashion. I also look forward to reading more from both the creators. This really hit the spot, and I definitely suggest grabbing it as we're coming up on autumn, the perfect season for reading this cozy fantasy graphic novel.

What a heartwarming graphic novel! Cozy vibes!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Mooncakes is a really cute graphic novel that involves friendships and cooking, a really great combination. I wished it was longer but overall it was a really good graphic novel

thank you for the arc

It was very pretty and cute but the story itself felt lacking and often forced. I wish it was rather split into a few volumes with more background.

Super adorable and heart warming! Perfect for anyone who just wants a light and fun read and stunning characters to get attached to.

'Mooncakes' by Suzanne Walker with art by Wendy Xu is a graphic novel about magic and family.

Nova works in her grandmothers' bookshop, loaning out spell books. One night out wandering, she hears about a white wolf in the area and discovers that it is an old friend, Tam. There is also a new enemy in the woods and Nora and Tam will need to fight it off.

I liked this story. The setting and characters are nice. The art is also a nice touch.

This was a quick and cute read. I really enjoyed it. I wish it had a part 2 or become a series? I would love to see were Tam and Nova relationship develops further. I love in such a small book ,it has love , friendship, family, and romance all packed in to one book. And the art in this book is amazing for a graphic novel. Thank you to author, publisher, and NetGallery for this book for a honest review.

This book was a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story line from start to finish. I felt that the graphics matched perfectly with the story, so props to both the author and the illustrator. I think this book is perfect for high school students. It's so gentle with its ideas about testing the waters and allowing the characters to find their own way without pressure or judgement. It was well thought out and perfectly executed. Would definitely recommend to readers.

This is a charming world created in these pages and we should all feel valued at being allowed access to this world!

very queer, what else can you ask for! great art, great story, what's not to love? I absolutely need more

This is the cutest graphic novel I ever read! I read this book for the Read Your Own Adventure readathon on BookTok, and I'm so glad I did. The art style is so beautiful, the story is really interesting, and the representation was done so well.

Easy five stars - super cute and spooky. Mooncakes is a graphic novel that is perfect for summer or fall