Mooncakes was one of the most adorable, wonderful graphic novels I have ever read.

At the center of it are Nova, a female witch who is hard-of-hearing, and Tam, a non-binary werewolf. Both characters are also Chinese-American. I loved both characters so much, they are really strong, well-written characters with great character development.
There is such an absolutely adorable friends-to-lovers romance between the two that ended up making me feel super emotional. There was such a great development of both their feelings for each other but also the relationship itself and how it progressed with time and the things they go through.
And we have Nova's two grandmas which were such a lovely addition to the storyline!

Even though I can't speak for the marginalizations in this book, to me it seemed like they were done very respectfully. It is constantly shown that Nova wears hearing aids and I think it is so important to so very prominently feature this kind of diversity in YA, without ever making it a big deal.
It was also great to see everyone respect Tam's pronouns. One of Nova's grandmas uses she in the beginning of the story, and after Tam corrects her, she immediately apologizes and switches to they. IT'S THAT EASY! I also think it's really important to mention that the villains use the correct pronouns as well, cause that sadly isn't always the case.

The art and colours are absolutely beautiful and fit the story so very well. I cannot wait to hold an actual fully-coloured, physical copy of this in my hands.

Overall I highly recommend this if you love queer supernatural stories that seamlessly include diversity. This is just such a fun graphic novel, with its super heartwarming moments as well.

I was provided a complimentary copy from netgalley to read and review.
Although it wasn’t as good as I anticipated, the story was still enjoyable and the illustrations were super cute

I’ve only recently started to appreciate graphic novels and saw this one come highly recommended by people I trust. To say it is magical and oh so sweet would be to do it an injustice. The story is quite a straightforward one of Nova, a young Witch setting out to discover what is happening in nearby woods and what she finds there is an old school friend and she’s determined to find out just why they’ve been hiding out. Tam might not be a Witch but Tam is a Werewolf imbued with magic that someone wants to use to set free a Demon. Nova and Tam might have lost touch but together they are formidable and if it takes some help from loved ones to finally get answers then bring it on because both Nova and Tam have been through enough.
Ok this was quickly over and yes more than a tad predictable but I truly enjoyed this book. For a start it’s my first read containing what I suppose is a non binary person plus Nova needs hearing aids so it was fabulous to see someone with a disability taking the lead. Tam doesn’t want to identify as female or male so it took me a while to get used to the pronouns but hey it’s fine because Tam is a person and just as worthy of respect and love as anyone else. That right there is were this story shines as the young couple accept each other and rekindle their friendship which of course leads to love. I particularly enjoyed the artwork in this as when they share their first kiss I defy anyone not to be utterly charmed by the sneaky voyeur but no spoiler ! Add in two ‘Grandmothers ‘ who reminded me so much of the Aunts from Practical Magic , along with a BFF , surprising relatives , ghosts and a host of magical creatures and trust me the bad guys never stand a chance. This is a book for all ages and leaves me with a warm feeling so yes I recommend it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

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This was a fun spooky story, perfect to read around Halloween. I really appreciated the diversity represented and conversations it allowed for, such as the use of they/them pronouns. The mystery plot was suspenseful and made me want to keep reading more. The artwork fit the mood perfectly as well as having expressive characters. The characters were compelling and I wish they could be my friends. I liked the good adult role models for the teens which I feel doesn't often get represented in YA books

A super cute witchy graphic novel filled with so much representation - our main character is queer with a hearing impairment and we have a non binary queer side character and gay guardians. Our characters also celebrate the Jewish holiday Sukkot and eat traditional Chinese mooncakes.

I loved the magic black cat (which multiplies under a spell!) and the woodland spirits who come to help and play. These, along with cousin Terry with the pigeon head, really helped to provide comic relief.

I raced through this graphic novel, smiling at the cute moments and laughing at the bad jokes. The story was interesting and I loved reading about childhood best friends rekindling their relationship and finding themselves.

The illustrations were just as lovely as the story itself and I NEED a room full of magical books too!

What did we do to deserve this amazing book? It was so perfect I fell a little in love with everything, the characters, the art, the colours, the story, the relationships, everything. I just want to hug it forever. This is the kind of story that makes you feel warm all over and I think I'm gonna reread it a lot of time.

From the beginning I was intrigued by the story and I couldn't stop reading till I finished it was so fascinating? A universe with magic, witches, werewolves, spirits, it was all very magical from the beginning to the end. And the main characters were adorable! Both Chinese American Nova is hard-of-hearing and wears hearing aids and Tam is nonbinary and they were both completely adorable and cute and I want to protect them. Their relationship was the greatest, they were here for the other and supporting each other and it was all fluffy.

Basically the entire thing was amazing and the best and I'm gonna lie on the floor thinking about it for days.

A very well-done and conceptualized idea about a fledgling relationship between a non-binary and hard of hearing character. I was completely immersed in this simple and lovely tale from beginning to end.

If there is is one thing that I can say with absolute certainty, it's this: this graphic novel helped change my definition of what a graphic novel could be. Not only is this amazing for identity, both for Asian and LGBTQ+ rep, but it allows for a story where those facets don't become the central plot point. Nowadays, as much as I love stories that explore and enrich these identities, I think that it's just as important to have stories about Asian witches and non binary werewolves living their lives. All gushing aside, the thing that took me the longest to come around on was the art style. It really took a handful of pages to grow on me, but once I was sold, I was sold!

This graphic novel is just fantastic. It is fantastically diverse with both MC’s being Chinese-American, Tam is non-binary with clear use of they/them pronouns, Nova is hard of hearing with her hearing aids being referred to many times (including doing some kick ass magic with them), and she lives with her grandmas who are in a relationship with each other. The diversity is effortlessly clear and natural which makes it beautiful. It just exists on the page without discussion or explanation.

All of this is packaged up in a fantastic daemon fighting, witchy tale with werewolves, science loving (yet accepting of the withciness) friends, sweet reuniting romance, family focus and daemon fighting!

The artwork is also GORGEOUS! It suits the storyline so much with a lovely whimsy to it. It just draws out beautiful subtle moments of the story with little details in the background (look out for the cats they are fantastic). Overall this is just a fantastic graphic novel and I can’t wait to get a copy and re-read it in full colour.

A cute, and somewhat sugary LGBT+ inclusive graphic novel about a witch and a werewolf.

The story focuses on a witch named Nova and her non-binary childhood friend named Tam who just so happens to be a werewolf. After moving away Tam found themselves back in Nova's neck of the woods trying to defeat a horse demon that their wolf magic had woken up. After hearing about some magical commotion in the woods, Nova investigates and finds Tam in their wolf form.

I personally found it to be a quick and lighthearted read. It was really refreshing in many ways, but being a quick read I felt the plot was a bit thin and some of the subjects weren't explored as much as they could be. Still, I did enjoy the art style and the characters, I just wish there was a little bit more to it.

I just got this eARC via Netgalley from the Publishers in return of an honest review. I was curious to see what this story was about.

The main characters are two teenage girls who meet again after they have been separated during childhood, by Tam's family moving away from the town.

Now Tam is back in town and she is on a mission. She has something to set right. But before she can do so, Nova, finds her. Nova lives with her Grannas as her parents died and currently learns more about being a witch.

Together they set out to deal with the demon that hunts the woods around the town. And as they do so, they discover more about themselves, find new strengths and start to move on.

I loved the artwork in this book, and the main story line including a witch and werewolf with special magical powers provides lots of twists and turns. I also loved how the two teenagers grew back into a nurturing relationship with each other. What felt somewhat forced is the romance, it felt very rushed and not very believable specially with the hurts that happened in the past.

The representation of growing up with a hearing impairment on the other hand is very well done.

Oh friends, this was truly the graphic novel I’ve been waiting forever for. From witchy magic, to unconditional family and found family love, to being the person you want to be on your own time, to the cutest F/NB relationship ever, I am so in love with Mooncakes!

One night, in a sleepy and paranormal New England town, a witch follows a white wolf into the woods. She doesn’t know what to expect, but it most certainly isn’t a horse demon fighting with her childhood crush! With the help of one another (and some cute grandmas) they unfold a story about a cult and people wanting to harness werewolf magic for their own.

And the two main characters of this graphic novel are everything! One, being Nova, who is Chinese-American, and still coping with the loss of her parents, while living with her two grandmothers (be still, my heart). All of these women are witches and collect rare spell books! And Tam, who is also Chinese-American, and a nonbinary werewolf who grew up with Nova, but recently left their family who wasn’t very kind to them.

And if I haven’t already sold you with the plot and the five star rating, this is also just a story about two young adults learning who they want to be, both separately and together. Nova and Tam are both dealing with hurt from their parents, and even though it is a different kind of hurt, they are there for one another, and unconditionally support one another. It’s beautiful, and powerful, and I had the biggest smile on my face while reading from the first to last page.

Overall, this really was the queer, magical story that I’ve always wanted. I loved the rep, I loved the story, I loved the illustrations, I love the banter, and I truly love both of these main characters so very much. I can’t wait to see what Wendy and Suzanne do next! Also, I’m totally buying mooncakes on the way home tomorrow, because your girl has such a craving.

Mooncakes is the queer, witchy tale that we're all looking forward to in October 2019--and it definitely delivers on its cute vibes.

Art: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★★

I was so excited to read this ARC that the minute I was able to read it on NetGalley, I started it. The hype for this sweet graphic novel has been so real. It (mostly) lived up to its expectations.

Nova Huang is a hearing-impaired witch living with her two grandmothers and helping them run their local bookstore. Hidden in plain sight, these witches make a cute living as booksellers and overall peacekeepers for the town. One day, Nova finds a white wolf in the woods battling a demon--in a surprising turn of events, the wolf turns out to be Nova's childhood best friend, Tam.

Tam Long is a non-binary werewolf who ran away from their mom and stepdad due to some family troubles and has found themselves in a spot of trouble, i.e. a demon that seems intent on tracking them down. Tam comes to Nova for help, and soon the grandmas, Nova, and Tam are embroiled in a drama to find out who is behind the demon and to stop them before they get to Tam.

Oh, and there may or may not be some adorable feelings between Nova and Tam along the way.

Can this magical duo save their town from the demon?

I found Mooncakes to be both everything I wanted it to be and...a little slow. I wish we had gotten to some plot drivers sooner, and spent less time on certain dialogue-heavy scenes that almost repeated themselves a few times throughout the story.

However, that being said, I still loved this cute story. I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy this October so that I can relive the gorgeous artwork while in the proper season.

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Lion Forge for giving me an arc of this gr novel to read. Mooncakes had the possibility to be such a cute and wholesome story with some great representation. The art also matches the tone of the story perfectly and gives off this perfect autumn vibe.

The art of this graphic novel was so fitting for the story being tools with its soft colors and clean lines. Xu did ai really good job at illustrating the world of Mooncakes . from the color of with outside scenery, the outfits, the old books, and crystals; Xu did a wonderful job at making this graphic novel relay feel like a modern fantasy set in fall.

The characters were also favorites of mine in Mooncakes. I love the diverse and represented character and that’s exactly what you get in the graphic novel. Nova being partially deaf, being raised by a non-nuclear family, Tam being nonbinary, and every one treating as something normal. No one in the book bats an eye or gets confused when Tam wants to be called by “Them” or “They “. I love seeing stuff like this normalized in any book so seeing makes it all the more likable to me.

The one that this graphic novel is lacking in is storytelling. The story seemed rushed near the end making the climax just seem not that very climatic to me. There was also a lot of things that were never delved into, just mentioned most of the time. This made the story and the world of Mooncakes feel as though it didn’t have very much depth.

Such a beautiful and fantastical book with great LGBT+ representation! I really liked the story and the fantasy elements - it broaches the witchcraft story line differently than I've seen before. The illustrations are also beautifully done. This will definitely be on my recommendation list!

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reading Mooncakes made me smile. I loved the story, the illustrations and the overall concept of this book. I can't wait for Mooncakes to be released in October and to see all the illustrations in colour.

The representation of LGBTQ+ was amazing, and I loved that using the correct pronounce was a big topic in the story (especially since nobody made it awkward and after the mention by the POC, everyone used it correctly).

I LOVED Mooncakes! A cute, cozy romance with awesome illustrations! Will definitely read again! One of the best books/graphic novels I have read this year!

2.5 stars.

this was really cute and had some good representation and BEAUTIFUL illustrations, but that was all it really had going for it. i wasn't a huge fan of the insta-love or very predictable story arc. read more like a middle grade story than young adult.

but it's a good spooky read for when it is released in october.

What an absolutely adorable graphic novel! I am a sucker for anything witchy and I absolutely loved this. The representation was amazing. 1 female/female romance and 1 female/non=binary romance. One of the main characters wears hearing aids. Another character promotes fat rep. The artwork was great! Loved the coloring. I just loved this and it was everything I wanted it to be!

So this was a super sweet little graphic novel that I genuinely enjoyed reading! The whole thing was very wholesome and vanilla, with a cozy, witchy aesthetic that makes me wish it were spooky season. The plot was satisfying, although there seemed to be a few holes (that could have been a result of me not reading closely enough, though). For a graphic novel, I think the little world was very well-developed, and I liked the witch-culture that it established. I wish there had been a bit more structure to the magic, but that’s a personal preference.

The love-story aspect wasn’t too overwhelming, just really sweet and heartwarming. I love the diversity of the characters, too—from hearing-impaired and Chinese to non-binary and queer, there was no lack of individualism in the protagonists. I liked it because although these characters have these diverse elements as a part of their identity, it doesn’t completely define them. They are just people who happen to have a hearing impairment or be gay. It doesn’t overwhelm the rest of their personality and become their single identifying trait.

And of course, the art! It was drawn in such a lovely and unique style. The colors were beautiful and engaging, and the panels were well-planned and easy to read and follow. My only complaint is that I received an advance copy, so the coloring wasn’t quite finished towards the end of the book. I guess that just means I’ll be buying a hard copy when it’s released :)

Bonus: there are cute cats and lots of puns!