I would highly, HIGHLY suggest picking it up if you're a reader of graphic novels because this was wonderful. The artwork is simply beautiful and there is so much representation and diversity in this story. I love it especially because it's done so seamlessly and they don't make a big deal about it because it's just everyday. The main characters are both Chinese-American and queer, while one identifies as non-binary. I love the story because it's witchy and paranormal and heartwarming and sweet. I can't wait to get a final copy in October and I hope this is a first in a series because the characters are so wonderful.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute! As a graphic novel, it's a very quick read, and as I often find myself doing with graphic novels, I wanted more. But, that speaks more to the book's quality.

I loved the diversity. Both protagonists were Chinese-American, Nova the witch is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids, Tam is nonbinary and goes by they/them. I always love witchy stories, especially diverse ones, and this book also reminded me that I love werewolves (done right) too.

Nova's outfits were goals and I really found myself taking notes because the aesthetic in this book is perfect. I wish I'd read in during fall, because this is definitely a Halloween-ish book.

Anyway, definitely read this book if you are gay and love Halloween like I do!

Not bad but not particularly good either.
A predictable plot with lazy world-building and one-dimensional characters. It may be because of all the hype that's surrounding this book but when I actually sat down to read it I found it impressively dull (which is impressive since its about queer magic users battling demonic forces).
The art itself was fine, but I found myself being taken out of the story by the easter eggs hidden in the panels. The pannels themselves moved time forward so quickly it was difficult to establish the passage of time from event to event so it made the plot feel rushed. Some time could have been better spent fleshing out the relationships between the characters slowly, making them more likeable and the relationships that are formed and tested more engaging for the reader.
(What was the point in the BFF character please?)

The diversity in this graphic novel is commendable but as a queer reviewer, I expect a level of engagement from a story that this didn't supply. It wasn't good enough just to have a diverse cast because there was barely a story there. This is sometimes forgivable when a story is supposed to be character-driven but this is hard to do when your cringing at every chapter. The dialogue between the protagonist and her love interest was cringe-inducing at the best of times and don't even get me started on the adults. They speak like teenagers and act as irresponsibly as a parent in a Disney Channel Original Movie.
The pacing was off for the entire book. Due to the position of events in the story, it lacked tension throughout and because of this I didn't care what happened to the characters. I already knew how the book was going to end because it was so predictable.
Overall the plot was what I expected from the moment I turned the first page, the characters were flat and I am really disappointed by this book.

I was sent this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mooncakes gave me so much nostalgia for all things witchy. I honestly want to watch Sabrina the Teenage Witch right now. This was such a fun, quick read. I loved the rep, I loved the family and friendship dynamics. I can’t wait for the next installment 💜

There’s so much that I love about this graphic novel that I don’t even know where to start. The art style is beautiful and expressive, the story is sweet and exciting and gripping, and the characters all come from very diverse backgrounds, making them beautifully intricate and adding several dimensions to the story. To make a good piece of writing, you need to not only have a good story but characters that your audience can become invested in, characters that they want to see succeed. Mooncakes has done all of this and more; it was truly a pleasure to read.

Mooncakes was a fantastic story. Nova and Tam have a wonderful dynamic, and the storytelling is captivating and spellbinding. The other characters shine as well. My criticisms are small, but I do feel as if some of the coloring details could have been better; for example, I was unaware at first that Nova's parents were dead, and feel as if this could have been illustrated a little better during the festival. I figured it out eventually given earlier context given, but this may be tricky for others to pick up on as well.

Overall, I enjoyed Mooncakes. It gives excellent representation to Chinese American, queer youth and I will be recommending this graphic novel for our Teen Lit collection!

'5/5 stars

I recieved an E-ARC from Netgalley of this book for an honest review in return.

Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods.

As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home. Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.

The book was amazing! I really loved the art style and the constant funny moments in this book. My one and only con was that everybody seemed to already knew that Tam was non-binary, even the people who Tam knew before she identified as non-bonary seemed to immediately refer to her with the right pronouns which i kinda found unrealistic. The relationship was also great and i found the creatures and magic charminf!

4 Stars

This was a really cute graphic novel about witches, werewolves, and LGBTQ characters. It was very light hearted and fun, and the characters were well rounded and interesting to read about. I also appreciated the non binary character, as novels in general need more non binary rep.

Overall this was a cute and quick read and I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to enjoy a graphic novel with cute characters and lots of rep.

Such a wholesome story! Really loved the graphic novel. This is a book about two girls dealing with a troublesome witch and spirits.

The art style is very cute and well drawn. Great storyline and variety in characters! Definitely recommended for young adults.

This is one of the few books I’ve ever read where I have absolutely no criticisms. It’s also one of the few graphic novels that haven’t felt oddly paced or episodic and I’m so glad I got to read it. Highly recommend for lovers of fantasy, anyone looking for a fun, Halloweeny read, and honestly everyone else.

I loved all of the different representation in this graphic novel. It was shown as just fact and not used as merely plot fodder. I did feel that the pacing of the story was a little off, I would have liked more time to get attached to the characters as well as time to feel like something was at stake. Everything got resolved too conveniently and too quickly.

A cute, quick read full of witchy magic, mystery and love.

Nova and Tam were childhood friends who liked each other and they meet again when Tam needs help to fight a demon. Nova is a witch who lives with the grandmothers and helps out at their bookshop cafe. Tam is a werewolf who hasn’t had a place to call home in a long time. The two reconnect and learn valuable lessons about life, love, magic and discover themselves.

Both main characters are Chinese American and queer. Nova is hard of hearing and Tam is non-binary.

I would have liked to know more about Nova and Tam’s backstory to see how their friendship progressed when they were young.

I loved that Nova’s grandmothers were so central to the story and that they showed both Nova and Tam unconditional family love.

Overall, the story was well executed out and the art style is fantastic.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC through the publisher via NetGalley

**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

First, the art style of this comic is so pleasing and it really sets the mood for the story. There is a lot of diversity representation including Chinese-American main characters, multiple reference's to the protagonist's hearing aids, and another character using they/them pronouns (with them correcting other characters and those characters respecting their being!!!).

I'm unsure if this is an #ownvoices story, but regardless it's very sweet, queer, and WITCHES. ALL THE SUPERNATURAL FUN. :)

I was very interested in the story for Mooncakes and read some very positive reviews. So I had pretty high hopes! After seeing the cover, I was also expecting a cute art style. Luckily I was not disappointed. I read the whole GN in one sitting.

The art style is lovely. I really enjoy the colors that were used, they’re all soft like you see here. The style isn’t super clean but I think it fits the story really well. In these frames you can see our two main characters. And they are some of the most diverse MC’s I have read about. They are both Chinese-American, Nova is deaf and queer while Tam is non binary and uses they/them pronouns. We also have a fat side character and a f/f side couple (Nova’s grandmothers, and they were amazing). I really enjoyed reading about all these diverse characters and how this was all simply a part of the story.

The setting was super atmospheric and I think this GN will be an amazing Halloween read. I also really enjoyed the magic, but would’ve liked to explore that a little more. Thinking back, I’m not that sure how the magic works in this story and I’m always very eager to learn about those kinds of things.

The plot was quite interesting and was part of why I read this so fast. I didn’t want to put the story down and I was curious to see how it would all end. And while it’s nice to have any cliffhangers, I did wish the story was a bit longer. If it was the start of a series that would’ve been even better. I would’ve liked to see everything a little more developed. It isn’t underdeveloped perse, I just think there could’ve been even more.

We also got a super cute romance, and as someone who isn’t big on romance that says something haha. I really liked that there wasn’t any drama between them just to have drama in your plot. The relationship was very cute and wholesome and I wish them all the best.

All in all, I would highly recommend Mooncakes, especially for Halloween. It’s a quick, fun and cute read. And I have a still and secret hope that we’ll get more story set in this world!

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and my blog closer to the publication date but basically, I really enjoyed this! I don't read a ton of graphic novels but I think this has inspired me to read more!
The artwork was absolutely stunning. I couldn't get over how gorgeous it was, and what life it brought to the story. And the diversity! It made my heart so happy to see how diverse the characters were, in race and sexuality. As for the actual plot, it was short and sweet, and really entertaining. I was surprised by how invested I was. In summary, I gave this 4.5 stars and I can't wait to publish my full thoughts because this was amazing!

Wow, truly a magical story. Gave such good feeling of home vibes and true friendship plus family feels. I found myself smiling from start to finish. Also what great representation for queen, nonbinary, and hearing impaired characters! I can not recommended adding this graphic novel to your collection!

Mooncakes is the story of a Chinese-American girl named Nova, who lives with her gay grandmothers. Nova's family are witches, like her, and run a cute little bookstore cafe named Black Cat Books, with a back room filled with spellbooks and lore. Just as some strange things are spotted in town, Nova's childhood friend, Tam, reappears. Tam, a non-binary, green haired werewolf, is one of the few people in Nova's life who knows all about magic - and what it's like not to have your typical family dynamics. While things between Tam and Nova start heating up, there's a demon on the loose - and it seems like Tam and Nova's different branches of magic aren't enough to vanquish it.

If that premise doesn't reel you in, I'm sure the super cute artwork will. This story is packed full of diversity, with two Chinese-American main characters, more than one LGBT+ romance, and not to mention that our cute little witch, Nova, is hard of hearing. Nova's grandmothers are such strong role models for their granddaughter, and while they keep a close eye on Nova, they never doubt her abilities, or her feelings. The rest of Nova's family are... not at all what you'd expect. I'll leave that little surprise for when you read this book (yes, I'm the worst. You'll be glad of it later!). However, Tam is out on her own, escaping the clutches of her awful step father.

​While Nova seems content with her life, working in the book store with her grandmothers, hanging out with her best friend and her cats, it isn't until Tam shows up that she realises she wants to see more of life - with Tam right there by her side. Nova is sweet and sensitive, but also unfailingly brave, especially when it comes to protecting those she loves. She listens to the advice of others with an open heart, and always knows when to set her own feelings aside when others most need help.

Tam has never truly settled in one place, never really felt at home. When they return to the familiar forest and witchy book store, it's hard for them to believe that they're so accepted and welcome back into Nova and her grandmothers' lives. Nova comes out as non-binary a few times throughout this story, mainly by correcting pronouns, and every character in this little world, good or evil, abides by those pronouns without second thought. Tam has a lot to figure out in their life, and they realise pretty soon that they can't do this alone. Even as part of Nova's family, they can't help but miss their mother.

Overall, this book was stunning. Everything from Tam's god-awful puns, to park bench kisses, and magic wands, this was everything I've always wanted in a graphic novel. While I only wish I could have stayed in this little world a bit longer, the story nether dragged nor fell short. This graphic novel will be the perfect tame-spooky read this October. You're going to love it!

Cute, fun read about witches, family and relationships,

My only problem was that just over halfway through the graphics became colourless, which ruined it a little for me,

Comics are not my forte. They feel too short for me and I have a harder time falling into their worlds than with books. Overall, though, I really liked Mooncakes. It features a non-binary werewolf and a queer, Chinese-American witch with hearing aids that are reunited after years apart, and while they fall in love they must deal with a demon threatening their town.

What I liked about it the most was just how sweet it was. Not corny sweet like cotton candy, or unrealistic-sweet like lollipops. It brimmed with reassuring calm like berry-flavored tea, reflected too in the wonderful art style. Though dark/grim stories work best for me, sometimes I think we all need a little sip of fluffiness. This comic was exactly this: a pastel-colored, gentle, welcoming beacon of hope with an encouraging ending and relatable, lovable characters. My personal favorite was Nova, the witch, who had to confront her comfort zone to understand what she wanted from her magical future.

However, I felt that the pacing was a bit off. That’s a common trait I find also in the comics I love: they all seems rushed. Also, while Nova and Tam were absolutely cute together, I didn’t feel the chemistry that led them to love each other. It either happened too fast, or too much in the untold background.

In any case, it proved a pleasant, easy read, perfect for bright autumn afternoons, or while you wait to fall asleep with a warm cup of tea.

This graphic novel has so much to offer, it has the paranormal, twists, a non-binary character, a hearing impaired character, and non-traditional living situations. The story is told through Nova and Tam, who were once friends but then Tam moved away. Together they have to defeat evil witches and demons in order to save Nova's town and Tam's life.

The story was wonderful, full of the paranormal and adventure and I love any time a story has witches. In addition to a great story, the artwork is beautiful to look at an detailed and perfect for the story. And then there is the romance which is so sweet and simple and just what it needs to be.

I loved the characters, they were charming and realistic, even with magical powers and the ability to turn into a wolf. They were both caring and compassionate and that is hard to find in a lot of books. I really liked this story it was a pleasure to read.

Blog Review will be live on 10/11/2019