Hello readers! Thanks to NetGalley I had the pleasure of reading and admiring “Hématite. Volume 1: Serenade ”by Victoria Maderna and Federico Piatti, a spectacular graphic novel.

Hématite is a very particular young vampire, many would say that she’s different: she doesn't like the idea of ​​drinking blood, she hates controlling people, she doesn't want to attend a prestigious vampire’s Academy. To great displeasure and disapproval of her parents, she attends a low-level school where all kinds of creatures can be found: werewolves, aliens, skeletons, draugr, even humans!
Hématite has difficulty interacting with others (because vampires have always been among them), but luckily there is Drunela at her side, a draugr, who would do anything to help Hématite getting out of her shell and being proud of herself.
Hématite is also in love with Émile, a human who’s passionate about the occult.

In this first volume we meet Hématite, a vampire different from the others. “Serenade” introduces us to her world, her conflicts with her family and with herself, with her being a vampire. Hématite wants to be like the others, free from centuries-old traditions and an isolationism that only serves to promote fear of vampires. Hématite spends a lot of time alone, writing poetry, jutting melancholy words and thoughts down on paper.
The only person truly capable of understanding Hématite is Drunela, the best friend that could ever exist. She understands Hématite and stands by her side without putting pressure on her, without expecting anything, spurring her when the time comes and supporting her despite everything.
She is my favorite character, because she is a true example of real and pure friendship.

In the first part of the graphic novel we get to know Hématite and her world. Then we have a great adventure and a final twist that has left me speechless! For this reason I want the second volume immediately!
I think this graphic novel deals with growth in a very beautiful and original way, even the topic of being different from others, but also from what our parents would like us to be.

The story is beatitude, hut so are the drawings. The color tones are dark and gothic, you can see it in the lonely castles or in the apparitions of Hématite (one in particular won me over, the transition is wonderful). The colors are warmer when Hématite is with Drunela, a source of joy and adventures. The landscapes are beautiful, both the natural ones and the streets and buildings. The solitary and nocturnal streets give the feeling of a gothic, at times romantic, setting.

I'm in love; I'd love to buy the printed volume but for now it's only in French! Thanks NerGalley for this wonderful read. I absolutely recommend it for both the drawings and the story.

I enjoyed this graphic novel. However, I felt thown into the story without much of an introduction to the characters or their powers/what kind of "monster" they are.
A lot of the time I feel graphic novels lack a depth in plot, they are too short for me to really get a good grip on everything and connect with the characters. I actually felt this one had a good plot after I kind of figured out what was going on. I was able to feel for the characters and connect with them.
The artwork really fit the story, I absolutely loved the scenery and houses. The artwork of the characters isn't cute or beautiful, but it was absolutely perfect for the story. It made the whole thing so much more atmospheric and I loved it.
I really am interested to see what happens next in this series!

Thank you to the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this.
My favourite thing about this graphic novel was definitely the art.
It was really beautiful.
Other then that while I thought the story was okay I found it a little confusing.
It felt like it was the second book in a series instead of the first.

Hematite is about a young vampire girl who loves writings poems and hates blood.
This comic is all about the troubles a young teenager girl could face, bullies, first love and the difficulties of achieving your parents high hopes for your future but it’s also about friendship and finding yourself.
It’s the perfect read for Halloween, the gothic feeling of the comic was really well done, and it’s always nice reading about vampires and other monsters.
But I was left feeling a little annoyed at the ending, that plot twist came out of nowhere and make things a lot darker, I would’ve said this comic it’s perfect for young children but maybe it’s better suited for 13-14 yo.

Thank you Netgalley and Europe Comic for this e-ARC of Hématite in exchange of an honest review.

A darkly comedic story where the monsters are all handled in a way that's dramatically interesting but just a little tongue in cheek. Think somewhere between Charles Addams' comic strips and Ray Bradbury's Elliott family stories, but with its own distinct flavor.

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: Hematite is a young adolescent vampire who is dealing with many things common in younglings her age such as high expectations from her illustrious parents and as well as a crush on the human boy Emile.


My Thoughts: Story/Pacing (4/5) – Admittedly, the plot description alone failed to pique my attention and seemed to reek of the hokey vampire romance fare. However, I decided to read it anyway due to the pretty cover which gave out an alluringly classical storybook vibe. Thankfully, my slightly doubtful expectations were dispelled because from the start, I was consistently swept away by it. While the title character’s crush is a driving force behind many of her risky capriccios and flowery love letters, it’s hardly the sole thought occupying her mind as she faces pressure for her other unconventional choices and preferences as a vampire.

Characters (5/5) – As I’ve said, I adored Hematite’s strong will which pushes her to defy the norms imposed on her while being a fragile personality whose impulse can give in to certain rash decisions which is what occurs at the end of this volume. I enjoyed the rest of the cast as well including Hematite’s familiar Viktor, who serves as an amusing foil to her actions, and Drunela, a sweet ghoul (or preferred term Draugr) who is Hematite’s best friend who tries being supportive and helping her other schoolmates get along.

Art (5/5) – This was easily my favorite quality as the Victorian-esque architecture, fashion, and décor perfectly complemented the story to the point I would consider them interdependent. The pages displayed impeccable light and darker shades using varied colors depending on the scene. Many of these sequences speak better for themselves than I can muster at the moment.

The expressive countenances stood out particularly in the case of Hematite who could change from looking like a huggable little doll to a terrifying entity you wouldn’t wish to be around on a bad day.


Final Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment and am thrilled to see more. I’d suggest giving it a try even if you aren’t into vampire tales due to the rich characters, setting, and artwork.


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with my first advance ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love seeing different kinds of vampires, from the everyday kind, the monsters, manipulators, seducers, lost souls to the emotional wrecks. This young adult comic book follows Hematite, a vampire girl madly in love with a human and too shy to dare do something about it except write poetry... because love between an eternal being and a mortal can only be doomed, can it not?
Very cute, interesting world, will talk to teens who feel a little alienated and have trouble making friends.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me the digital copy of this graphic novel!

It’s been a while since I read a graphic novel that’s not queer but have no fear, the presence of vampires make up for it.

Hématite was a lovely story about a vampire girl who refuses to drink blood and is in love with a human boy. However, you quickly realise this story focuses more on friendship and her relationship with her (very traditional) parents.

I loved this story. I only wished it was longer. Right when I was starting to get used to the characters, it ended. AND ON THE BIGGEST CLIFFHANGER EVER! I had completely forgotten this was the first book in a series so now I have to patiently wait for the next one, I guess. I really hope we get to know more about the characters in the next book because right now, they fell kind of flat. Why doesn’t Hématite want to drink blood? How did her crush on Emile come to be? What are the other characters’ stories? I want to know more!

Even though I wished it contained “more”, this first volume was enough to grab my attention and I honestly can’t wait to read the second one!

4/5 stars for the gorgeous art style and great set up to the next volume

The world needs more Halloween stories like this all year round. This volume hits the spot when you’re looking for a quick, comforting and soft spooky read! In just 74 pages, this graphic novel shows a lot of heart. The characters are distinct and memorable and don’t get lost in the rush of the plot. Dialogue is realistic and easy to follow too. I also appreciate the physical spacing of the word bubbles (that’s an art of its own); it has a natural flow. When I got to the end I sat there thinking, “that’s it?”, because it was so enjoyable. I cant wait to see where this story goes!

4.5/5 stars

4/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for providing this e-arc!

A very fun quick and stunning graphic novel! The only downside is that the main motive is surrounding a humam boy that didnt captivate me enough to make me care

Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for this comic book.

I enjoyed the storyline, but I found the introduction of characters and their world to be too short.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the art. The illustrations are good, but I wouldn’t qualify them as pretty. But then I realized, it’s not meant to be pretty. Especially when Hematite loses control, she can’t be pretty or feminine anymore. Well done!

I would be curious to read the comic book in French, in its original language, to see the differences.

Pretty art and very engaging story — I feel like this would work wonderfully as a movie or TV series. Loved the whole concept of it but I wish there was a bit more worldbuilding, although this is the first volume still, and there will probably be a lot more explained in the next ones. I didn't expect THAT part to happen, and it did feel kind of cliché as we see that it's the set up for the next one, but I'm actually pretty interested in how it will go and would definitely pick up the next one.

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is written by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti is a graphic novel. Hematite is a young vampire who is trying to find her way. As a member of the illustrious Blackwood family, she faces pressure to conform to high society standards, but such grandstanding isn’t for her. And neither is drinking blood—she’d rather have vegetable soup! So it is that she opts for the more diverse Wolven School, rather than joining the ranks of her fellow vampires at the Diaemus Academy. Being different can be hard, though, and doesn’t always help to make friends. Luckily for Hematite, she has her poetry, as well as Drunela—a draugr who won’t let their differences keep them apart—and Emile, a human boy fascinated by the occult who would just love to take a peek at the Blackwoods’ private library. Unfortunately, bridging societal divides isn’t always easy, and can lead to terrible consequences.

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is well written start to a series. Hermatite is a vampire that wants the same things other teenagers want. She wants to be different from expectations, her crush to notice her, to experience things, and get through school with good friends and adventures. As someone whose school years are well behind them I admit to chuckling a bit at the melodramatic poetry, battles with parents, and the struggles with friend group dynamics. I remember everything feeling that life or death at that age- and when the characters are vampires and other creatures that just get turned up a bit. I did enjoy seeing some character and friendship growth, and the story moving forward a bit. I know serialized graphic novels need to stay reasonably short and hook the readers to keep them going, but I felt like I had just gotten to where things were going to shift from setting the stage into the meat of the story when it ended. I am not sure I am hooked enough to go looking for the next volume. However, if I run across it I will gladly pick it up to see what happens next.

I went into this not realizing it was volume one of a series (hopefully, at least!), so I will confess I was a bit surprised at the sudden ending - but oh man, do I want to know more!

Hematite tells the story of a young vampire girl who doesn't necessarily want to be a vampire. She doesn't like the idea of drinking blood; she'd rather eat soup. She doesn't like her ability to control the minds of others, but she'll do it in a pinch to save her friend. She doesn't want to go to the stuffy, all-vampire academy; she opts instead to go to a more diverse school, making friends with other eldritch creatures... and possibly one human boy who she can't seem to stop writing sappy poetry about.

But on one afternoon, everything changes. A tragic accident forces her to make a drastic decision that might just upend her entire life and change it forever. Will she have any friends at her side to support her, or is it all up to her?

I guess we have to wait until the next volume to find out! But this was a beautifully illustrated, very fun, very quick read, and I highly recommend picking it up if you get the chance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing the digital e-arc

The graphic novel Hematite is about a young vampire who doesn't enjoy the stereotypes of being a vampire. She doesn't like to control people's mind, and eats vegetable soup in stead of blood (which I found hilarious). She has a best friend who is a Draugr, and is also hopelessly in love with a human.

I really loved the illustrations and art style throughout the graphic novel. The thing I enjoyed most was the friendship between Hematite en her best friend. There were also themes it touched upon, like having high expectations from parents and struggles to fit in. The only critique I have, was that it ended on a sudden cliffhanger. I wished it wrapped up a bit more, but I will definitely want to read the next installment!

This was awesome! I loved the storyline and the illustration style. I often find that I cannot really connect deeply with graphic novels and that was the case with this one. However, I really respect the artistry of this work and would read more but most likely by borrowing through a library instead of purchasing.

Really enjoyed this book, the graphics are great and the story is easy to follow even on an iPad which is great.
Will definitely be looking out for the next book to see what happens.

I was drawn to Hematite thanks to the synopsis, but I couldn't quite immerse myself in the world. The illustrations were beautiful and helped me continue reading, but I'm not sure if I would pick up the next installment. At times, lettering was also a little difficult to read, but it may be easier to read on paper compared to on a screen.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! The art style is beautiful and gives a unique feel to the story. The story-line sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading! I didn't expect the twist to the ending and can't wait for the next one!

This book’s central focus is a unique vampire who cannot stand the idea of blood and things traditionally associated with being a vampire. The story is unlike any vampire story I’ve ever read and the graphics are really stunning. I sped through the book, but I am not sure I would recommend it. As a reader, you step into this book with very little backstory and unfortunately, the characters don’t reveal as much of their backstory as they should for this to really feel like a comprehensive story. It almost feels like readers are jumping into the middle of a story that then comes to a really abrupt halt at the end of the book. I wish there was more detail and a bit more attention to pacing.