I thought this was cute but it could have used a little bit more plot. Maybe it was reading it on my computer but it was a little bit confusing, and the insta romance wasn't my favorite. Loved the art!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved this graphic novel, it was super cute, sweet, and the art was absolutely stunning. I loved the cast of characters and it was such a joy to see the representation of queer (supernatural) love. The dialogue felt natural, the chemistry was organic, and again, the visual elements were just gorgeous.

My biggest complaint with this story is that it felt quite short and rushed at the end. I really didn't understand how they solved the problem or restored the balance that was caused by Hamal's abilities, and I feel like that took me out of the narrative because I had no idea how we got there and there was no explanation to how what happened worked. I even scrolled back up the page to see if I had missed something the first time.

I feel like maybe Taproot would have been better served by two volumes, one for the set up and then a second for the solution and epilogue. I have no idea if Keezy Young is planning on expanding Taproot into a series, but I would absolutely read the next one because this story just felt like we were only scraping the surface of what these characters and their world had to offer. 3.5 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC of this!

This gave me all the feels! A sweet, queer, not too scary ghost story. I hope we get more in this world because the end definitely felt open to the possibility. I really enjoyed the art style and the pacing.

The art is stunning and the story is really sweet. I loved the characters and it was filled with cute and heartwarming moments. I also really enjoyed the setting. The focus on gardening and greenery is really nice.

The plot started off really well and I liked the setting/atmosphere but the last 1/3rd felt a bit underdeveloped. As a result, the resolution was a bit unclear and not as satisfying as it could have been. It made the pacing of the entire story feel a bit off.

Taproot has been on my radar for five years, so it was a joy to finally get around to reading it. It definitely didn't disappoint! Some story elements did at times feel a little rushed and i'd have liked to get to know the characters a bit better for more emotional pay off, but all around this was exactly what i'd hoped for: a cosy gardener x ghost romance with whimsical art, plants galore, humour, and a fun little dose of creep (slight bugs warning though!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

This was a charming and heartwarming read! The art style was so captivating and made me feel all warm and the characters were all easy to love! I do think that the plot could have been drawn out a little more. Each part of the plot got resolved fast and therefore everything felt very insignificant. The concepts were very interesting but they felt a little rushed and more of a retelling than an event occurring in the moment with stakes and tension.

**Thank you, Oni Press & Netgalley for this eARC**

Meet the characters:
Hamal, the genuine personification of a cinnamon roll, is a gardener with the ability to see ghosts.
Blue, dead for a year, and Hamal’s friend :)

The Story:
Strange things are happening to Blue and the other ghosts in town— they’re transported to a dark, scary forest against their will. Hamal’s gardening skills are unnaturally strong, and it’s starting to attract attention… Very quick gist, but man did I love it.

First off, the most noticeable thing about Taproot is the illustrations. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? G O R G E O U S. I love the natural world, and Keezy knocked it out of the park. Hamal and Blue???? I’m in love with them!
Second, I truly appreciated the characters not being teenagers. As someone who came out in their 20s, I felt that this representation is lacking in the queer graphic novels (that I’ve read).
Third, this tackles grief, so need I say less— I’m a fan. Keezy did an excellent job with this— both using ghosts in exploring how death is emotional regardless of age and how loneliness manifests in a society where you're alone. Minor spoilers: With Blue being a ghost, there’s this struggle within both Blue and Hamal, where their love life can’t progress because either no one can see him (Blue) or there isn’t anyone else like him (Hamal).

Overall, I’m a sucker for ghosts, gay boys, and nature, so this was naturally FIVE stars. The only complaint I have is that I don’t see anything about a second installation? I am on my hands and knees!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this arc! Taproot is a beautifully written and illustrated queer graphic novel about love, gardening, and ghost. It is both whimsical and heartfelt and enjoyable from the very start all the way to the last page.

The artwork was breathtaking. I loved the story and can't wait to see what happens in Hamal and Blue's relationship. Most importantly, I can't wait to see what is in store for Hamal as a necromancer. I hope it gets darker because the Reaper is a bit scary and there is a great storyline there. I am already anticipating the next one!

Blue is having a hard time moving on. He's in love with his best friend. He's also dead. Luckily, Hamal can see ghosts, leaving Blue free to haunt him to his heart's content. But something eerie is happening in town, leaving the local afterlife unsettled, and when Blue realizes Hamal's strange ability may be putting him in danger, Blue has to find a way to protect him, even if it means... leaving him.

this book was such a short a sweet graphic novel. however even though it was short it was still such an engaging story! So much happened and I adored the characters. Loved!!

This was such a quick an easy read with beautiful illustrations. If anything, I think it could have been longer and held more substance--Blue's backstory, Hamal's backstory, etc. I did thoroughly enjoy the reading experience though.

This was a story that bordered the line of wholesome and ominous--it reminded me a lot of some of Tillie Walden's stuff. The art was beautiful and I enjoyed the story, but it felt a bit rushed in places. I would have liked to see it be a little longer, which would allow for more world-building and character development.

This graphic novel is an adorable story following two boys - one of which is a ghost. I loved following the relationship and the adventure that follows. The art work is beautiful and though this is fantasy, i loved the slight bits of horror that were throughout. I did wish for a bit more development both in the backgrounds of the characters (including some of the side characters) and the pacing seemed rushed a little during the climax. Overall, this was a such a cute and fun graphic novel with some of the best art I have seen.

Taproot is a beautiful queer fantasy graphic novel that had me turning pages and wanting so much more. While this was lovely, I wish it was a bit longer. There were some parts I wish held a bit of an explanation to them but overall wasn't confusing. The story was fun to read and had pretty art, it held a beautiful meaning between the pages which I recommend giving a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an earc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this. The story is SO sweet and unique, and the art style is gorgeous. I would highly recommend this to anyone whether they read graphic novels or not.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of the sweetest graphic novels I've read in a long while! The fantasy elements were so much fun to see and the characters were sweet and super fun to read about. A heartwarming story to start off pride month! 5/5 stars

I thought this was super cute. The art style is lovely, as is the story. It's about Hamal, a gardener, and Blue, a ghost. Not only was it a short read, but it was entertaining and made me love the characters a lot.

This is a beautifully illustrated light horror queer fantasy featuring characters of COLOR! This was a sweet and wonderful graphic novel

Taproot is an adorable queer graphic novel that gives the perfect witchy cottagecore vibes.

The story follows Hamal, a young florist who can see ghosts, and his ghostie bestie, Blue. The two boys can always been seen together- well only seen by Hamal. Blue and the other ghosts keep getting pulled into a dark forest and none of them can figure out why. Until a reaper shows up to make everything clear.

Plot: 4/5
What a cute story! I got a little confused with the time switches at the beginning and I was a little confused but it all started making sense really quickly. I liked how we got to see the past present and future of Hamal and Blue's story.

Characters: 5/5
Hamal is such a himbo little gardener who just wants to take care of his plants but he gets wrapped up in the world of ghosts. I would have liked some explanation on why he was a necromancer. It was clear whether that was a natural born talent or something from his past.

Blue is such a smart ass and I love that for him. His sense of humor is great and you can really hear the delivery of his sass. Also would have liked some backstory on his death.

Writing: 3/5
I normally have this same complaint with all graphic novels that they jump in to quickly but I don't necessarily fault the book for that because I think it comes with the territory. As mentioned above, I think some more backstory could have really brought this book up to five stars. The writing was clear, concise, and funny.

Art: 5/5
Phenomenal! The color scheme and style were everything. I am obsessed with the vibes each panel created on the page.

A perfect little graphic novel for all ages! Hope to see it on some Pride book lists this year and next.

I was scrolling through NetGalley on my work break and found the sweetest queer graphic novel, and I knew then that I had to read it! The art style, the premise, it was an instant read for me.

Blue and Hamal, separated by death, form a sweet friendship when Hamal discovers he can see the dead. And, well, Blue is dead, so it works out. The problem then is that Blue is in love with Hamal, but how can you tell someone you love them when you are only a ghost? Further problems arise when a reaper is on the search for Hamal, and his strange gift poses a problem for his life at the flower shop. Wonderfully queer and spooky, 8/10.

I don't have a lot of spoilers to talk about, I just am in love with this art style and the characters. The reaper is an icon and this book is adorable.