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The Harrowing
In this YA graphic novel, a psychic teen hunts potential killers until she discovers the boy she loves is her next target
Rowan Sterling should be worrying about normal teenage things like attending college and whether her best friend, Lucas, is maybe more than a friend. . . . Instead, she’s having terrifying visions of blood and violence. As the premonitions increase in number and intensity, Rowan seeks her father’s help, but instead finds herself drugged, kidnapped, and sent to a mysterious facility called Rosewood. It isn’t long before Rowan discovers Rosewood isn’t a boarding school or an it’s a training center for teens with special abilities who are known as Harrows.
Harrows can view the actions of would-be murderers before they commit crimes, and the scientists at Rosewood believe it is their duty to use the Harrows’ powers to make the world a safer place. Rowan is immediately drawn to Rosewood’s mission; after all, she lost her mother to a random act of violence two years prior. Empowered by the skills she’s acquired and ready to change the world, Rowan returns home, but when a series of visions lead the Harrows to pursue Lucas, Rowan starts questioning everything she learned at Rosewood—and sets out to protect him at all costs.
Rowan Sterling should be worrying about normal teenage things like attending college and whether her best friend, Lucas, is maybe more than a friend. . . . Instead, she’s having terrifying visions of blood and violence. As the premonitions increase in number and intensity, Rowan seeks her father’s help, but instead finds herself drugged, kidnapped, and sent to a mysterious facility called Rosewood. It isn’t long before Rowan discovers Rosewood isn’t a boarding school or an it’s a training center for teens with special abilities who are known as Harrows.
Harrows can view the actions of would-be murderers before they commit crimes, and the scientists at Rosewood believe it is their duty to use the Harrows’ powers to make the world a safer place. Rowan is immediately drawn to Rosewood’s mission; after all, she lost her mother to a random act of violence two years prior. Empowered by the skills she’s acquired and ready to change the world, Rowan returns home, but when a series of visions lead the Harrows to pursue Lucas, Rowan starts questioning everything she learned at Rosewood—and sets out to protect him at all costs.
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2024
20 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 5, 2025
This is a fun graphic novel that will appeal to fans of superhero movies. It’s a quick, fast-paced read with evocative illustrations that make great use of colour. I read this as an adult, but I think teens will enjoy it even more. Although the core story is dark, there’s also a very sweet plot-line about first love. This isn’t necessarily a story that will stick with me, but I had a great time reading it.
September 24, 2025
3.5⭐️ Całkiem krwawy komiks z przesłaniem. Choć samo przesłanie trafić może nieco bardziej do młodzieży niż do dorosłej osoby.
March 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this graphic novel and finished it in just a couple sittings. I’m not sure what the age demographic is for this one. The main character is a teenager but there is a lot of violence depicted so I would probably suggest this to late teenagers and older. Rowan is the daughter of a worm farmer but quickly after she is introduced, we learn that her father has been keeping secrets from her. About herself, her mother, and even the farm she lives and works on. Rowan, from a young age, was taught to wear gloves everywhere. She thought her mom was a germaphobe but when begins having headaches and premonitions, then is sedated and taken away from her home, she learns she has special powers. Then she must decide who to trust, the organization that has taken her in, her friends, or her own intuition. I definitely hope this one becomes a series as I’d like to read more about what happens after the ending 👀
December 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Thank you Netgalley, publishers as well as Kristen Kiesling for an arc in exchange for an honest review!!
This was a lot more gruesome than I anticipated which I liked a lot! I liked the concept a lot, I also really liked the art style! I wish the arc would have been in color since a lot of this story is influenced by the colors chosen. Overall it was a great horror graphic novel!
Thank you Netgalley, publishers as well as Kristen Kiesling for an arc in exchange for an honest review!!
This was a lot more gruesome than I anticipated which I liked a lot! I liked the concept a lot, I also really liked the art style! I wish the arc would have been in color since a lot of this story is influenced by the colors chosen. Overall it was a great horror graphic novel!
October 1, 2025
This YA graphic novel is a fun, albeit disturbing, read perfect for the Fall. I liked the illustration style, but the story didn't really tread any new ground in this genre. Would I watch a Netflix adaption? Yes.
December 8, 2023
I really appreciate NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this graphic novel. The art style was beautiful and the writing was to the point, easy to follow. The story was very fast paced, so I wished we had a little more story/world building, and got to know the characters a bit more. Although I feel like we were never lacking any information, it just would have felt nice to go more in depth. I do like the plot and theme of the book, regardless of it being a little overused. The graphic novel was enjoyable and definitely a fun read.
August 6, 2024
One of these comics that have an interesting premise/story that I had wanted to be longer because the concept slaps. It was a more than ok read in the end but really more flesh on its bones hadn’t hurt. Loved the art - grayish with splashes of colors where it mattered.
November 22, 2024
Great horror sci fi.
March 8, 2024
thank you to net galley for sending me an advanced copy of this as an e-book.
one of my favourite things about this is you actually get some information about the characters before the story starts. sometimes in books (especially in graphic novels) the story just starts and as a reader you find yourself yearning for more, who was this person before all of this? how did their life begin? what are the things that turned them into who they are today? this had all of that, you got to learn about the main character and her family dynamic, then the traumatic event that changed it all and the events afterwards that lead into the main story. It was super fun having all that extra info, it made the characters have so much more depth and made it easier to love them.
I really like the plot idea, having people be able to predict who will turn into a violent criminal is such a unique premise that i have never heard of before! I thought the extra detail of the colour coding system to see what kind of criminal they become was also so well developed and thought out- but i do wish there were more details, perhaps colours based on the amount of victims or type of violence? just something to flush it out just that extra bit to give you even more insight into the world. I adored the relationship between the girls, their found family learning to cope and bond together was super fun and added a lighthearted element to quite a deep book.
I thought the pacing was really good and the storyline was super fun! the only reason this isn’t getting four stars is the ending. I thought that entire idea of the “harrowing” felt kind of rushed, like we just learnt what it was and it was over before we got to truly understand it. for example, Simon’s entire personality change happened over four or five pages, which just wasn’t enough information to help us believe that the good guy was actually the bad guy. I wish it was slightly longer or the big reveal happened over a longer period of time.
other than this if you’re looking for a super unique, horror thriller with sweet childhood friends to lovers aspects then this is the graphic novel for you!
one of my favourite things about this is you actually get some information about the characters before the story starts. sometimes in books (especially in graphic novels) the story just starts and as a reader you find yourself yearning for more, who was this person before all of this? how did their life begin? what are the things that turned them into who they are today? this had all of that, you got to learn about the main character and her family dynamic, then the traumatic event that changed it all and the events afterwards that lead into the main story. It was super fun having all that extra info, it made the characters have so much more depth and made it easier to love them.
I really like the plot idea, having people be able to predict who will turn into a violent criminal is such a unique premise that i have never heard of before! I thought the extra detail of the colour coding system to see what kind of criminal they become was also so well developed and thought out- but i do wish there were more details, perhaps colours based on the amount of victims or type of violence? just something to flush it out just that extra bit to give you even more insight into the world. I adored the relationship between the girls, their found family learning to cope and bond together was super fun and added a lighthearted element to quite a deep book.
I thought the pacing was really good and the storyline was super fun! the only reason this isn’t getting four stars is the ending. I thought that entire idea of the “harrowing” felt kind of rushed, like we just learnt what it was and it was over before we got to truly understand it. for example, Simon’s entire personality change happened over four or five pages, which just wasn’t enough information to help us believe that the good guy was actually the bad guy. I wish it was slightly longer or the big reveal happened over a longer period of time.
other than this if you’re looking for a super unique, horror thriller with sweet childhood friends to lovers aspects then this is the graphic novel for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Rowan discovers she’s a Harrow, someone who can see the atrocities someone will (or may) commit just by touching their hand. This realization turns her world upside down—and sends her and the reader into a dark and gruesome web full of ethical and moral dilemmas.
This is pretty heavy for a YA graphic novel, but I think teen readers will be engrossed by Rowan’s experience and the philosophical questions it raises.
Early on, I did have a hard time following the story, flipping back and forth between the pages trying to figure out what’s what and who’s who. Also, I ended up reading a final print copy of the book, as the ARC did not include the colors, which are vital to understanding of the story.
Overall, I think this story and its imagery will stick with me for a while!
Thanks to Amulet Books and NetGalley for this ARC! The Harrowing by Kristen Kiesling & Rye Hickman came out on April 16, 2024.
This is pretty heavy for a YA graphic novel, but I think teen readers will be engrossed by Rowan’s experience and the philosophical questions it raises.
Early on, I did have a hard time following the story, flipping back and forth between the pages trying to figure out what’s what and who’s who. Also, I ended up reading a final print copy of the book, as the ARC did not include the colors, which are vital to understanding of the story.
Overall, I think this story and its imagery will stick with me for a while!
Thanks to Amulet Books and NetGalley for this ARC! The Harrowing by Kristen Kiesling & Rye Hickman came out on April 16, 2024.
March 17, 2024
I LOVE GRAPHIC NOVELS!!! FULL STOP.
I am so obsessed with this novel and never wanted it to end, from the illustrations telling the story to the full-blown narrative, I couldn't get enough. I am forever thankful to Abrams Fanfare and Kristen Kiesling for granting me advanced access to this novel before it hits shelves on April 16, 2024.
Rowan is the daughter of two composters, or worm farmers, but one day her mom is murdered and Rowan and her father are left behind, questioning everything. Not long after her death, Rowan starts to feel different, gaining strong headaches and having weird visions where people die after she touches the hands of other people. Rowan's dad informs her that she has a gift, just like her mother did and she's carted off to the Rosewood Center for particular teens with extraordinary gifts. Essentially, Rowan is psychic and can predict when people are going to commit murders, all through the act of touch. To keep her gifts intact, she's to wear a pair of pink gloves and receive a serum, just like her mom, so she doesn't spiral into chaos.
When Rowan begins to discover that the Rosewood center has some malicious intentions with the Imminent Criminals they find, Rowan acts to protect those she loves even if they too could be Imminent Criminals... It's a battle against time and wrongdoers in this instance.
I am so obsessed with this novel and never wanted it to end, from the illustrations telling the story to the full-blown narrative, I couldn't get enough. I am forever thankful to Abrams Fanfare and Kristen Kiesling for granting me advanced access to this novel before it hits shelves on April 16, 2024.
Rowan is the daughter of two composters, or worm farmers, but one day her mom is murdered and Rowan and her father are left behind, questioning everything. Not long after her death, Rowan starts to feel different, gaining strong headaches and having weird visions where people die after she touches the hands of other people. Rowan's dad informs her that she has a gift, just like her mother did and she's carted off to the Rosewood Center for particular teens with extraordinary gifts. Essentially, Rowan is psychic and can predict when people are going to commit murders, all through the act of touch. To keep her gifts intact, she's to wear a pair of pink gloves and receive a serum, just like her mom, so she doesn't spiral into chaos.
When Rowan begins to discover that the Rosewood center has some malicious intentions with the Imminent Criminals they find, Rowan acts to protect those she loves even if they too could be Imminent Criminals... It's a battle against time and wrongdoers in this instance.
June 1, 2024
Really loved the art for this one. The story was pretty awesome, too. I also loved the way it ended; instead of the standard 'facility with people with special powers becomes corrupt and stays corrupt' situation you usually get(i.e. stranger things).
January 12, 2025
A really fucking solid story. I'd love to see this as a film!!
My only beef is that when characters did and didn't decide to wear their gloves seemed willy nilly and often dumb. I get that it worked to progress the plot, but logically was often silly.
My only beef is that when characters did and didn't decide to wear their gloves seemed willy nilly and often dumb. I get that it worked to progress the plot, but logically was often silly.
March 10, 2024
Rating: 3⭐️
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lot darker and more gruesome than I thought it would be. The art style was good but I think it would benefit even more by being in colour. The concept of the story was interesting. The plot moved quite fast so there could’ve been some aspect explained a little better. I think this would make a really good series. That way things could get fleshed out more.
Overall it was a decent YA graphic novel that was easy to consume.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lot darker and more gruesome than I thought it would be. The art style was good but I think it would benefit even more by being in colour. The concept of the story was interesting. The plot moved quite fast so there could’ve been some aspect explained a little better. I think this would make a really good series. That way things could get fleshed out more.
Overall it was a decent YA graphic novel that was easy to consume.
June 29, 2024
This was a graphic novel with a premise that some women have . It took a while for the premise to be revealed, and by the time all the ends were wrapped up, it felt rushed. I think the script as it was would have benefitted from a longer format, or starting the story later in the narrative. The art was okay, but I was confused in every action scene.
December 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐
What would you do if you could predict that someone was going to commit murder?
The Harrowing falls prey to some predictable 'I've got powers' origin stories, for example, Rowan (our FMC) has a tragic back story and an 'am I going crazy' power reveal. However, it also explores complicated and difficult topics (free will, morality, grief, guilt etc.) through an interesting concept. It is a challenging scenario to be faced with the ability to see murder before it happens but then be faced with what is right (or wrong) to do next if they haven't completed the crime yet and might not (with the right prevention) while balancing the lives of others and how your own experiences might shape your actions.
Although there was an element of predictability (see above), I was genuinely surprised by a few of the plot twists and how different plot elements came together. I wish there was less of a rushed aspect to the eventual romance and conclusion at the end which conflicted with the natural pace of the novel. On the relationship side it felt like there was a lot of no communication and longing and then BAM. I also wanted to see Rowan explore these difficult topics further in her romantic relationship and with her father, not just with her friends and through self-reflection, it felt too quickly resolved in that department. Although I did appreciate how it was all tied up, I expected to be left hanging for a sequel!
The illustrations are beautiful and I'd happily read more Hickman's work and I'd be interested to see what Kiesling comes up with next.
Thank you ABRAMS Kids/Amulet Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do if you could predict that someone was going to commit murder?
The Harrowing falls prey to some predictable 'I've got powers' origin stories, for example, Rowan (our FMC) has a tragic back story and an 'am I going crazy' power reveal. However, it also explores complicated and difficult topics (free will, morality, grief, guilt etc.) through an interesting concept. It is a challenging scenario to be faced with the ability to see murder before it happens but then be faced with what is right (or wrong) to do next if they haven't completed the crime yet and might not (with the right prevention) while balancing the lives of others and how your own experiences might shape your actions.
Although there was an element of predictability (see above), I was genuinely surprised by a few of the plot twists and how different plot elements came together. I wish there was less of a rushed aspect to the eventual romance and conclusion at the end which conflicted with the natural pace of the novel. On the relationship side it felt like there was a lot of no communication and longing and then BAM. I also wanted to see Rowan explore these difficult topics further in her romantic relationship and with her father, not just with her friends and through self-reflection, it felt too quickly resolved in that department. Although I did appreciate how it was all tied up, I expected to be left hanging for a sequel!
The illustrations are beautiful and I'd happily read more Hickman's work and I'd be interested to see what Kiesling comes up with next.
Thank you ABRAMS Kids/Amulet Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2023
A pretty artstyle & interesting enough plot & characters ! I think this just fell a little flat to me as it felt quite rushed, and I think a lot of things were left unexplained. I don’t think there was really enough time to fully engage & connect with the characters. I love the idea of the gloves & the harrows, and this is novel is pretty solid for a debut. :)
January 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this Graphic Novel. The concept was interesting and has so much potential, and the conflict felt very real. There will always be people out there who will use others for their gifts. Loved the black and white, as well as the art style. Very refreshing.
February 4, 2024
I enjoyed the gruesome trail this story leaves us and I just know the colors have to be gorgeous to accommodate it. While I enjoyed its plot I think it was so fast paced that I would have loved to see a bit more world building around this interesting idea.
Thank you to NetGalley!
Thank you to NetGalley!
February 9, 2025
Feels extremely rushed at the end but that’s with any visual novel at this point (still gets one star off for that). But overall I really liked it! The story was great, the CONCEPT and idea was great and I enjoyed the characters :). The art was lovely too
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August 29, 2024
I feel like this ended a little *too* abruptly.. but overall, a very good graphic novel. Dark and gloomy.
March 12, 2025
Interesting concept and a thrilling page-turner at times. With all the momentum it builds up, though, I think the conclusion comes a little too fast. The story slams its brakes and simply explains the twist rather than showing us despite having a compelling, unique mechanism it could've used to do so. The art does a lot for the tension/mood and features a couple memorable scenes. Not bad by any means and certainly competent, but nothing I haven't seen before.
A solid, quick, young adult thriller.
A solid, quick, young adult thriller.
July 31, 2024
(3.4) Solid story, and oh yeah, brutal . I’m torn with this rating. The storytelling is very derivative (ahem, Minority Report) with vivid red and black artwork to highlight significance. Albeit a very practical yet current version of the sci-fi thriller, the Harrows are basically Precogs without the gelatinous pool but very similar childhood trauma that resolves in the same manner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
3.75⭐️ Rounded up.
The premise of this graphic novel was relevant and interesting, with great characters to carry the story! Keisling did a wonderful job of weaving hints through Rowan’s childhood, bringing together her present power.
The pacing was perfect until around 75%, where a rushed ending took my rating from a 4.5/5 to a 3.75. Definitely still a worthwhile read that will make you think!
The premise of this graphic novel was relevant and interesting, with great characters to carry the story! Keisling did a wonderful job of weaving hints through Rowan’s childhood, bringing together her present power.
The pacing was perfect until around 75%, where a rushed ending took my rating from a 4.5/5 to a 3.75. Definitely still a worthwhile read that will make you think!
March 7, 2024
I loved reading this book now, but damn I would’ve eaten it even more as a teen. I am so happy a book like this is being targeted at teens and young adults because it’s not just this really fun adventure it’s also something that allows the reader to question morality a bit. I feel like when your young it’s easy to think of moral questions in a very black and white way. However, in this book things aren’t that way. What seems to be something that is of course very bad, will also show a grey area where what you do about it may be seen as good and bad.
Rowan is the perfect representation of this concept. She has very strong convictions about what is right and wrong and when she discovers her visions and Rosewood’s mission she is of course all for it. However, questioning begins when she thinks of why her mom had left in the first place and why everyone gives her all the easy answers. Eventually, things take a turn and she realizes that there is more nuance in the situation then she realized and that she may not be on the correct side.
I loved the little romance in the book. Rowan and Lucas being best friends from childhood and growing to realize they have deeper feelings for each other was adorable to read about. It ads a lighter tone to this darker story that I think it needed to create a balance.
I highly recommend The Harrowing! It is such a delight to read and it will have you questioning things from beginning to end.
Rowan is the perfect representation of this concept. She has very strong convictions about what is right and wrong and when she discovers her visions and Rosewood’s mission she is of course all for it. However, questioning begins when she thinks of why her mom had left in the first place and why everyone gives her all the easy answers. Eventually, things take a turn and she realizes that there is more nuance in the situation then she realized and that she may not be on the correct side.
I loved the little romance in the book. Rowan and Lucas being best friends from childhood and growing to realize they have deeper feelings for each other was adorable to read about. It ads a lighter tone to this darker story that I think it needed to create a balance.
I highly recommend The Harrowing! It is such a delight to read and it will have you questioning things from beginning to end.
March 15, 2024
I greatly enjoyed reading this! The art style is amazing and the story is equally amazing! Was a quick and easy read, finished it within only two readings, it was that easy! Love that!
The story was quite unique and I really liked it. I really loved the concept of aura reading and stopping would be killers/murderers.
All the characters were really cool and I really liked them all. Really loved the powers of the harrows!
The ending was really awesome! Absolutely just loved it!
Highly highly recommend this comic! Might have to get a physical copy myself! 👀 Would be hella cool to have!
Thank you Netgalley and Kristen Kiesling for the ARC and chance to review this comic.
The story was quite unique and I really liked it. I really loved the concept of aura reading and stopping would be killers/murderers.
All the characters were really cool and I really liked them all. Really loved the powers of the harrows!
The ending was really awesome! Absolutely just loved it!
Highly highly recommend this comic! Might have to get a physical copy myself! 👀 Would be hella cool to have!
Thank you Netgalley and Kristen Kiesling for the ARC and chance to review this comic.
July 31, 2024
Fun and interesting read :)
November 17, 2024
3,5
Origineel, snel en leuk!
Origineel, snel en leuk!
October 7, 2025
Well that was a weird one.
March 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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First off, unfortunately the ARC copy was in black & white and was a bit blurry, but this shouldn’t be an issue in the final copy. I’m not sure if it will be in color or not. I’m thinking it will, but maybe a limited color palette to go with the dark tone.
Oh my goodness! I loved the concept so much! Psychics who are able to tell if someone is going to commit a murder in the future when they touch. They are also able to tell if that murder is an impulse or a planned event based on the color of their aura. An organization collects these people and tries to use their gifts to stop future murders. However this organization isn't entirely good. I loved the thriller/mystery aspect to this and it was a lot more dark and gory than I thought, but it fits the story so well!
.
I could definitely see myself picking this up again in the future!
.
First off, unfortunately the ARC copy was in black & white and was a bit blurry, but this shouldn’t be an issue in the final copy. I’m not sure if it will be in color or not. I’m thinking it will, but maybe a limited color palette to go with the dark tone.
Oh my goodness! I loved the concept so much! Psychics who are able to tell if someone is going to commit a murder in the future when they touch. They are also able to tell if that murder is an impulse or a planned event based on the color of their aura. An organization collects these people and tries to use their gifts to stop future murders. However this organization isn't entirely good. I loved the thriller/mystery aspect to this and it was a lot more dark and gory than I thought, but it fits the story so well!
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I could definitely see myself picking this up again in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews