The Confessional

by Paige Hender

In this compelling debut horror graphic novel, a newly turned vampire yearns for salvation in the arms of the priest who uncovers her secret.

New Orleans, 1922. Cora Velasquez lives with her sister and her own haunted memories in a speakeasy run by a vampire coven. Unable to bear the weight of her damned soul, she turns to Father Orville Thibodeaux, a charismatic priest and the object of her hidden desires. Their veiled courtship becomes deadly serious when he discovers her nature, and proposes a way to both slake her thirst and save her soul. So begins the charged dance between an all-powerful but unsure young woman, and the mortal man who claims to hold her fate in his hand.

A gothic story of adoration, power, and manipulation, lushly told in Art Nouveau-inspired illustration.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Horror, Comics, Vampires, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics

200 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2025

Reviews

[floorlemons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleabag meets Sinners

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We are all born in sin. But everybody has the capacity for salvation."

New Orleans is rich in culture and beautiful history. There are a few things that it’s well known for and one of them is vampires. There is even a law in Louisiana about vampires having to get permission to bite someone.

This blood-thirsty read was really fantastic. The story starts off great and gets better as you start to flip the pages. The art is stunning with its style and color. Really stands out and could hold its own without any words. Combined it makes for a story to fall in love with. And let’s not forget about the naughty priest…

Beware of the blood-sucking phantoms of the night, you may enjoy yourself!

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love the dramatic creature-transformation art in this dark graphic novel about a vampire coven in 1922 new orleans. the highlight of the book is the bumping speakeasy and its coven, a group of vampire women who circumvent traditional brothel power dynamics by feeding on their clients.

very gothic, with rich overtones of corrupted christianity and misguided righteousness - the art nouveau style of the comic is a perfect fit for its themes. i really love the bloody content illustrated in soft pink pastels and deep blues.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

No question, this is a horror story. However, there is a little love story there, too. This is a corruption story. A redemption story. And something else altogether. While it is not for the sensitive reader, this graphic novel has appeal for multiple readers. I both greatly enjoyed it and did not like it. There were a lot of emotions and situations to process. I think it might be one of my favorite books because of the layers and contradictions. and on of those biggest contradictions is that things are layered but also very straight forward. Images are a unique mix of noir and modern, the details are there to support, tease and only let you see what the author wants you to know. There is nudity, sexual situations and violence, blood. Soft erotica. Read via an online reader copy.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this while enjoying my afternoon coffee and danish and liked it a lot! Very fun art style. If you are interested in the concept of “found family + redemption but with vampires running a brothel in New Orleans” then this is for you!

[my paperback heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the story that seems written directly for me-vampires, priests, New Orleans-the illustrations are gorgeous.

[Arfa · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the art, 3 stars for the plot

[Virgil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended to me by Kiara.

A young vampire named Cora finds her faith exploited by her priest, as her search for redemption against her new killer nature leaves her vulnerable to a man with his own blood-soaked agenda. The Confessional explores grooming and exploitation in a really interesting way, but it doesn't explore the juxtaposition between Orville using Cora's romantic feelings for him as a way to leverage her for his use, and the vampiresses in the coven's brothel using men's sexual interest in them as leverage to steal their blood.

The strongest point of the graphic novel comes in the vast amounts of Catholic guilt experienced by Cora and the ways it's visualized. She transforms into a succubus-esque demon form when she feeds, literally feeding the sin she sought out Father Orville in order to escape, and bears a permanent burn of a cross over her heart from continuing to wear it into immortality. Her guilt follows her through every window. However, Cora's guilt isn't exactly resolved, so much as her guilt for acting as an agent of God begins to outweigh the guilt she has for feeding as a means of survival.

The art style was gorgeous, with a few specific elements I really enjoyed. I enjoyed the way bubble-lettered words would flow across a panel for emphasis toward movement, etc., and the comic's lack of fear around nudity. There's no double standard where gore is okay but nudity and sexuality are deemed too explicit on these pages.

In summary, I really liked it! I just think a little more thought could have gone into the religious and moral side of Cora's escape from Father Orville's hold.

[Destiny Cejka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the color palette of this graphic novel. It was dark blues and pinks against the dark Gothic vibes of the story. A vampire coven that works in a speak easy turned brothel in order to feed, set in New Orleans is such a unique storyline. The corrupt priest thinking he's killing in God's name it's stereotypical but I liked the dark vibes of him as a character. I just wish it were longer.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderfully illustrated vampire graphic novel. The story follows Cora, and her unexpected relationship with religion. The novel is an enjoyable read however, quite a few character motives aren't clear, which is a little confusing. However, that of the main characters are well established, and quite intriguing to follow along to their ultimate conflict.

[doubleokay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. give it up for the red & blue ballpoint pens in the bottom of your backpack 👏

[abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

another incredible graphic novel! i love vampires!!!

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a delight for my eyeballs. The art is told through purple & pink illustrations. The story follows Cora, a newly made vampire, in 1920s New Orleans, who is struggling with the desire her bloodthirst drives her to. She finds solace in attending one of the Catholic churches in the French Quarter, but as she becomes closer to the Priest, she realizes that he might not be the savior she thought he was. I love the journey that Cora embarks on and the intense exploration of morality lurking under the surface of religious piety. One can claim to be good, but participate in evil and corruption, while that which looks like a monster may have better morals than the humans they hunt. It's a great juxtaposition, and the beautiful architecture of New Orleans, which is strikingly beautiful while being encased with decay and corruption, is on full display in this Gothic delight. I want a series following the coven so badly. I NEED a book for Dolores and Greta. Give it to me!

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was, unfortunately, not a hit for me. While The Confessional is undeniably visually stunning—the illustrations are gorgeously detailed and evocative—the story itself left me feeling a little… lost in the fog.

Set in 1922 New Orleans (my hometown, which was a lovely surprise!), we follow Cora , a vampire living in a brothel-turned-speakeasy alongside a coven of other vampy women. It’s a rich, sultry premise—gothic vibes with a hint of forbidden romance as Corain falls for a priest. But somewhere between the fangs, the flapper era, and the flirtations, I found myself confused and disconnected. I wanted to love it, but the narrative didn’t quite come together for me.

Still, if you’re a sucker for lush artwork, historical vampire drama, or moody New Orleans settings, this might be one to try—just go in with open expectations (and maybe a willingness to be a little confused).

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the shit, this is fantastic, in every sense of the word. I need more immediately.

First graphic novel I’ve read in years, and I’m obsesssssssed. The art alone is delicious enough to make me swoon, let alone the story.

[Riley Moffatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun lil graphic novel! I loved the art style, especially since it was hand drawn! And the colour palette was gorgeous and perfect for a vampire story. The vampire design was also super sick, big fan of that. I don’t think it was doing anything particularly new and crazy but it was a fun story.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
love love love the art

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars for the story but I’m adding an extra star for the gorgeous art. Overall, I do love vampires in New Orleans, especially a vampire who’s bad at vamping and falls for the kinky priest—I just wish this story had a little more in terms of developing character relationships.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

A priest and a vampire step into a confessional. What happens next is unexpected. Is there any salvation to be found?

This graphic novel has an illustration style not to my taste, and while I liked some of the themes explored there wasn't enough here for me to sink my teeth into (ha!).

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sick art style and a messed up plot. Can't wait to see what Hender makes next.

[Madison Marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Uncomplicated vampire story with very interesting characters and setting. Needed more time with other coven members

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious, an absolute treat for the eyes and the heart

[Larakaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

darker than I expected

[Marisa Thoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations! Such a fabulous debut. Very interested to find more graphic novels featuring vampires now.

[Jaime Dear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, with a great visual vocabulary!!!! Vampire drama lovers READ THIS!

[Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lush art style, serviceable enough plot if a little predictable

[salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply perfect, and no I’m not biased because I’m an avid vampire lover. I just love the way the character of Cora was handled and I so badly want to see more of her ❤️❤️ thank you for this amazing graphic novel

[Jenna Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one sitting! Super cool graphics and story. Bonus points because my cousin is the author (Go Paige!!) Everyone should read this, 6 stars.