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Nothing Special #3

Nothing Special, Vol. Three: Pride and Pompousness

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Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish find themselves amidst a plot to overthrow fairy royalty in the third installment of the hit Webtoon series Nothing Special, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes material from the inimitable Katie Cook.

Laurel Poppyfield, matriarch of the fairy Poppyfield family, is dying. She holds the majority of the Poppyfields’ magic, and has no heir to give it to. Or so she thought until Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish walked into the family estate trying to find someone to heal Declan’s wing. It turns out Declan is Laurel’s grandson and practically fairy royalty, and the timing of his arrival could not be more perfect.

Not everyone is happy about Declan’s sudden appearance, though. Leir, one of Lasser’s older brothers, has worked for years to become a trusted presence in the Poppyfield home. He was Laurel’s top choice to inherit the family’s magic before Declan showed up, and he’s not about to let his plans get ruined. It’s up to Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish to thwart his nefarious schemes before the Poppyfield magic falls into the wrong hands.

The third installment of Katie Cook’s Nothing Special collects the final 25 episodes of Season 2 of the webcomic.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2025

15 people are currently reading
2761 people want to read

About the author

Katie Cook

234 books174 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

I graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2004 with a BFA in illustration, my love of cartooning and comics has led me to where i am today.

I've done licensed work for DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, My Little Pony:Friendship is Magic, Fraggle Rock and more. I love being a nerd, so being able to draw nerdy things for a living is the best thing ever.

I'm married to the best guy ever. Ryan keeps me grounded.

I have a daughter, Grayson, who is my booger-y little destroyer of worlds.

I like my cats... a LOT.
...Our dog isn't too bad.

I live in a state shaped like a mitten.

The constant support of my family, pets, friends, and even complete strangers, is what drives me to succeed in art. Thank you everyone, because of you, I am what I am.

Which means... I'm all your fault.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
223 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2025
Book #3 in the series, and I did read the first two as well. The art style is fun, and the characters are interesting. I find Callie annoying a lot of the time, but I think it works as it is a contrast to how laid back Declan is. Radish continues to make me laugh. I agree with the reviewer who said the pages are sometimes busy and difficult to follow, but I also think that many of the pages are written in such a way that they kind of make sense no matter what order you read them. Not sure if I will continue this series if another one comes out. I have enjoyed it but also kind of feel like I am ready to move on from it. I would be interested in reading other works by this author, as I do love her art style and sense of humor.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,136 reviews115 followers
August 4, 2025
I enjoyed the story and the art style. Some of the pages are very busy. Some of the colors get muddled at times. This made some of the pages a bit confusing, either for speech bubble order or for getting a clear idea of thd actions of the characters.
Profile Image for Courtney Shapiro.
1,312 reviews60 followers
July 1, 2025
Katie Cook always delivers. I think this one really focused on Declan, which I liked because he's just a sweet bean. There was also a nice glimpse into Lasser's past, which contributed to his character. I liked the story, and I always enjoy her art style. I think book two is still my favorite. That being said, there were some fun one-liners, excellent references, and super sweet moments. I'm excited to see what happens next based on how this one ends!
Profile Image for Ric.
1,456 reviews135 followers
June 29, 2025
I love this series so much, and Declan is my favorite character so I loved him being at the forefront of this one. It also did a fantastic job of expanding the world and the magical system within it. Katie Cook’s art style is also so fun and just always a good read.

The setup of Lasser’s family drama for the next one is super intriguing and I’m so excited for it.
492 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2025
....so, umm........yeah.....................

This.

...has got to be the greatest drop-off in quality of any sequel/series I've encountered here on Goodreads, or at least so relatively early.

There's a thing that's sometimes called Basement Syndrome, or sometimes called/confused Empty Room or White Room syndrome (where it seems like every room is the same). No, it doesn't have anything to do with being tied up in the slasher villain's basement, but it refers to how the plot feels like it never leaves the literal one room (the proverbial basement). In TV writing we call this the bottle episode, except there the bottle episode is done very deliberately for the sake of a strained budget, and basement syndrome is basically when you make a bottle episode or plot by accident.

Yeah that's totally what's going on in here.

A bunch of absolute, agonizing nothing and then we have a threat, and then stuff happens, and then it's resolved. I really should put a spoiler warning in here because there, that's the whole plot. I mean it.

I don't know what Kate was thinking with this one. Does Kate know what Kate was thinking with this one? I don't know if Kate knows what Kate was thinking with this one.

But then again everyone else seems to love it so what do I know.
Profile Image for Michelle  Tuite.
1,535 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2025
Reading 2025
Book 251: Nothing Special, Volume Three: Pride and Pompousness by Katie Cook

The third book in this series, I own this book. After book two earlier this month, had to jump right into this book.

Synopsis: Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish find themselves amidst a plot to overthrow fairy royalty in the third installment of the hit Webtoon series Nothing Special, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes material from the inimitable Katie Cook.

Review: The ending of book 2 was a cliff hanger, so had to see what happened with the plot to steal all the magic from Declan. As with the second book, the middle meandered around without payoff. The ending was good. Will leave the series now, if there is a fourth book I will not partake. Enjoyed the journey with Declan and Lasser, but here is where I leave you. My rating 3.5⭐️.
Profile Image for Sean Briere.
41 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc of this graphic novel in exchange for a fair review. We're following Callie, Declan, Radish, and Lasser as Declan has arrived at the Poppyfield Estate, and the matriarch wants to leave Declan her magic as she leaves this world. Declan is a reluctant inherantee (is that a word?), while there are those who would stop at nothing to get their hands on that sweet sweet magic. Overall the art style is great. I find all of the characters except Declan lovable. His reluctance at inheriting all that magic when he could just divvy it up between family members later was irritating me. I never love a whiny character with an easy solution. So it made it a little big of a draggy read for me. All of the other characters kept me going. I could probably read a whole graphic novel on Radish's lore.
Profile Image for mad mags.
1,276 reviews91 followers
September 6, 2025
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through NetGalley.)

In which NOTHING SPECIAL continues to be one of the cutest, coziest, most magical and charming comics on WEBTOON.

Volume Three of Katie Cook's strip picks up right where Volume 2 left off. Callie, Declan, Radish, and Lasser have arrived at Laurel Poppyfield's death day celebration. But once they crash the gates, Declan finds so much more than just a healer to patch up his (hot!) wing - for better or worse, he rediscovers his magical lineage, too. As it just so happens, his late mother Angelica was a Poppyfield. And not just any Poppyfield, at that, but Laurel's long-estranged daughter! This puts Declan first in line to inherit the Poppyfields' massive store of magic (and cash monies), whether he wants it or not (spoiler alert: he doesn't).

Old-fashioned Laurel all but insists that Declan assume responsibility for the Poppyfields' oligarchy. But Laurel is not without her detractors: healer Tansy subscribes to Uncle Maddy's school of thought, that the magic should either be returned to the earth, or distributed equally among the fairies. And then there's Leir.

Declan isn't the only one to stumble upon a long-lost relative during the quartet's adventure. Lasser is shocked and a little appalled to run into one of his dozens of siblings - fourth in line to the throne, Leir. Before Declan's appearance, Leir was set to hold the Poppyfields' magic in trust until Declan's cousin Astor turned eighteen and could safely wield it. If Lasser knows his brother, surely Leir has a few tricks up his ruffled sleeve. Can they uncover and thwart his plans before it's too late? Will Declan fold under the weight of his familial obligations? Perhaps most importantly, will all those urban fantasy romance novels help Lasser get the guy?

I really love everything about NOTHING SPECIAL: Callie and Declan make an adorable couple with the best banter; Radish is gd awesome, and he continues to be a one-man vegetable liberation army; and Lasser's character arc has been so incredibly beautiful (*chef's kiss*). I did feel like this story arc dragged out a bit (too much pompousness, maybe), which is why I gave it four stars instead of five, but honestly it's still well worth a read.

Or several - Cook adorns the background with so many little tidbits and asides that I never fail to notice something new. The note about how her mom keeps her grandmother's bowling ball in the garden hit especially hard, since my mom does the same.

In my review of Volume 2, I complained that we never learned what happened to the spirit of the tree that grew in the front yard of Declan's childhood home. I thought I spotted him in the background of Volume 2, and I'm pretty sure he makes a few appearances here, too. I really hope Cook addresses this thread at some point in the future (*fingers crossed*).
Profile Image for Liberty.
829 reviews23 followers
October 18, 2025
This was such a fun book to take to work this week and read on my breaks. I didn't have such a good time with my previous read so I snuck in something not on the TBR for the month that I assumed I would enjoy. I took my time with this one and I think that's part of the reason I rated this one higher than any other book in the series. Also, it's the final book in the series so far (though there was a hint of more to come) so we've had plenty of time to get to know our characters before this story arc begins.

I enjoyed Lasser a lot more in this one. I liked seeing his background and seeing how he interacts with one of his siblings. I still really enjoyed Callie and Declan. Plus we got some more from Callie's dad at the end which I wasn't expecting. I still really enjoy this world and this setting. I think there's a lot this author does to make the magic make sense for the reader. I had a good time with this one and it was such a quick read on my breaks at work. I'm glad there's an opportunity for more story here. I know there's a webcomic version that is probably further ahead in the story than I currently am.

As usual, this art style can be a bit much sometimes. It's just that the pages can sometimes be hard to read with so much going on. I'm trying to read the page in order but there's an aside over here and swirly bits over there. But I still enjoy the asides and how they relate to the story. I wish there had been more to the fight scene at the end, but, now that I realize we might not be done with the series just yet, I can understand if this is less of a Final Boss kind of fight and more of an intermediary situation. I don't love the whole Lasser's kind of love interest deciding to shape shift at the end of the book. It feels a little weird to me, but I think if he stays human for a while later on it might be okay? Or if Lasser goes for someone else romantically? It's just a little odd for me.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,719 reviews86 followers
July 13, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Nothing Special, Vol. Three is the third collection of webcomics (season 2) by Katie Cook. Originally published online as a webtoon, this collection, released 25th June 2025 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint is 384 (!!) pages and is available in hardcover and paperback formats.

The art is beautifully complex, absolutely FULL of small hidden details, easter eggs, and inside jokes. The single page comics are in one-panel format, with a huge cast of recurring characters. The humor is ever so slightly off-kilter and is surreal with elements of magical realism, nerd culture, absurdism, and irony.

This would be a good selection for current fans of the authors' work online, or for fans of webcomic style art in general. For readers unfamiliar with the series and characters going into the read completely blind, expect to be lost for a while (or do a quick brush up online before diving in).

Four stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home library, or for gift giving purposes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Carmen C.
66 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2025
I used to follow Nothing Special back when it was on WebToon (it’s still on there, actually), but stopped because distractions hahhaa. Revisiting has been a delight, though! The art style is enchanting, and the world-building is truly whimsical! If you love magical hidden worlds, this is a must-read for you!

Despite feeling like she’s nothing special, Callie has some pretty special abilities, like being able to see and talk to plant spirits, including the oh-so-cute ghost radish, Radish. Her life changes when she befriends Declan, who shares her unique gift. The story begins in search of Callie’s father, who went missing one day, and together, they journey deep into the magical realm to rescue him.

This is an enjoyable adventure through a whimsical but dangerous realm, where they encounter a variety of magical creatures, both good and bad. As Callie and Declan navigate this new world, they begin to uncover secrets about their own identities and discover just how “special” they really are.

And in this volume, we learn more about Declan and his family, but I don’t want to go too much into it lest I spoil it for y’all. But this is a charming tale of friendship, courage, and finding your place in a world filled with magic. I highly recommend!!

I had to re-read the first bit on WebToon before transitioning to my NetGalley reader, and I honestly prefer reading full-paged panels instead of singular, vertical panels. Thank you to Ten Speed Graphic and NetGalley for the eARC!
Profile Image for RatGrrrl.
998 reviews25 followers
May 12, 2025
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

Hoo boy! Did I love this!!!

This was another random pick up because it was on NetGalley and another thing that truly shocked me for how much I absolutely adored it!

I hadn't read the first two volumes before reading this, but that really didn't matter for following this story (although, I absolutely must read them now!).

I am absolutely besotted with Cook's writing, art, worldbuilding, and humour! There's so much going on in the best possible way, clearly taking influences from other comics, fairytales, and manga to create something truly magical!

The story is a simple one of an unexpected inheritance and the malevolent brother of one of the central cast looking to steal it for himself, but the telling of it with the hilarious and fascinating details of the fae realm, the charm and humour that positively oozes from every panel, and the pièce de résistance, the truly unhinged and marvellous annotations, asides, and jokes woven around the edges of the page.

The artwork is phenomenal, especially when things get swirly and magical.

Frankly, this has absolutely no right to be as good as it is. Plus, the book is absolutely huge, being well over 300 pages!

This has been the favourite part of my morning for the last few days. I absolutely loved it!

Also, the radish spirit is EVERYTHING!
Profile Image for Wylde-reads.
74 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review!

Nothing Special volume three was a 5 ⭐️ read for me.

Callie and crew have made it to the fairies to heal Declan’s injured wing, but get far more than they bargained for. Declan is a lost relative of the Plant fairies, and his grandmother is planning on leaving him all of the accumulated magic when she dies. It just so happens that her death is tomorrow, and there are many others who have plans for the magic that’s about to become Declan’s.

I absolutely LOVED volume three of nothing special. While I found volume two had a little bit of a pacing issue, volume three was fast paced and action packed from the start! There was so much character growth in this one! Callie being protective and supportive of everyone in the group while she learns more about her own power. Declan learning more about plants and magic and finding his own path. Lasser learning to stand up for himself against his family! and also a potential romance!!!!

This volume had everything I loved from the first two, incredible art, sweet and amazing found family, and so much adventure. I can’t wait to see what volume four brings after the ending of this one!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Neshia.
375 reviews
April 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

EEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!!I loved it so much! I love the doodles on the sides. They are so cute and funny, its a fantastic addition to the graphic novel. This one is just as gorgeous as the previous two. I really hope Katie Cook creates a book just about Lasser. He's my favorite character and I would would enjoy more of his story and his family.

Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish is trying to find someone to heal Declan’s wing. He meets Laurel Poppyfield who is dying and in need of an heir. It turns out Declan is Laurel’s grandson and the timing of his arrival could not be more perfect.

Not everyone is happy about Declan’s sudden appearance, though. Leir, one of Lasser’s older brothers, has worked for years to become a trusted presence in the Poppyfield home. He was Laurel’s top choice to inherit the family’s magic before Declan showed up, and he’s not about to let his plans get ruined. It’s up to Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish to thwart his nefarious schemes before the Poppyfield magic falls into the wrong hands.
Profile Image for Kasandra.
95 reviews
June 30, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publishers but all views are my own.

4.25/5

A great volume three. We learn more about the magic of the realm and get some development with our MCs.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of laurel and Callie’s weird dynamic. Declan gets lost in those pages and Callie is so close to being insufferable. The story doesn’t pop off the pages like the did in volume one and two. Other than weird banter and everyone saying they’re mad Lasser is great radish is radish. The sidebars are pretty fun. I still get lost with some of the panels feeling cohesive with abrupt conversation changes that this series is known for still happens.

However it’s fun and cute and has heart so it’s easy to overlook those challenges. I’ll be excited for volume 4.
231 reviews
August 18, 2025
While looking for someone to heal Declan’s broken wing he, Callie, Lasser and Radish stumble across an estate whose elderly owner, Laurel, is dying and desperate to find an heir for her magic. When it turns out Declan is her grandson, and now proclaimed heir, the friends find themselves drawn into thwarting a plot to overthrow Laurel and keeping her magic from falling into the wrong hands.

The actions moves quickly, picking up from the cliffhanger ending of volume 2. The artwork is atmospheric and the characters are engaging. We come to a satisfying conclusion of sorts, wrapping up a lot of storylines but a little epilogue hints at future adventures. Even if this wraps the story completely the first three volumes are certainly worth the read. Recommended.
Profile Image for Melanie (aka DarkBeauty73).
429 reviews21 followers
March 20, 2025
E ARC provided by NetGalley

Another great book in this series. I was so glad to get an ARC after how the previous book ended. I just had to know what was going to happen and I wasn't disappointed either. The story, the characters and the art work has never let me down. Don't want to give to much away on what happened but I can't wait to see what Lasser's family is up to.

Highly recommend the series.
917 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2025
Thank you Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Graphic, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is the third instalment in the Nothing Special series and it’s just as fun and fast-paced as the other two. Same great characters and gorgeous artwork make it a pleasure to read. The ending hints at the possible continuation of the series , so am cautiously optimistic as I wait for the new instalment.
Profile Image for BreAnna (Bre'sBooks).
1,580 reviews59 followers
July 24, 2025
**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

Nothing Special, Vol. Three: Pride and Pompousness by Katie Cook continues immediately after the bombshell that was the ending of volume two. This volume includes still more lovable antics from our "chaotic good" group of two teens, a demon, and a radish. The art, jokes, and details are all on point as much as they ever are, and we even get to meet a couple of extra family members! Loved this. Recommend for any and all ages.
31 reviews
August 20, 2025
Nothing Special, Volume Three: Pride and Pompousness is a vibrant and heartfelt fantasy graphic novel. Katie Cook continues to deliver on what readers love most about the series: engaging characters, imaginative storytelling, and expressive art. Whether you’re drawn to whimsical magic, quirky romance, or visual storytelling done right, this installment offers enough charm, tension, and payoffs to satisfy fans of the series — and perhaps win over new ones too.
Profile Image for Fuzzy Buzzy.
160 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2025
More like 3.5 or 3.75 but don't trust me as I think I am a bit biased. I am just influenced by the great art. :) ha, ha, ha...

This is the third book in a series I have read. I am definitely a fan of an artwork. The story itself doesn't belong to the best ever written. No idea whether I would buy the next part if it is published. I am hoping that the artist will carry on with some other ideas she has, and leave this one alone.
Profile Image for Sophy.
609 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2025
In book three, he finally gets his wing fixed, but we also get to learn more about the third member and his family. When the old fairy fades away, the overwhelming surge of magic creates chaos. And where there is power, there is always someone trying to take it. They must fight for their lives and stand by each other after everything they’ve been through together.

Profile Image for Kristin.
17 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2025
I love Katie's illustrations! The art is fantastic. I love how cute all of the characters are, and I love the way Katie draws wings. It was great to see Declan's character be fleshed out a little more. I cant wait for the next book! I need to know what is going to happen next, and need the cliff hanger resolved, haha.
Profile Image for Erica Baxter.
1,052 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2025
The Nothing Special series is my absolute favorite graphic novel series of all time! It is utter perfection. Humor, whimsy, magic, a fast moving and engaging plot, and art work that makes me downright giddy with excitement. Even the little extras in the margins are so darn cute!

Love. So much love. I'll never be able to get enough of this series.
Profile Image for tara_l.
262 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2025
This series continues to be an absolute delight. The sense of humour and attention to subtle details that Katie Cook brings to every page is a joy. I love everyone in this book, and the sense of found family and friendship is off the charts. Loved it so much, I immediately looked to see if a fourth volume was available for pre-order, but it doesn't look like that's an option... yet.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
899 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2025
I've been really impressed with how this series has grown. I wasn't the biggest fan at first but I've really enjoyed how things have developed. While things are still a dash frenetic for me, I've learned to embrace it. As for the art, the swirly magic lines are so lovely and have such great texture.
Profile Image for Leslie Carnahan.
1,426 reviews15 followers
August 31, 2025
The world Katie has created for this series is nothing short of spectacular. Such incredible characters. Wonderful whimsy through and through. I can't wait to see what other adventures these guys will have. :)
1,654 reviews8 followers
June 4, 2025
Delightful series. My only regret is I’m caught up! Teen book but the characters are sufficiently charming you shouldn’t turn your nose up as an adult reader if you want a light fantasy comic. I’m enjoying it greatly!
Profile Image for Tina Rose.
106 reviews16 followers
June 3, 2025
OMY. Katie Cook hit it out of the park again. This series has serious become such a comfort read to me. It is full of adventure, humor, and most importantly adorable little plant ghosties😍😍😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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