Cry Out Loud:

by Tara O'Connor

Genres: Graphic Novels

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Tara is a cartoonist currently residing in the New Jersey wilderness. When she's not drawing comics, she's teaching them. She drinks way too much tea and coffee, and on any given day there's a 90% chance that every meal she had was cereal.

Reviews

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After being suspended from her school, teenage Nell is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle, whom she hasn’t met before. While dealing with a mom who disregards and ignores her, Nell befriends the local lighthouse keeper. However, her relatives are acting strangely as Nell finds out they’re in a dangerous cult that wants to sacrifice her. A split decision to rewrite the past is given, and Nell jumps at the chance to change everyone’s history before it’s too late.
Set in the windy coastal plains of Ireland, Nell is constantly dealing with her mom, who always puts her brothers first and flat-out treats her daughter horribly. With the gorgeous art of Ireland, readers will be consumed by the mystery of the island and the murderous cult within. Nell’s just a teenager who wants to be understood, but the past needs to be fixed. Generations of trauma and neglect, with family at its core, this graphic novel dives into the depths of what it means to grieve, finally.

[Seras23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cry Out Loud” is a story that will take the reader on a bit of a wild ride. Nell O’Brian is sent to live with her aunt and uncle (whom she has never met) for the term after being suspended from school. Her mother treats her terribly, though she treats Nell’s brothers completely differently. Upon arriving at her aunt and uncle’s place to find that they are not great people either, Nell finds acceptance and friendship through the local lighthouse keeper. But strange things are happening, and Nell must figure out what is going on and how to stop it before it’s too late. O’Connor delivers an enchanting tale including banshees, secret societies, and time travel all rolled into one enjoyable romp. Highly recommended.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This takes generational trauma to a whole new level. The supernatural aspect was very well done, painting a more well-rounded picture of the good aspects of banshees along with the bad, fueled by fear. Nell really put it best to encircle the true theme of the graphic novel: if only every kid can wake up one day and have their cruddy parent become better.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good idea muddled with contradictory ideology that most kids reading it won't even realize they've accepted. The gay aspect felt very flat and one dimensional. The time element took away all the cost, and they kinda just skipped over the betrayal like it didn't matter

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I also think some curses sure man made out of human fouls!

[Jennifer Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book was worthwhile and I enjoyed it.

[Miss. Judy Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a book about banshee's , time portals and cults before... and most importantly love... beautiful book beautiful message... thank you to the Author for sharing