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Cry Out Loud
In this spine-chilling YA horror graphic novel, a rebellious Irish teen visits distant relatives, only to discover that she's to be sacrificed as part of a generational blood ritual. Now, she must confront her ancestors and break the violent cycle to save herself.
In this family, no one will hear you scream.
Strongheaded, fiercely independent, and constantly furious, Nell just wants to be free to carve out her own path in life. And she doesn't care whether her mom or anyone else approves of her choices.
But what Nell doesn't know is that her destiny was etched in stone generations ago.
After getting suspended from school, Nell is forced to go live with an aunt and uncle whom she's never met before. Her sense of unease quickly evolves into terror when Nell discovers that she's been chosen as the latest victim in a perilous plot that spans centuries and has left countless bodies in its wake.
In this family, no one will hear you scream.
Strongheaded, fiercely independent, and constantly furious, Nell just wants to be free to carve out her own path in life. And she doesn't care whether her mom or anyone else approves of her choices.
But what Nell doesn't know is that her destiny was etched in stone generations ago.
After getting suspended from school, Nell is forced to go live with an aunt and uncle whom she's never met before. Her sense of unease quickly evolves into terror when Nell discovers that she's been chosen as the latest victim in a perilous plot that spans centuries and has left countless bodies in its wake.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2025
10 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Tara O'Connor
19 books66 followersTara 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 15, 2025
a mysterious YA graphic novel about an irish teenager who stumbles into a horrifying generational family secret!
while this is marketed as "spine-chilling" horror, i don't think it quite manages to be scary. creepy and thrilling, sure, but this isn't horror. most of the discomfort evoked here is existential, as strongheaded nell discovers that her family
i wasn't expecting the
the art is fine, and i love nell's character design! but there are a few action-packed moments at the climax of the book where i was really confused about what was physically happening on the page. o'connor's strengths lie in characters and expressions, not in movement.
i also wished the irish cliffsides came to life more vibrantly, and i wanted more banshee lore! the irish folklore component is fascinating, but it remains fairly surface level.
overall i enjoyed this more than o'connor's fly by night and roots. it's exciting to see growth in an author, so i'll look forward whatever she puts out next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
while this is marketed as "spine-chilling" horror, i don't think it quite manages to be scary. creepy and thrilling, sure, but this isn't horror. most of the discomfort evoked here is existential, as strongheaded nell discovers that her family
i wasn't expecting the
the art is fine, and i love nell's character design! but there are a few action-packed moments at the climax of the book where i was really confused about what was physically happening on the page. o'connor's strengths lie in characters and expressions, not in movement.
i also wished the irish cliffsides came to life more vibrantly, and i wanted more banshee lore! the irish folklore component is fascinating, but it remains fairly surface level.
overall i enjoyed this more than o'connor's fly by night and roots. it's exciting to see growth in an author, so i'll look forward whatever she puts out next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-graphic novel arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute YA "horror" graphic novel that could have been a little more bone-chilling, in my opinion, but still an enjoyable read. What I found off-putting was focusing more on the relationship between two characters and not going more in depth with the lore behind the town, its residents, and the meaning behind the basis of the novel. While the relationship aspects were touching and sweet, it just didn't provide a full-rounded feeling to the plot.
The illustrations were well done well, and the novel did its job with targeting the audience it was intended to, providing lessons on family and the power of trauma and forgiveness.
This was a cute YA "horror" graphic novel that could have been a little more bone-chilling, in my opinion, but still an enjoyable read. What I found off-putting was focusing more on the relationship between two characters and not going more in depth with the lore behind the town, its residents, and the meaning behind the basis of the novel. While the relationship aspects were touching and sweet, it just didn't provide a full-rounded feeling to the plot.
The illustrations were well done well, and the novel did its job with targeting the audience it was intended to, providing lessons on family and the power of trauma and forgiveness.
June 24, 2025
This is pitched as a YA horror graphic novel, but I really wouldn't consider this horror at all. It felt more like a spooky middle grade, which was fine because I do love those as well. We're following Nell, who is a rebellious Irish teen, who gets into some trouble at school, so her mom ships her off to live with some distant relatives. When she arrives, they are all very cold and unkind to her which makes Nell feel sad and lonely. There is some magical realism involved, which seemed kind of out of place in the story line, that involves a bloodline sacrifice that has been happening for centuries. The style of conversation is a little different since it's written with an Irish accent in mind. One of the character's names was really hard to pronounce. The plot was ok but not sure it all connected smoothly, but I think the ending wrapped up well.
Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's for an eARC of this book in exchange of my honest review. #CryOutLoud #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's for an eARC of this book in exchange of my honest review. #CryOutLoud #NetGalley
October 13, 2025
The sapphic, spooky, Irish ghost story of my dreams tbh.
July 15, 2025
I enjoyed my time reading this!
Nell was a great main character to follow, she goes through a lot of personal growth and navigated a lot of trauma. It's a short book but it packs a punch. I really appreciated the overall message of the book a lot. There's a family with a dark secret and someone needs to be strong enough to break that cycle. It was refreshing to read about it since I know it's something that needs to be spoken about more in YA books.
I loved the art style it was perfect for a YA and matched the vibes and aesthetic beautifully.
Release Date: September 16th 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Random house graphic for the ARC copy! All Opinions are my own!
Nell was a great main character to follow, she goes through a lot of personal growth and navigated a lot of trauma. It's a short book but it packs a punch. I really appreciated the overall message of the book a lot. There's a family with a dark secret and someone needs to be strong enough to break that cycle. It was refreshing to read about it since I know it's something that needs to be spoken about more in YA books.
I loved the art style it was perfect for a YA and matched the vibes and aesthetic beautifully.
Release Date: September 16th 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Random house graphic for the ARC copy! All Opinions are my own!
July 2, 2025
This graphic novel is trying to hard to be too many things. At it's core, I think this story is supposed to be about family, both the one you are born into and the one you make, but that gets lost so easily it feels like an afterthought. There is a lot going on in this book, from banshees to time travel to rituals, when any one of these topics alone could have made a fine story. Cramming them all together just doesn't work in this instance. It makes the story, the characters, and the messaging all just very confused with what they want to do.
The arts style was simple, but very cute. It doesn't necessarily match the horror aspect the book is going for, but the rest of the book didn't seem to either, so I will give it a pass. I did also enjoy the three main leads, I just wish they were in a better, more cohesive story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The arts style was simple, but very cute. It doesn't necessarily match the horror aspect the book is going for, but the rest of the book didn't seem to either, so I will give it a pass. I did also enjoy the three main leads, I just wish they were in a better, more cohesive story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
The art is beautiful but I had some questions about the plot and storyline! it didn’t really deliver on the horror i was promised from the synopsis.
August 19, 2025
“The inability of one generation to cope…just needlessly piles onto the next until everyone’s backs are broken.”
Nell has gotten into a wee bit of trouble at school. Her mother decides the best course of action is to ship Nell off to an island to stay with relatives that she’s never met. When Nell arrives on the island, her relatives are not even there to greet her. Thankfully the local lighthouse keeper, Caiomhe, lends a helping hand. Not so thankfully…Nell’s relatives and their house are super creepy. Nell will find out how far she is willing to go for family.
#ThxNetGalley #TaraO'Connor #CryOutLoud
Merged review:
“The inability of one generation to cope…just needlessly piles onto the next until everyone’s backs are broken.”
Nell has gotten into a wee bit of trouble at school. Her mother decides the best course of action is to ship Nell off to an island to stay with relatives that she’s never met. When Nell arrives on the island, her relatives are not even there to greet her. Thankfully the local lighthouse keeper, Caiomhe, lends a helping hand. Not so thankfully…Nell’s relatives and their house are super creepy. Nell will find out how far she is willing to go for family.
#ThxNetGalley #TaraOConnor #CryOutLoud
Nell has gotten into a wee bit of trouble at school. Her mother decides the best course of action is to ship Nell off to an island to stay with relatives that she’s never met. When Nell arrives on the island, her relatives are not even there to greet her. Thankfully the local lighthouse keeper, Caiomhe, lends a helping hand. Not so thankfully…Nell’s relatives and their house are super creepy. Nell will find out how far she is willing to go for family.
#ThxNetGalley #TaraO'Connor #CryOutLoud
Merged review:
“The inability of one generation to cope…just needlessly piles onto the next until everyone’s backs are broken.”
Nell has gotten into a wee bit of trouble at school. Her mother decides the best course of action is to ship Nell off to an island to stay with relatives that she’s never met. When Nell arrives on the island, her relatives are not even there to greet her. Thankfully the local lighthouse keeper, Caiomhe, lends a helping hand. Not so thankfully…Nell’s relatives and their house are super creepy. Nell will find out how far she is willing to go for family.
#ThxNetGalley #TaraOConnor #CryOutLoud
November 11, 2025
when a rebellious teen gets sent to live with family she's never met in Ireland, she learns that she is meant to be the sacrifice of a generational curse. this is supposed to be horror and I think that it fits horror for young adult. it is not horror in a super duper terrifying adult way, but I do feel like the younger age range of young adult will find this super creepy.
overall a solid graphic novel with wonderful art.
overall a solid graphic novel with wonderful art.
December 2, 2025
A good graphic novel about Irish banshees. This is categorized as YA but I think it leans more juvenile as there wasn't anything too extreme. Maybe a little scary but nothing horrible. Would recommend!
October 23, 2025
The beautiful integration of physical horror and emotional horror is one I will always admire most. I can't describe how much I absolutely loved this book🖤
July 16, 2025
**NetGalley ARC** thanks!
I loved that the author included how many times they watched different Star Trek series while putting together this story - person after my own heart! The art style wasn't my favorite (personal preference) but the story was great. I love Irish/Celtic mythos - I feel like there aren't enough banshee stories and the ones that do exist don't really get it right. This story did a really good job of tackling generational trauma. Time travel is always a tricky thing to do right as well. I believe O'Connor did a decent job of navigating that story space as well.
I loved that the author included how many times they watched different Star Trek series while putting together this story - person after my own heart! The art style wasn't my favorite (personal preference) but the story was great. I love Irish/Celtic mythos - I feel like there aren't enough banshee stories and the ones that do exist don't really get it right. This story did a really good job of tackling generational trauma. Time travel is always a tricky thing to do right as well. I believe O'Connor did a decent job of navigating that story space as well.
August 20, 2025
Thank you to random house kids for sending me an early copy!
This was such a fascinating story rooted in Irish history. I generally don’t like time travel, but I thought this was really well done. How heartbreaking that her mother knew all along and was sending her on her way without even a second thought.
Really great graphic!
This was such a fascinating story rooted in Irish history. I generally don’t like time travel, but I thought this was really well done. How heartbreaking that her mother knew all along and was sending her on her way without even a second thought.
Really great graphic!
September 14, 2025
✨ Review ✨ Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor
Thanks to Random House Children's, Random House Graphic and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
Nell's mom sends her off to live with her aunt and uncle in a remote area after she gets in trouble and school, and quickly finds herself in the middle of a weird local mystery. Lovely seaside graphics and a creepy sort of historic plot line of eldest females in a bloodline. Can Nell end this once and for all?
I loved the rural Irish setting, the female bloodline, and an almost witchy sort of feel throughout!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy/historical
Setting: rural Ireland
Pub Date: Sep 16, 2025
Read this if you like:
⭕️ rebellious teens / coming of age
⭕️ confronting your ancestors
⭕️ rewriting family history
⭕️ rural, seaside spaces
Thanks to Random House Children's, Random House Graphic and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
Nell's mom sends her off to live with her aunt and uncle in a remote area after she gets in trouble and school, and quickly finds herself in the middle of a weird local mystery. Lovely seaside graphics and a creepy sort of historic plot line of eldest females in a bloodline. Can Nell end this once and for all?
I loved the rural Irish setting, the female bloodline, and an almost witchy sort of feel throughout!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA graphic novel, fantasy/historical
Setting: rural Ireland
Pub Date: Sep 16, 2025
Read this if you like:
⭕️ rebellious teens / coming of age
⭕️ confronting your ancestors
⭕️ rewriting family history
⭕️ rural, seaside spaces
July 9, 2025
This graphic novel follows Nell, a rebellious teen sent to live with relatives. She soon becomes the focus of a centuries-old blood ritual that her family is intent on fulfilling.
I enjoyed both the artwork and the use of time warping and the supernatural throughout the story. The artwork does a great job utilizing moody palettes to bring the eerie Irish setting to life. The supernatural plots make sense for the story being told and add to the experience.
Despite the darkness, it ends on a note of fractured familial reconnection successfully subverting horror expectations with a bittersweet sense of closure.
At the same time, I had a really hard time enjoying or trusting any of our characters. Our main character, Nell, is very independent and stubborn making it hard to connect with her. In addition to this, almost everyone comes across as either sinister, mysterious, or evasive. Without clear allies, it’s hard to root for anyone or feel emotionally tied to the story.
Ultimately, this successfully delivers strong atmosphere and a haunting premise for a YA horror graphic novel. If this is your genre of interest, I’d suggest picking up.
I enjoyed both the artwork and the use of time warping and the supernatural throughout the story. The artwork does a great job utilizing moody palettes to bring the eerie Irish setting to life. The supernatural plots make sense for the story being told and add to the experience.
Despite the darkness, it ends on a note of fractured familial reconnection successfully subverting horror expectations with a bittersweet sense of closure.
At the same time, I had a really hard time enjoying or trusting any of our characters. Our main character, Nell, is very independent and stubborn making it hard to connect with her. In addition to this, almost everyone comes across as either sinister, mysterious, or evasive. Without clear allies, it’s hard to root for anyone or feel emotionally tied to the story.
Ultimately, this successfully delivers strong atmosphere and a haunting premise for a YA horror graphic novel. If this is your genre of interest, I’d suggest picking up.
June 22, 2025
A premise that pulls you right in with the intrigue of complicated family dynamics and a girl you automatically root for being sent off to a mysterious island. While I love the romantic subplot in this, I do wish that more time was spent developing the dark lore of their family. If that were done then the horror element would've felt more present instead of it really only being slightly thrilling in the last third or so. The story is set up to surround Nell, so it would make more sense to focus on her and her family's history on the island. I also definitely wanted to learn more about Nell's cousin Theo. He has two critical moments in the narrative, but we don't hear anything else from him and his quiet but observant nature left me frustratedly curious about him. Absolutely vibrant art style that I'd love to see more works of!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the arc!
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September 7, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor is a YA horror graphic novel set on an island off the coast of Northern Ireland. Nell is a troubled young woman who has a very difficult relationship with her mother. When her mother sends her to a remote island with no cell service, she’s isolated from her friends and the relatives she’s staying with are acting suspicious. But there’s a lot more going on than a break from school.
The book opens with an explanation of how to pronounce traditional Irish names and then states very clearly that Irish doesn’t look like English because it’s not English. Given the conversations we’ve been having around Romantasy and the use of Welsh, Scottish, and Irish in fantasy spaces as ‘flavor’ when they are minority languages, I did really appreciate this. I’m starting to get sick of the gag ‘Oh, Irish is spelled weird’ so this subtle dig at it was really nice.
I am torn between calling this horror or paranormal. Paranormal can have some of the spine-tingling moments that are present in horror but the atmosphere that builds and builds is so important in horror. I will go with horror today but I might change my mind in the future because I feel that the supernatural elements slotted a bit more neatly into my personal definition of paranormal. I feel that the supernatural elements and the scary moments would be appropriate for a middle schooler or even a late elementary schooler and there is no sexual content or nudity on the page.
The art style is very colorful and vibrant and isn’t quite like anything I’ve seen before. It reminds me of the Middle Grade covers from my childhood so it holds a real nostalgia value for me. It’s definitely not a limited color palette and I do like it when graphic novels are as colorful as real life is.
I would recommend this to fans of graphic novels that deal with cults and supernatural elements and readers looking for a graphic novel with complicated mother-daughter relationships
Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor is a YA horror graphic novel set on an island off the coast of Northern Ireland. Nell is a troubled young woman who has a very difficult relationship with her mother. When her mother sends her to a remote island with no cell service, she’s isolated from her friends and the relatives she’s staying with are acting suspicious. But there’s a lot more going on than a break from school.
The book opens with an explanation of how to pronounce traditional Irish names and then states very clearly that Irish doesn’t look like English because it’s not English. Given the conversations we’ve been having around Romantasy and the use of Welsh, Scottish, and Irish in fantasy spaces as ‘flavor’ when they are minority languages, I did really appreciate this. I’m starting to get sick of the gag ‘Oh, Irish is spelled weird’ so this subtle dig at it was really nice.
I am torn between calling this horror or paranormal. Paranormal can have some of the spine-tingling moments that are present in horror but the atmosphere that builds and builds is so important in horror. I will go with horror today but I might change my mind in the future because I feel that the supernatural elements slotted a bit more neatly into my personal definition of paranormal. I feel that the supernatural elements and the scary moments would be appropriate for a middle schooler or even a late elementary schooler and there is no sexual content or nudity on the page.
The art style is very colorful and vibrant and isn’t quite like anything I’ve seen before. It reminds me of the Middle Grade covers from my childhood so it holds a real nostalgia value for me. It’s definitely not a limited color palette and I do like it when graphic novels are as colorful as real life is.
I would recommend this to fans of graphic novels that deal with cults and supernatural elements and readers looking for a graphic novel with complicated mother-daughter relationships
June 16, 2025
Thank you for the e-arc of this wonderfully written YA horror graphic novel.
I will say I think this could have been a little more ‘bone-chilling’. I would have loved to have seen more of the history of the town, and more of the actual hunt. I feel we spent a lot of time setting up and then the ending ove the novel went by so fast I was left wanting for more.
With all that said, Cry Out Loud is a perfect entry horror novel, you were easily able to follow along with the story and what was happening and the graphics were very good!
I will say I think this could have been a little more ‘bone-chilling’. I would have loved to have seen more of the history of the town, and more of the actual hunt. I feel we spent a lot of time setting up and then the ending ove the novel went by so fast I was left wanting for more.
With all that said, Cry Out Loud is a perfect entry horror novel, you were easily able to follow along with the story and what was happening and the graphics were very good!
June 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!
Banshees! But wait... They're not to the real monsters here? People are? Who'd have thunk. A solid story where we learn how horrible people really are. A decent look at generational trauma. Luminous illustrations.
Over all a good read that's spooky but is more thought provoking than terrifying. A great choice for younger YA who want a little bit scary.
Banshees! But wait... They're not to the real monsters here? People are? Who'd have thunk. A solid story where we learn how horrible people really are. A decent look at generational trauma. Luminous illustrations.
Over all a good read that's spooky but is more thought provoking than terrifying. A great choice for younger YA who want a little bit scary.
June 13, 2025
Cry Out Loud is billed as a “horror” graphic novel but read more like a fantasy mystery to me. The story focuses on Nell and her complicated relationship with her emotionally unattached mom. Sent away to a distant relatives house, Nell starts experiencing strange things and soon realizes she has been sucked into a deadly family tradition. I really enjoyed this graphic novel- it had gorgeous artwork and a strong, brave, and courageous female main character. 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the graphic novel Cry Out Loud.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the graphic novel Cry Out Loud.
May 7, 2025
Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor is a YA graphic novel that follows the character of Nell as she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, who she does not know, after getting suspended from school. Nell has a complicated relationship with her mom, who only likes her younger siblings. Nell quickly learns that her existence is actually part of a centuries long spell, and she is the next victim. The description of this book is labeled as "spine chilling," and I think that's a bit of a stretch. There are spooky elements closer to the end, and there is loose fantasy/science fiction elements, but overall it is engaging enough of a story. The graphics are engaging and easy to follow despite the numerous characters. This is a second purchase for school libraries where students are looking for more teen-based fantasy graphic novels. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC. (3.5 rounded up)
August 11, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's | Random House Graphic for providing this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: 3✩ / 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: While I did for the most part enjoy Cry Out Loud, I do have...questions.
The graphic novel centers (usually) on rebellious Irish teen Nell. Her mother doesn't pay attention to her while doting on her two brothers and after being suspended from school, has decided to send Nell to spend the term break with relatives Nell has never heard of, let alone met. Immediately upon arrival, Nell comes to realize that unpleasantness seems to be a family trait: Her aunt and uncle who moved onto a small island and immediately upset the villagers living there are strange and uncomfortable. Her aunt is too polite to the point Nell finds it creepy, her uncle is rude and aggressive, and her cousin doesn't talk. But the old lighthouse keeper on the island, Caoimhe, seems friendly and genuinely interested in Nell. Or at least that's what Nell believes.
And now on top of all of it, she's seeing ghosts?! Nell can't believe she's thinking it, but she desperately wants to go home.
Herein lies my primary issue. What year does this story take place? With the GN releasing next month (September '25), it leaves me to believe that the story likely takes place in the 2020s, that along with things like Nell using a cell phone and her cousin constantly wearing big overear headphones leaves one to believe that it takes place pretty close to our present. Nell is a young teenager, I'd say between 13 and 15, with two brothers, at least one of whom is older than her and driving, putting her mom probably in her early to mid 40's. I'd place Caoimhe, the light house keeper in maybe her late 50's. Yet Nell is sent back to 1955, 70 years??? Where Caoimhe seems to be in her late teens to early 20's, Orlagh is around the same age as Caoimhe and Bridget is just a baby. Meaning at the end of the story, Caoimhe should be in her late 80's to early 90's and Bridget should be in her early 70's, none of which makes sense. Unless I am seriously missing something here, this bugged me from the moment 1955 was mentioned.
I do also feel that there were important points glossed over and then the shift from focusing on Nell to focusing on Caoimhe and Olagh was a bit jarring.
However, I did enjoy the characters, and the general story was entertaining.
⚝ Illustrations⚝: The artwork, I believe also completed by the author, was quite lovely and stylistic. The colors were vibrant, the linework was unique, and the characters/settings were easily distinguishable from one another.
⚝ Representation ⚝: Sapphic secondary characters
⚝ TWs ⚝: Emotional neglect, Murder/Sacrifice (mentioned)
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: 3✩ / 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: While I did for the most part enjoy Cry Out Loud, I do have...questions.
The graphic novel centers (usually) on rebellious Irish teen Nell. Her mother doesn't pay attention to her while doting on her two brothers and after being suspended from school, has decided to send Nell to spend the term break with relatives Nell has never heard of, let alone met. Immediately upon arrival, Nell comes to realize that unpleasantness seems to be a family trait: Her aunt and uncle who moved onto a small island and immediately upset the villagers living there are strange and uncomfortable. Her aunt is too polite to the point Nell finds it creepy, her uncle is rude and aggressive, and her cousin doesn't talk. But the old lighthouse keeper on the island, Caoimhe, seems friendly and genuinely interested in Nell. Or at least that's what Nell believes.
And now on top of all of it, she's seeing ghosts?! Nell can't believe she's thinking it, but she desperately wants to go home.
Herein lies my primary issue. What year does this story take place? With the GN releasing next month (September '25), it leaves me to believe that the story likely takes place in the 2020s, that along with things like Nell using a cell phone and her cousin constantly wearing big overear headphones leaves one to believe that it takes place pretty close to our present. Nell is a young teenager, I'd say between 13 and 15, with two brothers, at least one of whom is older than her and driving, putting her mom probably in her early to mid 40's. I'd place Caoimhe, the light house keeper in maybe her late 50's. Yet Nell is sent back to 1955, 70 years??? Where Caoimhe seems to be in her late teens to early 20's, Orlagh is around the same age as Caoimhe and Bridget is just a baby. Meaning at the end of the story, Caoimhe should be in her late 80's to early 90's and Bridget should be in her early 70's, none of which makes sense. Unless I am seriously missing something here, this bugged me from the moment 1955 was mentioned.
I do also feel that there were important points glossed over and then the shift from focusing on Nell to focusing on Caoimhe and Olagh was a bit jarring.
However, I did enjoy the characters, and the general story was entertaining.
⚝ Illustrations⚝: The artwork, I believe also completed by the author, was quite lovely and stylistic. The colors were vibrant, the linework was unique, and the characters/settings were easily distinguishable from one another.
⚝ Representation ⚝: Sapphic secondary characters
⚝ TWs ⚝: Emotional neglect, Murder/Sacrifice (mentioned)
June 7, 2025
💫 NetGalley ARC Review 💫
A rebellious Irish teen, Nell, is forced to stay with long-lost relatives after a school suspension. She's less than thrilled, to say the least, but her bad mood quickly turns to terror when she uncovers a dark family secret: she's slated to be the next sacrifice in a generations-old blood ritual. Talk about a twisted family reunion!
This graphic novel plunges you into a truly chilling tale. Nell is a fantastic protagonist—fiery, independent, and utterly relatable in her desire to forge her own path. Her fury at the world is palpable, making her predicament all the more terrifying. The pacing is spot-on, building a strong sense of unease that steadily ratchets up to outright horror. The art style perfectly complements the creepy atmosphere, with panels that effectively convey Nell's escalating fear and the sinister nature of her family.
While the concept is incredibly strong and the execution largely successful, I found myself wanting a little more depth in certain areas. Some of the ancestral lore felt slightly rushed, and I would have loved to delve deeper into the motivations and history behind the ritual. Additionally, a few supporting characters could have benefited from more development, making their roles in the overall narrative even more impactful.
Despite these minor quibbles, this is a genuinely unsettling and captivating YA horror graphic novel. It's a gripping story of a young woman fighting for her life against an ancient, inescapable evil. If you're looking for a page-turner that will make you think twice about visiting distant relatives, this is definitely one to pick up!
A rebellious Irish teen, Nell, is forced to stay with long-lost relatives after a school suspension. She's less than thrilled, to say the least, but her bad mood quickly turns to terror when she uncovers a dark family secret: she's slated to be the next sacrifice in a generations-old blood ritual. Talk about a twisted family reunion!
This graphic novel plunges you into a truly chilling tale. Nell is a fantastic protagonist—fiery, independent, and utterly relatable in her desire to forge her own path. Her fury at the world is palpable, making her predicament all the more terrifying. The pacing is spot-on, building a strong sense of unease that steadily ratchets up to outright horror. The art style perfectly complements the creepy atmosphere, with panels that effectively convey Nell's escalating fear and the sinister nature of her family.
While the concept is incredibly strong and the execution largely successful, I found myself wanting a little more depth in certain areas. Some of the ancestral lore felt slightly rushed, and I would have loved to delve deeper into the motivations and history behind the ritual. Additionally, a few supporting characters could have benefited from more development, making their roles in the overall narrative even more impactful.
Despite these minor quibbles, this is a genuinely unsettling and captivating YA horror graphic novel. It's a gripping story of a young woman fighting for her life against an ancient, inescapable evil. If you're looking for a page-turner that will make you think twice about visiting distant relatives, this is definitely one to pick up!
July 2, 2025
I honestly have mixed feelings about Tara O’Connor’s Cry Out Loud. I think, in general, it’s a pretty well put together story that follows the story of a self-imposed familial curse. Themes of generational and passed on trauma play a huge role in the final messages, coupled with the ideas behind the morality of hurting what sort of hurts matter in the service of saving someone else—especially thinking cavalierly of consequences on account of changes to the timeline. And then there’s the aspect of forgiveness for a person who is no longer the person who caused an initial hurt.
It’s a lot to explore in the span of a graphic novel like this, something vaguely short and yet encompassing a vast array of feelings. There’s a lot, as a result, that I can’t help feeling like I deeply appreciated existing in this format. At the same time, though, I didn’t connect very well to the characters or the story, despite my ability to recognize how exceptional and important all of those themes and ideas are.
So, on the one hand, I have a deep respect for everything that O’Connor puts together through this medium and the story she’s telling, but I also recognize that it doesn’t land super well for me. My hope, however, is that the story will land really well with others.
Outside of this, the art is very well done, captures both the whimsical and the horror aspects incredibly well. I don’t know that it’s my favorite in the world as I definitely gravitate toward different art styles when thinking of the ones I love, but this is definitely indicative of some serous talent nonetheless.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a lot to explore in the span of a graphic novel like this, something vaguely short and yet encompassing a vast array of feelings. There’s a lot, as a result, that I can’t help feeling like I deeply appreciated existing in this format. At the same time, though, I didn’t connect very well to the characters or the story, despite my ability to recognize how exceptional and important all of those themes and ideas are.
So, on the one hand, I have a deep respect for everything that O’Connor puts together through this medium and the story she’s telling, but I also recognize that it doesn’t land super well for me. My hope, however, is that the story will land really well with others.
Outside of this, the art is very well done, captures both the whimsical and the horror aspects incredibly well. I don’t know that it’s my favorite in the world as I definitely gravitate toward different art styles when thinking of the ones I love, but this is definitely indicative of some serous talent nonetheless.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2026
It was fine?? I think the lore for the secret society didn’t make a lot of sense and had weak explanations. I thought the protagonist was overly emboldened to be rude all the time to pretty much everyone around her, including new family members she’d barely known for .5 seconds, and she was unlikeable for that reason. I had high hopes for what this story COULD’VE been but I don’t even feel like it portrayed a rejecting/abusive/emotionally absent parent particularly well or poignantly tbh. Her mom actually seemed more or less fine/average… yay for sapphic couple rep though, lol.
At first, I really liked how Caoimhe represented a kind adult in Nell’s life who took a trauma-informed lens and didn’t pathologize her - most clearly evidenced by not even batting an eye at Nell being suspended from school - but then later, when Caoimhe was all “I know you don’t have a good reason to but just trust me!” I basically felt like that relationship had shifted to being unhealthy and basically feeling like grooming or something akin to it for me. Which is too bad. I just think Nell deserved better and it kinda rang alarm bells to think the unspoken moral ended up being “just settle for this unpredictable, selfish, inconsistent adult and hope and pray for the best… again” “this is fine, right?” etc
At first, I really liked how Caoimhe represented a kind adult in Nell’s life who took a trauma-informed lens and didn’t pathologize her - most clearly evidenced by not even batting an eye at Nell being suspended from school - but then later, when Caoimhe was all “I know you don’t have a good reason to but just trust me!” I basically felt like that relationship had shifted to being unhealthy and basically feeling like grooming or something akin to it for me. Which is too bad. I just think Nell deserved better and it kinda rang alarm bells to think the unspoken moral ended up being “just settle for this unpredictable, selfish, inconsistent adult and hope and pray for the best… again” “this is fine, right?” etc
July 27, 2025
Firstly, I wouldn't call this a "spine-chilling YA horror" but rather a "scary story with darker elements that works for middle grade readers". For kids between 11 to 14, this story is the perfect level for them! The entire story is set in Ireland, but you wouldn't really know aside from the context clues of people's names and the general geography of the backgrounds. Nell is sent away to live with her rich Aunt and Uncle after being ostracized by her mother. When she gets there, she discovers that her Aunt and Uncle are even meaner than her Mother, and wants to do anything to get out of there. She ends up becoming friends with an older woman from the village below the hill, and the story takes off from there. This story was very well paced! It never lost my interest and managed to keep up the ante the entire time. It also managed to give lots of backstory without falling into the "wall of text" trap, which I greatly appreciated. The ending was very satisfying and wrapped up the story perfectly. I also really liked the art! It was always clear what was going on, and every character design felt real.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 8, 2025
This book tells the story of Nell, a bit of a rough around the edges teen girl, who is shipped off by her mother to live with some distant relatives she has never met. That's the surface story, but under the surface are layers for family trauma and a terrifying ritualistic blood sacrifice.
This was billed as a young adult horror, and I think it *could* have been that, but it just didn't live up to that description for me. I found it maybe a bit dark and spooky, but certainly not a horror.
I am glad I am not the only one who felt that the story was a bit difficult to follow at times. Graphic novels are kind of hit or miss with me in that department...so maybe it's just me and the fact that I don't read a lot of graphic novels? It's possible. The artwork was gorgeous and I loved the darker greens, blues, and blacks used throughout which really evoked a sense of the Irish island setting.
I also think that there was just too much going on in the book for the story to remain cohesive...we had difficult family dynamics, trapped ghosts, banshees, time travel, ritualistic sacrifice, a reltationship strained through time...just to name a few topics. I think the story would have been better to focus on one or two of these instead of trying to do it ALLLLL.
This was billed as a young adult horror, and I think it *could* have been that, but it just didn't live up to that description for me. I found it maybe a bit dark and spooky, but certainly not a horror.
I am glad I am not the only one who felt that the story was a bit difficult to follow at times. Graphic novels are kind of hit or miss with me in that department...so maybe it's just me and the fact that I don't read a lot of graphic novels? It's possible. The artwork was gorgeous and I loved the darker greens, blues, and blacks used throughout which really evoked a sense of the Irish island setting.
I also think that there was just too much going on in the book for the story to remain cohesive...we had difficult family dynamics, trapped ghosts, banshees, time travel, ritualistic sacrifice, a reltationship strained through time...just to name a few topics. I think the story would have been better to focus on one or two of these instead of trying to do it ALLLLL.
September 18, 2025
Family trauma built on myths and legends.
Nell's mom has always kept her at arms length, never caring for her or being interested in her. When she gets suspended from school, her ma sends her to distant relatives so she won't lounge around all semester. When she arrives she meets Caoihm, the local lighthouse keeper, who seems to be the only safe place on the island. Her relatives are mean and angry and treat Nell like a burden. Strange things are also going on around the house, cold spots and a figure she sees out of the corner of her eye.
Eventually Nell is grabbed in the middle of the night and escapes to Caoihm who sends her back in time. There she learns the true reason she was sent to her relatives, and she refuses to be used anymore.
A happy but bittersweet ending occurs, and the idea of generational trauma being broken is very much the focus of the book. Filled with beautiful images in a mostly blue/green color scheme, it brings some of Irish folklore and legends alive. While it is a good ending, it did feel like healing could only happen through time travel. Worth picking up.
copy provided by NetGalley
Nell's mom has always kept her at arms length, never caring for her or being interested in her. When she gets suspended from school, her ma sends her to distant relatives so she won't lounge around all semester. When she arrives she meets Caoihm, the local lighthouse keeper, who seems to be the only safe place on the island. Her relatives are mean and angry and treat Nell like a burden. Strange things are also going on around the house, cold spots and a figure she sees out of the corner of her eye.
Eventually Nell is grabbed in the middle of the night and escapes to Caoihm who sends her back in time. There she learns the true reason she was sent to her relatives, and she refuses to be used anymore.
A happy but bittersweet ending occurs, and the idea of generational trauma being broken is very much the focus of the book. Filled with beautiful images in a mostly blue/green color scheme, it brings some of Irish folklore and legends alive. While it is a good ending, it did feel like healing could only happen through time travel. Worth picking up.
copy provided by NetGalley
June 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!
This graphic novel is being marketed as “spine-chilling YA horror” and honestly, I would not say that.
While I enjoyed the novel, I definitely wouldn’t call it “horror.” The novel mainly focused on the characters and their relationships and not much on the town lore—which I think would have added to the “horror” part of it. I think if you want to call this a horror graphic novel, it would be closer to middle grade, not YA.
There was a big focus on family trauma and strained relationships. There was also a time travel element. I really liked the illustrations, though they gave off more cozy vibes instead of horror vibes. I thought the ending was cute!!
Overall, if you’re looking for a real horror graphic novel, this is probably not it. However, if you want a graphic novel that focuses on trauma and weird family generational rituals with cute illustrations, you will probably enjoy this one! There’s also a cute old sapphic couple!
This graphic novel is being marketed as “spine-chilling YA horror” and honestly, I would not say that.
While I enjoyed the novel, I definitely wouldn’t call it “horror.” The novel mainly focused on the characters and their relationships and not much on the town lore—which I think would have added to the “horror” part of it. I think if you want to call this a horror graphic novel, it would be closer to middle grade, not YA.
There was a big focus on family trauma and strained relationships. There was also a time travel element. I really liked the illustrations, though they gave off more cozy vibes instead of horror vibes. I thought the ending was cute!!
Overall, if you’re looking for a real horror graphic novel, this is probably not it. However, if you want a graphic novel that focuses on trauma and weird family generational rituals with cute illustrations, you will probably enjoy this one! There’s also a cute old sapphic couple!
July 9, 2025
Cry Out Loud is an enchanting graphic novel that beautifully weaves together Irish folklore, inclusivity, and heart. O’Connor draws deeply from Irish legend, bringing spirits and tales to life in a way that feels both authentic and fresh. The folklore elements are woven seamlessly into the story, lending it an otherworldly charm that captivates from start to finish.
I really appreciated the inclusion of a pronunciation guide for Irish names. It was a considerate gesture that shows respect for the culture and invites readers to engage more deeply with the story’s heritage.
This graphic novel shines in its inclusivity. The cast feels vibrant and real. The weaving of Irish traditions with modern, open-minded storytelling creates a world that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Overall, Cry Out Loud is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully crafted tale that honors Irish folklore while embracing representation and inclusion. A vivid, engaging read for anyone who loves magic, culture, and inclusive storytelling.
I really appreciated the inclusion of a pronunciation guide for Irish names. It was a considerate gesture that shows respect for the culture and invites readers to engage more deeply with the story’s heritage.
This graphic novel shines in its inclusivity. The cast feels vibrant and real. The weaving of Irish traditions with modern, open-minded storytelling creates a world that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Overall, Cry Out Loud is a beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully crafted tale that honors Irish folklore while embracing representation and inclusion. A vivid, engaging read for anyone who loves magic, culture, and inclusive storytelling.
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