In the thrilling, witchy sequel to Over My Dead Body, Abigail fights to clear her name as strange occurrences continue to plague Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft—a spooky teen graphic novel perfect for fans of Wednesday Addams and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina!
Months after Abigail and her friends thwarted a dark magic ritual that threatened to destroy Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft, new dangers and long-buried secrets bubble to the surface.
As autumn turns to winter, a mysterious rune-dotted fissure has appeared in the school grounds, and no one from the Coven is able to seal it—no matter how powerful their magic is. Even worse, it’s believed this fissure is the source of hazardous tremors that continue to rip through the grounds, threatening the institute’s very foundation. Abigail is certain this is all her fault and hatches a plan to seal the fissure herself, but when her ritual goes sideways, she awakens a long-dormant entity hellbent on revenge. To put things right, Abigail will need to unearth the true history of Younwity Institute and, just maybe, unravel the secrets of her own forgotten past along the way.
Sweeney is a comic artist and illustrator living in Montreal, Canada. She grew up in the southwest of France, where she studied graphic design and listened to really loud rock music. She started working as a comic letterer and colorist for french publishers right after graduation, while pursuing her dream of being a comic artist. In 2015 she made the decision to move to Canada. One short year after the big jump across the ocean she started working at a mobile game company as a 2D Artist. She never lost sight of her true dream though, so she continued to draw comics during the nights and weekends. Her comic debut happened during the summer 2016 when she created a cover and a short story for Rat Queens (Image Comics). Later on, in December 2016 she launched a Kickstarter campaign for her first graphic novel called "Eat, and Love Yourself", a 150-page story about eating disorders, depression, body dysmorphia, and ultimately self-love; a subject really important to her. The book was financed and picked up by Boom! Studios in 2019, for publication in 2020. In 2017, she had the chance to work on the costume designs of America Chavez, Inferno, and Patriot for the show "Marvel Rising", combining two of her favorite things, fashion and superheroes. Today Sweeney lives a happy, full time freelance life of drawing all day, watching of true crime shows and eating lots of nice cheeses. All the while being kept company by her feline assistant Loki, who doesn't do much except sit pretty while being a fluff. Sweeney loves drawings edgy fashion ladies, especially if they are witches.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wish I had known going in that this was the second book in a series. It always throws me off when that isn’t clearly stated on NetGalley. I started the story feeling a bit disoriented because it was obvious there were events and relationships established in the first book that I hadn’t experienced. That said, even without having read the previous installment, I was still able to follow along and enjoy this one for what it was.
The artwork is genuinely beautiful. I loved the color palette and the overall art style added so much personality and atmosphere to the story. Visually, it was a standout and definitely one of the strongest aspects of the book.
My main issue was with the climax. We spend the majority of the story building toward this confrontation, uncovering the mystery behind the earthquakes and building up the villain as a major threat. But when the final battle finally happens, it’s over almost instantly. There’s no real struggle, no extended fight, just a quick defeat that made all the buildup feel a little anticlimactic. The hype for that moment unfortunately fell flat for me.
Overall, it wasn’t a hard story to follow, and I did enjoy parts of it, especially the art, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it a standout or a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
More like 3.5 stars. I’d like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved the first volume in this series and couldn’t out it down. The visual art of it was stunning and totally made the story. This book while the same in that matter, I found the story this time to be a little slower but still overall kept my attention. I hope there will be more volumes in this series.
I'm so grateful Harper Collins Children's Books/Harper Alley gave me a chance to read SPEAK OF THE DEVIL. I requested it on NetGalley solely based on the cover art, and am delighted to share that the haunting, creepy, and beautiful art of the cover permeates the graphic novel in its entirety.
What I did not do was read the description closely, which indicates this comic is a sequel. Oops. Because of this, it felt like I was missing out on a huge chunk of something special--characters mention it; it's a precursor to the current events in the story--in other words, you need to read the first book in order for this one to be a completely fulfilling story.
Not that this book was hard to follow. It starts with a flashback to a Salem Witch Trials-adjacent town where a family is persecuted for witchcraft and a great tragedy leads to madness and a loss of control of powers, and...murder. Fast forward to present day Younwity Institute, and there are a slew of significant problems plaguing this witchcraft school--earthquakes, flooding, and a mysterious fissure that has appeared in the ground that is causing students --a specific kind--to disappear. It ties to lead character Abigail, who is descended from the mysterious young woman who appears in the old flashbacks (like 1600s or so). Anyway, Abigail feels guilt for all of this stuff happening, believing it to be the result of the events in the first book, and she tries to close the fissure, but only makes things worse. In investigating what happened (including disappearing a student), this leads to mystery after mystery, including strange visions, and a haunting lullaby that appears and reappears.
Because I didn't read the first book, there was some stuff (worldbuilding and character relationships) that flew over my head. So let me reiterate, you HAVE to read the first book, OVER MY DEAD BODY, to get a clear understanding of what's happening and how deep everything goes. Despite my lack of knowledge, I enjoyed this comic. I liked the familiars the characters had (Abigail's hairless cat is particularly fun), and I liked that all of the magic had risks to it and was a little bit on the darker side. There is a rich history to this series that is touched upon here, but again, I think would come out fully if I'd read the first book. Which I'm running to do right now.
Due to beautiful art, a great mood, interesting worldbuilding, and likeable characters, I'm rating this book four stars. I hope I get the same wonderful experience reading OVER MY DEAD BODY as I had reading SPEAK OF THE DEVIL.
It has been almost two years since I read Sweeney Boo's Over My Dead Body and so, admittedly, some of the plot aspects have sort of slipped my mind. As a result of that, even with the brief summary, it felt a little odd stepping back into this world, especially since the book begins with an out of context flashback that I fully did not understand the purpose of or relation for. The character reintroduction jogged my memory a bit, though Enver I truly could not place, and I was able to reorient myself a bit.
From there, the story was intriguing enough—some sort of rift that is causing tremors and all sorts of problems in the school, caused by the events of the previous book and one that the main character has been sneaking out every night to try and close. This leads to a series of missteps that put everyone in danger and somehow links back to that event at the start of the book—though, I'll be honest, I'm not super clear on how it all connects—and then is
There is something so incredibly beautiful and striking about Sweeney Boo’s artwork: The angles of the character’s faces, the distinct differences and personalities between every individual, and the gorgeous coloring that makes it all come to life. I love it all and literally can’t stop once I’ve started reading it.
Over My Dead Body was one of those books that I recommended so much when I first read it that people got tired of hearing me say it. And I still tell people to read it to this day, but it’s nice to have a sequel to be able to talk about. It’ll make me unbearable once again and I have zero qualms about doing it.
There really is nothing better than queer witches on a mission to save their academy. It gives The Worst Witch in all of the best ways. If you haven’t seen the Fairuza Balk and Tim Curry movie from 1986 or the 3 season television show starring Bella Ramsey in 2017, you need to watch them. Similar vibes, but much less queerness, which I live for.
One of my favorite parts of the first book was getting to meet the familiars. Each one is distinctly different, not only in species, but in personality. How you can make a frog shy, a cat grumpy, and a raccoon inquisitive with just the stroke of a pen will always keep me in awe. Each one is picked perfectly to coincide with their witch. I’m sorry to say it (not actually), but it’s practically perfect in every way!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC.
Book 2️⃣, a YA graphic novel sequel to Over My Dead Body by @sweeneyboo 🧙🏻♀️ Abigail returns to Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft only to find the school once again under threat. As autumn fades into winter, a mysterious rune-covered fissure opens on campus, triggering dangerous tremors no witch can stop. Believing she’s to blame, Abigail attempts a risky spell that accidentally awakens an ancient, vengeful entity. To save the institute, and herself, she must uncover Younwity’s buried history and confront long-hidden truths about her own past. 🔥 I loved how this installment leans hard into a wintry, eerie atmosphere in a dark academia setting: the creeping cold, cracked ground, and shadowy magic make the stakes feel even higher. I’m a fan of all things Sweeney Boo and the artwork is absolutely gorgeous, with expressive characters, rich color palettes, and cozy-spooky visuals that perfectly match the season. Just as powerful as the magic, though, are the friendships: the bond between Abigail and her friends feels authentic, supportive, and emotionally grounding, making this a sequel that’s as heartfelt as it is haunting. I’m hoping for another installment too! This title releases March 3.
CW: death, murder, fire, persecution, parental death
Pacing was a bit slower than in book 1, but still very good. 4.25 ⭐️
I received a copy from HarperAlley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Younwity, a secret school of magic, is still reeling from the events that nearly destroyed the entire place. Most people just want things to settle so they can move on, but a strange fissure has appeared and no one can close it. What’s worse is that the fissure is slowly breaking down the school grounds!
I absolutely loved the first volume, so I was extremely excited when I saw that volume two was on the way! Unfortunately, the story was all over the place. I think it was an interesting concept that could’ve worked, but it might’ve needed a whole new setting and characters rather than reopening an existing story. I even reread the first volume since it’d been a while and I still felt like I stepped into a new world that just happened to have the same characters.
While it wasn’t my favorite read, I still enjoyed the artwork and seeing how Abigail’s friendships have grown and become even stronger. I just wish the story itself was executed better on top of having a more solid and clear ending. It wasn’t a bad read, and if you’ve read the first book, I urge you to pick this up. Just head in knowing that it has a completely different vibe.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Speak of the Devil continues the witchy adventure right where the first book left off. The story opens in a past village deeply opposed to witchcraft, setting a dark tone before time-skipping back to the present-day witch institute.
The transition is smooth, and the narrative picks up the ongoing threads without missing a beat. This installment expands the world with an even larger cast of characters and a deeper magical mystery centered around the unsettling Fissures appearing at the institute. Magic is used not just for spellcasting but for investigating and understanding the source of these disturbances, giving the plot a strong supernatural-mystery vibe.
The comic is enjoyable especially for readers who love witchcraft, magical schools, and returning to familiar characters.
My only critique is that the main antagonist’s motivations felt strange and didn’t land as strongly as the rest of the story. But aside from that, it’s another fun addition to this magical series.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4 ⭐
This volume shifts in tone compared to the first, though it maintains the core themes of rebellion and friendship. Younwity institute has just as many secrets and problems as always, a fissure has appeared along with a unknown entity. Abigail and friends must once again confront the dangers and mysteries looming at their school. She must uncover secrets not only about Younwity but also about her own past.
The art is just as stunning as Over my Dead Body. After switching back to present time, it took me a moment to refamiliarize myself with the characters.I did prefer the first volume, I didn't find the ending of volume two to wrap up as well. I found this volume to be all over the place and the main antagonist was never fully developed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Over My Dead Body by this author. It was a pleasant surprise to find out there was a sequel to it! This story has all the elements I love: Historical fiction, witches, found family, magical school, a dark academia atmosphere. I really enjoyed the historical aspect that was brought into the story. Learning more about the characters as well as the school’s past added so much to the world and story. The writing and art style are incredibly atmospheric and immersive. The visuals of the school grounds are breathtaking. The characters are very well written. I love the world that this is set in. I would honestly read more in it, if there is another book in the works. But the story wraps up nicely. The winter setting is perfect for the eerie mystery. I highly recommend this graphic novel series for lovers of witches, dark academia, found family, and a dash of historical fiction.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review!*
First, I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for access to the ARC of Speak of the Devil. I absolutely devoured Over My Dead Body, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I picked up the second one, pushing it to the top of my list of ARCs.
And now that I have finished it, I can officially say that I loved this one even more than I loved the first one. This story continues with the crew from book 1, but focuses more on the Younwity history as well as the history of a family of witches from the 1600s.
Just like the first book, the series continues developing the importance of friendships and how friends become family. However, the familiars stepped into a larger role this book and I was *unwell.* (aka I cried, but it’s fine. I’m fine. Everything is fine.)
I am still left with questions at the end of the story, but questions that I want to spend time investing in. I hope that we continue with the series and end up with more books in the series.
Speak of the Devil is a sequel to the graphic novel Over my Dead Body. I was thrown off by the opening in the Salem witch trials. We are then thrown into the world from the first book, but it was difficult for me to figure out the exact timeline of when the current setting was. I read the first book within the last year but I still found myself forgetting the plot that was referenced in the sequel. A magical rift has opened outside the school, and the group of student witches work to seal it back up. People start falling into the rift and the girls are under suspicion by the school leaders. They must find a way to save the school and those who have fallen in. The art was definitely the standout of this book, and I enjoyed some of the characters' storylines, but overall it didn't quite fit together for me. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Harper Collins / Harper Alley for the eARC.
Now here are my thoughts & review:
Overall I still love the illustrations — they really bring the story to life and then some. I enjoy following the characters on their journey to discover the truth about Younwity institute. I did like the first in the series more than the second, but I also wouldn’t mind if this series continued (maybe focusing on other secrets not necessarily tied to the institute or maybe what happens if they don’t make it thru their senior year).
It reminded me much of the first bc the Younwity students are somewhat at odds with the Coven. I do think the first one was a little more surprising/shocking/intriguing.
Definitely was excited to read and enjoyed it! I do believe this one has more spells involved which is nice to see. I would love to watch an animated series of this as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collin's Children's books for an arc of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!
I really enjoyed the first graphic novel in this series and I was excited to pick this one up. I love the vibes of this series, it was witchy and mysterious but also with cute teenage hijinks. I liked this installment a little less than the first book though, I felt like there was a point to be made about found family and friendship but that it wasn't really ironed out. Like where did those candles come from? The story of the ancestor was interesting but with the hazy flashbacks meant to keep you guessing, I feel like I really didn't get a good grasp of her character or understand what was happening. I enjoy the art a lot and I love the idea, but I felt it could have used some more fleshing out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
I recently read the first book in this series a few months ago so thankfully most of the story was still in my memory. The art is just as beautiful and vibrant as the last volume.
I think I had an issue with the pacing here. I liked the idea of the witch legacy going back to the witch trials but it felt like the plot points were very rushed. There are hints of romance and relationships so don’t go into this thinking they will be in there. Again I really enjoyed this continuation and I like how we have an open ending to have another book. Just felt like there was something missing in the story.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Volume 2 has gorgeous art, as did volume 1. I was a bit lost at the beginning but quickly got into the story. It has been a few years since I read volume 1 and look forward to the next volume!
Autumn is turning to winter and a mysterious fissure appears and students are disappearing. They professors have tried to seal it but no luckr. So Abigail and her friends try to close the fissure themselves and has unleashed something from the past. Now they must figure out how everything is tied together to close the fissure and keep everyone safe.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations, a visual feast! I did not read the first book and did not realize this was a sequel but it didn't take away too much from the story, it was still easy to jump in and enjoy the ride, but of course, do read the first book first!!! This particular one, I can describe as Puritans meets Hogwarts.
I do think art + characters + story, it's a book that would definitely get older tweens and teens to read all the way through (the main metric for how I rate books here) but deducting a star because as gorgeous as the art was, it often felt repetitive.
As with the first volume, the drawings are a real treat for the eyes. From the line art and colours to the choices of composition and perspective… I absolutely loved everything visually. Going back to Younwity Institute almost felt like coming home—there’s something so cosy about the place, despite all its dangers. I truly liked the quotes from Emily Dickinson’s poem. Also, Seymour was as lovely as ever (oh how I missed that diva!). The plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, though I suppose it works for the YA genre. I wouldn’t mind if a third book was on the way…
Huge thanks to my sister for the recommendation and to HarperAlley via NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlley, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a continuation of a spooky, witchy graphic novel that began in Over My Dead Body. This volume is just as gorgeously illustrated as the first one and is as well written, interesting, and unique as the first one has been. The story began with a Salem witch trial flashback and continues with another problem that the Younwity Institute of magic faces. I really enjoyed returning to Younwity and spending time with the characters.
This author knocked it out of the park with the return to Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft and its beloved band of characters. The art is stellar and really captures the magical feel of the story. I will say that the overall plot and the antagonist's motives felt weaker and rushed compared to the first book and I had a hard time following what was going on in some parts. However, I still really enjoyed this and I think those who love all things witchy and spooky will too.
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it did take me a minute to remember what happened and who everyone was. But once I caught back up, I was, once again, entranced by the atmospheric setting. I would read 1000 witchy graphic novels from Sweeney Boo. The tone is exactly right and the witchy world is so satisfying. This is another great vibey graphic novel, best served by reading immediately after the first.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy of this book!
I enjoyed the continuation of the story in this and the friendships that we get to see develop. However the parts set in the past were almost unbearable to read with the overuse of "old timey" language like thy and thine, but overall it's mostly in the present so I enjoyed those bits more.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
The story starts off pretty dark. The atmosphere is filled with winter days, magic, and mysteries. The art caught my eye from the first part, and honestly, it’s just as gorgeous here, really nice to look at. The story is light, a bit cliché, but perfect for an evening read.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC. The first GN was great, and it was nice seeing Abby back with her friends and seeing the magic develop more. Though there could have been a bit more explanation on the magical system and a moment of ordinary teen witch time
First of all thank you to NetGalley and Sweeney Boo. Such a good follow-up to the first book. I enjoyed the glimpse into the past, which gave us more insight to what’s happening present day. All the characters are so fun and we get to meet a few new ones up close. Definitely recommend checking this one out.
In this second book of the series, Abigail is once again in the middle of a mystery that threatens the school. This time, there are earthquakes causing strange rifts into another world. Abigail seems to be tied to what’s happening and so she must venture deeper into the school’s secrets in order to save everyone.
The artwork in this continues to be a standout of the series. The plot moves along nicely although I didn’t find myself as engaged as I was compared to the first. I really would have liked to have seen more between Abigail and the villain. Although it’s possible to read this as a standalone, I’d recommend reading from the first book to get a better understanding of Abigail and her friends and the dynamic they have with the adults.
This is enjoyable enough that I will probably continue the series. Young adult readers who are interested in witches, magic, and mysteries will like reading this as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the advanced copy.