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Steam
A genius humanoid escapes the university lab where she was made and gets a job at a local coffee shop in this “hilarious...excellent” (School Library Journal, starred review) young adult graphic novel perfect for fans of Giant Days and Heartstopper.
Ruby is a genius humanoid who was grown in a secret lab at the local university, created to solve science’s greatest problems. But Ruby suspects she can’t fulfill her function while trapped inside, so she breaks out.
Now living among humans, Ruby attempts to lie low and fit in as a barista at the university coffeehouse, Inkcap. Working there gives her plenty of opportunity to figure out what problems people need solving. And as far as she can tell, most humans’ biggest problem is struggling to find happiness. And what makes them happy? Love! So, Ruby uses her superpowered brain to play cupid.
As Ruby sets to work pairing up the staff and regulars at Inkcap, she feels more and more human she’s got a community now, maybe even a crush. But the lab believes she’s dangerous, and it wants her back. When pursuing her own happiness leads Ruby straight into a trap, she’ll need her new motley crew of coffeehouse friends to save her from the scientist who only want to use her.
Ruby is a genius humanoid who was grown in a secret lab at the local university, created to solve science’s greatest problems. But Ruby suspects she can’t fulfill her function while trapped inside, so she breaks out.
Now living among humans, Ruby attempts to lie low and fit in as a barista at the university coffeehouse, Inkcap. Working there gives her plenty of opportunity to figure out what problems people need solving. And as far as she can tell, most humans’ biggest problem is struggling to find happiness. And what makes them happy? Love! So, Ruby uses her superpowered brain to play cupid.
As Ruby sets to work pairing up the staff and regulars at Inkcap, she feels more and more human she’s got a community now, maybe even a crush. But the lab believes she’s dangerous, and it wants her back. When pursuing her own happiness leads Ruby straight into a trap, she’ll need her new motley crew of coffeehouse friends to save her from the scientist who only want to use her.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
10 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 25, 2025
Super cute sapphic romance graphic novel set at a coffee shop with an escaped, genius lab-grown girl! Ruby is hiding out, working in a coffee shop and trying to match people up and use her genius to help them find love. But the professor who created her is determined to track her down and get her back. Meanwhile she builds a community and becomes close to one of her co-workers. It's fun and charming with adorable art. Definitely one to pick up! I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
August 25, 2025
• My Reading Experience: Enjoyed!!
• Book Spice: None
• Content Thoughts:
Shaenon is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA graphic novel authors. I really enjoy her plotlines and the way she structures a story—it almost feels like stepping back into the cartoons I loved as a kid, but with a fresh twist.
This particular book gave me such a fun mix of vibes: part Lilo & Stitch, part Stranger Things, and part Maximum Ride by James Patterson. That “escaped from the lab” storyline is familiar but handled here in a way that’s lighthearted and easy to fall into.
The pacing is quick, making it a perfect one-sitting read. It’s not overly complicated or weighed down, and I found myself rooting for the FMC the whole time, hoping she would get the happy ending she deserved.
Overall, this was a fun, light read that made me smile. I’ll definitely keep picking up more of Shaenon’s work.
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
• Book Spice: None
• Content Thoughts:
Shaenon is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA graphic novel authors. I really enjoy her plotlines and the way she structures a story—it almost feels like stepping back into the cartoons I loved as a kid, but with a fresh twist.
This particular book gave me such a fun mix of vibes: part Lilo & Stitch, part Stranger Things, and part Maximum Ride by James Patterson. That “escaped from the lab” storyline is familiar but handled here in a way that’s lighthearted and easy to fall into.
The pacing is quick, making it a perfect one-sitting read. It’s not overly complicated or weighed down, and I found myself rooting for the FMC the whole time, hoping she would get the happy ending she deserved.
Overall, this was a fun, light read that made me smile. I’ll definitely keep picking up more of Shaenon’s work.
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
☕ Arc review ☕
Releases February 3 2026
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, NetGalley, and of course Shaenon
Ruby is a genius humanoid who was grown in a secret lab at the local university, created to solve science’s greatest problems. But Ruby suspects she can’t fulfill her function while trapped inside, so she breaks out.
Now living among humans, Ruby attempts to lie low and fit in as a barista at the university coffeehouse, Inkcap. Working there gives her plenty of opportunity to figure out what problems people need solving. And as far as she can tell, most humans’ biggest problem is struggling to find happiness. And what makes them happy? Love! So, Ruby uses her superpowered brain to play cupid.
I enjoyed reading Steam and watching Ruby figure herself out. This book was sweet and heartwarming. I always enjoy Shaenon's graphic novels.
Releases February 3 2026
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, NetGalley, and of course Shaenon
Ruby is a genius humanoid who was grown in a secret lab at the local university, created to solve science’s greatest problems. But Ruby suspects she can’t fulfill her function while trapped inside, so she breaks out.
Now living among humans, Ruby attempts to lie low and fit in as a barista at the university coffeehouse, Inkcap. Working there gives her plenty of opportunity to figure out what problems people need solving. And as far as she can tell, most humans’ biggest problem is struggling to find happiness. And what makes them happy? Love! So, Ruby uses her superpowered brain to play cupid.
I enjoyed reading Steam and watching Ruby figure herself out. This book was sweet and heartwarming. I always enjoy Shaenon's graphic novels.
August 21, 2025
For fans of Giant Days, Heartstopper and Stranger Things comes a new YA sapphic graphic novel.
🤖
RB aka Ruby has escaped from the laboratory that she was being held and now she lives among the humans. Ruby takes a job at a coffeehouse as a barista and her one goal is to solve problems for people. What better place to do it than near the university she escaped where people go for their daily dose of caffeine? It’s there she meets her coworker who tries to help Ruby with her moral center to do the right thing. When a private investigator shows up to take Ruby away, her new friends hatch a plan to break her out again.
🔬
This was such a joy to read! I found it to be funny, cute and a unique storyline I haven’t seen yet. The crush and subsequent relationship is very tame, despite the title (which refers to the ☕️ coffee steam, people!) I have so many students who I’ll recommend this to when it releases February 3!
CW: confinement, violence, fire, data mining
🤖
RB aka Ruby has escaped from the laboratory that she was being held and now she lives among the humans. Ruby takes a job at a coffeehouse as a barista and her one goal is to solve problems for people. What better place to do it than near the university she escaped where people go for their daily dose of caffeine? It’s there she meets her coworker who tries to help Ruby with her moral center to do the right thing. When a private investigator shows up to take Ruby away, her new friends hatch a plan to break her out again.
🔬
This was such a joy to read! I found it to be funny, cute and a unique storyline I haven’t seen yet. The crush and subsequent relationship is very tame, despite the title (which refers to the ☕️ coffee steam, people!) I have so many students who I’ll recommend this to when it releases February 3!
CW: confinement, violence, fire, data mining
March 10, 2026
Cute sapphic romance with a side of genetic testing on humans… perfect for a morning read over a cup of coffee. Especially when the majority of the story takes place at a busy university coffee shop.
Ruby is a genius-level humanoid who was grown in a lab as part of an experiment to help solve all of the world’s problems. But when you have such brilliant research subjects, they can outsmart even the most intelligent people. Being trapped within a tiny room, never being allowed to see the world can be suffocating. Which is exactly why she breaks out.
Trying to slip into anonymity as a barista at one of the local coffee shops may just be the perfect disguise. In a university campus, there has to be dozens, if not more, of places to blend in to. Inkcap Coffeehouse is a small business that roasts and brews their own beans (which makes the flavor all the more better - this coming from an ex-barista of 10+ years) and the perfect place to observe. It’s also the perfect place to meet a great cast of characters.
I love a found family and seeing as how Ruby is lab-grown, she doesn’t have a birth family… I think. So the coffeehouse crew was perfect: A grumpy owner, the knowledgeable teacher-esque older barista (and love interest), eccentric patrons, and even an spy sent to retrieve her who ends up being won over to their cause in the long run.
The story was sweet and a quick read for anyone who loves love.
Thank you to Simon Teen for my gifted copy of the book.
Ruby is a genius-level humanoid who was grown in a lab as part of an experiment to help solve all of the world’s problems. But when you have such brilliant research subjects, they can outsmart even the most intelligent people. Being trapped within a tiny room, never being allowed to see the world can be suffocating. Which is exactly why she breaks out.
Trying to slip into anonymity as a barista at one of the local coffee shops may just be the perfect disguise. In a university campus, there has to be dozens, if not more, of places to blend in to. Inkcap Coffeehouse is a small business that roasts and brews their own beans (which makes the flavor all the more better - this coming from an ex-barista of 10+ years) and the perfect place to observe. It’s also the perfect place to meet a great cast of characters.
I love a found family and seeing as how Ruby is lab-grown, she doesn’t have a birth family… I think. So the coffeehouse crew was perfect: A grumpy owner, the knowledgeable teacher-esque older barista (and love interest), eccentric patrons, and even an spy sent to retrieve her who ends up being won over to their cause in the long run.
The story was sweet and a quick read for anyone who loves love.
Thank you to Simon Teen for my gifted copy of the book.
February 4, 2026
THIS WAS SO FUCKING CUTE WHAT THE FUCK!!!! /pos
god i love graphic novels.
god.
anyways i’m very into this art style. everyone’s vibes were so fun. and not going to lie… all of the men slapped so hard. it helped that they were 1) a nerdy kinda pathetic professor who’s down BAD for a mean coffeeshop owner and 2) a suave but also kinda pathetic detective. anyways. wow.
i loved the found family, i loved silliness, i loved the absurd plans. but mostly i just loved the art. because art is life man.
this has been, graphic novel love, by bindi
god i love graphic novels.
god.
anyways i’m very into this art style. everyone’s vibes were so fun. and not going to lie… all of the men slapped so hard. it helped that they were 1) a nerdy kinda pathetic professor who’s down BAD for a mean coffeeshop owner and 2) a suave but also kinda pathetic detective. anyways. wow.
i loved the found family, i loved silliness, i loved the absurd plans. but mostly i just loved the art. because art is life man.
this has been, graphic novel love, by bindi
November 10, 2025
The first thing that caught my attention was the cover, then the blurb.
It’s such an adorable story, very easy to read. It’s about an escaped lab experiment designed to fix problems, working at a coffee shop, who devices plan to make people happy.
It has a bit of pining, found family and matchmaking. Well worth the read.
Thank you to Shaenon K. Garrity, Simon and Schuester Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
It’s such an adorable story, very easy to read. It’s about an escaped lab experiment designed to fix problems, working at a coffee shop, who devices plan to make people happy.
It has a bit of pining, found family and matchmaking. Well worth the read.
Thank you to Shaenon K. Garrity, Simon and Schuester Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
February 3, 2026
This was my first graphic novel by Shaenon K. Garrity, and my first ya graphic novel in awhile, but I am absolutely sure that it won't be my last. This is an adorable story of a escaped laboratory experiment who ends up in a coffee shop using her powers for good to help people find happiness, aka: love.
This was a fun and quick read with surprisingly well developed characters and themes. I loved Ruby and her quest to help others and find a place she belongs. The found family aspect of this was an added bonus.
As a middle grade teacher, I think this is an awesome intro to sapphic lit for tweens and early teens who are looking for crushes and exploring their feelings without being ready for a more mature relationship. It also does a great job of exploring themes of belonging, what happiness is, and what it means to be human. I loved it as an adult reader, but I know that my students are going to devour this as well. I will absolutely be purchasing this title for my classroom.
The illustrations by Emily Holden bring Garrity's story to life in a light and whimsical way that absolutely captures the vibes of the writing.
This is a must read for fans of ya graphic novels and middle grade sapphic stories.
Thank you to Simon Teen and NetGalley for this eArc. This is my own personal review.
This was a fun and quick read with surprisingly well developed characters and themes. I loved Ruby and her quest to help others and find a place she belongs. The found family aspect of this was an added bonus.
As a middle grade teacher, I think this is an awesome intro to sapphic lit for tweens and early teens who are looking for crushes and exploring their feelings without being ready for a more mature relationship. It also does a great job of exploring themes of belonging, what happiness is, and what it means to be human. I loved it as an adult reader, but I know that my students are going to devour this as well. I will absolutely be purchasing this title for my classroom.
The illustrations by Emily Holden bring Garrity's story to life in a light and whimsical way that absolutely captures the vibes of the writing.
This is a must read for fans of ya graphic novels and middle grade sapphic stories.
Thank you to Simon Teen and NetGalley for this eArc. This is my own personal review.
January 24, 2026
Steam was such a wonderful read. I loved the premise that a genius humanoid escapes from a lab and instead of causing chaos like expected she just wanted to find a way to make everyone happy. Oh and she works at a coffee shop. The found family aspect with that was surprisingly sweet. As was Ruby’s relationship with her coworker Mira. Although at times I wished for a little more detail, I enjoyed the story and there was even a twist I didn’t see coming. As for the art, it was stunning! I loved the bright colors and simplistic style. It kept me engaged the whole time.
*I received an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.*
*I received an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.*
November 7, 2025
Steam is such a masterful collaboration between writer Shaenon K. Garrett and illustrator Emily Holden. The powerful character driven story and gorgeous color pallet mixed with the fun and quirky illustrative style make for something that I personally want to read again and again and again! This book has an active and exciting plot, but is so clearly this beautiful exploration of the human condition, being made to think, feel, and process differently, and how isolating that can leave someone. While this is on its face a tale about an experiment created in a lab, escaped out into the world and running amok, it can be interpreted a lot deeper than that. This dual understanding of the story makes this a fantastic read for all ages from children to adults.
I personally see the parallels between someone with autism or neurodivergence. Our character see things in black and white and wants to fix what’s in front of her through step by step processes, but learns the power of NOT being perfect, allowing people to FEEL messy feelings, and wading through the messy shades of grey in life.
Especially relatable were the feelings of isolation our main character felt. It was so painful to see the scientists locking her up insisting to her face that they were there to help her make the best decisions for herself, and to watch her question whether that was th case. I think that is the situation for so many neurodivergent or just “DIFFERENT” folks who are so often forced into boxes and certain ways of being for the comfort of those around them.
This is a queer romance, a story about the power of friendship and accepting people as they are, and has SO many vibrantly funny moments and characters, ON TOP OF banger quotes throughout.
I truly can’t emphasize enough how much this book made me FEEL, reflect, and want to get lost in this beautifully designed world. This is an ultimate comfort read and I’ll certainly be buying a copy ASAP and recommending to friends and library patrons alike !!!!
I personally see the parallels between someone with autism or neurodivergence. Our character see things in black and white and wants to fix what’s in front of her through step by step processes, but learns the power of NOT being perfect, allowing people to FEEL messy feelings, and wading through the messy shades of grey in life.
Especially relatable were the feelings of isolation our main character felt. It was so painful to see the scientists locking her up insisting to her face that they were there to help her make the best decisions for herself, and to watch her question whether that was th case. I think that is the situation for so many neurodivergent or just “DIFFERENT” folks who are so often forced into boxes and certain ways of being for the comfort of those around them.
This is a queer romance, a story about the power of friendship and accepting people as they are, and has SO many vibrantly funny moments and characters, ON TOP OF banger quotes throughout.
I truly can’t emphasize enough how much this book made me FEEL, reflect, and want to get lost in this beautifully designed world. This is an ultimate comfort read and I’ll certainly be buying a copy ASAP and recommending to friends and library patrons alike !!!!
December 16, 2025
I could not put this down!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the advanced reader copy! #SteamGN #SimonTeenInfluencer
Here is my genuine review:
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. It mostly takes place at a coffee shop (idky but I really like coffee related scenarios lol) and I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters.
This graphic novel is full of comedy (I actually laughed) and pure fun!
Ruby as the main character was lovely — and the supporting characters also added much respected dimension to the book!
I love quirkiness of it all.
I also appreciate the sapphic romance here.
Very appropriate and fun for YA (and even adult) audiences!
Highly recommend!!
Thank you to Simon Teen for the advanced reader copy! #SteamGN #SimonTeenInfluencer
Here is my genuine review:
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. It mostly takes place at a coffee shop (idky but I really like coffee related scenarios lol) and I thoroughly enjoyed each of the characters.
This graphic novel is full of comedy (I actually laughed) and pure fun!
Ruby as the main character was lovely — and the supporting characters also added much respected dimension to the book!
I love quirkiness of it all.
I also appreciate the sapphic romance here.
Very appropriate and fun for YA (and even adult) audiences!
Highly recommend!!
August 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
This story was so cute! Our main character is a scientifically created teenager who was made to live in a lab and crunch numbers at a level that regular humans can't. Her overall directive is to "fix" things. When we jump into the story, she has already escaped the lab and is working at a coffee shop. That was a bit jarring to me. I wished I could have seen her escape and seen her process to find the job. It was odd to me that she already had it.
The characters and art were adorable! I truly loved each character and the family they were creating at this coffee shop. The plot was a bit meh to me. The stakes were low, but the moral lesson was great, and I think teenagers could get a lot out of reading this story.
Overall, a fun read, and I look forward to even more graphic novel stories from Garrity!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This story was so cute! Our main character is a scientifically created teenager who was made to live in a lab and crunch numbers at a level that regular humans can't. Her overall directive is to "fix" things. When we jump into the story, she has already escaped the lab and is working at a coffee shop. That was a bit jarring to me. I wished I could have seen her escape and seen her process to find the job. It was odd to me that she already had it.
The characters and art were adorable! I truly loved each character and the family they were creating at this coffee shop. The plot was a bit meh to me. The stakes were low, but the moral lesson was great, and I think teenagers could get a lot out of reading this story.
Overall, a fun read, and I look forward to even more graphic novel stories from Garrity!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
This was so cute! I loved the bright art style, the found family, and the questions about what makes us human were so well captured! Ruby is a humanoid who has escaped a secret lab on campus where she was grown and is working at a coffee shop trying to answer the age old question of what will make humans happy.
While working at this coffee shop she meets a host of different people, and decides matchmaking and love are the answer. While she makes a few good matches, a co-worker catches her and challenges her to think about things deeper than just a simple calculation or fix. I loved how Ruby's new community comes together and becomes a little family of its own.
I highly recommend if you are looking for an adorable, cute, sweet read that is filled with thoughtful dialogue, caring relationships, and love. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While working at this coffee shop she meets a host of different people, and decides matchmaking and love are the answer. While she makes a few good matches, a co-worker catches her and challenges her to think about things deeper than just a simple calculation or fix. I loved how Ruby's new community comes together and becomes a little family of its own.
I highly recommend if you are looking for an adorable, cute, sweet read that is filled with thoughtful dialogue, caring relationships, and love. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2026
3.5/5
Ruby is a genetically engineered lab subject who has escaped from the university that created her. She finds a job at a local coffeeshop, and uses her superhuman intelligence and directive to "fix" things to meddle into the lives of their customers. However, the scientists who made her believe she's a danger and will stop at nothing to get her back. She'll need to rely on her new friends to maintain her freedom.
This was a fun fast-paced story full of community and friendship, with the strangest cast of characters. I always love a story that focuses on what makes us human. Ruby sets out to help people find happiness, but soon realizes that the complexities within us are what makes us who we are.
I also really loved the art style! It was very expressive and added a lot of humor to the story. I did find the romance to be a little lacking. It felt like Mira switched so quickly from her crush on a customer to a crush on Ruby. I think if we had cut down on our characters, or spent less time on their story arcs then we could have fleshed out Ruby and Mira's relationship more.
Ruby is a genetically engineered lab subject who has escaped from the university that created her. She finds a job at a local coffeeshop, and uses her superhuman intelligence and directive to "fix" things to meddle into the lives of their customers. However, the scientists who made her believe she's a danger and will stop at nothing to get her back. She'll need to rely on her new friends to maintain her freedom.
This was a fun fast-paced story full of community and friendship, with the strangest cast of characters. I always love a story that focuses on what makes us human. Ruby sets out to help people find happiness, but soon realizes that the complexities within us are what makes us who we are.
I also really loved the art style! It was very expressive and added a lot of humor to the story. I did find the romance to be a little lacking. It felt like Mira switched so quickly from her crush on a customer to a crush on Ruby. I think if we had cut down on our characters, or spent less time on their story arcs then we could have fleshed out Ruby and Mira's relationship more.
February 27, 2026
More summer reading booktalk reading
This was delightful, would be perfect for 7th/8th grade!
I too would break into a research lab to free my robot bestie/crush
This was delightful, would be perfect for 7th/8th grade!
I too would break into a research lab to free my robot bestie/crush
March 1, 2026
an escaped genius hides in a coffee shop and trying to fix it's problems with her big brain. cute LGBTq collage kid book.
January 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
adventurous, funny, hopeful, inspiring, lighthearted, fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Steam was such a fun read!
The cast of characters were unique, cute and quirky. I loved the diversity of the characters too.
Ruby was a great main character, her scientific brain trying to navigate "normal" human emotions added humor and plot.
The rest of the characters coming together to try and save Ruby in the end was so endearing.
Steam was a great way to spend an afternoon. It put a smile on my face and a graphic novel is a great way to switch things up when reading!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for sending me an eARC for an honest review!
adventurous, funny, hopeful, inspiring, lighthearted, fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Steam was such a fun read!
The cast of characters were unique, cute and quirky. I loved the diversity of the characters too.
Ruby was a great main character, her scientific brain trying to navigate "normal" human emotions added humor and plot.
The rest of the characters coming together to try and save Ruby in the end was so endearing.
Steam was a great way to spend an afternoon. It put a smile on my face and a graphic novel is a great way to switch things up when reading!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for sending me an eARC for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was another stunning YA graphic novel early in the year for me. Mira and Ruby are an adorable duo to follow through this absolutelt hilarious cozy coffeeshop sci-fi (?).
The concept of superhuman specimens programmed to solve problems was a fun way to make a master matchmaker out of Ruby. Her natural curiosity and deep desire to be "human" were such a fun thing to explore alongside the characters in this story.
As for the art, I thought it was a beautiful compliment to the story. The light tones color the elements of the story, overlaying everything with a sense of calm with the saturation and palette.
This was a quick, hilarious read. I'll definitely be re-reading/recommending it to others.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.
The concept of superhuman specimens programmed to solve problems was a fun way to make a master matchmaker out of Ruby. Her natural curiosity and deep desire to be "human" were such a fun thing to explore alongside the characters in this story.
As for the art, I thought it was a beautiful compliment to the story. The light tones color the elements of the story, overlaying everything with a sense of calm with the saturation and palette.
This was a quick, hilarious read. I'll definitely be re-reading/recommending it to others.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
જ⁀➴ 4 stars ★★★★ ‧𓍢ִ໋☕💞 ׂ 𓈒 ⋆ ۪
With a quirky found family and comedy, this contemporary sff graphic novel follows a teen humanoid girl finds her place at a local coffee shop after escaping from a university lab! The plot is a blend of charming and quirky, centered on community as Ruby tries to find the answer to the complex concept of "happiness" and where she belongs. Funny and charming, Steam has all the elements for a cozy standalone read with coffee, complicated questions about humanity!
The beginning of Garrity's story dives right in and sets up the lingering background conflict when Dr. Woodhouse at Smithson University's lab reports "she has gotten out..." She happens to be Ruby, a humanoid girl whose taken up a job as a barista at Inkcap Coffee, trying to blend in among her coworkers, but also learn more about the people around her!
With a quirky, eclectic group of people around her: Mira, her coworker whose still undecided on a major, her no-nonsense boss Lynn, Annie (an eccentric customer who always wears a hat), Comic Book Girl, and a mysterious new customer Gabriel who finds interest in Ruby.
"I want my function to make people happy..." As Ruby keeps those words in mind she soon develops a match-making machine for customers and along the way, tries to learn more about people and figure out her own humanity and she makes some mistakes along the way. But, when her past catches up with her, the quirky coffee shop crew will have to band together to get Ruby back.
I enjoyed the plotting and pacing of this story, although in some places it feels a bit unfocused when it comes to the overarching story there's some lacking dimensions that could've helped Steam pack a bigger punch, it raises interesting themes about human nature. I enjoyed how original the plot felt for a graphic novel but it would've benefitted in having a bit more depth in certain areas of Ruby's backstory or even her brief relationship with Gabriel, even the short matchmaking subplot (which was fun!) instead of jumping quickly through everything. And...i love the found family vibes but the characters felt kinda static - Lynn's grumpiness was so entertaining though and her romance with the nerdy research professor (they were adorable)!
There's a cute sapphic romance, but again kinda felt tacked on at the end, though the friendship thread was well done they felt a bit disjointed and would've loved to see Ruby interact with everyone else aside from mostly Mira.
If Steam were a series (not sure if another book is planned!) i think that would've let all these characters and subplots breathe a bit more - I could see potential for more books set in this universe though.
[more thoughts tbw in my blog review!]
With a quirky found family and comedy, this contemporary sff graphic novel follows a teen humanoid girl finds her place at a local coffee shop after escaping from a university lab! The plot is a blend of charming and quirky, centered on community as Ruby tries to find the answer to the complex concept of "happiness" and where she belongs. Funny and charming, Steam has all the elements for a cozy standalone read with coffee, complicated questions about humanity!
Thesis: the universe runs on systems. Revise. The universe is a system...Some systems are more simple. Others are more complex.
The beginning of Garrity's story dives right in and sets up the lingering background conflict when Dr. Woodhouse at Smithson University's lab reports "she has gotten out..." She happens to be Ruby, a humanoid girl whose taken up a job as a barista at Inkcap Coffee, trying to blend in among her coworkers, but also learn more about the people around her!
With a quirky, eclectic group of people around her: Mira, her coworker whose still undecided on a major, her no-nonsense boss Lynn, Annie (an eccentric customer who always wears a hat), Comic Book Girl, and a mysterious new customer Gabriel who finds interest in Ruby.
"I want my function to make people happy..." As Ruby keeps those words in mind she soon develops a match-making machine for customers and along the way, tries to learn more about people and figure out her own humanity and she makes some mistakes along the way. But, when her past catches up with her, the quirky coffee shop crew will have to band together to get Ruby back.
I enjoyed the plotting and pacing of this story, although in some places it feels a bit unfocused when it comes to the overarching story there's some lacking dimensions that could've helped Steam pack a bigger punch, it raises interesting themes about human nature. I enjoyed how original the plot felt for a graphic novel but it would've benefitted in having a bit more depth in certain areas of Ruby's backstory or even her brief relationship with Gabriel, even the short matchmaking subplot (which was fun!) instead of jumping quickly through everything. And...i love the found family vibes but the characters felt kinda static - Lynn's grumpiness was so entertaining though and her romance with the nerdy research professor (they were adorable)!
There's a cute sapphic romance, but again kinda felt tacked on at the end, though the friendship thread was well done they felt a bit disjointed and would've loved to see Ruby interact with everyone else aside from mostly Mira.
If Steam were a series (not sure if another book is planned!) i think that would've let all these characters and subplots breathe a bit more - I could see potential for more books set in this universe though.
[more thoughts tbw in my blog review!]
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's quirky alright and comparing it to Giant Days makes a lot of sense. It felt like the book left the book train station without announcing that the readers were getting on board-- I needed a little more exposition to figure out just what was going on. Could it have been because I was attracted to the cover and title and that it was a teen graphic novel and didn't read the summary to know some of the more intricate details? Why yes, but it still does feel like it would be good to give more context to the humanoid situation. But once a reader settles in that this is a quirky romance with a scifi twist with the majority of the setting in a coffee shop with eccentric characters.
Ruby is the humanoid who was grown in a lab and tries to live out her "function", which she's drilled down to making people happy and/or falling in love, but it's not that easy and things constantly go wrong. Yet even in this awkwardness, Ruby has champions that want to see her succeed even when she's returned to the clutches of the lab.
The muted pinks, blues, and purples and the perfect tone for the graphic novel and coffee lovers can chug cup after cup while reading.
Ruby is the humanoid who was grown in a lab and tries to live out her "function", which she's drilled down to making people happy and/or falling in love, but it's not that easy and things constantly go wrong. Yet even in this awkwardness, Ruby has champions that want to see her succeed even when she's returned to the clutches of the lab.
The muted pinks, blues, and purples and the perfect tone for the graphic novel and coffee lovers can chug cup after cup while reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Steam is a sweet story with even sweeter themes and it is something I can see people truly enjoying, not just young adults.
It follows Ruby, a lab created humanoid, who is trying to navigate the world because she wants to make a difference. She isn't used to your typical human emotions or concepts, and she is constantly learning more about the people around her. Ruby's purpose is to fix problems she finds and the one she fixates on is making people happy while avoiding being caught by the people who created her. It's a fascinating concept, and it makes for an interesting read.
The relationship Ruby builds with her friend, Mira, and those around her are cute. Although, there are some characters that were a bit too annoying, and their dialogue caused a few eye rolls to give this a full five stars. It's still sweet, and it shows the power of friendship and what it means to have people by your side. It was an enjoyable read, and I think it'd make a nice read over a warm cup of coffee.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It follows Ruby, a lab created humanoid, who is trying to navigate the world because she wants to make a difference. She isn't used to your typical human emotions or concepts, and she is constantly learning more about the people around her. Ruby's purpose is to fix problems she finds and the one she fixates on is making people happy while avoiding being caught by the people who created her. It's a fascinating concept, and it makes for an interesting read.
The relationship Ruby builds with her friend, Mira, and those around her are cute. Although, there are some characters that were a bit too annoying, and their dialogue caused a few eye rolls to give this a full five stars. It's still sweet, and it shows the power of friendship and what it means to have people by your side. It was an enjoyable read, and I think it'd make a nice read over a warm cup of coffee.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2026
This was a really adorable graphic novel! I thought the art style was really fun and I really enjoyed the overall story. This is a quirky, fun book that explores themes of identity, friendship, and love. And I think all of these topics are handled well in the confines of the story. I really appreciate how LGBT+ normative this book is as it approaches the concept of love and relationships. I found myself hooked into the almost dual narrative early and really enjoyed seeing things play out and, especially, seeing the true impact people can leave on you without you even noticing.
There is a found family element that I adore and even a little heist action.
This is a really cute book and all-around fun time.
I think there are a handful of themes that could be explored in a much deeper capacity, but this novel was effective in telling a fun, contained, YA story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books and Simon Teen for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
There is a found family element that I adore and even a little heist action.
This is a really cute book and all-around fun time.
I think there are a handful of themes that could be explored in a much deeper capacity, but this novel was effective in telling a fun, contained, YA story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books and Simon Teen for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the color palette used, and I enjoyed the illustrations throughout. The emotions were portrayed well and often humorously. There were a few instances where the dialogue boxes weren’t placed well, which made it difficult to know who was speaking.
The book was divided into sections, and each section was titled with something coffee related (e.g., grounds, cold brew, percolating), which was fun. I did feel that the book generally stayed surface level on topics, which was a bit of a bummer. I think it would have benefitted from being a bit longer so more time could have been spent on the setup and depth of some aspects. The look at what makes a human was well incorporated, though, as was the found family aspect.
Overall this was a cute, easy read that will be fun for YA readers. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this work, which will be published February 3, 2026. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The book was divided into sections, and each section was titled with something coffee related (e.g., grounds, cold brew, percolating), which was fun. I did feel that the book generally stayed surface level on topics, which was a bit of a bummer. I think it would have benefitted from being a bit longer so more time could have been spent on the setup and depth of some aspects. The look at what makes a human was well incorporated, though, as was the found family aspect.
Overall this was a cute, easy read that will be fun for YA readers. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this work, which will be published February 3, 2026. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2026 reads: 35/300
i received a digital review copy from simon teen as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
ruby, a genius humanoid, has escaped the university lab where she was made to solve science’s greatest problems. she decides that the local coffee shop is a much better place to carry out her mission, so she sets out to solve the customers’ problems. she soon finds herself playing cupid, but people from the lab are determined to get her back...
this was so cute! i loved how this graphic novel depicted community, friendship, and romance. ruby is learning how to be a human, and though no one else knows this about her, they help her through this in their own ways. the techy aspects were pretty neat, too! overall, this was a sweet, enjoyable graphic novel. i’ll be reading garrity’s backlist, i’m sure!
i received a digital review copy from simon teen as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
ruby, a genius humanoid, has escaped the university lab where she was made to solve science’s greatest problems. she decides that the local coffee shop is a much better place to carry out her mission, so she sets out to solve the customers’ problems. she soon finds herself playing cupid, but people from the lab are determined to get her back...
this was so cute! i loved how this graphic novel depicted community, friendship, and romance. ruby is learning how to be a human, and though no one else knows this about her, they help her through this in their own ways. the techy aspects were pretty neat, too! overall, this was a sweet, enjoyable graphic novel. i’ll be reading garrity’s backlist, i’m sure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Steam is a graphic novel centered primarily on two female characters, though it also features a small cast of supporting players, including another woman and a couple of men. The story unfolds around a coffee shop, with the characters either working there or passing through as customers. Somewhere along the way, the shop inadvertently comes into possession of something a top-secret government program very much wants back, and from that point on, chaos erupts.
The result is a story that’s genuinely funny while still allowing room for tender, character-driven moments. The balance between humor and heart works beautifully, and I found the whole experience extremely enjoyable. Overall, I thought it was very good.
The result is a story that’s genuinely funny while still allowing room for tender, character-driven moments. The balance between humor and heart works beautifully, and I found the whole experience extremely enjoyable. Overall, I thought it was very good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Steam is a sapphic YA Graphic novel following a lab experiment that escaped and is now working at a coffee shop. Ruby is trying to adapt to the new world around her after being confined in a lab. She knows that every problem has a solution, and she is determined to find a solution to any problem. However, life and people are not that simple.
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. There were so many interesting/fun characters that brought a lot of joy and laughter throughout the story. I thought that Mira’s and Ruby’s relationship was cute, and I enjoyed the little journey they experienced together.
Thank you, Simon Teen and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this prior to its release date.
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. There were so many interesting/fun characters that brought a lot of joy and laughter throughout the story. I thought that Mira’s and Ruby’s relationship was cute, and I enjoyed the little journey they experienced together.
Thank you, Simon Teen and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this prior to its release date.
March 8, 2026
"So is this just a basic but cute coffee shop story?"
"Oh well, actually the cover kind of doesn't tell the full thing as it's about a genetically engineered human who's spent her life in a lab room. After managing to escape she uses working at the coffee shop as a way to have a life. Because she was used to improve calculations and such, she seems to replicate that sense of purpose she had on the inside by becoming a matchmaker. And of course she falls in sapphic love."
"..."
"And yes, it really is very cute. And delightfully cartoonish. And an excellent time capsule for a period of life, when you're just recently an adult and trying to decide between dozens of majors to find one singular purpose."
"Oh well, actually the cover kind of doesn't tell the full thing as it's about a genetically engineered human who's spent her life in a lab room. After managing to escape she uses working at the coffee shop as a way to have a life. Because she was used to improve calculations and such, she seems to replicate that sense of purpose she had on the inside by becoming a matchmaker. And of course she falls in sapphic love."
"..."
"And yes, it really is very cute. And delightfully cartoonish. And an excellent time capsule for a period of life, when you're just recently an adult and trying to decide between dozens of majors to find one singular purpose."
October 11, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC to read and review.
Themes/Tropes: Queer, Found Family, Sense of Belonging, Coffee Shop
This was such a cute graphic novel. The FMC is a lab grown "super human" who is supposed to be able to "fix" everything. When she escapes the lab is worried that she is going to destroy the world.
All she really wants to do is help people be happy and find love.
This was heart warming, cozy, and had a cute ending where even the FMC finds love.
There is minimal conflict due to the concept of people being grown in labs, and the moral implications of that. I wish that it had gone into that just a little bit more with the side characters.
Themes/Tropes: Queer, Found Family, Sense of Belonging, Coffee Shop
This was such a cute graphic novel. The FMC is a lab grown "super human" who is supposed to be able to "fix" everything. When she escapes the lab is worried that she is going to destroy the world.
All she really wants to do is help people be happy and find love.
This was heart warming, cozy, and had a cute ending where even the FMC finds love.
There is minimal conflict due to the concept of people being grown in labs, and the moral implications of that. I wish that it had gone into that just a little bit more with the side characters.
November 22, 2025
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really thought I'd love this one but I just couldn't get into it. I felt like it really stayed on surface level from beginning to end and it failed to make me care. I enjoyed the originality of the plot but the pacing felt a bit off and it lacked some setting up and layers. It was basically a bit too short and fast but wanted to do too much in that space. So yeah, sadly, this one didn't work for me. I would read more from this author though. I liked the initial idea of it. And I loved the illustrations so I really want to find more books by this illustrators!
I really thought I'd love this one but I just couldn't get into it. I felt like it really stayed on surface level from beginning to end and it failed to make me care. I enjoyed the originality of the plot but the pacing felt a bit off and it lacked some setting up and layers. It was basically a bit too short and fast but wanted to do too much in that space. So yeah, sadly, this one didn't work for me. I would read more from this author though. I liked the initial idea of it. And I loved the illustrations so I really want to find more books by this illustrators!
February 3, 2026
An adorable sapphic romance between a lab-grown humanoid and a college girl working at the local coffee shop.
Rating: 3.75 stars
This was such a sweet story! The plot was fast-paced, and the graphic novel was perfect for one sitting. The illustrations were adorable! The pastel colors made for a wonderful color palette and fit the characters very well.
I wish the story focused a bit more on Ruby's initial acclimation to the outside world after her escape from the labs, but I loved following her story. She was a very endearing character that was easy to root for.
Thank you Simon Teen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.75 stars
This was such a sweet story! The plot was fast-paced, and the graphic novel was perfect for one sitting. The illustrations were adorable! The pastel colors made for a wonderful color palette and fit the characters very well.
I wish the story focused a bit more on Ruby's initial acclimation to the outside world after her escape from the labs, but I loved following her story. She was a very endearing character that was easy to root for.
Thank you Simon Teen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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