Clara & the Devil, Volume 1

by Olivie Blake, Little Chmura (Illustrator)

The devil has come to town. And he wants a library card. Star author Olivie Blake and artist Little Chmura kick off a deliciously dark graphic novel romance series with Clara & the Devil, Volume 1.

Clara has the rest of her life figured out. She’ll graduate college with the support of her best friend, Jonah; marry her adoring boyfriend; take a full-time job at her local library; and settle down in her small seaside hometown. But when an unusual tourist―tall, dark, and infernal―comes to town, Clara’s careful plans quickly start to unravel.

And even while the stranger, who openly calls himself the devil, strikes up a situationship with Jonah, he continues to tempt Clara with reckless talk of power, ambition, and lust. Over the course of one sultry summer, tensions between Clara, Jonah, and the devil mount to an intolerable degree, and Clara is forced to confront the desires she’s kept secret her whole life, even from herself.

This deliciously dark tale of Faustian bargains and seduction from New York Times–bestselling author Olivie Blake and fan-favorite artist Little Chmura kicks off a series that explores artistry and power through the temptation of the seven deadly sins.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adult, Graphic Novels Comics, Horror, Romance, Comics

176 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Olivie Blake is the pseudonym of Alexene Farol Follmuth, a lover and writer of stories, many of which involve the fantastic, the paranormal, or the supernatural, but not always. More often, her works revolve around what it means to be human (or not), and the endlessly interesting complexities of life and love.
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Olivie has penned several indie SFF projects, including the webtoon Clara and the Devil with illustrator Little Chmura and the viral Atlas series. As Follmuth, her young adult rom-com My Mechanical Romance releases May 2022.

Olivie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and new baby, where she is generally tolerated by her rescue pit bull.

Reviews

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point I'll read anything Olivie Blake writes.
This is a graphic novel with beautiful illustrations by little chmura, who I already love from other olivie books, and the usual gorgeous writing. This talks mainly about sex and power, and it is SO. GOOD.
It's a quick read, only 180 pages, and so worth it. If you like Olivie's book go for it, you won't regret it.

Thank you Netgalley and First Second Books for the ARC.

[Melanie (meltotheany)]

this really is going to be my entire personality upon release :]

[Minna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivie Blake is an amazing storyteller and you have to just trust the process with her work. I think that's always the fun bit about reading something Olivie Blake wrote, because you are often sitting there going "what is happening?!" "where is this going?!" or "what's going on!!!!". I devoured this in one sitting and couldn't pull my eyes away from my screen. The pages are filled with gorgeous watercolor styled art that left me in awe. I kept looking at all the small details on each page, and I already want to go back and reread to appreciate the stunning work on all the pages. I didn't realize there was going to be multiple volumes for this story, and I am excited to see where this all goes!

Thank you so much netgalley and First Second books for the e-arc! <3

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Olivie Blake’s writing and I am so happy her and little chmura ended up doing this graphic novel. Typical Olivie Blake fashion you hate but love all the characters (maybe some more than others lol) this was a really good story about power love and sex. I recommend to anyone who loves her writing! I can’t wait for Volume 2! Thank you Netgalley and First Second Books for the e arc!

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a tale as old as time, the Devil seducing an unsuspecting soul into sin. But is that such a terrible thing, when the Devil perceives the truth you conceal?

Little Chmura's art goes perfectly with the eerie yet enthralling story that Blake has written. I'm in love with the way the art is designed, esp with the color palette and piercing eyes.

This is a really excellent first hook for the series, and I am reminded that I'll need to actually get to all of the Olivie Blake books on my tbr.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

[heba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I firmly believe Olivie Blake’s name belongs across every body of literature in existence, so of course, a comic book series by THE Olivie Blake is an instant hit. True to form, she delivers a quick-witted, seductive story about sex and power; the kind of tale that revels in the irresistible allure of breaking free from life’s neatly packaged expectations and the power that comes from indulging, fully and unabashedly, in temptation and desire.

I always say this, but the art!? The art! Little Chmura's breathtaking illustrations are always a delight to bear witness to. Every panel is rich and dripping with the kind of moody intensity this story demands. The synergy between Blake's voice and Chmura's visuals is nothing short of magic. This is a promising start to a series that is sure to be wickedly addictive. Bring on Volume 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and the First Second Books team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ink & Ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely not for me.

Clara lives in a small town and works as an assistant librarian while finishing up college. She’s been dating her high school sweet heart, Andrew, for seven years and they’ve been waiting until marriage to have sex. She has a best friend, Jonah, who she obviously has a crush on.

I would say everything goes downhill after she meets the devil, Nick, but really she’s rough from the start. The first chapter is her talking about how she essentially likes to put other people down (in her head) to make herself feel better - she looks for the flaws in everyone. I mentioned earlier that she has a crush on Jonah, which is insanely obvious by the way she thinks about him and the general fact that she talks more about him than her longtime boyfriend Andrew. The devil getting added into the mix really just exacerbates the whole situation. She ends up cheating on Andrew with the devil and Jonah. Cool.

To me, the devil tempting you is such a poor excuse for pursuing your dreams in this fashion and cheating. I absolutely hated Clara from start to finish. If we ignore the characters, I’d say the inner monologue was rough too: “I’m twenty-one and not dead so I went to a party…”. I’m not that much older than Clara but that’s never been close to my mentality. I even grew up in a small town. I don’t know what to say other than I wouldn’t recommend this series - sorry.

Thank you First Second Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara is stronger than I am. If the Devil came in to get a library card I would fold immediately.

Clara has a straightforward life with a boyfriend and a job at the library, and that's enough for her. Enough, but only until the Devil comes town, in search of a library card and...something else.

It's no secret that I'm an Olivie Blake fanboy so when I saw she was putting out a graphic novel with art by Little Chmura I was sat. Sure enough, volume 1 is the start of a pulse-pounding story about desire and power, with all of the weirdness I've come to expect from Olivie Blake. I know this is a silly thing to put in a review but the color palette! The art is really gorgeous–kind of uncanny at points but I think that fits the story.

I look forward to the next volume and Olivie Blake continuing to put out crazy, awesome books!

Thank you to Olivie Blake and 23rd St. Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

[Dustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, this was an okay read. The art is very unique with its watercolors and near minimalism; it's frequently very gorgeous. However, neither the plot or characters really grabbed me. There's potential here, but I don't think this series is for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the review copy!

[Minji · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is gorgeous but I'm really not sure what this book is supposed to be about. Not sure if I'll read volume 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for this eARC!

[❀ daisy ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
I really enjoyed the artwork it was very captivating and tasteful. The plot was also very fast paced, at first I didn't know where we were going but I really liked it. It wasn't what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley!

[lape.titemortt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★

♡︎ Book Summary ♡︎

Clara seems to have her life mostly planned out: finishing college, settling down in her seaside hometown, working at the library, marrying her boyfriend, and leaning on her best friend Jonah for support. But things get complicated when a very unusual visitor shows up: tall, dark, and openly calling himself “the devil.”

This “devil” doesn’t come simply as a threat; he brings temptation, ambition, power, and lust & begins to unravel Clara’s carefully constructed path. Jonah and Clara are pulled into tense, morally grey spaces: the devil strikes something like a “situationship” with Jonah, yet also draws Clara toward desires she has long suppressed or ignored. Over a single sultry summer, tensions escalate between Clara, Jonah, and the devil, forcing Clara to confront parts of herself she didn’t realize were buried.

✍︎︎ Review ✍︎︎

Olivia Blake’s writing + Little Chmura’s illustrations created a compelling, haunting, seductive tone. The art supports the story by blending sensuality and darkness, making the supernatural feel plausible and emotionally resonant.
I loved that the story explored what it costs to resist or embrace deep desire. Clara’s gradual internal purge of comfort zones and her confrontation with ambition (and what ambition might require) gives the story weight beyond just romance or fantasy.

❌ I wish it was longer! I wasn’t ready for it to end. Can’t wait for the next volume!!
❌ While sex is frequently mentioned, there’s zero spice. I was 100% okay with this but this is a note to readers. But trust, it brings all the tension and lust!

Overall, Clara & the Devil Volume 1 is enticing and rich: it offers beautiful art, compelling stakes, and a provocative flirtation between what’s safe and what’s dangerous in human longing. It leans on atmosphere and tension more than tidy closure, setting up questions more than answering them; which is fitting, given its themes of temptation, ambition, and what we suppress in ourselves. Highly recommend!

✔︎ TL;DR
❥ Graphic Novel / Dark Romance / Fantasy
❥ Internal conflict & complex emotions
❥ Lush & beautiful illustrations
❥ Seductive & High tension

Thank you, First Second Books | 23rd St & NetGalley for my gifted advanced book copy. All my reviews are my own opinion. 💕

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[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to 23rd St. and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am frothing at the mouth and need volume 2 in my possession stat!!

I love Olivie Blake and her writing. This was so much fun to read, and I love how there’s always more meaning beyond the surface. I’m so interested to see where she takes the storyline. Clara lives in her small town when the Devil comes to town. Her small, quiet world is slowly rattled by his suggestions and offers. She feels drawn to him, as does her best friend.

The artwork was absolutely stunning as well! Once this releases (5/5/26), I will love having a copy!! Put this on your TBR now!

CW: sexual content

[Alicia Ceasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and the Devil Volume 1 follows Clara, a young woman who works in a library. Her world is turned on its head one day when the devil comes in looking for a library card.

This was fantastic. The art is absolutely breathtaking. Every page was stunning. This is a graphic novel that truly takes a story and mixes it with imagery in a perfect balance. The storytelling itself is a bit sparse but so much of it is told through the art. This was truly a treat to read and look at and I can’t wait until I have a physical copy in my hand.

[axi ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

not for me at all :/

this was sooo underwhelming. very much a no plot just vibes type of book, but the vibes are nowhere near good enough to carry the story. this desperately needed more plot and depth and development

i will keep picking up everything olivie blake writes just because of how much i adored alone with you in the ether but i fear that might have been a one time thing for me 😭

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[maddie's reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for the arc!

4.25 stars

This was a really interesting graphic novel! I love Olivie Blake's full-length novels, and I really enjoyed this as well. Additionally, I loved Little Chmura's illustrations; they're absolutely gorgeous. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume in this series!

[Sidney Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Graphic novels are still very new to me but this one was quick, captivating, and beautiful. I loved the art so much and the story was short but good. The Devil as a character is always enjoyable and this novel definitely played with him tempting people into desires that they maybe should have followed all along. Quick read, and excited this is a first volume!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Gabbie Pop]

Gorgeous illustrations, and a gripping story and setting. It does feel like the story only really gets going as you reach the end of the volume, but such is the way of the comicbook/ graphic novel format I suppose.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like Romantasy? Do you like Graphic Novels? If you answered yes, you need to read this ASAP!

Wow just Wow is all I can say. The illustration is stunning & the story straight up seduction. It left me breathless & dying for volume 2!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how much I like Olivie Blake’s writing! There’s this very specific flow to it that really sets it apart. There’s narration is basically ripped from her books. It pare well with the art style. Clara has these lovely, wide doe eyes and an ingénue stare. The titular devil is appropriately handsome and of course into books. But, for what purpose? You can probably play a drinking game with the sheer amount of times the devil does a sexy sunglass pull. The only drawback that I can see would be the prominent love triangle. If you’re fatigued of that aspect maybe skip this for the authors other works.

Thanks to Netgaley and the publisher First Second Books for the digital review copy!

[Yuenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[&#x1f33b;Lynsey&#x1f33b; · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Clara & The Devil the Devil comes to Clara’s town, visits her library and corrupts the souls of the innocent. I was somewhat underwhelmed with the plot or lack there of. What held my interest was the beautiful artwork.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first-ever graphic novel, and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting! The art was stunning and I can. Not. Wait. to have a physical copy so I can admire and reread it over and over again.

The story itself was just as captivating. The Devil comes to town offering sex and power, serving as this sharp, clever metaphor for capitalism, the patriarchy, and all the other power structures we’re trapped within. It was such a fun and layered read.

Anyway, I love Olivie, this was absolutely stunning, and you should 100% grab yourself a copy!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this graphic novel. I adored the gorgeous watercolor style illustration of this graphic novel. I found the plot quite dark, but Olivie Blake is a master of writing unlikable yet troublingly relatable characters. I hated when I felt myself sympathize with Clara, yet also felt seen in a level. This whole story of a small town taken in by the devil feels tragic, but I couldn’t put it down. I’ll be anticipating the next volume.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and the Devil is an intriguing and quietly unsettling graphic novel about a young girl who works in the library of her small town, and the Devil, who unexpectedly comes in for a library card. What begins as a strange curiosity soon turns into something darker: a tale about temptation, loneliness, jealousy and the quiet dread of looking too closely into yourself.

The first thing that stood out for me was the art. It doesn’t follow the traditional structure or layout of a graphic novel, and while the style can feel inconsistent at times, it’s also really captivating. The visuals enhance the story’s unsettling atmosphere, making the whole experience feel like drifting through a dream, the kind where something always feels just slightly off.

The narration is another standout element. There’s a lyrical, almost hypnotic quality to the writing that mirrors the Devil’s quiet persistence and Clara’s growing unease. The story itself doesn’t dive particularly deep, it feels more like a mood piece than a fully developed narrative, but since this is only the first volume, there’s a sense that the story is just beginning to unfold. I did really enjoy the ending, though; it was the conclusion I didn’t even realize I wanted until it happened.

This graphic novel won’t be for everyone. Its pacing, tone, and unconventional style make it a very specific kind of read, it's haunting, quiet, and strange. But for readers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and art that feels just a little unsettling, it’s a captivating first volume that promises more to come. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

just WOW. I went into this expecting a cool graphic novel, but Olivie Blake and Little Chmura delivered a masterpiece of dark seduction. If you love deep, introspective narrators and art that makes you feel things, stop reading this and go pick it up, seriously.

a little premise about the novel: Clara has her entire life planned: marry her high school sweetheart, Andrew, and settle down at her library job in their quiet seaside town. it sounds safe, secure, and maybe just a little boring until; ENTER THE DEVIL–he shows up at the library, looking for a book (and maybe a soul?), and his presence completely unravels Clara because he's tall, dark, infernal, and honestly, the most compelling character i've read all year. he's not trying to hide; he's right there, whispering about power, ambition, and desire—the very things Clara has been suppressing.

the genius here is the triangle: Clara, the Devil, and her best friend, Jonah, who the Devil seems to have struck up a "situation" with. the tension over one sultry summer is absolutely intoxicating. this isn't just a fantasy story; it's a profound, emotional dive into what you truly want versus what you think you should have. literally a modern, sexy take on a Faustian bargain! (if you know this ily)

i have to shout out Little Chmura's artwork because this is not just illustrations; it's Ethereal Watercolor Magic! it's so amazing. final thoughts is I LOVED IT. read this if you love Olivie's philosophical writing and you like supernatural slow-burn romance with really interesting protagonist.

i'm ready for volume 2. GIVE IT TO ME!
4.25 ⭐️🧡

[Nikolaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for a review!

So I started out disliking this one immensely, to the point where I almost did not finish it. To me, Clara is intensely unlikeable, and the narration style of this story is unusual. Graphic novels are typically more dialogue heavy, whereas this one was very, VERY internal monologue heavy, which I didn't love to start the story. It felt a bit jarring to start off a graphic novel solely from the eyes and POV of one character, since many are a bit broader in scope. However, I'm very glad I did decide to push through and finish because I ended up really enjoying the direction this went in - even if it took a little bit longer than I usually like to get there, but that's kind of the point with this story. Unlikeable characters with a focus on denial and sin naturally will lead to a different type of story progression. I was definitely surprised at how much I enjoyed the last half.

Story and character aside, the art is STUNNING. I adored looking at every panel and ultimately, that's what kept me reading past the point when I considered giving up. Every panel felt like its own frameable artwork, and I spent a good amount of time just flipping through and looking through the art after I finished.

So ultimately, I wouldn't give this a high rating because it wasn't a complete hit for me, but I absolutely plan on picking up the next volume and I would certainly recommend this one to those who have more slow burn, literary leaning tastes in graphic novels. It's not a perfect start, but I look forward to seeing where this one goes.

Thanks again, NetGalley!

[Pages Uncharted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and the Devil, Volume 1 is my first foray into Olivie Blake's work, and it certainly won’t be my last. I requested this on a whim, drawn in by Alix E. Harrow’s blurb and the stunning cover art that immediately captured my attention. What I found inside was something wholly unique: haunting, beautiful, sinful and far too short.

The graphic novel format is a perfect medium for this story. Told entirely through Clara’s point of view, it feels personal, introspective, and tinged with a deep longing. Her journey was sparked by her encounter with the Devil that unfolds slowly into simmering tension. There’s a sense that her deepest desire is being both exposed and awakened, and it’s that complexity that makes her so compelling. It’s hard to sum up exactly what this story is, you really just have to read it to understand.

Visually, Clara and the Devil is breathtaking. While I don't consider myself well-versed in art, the illustrations in this graphic novel are unlike anything I've encountered before. Little Chmura uses a rich mix of media that adds a layered, textural quality to each page—moody, mysterious and intense. The art doesn't just accompany the story; it is the story, adding depth and emotion beyond the text.

As a mood reader, I wasn’t expecting to be so immediately immersed. The graphic novel format combined with Blake’s storytelling makes for a compelling experience. My only complaint? It ended too soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books | 23rd St. for approving and providing me an e-arc. I’m already eager for Volume 2.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rating for this review is based solely on the story and artwork (mainly the artwork) and not the theology behind it. I don't think people get their theology from a graphic novel, but who knows.

The artwork is gorgeous. Little Chmura's work is outstanding. Sometimes, it's not the images, but what is missing on the page. Other times it is the background of the images. It's like a brilliant painting.

Storywise, this is a story of seduction. It never gets graphic in a sexual sense, but is more about the mindgames of the devil and ulimately, our desire for power or control. As pastor Andy Stanley says, "If you want to lead people, you must lead yourself well." This story is all about strongwilled people that are in a fight for their souls. How well will they fight off the things that entice them.

The publisher makes it known that their graphic novels are for adults, and this one definitely is. Once again, it is not graphic in a sexual sense. No nudity. Only an instance or two of language, if I remember correctly, but it is erotic in nature in how the devil is enticing them. The graphic novel closes with a preview of Volume 2. For me, lesson learned, and I am going to flee the devil.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Kaari · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s This book was such a surprise in the best way. I went in not knowing what to expect and right from the beginning I was hooked!! It’s told in this comic style format with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what it looks like in print, it’s going to be stunning!!

Clara already feels like someone I know. She’s anxious, overthinking, funny without trying to be, and somehow that makes her so relatable. I really connected with her inner monologue and the way her mind just never stops running.

As the story unfolds, it starts to get darker with these psychological, emotional tones about desire, control, jealousy, and temptation, all wrapped up in this haunting romance. It’s beautifully written and perfectly paced. I couldn’t stop reading, and it definitely stayed with me after I finished.

By the end, I was aching for more. The little sneak peek of Volume 2 left me full of theories… I have no idea what’s coming next, but I need to find out immediately!!!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was such a quick, dark, and beautiful read. 🖤