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Clara & the Devil, Volume 1
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.
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.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
27 people are currently reading
12331 people want to read
About the author
Olivie Blake
45 books17.5k followersOlivie 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.
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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
May 8, 2026
The first thought I had when I opened this was... GOD, AM I STUPID??
I went thirty years without ever picking up a graphic novel. Not by conscious choice. I simply never thought about them. And then I saw the cover of this one. As soon as I opened it, I was internally screaming at myself for my own stupidity. Every time I'm reading a book I like, I go looking for fanart. Maybe it's because I have aphantasia, or maybe I just love seeing characters and the world come to life. Do you see where this is going?? This whole time, there has been an entire medium where you get the story and the art served on a platter!!!
Ahem. Ok. Now that I got that off my chest.
Imagine you're at your job at the library, comfortable with your predictable life: graduating college, a nice boyfriend, a best friend, a small coastal town you've always called home. Everything is mapped out. And then the devil walks in. He… wants a library card? He keeps coming back, whispering about power and desire, tempting you with dreams you’ve never dared to entertain. How long can you pretend your tidy life is enough? Do you even want to keep pretending?
The art is the soul of this book. Little Chmura's watercolor palettes and wild black swirls create something genuinely beautiful and unsettling all at once. The kind of art where you linger on a panel to look at it. You can feel the tension between the characters before you even look at the dialogue. Also, the devil is hot. Can I take Clara's place?
There’s a poetic sort of dichotomy to what you expect the devil to be doing and what he is doing in this story. I wish it had been explored more. You obviously have an idea of what the devil is up to, but what if that's not the case? What if it's something else? It's a compelling part of the story, and one I wish was explored more.
The dialogue felt a bit bland at times, like it could have been spiced up more. Most of the time when I was getting butterflies or whatever, it was more “damn that’s some hot artwork” rather than the dialogue doing anything. I don’t think the direction it was going was bad, I just think it could have said basically the same things with more oomph.
Clara is Not Like Other Girls. Like, stereotypical even for the stereotype:
Wow, you’re so different and lonely because you don’t wear crop tops or watch Love Island. I don’t know how you stand it, girl. I bet you’re one of the guys. I bet you barely wear any makeup. I bet you’re proud that you don’t listen to Taylor Swift. I bet you drink beer and make a scene of it.
There’s also the matter of Clara’s boyfriend, who, in the latter parts, is completely forgotten about. Like, literally just not part of the story anymore. Did Clara forget she has a boyfriend? Is that how his absence is supposed to be interpreted? Because I’m not sure what else could excuse what happens in the story.
Even with all of that, I'm glad I picked this up. The art alone makes it worth your time, and I think I'm going back for volume 2. I am now, it turns out, a person who reads graphic novels. (more internal screaming)
I went thirty years without ever picking up a graphic novel. Not by conscious choice. I simply never thought about them. And then I saw the cover of this one. As soon as I opened it, I was internally screaming at myself for my own stupidity. Every time I'm reading a book I like, I go looking for fanart. Maybe it's because I have aphantasia, or maybe I just love seeing characters and the world come to life. Do you see where this is going?? This whole time, there has been an entire medium where you get the story and the art served on a platter!!!
Ahem. Ok. Now that I got that off my chest.
Imagine you're at your job at the library, comfortable with your predictable life: graduating college, a nice boyfriend, a best friend, a small coastal town you've always called home. Everything is mapped out. And then the devil walks in. He… wants a library card? He keeps coming back, whispering about power and desire, tempting you with dreams you’ve never dared to entertain. How long can you pretend your tidy life is enough? Do you even want to keep pretending?
The art is the soul of this book. Little Chmura's watercolor palettes and wild black swirls create something genuinely beautiful and unsettling all at once. The kind of art where you linger on a panel to look at it. You can feel the tension between the characters before you even look at the dialogue. Also, the devil is hot. Can I take Clara's place?
There’s a poetic sort of dichotomy to what you expect the devil to be doing and what he is doing in this story. I wish it had been explored more. You obviously have an idea of what the devil is up to, but what if that's not the case? What if it's something else? It's a compelling part of the story, and one I wish was explored more.
The dialogue felt a bit bland at times, like it could have been spiced up more. Most of the time when I was getting butterflies or whatever, it was more “damn that’s some hot artwork” rather than the dialogue doing anything. I don’t think the direction it was going was bad, I just think it could have said basically the same things with more oomph.
Clara is Not Like Other Girls. Like, stereotypical even for the stereotype:
"It’s true that in a world of crop tops and reality TV, I’m…. kind of an anomaly”
Wow, you’re so different and lonely because you don’t wear crop tops or watch Love Island. I don’t know how you stand it, girl. I bet you’re one of the guys. I bet you barely wear any makeup. I bet you’re proud that you don’t listen to Taylor Swift. I bet you drink beer and make a scene of it.
There’s also the matter of Clara’s boyfriend, who, in the latter parts, is completely forgotten about. Like, literally just not part of the story anymore. Did Clara forget she has a boyfriend? Is that how his absence is supposed to be interpreted? Because I’m not sure what else could excuse what happens in the story.
Even with all of that, I'm glad I picked this up. The art alone makes it worth your time, and I think I'm going back for volume 2. I am now, it turns out, a person who reads graphic novels. (more internal screaming)
February 18, 2026
Sampler review
3.5*
It’s good, a little basic when it comes to the dialogue but I was hooked still. I’m not sure yet where the story is going but I’m genuinely curious and can’t wait to read the whole thing when it releases!
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Tor Bramble for the ARC! ♥︎
3.5*
It’s good, a little basic when it comes to the dialogue but I was hooked still. I’m not sure yet where the story is going but I’m genuinely curious and can’t wait to read the whole thing when it releases!
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Tor Bramble for the ARC! ♥︎
October 3, 2025
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.
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.
Want to Read
December 13, 2025this really is going to be my entire personality upon release :]
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May 2, 2026
Everything about this book is perfect.
It has art by Little Chmura and every page looks like an artwork. I loved the style, the dark color palette and how the pages were filled.
Olivie Blakes writing is one of my favorites, so it wasn’t that surprising that I would love the story and the writing in this little comic.
I will definitely continue with volume 2 as soon as it comes out.
It has art by Little Chmura and every page looks like an artwork. I loved the style, the dark color palette and how the pages were filled.
Olivie Blakes writing is one of my favorites, so it wasn’t that surprising that I would love the story and the writing in this little comic.
I will definitely continue with volume 2 as soon as it comes out.
November 8, 2025
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.
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.
November 4, 2025
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
Thank you so much netgalley and First Second books for the e-arc! <3
January 1, 2026
The art in this is phenomenal. It wouldn’t be as impactful had it not been a graphic novel. I loved the story of Clara, and the Devil. I loved how mysterious he was and how he was able to tell Clara and Jonah what they wanted before they knew it. It was so captivating. I read this book in one sitting and it left me wanting more.
•• Spoilers ••
The transformation that I got to see unfold through the pages was beautifully thought through. Seeing the similarities between desire and power and watching Clara tow that line, wrestling with herself and what she truly wants. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out
•• Spoilers ••
The transformation that I got to see unfold through the pages was beautifully thought through. Seeing the similarities between desire and power and watching Clara tow that line, wrestling with herself and what she truly wants. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out
December 6, 2025
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!
November 15, 2025
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!
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for this eARC!
October 6, 2025
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!
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!
November 22, 2025
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.
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.
November 10, 2025
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!
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!
November 4, 2025
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!
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the review copy!
May 5, 2026
Happy pub day to Clara and the Devil Vol 1!! Thanks to @23rdstbooks for the free early copy of one of my most anticipated books of the year. I cannot say enough good things about the artwork and this stunning graphic novel from Olivie and Little Chumera (my fave duo).
Clara and the Devil is the first volume in a graphic novel series by author Olivie Blake and artist Little Chumera. It follows Clara, a librarian, who is visited one day by the Devil at her local library. The Devil takes a liking in Clara and returns to visit often, determined to get her attention. Clara, who has her life planned clearly, starts to feel herself unravel as the Devil comes between herself and her boyfriend and her best friend Jonah.
This graphic novel is dark, delicious, and so fun to read. Olivie explores the deadly sins as the Devil encourages Clara to lean into her dark side and explore her attraction and fascination with him. By far my favorite part of this book is the beautiful artistry that brings the story and characters to life. I could FEEL the tension between Clara and the Devil from the drawings alone paired with the dialogue.
I had so much fun reading this graphic novel, I read it in one sitting!! Super easy to read and I highly recommend for any Olivie Blake / graphic novel fan.
Clara and the Devil is the first volume in a graphic novel series by author Olivie Blake and artist Little Chumera. It follows Clara, a librarian, who is visited one day by the Devil at her local library. The Devil takes a liking in Clara and returns to visit often, determined to get her attention. Clara, who has her life planned clearly, starts to feel herself unravel as the Devil comes between herself and her boyfriend and her best friend Jonah.
This graphic novel is dark, delicious, and so fun to read. Olivie explores the deadly sins as the Devil encourages Clara to lean into her dark side and explore her attraction and fascination with him. By far my favorite part of this book is the beautiful artistry that brings the story and characters to life. I could FEEL the tension between Clara and the Devil from the drawings alone paired with the dialogue.
I had so much fun reading this graphic novel, I read it in one sitting!! Super easy to read and I highly recommend for any Olivie Blake / graphic novel fan.
October 30, 2025
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!
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!
May 8, 2026
I need more immediately.
October 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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!
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!
February 17, 2026
Loooooved the watercolor art style for this graphic novel, the artwork caught my attention and I decided to give this a try. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the writing. I’ve tried reading Olivie Blake’s work before several times, and I just don’t think her works are for me. The story fell flat, which you wouldn’t think the Devil showing up to your library and asking you for a library card would be anything but intriguing. Clara is definitely a pick me girl, and man, I don’t care for that. I would definitely try reading the second volume to see where it goes, but I’m not sure how much I would like it.
October 7, 2025
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. 💕
IG
Storygraph
Amazon
♡︎ 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. 💕
IG
Storygraph
Amazon
April 3, 2026
The art: gorgeous
The plot: interesting
The whole: hot and cold. WHERE IS MY VOLUME 2? I NEED IT RIGHT NOW!
Okay, I am a big fan of our quirky writing style queen, Olivia Blake, and this graphic novel hooked me so hard, all because of the devilishly handsome Devil. Say no more. I want more; I want to know more about his purpose with the library card. What does he want from Clara?
Although this is just a beginning, and honestly it shows nothing but somehow it interests me a lot. Well, because it's queen Blake.
I can give it higher 'cause first volume is still vague so much. I bet volume 2 will be higher. You have my word.
Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for accepting my request!
The plot: interesting
The whole: hot and cold. WHERE IS MY VOLUME 2? I NEED IT RIGHT NOW!
Okay, I am a big fan of our quirky writing style queen, Olivia Blake, and this graphic novel hooked me so hard, all because of the devilishly handsome Devil. Say no more. I want more; I want to know more about his purpose with the library card. What does he want from Clara?
Although this is just a beginning, and honestly it shows nothing but somehow it interests me a lot. Well, because it's queen Blake.
I can give it higher 'cause first volume is still vague so much. I bet volume 2 will be higher. You have my word.
Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for accepting my request!
November 19, 2025
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
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
November 27, 2025
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.
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.
January 2, 2026
Was excited to receive an ARC of this graphic novel! Olivie Blake has become one of my favs and this book was a weird and wild ride.
Clara & the devil follows Clara, her best friend Jonah, and their experiences with Nick aka the devil. This book at its core is about sex, power, lust, and emotion. It’s very metaphorical. It’s also very dark and eerie. The art style is very grim and oddly beautiful. When I first started it I felt very unsure - but I’m glad I stuck with it and really enjoyed the visual, dark, powerful experience!
Clara & the devil follows Clara, her best friend Jonah, and their experiences with Nick aka the devil. This book at its core is about sex, power, lust, and emotion. It’s very metaphorical. It’s also very dark and eerie. The art style is very grim and oddly beautiful. When I first started it I felt very unsure - but I’m glad I stuck with it and really enjoyed the visual, dark, powerful experience!
March 2, 2026
2.75⭐️ rounded up. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. Gorgeous, gorgeous art. If I were rating purely on the art, it would be 5 stars. Unfortunately, the fantastic art is accompanied by a nothingburger plot from Blake. Imagine if The Summer I Turned Pretty had a mild supernatural element but it was boring, that’s what’s going on here. I think there’s hints of something interesting regarding themes of sex, power, agency, etc but not enough in this volume to be engaging.
October 3, 2025
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!
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!
November 12, 2025
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!
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!
March 14, 2026
4.5 stars
I love Olivie Blake’s writing, and this graphic novel was a great addition to her already amazing backlist. This artist has the most stunning style and I think it translated really well into a graphic novel story. Clara and the Devil has this author’s signature strange, gothic vibes, with characters I’ve already grown to love. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
I love Olivie Blake’s writing, and this graphic novel was a great addition to her already amazing backlist. This artist has the most stunning style and I think it translated really well into a graphic novel story. Clara and the Devil has this author’s signature strange, gothic vibes, with characters I’ve already grown to love. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
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October 7, 2025Gorgeous 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.
November 9, 2025
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!
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!
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