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Soulmates
To everyone else, seventeen-year-old Golden Boy Kit Summers has it all figured out. But when he starts having premonitions of death, he must find a way to stop them—while navigating new feelings for an old friend who has dark secrets of her own—before his life spirals out of control.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
David Wilson
5 books20 followersDavid Wilson is an illustrator, writer, designer, and filmmaker. Entering the freelance world over ten years ago, he has worked for clients such as HarperCollins, The Atlantic, The WWE, Boom! Comics, The Boston Globe, Harvard, Forbes and many more. He is Creative Director at Belt Publishing where he was a recipient of AIGA’s “50 Books 50 Covers” award. His latest work, Play Like A Girl, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, written by Misty Wilson, was a 2023 Buckeye Book Award winner. Currently, he's finishing up his debut author graphic novel SOULMATES and working on two other unannounced graphic novels.
He's most active on instagram @downpourdw
He's most active on instagram @downpourdw
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 13, 2025
A YA graphic novel perfect for fans of Lunar New Year Love Story and Pumpkinheads.
🪦
Kit Summers is about to have the best senior year ever. He’s the golden boy, star quarterback, has great grades and a gorgeous girlfriend, but when Emma, his childhood best friend, returns to town, everything changes. Emma left so suddenly after Kit almost drowned. He tries to keep his distance, but keeps getting pulled into Emma’s orbit while also struggling with demons of his own. Death is coming for the both of them thanks to Kit’s brush with it years before. Can they escape it alive?
💀
This was a haunting love story, full of darkness, but also hope. The colors and artwork help set the mood throughout the book and I couldn’t stop reading. This title releases August 4, 2026.
CW: death, grief, death of a parent, injury, blood
🪦
Kit Summers is about to have the best senior year ever. He’s the golden boy, star quarterback, has great grades and a gorgeous girlfriend, but when Emma, his childhood best friend, returns to town, everything changes. Emma left so suddenly after Kit almost drowned. He tries to keep his distance, but keeps getting pulled into Emma’s orbit while also struggling with demons of his own. Death is coming for the both of them thanks to Kit’s brush with it years before. Can they escape it alive?
💀
This was a haunting love story, full of darkness, but also hope. The colors and artwork help set the mood throughout the book and I couldn’t stop reading. This title releases August 4, 2026.
CW: death, grief, death of a parent, injury, blood
June 23, 2026
For such a quick read, this story had so much depth. The character development was phenomenal, the art was stunning and haunting, and, juxtaposed with the paranormal plot points, the characters were very down-to-earth and lifelike. I would have loved this book as a teen (and I still loved it as an adult). I'm surprised this is Wilson's first graphic novel authorship, and I hope to read more in the future! Since the ARC was an ebook, I've already put this on hold at my library, and I'm dying to see the illustrations on a larger scale in print.
(CW: death, grief, blood, car accident, mentions of parent death and cancer)
(CW: death, grief, blood, car accident, mentions of parent death and cancer)
December 16, 2025
Soulmates was a quick graphic novel with great artwork (loved the mix of Pumpkinheads-style art with the dark, gloomy drawings of death) and a fun story. The book follows Kit and Emma, two seniors in high school who were very close in middle school until something happened and Emma abruptly moved away. Now, Emma's mother has passed away and she's back in town. The two rekindle their friendship, but Kit has visions of death that are causing his grades, friendships, and football performance to suffer.
Although at times predictable, this was still an enjoyable read. I really appreciated the artwork and think this will be a hit with young adult readers when it releases. I wish the side characters had a bit more depth; as it stands, I'm not sure this book would pass the Bechdel test and it really seemed like every conversation with the main characters and their friends was oriented around their relationship. I think there could have been more depth in these conversations and that was a missed opportunity.
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed myself reading this and would recommend it to fans of Lumberjanes or Giant Days!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for review!*
Although at times predictable, this was still an enjoyable read. I really appreciated the artwork and think this will be a hit with young adult readers when it releases. I wish the side characters had a bit more depth; as it stands, I'm not sure this book would pass the Bechdel test and it really seemed like every conversation with the main characters and their friends was oriented around their relationship. I think there could have been more depth in these conversations and that was a missed opportunity.
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed myself reading this and would recommend it to fans of Lumberjanes or Giant Days!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for review!*
October 27, 2025
Such a great graphic novel! I enjoyed the character development and the plot. I also love the art style as well, especially during the visions. It was great reading about two childhood friends coming back together after one had to move away. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the arc ✨
November 5, 2025
I really liked this graphic novel! The story depicts grief, love, friendship, and magic in such a beautiful way. The art is beautiful. It reminds me a lot of a modern day Archie Comics style.. and fits the tone perfectly. It’s emotional, hopeful, and a solid 5 star read for me. I highly recommend this one!
November 12, 2025
This book was beautifully illustrated, and it perfectly complemented the tone of the novel. Kit and Emma are two characters that I had an easy time falling in love with. I finished the book in three sittings; the pacing was well done. While the side characters could have been fleshed out more, that's pretty typical for a graphic novel standalone. I'll keep an eye out for David Wilon's future work for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book.
May 9, 2026
An advanced reading copy of this book was provided to me by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press in exchange for my honest review.
When I was a kid, the highlight of my summer vacation was waking up at our rustic little cottage by the ocean and getting a brand new Archie comic. My mom would hand my sister and me each one every morning, and we would read them and then swap. I was completely hooked on those teenage love stories, those friendships, that whole world. I loved every single page.
Somewhere in my teenage years I left comic books behind. Then in my late twenties, when I was working as a Children's Book Publicist, I found my way back to them through the incredible graphic novel imprints I got to work with. And just like that, I remembered exactly why I had loved them so much in the first place.
Stories told in graphic form have always had a special hold on me. Maybe it is the Archie nostalgia, or maybe it is just that the combination of art and story can do something that words alone sometimes cannot. Whatever the reason, I have never stopped loving a good teenage love story told in panels, and when you add magical realism into the mix? I am completely sold.
David Wilson brings all of those things together in his debut graphic novel, Soulmates, releasing August 2026 from Roaring Brook Press.
What is Soulmates about?
Kit looks like he has everything. He is the golden boy of his small town, captain of the football team, perfect grades, perfect relationship. But when his childhood best friend Emma mysteriously reappears, his carefully constructed world starts to crack. Kit has been having terrifying visions of people who then turn up dead, and Emma may be the only one who knows why. As the two reconnect and old feelings resurface, secrets on both sides begin to unravel, and with Death looming closer, the truth cannot stay hidden much longer.
My thoughts on Soulmates
David Wilson's haunting art style pulled me in from the very first page. The story is beautifully told, the art is gorgeous, and the combination of forbidden teenage romance and creeping supernatural dread is perfectly balanced. I read the whole thing in one sitting, which for me is always the sign of a truly great graphic novel.
I loved the way Wilson explores the pressure teenagers face to appear perfect, and how he weaves that theme through Kit's story in a way that feels genuine and relatable. Both Kit and Emma are carrying secrets, things they are terrified to tell anyone for fear of being seen as strange, or broken, or a freak. And that fear, that feeling of holding something inside yourself that you are convinced would make you unlovable if it ever came to light, is something I think every single reader will recognize, no matter their age. Even if your own secrets look nothing like Kit's or Emma's, that feeling of being too afraid to let anyone see the real you is deeply, achingly universal.
The relationship between Kit and Emma is tender and complicated, layered with the weight of a childhood first love that was ripped away too soon, and that shared history that no high school boyfriend or girlfriend could ever quite compete with. It is just the right amount of bittersweet. And the supernatural elements add this delicious layer of unease that keeps you turning pages even when you almost do not want to know what comes next.
As someone who has always had a soft spot for stories that sit right at the intersection of romance and the unexplained, Soulmates hit exactly the right notes for me.
I cannot wait to see what David Wilson creates next.
When I was a kid, the highlight of my summer vacation was waking up at our rustic little cottage by the ocean and getting a brand new Archie comic. My mom would hand my sister and me each one every morning, and we would read them and then swap. I was completely hooked on those teenage love stories, those friendships, that whole world. I loved every single page.
Somewhere in my teenage years I left comic books behind. Then in my late twenties, when I was working as a Children's Book Publicist, I found my way back to them through the incredible graphic novel imprints I got to work with. And just like that, I remembered exactly why I had loved them so much in the first place.
Stories told in graphic form have always had a special hold on me. Maybe it is the Archie nostalgia, or maybe it is just that the combination of art and story can do something that words alone sometimes cannot. Whatever the reason, I have never stopped loving a good teenage love story told in panels, and when you add magical realism into the mix? I am completely sold.
David Wilson brings all of those things together in his debut graphic novel, Soulmates, releasing August 2026 from Roaring Brook Press.
What is Soulmates about?
Kit looks like he has everything. He is the golden boy of his small town, captain of the football team, perfect grades, perfect relationship. But when his childhood best friend Emma mysteriously reappears, his carefully constructed world starts to crack. Kit has been having terrifying visions of people who then turn up dead, and Emma may be the only one who knows why. As the two reconnect and old feelings resurface, secrets on both sides begin to unravel, and with Death looming closer, the truth cannot stay hidden much longer.
My thoughts on Soulmates
David Wilson's haunting art style pulled me in from the very first page. The story is beautifully told, the art is gorgeous, and the combination of forbidden teenage romance and creeping supernatural dread is perfectly balanced. I read the whole thing in one sitting, which for me is always the sign of a truly great graphic novel.
I loved the way Wilson explores the pressure teenagers face to appear perfect, and how he weaves that theme through Kit's story in a way that feels genuine and relatable. Both Kit and Emma are carrying secrets, things they are terrified to tell anyone for fear of being seen as strange, or broken, or a freak. And that fear, that feeling of holding something inside yourself that you are convinced would make you unlovable if it ever came to light, is something I think every single reader will recognize, no matter their age. Even if your own secrets look nothing like Kit's or Emma's, that feeling of being too afraid to let anyone see the real you is deeply, achingly universal.
The relationship between Kit and Emma is tender and complicated, layered with the weight of a childhood first love that was ripped away too soon, and that shared history that no high school boyfriend or girlfriend could ever quite compete with. It is just the right amount of bittersweet. And the supernatural elements add this delicious layer of unease that keeps you turning pages even when you almost do not want to know what comes next.
As someone who has always had a soft spot for stories that sit right at the intersection of romance and the unexplained, Soulmates hit exactly the right notes for me.
I cannot wait to see what David Wilson creates next.
January 5, 2026
Soulmates by David Wilson is a quick yet intriguing graphic novel that follows Emma & Kit’s journey to infinity & beyond—okay, joking… but not really. On a more serious note, this story centers on Emma repeatedly saving Kit’s life after reviving him years ago, an act that seems to have caught the attention of the Grim Reaper—or some ominous supernatural force that clearly wants its balance restored.
Emma is forced to tap into her supernatural abilities while still trying to live like a normal teenager. On top of that, she’s wrestling with her growing feelings for Kit, knowing that fate may be working against them & that maybe they’re not supposed to be together at all. That tension adds emotional weight to the story & keeps the stakes feeling personal.
Kit isn’t just a bystander in all of this either—he’s dealing with his own supernatural struggle, including the whole “I see dead people” situation. His inability to escape the consequences of being brought back adds another layer of unease & emotional complexity to the story.
The overall vibe gives strong Supernatural & Ghost Whisperer energy, blending teen drama with eerie, otherworldly consequences. One thing I didn’t fully love was Kit getting arrested for being drunk at the end—it felt like an easier explanation than, “My girlfriend raised me from the dead… again.” Honestly, telling the truth might’ve gone a long way here.
For a young adult title, the artwork leans toward muted, darker tones. While it may not appeal to everyone visually, it does fit the doom-&-gloom atmosphere of the story, reinforcing the sense that something is always lurking just beneath the surface. Because of such, I'll give the title a smooth 4.5 (which rounds to 5). Overall, Soulmates is a fast, engaging read with a compelling supernatural twist & enough emotional depth to make it worth checking out.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Emma is forced to tap into her supernatural abilities while still trying to live like a normal teenager. On top of that, she’s wrestling with her growing feelings for Kit, knowing that fate may be working against them & that maybe they’re not supposed to be together at all. That tension adds emotional weight to the story & keeps the stakes feeling personal.
Kit isn’t just a bystander in all of this either—he’s dealing with his own supernatural struggle, including the whole “I see dead people” situation. His inability to escape the consequences of being brought back adds another layer of unease & emotional complexity to the story.
The overall vibe gives strong Supernatural & Ghost Whisperer energy, blending teen drama with eerie, otherworldly consequences. One thing I didn’t fully love was Kit getting arrested for being drunk at the end—it felt like an easier explanation than, “My girlfriend raised me from the dead… again.” Honestly, telling the truth might’ve gone a long way here.
For a young adult title, the artwork leans toward muted, darker tones. While it may not appeal to everyone visually, it does fit the doom-&-gloom atmosphere of the story, reinforcing the sense that something is always lurking just beneath the surface. Because of such, I'll give the title a smooth 4.5 (which rounds to 5). Overall, Soulmates is a fast, engaging read with a compelling supernatural twist & enough emotional depth to make it worth checking out.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
September 15, 2026
"A promise is a promise."
David Wilson's Soulmates is a gripping graphic novel, perfect for those that like their romance a little on the dark side.
Kit and Emma have a history, and it runs deeper than either of them can possibly imagine. When senior year hits, Kit is surprised to find that his best friend (Emma) has returned to their hometown to finish out their final year of school after disappearing without a word when the two were still in middle school. However, with Emma's return comes strange and unexplainable events, and it's affecting Kit's ability to follow through on all the expectations that are thrusts upon him. He sees what experiencing as a dark secret no one can possibly understand, especially since he barely understands it himself.
Emma has a secret of her own, one her grandmother swears she needs to keep a secret, but this fiery redhead has a will of her own, and she begins to trust Kit with her secret. It's this beautiful determination that leads our pair together, tumbling down a dark and twisted path where history and the present collide and test the limits of love and loss. Will our soulmates find their way to each other or are they going to get lost in the dark fate that's surrounding them?
The author keeps you on your toes until the bitter end, allowing you to have a few sweet moments along with the dark ones. We see the story come to life though the illustrator, who uses stunning colors to offset the darker moments that bring you in, keeping you there as time goes on. We see the fight the characters have, what they are willing to do, and how far they are willing to go to get what they want. Both the author and the artist created a story that would be a fun, non-stop read for the people that like a little darkness with the light, and I can see this being something someone would want to read more than once.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a pretty unique graphic novel. It runs much darker than I anticipated, which isn't a bad thing, but it is...a vibe.
Emma and Kit are super close in middle school. Kit has an accident, and Emma suddenly ghosts him. Now, Emma is back in town, and they both have FEELINGS about it. Also, they both have...some kind of magic or evil or menacing activity or a fascination with apparent road kill? These two really giving new life to "It's Complicated."
The relationship between Kit and Emma is a little hard to make sense of at first in part because THEY are trying to make sense of it. That's compounded by the inclusion of Kit's visions, which take a minute to grasp (again, the reader is put into Kit's position - we are all confused). And Emma's grandmother seems wildly harsh for reasons that are not entirely clear at first either. There are also these secondary characters (friends, a girlfriend, a potential love interest, spirits?) who seem like they'll have an important role, but don't really quite get beyond a quick note in a scene or two.
There were several times when I hoped for another panel - or even page of panels - that would give me added insight into what was happening. At times, the information and/or transitions felt abrupt or unclear. Paradoxically, while I wanted more explanation of some things, overall, the pacing felt a little slow to me. Less lamenting and more connecting, please, Emma and Kit.
There's a lot to like about this effort, though I obviously experienced some minor bumps in the road. I'll recommend this one to students looking for a love story with a twist and for some fantasy/supernatural elements along the way.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a pretty unique graphic novel. It runs much darker than I anticipated, which isn't a bad thing, but it is...a vibe.
Emma and Kit are super close in middle school. Kit has an accident, and Emma suddenly ghosts him. Now, Emma is back in town, and they both have FEELINGS about it. Also, they both have...some kind of magic or evil or menacing activity or a fascination with apparent road kill? These two really giving new life to "It's Complicated."
The relationship between Kit and Emma is a little hard to make sense of at first in part because THEY are trying to make sense of it. That's compounded by the inclusion of Kit's visions, which take a minute to grasp (again, the reader is put into Kit's position - we are all confused). And Emma's grandmother seems wildly harsh for reasons that are not entirely clear at first either. There are also these secondary characters (friends, a girlfriend, a potential love interest, spirits?) who seem like they'll have an important role, but don't really quite get beyond a quick note in a scene or two.
There were several times when I hoped for another panel - or even page of panels - that would give me added insight into what was happening. At times, the information and/or transitions felt abrupt or unclear. Paradoxically, while I wanted more explanation of some things, overall, the pacing felt a little slow to me. Less lamenting and more connecting, please, Emma and Kit.
There's a lot to like about this effort, though I obviously experienced some minor bumps in the road. I'll recommend this one to students looking for a love story with a twist and for some fantasy/supernatural elements along the way.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 19, 2026
Kit is the star player and new captain of his high school football team. He has a popular girlfriend. He been nominated for homecoming king. His grades and life are all set to get him in to the college his family expects him to attend.
Kit was not always the golden boy. For a long time he struggled and was shut off from every one. This all started the day his best friend Emma moved away, without notice, without saying goodbye.
One day, Emma returns. This is when it all changes.
Emma recently lost her mother to cancer. As it was always just Emma and her mom growing up, she moved back to her home town to live with her grandmother. Being back home didnt mean everything went back to normal. She is mostly stuck inside, as her grandmother is very strict, but for a good reason.
Emma runs into Kit one night when she sneaks out. Not only does this flood Kit with memories and emotions, something else starts to change. He starts to see death before it happens. Kit has no idea that the return of his childhood friend and his visions are connected.
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel. Even where there is darkness and death looming you have beautiful artwork. The way the artist uses the color palettes to convey the mood and emotion is brilliant.
This is a well paced stand alone that keeps you interested and has an ending that leaves you wanting more of their story but also satisfied. The characters and plot grow together, and in a sequence that flows very well.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers and adults alike. Would be a perfect edition to any home or school library!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the ARC.
Kit was not always the golden boy. For a long time he struggled and was shut off from every one. This all started the day his best friend Emma moved away, without notice, without saying goodbye.
One day, Emma returns. This is when it all changes.
Emma recently lost her mother to cancer. As it was always just Emma and her mom growing up, she moved back to her home town to live with her grandmother. Being back home didnt mean everything went back to normal. She is mostly stuck inside, as her grandmother is very strict, but for a good reason.
Emma runs into Kit one night when she sneaks out. Not only does this flood Kit with memories and emotions, something else starts to change. He starts to see death before it happens. Kit has no idea that the return of his childhood friend and his visions are connected.
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel. Even where there is darkness and death looming you have beautiful artwork. The way the artist uses the color palettes to convey the mood and emotion is brilliant.
This is a well paced stand alone that keeps you interested and has an ending that leaves you wanting more of their story but also satisfied. The characters and plot grow together, and in a sequence that flows very well.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers and adults alike. Would be a perfect edition to any home or school library!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the ARC.
December 26, 2025
David Wilson’s graphic novel debut is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of death, identity, and first love. From the very first pages, the story drops you right into Kit’s confusion—and I loved that. Learning the truth at the same pace as Kit made the mystery more immersive and emotionally engaging, pulling me deeper into the story with every chapter.
The artwork is stunning and atmospheric, perfectly matching the eerie, bittersweet tone of the book. That said, the digital ARC I read was a bit blurry and pixelated, which was hard on my eyes at times. This seems more like a formatting issue than an artistic one, and I’m hopeful the final version will be clearer because the art truly deserves to shine.
The portrayal of death and its inevitability was handled with care and honesty, striking a balance between creepy and tender. The emotional core of the story—especially Kit and Emma’s relationship—felt genuine and impactful. While I did wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out, the narrative is clearly centered on Kit’s journey, so it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, this is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant story that lingers with you after you finish it. A strong debut that blends mystery, romance, and introspection in a compelling way.
The artwork is stunning and atmospheric, perfectly matching the eerie, bittersweet tone of the book. That said, the digital ARC I read was a bit blurry and pixelated, which was hard on my eyes at times. This seems more like a formatting issue than an artistic one, and I’m hopeful the final version will be clearer because the art truly deserves to shine.
The portrayal of death and its inevitability was handled with care and honesty, striking a balance between creepy and tender. The emotional core of the story—especially Kit and Emma’s relationship—felt genuine and impactful. While I did wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out, the narrative is clearly centered on Kit’s journey, so it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, this is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant story that lingers with you after you finish it. A strong debut that blends mystery, romance, and introspection in a compelling way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fun graphic novel that reads quickly, but I was not nearly as emotionally invested at the point of the story's pay-off as I thought it would be, partially because of how quickly we were moving. I didn't understand what made Kit tick for his friends, though I certainly understood the kids who didn't like him because while they were caricatures they felt more real. How did Kit cultivate this diverse friend group who stuck by him when the caricatures left while being less than genuine to himself? This question is never answered.
I wanted to root for these characters and like them, and I did for the most part, but I also had a lot of questions.
I also found both versions of the art gorgeous, but different enough that I felt his art teacher should have had more questions about who Kit really was than answers from seeing his newly moody work.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. I do think my library teens will enjoy this title.
I wanted to root for these characters and like them, and I did for the most part, but I also had a lot of questions.
I also found both versions of the art gorgeous, but different enough that I felt his art teacher should have had more questions about who Kit really was than answers from seeing his newly moody work.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. I do think my library teens will enjoy this title.
August 19, 2026
3.5 stars. I loved the concept of this supernatural tale of destiny, death, and love, but I wasn't fully satisfied with the execution. I definitely think it was on the right track though, and there was a lot to enjoy about this graphic novel.
First of all, the darker scenes were done extremely well. I loved the style of these pages and how they contrasted with the vibes of the rest of the graphic novel. Kit's struggles to do it all and please everyone around him were very relatable and I imagine would be familiar to young adults and teens too. I also really liked the character of Emma's grandmother and how you empathize with her more as the graphic novel goes on.
I loved how Kit and Emma were tied together and the way it was explored through the graphic novel, but I found myself a little unsatisfied with the ending, and the magic felt a bit unexplained with inconsistent rules. I know that when it comes to the supernatural, it's good not to get bogged down with details. However, I felt that to some extent, leaving things unclear made some aspects of the plot seem convenient, including the ending.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed this, but it didn't blow me away. I would happily read the next graphic novel from this author as I did like it and the themes it explored quite a bit.
First of all, the darker scenes were done extremely well. I loved the style of these pages and how they contrasted with the vibes of the rest of the graphic novel. Kit's struggles to do it all and please everyone around him were very relatable and I imagine would be familiar to young adults and teens too. I also really liked the character of Emma's grandmother and how you empathize with her more as the graphic novel goes on.
I loved how Kit and Emma were tied together and the way it was explored through the graphic novel, but I found myself a little unsatisfied with the ending, and the magic felt a bit unexplained with inconsistent rules. I know that when it comes to the supernatural, it's good not to get bogged down with details. However, I felt that to some extent, leaving things unclear made some aspects of the plot seem convenient, including the ending.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed this, but it didn't blow me away. I would happily read the next graphic novel from this author as I did like it and the themes it explored quite a bit.
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading this graphic novel!! I requested this so that me and both my girls (15 & 13) could read it and talk about it. It was great for their age range. There is a few cuss words, a kiss and some magic/paranormal stuff. The illustrations are amazing and the storyline is wonderful! It’s a story about peer pressures and the heaviness of being a teenager. It’s a story about accepting who you are and embracing your own gifts. And it’s a story about doing what you love and being there for those you love.
The paranormal part of the book made it even better to read. It gave me… well not butterflies but an anxious, suspenseful feeling in my stomach during those parts.
I am not exactly sure how to explain the genre, but I would say it is a fantasy romance and paranormal romance. But the romance part is only a small part of it and it is done in a sweet and age appropriate way. It is over 300 pages but being a graphic novel I read it in around an hour. The story changes POV between the MMC and the FMC. The graphics are great and express everything in a wonderful way, even the dark themes.
Thank you David Wilson and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for approving this ARC! Me and my girls enjoyed reading this book!
The paranormal part of the book made it even better to read. It gave me… well not butterflies but an anxious, suspenseful feeling in my stomach during those parts.
I am not exactly sure how to explain the genre, but I would say it is a fantasy romance and paranormal romance. But the romance part is only a small part of it and it is done in a sweet and age appropriate way. It is over 300 pages but being a graphic novel I read it in around an hour. The story changes POV between the MMC and the FMC. The graphics are great and express everything in a wonderful way, even the dark themes.
Thank you David Wilson and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for approving this ARC! Me and my girls enjoyed reading this book!
February 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This graphic novel is a surprisingly poignant read that tackles meaningful, somber themes with an unexpected level of depth. It is rare to find a work in this medium that balances such heavy subject matter so effectively, making the narrative feel both intentional and impactful.
The visuals, for me, were a mixed bag. While the color sequences didn’t appeal to me (they also looked somewhat blurry—though this may be an issue specific to the early copy rather than the final production) the black-and-white scenes are truly stunning. The illustrations of the fox spirit, in particular, are gorgeous and stand out as the artistic highlight of the book.
My main complaint is a lapse in realism during the climax. The scene where Kit is arrested for underage drinking feels forced and logically inconsistent, as the officer makes the arrest without any proof, such as a breathalyzer test, despite Kit being completely sober. While fiction allows for some suspension of disbelief, this specific plot point feels like a convenient way to drive the drama rather than a grounded reflection of how such a situation would unfold, which detracted from an otherwise strong story.
This graphic novel is a surprisingly poignant read that tackles meaningful, somber themes with an unexpected level of depth. It is rare to find a work in this medium that balances such heavy subject matter so effectively, making the narrative feel both intentional and impactful.
The visuals, for me, were a mixed bag. While the color sequences didn’t appeal to me (they also looked somewhat blurry—though this may be an issue specific to the early copy rather than the final production) the black-and-white scenes are truly stunning. The illustrations of the fox spirit, in particular, are gorgeous and stand out as the artistic highlight of the book.
My main complaint is a lapse in realism during the climax. The scene where Kit is arrested for underage drinking feels forced and logically inconsistent, as the officer makes the arrest without any proof, such as a breathalyzer test, despite Kit being completely sober. While fiction allows for some suspension of disbelief, this specific plot point feels like a convenient way to drive the drama rather than a grounded reflection of how such a situation would unfold, which detracted from an otherwise strong story.
February 17, 2026
I expected this to be a cozy tale of love with darker elements, however it ended up being the other way around, a dark tale with elements of love, but was still fantastic. This graphic novel covers death and loss in a fascinating way, following two main characters who interact with death in different ways.
While the plot itself is good, the art is AMAZING and truly elevates the story! There are some very detailed stunning black and white pages throughout depicting death that blew my mind. I appreciate how the art really tied together the story and emphasized different plot points.
The only reason that the book lost a star for me was that some parts felt a bit quick and skipped over details I would’ve liked, and it would have been nice to have a bit more explanation of the magic occurring.
Soulmates is a great quick read graphic novel, exploring the stresses of high school students and the theme of death. Check it out when it releases August 4, 2026!
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and David Wilson for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book!
While the plot itself is good, the art is AMAZING and truly elevates the story! There are some very detailed stunning black and white pages throughout depicting death that blew my mind. I appreciate how the art really tied together the story and emphasized different plot points.
The only reason that the book lost a star for me was that some parts felt a bit quick and skipped over details I would’ve liked, and it would have been nice to have a bit more explanation of the magic occurring.
Soulmates is a great quick read graphic novel, exploring the stresses of high school students and the theme of death. Check it out when it releases August 4, 2026!
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and David Wilson for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book!
May 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC for review!
I think Soulmates is a really good novel for teens. The story spends a lot of time around teens and their familial expectations. The core conflict is whether you should be your true self or what your family and friends see you as. The main characters both have people with a lot of expectations of them around them. They aren't able to be their true selves because of pressure from others.
This story is really grounded in reality when it comes to teens and expectations. The supernatural element really brings in some interest. The tone shift allows for discussion of the inevitability of death and what happens after. I get CW high school drama vibes out of this and thought it was overall engaging.
This book would be a really good one for a teen to read with someone else and discuss. I think a parent could read this along with a teen and have some really good life discussions.
Overall, I recommend this to teens and young adults mostly as I think they can relate more to the characters than adults, but I think adults could get something from the story all the same.
I think Soulmates is a really good novel for teens. The story spends a lot of time around teens and their familial expectations. The core conflict is whether you should be your true self or what your family and friends see you as. The main characters both have people with a lot of expectations of them around them. They aren't able to be their true selves because of pressure from others.
This story is really grounded in reality when it comes to teens and expectations. The supernatural element really brings in some interest. The tone shift allows for discussion of the inevitability of death and what happens after. I get CW high school drama vibes out of this and thought it was overall engaging.
This book would be a really good one for a teen to read with someone else and discuss. I think a parent could read this along with a teen and have some really good life discussions.
Overall, I recommend this to teens and young adults mostly as I think they can relate more to the characters than adults, but I think adults could get something from the story all the same.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick and thought-provoking YA graphic novel, perfect for teens and anyone who can relate to the pressures of young adulthood.
I enjoyed the childhood friends-to-more and second chance tropes present in the book. Kit and Emma were clearly meant to be together, always understanding and seeing the other as they were with no judgment. I was definitely rooting for them throughout the story.
I thought Kit’s experience of feeling so much pressure to be involved in everything yet simultaneously feeling not good enough to anyone was incredibly relatable. I loved how he slowly made his way back to things that gave him life 😉
I didn’t see the main shock coming, but it definitely tied up some questions I had about the beginning. Love when I don’t see something coming.
Finally, I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the art style between the normal, everyday and the darkness when Kit/Emma went into this other place. There was never confusion about where they were or when an episode was starting for Kit, which was great.
Thank you Roaring Brook Press and David Wilson for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I enjoyed the childhood friends-to-more and second chance tropes present in the book. Kit and Emma were clearly meant to be together, always understanding and seeing the other as they were with no judgment. I was definitely rooting for them throughout the story.
I thought Kit’s experience of feeling so much pressure to be involved in everything yet simultaneously feeling not good enough to anyone was incredibly relatable. I loved how he slowly made his way back to things that gave him life 😉
I didn’t see the main shock coming, but it definitely tied up some questions I had about the beginning. Love when I don’t see something coming.
Finally, I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the art style between the normal, everyday and the darkness when Kit/Emma went into this other place. There was never confusion about where they were or when an episode was starting for Kit, which was great.
Thank you Roaring Brook Press and David Wilson for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
October 28, 2025
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that follows Kit, a very overwhelmed senior boy who is headed into his last year of school. His best friend from childhood, Emma has just returned after losing her mom, and everything has just gotten more complicated.
There is some beautiful depictions of grief in this and also some cool magic. I love the art used for ghosts and magic in this. the art generally is gorgeous. I also love the depiction of overwhelmed teens. I was also a very stressed teenager who was trying to be successful so I felt very seen by it.
This is a gorgeous book that all teens should read.
I received this arc in return for my honest review. Thank you!
Review by Nic @polycraftory on Instagram & Tumblr where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. If you are curious about my thoughts on more books, you can find me @businesswife on Storygraph or Nic Morrow on Netgalley. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book. You can also find my reviews @polycraftory on Goodreads.
There is some beautiful depictions of grief in this and also some cool magic. I love the art used for ghosts and magic in this. the art generally is gorgeous. I also love the depiction of overwhelmed teens. I was also a very stressed teenager who was trying to be successful so I felt very seen by it.
This is a gorgeous book that all teens should read.
I received this arc in return for my honest review. Thank you!
Review by Nic @polycraftory on Instagram & Tumblr where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. If you are curious about my thoughts on more books, you can find me @businesswife on Storygraph or Nic Morrow on Netgalley. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book. You can also find my reviews @polycraftory on Goodreads.
August 13, 2026
High School golden boy, Kit makes a rare appearance at a party, only to find it raided by the police. He runs into the woods and hides in an old hiding place--only to be joined by his childhood best friend Emma, who moved away suddenly five years earlier. Since Emma left, Kit has remade himself in his father's image, putting away the art he loved for sports and a business career. He doesn't think he has room for Emma in his already overscheduled life. But suddenly everything falls apart. He begins to have eerie visions that throw him into a dream state where he is completely oblivious of his surroundings, causing accidents and terrifying his friends. When he emerges from these visions, he discovers they come true, with the subjects of his visions dying immediately afterward. Emma becomes his confidant and the two draw close again. Emma understands the visions because she herself has psychic powers. In fact, Emma may know more about the visions than even she realizes. Can the two find a way to stop these visions before they claim Emma or Kit?
September 1, 2026
A really fantastic look at figuring out who you are and what you want amidst familial expectations and pressure. The artwork in this is truly phenomenal; the scenes when Kit is having his episodes/visions are terrifying! There is a lot of depth to the characters despite this being a very quick read. I'll be on the lookout for Wilson's next work.
Kit Summers is newly the QB, has a great girlfriend, and is living up to his father's expectations, despite not truly knowing what he wants for himself. But the pressures of overbooking himself to please his dad and gf come crashing down when he starts having haunting visions that leave him distant, angry and scared. Then comes his childhood best friend Emma returning after moving away and things unravel even more.
Emma lost her mother recently and is under a lot of pressure from her grandmother to harness her magical abilities that skipped her mother and grandmother's generations. Together she and Kit try to figure out the puzzle of his visions and their relationship.
Kit Summers is newly the QB, has a great girlfriend, and is living up to his father's expectations, despite not truly knowing what he wants for himself. But the pressures of overbooking himself to please his dad and gf come crashing down when he starts having haunting visions that leave him distant, angry and scared. Then comes his childhood best friend Emma returning after moving away and things unravel even more.
Emma lost her mother recently and is under a lot of pressure from her grandmother to harness her magical abilities that skipped her mother and grandmother's generations. Together she and Kit try to figure out the puzzle of his visions and their relationship.
October 28, 2025
Soulmates by David Wilson was an entirely enjoyable YA graphic novel. Kit is the star athlete in a small town; his best friend Emma left town quickly and without warning when they were young and he was in an accident while they were out climbing. The story follows normal teenagers, dating, negotiating homecoming and families. However, there is more to the story as Kit starts seeing visions, and Kit has her own secrets as well. While this story certainly does have elements of fantasy in it, it is not overall a fantasy graphic novel and will be able to reach a wide range of student interests. The graphics are beautiful between the everyday life and those that involve the visions. I loved the use of color, light, and dark. I didn't know anything about this book before I requested the ARC, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I will definitely be buying this for our school library. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
December 6, 2025
Soulmates is a story of two friends that were separated suddenly in middle school and have been reunited in their senior year in high school. This graphic novel combines romance and the supernatural to tell the story of Emma’s family history with magic. The art was really well done, it was a good balance of creepy and can be relatable to younger readers.
The things I didn’t love. The side characters weren’t fleshed out at all. Not that I need to know every detail of every side character, but any sort of detail would be great. Even knowing more about Kit would be great. To me this was both a slow burn yet moved fast to where I was struggling to fill in some of the blanks (more detail would help with that). The ending felt a little weird and didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall it was a good and quick read and would still recommend to an older YA audience.
Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
The things I didn’t love. The side characters weren’t fleshed out at all. Not that I need to know every detail of every side character, but any sort of detail would be great. Even knowing more about Kit would be great. To me this was both a slow burn yet moved fast to where I was struggling to fill in some of the blanks (more detail would help with that). The ending felt a little weird and didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall it was a good and quick read and would still recommend to an older YA audience.
Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and Advanced Reader's Copy.
I read an advanced reader copy of SoulMates by David Wilson, and wow, just wow! This graphic novel is dripping with atmosphere. The artwork is absolutely killer, especially the black-and-white scenes during Kit’s visions, which felt equal parts spooky and beautiful. The character development really shines here; I genuinely felt Kit’s feelings of doubt, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear of failure in a very real way. I also loved the honesty between Emma and Kit. There was no frustrating, drawn-out misunderstanding trope, which was honestly refreshing. The balance between eerie and tender moments is handled so well, making the story feel immersive without being overwhelming. Everything about the book feels intentional, from the pacing to the emotional beats. As a high school librarian, this is an easy yes for my collection. I have no doubt it would be a popular and well-loved title with students.
I read an advanced reader copy of SoulMates by David Wilson, and wow, just wow! This graphic novel is dripping with atmosphere. The artwork is absolutely killer, especially the black-and-white scenes during Kit’s visions, which felt equal parts spooky and beautiful. The character development really shines here; I genuinely felt Kit’s feelings of doubt, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear of failure in a very real way. I also loved the honesty between Emma and Kit. There was no frustrating, drawn-out misunderstanding trope, which was honestly refreshing. The balance between eerie and tender moments is handled so well, making the story feel immersive without being overwhelming. Everything about the book feels intentional, from the pacing to the emotional beats. As a high school librarian, this is an easy yes for my collection. I have no doubt it would be a popular and well-loved title with students.
May 5, 2026
Kit and Emma were friends when they were young, but after Kit fell from a cliff and woke up on shore alone, Emma and her mom left town quickly after. Since then Kit's life has become "perfect" he's captain of the local sports team, he's got a great girlfriend and his grades are excellent. Then, Emma is unexpectedly back in town and his life and he's suddenly having visions. Why do the people in his visions keep dying? Why does Emma seem to be the only one who seems to understand? Deep friendship, secrets, and supernatural happenings were not what Kit was ready for.
Soulmates was a really lovely graphic. I found the artwork gripping, especially the way David Wilson drew the visions, very creepy but also beautiful. I was not ready to get a bit misty eyed during this novel, but the emotions felt so real and raw. I do wish we had Emma's perspective a bit more during her time away, but the overall story didn't really need it. Well done!
Soulmates was a really lovely graphic. I found the artwork gripping, especially the way David Wilson drew the visions, very creepy but also beautiful. I was not ready to get a bit misty eyed during this novel, but the emotions felt so real and raw. I do wish we had Emma's perspective a bit more during her time away, but the overall story didn't really need it. Well done!
May 12, 2026
This book follows a small-town boy whose seemingly perfect life unravels when his childhood best friend, Emma, returns to town. And Emma who hasn't been allowed a normal life – thanks to her abilities and her grandmother's fears.
The premise is genuinely brilliant. A horror romance about a teen with death premonitions and a childhood friend with dark secrets? Yes, please.
Not being able to share what's on your mind because you fear others won't understand you? That hit close to home. The balance between horror and sweet moments is well done. The ending is pretty clean although I'm not sure if I like it, but I don't hate it either.
I really enjoyed the plot. That said, I think some conversations or aspects could have had more depth. Also, I didn't understand why Kit was arrested. For being drunk? But that's not a crime and he wasn't drunk driving. Anybody can throw some light on this?
4 🌟
The premise is genuinely brilliant. A horror romance about a teen with death premonitions and a childhood friend with dark secrets? Yes, please.
Not being able to share what's on your mind because you fear others won't understand you? That hit close to home. The balance between horror and sweet moments is well done. The ending is pretty clean although I'm not sure if I like it, but I don't hate it either.
I really enjoyed the plot. That said, I think some conversations or aspects could have had more depth. Also, I didn't understand why Kit was arrested. For being drunk? But that's not a crime and he wasn't drunk driving. Anybody can throw some light on this?
4 🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ Review ✨ Soulmates written and illustrated by David Wilson
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
Kit's a small-town football captain whose life is suddenly shaken up by two things: 1) these weird dark visions that seems to predict the death of people around him, and 2) the return of Emma, his best friend from childhood. As the two find themselves near each other again, we learn the secrets they hold, and how they might work together to solve the problems they're facing.
This was a fun horror-ish YA graphic novel, that balanced creepy moments with teenagers finding themselves and their paths forward. The illustration style was enjoyable and jumped between colorful scenes and dark vibey scenes. Note that there is discussion of drinking and drugs throughout.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)
Genre: YA horror graphic novel, coming of age
Setting: small town
Pub Date: Aug 4 2026
Read this if you like:
⭕️ graphic novels
⭕️ horror that's not too extreme
⭕️ coming of age teen stories
⭕️ best friends
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
Kit's a small-town football captain whose life is suddenly shaken up by two things: 1) these weird dark visions that seems to predict the death of people around him, and 2) the return of Emma, his best friend from childhood. As the two find themselves near each other again, we learn the secrets they hold, and how they might work together to solve the problems they're facing.
This was a fun horror-ish YA graphic novel, that balanced creepy moments with teenagers finding themselves and their paths forward. The illustration style was enjoyable and jumped between colorful scenes and dark vibey scenes. Note that there is discussion of drinking and drugs throughout.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)
Genre: YA horror graphic novel, coming of age
Setting: small town
Pub Date: Aug 4 2026
Read this if you like:
⭕️ graphic novels
⭕️ horror that's not too extreme
⭕️ coming of age teen stories
⭕️ best friends
August 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this comic book for an honest review!
Kit is the golden boy of his small town. Captain of the football team, perfect grades, perfect relationship, perfect everything. But when his childhood best friend, Emma, mysteriously returns to town, Kit's life is thrown into turmoil. The strange visions he's been having, and the people he sees in them are turning up dead.
As Kit and Emma reconnect and rekindle their past, Kit's forced to admit that things aren't as perfect as they seem. And same with Emma.
The art is breathtaking, dark and haunting. The way "Death" was drawn in this smoky form was so cool to see.
I didn't expect the ending at all! This comic tugged at my heartstrings and I couldn't put this book down. Such a lovely short read, perfect for fall or Halloween that is right around the corner!
Kit is the golden boy of his small town. Captain of the football team, perfect grades, perfect relationship, perfect everything. But when his childhood best friend, Emma, mysteriously returns to town, Kit's life is thrown into turmoil. The strange visions he's been having, and the people he sees in them are turning up dead.
As Kit and Emma reconnect and rekindle their past, Kit's forced to admit that things aren't as perfect as they seem. And same with Emma.
The art is breathtaking, dark and haunting. The way "Death" was drawn in this smoky form was so cool to see.
I didn't expect the ending at all! This comic tugged at my heartstrings and I couldn't put this book down. Such a lovely short read, perfect for fall or Halloween that is right around the corner!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2026
4.5 stars. This graphic novel begins with two childhood friends being torn apart after a near tragedy. Fast forward to senior year of high school and Kit is the captain of the football team and destined to reign over homecoming court with his girlfriend. Emma reappears and upends his life as he knows it. The book dives into a dark realm of magical realism as their secret supernatural gifts bend the barrier between life and death. This is less of a romance and more of a love story saturated in speculative fiction. I found the content interesting and thought-provoking. The art was OK (a bit wonky at times for my aesthetic) with somber coloring with an ominous creep of grim splattered throughout. Teens will enjoy this YA fantasy (though beware: younger readers may get nightmares!). I’m grateful to have had the chance to read a digital ARC from NetGalley.
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