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Kh Misha
Mor (Audrey) vil gerne bruge noget tid sammen med Misha og har inviteret dem ud på et roadtrip.
Der er bare lige det problem at Audrey, der ikke var der for Misha, da de voksede op, stadig fastholder Misha som sin datter - selvom de er non-binær og har fortalt helt åbent om, hvordan de har det.
Misha forsøger sig endda med at skrive et brev, men det går heller ikke særlig godt … Og nu, efter et forkert sving ned ad en lille skovvej, står mor/barn-duoen midt i Åndernes Rige, hvor farer og kaos lurer om hvert et hjørne.
Hvordan skal de to, der er så langt fra hinanden, finde en fælles vej ud og tilbage?
Der er bare lige det problem at Audrey, der ikke var der for Misha, da de voksede op, stadig fastholder Misha som sin datter - selvom de er non-binær og har fortalt helt åbent om, hvordan de har det.
Misha forsøger sig endda med at skrive et brev, men det går heller ikke særlig godt … Og nu, efter et forkert sving ned ad en lille skovvej, står mor/barn-duoen midt i Åndernes Rige, hvor farer og kaos lurer om hvert et hjørne.
Hvordan skal de to, der er så langt fra hinanden, finde en fælles vej ud og tilbage?
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2025
6 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 31, 2025
4.5
TW: misgendering, absent parent
When I heard "A Very Goofy Movie meets Spirited Away, with a nonbinary teen" I thought "HELL YEAH", immediately followed by "how the heck is that going to come through?". Well, I'm excited to see that it absolutely does come through, and it's done spectacularly well! Somehow this story takes everything I love from A Very Goofy Movie and perfectly shapes it to the vibes and landscape of Spirited Away. Misha is a really loveable, relatable character, who looks like a soft Ronan Lynch, and their situation is heartbreaking while allowing the story to end with hope as well as realistic, not sugary sweet, growth. The only complaint I have is that I wish we'd been able to see more of Odun's past and how the spirit world was meant to function.
Pre-review comments below
I'M SO GLAD THIS IS FINALLY ON GOODREADS I'VE BEEN DESPERATE TO ADD IT TO MY TBR SINCE I SAW THE RIGHTS REPORT
"pitched as A Goofy Movie meets Spirited Away, about a nonbinary teen and their mother who, during a contentious road trip, take a wrong turn that lands them in the realm of the spirits, where they are surrounded by trickster spirits who aren’t so keen on human trespassers, with no obvious way out,"
TW: misgendering, absent parent
When I heard "A Very Goofy Movie meets Spirited Away, with a nonbinary teen" I thought "HELL YEAH", immediately followed by "how the heck is that going to come through?". Well, I'm excited to see that it absolutely does come through, and it's done spectacularly well! Somehow this story takes everything I love from A Very Goofy Movie and perfectly shapes it to the vibes and landscape of Spirited Away. Misha is a really loveable, relatable character, who looks like a soft Ronan Lynch, and their situation is heartbreaking while allowing the story to end with hope as well as realistic, not sugary sweet, growth. The only complaint I have is that I wish we'd been able to see more of Odun's past and how the spirit world was meant to function.
Pre-review comments below
I'M SO GLAD THIS IS FINALLY ON GOODREADS I'VE BEEN DESPERATE TO ADD IT TO MY TBR SINCE I SAW THE RIGHTS REPORT
"pitched as A Goofy Movie meets Spirited Away, about a nonbinary teen and their mother who, during a contentious road trip, take a wrong turn that lands them in the realm of the spirits, where they are surrounded by trickster spirits who aren’t so keen on human trespassers, with no obvious way out,"
November 12, 2025
This was a very powerful graphic novel. Very purposefully constructed and gorgeous to look at. I love the author note at the end discussing how, while coming out stories are important, there also ought to be stories that center around what comes after.
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It felt reminiscent of Spirited Away (get lost, accidentally enter spirit realm, really cool creatures all around, have to figure out how to get back, etc.). I loved the non-binary representation and the focus on a messy parent-child relationship. The people you love don't always get things right, and just because you are related by blood doesn't mean you have to accept shitty treatment from them. But other times, when someone really wants to try, you should give them a chance because they might finally show up for you.
December 19, 2024
If you want a graphic novel with great non-binary rep, messy but realistic familial relationships, and spirits galore, this is the graphic novel for you. I really loved Misha’s journey and their mom’s journey because both of them just felt like actual people you might meet. While the reasons Misha’s mom is struggling are revealed, none of it ever felt like an “excuse” and you can empathize with both mother and child. The PPD rep was small but important. Misha’s growth over the course of the story was excellent. I really loved how they learned to speak up for themself and opened up to building a stronger relationship with their mom going forward. The art is magical and mystical. It really felt like I was journeying through the spirit realm along with them. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
November 24, 2025
*3.5 Stars
I'd like to thank MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: grief, abandonment, misgendering
The artwork in this graphic novel was beautiful! I loved how detailed the backgrounds and characters were. The Realm of Spirits was a great setting for a magical adventure, especially one with so much character development. I enjoyed reading about Misha and their journey towards rebuilding their relationship with their mother. The mother, Audrey, makes plenty of mistakes throughout the book, but it was great seeing how she learned from them and truly got to know Misha. The magical side characters were also intriguing and added another element of action to the plot.
I'd like to thank MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: grief, abandonment, misgendering
The artwork in this graphic novel was beautiful! I loved how detailed the backgrounds and characters were. The Realm of Spirits was a great setting for a magical adventure, especially one with so much character development. I enjoyed reading about Misha and their journey towards rebuilding their relationship with their mother. The mother, Audrey, makes plenty of mistakes throughout the book, but it was great seeing how she learned from them and truly got to know Misha. The magical side characters were also intriguing and added another element of action to the plot.
July 26, 2025
What starts as a mother-daughter road trip quickly turns into a whimsical and strange adventure for both. Misha is dealing with a mother who can’t quite accept their child’s transitioning into a boy, while their mother wants a daughter more than anything. When both veer off the path, they make it into the Realm of Spirits, meeting all sorts of magical creatures alike. However, will both be able to make it back home before there are no portals left?
Profoundly moving and strays into a new realm of unseen delights. Misha, who is non-binary, wants a mother who accepts them as they are, but a road trip complicates things. Soft oranges and rustic browns come together in a fantastical view of growing up, acceptance, and forgiveness. This graphic novel is a little like Spirited Away, with forbidden realms and creatures like no other, even with a dash of tarot cards.
Profoundly moving and strays into a new realm of unseen delights. Misha, who is non-binary, wants a mother who accepts them as they are, but a road trip complicates things. Soft oranges and rustic browns come together in a fantastical view of growing up, acceptance, and forgiveness. This graphic novel is a little like Spirited Away, with forbidden realms and creatures like no other, even with a dash of tarot cards.
April 16, 2025
Growing up I was taught the phrase,
"just because you said sorry, doesn't mean the hurt went away."
I think that phrase really encapsulates this story. I truly loved it and cried reading it. I did feel like there were parts missing and there could have been so much more but that's just me. I wanted more for Misha, wanted to see more and read more. Fell in love with their character and the others as well. Such a beautiful world the author made.
"just because you said sorry, doesn't mean the hurt went away."
I think that phrase really encapsulates this story. I truly loved it and cried reading it. I did feel like there were parts missing and there could have been so much more but that's just me. I wanted more for Misha, wanted to see more and read more. Fell in love with their character and the others as well. Such a beautiful world the author made.
July 25, 2025
gorgeousssss art and a really complex story! it’s giving studio ghibli or maybe over the garden wall, either way, amazing and awesome and cool!!!
October 1, 2025
Very Spirited Away vibes - but if the parents stayed awake and their relationship was super complicated.
July 14, 2025
Misha is nonbinary and going on a road trip with their often absent mother, who struggles with their pronouns. The two accidentally drive into the realm of spirits, and have to work together to find their way home.
A lot of the nonbinary storyline struck close to home in this one. There was also a LOT of plot in this. The mother was absent after Misha's birth but tunes in to sporadically care about Misha's life. On top of this, there is a spirit world whose rules are fairly mercurial. The colorwork was just phenomenal, but I wanted more time with non human spirits and a streamlined plot.
A lot of the nonbinary storyline struck close to home in this one. There was also a LOT of plot in this. The mother was absent after Misha's birth but tunes in to sporadically care about Misha's life. On top of this, there is a spirit world whose rules are fairly mercurial. The colorwork was just phenomenal, but I wanted more time with non human spirits and a streamlined plot.
September 29, 2025
Summary:
It’s safe to say that Misha and their mom have a complicated relationship. Misha has been spending more time with extended family, courtesy of their mom always being on the go. However, Audrey has suddenly decided that a road trip is exactly what they need to fix their bond.
That’s awkward enough, but it gets worse: as Audrey keeps calling it a mother/daughter getaway. Naturally, things go downhill from there, but these two will have to find a common ground if they want to make it home.
Review:
Okay, so you pitch a graphic novel to me and you promise it’ll be just Spirited Away, with a dash of A Very Goofy Movie vibes, and you just know I’m gonna read it. So, I did! Love, Misha has some very solid comps, but it lives up to those set expectations.
The tale begins with an unwilling road trip, well, unwilling from Misha’s perspective. Their mom has this crazy scheme about repairing their bond with one vacation (it doesn’t work like that, no matter how much the movies try to sell this idea). In other words, this story comes out swinging. We have tension and emotional stakes right off the bat, and they haven’t even stepped foot in the car.
Parents and children not seeing eye-to-eye is a tale as old as time, but Love, Misha makes it hit hard. Their inability to connect begins with abandonment, but also includes a parent who struggles with appropriate pronouns. It then takes grand leaps through a magical world, and it is something entirely new because of it.
The artwork is delightfully whimsical, especially when it comes to portraying the more ethereal parts of the story. I loved the magical world, characters, and little details the creator snuck in here and there. It made for a perfect experience.
Highlights:
Fantasy Adventure
Magical Car Trip
Realm of Spirits
LGBTQ+
Warnings:
Misgendering
Absent Parenting
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Reedsy | Storylace | Medium | BlueSky
It’s safe to say that Misha and their mom have a complicated relationship. Misha has been spending more time with extended family, courtesy of their mom always being on the go. However, Audrey has suddenly decided that a road trip is exactly what they need to fix their bond.
That’s awkward enough, but it gets worse: as Audrey keeps calling it a mother/daughter getaway. Naturally, things go downhill from there, but these two will have to find a common ground if they want to make it home.
Review:
Okay, so you pitch a graphic novel to me and you promise it’ll be just Spirited Away, with a dash of A Very Goofy Movie vibes, and you just know I’m gonna read it. So, I did! Love, Misha has some very solid comps, but it lives up to those set expectations.
The tale begins with an unwilling road trip, well, unwilling from Misha’s perspective. Their mom has this crazy scheme about repairing their bond with one vacation (it doesn’t work like that, no matter how much the movies try to sell this idea). In other words, this story comes out swinging. We have tension and emotional stakes right off the bat, and they haven’t even stepped foot in the car.
Parents and children not seeing eye-to-eye is a tale as old as time, but Love, Misha makes it hit hard. Their inability to connect begins with abandonment, but also includes a parent who struggles with appropriate pronouns. It then takes grand leaps through a magical world, and it is something entirely new because of it.
The artwork is delightfully whimsical, especially when it comes to portraying the more ethereal parts of the story. I loved the magical world, characters, and little details the creator snuck in here and there. It made for a perfect experience.
Highlights:
Fantasy Adventure
Magical Car Trip
Realm of Spirits
LGBTQ+
Warnings:
Misgendering
Absent Parenting
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Reedsy | Storylace | Medium | BlueSky
January 23, 2025
Love, Misha is a magical graphic adventure novel about learning to use your voice, accepting others for who they are, and forgiving someone who has caused you pain.
✨ LGBTQIAP+ mc
✨ adventure
✨ close-calls with dealth
✨ parent and child relationship in turmoil
✨ abandonment trauma
✨ misgendering
✨ bottling up anger
✨ betrayal
The novel opens with Misha and their mother, Audrey, going on a trip together. Audrey misgenders Misha constantly and runs away from anything that is uncomfortable. Misha, struggles to speak their truth and show any sort of emotion towards their mother besides contentment. Since coming out as nonbinary, Misha has felt like they ruined their mother's life. To no fault of their own, Audrey just couldn't be who Misha needed--that's part of the forgiveness.
While Misha's story is more about forgiving their mother for who she isn't, Audrey's story is about accepting Misha for who they are. I honestly didn't like the mother until the very end--and I think that was intentional on the author's part. This is just as much a story about forgiveness as it is acceptance, and both Misha and Audrey have a lot of forgiveness and acceptance to work through together. Through forgiving their mother, Misha learns to speak their truth without holding back. I felt so proud of Misha! 🥹
Askel Aden's graphic novel has easy to read pages and unique illustrations that are vibrant and detailed. Sometimes, I'll stop reading graphic novel if I'm not vibing with the artwork. I was immediately drawn into Misha's story and the illustrations kept me so engaged. I loved the foreshadowing details that the reader could notice from the illustrations and background, but neither Misha or Audrey couldn't.
Overall, this is a story that everyone should read. I highly recommend!
I received an e-arc
✨ LGBTQIAP+ mc
✨ adventure
✨ close-calls with dealth
✨ parent and child relationship in turmoil
✨ abandonment trauma
✨ misgendering
✨ bottling up anger
✨ betrayal
The novel opens with Misha and their mother, Audrey, going on a trip together. Audrey misgenders Misha constantly and runs away from anything that is uncomfortable. Misha, struggles to speak their truth and show any sort of emotion towards their mother besides contentment. Since coming out as nonbinary, Misha has felt like they ruined their mother's life. To no fault of their own, Audrey just couldn't be who Misha needed--that's part of the forgiveness.
While Misha's story is more about forgiving their mother for who she isn't, Audrey's story is about accepting Misha for who they are. I honestly didn't like the mother until the very end--and I think that was intentional on the author's part. This is just as much a story about forgiveness as it is acceptance, and both Misha and Audrey have a lot of forgiveness and acceptance to work through together. Through forgiving their mother, Misha learns to speak their truth without holding back. I felt so proud of Misha! 🥹
Askel Aden's graphic novel has easy to read pages and unique illustrations that are vibrant and detailed. Sometimes, I'll stop reading graphic novel if I'm not vibing with the artwork. I was immediately drawn into Misha's story and the illustrations kept me so engaged. I loved the foreshadowing details that the reader could notice from the illustrations and background, but neither Misha or Audrey couldn't.
Overall, this is a story that everyone should read. I highly recommend!
I received an e-arc
January 16, 2026
I read this because it's a Morris award finalist. I think that is largely due to the topic of the story and not the story or the artwork itself. The story is about Misha, a nonbinary teen who is struggling to communicate with their birth mother, Audrey. Audrey, it's revealed, struggled with postpartum after Misha's birth and then felt guilty about leaving, so she kept going in and out of Misha's life. They start off on a roadtrip to rekindle their relationship and end up in the realm of spirits.
First off, I think the artwork is derivative of artists like Bree Paulsen and Molly Knox Ostertag. I adore Paulsen's Garlic books until humans get involved and then I think the design of them is off...it veers into uncanny valley a bit for me. They're too round and the proportions are just slightly incorrect. This follows more of that art style, except it has a LOT of close up shots of faces, which makes it stand out even more. The people just look unappealing. They remind me a lot of current Pixar characters, who I also find unappealing largely due to the sameness and smooth/overly round look (ex. Elio, Onward, the Bao short, the human characters in Inside Out, etc.)
Additionally, I think the story would've benefitted from maybe one or two more chapters to make the story about Odun feel wrapped up and to maybe include an epilogue about what happens to Audrey and Misha post-trip. There's open-ended stories and then there are stories that just end and this is the latter. I wish it felt more settled instead of abrupt.
I think the idea was a good start, but the execution for me is lacking a bit.
First off, I think the artwork is derivative of artists like Bree Paulsen and Molly Knox Ostertag. I adore Paulsen's Garlic books until humans get involved and then I think the design of them is off...it veers into uncanny valley a bit for me. They're too round and the proportions are just slightly incorrect. This follows more of that art style, except it has a LOT of close up shots of faces, which makes it stand out even more. The people just look unappealing. They remind me a lot of current Pixar characters, who I also find unappealing largely due to the sameness and smooth/overly round look (ex. Elio, Onward, the Bao short, the human characters in Inside Out, etc.)
Additionally, I think the story would've benefitted from maybe one or two more chapters to make the story about Odun feel wrapped up and to maybe include an epilogue about what happens to Audrey and Misha post-trip. There's open-ended stories and then there are stories that just end and this is the latter. I wish it felt more settled instead of abrupt.
I think the idea was a good start, but the execution for me is lacking a bit.
May 10, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC!~~
3.5/5 stars rounded up.
I don't know how many people would know this, but, as I'm writing this, is also publishing his other comic It's Warmer Over Here on Webtoons, which I highly recommend. It's how I learned this book existed, and I just had to request this.
Askel's art is just so gorgeous. His color palette is very warm, and it makes the fantasy and wonder of the spirit realm shine so brightly on every page. It's very much giving Spirited Away mixed with Alice in Wonderland.
The portrayal of Misha and Audrey's complex relationship is the highlight of the story. There is a lot of hurt between them, especially when it came to the subject of Misha's gender and Audrey either ignoring or forgetting about it. I really liked that Audrey wasn't simply forgiven by the end, that the time lost with her kid wasn't swept away. It's heavily implied that both characters would have to work hard to reforge their relationship, but they were willing to do so because they loved each other. It's a simple but beautiful message for bot young and old readers to take away from this.
It's hard to talk extensively without spoiling too much of the story, so I'll just leave it as a high recommendation for anyone to read. And to also read Askel's other work on Webtoons, because that's really good, as well.
3.5/5 stars rounded up.
I don't know how many people would know this, but, as I'm writing this, is also publishing his other comic It's Warmer Over Here on Webtoons, which I highly recommend. It's how I learned this book existed, and I just had to request this.
Askel's art is just so gorgeous. His color palette is very warm, and it makes the fantasy and wonder of the spirit realm shine so brightly on every page. It's very much giving Spirited Away mixed with Alice in Wonderland.
The portrayal of Misha and Audrey's complex relationship is the highlight of the story. There is a lot of hurt between them, especially when it came to the subject of Misha's gender and Audrey either ignoring or forgetting about it. I really liked that Audrey wasn't simply forgiven by the end, that the time lost with her kid wasn't swept away. It's heavily implied that both characters would have to work hard to reforge their relationship, but they were willing to do so because they loved each other. It's a simple but beautiful message for bot young and old readers to take away from this.
It's hard to talk extensively without spoiling too much of the story, so I'll just leave it as a high recommendation for anyone to read. And to also read Askel's other work on Webtoons, because that's really good, as well.
May 11, 2025
5 stars
Buckle up, Friends. Askel Aden is about to take you on a ride into your FEELINGS, and it will be a journey you will not forget.
Misha, the titular character, is heading out on a parent/child roadtrip against their will. Readers learn immediately that Misha is much closer to their aunt than their mom because their aunt raised them and has, as far as readers know, proved a continuing force of acceptance in Misha's life. Misha's mom? Well...it's complicated.
When Misha sets out on this road trip (think of that AC/DC song, and embed here), their expectations are grim. They do put some of their energy to good use in the drafting of this letter to their mother: hence the "Love, Misha" motif. As Misha struggles with the thoughts, feelings, and drafting, they come upon a truly wild situation: magical realism. It's best to go into this scenario with as little detail as possible and just enjoy it, so I'll leave the details out and just note that this is a truly powerful way to present Misha's story, journey, and discoveries.
This is my first book by this author, and I can't wait to teach next week so that I can enthusiastically recommend it to my students. I love how the central motifs are portrayed here: moving but not sappy and utterly creative throughout.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Buckle up, Friends. Askel Aden is about to take you on a ride into your FEELINGS, and it will be a journey you will not forget.
Misha, the titular character, is heading out on a parent/child roadtrip against their will. Readers learn immediately that Misha is much closer to their aunt than their mom because their aunt raised them and has, as far as readers know, proved a continuing force of acceptance in Misha's life. Misha's mom? Well...it's complicated.
When Misha sets out on this road trip (think of that AC/DC song, and embed here), their expectations are grim. They do put some of their energy to good use in the drafting of this letter to their mother: hence the "Love, Misha" motif. As Misha struggles with the thoughts, feelings, and drafting, they come upon a truly wild situation: magical realism. It's best to go into this scenario with as little detail as possible and just enjoy it, so I'll leave the details out and just note that this is a truly powerful way to present Misha's story, journey, and discoveries.
This is my first book by this author, and I can't wait to teach next week so that I can enthusiastically recommend it to my students. I love how the central motifs are portrayed here: moving but not sappy and utterly creative throughout.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 9, 2025
I had seen a few adverts about the graphic novel and had ILLed it from the library only to pick it up and that day see the announcement for the Morris Award finalists and this was on it. I thought, what luck!
This is first and foremost a fantasy graphic novel reminiscent of The Deep Dark with the muted colors but the fantasy elements. While this one leans more into the fantasy as Misha and their mother end up in a spiritual/magical realm instead of a human one, it has the elements of identity in both. Misha's mom hasn't been around and was raised by their aunt, but now they're going on a road trip and end up in a completely different world but the same problems are present-- Misha's mom refuses to accept that Misha is non-binary and has cut their hair and wants to dress differently. It's hard to accept because Misha's mom hasn't even been around and now they must trust each other enough to get out of this other realm. They have adventures and find a common ground but it's not without difficulties and doesn't necessarily come out with a completely happy ending either, which I appreciate.
It's different and unique that brings something fresh to a teen reading experience.
This is first and foremost a fantasy graphic novel reminiscent of The Deep Dark with the muted colors but the fantasy elements. While this one leans more into the fantasy as Misha and their mother end up in a spiritual/magical realm instead of a human one, it has the elements of identity in both. Misha's mom hasn't been around and was raised by their aunt, but now they're going on a road trip and end up in a completely different world but the same problems are present-- Misha's mom refuses to accept that Misha is non-binary and has cut their hair and wants to dress differently. It's hard to accept because Misha's mom hasn't even been around and now they must trust each other enough to get out of this other realm. They have adventures and find a common ground but it's not without difficulties and doesn't necessarily come out with a completely happy ending either, which I appreciate.
It's different and unique that brings something fresh to a teen reading experience.
June 26, 2025
I've recently fallen in love with fantasy graphic novels, but my one complaint is the brevity of the stories, as limited by the format. Love, Misha provides the sprawling, gorgeous feel of a fantasy book combined with stunning illustrations, and its slightly longer-than-average page count allowed me to truly get to know the characters and experience the scope of their development alongside them.
Every beat of this story is just a joy to read. The relationship between Misha and Audrey is flawless, one of the most realistic and nuanced mother-child relationships I’ve recently encountered in fiction. They fight, they have misunderstandings, they care about each other, they mess up. By the end of Love, Misha, I couldn’t help but wish there were more books that portrayed such authentic parental relationships - ones that weren’t all good or all bad but instead a realistic mix of genuine confusion, badly demonstrated love, and attempts to make things better.
I truly can’t recommend this story enough - five very well-deserved stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Every beat of this story is just a joy to read. The relationship between Misha and Audrey is flawless, one of the most realistic and nuanced mother-child relationships I’ve recently encountered in fiction. They fight, they have misunderstandings, they care about each other, they mess up. By the end of Love, Misha, I couldn’t help but wish there were more books that portrayed such authentic parental relationships - ones that weren’t all good or all bad but instead a realistic mix of genuine confusion, badly demonstrated love, and attempts to make things better.
I truly can’t recommend this story enough - five very well-deserved stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2025
Amazing show stopping spectacular never been done never the same, etc…OH MY GOD. Barnes and Noble impulse buy you did me SO right with this one. When it’s said that it’s a combination between Spirited Away and the goddamn Goofy Movie I was like “no way” but…yeah, that’s exactly what this is. It’s all that, plus an amazing exploration with gender identity and how it can feel when someone important to you doesn’t respect it, imperfect parent/child relationships, and the idea that someone has done you wrong—and you don’t have to wholly forgive them (but you can start to rebuild trust, slowly). All of this, set against a vibrant and well-defined world. All of the characters were rootable, yet had very sympathetic flaws. And the art style was so imaginative and made really good use of warm color. Like genuinely I have no notes the plot was amazing, it was paced well, and every character hit for me. Genuinely one of the best books that’s come out in 2025 and I’m NOT kidding. Whatever Askel Aden does next I will be SEATED for it.
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Love, Misha is a tender, emotionally rich novel that explores love, loss, and identity through the lens of a complicated family dynamic. At its heart lies a beautifully written, tense mother–daughter relationship—one filled with unspoken expectations, buried resentments, and flashes of fierce, undeniable love. It’s this relationship that gives the book its emotional gravity and makes Misha’s journey so compelling.
The prose is lyrical yet grounded, full of small, observant moments that feel deeply true. Misha herself is a vivid, vulnerable narrator whose letters and reflections peel back the layers of her relationships—not just with others, but with herself. The story moves between tenderness and ache, showing how love can both heal and wound in equal measure.
While the pacing lingers a bit in places, the emotional payoff is well worth it. Love, Misha captures the complexity of family bonds and the quiet courage it takes to break free from old patterns. A heartfelt, beautifully crafted novel that lingers like a half-forgiven memory.
Love, Misha is a tender, emotionally rich novel that explores love, loss, and identity through the lens of a complicated family dynamic. At its heart lies a beautifully written, tense mother–daughter relationship—one filled with unspoken expectations, buried resentments, and flashes of fierce, undeniable love. It’s this relationship that gives the book its emotional gravity and makes Misha’s journey so compelling.
The prose is lyrical yet grounded, full of small, observant moments that feel deeply true. Misha herself is a vivid, vulnerable narrator whose letters and reflections peel back the layers of her relationships—not just with others, but with herself. The story moves between tenderness and ache, showing how love can both heal and wound in equal measure.
While the pacing lingers a bit in places, the emotional payoff is well worth it. Love, Misha captures the complexity of family bonds and the quiet courage it takes to break free from old patterns. A heartfelt, beautifully crafted novel that lingers like a half-forgiven memory.
January 29, 2025
I love the layers to Misha’s mother and Misha’s relationship with her. She is such a flawed character, sympathetic when we get to see her as a person in her own right with her mental health struggles not just a bad mother, but still hard to like or want forgiveness for a lot of the time. She wants to try, but her nature is to run from what’s difficult, so it hardly feels like trying to Misha.
The moments when Misha fell into comfortable banter with her just briefly cut through the bitterness and the coldness of their usual relationship poignantly. It captured the dissonance of still caring for someone who has and still is hurting them.
They can’t settle entirely into rejecting her or loving her.
It’s a simple, quick story, but there’s a lot packed into their relationship.
The art is appealing too, especially in the Spirit World sections which play around with vibrant colors, interesting lighting, and imaginative settings.
The moments when Misha fell into comfortable banter with her just briefly cut through the bitterness and the coldness of their usual relationship poignantly. It captured the dissonance of still caring for someone who has and still is hurting them.
They can’t settle entirely into rejecting her or loving her.
It’s a simple, quick story, but there’s a lot packed into their relationship.
The art is appealing too, especially in the Spirit World sections which play around with vibrant colors, interesting lighting, and imaginative settings.
June 20, 2025
Loving the story so far! Misha has always lived with his Aunt. Now Mom wants to have a trip to rekindle their bond. Mom doesn’t seem to want to recognize that Misha no longer is a girl, Mish is a boy. Mom seems to be having a hard time accepting this. Mish has always been let down my mom. They get lost in a spirit world and are trying to get back home. Odin is helping them along the way. Odin is some kind of shape shifting wolf. He has lost his beloved he thinks to the material world, so I think he is thinking if he gets them back to other side he will find his beloved. He is trying to get mom and Mish to figure things out along the way. But we find out Odin is just using them. They can only let two out. So Odin tries to get Mish to leave his mom. In the end Odin realizes it’s not the right thing to do and allows them to go back home. In the end mom swears to be a better mom and not to misgender Mish anymore. I hope there’s a second one!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Trigger Warnings: misgendering, absent parent
Mom, Audrey, finally wants to spend time with Misha. She’s never around (the two don’t even live together), so this is a rare opportunity. But, Audrey still thinks of Misha as her daughter, despite Misha being very open about being nonbinary. Misha even tries to write a letter to their mom to tell her how they feel, but that’s not going great either…
When a wrong turn down a forest leads to the Realm of Spirits, the mother-child duo had no clue on how to return home and must work together to try and find their way.
So, I definitely felt the Spirited Away vibes while reading this (getting lost, accidentally entering a spirit realm, having to figure out how to get home without getting eaten), but then another reviewer mentioned A Goofy Movie and now I can totally see those connections too (parent-child with a strain relationship go on a roadtrip but everything that could go wrong does).
The art in this graphic novel is fun and whimsical, capturing the magic of the spirit world perfectly. The brown and golden hues in the panels also give the feel of autumn and sets the tone.
Overall, this graphic novel is about growing up, acceptance, and forgiveness along the journey in a spirit realm that isn’t really meant for humans. It’s aimed at young adult readers, but I believe adult readers would also enjoy it (especially Studio Ghibli lovers).
*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Mom, Audrey, finally wants to spend time with Misha. She’s never around (the two don’t even live together), so this is a rare opportunity. But, Audrey still thinks of Misha as her daughter, despite Misha being very open about being nonbinary. Misha even tries to write a letter to their mom to tell her how they feel, but that’s not going great either…
When a wrong turn down a forest leads to the Realm of Spirits, the mother-child duo had no clue on how to return home and must work together to try and find their way.
So, I definitely felt the Spirited Away vibes while reading this (getting lost, accidentally entering a spirit realm, having to figure out how to get home without getting eaten), but then another reviewer mentioned A Goofy Movie and now I can totally see those connections too (parent-child with a strain relationship go on a roadtrip but everything that could go wrong does).
The art in this graphic novel is fun and whimsical, capturing the magic of the spirit world perfectly. The brown and golden hues in the panels also give the feel of autumn and sets the tone.
Overall, this graphic novel is about growing up, acceptance, and forgiveness along the journey in a spirit realm that isn’t really meant for humans. It’s aimed at young adult readers, but I believe adult readers would also enjoy it (especially Studio Ghibli lovers).
*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 13, 2025
Netgalley graciously provided me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming story of family and sacrifice told with a fantasy twist. Misha is non binary and has not had their mother in their lives very much, so when mom wants to take a road trip, Misha is skeptical, ESPECIALLY because mom insists on buying them dresses and doing "girly" stuff, which is just not Misha.
Somehow the two fall into the realm of the spirits, and to make it out they will have to face all the hard truths they have both been dancing around their entire lives.
This lovely little fable helps us understand that while we may not always understand each other, and parent child relationships may be hard and painful, as long as both are willing to try, there is hope.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming story of family and sacrifice told with a fantasy twist. Misha is non binary and has not had their mother in their lives very much, so when mom wants to take a road trip, Misha is skeptical, ESPECIALLY because mom insists on buying them dresses and doing "girly" stuff, which is just not Misha.
Somehow the two fall into the realm of the spirits, and to make it out they will have to face all the hard truths they have both been dancing around their entire lives.
This lovely little fable helps us understand that while we may not always understand each other, and parent child relationships may be hard and painful, as long as both are willing to try, there is hope.
May 20, 2025
💫 NetGalley ARC Review 💫
Absolutely blown away by this graphic novel! Aden has crafted a visually stunning adventure that's as heartwarming as it is thrilling. The artwork is simply phenomenal, bringing the Realm of Spirits to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. What truly resonated with me was the way Aden handled Misha's journey as a non-binary character. It's a powerful and important representation, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The exploration of family ties and acceptance is also beautifully done. The complex dynamic between Misha and Audrey is so relatable, and their struggle to understand each other is both touching and thought-provoking. This is more than just a fantasy adventure; it's a story about love, acceptance, and the importance of family. A must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories with a touch of magic.
Absolutely blown away by this graphic novel! Aden has crafted a visually stunning adventure that's as heartwarming as it is thrilling. The artwork is simply phenomenal, bringing the Realm of Spirits to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. What truly resonated with me was the way Aden handled Misha's journey as a non-binary character. It's a powerful and important representation, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The exploration of family ties and acceptance is also beautifully done. The complex dynamic between Misha and Audrey is so relatable, and their struggle to understand each other is both touching and thought-provoking. This is more than just a fantasy adventure; it's a story about love, acceptance, and the importance of family. A must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories with a touch of magic.
August 1, 2025
Waaaiiiit, this is the author of "It's Warmer Over Here" and "Crossroads"?? AAAAHHHH. No wonder this lovely art looked familiar.
I felt like there were some plot holes and some lingering questions, but the world was lovely and the character interactions were the driving force of the narrative. Bittersweet but hopeful. I think even for people who don't "get" the "pronoun thing," I think this story captures how a failure to recognize someone's identity on a deeper level than making a mistake with your words. Misha's mom wants Misha to be someone they aren't, and her failure to use the right pronoun or her comments about feminine or 'girlish' things relate back to the larger disconnects in their situations.
Anyway, good stuff. Now go read the author's other work, too, because it's GREAT.
I felt like there were some plot holes and some lingering questions, but the world was lovely and the character interactions were the driving force of the narrative. Bittersweet but hopeful. I think even for people who don't "get" the "pronoun thing," I think this story captures how a failure to recognize someone's identity on a deeper level than making a mistake with your words. Misha's mom wants Misha to be someone they aren't, and her failure to use the right pronoun or her comments about feminine or 'girlish' things relate back to the larger disconnects in their situations.
Anyway, good stuff. Now go read the author's other work, too, because it's GREAT.
November 28, 2025
Feels heavily inspired by Spirited Away, but still definitely its own thing. The focus is really on the relationship between nonbinary teen Misha and their mostly absesnt mother. Falling into the spirit world gives Misha the opportunity to finally have the difficult conversation they've been needing to have with their mother. The most recent issue is that their mother casually misgenders them, but that's another aspect of the mom's habitual absence from Misha's life. Unaddressed is where Misha's biological father is, since Misha has been entirely raised by their aunt. It's this emotional core that makes up the heart of the book. The spirit world is interesting, and Misha and their mother encounter several fascinating characters. But the heart of the book is that mother/child relationship.
June 7, 2025
This is one of the best new graphic novels I've read so far this year. The incorporation of mythology in this story of a nonbinary teen with a mother who loves but still fails them is beautifully done. I was invested the entire time, and the read went by very quickly. I adored the tarot cards throughout and how they foreshadowed or provided context to their circumstances. Odun is such an intriguing character and I want so much more story from this world, especially surrounding him and his history in the spirit realm. I really enjoyed the artwork and use of colors, I think it was well-executed the whole way through. I can already tell, "We do things we aren't proud of, out of grief" is a line that's going to stick with me.
June 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A queer coming-of-age story filled with magic, family tension, and learning to advocate for yourself. Jam Aden creates this heartwarming and heartaching story between an estranged mother and her non-binary teenage child going on a bonding roadtrip. The forced proximity is causing them to confront a lot of past hurts and feelings surrounding their relationship while simultaneously getting so completely lost they fall into the spirit realm and have to find their way home! This is giving Spirited Away vibes with all the magical creatures/spirits.
TW: misgendering (moderate), gaslighting (minor), fantasy-based violence and danger (minor)
A queer coming-of-age story filled with magic, family tension, and learning to advocate for yourself. Jam Aden creates this heartwarming and heartaching story between an estranged mother and her non-binary teenage child going on a bonding roadtrip. The forced proximity is causing them to confront a lot of past hurts and feelings surrounding their relationship while simultaneously getting so completely lost they fall into the spirit realm and have to find their way home! This is giving Spirited Away vibes with all the magical creatures/spirits.
TW: misgendering (moderate), gaslighting (minor), fantasy-based violence and danger (minor)
December 10, 2024
Love, Misha is a graphic novel about a road trip gone wrong. Misha and their mom head out and quickly find themselves in a sprit world, due to them being lost in more than just the literal sense. Misha feels abandoned by their mom who was mostly absent during their childhood, and didn't adjust well to Misha coming out as nonbinary. The two butt heads as they follow a wolf spirit, not realizing their relationship is what brought them there. This is a story about relationships and how to mend them even if things aren't perfect. I loved the art style and all the different characters we meet along the way. Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 23, 2025
Gorgeous art with a story that really hits home! Different aspects of the world building brought to mind Spirited Away and Anzu and the Realm of Darkness, but geared towards a queer teen audience. Love, Misha addresses the heartbreak of a parent not seeing you for who you are, and the harm that comes from being unavailable/unreliable. The tension and hurt between Misha and their mother, Audrey, is very palpable, thrown under a spotlight by close proximity in unusual and frightening circumstances. Mysterious side characters add plenty of intrigue to the spirit world, with a purposeful tie-in to a satisfying ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC!
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