What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunstone #3
Sunstone, Vol. 3
«There are special moments in all our lives... points of no return.»As domme ally and sub Lisa's fledgling relationship begins to blossom, it becomes clear to both of them that it isn't just about BSDM. an ever widening circle of friends—including fellow practitioners Tom and Cassie and skeptical tattoo artist Anne—forms around the couple, who seem to be spending every free second together. But with Ally and Lisa's worlds becoming more intertwined, is their relationship stronger than ever? Or do they just have more to lose?
From writer/artist Stjepan Šejić (IXth Generation, Death Vigil), comes the third volume of this hilarious and heartfelt tale of two women exploring the pitfalls of love, friendship, and fetishism.
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2015
53 people are currently reading
1121 people want to read
About the author
Stjepan Šejić
348 books1,539 followersStjepan Šejić is a Croatian comic book writer and artist, known for his work on the series Witchblade, Aphrodite IX, Sunstone, and The Darkness among others.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
June 8, 2018
Vol. 1: ★★★★★
Vol. 2: ★★★
This is such a gem of a graphic novel series. And even though I didn’t love this one as much as Volume One, I still really enjoyed this installment and completely recommend it to adults who are interested in the BDSM lifestyle. Seriously, this is filled with very mature themes and explicit sexual content, so use caution if that’s not something you’re looking for.
Especially since this volume really touches upon the misconceptions about BDSM and the stereotypes that people put on the community in general. Yet, this series heavily emphasizes the importance of safety, and trust, and acknowledges that there is a lot of shady shit and people out there. Especially people who are interested in the community without putting in any of the effort to be a good Dom or sub.
But this installment is mostly us seeing Ally and Lisa fall for each other and start to want more than to just be each other’s BDSM partner. Lisa and Ally got to know each other online for two months before they met up for a session, and now they have been seeing each other for three weeks. And they are starting to feel a lot for one another, but they are scared the other one might not have the same feelings. And neither want to hinder or hurt the relationship they have currently.
Again, I just adore this graphic novel series and I haven’t found anything else like it. The art is so sexy and beautiful, the color palette is perfection, and the depiction of two girls learning each other’s wants and needs in a BDSM relationship is spot on. Not that my experiences are greater or more “realistic” than anyone else’s, but in my humble opinion this is a very accurate depiction.
And if you’re looking for a cute Dom/sub relationship with a sweet romance, then I completely recommend this series with my whole entire heart. And I’m really looking forward to picking up Volume Four very shortly!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube | Twitch
February 27, 2020
Into the third volume there is still this focus on what I think is the primary effort of the series, to make bdsm reasonably sane and nice/fun enough to those who have only heard about it as torture and dungeons. In every volume there are analogies made: it’s a roleplaying game with rules and limits; it’s like hot sauce on already tasty food; a “dom” is like a “fetishist technician;” hey, bdsm is really just like any relationship, trust and talk are keys.
How do they justify all this exposition and argument for bdsm? Well, in the third volume Cassie’s very skeptical friend agrees to go with her and Lisa to get a tattoo. She’s “not into pain,” thinks all this focus on kinky sex is “pervy” and so on. In other words, she is us, the reader, uncomfortable with all this stuff but who would also probably think the art is gorgeous (and it is). It's educational erotica!
That all the yuppies here are lean and magazine model gorgeous lends itself to the fantasy element, I suppose. If you are wondering about how diverse this series is, well, there are more than white people in this story, but there are not any plus-size folks in this world.
But on the character side, the loooove relationship proceeds. So an online bdsm play arrangement gets two sweet, nice women people to become friends(-with-benefits), and then. . . wait, are they falling in love but too scared to chance telling each other for fear of being rejected? Yup, this is a romance. . .
And much more talk than anything, as is typical of romance in my experience, a lot of foreplay. Any sexual acts are barely depicted, so far, at least, and often discussed with humor, not heat. And such expensive, gorgeous fantasy costumes!
It’s a little too much exposition for me, in fact; teaching about distinctions among doms, and so on. A little too defensive. But this has been my favorite volume so far because the love aspects advance a lot here. We like Ally and Lisa, and so we want nice things ot happen to them (an on their terms, we are not encouraged to judge!). One thing I like is that we begin to see the extent to which Lisa, in telling the story, embellishes her tale, as we see Ally reading drafts of stories she is writing about their relationship/encounters and accusing her of exaggerating and so on.
This third volume (or is it just the three-volume omnibus version I also have here?) has a long appendix where the author talks about how this series got started, which is fun and cool, with lots of sketches of costumes and where he talks about how he decided on the tone to be funny and personal and sexy not dark and grim sexy at all.
How do they justify all this exposition and argument for bdsm? Well, in the third volume Cassie’s very skeptical friend agrees to go with her and Lisa to get a tattoo. She’s “not into pain,” thinks all this focus on kinky sex is “pervy” and so on. In other words, she is us, the reader, uncomfortable with all this stuff but who would also probably think the art is gorgeous (and it is). It's educational erotica!
That all the yuppies here are lean and magazine model gorgeous lends itself to the fantasy element, I suppose. If you are wondering about how diverse this series is, well, there are more than white people in this story, but there are not any plus-size folks in this world.
But on the character side, the loooove relationship proceeds. So an online bdsm play arrangement gets two sweet, nice women people to become friends(-with-benefits), and then. . . wait, are they falling in love but too scared to chance telling each other for fear of being rejected? Yup, this is a romance. . .
And much more talk than anything, as is typical of romance in my experience, a lot of foreplay. Any sexual acts are barely depicted, so far, at least, and often discussed with humor, not heat. And such expensive, gorgeous fantasy costumes!
It’s a little too much exposition for me, in fact; teaching about distinctions among doms, and so on. A little too defensive. But this has been my favorite volume so far because the love aspects advance a lot here. We like Ally and Lisa, and so we want nice things ot happen to them (an on their terms, we are not encouraged to judge!). One thing I like is that we begin to see the extent to which Lisa, in telling the story, embellishes her tale, as we see Ally reading drafts of stories she is writing about their relationship/encounters and accusing her of exaggerating and so on.
This third volume (or is it just the three-volume omnibus version I also have here?) has a long appendix where the author talks about how this series got started, which is fun and cool, with lots of sketches of costumes and where he talks about how he decided on the tone to be funny and personal and sexy not dark and grim sexy at all.
February 26, 2020
I'm not really into the kink of the book. What draws me in is the fantastic expressive characters and the relationships and growing friendships (and humor) of this group of people. It reminds me so much of how Strangers in Paradise hooked me.
March 23, 2016
I honestly think I'm falling in love with this series. Not only is it an amazingly realistic and responsible representation of BDSM but it is also a romance story which I am fully immersed in and care about.
This volume was my favourite one yet. We see Ally and Lisa take a few big steps towards furthering their relationship and we also see a ton of beautiful BDSM lingerie which I have to say was pretty stylish!
We meet yet more characters who want to learn more about BDSM, and we also discuss the negative view that porn puts across. I thought these topics of curiosity and available reference material were handled really well and I loved seeing how our new characters reacted.
This story is not only wonderful becuase of how it deals with the topic, but also becuase it just feels genuine. The conversation always feels like it's calm, natural and jokey, no matter if it's sexual or not or between lovers/friends. I just think it feels like an organic storyline with some great moments of heartfelt conversation thrown in.
Genuinely loved this volume and I had all the feels. 5*s and I'm so glad I already have Vol. 4 to go onto next! If you are open to reading about BDSM then I'd recommend, but this probably isn't for everyone!
This volume was my favourite one yet. We see Ally and Lisa take a few big steps towards furthering their relationship and we also see a ton of beautiful BDSM lingerie which I have to say was pretty stylish!
We meet yet more characters who want to learn more about BDSM, and we also discuss the negative view that porn puts across. I thought these topics of curiosity and available reference material were handled really well and I loved seeing how our new characters reacted.
This story is not only wonderful becuase of how it deals with the topic, but also becuase it just feels genuine. The conversation always feels like it's calm, natural and jokey, no matter if it's sexual or not or between lovers/friends. I just think it feels like an organic storyline with some great moments of heartfelt conversation thrown in.
Genuinely loved this volume and I had all the feels. 5*s and I'm so glad I already have Vol. 4 to go onto next! If you are open to reading about BDSM then I'd recommend, but this probably isn't for everyone!
August 5, 2016
I'm really amazed at how well the author writes the feelings and internal struggles of the characters, every single one. I wasn't expecting the story to be this outstanding. I knew his artwork was going to be great, but I'm just enamored with the story!
July 6, 2017
This series is addictive and, if you read this, get yourself ready to tuck into books 4 and 5. I couldn't stop once I started.
We're getting an extra peek into additional characters here that will feed into ramping up the drama for the next books.
We're getting an extra peek into additional characters here that will feed into ramping up the drama for the next books.
September 22, 2018
I've been writing reviews for this comic for the past couple of days now, just because I can. If you haven't read part 1 and part 2 you should probably do so before reading this, otherwise it won't make much sense.
I read a review that said that this series is a "realistic and responsible representation of BDSM" and responsible it is, which you know, is a good thing, especially after the whole 50 Shades misinformation galore. However, when we're 300 pages into the story, we don't really need to be stuffed -once more- with exposition about how real BDSM is like and how much of a big role trust and communication play into it. It's boring, it's tiring, it's frustrating and poorly done. Good writers will just fill you up with exposition and you won't even notice it. Not here though. Nooope.
There's a scene, a freaking infuriating one, when a new friend, Anne, a woman with the same features as any other in this comic, bombards Lisa with really heavy personal questions and everyone's ok with it because "BDSM people" and must-explain-BDSM-to-those-youngsters vibes from Sejic. Hell dude, we get it. Everyone in this comic is going to be into BDSM one way or another and you hoped that your exposition scene would pass unnoticed because it would make sense for the n00bie to inquire about shit. Well if you're gonna go that route you best create a plausible scenario.
It's already weird how Lisa became so fast THAT close with Cassie, that Cassie needs her to be present for her tattoo appointment. The plot demanded that they bond so it happened without there being any chemistry between the two. So we cannot take their friendship for granted, because it's not real yet, their bond has been narrated but not shown. Neither can we suspend our disbelief to use this nonexistent bond of theirs as an excuse to introduce a new character and give them the freedom to ask invasive, rude stuff just because they're all besties with Cassie. You can't expect us readers to find it normal, or endearing, when Anne-the-tatoo-artist (who's literally a stranger to Lisa) asks our protagonist, the person whose eyes we watch the story from, some really personal questions about her sexual preferences, how she discovered them etc AND makes some pretty annoying assumptions about her too. You need to ease into the relationships between characters, and lay off the exposition for a bit, because as they are now I can't find them believable.
I'm ranting again about Sejic's writing. But you can't whine about much else. His art is standard and pretty well known by now. His women suffer from the same-face problem, some panels are hastily drawn, details are only there when the subject pleases Sejic.
This is one of the most interesting things I've noticed reading Sunstone. When Sejic was working for Top Cow there needed to be some level of consistency between the art levels of each issue, of each page, of Witchblade. He didn't much get to say "well I'm kinda bored of drawing this doorknob, so f@ck it I'll just leave it as a sketch." But he has that ability with Sunstone, it's his baby 100% so he gets to focus on whatever the hell he wants. And oh boy, is it apparent. There are many pages where there's a gleam, a detail that draws your eyes to it and you can see the effort that's been put there, because it stands out from all the rest; and you know, you KNOW, that Sejic had a blast drawing that. It's like looking into his mind, or his process, a bit and it's thrilling.
Hm...
I don't know why I'm writing these reviews but it sure is fun to read a comic critically again. I feel nice devoting my time and attention to a comic as I would to a book. Reading them this way and (half-ass) analyzing them helps me take them -more- seriously. I guess that's a bonus point for Sejic too, when I think about it. He kinda forced me to take a more serious look at his work (all that exposition sure didn't go to waste!!11!!1234!!) and that's a difficult thing for any creator to do. Nice job, Sejic!
I read a review that said that this series is a "realistic and responsible representation of BDSM" and responsible it is, which you know, is a good thing, especially after the whole 50 Shades misinformation galore. However, when we're 300 pages into the story, we don't really need to be stuffed -once more- with exposition about how real BDSM is like and how much of a big role trust and communication play into it. It's boring, it's tiring, it's frustrating and poorly done. Good writers will just fill you up with exposition and you won't even notice it. Not here though. Nooope.
There's a scene, a freaking infuriating one, when a new friend, Anne, a woman with the same features as any other in this comic, bombards Lisa with really heavy personal questions and everyone's ok with it because "BDSM people" and must-explain-BDSM-to-those-youngsters vibes from Sejic. Hell dude, we get it. Everyone in this comic is going to be into BDSM one way or another and you hoped that your exposition scene would pass unnoticed because it would make sense for the n00bie to inquire about shit. Well if you're gonna go that route you best create a plausible scenario.
It's already weird how Lisa became so fast THAT close with Cassie, that Cassie needs her to be present for her tattoo appointment. The plot demanded that they bond so it happened without there being any chemistry between the two. So we cannot take their friendship for granted, because it's not real yet, their bond has been narrated but not shown. Neither can we suspend our disbelief to use this nonexistent bond of theirs as an excuse to introduce a new character and give them the freedom to ask invasive, rude stuff just because they're all besties with Cassie. You can't expect us readers to find it normal, or endearing, when Anne-the-tatoo-artist (who's literally a stranger to Lisa) asks our protagonist, the person whose eyes we watch the story from, some really personal questions about her sexual preferences, how she discovered them etc AND makes some pretty annoying assumptions about her too. You need to ease into the relationships between characters, and lay off the exposition for a bit, because as they are now I can't find them believable.
I'm ranting again about Sejic's writing. But you can't whine about much else. His art is standard and pretty well known by now. His women suffer from the same-face problem, some panels are hastily drawn, details are only there when the subject pleases Sejic.
This is one of the most interesting things I've noticed reading Sunstone. When Sejic was working for Top Cow there needed to be some level of consistency between the art levels of each issue, of each page, of Witchblade. He didn't much get to say "well I'm kinda bored of drawing this doorknob, so f@ck it I'll just leave it as a sketch." But he has that ability with Sunstone, it's his baby 100% so he gets to focus on whatever the hell he wants. And oh boy, is it apparent. There are many pages where there's a gleam, a detail that draws your eyes to it and you can see the effort that's been put there, because it stands out from all the rest; and you know, you KNOW, that Sejic had a blast drawing that. It's like looking into his mind, or his process, a bit and it's thrilling.
Hm...
I don't know why I'm writing these reviews but it sure is fun to read a comic critically again. I feel nice devoting my time and attention to a comic as I would to a book. Reading them this way and (half-ass) analyzing them helps me take them -more- seriously. I guess that's a bonus point for Sejic too, when I think about it. He kinda forced me to take a more serious look at his work (all that exposition sure didn't go to waste!!11!!1234!!) and that's a difficult thing for any creator to do. Nice job, Sejic!
March 26, 2020
Ok you guys, there are only so many ways in which I can express how much I love this fucking series… :) and at this point, which is my review of the third installment, I feel like I’m repeating myself all the time… but here we go :) the whole series is an FF romance with BDSM themes, all about Ally and Lisa and I love it sooooo much… :) I found it through some friends recommendations and didn’t think it’s really my type of a story… ;) and yet here we are ;) the third volume and I am falling more and more in love with this story… mostly because I just love those sexual nerds ;) it’s hilarious and adorable and yeah, absolutely sexy… the art is stunning… and the more we get into it the more characters we meet… and of course I forgot to mention that in my review of the second volume, but here we get even more info about them, and I have to say that I just adore all of them :) honestly, I cannot find one thing to complain about this whole series… I would binge read through the rest of the installments, but I am pacing myself at least a tiny bit, to make them last a few days longer ;) definitely highly recommend :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
March 29, 2020
The new volume and this time more bdsm sex, relationships that deepen, and more. I loved reading it.
I have been keeping off from reading this one as I didn't want to rush through the series. It is just that awesome and I want to savour it. I am glad I did because now with libraries closed and my book stack dwindling it is the perfect time to read this series (and some others I have been saving for later).
In this one there is plenty of kinky sex between Ally and Lisa and I just love it! I love the things that Ally comes up with, I love seeing Lisa go with it. Sure, I still have to get used to it all, this is my first bdsm story and in graphic novel form even, but I love it so far. There are so many fun ways to please someone. I had quite a laugh at how many outfits Ally had for her sub, despite not having a sub until now. Oh Ally. :P
But next to kinky sex we also see these girls get closer and closer. You see them go WAY beyond the whole friends with some sexy benefits parts and I love it. These two are so cute together, and I just wish they would talk about their feelings because now they are both being eaten from the inside as they are both worried the other party may not feel these feelings. That it may destroy their friendship. But nothing will be destroyed girls, speak it out, say it loud!
We do see some progress in a way. Namely Ally asking at an awkward moment for Lisa to live with her (for a whole bunch of reasons). I loved that! And I loved seeing her consult with her best friend about it. Though, I think the execution could have been better. ;) Ah, and we also see Ally try to figure out her feelings. She never fell for a girl, but now she is falling hard. She is questioning her sexuality.
Next to Ally and Lisa we also have Anne and Cassie, and while I did like it at times, it is just the honest truth that I read these graphic novels for Ally and Lisa, not for anyone else. And I don't mind meeting people, I don't mind seeing Ally/Lisa say hi to people, but if people take away my time with my girls.. well. Plus, while I do like Cassie and her husband and see how they got together (and their marriage was just awesome), I am just not a fan of Anne. I mean, you don't ask things like that to someone you don't know well enough. If I was Lisa I would have raised my hand in the stop signal and say no. You don't ask about people's sex life unless you know them well enough. I get you are curious, but maybe you should just keep the questions to people you know well, or the internet.
I also still think it is hilarious there are so many red-heads in the series (even Ally made a remark about it in this one). I can tell you I haven't seen many redheads in my life. I had a girl with red hair in my elementary school class, and I have seen a couple walking around, but that is it.
I still love Alan and I love seeing him pop in the story. While he is unfazed at what he will see when he goes to his friend Ally, he does get flustered when he sees the girls in actual outfits which let to a delightfully hilarious scene that had me laughing so hard. I am so glad that he and Ally have been able to stay friends. I know my exes and I don't have that.
The art is fricking gorgeous though at times a bit jarring as we go from OMG 100% top art to a bit less but still good art.
Plus, I like that we go to the now (at least I guess that is the now) and see Ally and Lisa how they are now (and they are still together... *cheers*).
All in all, I so need to continue this. Great characters, I learn something about BDSM, wonderful relationships, and more. I would recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been keeping off from reading this one as I didn't want to rush through the series. It is just that awesome and I want to savour it. I am glad I did because now with libraries closed and my book stack dwindling it is the perfect time to read this series (and some others I have been saving for later).
In this one there is plenty of kinky sex between Ally and Lisa and I just love it! I love the things that Ally comes up with, I love seeing Lisa go with it. Sure, I still have to get used to it all, this is my first bdsm story and in graphic novel form even, but I love it so far. There are so many fun ways to please someone. I had quite a laugh at how many outfits Ally had for her sub, despite not having a sub until now. Oh Ally. :P
But next to kinky sex we also see these girls get closer and closer. You see them go WAY beyond the whole friends with some sexy benefits parts and I love it. These two are so cute together, and I just wish they would talk about their feelings because now they are both being eaten from the inside as they are both worried the other party may not feel these feelings. That it may destroy their friendship. But nothing will be destroyed girls, speak it out, say it loud!
We do see some progress in a way. Namely Ally asking at an awkward moment for Lisa to live with her (for a whole bunch of reasons). I loved that! And I loved seeing her consult with her best friend about it. Though, I think the execution could have been better. ;) Ah, and we also see Ally try to figure out her feelings. She never fell for a girl, but now she is falling hard. She is questioning her sexuality.
Next to Ally and Lisa we also have Anne and Cassie, and while I did like it at times, it is just the honest truth that I read these graphic novels for Ally and Lisa, not for anyone else. And I don't mind meeting people, I don't mind seeing Ally/Lisa say hi to people, but if people take away my time with my girls.. well. Plus, while I do like Cassie and her husband and see how they got together (and their marriage was just awesome), I am just not a fan of Anne. I mean, you don't ask things like that to someone you don't know well enough. If I was Lisa I would have raised my hand in the stop signal and say no. You don't ask about people's sex life unless you know them well enough. I get you are curious, but maybe you should just keep the questions to people you know well, or the internet.
I also still think it is hilarious there are so many red-heads in the series (even Ally made a remark about it in this one). I can tell you I haven't seen many redheads in my life. I had a girl with red hair in my elementary school class, and I have seen a couple walking around, but that is it.
I still love Alan and I love seeing him pop in the story. While he is unfazed at what he will see when he goes to his friend Ally, he does get flustered when he sees the girls in actual outfits which let to a delightfully hilarious scene that had me laughing so hard. I am so glad that he and Ally have been able to stay friends. I know my exes and I don't have that.
The art is fricking gorgeous though at times a bit jarring as we go from OMG 100% top art to a bit less but still good art.
Plus, I like that we go to the now (at least I guess that is the now) and see Ally and Lisa how they are now (and they are still together... *cheers*).
All in all, I so need to continue this. Great characters, I learn something about BDSM, wonderful relationships, and more. I would recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 24, 2015
2.5 stars again...
I have such mixed feelings about this volume. I still enjoy the bdsm and relationshippy elements best - Ally and Lisa's growing feelings are cute and their insecurities and enthusiasm feel very real and enjoyable - but the perspective, at times, is simply unpleasant. The voice is mostly Lisa's, and yet with the exception of her scene in the bathroom, there are way too many scenes of men looking at women in a sexual way, instead of women looking at women - in a story that is purportedly about two girls falling in love with each other, and about their friends, not the other way round. I kept scowling more and more as the uncomfortable and gross scene with Alan progressed, and by the time we got to him getting so turned on by looking at the women in fetishwear that he had to go to the bathroom, my face was so disgusted I literally took a picture of myself for my records. And then the milk thing gave me gag reflex. (It's a particular pet peeve, and I honestly don't buy Lisa being so a-okay with Ally's horny ex hanging around sprouting erections while they're in the middle of afterglow, ugh. It's completely at odds with her overall characterisation as just coming to terms with being bi and generally being somewhat insecure about her sexuality in rl.)
And in addition to Alan objectifying Ally and Lisa, we have Cassie's husband making a comment about Cassie and Anne [is that her name?].
One other thing that bugs me is how similar some of the characters look. Lisa and Cassie, for instance, but also Lisa's boss and the tattoo artist. I literally thought they were one person for a moment.
(And I'd think it would really make more sense for Lisa to be the one choosing a safeword - but it seems like it was Ally who made it up? o_O)
And there were some grammar problems again, ugh the publisher should really pay attention to that, "an another" ffs.
Going back to the good stuff - I really like Lisa's explanations about bdsm. And the subplot about moving in together. But could we please drop the guys? :(
I have such mixed feelings about this volume. I still enjoy the bdsm and relationshippy elements best - Ally and Lisa's growing feelings are cute and their insecurities and enthusiasm feel very real and enjoyable - but the perspective, at times, is simply unpleasant. The voice is mostly Lisa's, and yet with the exception of her scene in the bathroom, there are way too many scenes of men looking at women in a sexual way, instead of women looking at women - in a story that is purportedly about two girls falling in love with each other, and about their friends, not the other way round. I kept scowling more and more as the uncomfortable and gross scene with Alan progressed, and by the time we got to him getting so turned on by looking at the women in fetishwear that he had to go to the bathroom, my face was so disgusted I literally took a picture of myself for my records. And then the milk thing gave me gag reflex. (It's a particular pet peeve, and I honestly don't buy Lisa being so a-okay with Ally's horny ex hanging around sprouting erections while they're in the middle of afterglow, ugh. It's completely at odds with her overall characterisation as just coming to terms with being bi and generally being somewhat insecure about her sexuality in rl.)
And in addition to Alan objectifying Ally and Lisa, we have Cassie's husband making a comment about Cassie and Anne [is that her name?].
One other thing that bugs me is how similar some of the characters look. Lisa and Cassie, for instance, but also Lisa's boss and the tattoo artist. I literally thought they were one person for a moment.
And there were some grammar problems again, ugh the publisher should really pay attention to that, "an another" ffs.
Going back to the good stuff - I really like Lisa's explanations about bdsm. And the subplot about moving in together. But could we please drop the guys? :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2017
The third Sunstone volume, and the third thing I've read by someone named "Shinez" (or however that name was spelled). Though not the third thing I've read by Šejić (though most of the stuff I've read that had Šejić on the cover listed him as the artist not the writer). And that's one of those things that came as something of a shock to me.
There I was, years ago, happily poking around on DeviantArt, putting my own art up (I probably have something around 200 pieces up, but that's not important, and I don't really recall what my page on there is called (probably something involving 'Lexxi Kitty' since that's kind of my name everywhere, though I might have put it up as 'Lexxi Gynoid', or just 'Lexxi'; and by 'own art' I mean paintings I'd done in real life, and stained-glass, and real life stuff like that, plus some digital stuff; hmm, I, 2017 me, haven't 'done' art in forever, I don't remember the last thing I did artistic)), and poking around other people's work. Favorting things like cats, and pictures of ruins, and archaeology, and ducks, and pretty pretty sunsets and . . what's this? Hmms. Women in bondage. As a comic. It's not the only comic I'd read on DeviantArt, it's not even the only 'adult' oriented one I've read on there, but it's the only one that turned out to be actually created by a professional comic book guy.
I had read the first two volumes and found them quite intriguing, interesting, a great look at BDSM, at a specific BDSM couple, and a growing love between two women. Reading them on DeviantArt. Under the name Shinez. It was around then, though, that I realized that Shinez was actually a man from Croatia and not, say, a woman. I've no real idea why I had initially been confused. He probably even had listed his gender on there as male, but I hadn't looked.
All that to say that I was vaguely disappointed that whatever female I had created in my mind didn't actually exist, and to note that Stjepan, at least in this series, created some well constructed female characters.
But this is the third volume, not the first two. While I had access to this one for a longish time, I hadn't actually read it until it came out in graphic novel form from Image Comics. And then it took me a month or two to actually get around to reading this one. I was slow in doing so for several reasons. Mostly because this is the first volume I hadn't previously read. So it'd all be new to me.
Well, the story was solid. The characterizations were good. The relationship very slowly continued growing closer. Very slowly. Good bits of humor. Etc. My only real problem is that I could not always tell the characters apart. I think the series has 5 or more red-haired people in it. And they mostly don't look a like, but there are flash-backs and the like, and hair color (and style) gets changed and . . well. I mean, the blond is easy to identify. Then we go back in time to a flash back and . . she has black hair? Or is that the red-head with black hair? Or? mmphs. hehe.
Well, now I just have to wait for volume 4 to appear. And gobble it down. Only took me 2 years to get around to 'gobbling it down'.
October 13 2015/December 5 2017
There I was, years ago, happily poking around on DeviantArt, putting my own art up (I probably have something around 200 pieces up, but that's not important, and I don't really recall what my page on there is called (probably something involving 'Lexxi Kitty' since that's kind of my name everywhere, though I might have put it up as 'Lexxi Gynoid', or just 'Lexxi'; and by 'own art' I mean paintings I'd done in real life, and stained-glass, and real life stuff like that, plus some digital stuff; hmm, I, 2017 me, haven't 'done' art in forever, I don't remember the last thing I did artistic)), and poking around other people's work. Favorting things like cats, and pictures of ruins, and archaeology, and ducks, and pretty pretty sunsets and . . what's this? Hmms. Women in bondage. As a comic. It's not the only comic I'd read on DeviantArt, it's not even the only 'adult' oriented one I've read on there, but it's the only one that turned out to be actually created by a professional comic book guy.
I had read the first two volumes and found them quite intriguing, interesting, a great look at BDSM, at a specific BDSM couple, and a growing love between two women. Reading them on DeviantArt. Under the name Shinez. It was around then, though, that I realized that Shinez was actually a man from Croatia and not, say, a woman. I've no real idea why I had initially been confused. He probably even had listed his gender on there as male, but I hadn't looked.
All that to say that I was vaguely disappointed that whatever female I had created in my mind didn't actually exist, and to note that Stjepan, at least in this series, created some well constructed female characters.
But this is the third volume, not the first two. While I had access to this one for a longish time, I hadn't actually read it until it came out in graphic novel form from Image Comics. And then it took me a month or two to actually get around to reading this one. I was slow in doing so for several reasons. Mostly because this is the first volume I hadn't previously read. So it'd all be new to me.
Well, the story was solid. The characterizations were good. The relationship very slowly continued growing closer. Very slowly. Good bits of humor. Etc. My only real problem is that I could not always tell the characters apart. I think the series has 5 or more red-haired people in it. And they mostly don't look a like, but there are flash-backs and the like, and hair color (and style) gets changed and . . well. I mean, the blond is easy to identify. Then we go back in time to a flash back and . . she has black hair? Or is that the red-head with black hair? Or? mmphs. hehe.
Well, now I just have to wait for volume 4 to appear. And gobble it down. Only took me 2 years to get around to 'gobbling it down'.
October 13 2015/December 5 2017
September 14, 2021
I wish Sunstone was a bottomless pit. 😍😍
It's not even because of the sex parts (10/10, btw), but the way Stjepan Šejić showed the real human side of people: we all just wanna be loved and appreciated the way we are. Lisa and Ally are just so darn cute together!
It's not even because of the sex parts (10/10, btw), but the way Stjepan Šejić showed the real human side of people: we all just wanna be loved and appreciated the way we are. Lisa and Ally are just so darn cute together!
February 20, 2020
Nie szczególnie podoba mi się postać Alana. Gościu nie szanuje granic, przez co sceny z nim nie są zabawne i przyjemne, a krypne. Widać, że pisze to hetero mężczyzna, w końcu panowie w tej serii fetyszyzują pocałunki między kobietami, a tych między mężczyznami jak na razie w tej serii nie ma. (nie mówię o wprowadzeniu wątku, ale mogliby pojawić się na dwóch panelach, aby trochę uróżnorodnić przedstawiane środowisko bdsm bo jak narazie to mamy trochę sytuację z hetero PornHuba).
Also, what is with queer women and jigsaw puzzles!
Also, what is with queer women and jigsaw puzzles!
November 19, 2017
Growing closer and collecting lingerie and toys.
December 27, 2021
OOOOF
the first 70 pages or so were kinda boring. but then it got too good for a 5 star rating. dude i was laughing/smiling/dying so hard i was tearing up. and well smiling bc Ally is an idiot
the first 70 pages or so were kinda boring. but then it got too good for a 5 star rating. dude i was laughing/smiling/dying so hard i was tearing up. and well smiling bc Ally is an idiot
October 17, 2017
I can't get over how much I love this series.
September 4, 2015
I can't even... My feels... My heart... I love this series too much!!! I read this volume online as Sejic posted the pages and reading them in paperback still gives me the same glee as the first time. That's saying a lot for someone who doesn't often repeat reads (and I've read all of the online pages more than once).
Sunstone brings together a lot of the things I love, and has taught me about things I would otherwise be ignorant of. It's enlightening, absolutely delightful, and a must-read for anyone who has an open enough mind. The world needs more creators like Sejic who can handle controversial/delicate content with respect and charm, and do it while telling an endearing story with very human characters.
If you aren't already reading Sunstone, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?! It's the only series that's earned a solid 5 stars from me for ALL of its currently released volumes. Judging by the more recent pages Sejic has online, this series is going to keep getting 5 stars.
Sunstone brings together a lot of the things I love, and has taught me about things I would otherwise be ignorant of. It's enlightening, absolutely delightful, and a must-read for anyone who has an open enough mind. The world needs more creators like Sejic who can handle controversial/delicate content with respect and charm, and do it while telling an endearing story with very human characters.
If you aren't already reading Sunstone, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?! It's the only series that's earned a solid 5 stars from me for ALL of its currently released volumes. Judging by the more recent pages Sejic has online, this series is going to keep getting 5 stars.
January 1, 2025
⭐ 4 stars
This was pretty good, but...
This one’s definitely better than the second, but I feel like it’s starting to lose the spark a little.
The focus is mostly on the side characters this time, which is kind of a bummer since I really wanted more of the main couple. I’ll still give the fourth volume a shot, but honestly, nothing beats the first one for me.
Fingers crossed for Ally and Lisa to actually level up their relationship with some real intimacy next time !
This was pretty good, but...
This one’s definitely better than the second, but I feel like it’s starting to lose the spark a little.
The focus is mostly on the side characters this time, which is kind of a bummer since I really wanted more of the main couple. I’ll still give the fourth volume a shot, but honestly, nothing beats the first one for me.
Fingers crossed for Ally and Lisa to actually level up their relationship with some real intimacy next time !
January 20, 2020
Reread Jan. 2020 as a refresher before I read the rest of the series. The art is fucking gorgeous. And so is the story.
First read in 2018 as part Sunstone: Book One.
First read in 2018 as part Sunstone: Book One.
March 19, 2021
Já prostě Šejiće naprosto žeru - výtvarnou stránku jeho komiksů, tak i práci s postavami. To, jak jednou jedinou větou uhodí hřebík na hlavičku a docílí toho, že se v danou chvíli dokážete do postavy dokonale vcítit... Je to tak perfektně ze života, až to občas zaskočí... :)
September 14, 2019
4.5
Cada volumen me gusta más que el anterior.
Pd: Amo a todos los personajes, son geniales (Tengo que admitir que tengo cierta debilidad por Alan).
Cada volumen me gusta más que el anterior.
Pd: Amo a todos los personajes, son geniales (Tengo que admitir que tengo cierta debilidad por Alan).
August 19, 2023
pretty fun!
August 7, 2024
4 Stars
Love Ally and Lisa! Nothing else to say tbh. Toodles!
Love Ally and Lisa! Nothing else to say tbh. Toodles!
July 12, 2025
It must be said dear reader that self delusion is a very powerful thing
Cannot get over this series 😍
The art ✅
The expressions ✅
The topic ✅
Sexy AF ✅
Cannot get over this series 😍
The art ✅
The expressions ✅
The topic ✅
Sexy AF ✅
December 24, 2025
tutti nella vita meriteremmo di avere Alan come migliore amico
5⭐️
5⭐️
June 28, 2020
I think it goes without saying, this and the volumes I haven't yet read, are going to rate 5 stars without question.
This volume, with very few exceptions, is cover to cover sexual nerds Ally and Lisa and the awesome, lovely, and sexy development of their relationship. Even better, we get a few pages from Ally's POV where she's starting to be honest about her feelings (to herself, to start) and it's wonderful to watch unfold.
The full page of Ally and Lisa in bed together with Ally watching Lisa sleep with the inset panel of her inner reveal is all the emotional things. I would pay a large sum of money to have that page in poster form to hang on my wall. It's outstanding.
10 demerits for introducing Anne, the tattoo artist, and not giving her any tattoos. WTH.
This volume, with very few exceptions, is cover to cover sexual nerds Ally and Lisa and the awesome, lovely, and sexy development of their relationship. Even better, we get a few pages from Ally's POV where she's starting to be honest about her feelings (to herself, to start) and it's wonderful to watch unfold.
The full page of Ally and Lisa in bed together with Ally watching Lisa sleep with the inset panel of her inner reveal is all the emotional things. I would pay a large sum of money to have that page in poster form to hang on my wall. It's outstanding.
10 demerits for introducing Anne, the tattoo artist, and not giving her any tattoos. WTH.
December 7, 2020
decided that my experience with this series is ending with this volume. any semblance of enjoyment i felt while reading the first two volumes is gone now. all of the men characters are unbearable. like, seriously the most misogynist, women-objectifying, entitled, uninteresting, annoying pieces of shit. not to mention how all the men seem to be thinly veiled self-insert characters for stjepan to create ridiculous scenarios he can vicariously get off to. it's painful to read about a sapphic couple that's so clearly been written by a straight man because you can literally witness him fetishizing the sexual encounters on page. ally and lisa don't act or talk or communicate like any sapphic or questioning sapphic active in kink communities that i've met. stjepan completely ignores the huge part of the kink community that is nonsexual and doesn't even seem to know what asexuality is which just further proves his overt wlw fetishization. idk it's just making me so uncomfortable and i can't stand it anymore. from a technical standpoint, the writing is weak and the storylines branch off constantly into nowhere. i highly doubt i will ever again read a bdsm/kink story that isn't queer ownvoices because this shit is fucking Painful.
April 7, 2017
Guess who became addicted to this series, me!
I can't stop. The last time I became so utterly engrossed in a series it was French Kissing Series Box Set: Seasons 1-3 by Harper Bliss.
After reading vol 1 yesterday and vol 2 this morning, I decided to just purchase vol 3, 4 and 5 in one go. I just finished vol 3 and boy am I glad I decided to get the rest of this incredibly sexy, funny and sweet series. This time the author gave us a little backstory on Cassie and Tom, how they met and how they eventually started implementing BDSM into their lives. It seems like the next pairing being set up will be Alan and Anne, which i'm very curious about.
This series is really blowing my mind and I can't wait to get tucked in to part 4!
I can't stop. The last time I became so utterly engrossed in a series it was French Kissing Series Box Set: Seasons 1-3 by Harper Bliss.
After reading vol 1 yesterday and vol 2 this morning, I decided to just purchase vol 3, 4 and 5 in one go. I just finished vol 3 and boy am I glad I decided to get the rest of this incredibly sexy, funny and sweet series. This time the author gave us a little backstory on Cassie and Tom, how they met and how they eventually started implementing BDSM into their lives. It seems like the next pairing being set up will be Alan and Anne, which i'm very curious about.
This series is really blowing my mind and I can't wait to get tucked in to part 4!
September 26, 2015
The third volume of Stjepan Sejic's Sunstone continues the story of domme Ally and sub Lisa's relationship as well as featuring several other characters who play a part in their story. One of the best and most surprising aspects of Sunstone is it's not the pornotastic cringe inducing affair you might expect from a story of lesbians in a BDSM oriented relationship written and illustrated by a guy.
There's a lot that can be said about how poorly sexuality and women are portrayed in sequential art. Sejic shows how to do it right with a great engrossingly human story of everything that makes up a relationship from the highs to the lows and all expressed through his perfectly pitched art, art which flows from a looser sketchier style to the more painterly style he is known for.
There's a lot that can be said about how poorly sexuality and women are portrayed in sequential art. Sejic shows how to do it right with a great engrossingly human story of everything that makes up a relationship from the highs to the lows and all expressed through his perfectly pitched art, art which flows from a looser sketchier style to the more painterly style he is known for.
Read
February 22, 2016A wave of good storytelling carried me through volume 2 and halfway through volume 3 but then I started to lose interest. The exposition disguised as normal conversation gets to be a bit much, though I'm still on the fence about it because I'm learning a lot about this particular community. Still feeling stretched a bit regarding the subject matter. I'm just not sure morality is as simple as doing what you feel is right and not over thinking it,as Alan suggests to Ally at one point. I realize none of these things have to do with the quality of the work, but my reservations distract me from being able to assess the work objectively.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews