Sunstone, Vol. 5

Sunstone #5

by Stjepan Šejić

"She loves me... she loves me not."

Ally and Lisa's storybook BDSM romance is at an end, the two women too stubborn to admit the depth of their feelings. But even as they go their separate ways, Lisa returns to the writing that brought her and Ally together in the first place. With a little help from their friends, and a lot of mutual self-reflection, these allegorical love stories represent one last chance to salvage Ally and Lisa's relationship.

From New York Times bestselling writer/artist Stjepan Šejić (Switch, Death Vigil) comes this fifth installment in the saga of love, bad jokes, and, of course, bondage.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Romance, LGBT, BDSM, Erotica, Queer

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2017

About the author

Stjepan 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.

Reviews

[Kitty G Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to a series I have loved and followed for some time. This is a raw, emotional, beautiful look at what a realistic romance/bdsm relationship is like. Honesty, trust and so much more. It's stunning visually, and moving in the words. A true talent, and a story I think that feels so very genuine.

I am so happy there will be more forthcoming with new characters, but this series was wonderful :) 5*s

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sejic does a fantastic job of what it's like to go through a breakup and getting into character's heads. He's also a spectacular artist. Also, he mixes in a lot of kink. Not for everyone, but those who aren't offended will find a great story of love and loss.

[Anna lost in stories *A* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last installment in the big story arc about Lisa and Ally… no worries, the series continues on, just focusing on a different couple :) and what a great finale it was… I mean… *sighs happily* I’m not gonna include any spoilers, so even if you haven’t read the previous installments, or this series in general, you are safe to read this review :) so basically the whole story is about Ally and Lisa and their friends with benefits situation turning into something more… it’s an FF romance with BDSM themes and even though it is sexy as fuck, it’s also sweet and cute and hilarious and painfully emotional and I love it with all my heart :) I love how the story, especially in this last installment, focuses on both our main characters individually and how they come to terms about their feelings… the whole series just keeps getting better and better, giving us more about our main duo, but also introducing secondary characters that add a lot to the awesomeness that is this series… at this point I will get everything that Stjepan Sejic will publish… I already have some of his other work and I plan to purchase the rest soon :) the art style is gorgeous, the storyline engaging, the characters complex… I have nothing bad to say about this series, only the best of praises… go pick it up if you haven’t already :)

XOXO

A

[lov2laf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series blew me away. The art work is fantastic and the story line is dramatic and intense...but it also made me laugh out loud numerous times, too. Lisa and Ally as a couple are just too squee and wonderful. The author reels you in (or puts you off, I guess) with provocative covers, making us think we'll just get some kind of erotic porn and instead he slaps us with a deep and raw story line that goes straight to the heart.

Really well done all around. Definitely recommend.

[Aliix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una historia exquisita, estoy triste porque ha terminado el primer arco de la historia de Ally y Lisa peeero estoy tan feliz con ese final, de verdad es una joya, una historia LGTB real, vibrante, con dosis de BDSM y humor ácido,Lo que me alegra es que ya viene Mercy, el tipo spin off en donde vienen mas historias de los personajes secundarios eso hace llorar de felicidad mi corazón, no puedo esperar!!
«She loves me... she loves me not.»

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll never stop saying this: if Šejić can make this BDSM romance comic without objectifying his female characters, there's no reason superhero comics can't treat their female characters with the same respect. I'm so glad that Šejić overcame his anxiety about writing romance to give us Sunstone, and I'm delighted that he plans to continue the series with stories about other characters we've already met. The only reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five is that the narrative structure tired me out. So many time jumps and asides! But there couldn't be a more perfect ending to Ally and Lisa's story.

(I do wish someone would help Šejić with using contractions, though.)

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's over and now I am sad...because Sunstone was a wonderful mix of love and friendship plus a little (okay a lot) of sex. It's sad to see it go but it feels really well done for a ending.

The last book ended in heartbreak. What were we going to do with Ally and Lisa! Will they break up? NO Can't be! We saw them married so that must be a lie. It opens up with them not speaking with each other and trust me, it's not a easy fix. When you say shit to someone and it sticks, it hurts, and it's not so easy to recover.

My one major issue was the fact it felt a bit of a drag to read at times. This volume is huge, way bigger than the previous ones, and you feel it. Some stuff I probably could have lived without like the self loathing lisa.

However everyone getting together, seeing them happy, made me happy. I especially like what happened to Anne and glad to see she'll have a spin-off of sorts. There's a lot of great moments at the end that made me smile the whole time.

I love this series and really can't recommend it enough. Even at it's worst it's good, but at it's best, it's truly amazing. Go start reading right now!

[The Sapphic Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how many years I've been following Sunstone now... Six, maybe? I fell in love right from the beginning because it was clear this wasn't going to be just about porn or BDSM. It was about the heart. About the friendship and romantic love that develop between two women who first meet online, then decide to meet in real life. It's a journey you take with these characters that, yes, has drama, but is also perfectly balanced out by humour in a way that makes the characters and their situations more real. Everyone has a place and purpose, everyone has a personality, and everyone is lovable. These people are a bunch of dorks, and you'll adore them all for it. And now they've come this far. To the end of the fist arc.

I've gone on about how ground-breaking and relevant Sunstone is in previous reviews. The same things apply to this volume. It lives up to my expectations, and it does it, as always, in a humorous, realistic, and relatable way. More than any other comic, this one has touched my heart in a way that's truly special. I'm so grateful for it, and for Sejic for creating and sharing it. And I can't wait for Mercy.

[Jo ♡ˎ´✨ ☕︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAMN THOSE NINJAS CUTTING ONIONS!!

Anyway....





I can't explain how much I loved this graphic novel. I feel in love with it. I cried over it. I even had a good giggle (Anne in the g-novel is just what the doctor ordered).

I'M JUST TOO SAD IT'S OVEEEEERRRRR.



Thank you, Stjepan Šejić. Just... thank you.

Now it's my mission to read as much as Šejić's other work because his work is a real gem among graphic novels.

[L. McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUPER FAST REVIEW:
The story is wonderful and super emotional in this volume. The art is as always wonderful. I love these characters so much! I am super invested in the romance in this series BTW! I was already interested in seeing what happens with Allycat and Lisa but now there’s a relationship between Alan and Anne!?! Holy shit-snacks!
Oh and THAT FUCKING ENDING!!! I squealed in excitement and happiness when it shows that Ally and Lisa get married! Of course now I don’t feel that happy or excited over people I actually know getting married (more along the lines of “fuck, I might have to go to a wedding now...”)
So why not the usual 5-star rating? Well I noticed a huge number of typos, grammatical errors, spelling errors, etc. I’m fine with a few but they were unfortunately all over this volume.
Overall this series is amazing! I absolutely love this story, love the artwork, love these characters! This comic should not be missed by anyone (who is comfortable with the themes of the series).
Highly recommended!

4/5

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't enough stars in all of Goodreads for this book, or this series, for that matter.

So well-written, so well-drawn, such a heart-wrenching story. I can say without a doubt (or hesitation), no graphic novel has EVER brought tears to my eyes before this one.

I'm truly sad to see this one come to an end.

[Csenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Chapter 5 on Deviantart, so that's what the review is for.
I love the hell out of this series. The artwork is not only gorgeous, but also features some of the most expressive faces I have ever seen in comics. The story is lovely (and cute, which one generally does not expect from a BDSM story), and there is no judgment of prejudice in it either about sexualities, or about the subculture. In fact, it neither sensationalizes nor judges BDSM, presenting it simply as something some people enjoy doing. The love story is adorable, and there is a lot of humor in the comic (next to all the sexy stuff, clearly). Some of it is definitely NSFW, but it did not cross a certain line. All in all, it was a highly enjoyable read, and I really hope it will continue!

[Tyler Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to this arc! Though I would gladly take MORE ^_^

Anyway it felt like it dragged on a bit in places, and some stuff initially felt off to me but ended up making sense in the end and I did actually learn from it, even when I didn't want to. I also wish that i'd re-read the entire series but...time..and stuff. I think that would've helped. Though I think I will do that at some point and that now, knowing what I know, it'd be even better :)

The characters, the romance, the art, the cheesy-ness and jokes, the lessons, ALL OF IT.

I can't wait for Mercy!! Dang it, now i'm hooked!
Book Review on my blog Here

[hisham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice end to the series all about trust and brave choices, be it in bed or outside of it.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending is so satisfying that I'm willing to forgive all that procrastination.

[Anniken Haga · Rating 5 out of 5]

REREAD 2019

I'm not entirely sure what I can say that I didn't say in the original review. It is short, but it wraps things up nicely. Yet again, I can't believe the story is over. I'm feeling hollow, and even the thought of Sunstone Vol. 6 being just around the corner doesn't help. Even with that soon to be in my hands, I know I will have to wait so long to get my hands on the next album, and then I have to wait again!
Yeah, Sejic has me hooked.

But returning to this album here, there is only one thing I want to say.
This album makes me smile to myself while reading, makes me think about my own life and choices, and it makes me cry a little.
The art is so amazing I can just sit and stare at it for minutes at a time. There are some beautiful pages in this book, and I'd recommend it to art-lovers just for that!

ORIGINAL REVIEW

I'm actually having some trouble believing this series is over.
Its been such an interesting read, and I feel that I know Ally and Lisa. I've been invested in their story from the start - which says something about Sejic's characters.
Its also a great lovestory - and I don't normally like those!

Its been a h*ll of a ride, and I'm seriously sad its over.
But then I remember we'll probably see them again in the ''spin-offs'', and I breathe a sigh of relief.

I know this is a short review, but I don't know what there is to say.
This series is just amazing. The characters, the story, the art... I love it.
And this album... it was a great ending, and it wrapped everything up so nicely, and in a way I could really believe in.
Many stories has a rushed ending, and while this whole album was about wrapping things up, it was great.

Just read it!

[Cloak88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whole lot of AWESOME!

This is the fifth and final volume in the Sunstone series. And hell was it satisfying finally reading this book. Lisa and Ally both insecure and too stubborn to admit their feelings for each other, felt their happiness slip away. Having had their falling out in the last volume, now we get to see them slowly rebuild and grow close again.

In all this was a most satisfying read, and likely my favorite graphic novel to date. Stjepan manages to write fun, believable and relatable characters, and do it well. Lisa and Ally tell their story and you through reading it live it along with them vicariously. Both the bitter and the sweet. Add +250 pages of amazing, tasteful and lively artwork to that mix and you get a full five star review.

5.5 stars just because of the ending.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't mean to stay up until 2 a.m. reading this, but here I am, and here we are. What an absolutely beautiful conclusion to Ally and Lisa's story. It was sexy, and funny enough to get me to laugh out loud several times, and romantic, and completely endearing. I did not plan to fall in love with the series, but I'm so glad I did. And now I am really looking forward to seeing how Sejic continues the story of all these wonderful characters with Mercy.

[Serena ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fucking rollercoaster coaster, damn.

But what a perfect ending for Lisa and Ally.

That last story though—
Made me realise that i kind of have the same problems as Lisa :/

(01/01/22)

[Zuzana Hartmanová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bylo to hodně ukecané, hodně přeslazené, ale boží <3 <3 <3

Faktem je, že v mém případě je nutné brát to asi s rezervou, protože Šejić mi zkrátka sedí jako autor (i jako výtvarník) tak jako málokdo. Obdivuju jeho nasazení a imaginaci - nechápu, jak dokáže pracovat na tolika projektech najednou, a všechny si drží vysokou kvalitu. A co víc, tak si ho vážím jako umělce i mimo jeho díla, což se mi nestává zrovna často. Líbí se mi jeho komunikace s fanoušky, stejně jako jeho názory na kreativní činnost a taky to, jak je zásadový a je schopný si stát za svým... (Jo, tenhle výlev tak úplně s kvalitou díla nesouvisí, pardon.)

[Gala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Несподіваний початок різдвяного читання - події графічного роману заверщуються в новорічну ніч, і цілком святково.

Всі п'ять книг неймовірно красиві, власне, я почала читати їх через цю красу неймовірну. А виявила хорошу історію і персонажів, за яких справді переймалася. Це класна історія про те, як будувати близькість і довіру, про те, що тут потрібні деякі зусилля, навіть якщо любов та фантастичний секс присутні від початку.

[Dagmara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gdybym nie przeczytała przed tym komiksem Legend i latte, to tytuł najurokliwszej pozycji roku należałby bezsprzecznie do Sunstone'a. Tymczasem, w zaistniałej sytuacji obie pozycje muszą się tym pierwszym miejscem podzielić.
Całkiem szczerze uważam, że ten komiks jest zupełnie o czym innym niż wydaje się być na pierwszy rzut oka. Historia Ally i Lisy rozgrzewa serce i już wiem, że będzie mi ich brakować - szkoda, że koniec tej historii.

[Café de Tinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinco estrellas para toda la historia en general.
Relación lgtb tratada estupendamente. El Bdsm tiene a veces algo de exageración, pero siempre se plasma con respeto. La historia de ellas dos es maravillosa y me apena que haya terminado.

[syri · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCREAMING AT MY PILLOW OH MY GOOOOOOD

[Perusing Panels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume hit me so hard! I have loved every instalment of this series so far, but didn't realise just how much I cared about these characters and how invested in their story I was until I read through this volume. There were more than a few moments that made me laugh out loud, and well up with tears.

Sejic has struck a perfect balance of tone here in my opinion. All the more intense emotional, serious or saccharine moments, are always offset by a healthy dose of humour and self awareness, that ensures the angst is never laid on to thick, while never going so far as to trivialise the characters or their issues.

In all, this was an immensely gratifying conclusion to Ally and Lisa's story, that was made all the more satisfying by the journey that we went through to get here over the last 4 volumes, all the ups, and the downs.

I couldn't recommend this series enough, and I can't wait to read on about Ally, Lisa and all their friends in the next series 'Mercy' and any others to come!

[RD · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a loooong wait, so as soon as I heard the bell ring I ran to get the last installment and spend a couple of hours devouring the last chapter of Ally and Lisa's story. It was a sweet ending, as expected, but still very worth it. These two are adorable, and there's so much chemistry. I'll miss them for sure (not sure if I'll embark in Mercy as I didn't really care that much for the secondary characters).

The one thing I missed in book 5 was seeing them spending more time with each other. I would've taken flashbacks or even more elaborate "porn stories" (Anne constantly being present reminded me of it not being real between our lead couple), so that's why I took one star out (4.0 or 4.5).

But all in all very worth it. I haven't been as hooked to a comic book since Strangers in Paradise!! I highly recommend spending time with these ladies. I miss them already :)

[Teleseparatist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say I think it actually got better. The plot followed a structure, and sure, it was contrived and overdone (too wordy and featuring realisations that should have been reached ages ago while glossing over and treating as solved issues that seemed to loom large for the characters before), but at least it had a goal and it reached it, and it worked within the genre of romance. I'm glad about the progression of time that took place, too: it made it seem more realistic. I wouldn't have minded to see more of the happy ending, but abrupt ends for romances are par for the course sometimes.

It had some really good art, too - though I can't get over how similar some characters look and how difficult it makes it to tell them apart.

I'm vaguely curious about the continuation. Well, the one without Alan, anyway.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

beyond expectations!! the way that they got together was beautiful, and i really liked how much anne (fave) was featured.

(definitely relate to their communications struggles)

[Vero Exposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I LOVED THIS MY HEART EXPLODED! Viva la lesbian love! I definitely recommend Ally and Lisa's story. They're the cutest. Toodles!

[Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like I'm here for the plot.