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Sunstone #4-5
Sunstone: Book Two
Contains vols. 4 & 5.
504 pages, Hardcover
Published November 21, 2017
22 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Stjepan Šejić
348 books1,535 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
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May 6, 20193,70/5
The second volume is even better than the first one. It was very interesting to read (and a pleasure to see, since the art is more and more beautiful )about the characters’ emotional struggles and growing as persons ;and that’s mainly because the story is so relatable and so well written .I was amazed by the psychological insides and the clear ,healthy analysis of the main relationship and its problems. I didn’t expected it. It really puts some stuff in a new light for me, it made me think about my own relationship ,and consider some aspects I’ve never considered before.
And the cute characters ,friendships, dialogues, situations from the first volume were still there. I even shed a few tears at some points. I’m so happy I picked this up.
The second volume is even better than the first one. It was very interesting to read (and a pleasure to see, since the art is more and more beautiful )about the characters’ emotional struggles and growing as persons ;and that’s mainly because the story is so relatable and so well written .I was amazed by the psychological insides and the clear ,healthy analysis of the main relationship and its problems. I didn’t expected it. It really puts some stuff in a new light for me, it made me think about my own relationship ,and consider some aspects I’ve never considered before.
And the cute characters ,friendships, dialogues, situations from the first volume were still there. I even shed a few tears at some points. I’m so happy I picked this up.
July 13, 2022
Sunstone Book 2 is the omnibus collection that completes Ally and Lisa's love story. It's a straight continuation of the events in Book 1. We start with Ally and Lisa attempting to be roommates, friends, lovers, and BDSM partners, without admitting that they're in a romantic relationship.
Obviously, this is a relationship dynamic that is impossible to maintain long term. They are both developing strong feelings for each other but both are too scared to admit it. This causes tension, jealousy, resentment, and everything else we've all experienced in relationships that we were too scared to progress but also too scared to lose.
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Obviously, this is a relationship dynamic that is impossible to maintain long term. They are both developing strong feelings for each other but both are too scared to admit it. This causes tension, jealousy, resentment, and everything else we've all experienced in relationships that we were too scared to progress but also too scared to lose.
to continue to the full review please visit https://amanjareads.com/2021/02/15/su...
May 28, 2018
This is a guilty pleasure that helps me understand perhaps why so many people were so fervently reading those Fifty Shades of Grey books a while back.
I love the characters and that amazing cheesecake art.
Romance, erotica, humor and schmaltz combine to make an addictive if not particularly well written story of sex and love and bondage. The plotting is predictable and frustrating, but I could not put it down once the central relationship reached a point of crisis.
I love the characters and that amazing cheesecake art.
Romance, erotica, humor and schmaltz combine to make an addictive if not particularly well written story of sex and love and bondage. The plotting is predictable and frustrating, but I could not put it down once the central relationship reached a point of crisis.
December 31, 2017
Yep. Still as good as before! I read the series online, as well as the trade paperbacks. This just...makes it better because it's all together in a beautiful hardcover with extras. Definitely worth re-buying.
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May 30, 2019I’ve never been a fan of the romance genre, so it’s saying a lot that I loved Sunstone. Lisa and Ally are such fantastic characters. I’m not sure what else to say, except I truly cared for them from the first pages to the end, when I was in tears. The way Sejic characterizes them with humor and pathos makes the story soar. It’s almost a bonus that Sunstone has gorgeous art and honest portrayals of sex. If you’re not a romance fan like me, this series just might capture your heart.
June 20, 2023
I like that this sort of ended a bigger story arc, but I am also glad there will be more. These characters make me laugh with them and... well okay not cry with them but feel their pain (and definitely the dumbassery). And the art, like usual, is oh so pretty.
January 12, 2020
I think I'm in the minority here as I've enjoyed these volumes less than the previous ones. The whole miscommunication drama dragged on for too much and there were just too many monologues (not gonna lie I skipped a few pages with no guilt).
I do like the happy ending they got and that their relationship stayed healthy and loving and they worked through their issues. A wholesome conclusion to it all.
I do like the happy ending they got and that their relationship stayed healthy and loving and they worked through their issues. A wholesome conclusion to it all.
September 10, 2019
Already read the trade paperbacks included here, so I know it's good. The larger format is great and the art is excellent. My only qualm is with Image Comics' printer with both this and the first volume. Either the glue or the inks used are very pungent in a chemical way. This can make reading unpleasant, which is unfortunate because the series is great.
May 27, 2020
Il primo volume l'ho adorato, il secondo un po' meno.
Nonostante abbia divorato entrambi i tomi in una manciata d'ore, non ho potuto fare a meno di storcere il naso una volta arrivata alla fine della meravigliosa storia tra Lisa e Ally. Sì, la trama di per sé è davvero una piccola perla: c'è umorismo, introspezione, sesso (seppur sempre mostrato con una censura evitabile, a parer mio), amore e molto altro, ma anche lacune.
Stjepan Sejic è un maestro dell'illustrazione, soprattutto quando le sue opere tendono al realismo - sia negli oggetti (siano questi elementi d'arredo, attrezzatura bdsm o dettagli di sfondo), sia nelle figure umane - e questo è a mio avviso innegabile, eppure quando si passa alla parte narrativa vedo dei vuoti. Nel primo volume si è rimasti molto incentrati sulle due protagoniste, insaporendo le loro storie con digressioni sugli altri personaggi, quelli che le hanno rese quel che sono o le hanno aiutate durante la loro crescita personale all'interno di queste pagine. Nel secondo, invece, ci si è sì, concentrati sulla dominatrice e la sua sottomessa, ma le digressioni sono state vaghe e mal ponderate. La storia tra Alan e Anne è stata praticamente declassata, nonostante entrambi siano figure chiave all'interno della trama, dando piuttosto risalto ad Harper e Tanya, una coppia che sinceramente si poteva ignorare visto il loro ruolo marginale - così come, se qualcuno ci ha fatto caso, in un paio di vignette dedicate al presente delle due protagoniste, vi è un inspiegabile ritorno di Marion, un altro soggetto importante e di cui, dal "Book One", non si è saputo più nulla. Nel vederla, con il suo inconfondibile taglio di capelli, non ho potuto che chiedermi: che ci fa qui?Quand'è che ha conosciuto Lisa? Perché è tornata?
Insomma, la storia tra Lisa e Allison fila, intriga, ma il contorno è piuttosto scialbo, falloso. Le mie aspettative sono andate scemando pian piano durante la lettura, fin quando, arrivata all'ultima pagina, mi sono resa conto non esservi più nulla se non i miei dubbi.
Nel suo complesso, quindi, la trama principale è ottima, anche se un po' troppo "vanilla" in questa parte conclusiva, ma non perfetta come me l'ero immaginata - non nego che un terzo volume, a "mettere i punti sulle i", sarebbe più che gradito.
Nonostante abbia divorato entrambi i tomi in una manciata d'ore, non ho potuto fare a meno di storcere il naso una volta arrivata alla fine della meravigliosa storia tra Lisa e Ally. Sì, la trama di per sé è davvero una piccola perla: c'è umorismo, introspezione, sesso (seppur sempre mostrato con una censura evitabile, a parer mio), amore e molto altro, ma anche lacune.
Stjepan Sejic è un maestro dell'illustrazione, soprattutto quando le sue opere tendono al realismo - sia negli oggetti (siano questi elementi d'arredo, attrezzatura bdsm o dettagli di sfondo), sia nelle figure umane - e questo è a mio avviso innegabile, eppure quando si passa alla parte narrativa vedo dei vuoti. Nel primo volume si è rimasti molto incentrati sulle due protagoniste, insaporendo le loro storie con digressioni sugli altri personaggi, quelli che le hanno rese quel che sono o le hanno aiutate durante la loro crescita personale all'interno di queste pagine. Nel secondo, invece, ci si è sì, concentrati sulla dominatrice e la sua sottomessa, ma le digressioni sono state vaghe e mal ponderate. La storia tra Alan e Anne è stata praticamente declassata, nonostante entrambi siano figure chiave all'interno della trama, dando piuttosto risalto ad Harper e Tanya, una coppia che sinceramente si poteva ignorare visto il loro ruolo marginale - così come, se qualcuno ci ha fatto caso, in un paio di vignette dedicate al presente delle due protagoniste, vi è un inspiegabile ritorno di Marion, un altro soggetto importante e di cui, dal "Book One", non si è saputo più nulla. Nel vederla, con il suo inconfondibile taglio di capelli, non ho potuto che chiedermi: che ci fa qui?Quand'è che ha conosciuto Lisa? Perché è tornata?
Insomma, la storia tra Lisa e Allison fila, intriga, ma il contorno è piuttosto scialbo, falloso. Le mie aspettative sono andate scemando pian piano durante la lettura, fin quando, arrivata all'ultima pagina, mi sono resa conto non esservi più nulla se non i miei dubbi.
Nel suo complesso, quindi, la trama principale è ottima, anche se un po' troppo "vanilla" in questa parte conclusiva, ma non perfetta come me l'ero immaginata - non nego che un terzo volume, a "mettere i punti sulle i", sarebbe più che gradito.
September 18, 2022
Ah-mazing. GOD level writing... I'm pleasantly surprised. By far the best graphic novel I've read.
The first book, though reaaaally good, it stroke me as a little cheesy and stereotypical/trope-y here and there; but this one... Uff... *smiles widely* It swept me off my feet.
It was soooo incredibly good. My heart was hanging by a thread. XD
This one didn't have as much as the BDSM and sexiness of Book 1 (still was very steamy), but relied more on story-telling which made it sooo much better. The building up was amazingly well done.
I basically gave the summary of the whole last part (5), it was THAT good.
The romance just swept me off my feet. XD It was as good as Raelle/Scylla, Emily/Sue, Piper/Alex, Cosima/Delphine, Harley/Ivy... I was shipping the two protagonists all the way.
The drawings, once again, stunning, alluring, sensual without being crass nor objectifying. I have to say, the sensitivity and tact of Mr. Sejic is fine tuned. I'm quite impressed.
I cannot praise enough Mr. Sejic's talent.
The first book, though reaaaally good, it stroke me as a little cheesy and stereotypical/trope-y here and there; but this one... Uff... *smiles widely* It swept me off my feet.
It was soooo incredibly good. My heart was hanging by a thread. XD
This one didn't have as much as the BDSM and sexiness of Book 1 (still was very steamy), but relied more on story-telling which made it sooo much better. The building up was amazingly well done.
I basically gave the summary of the whole last part (5), it was THAT good.
The romance just swept me off my feet. XD It was as good as Raelle/Scylla, Emily/Sue, Piper/Alex, Cosima/Delphine, Harley/Ivy... I was shipping the two protagonists all the way.
The drawings, once again, stunning, alluring, sensual without being crass nor objectifying. I have to say, the sensitivity and tact of Mr. Sejic is fine tuned. I'm quite impressed.
I cannot praise enough Mr. Sejic's talent.
September 5, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 4.25/5
If you want to know what is good about this series, and there is quite a bit, I would suggest you read my review for book one. but rather than wax lyrical about Sejic's art, I would rather focus on the weaker aspects of this collection, minimal (ish) though they are.
My main criticism with the first run was that, well... not a hell of a lot happened throughout its 350 or so pages. Unfortunately, this book goes and doubles down on the nothing, with the whole first half of this book being little more than conversations in one of three locations that do little to advance the plot. Its the very definition of filler. Its not bad filler per se, but with the more word heavy way Sejic tells his stories (I do like my comics to be wordy) but this goes and Spinal Taps it all the way up to 11. We get a fairly big plot point kick off that carried throughout most of the second half, one which I thought he would have gotten to sooner, although thankfully, it restored a lot of my interest and investment in the book.
Sejic seems to be writing a novel more so than your typical graphic novel. I really think a little more could be trimmed to tighten up the reading experience a bit. There's only so many ways I can handle hearing Lisa justify her behaviour or keeping her love for Ally secret. It really gets a bit bloated and repetitive by the end.
Finally, the continual breaking of the fourth wall and narrative skips gets a little tiresome too. This was another aspect of the first book that's been ramped up here, too. the continuous references to past events, only to explain those past events in either minimal or maximal detail can really be a bit jarring, dragging you out of the narrative and losing whatever momentum it had at the time.
Despite these gripes, this is still an excellent collection and a story that I remain invested in. If volume 3 came out tomorrow, I'd be picking it up. And thanks for the complete redesign of the book from volume one. It looks wonderful on my shelves. Grrr. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
If you want to know what is good about this series, and there is quite a bit, I would suggest you read my review for book one. but rather than wax lyrical about Sejic's art, I would rather focus on the weaker aspects of this collection, minimal (ish) though they are.
My main criticism with the first run was that, well... not a hell of a lot happened throughout its 350 or so pages. Unfortunately, this book goes and doubles down on the nothing, with the whole first half of this book being little more than conversations in one of three locations that do little to advance the plot. Its the very definition of filler. Its not bad filler per se, but with the more word heavy way Sejic tells his stories (I do like my comics to be wordy) but this goes and Spinal Taps it all the way up to 11. We get a fairly big plot point kick off that carried throughout most of the second half, one which I thought he would have gotten to sooner, although thankfully, it restored a lot of my interest and investment in the book.
Sejic seems to be writing a novel more so than your typical graphic novel. I really think a little more could be trimmed to tighten up the reading experience a bit. There's only so many ways I can handle hearing Lisa justify her behaviour or keeping her love for Ally secret. It really gets a bit bloated and repetitive by the end.
Finally, the continual breaking of the fourth wall and narrative skips gets a little tiresome too. This was another aspect of the first book that's been ramped up here, too. the continuous references to past events, only to explain those past events in either minimal or maximal detail can really be a bit jarring, dragging you out of the narrative and losing whatever momentum it had at the time.
Despite these gripes, this is still an excellent collection and a story that I remain invested in. If volume 3 came out tomorrow, I'd be picking it up. And thanks for the complete redesign of the book from volume one. It looks wonderful on my shelves. Grrr. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
July 4, 2018
Having already reviewed Volumes 4 & 5, this was a revisit for me. My review for Volume 4:
The relationships within the group develop
Lisa moves in with Ally and the word “love” begins to emerge but there is also a falling-out as neither face their feelings full on. We get further insights into the more peripheral characters as they explore new experiences and explain their motivation. It also includes flashbacks about how Ally’s interest developed.
Overtly and graphical sexual scenes are avoided but understood.
And for Volume 5:
Lisa and Ally confront and seal their relationship
Lisa moves out of Ally's and the word “love” begins to become more evident. This volume – the final one, I imagine – deals with how the two of them deal with their changing relationship as Lisa turns her feelings into stories that she posts on the internet.
Overtly and graphical sexual scenes are included or hinted at. A fitting ending to the series, well-illustrated with loads of introspection unsurprisingly. Worth a look if you've read the four previous volumes.
The relationships within the group develop
Lisa moves in with Ally and the word “love” begins to emerge but there is also a falling-out as neither face their feelings full on. We get further insights into the more peripheral characters as they explore new experiences and explain their motivation. It also includes flashbacks about how Ally’s interest developed.
Overtly and graphical sexual scenes are avoided but understood.
And for Volume 5:
Lisa and Ally confront and seal their relationship
Lisa moves out of Ally's and the word “love” begins to become more evident. This volume – the final one, I imagine – deals with how the two of them deal with their changing relationship as Lisa turns her feelings into stories that she posts on the internet.
Overtly and graphical sexual scenes are included or hinted at. A fitting ending to the series, well-illustrated with loads of introspection unsurprisingly. Worth a look if you've read the four previous volumes.
May 28, 2020
This book gets more to the issues that develop from poor communication. It has lots of stories within stories, and it doesn't always clearly set that up ahead of time. It looks in depth at the baggage, insecurities, etc within the characters and how that causes problems/complications. Obviously, this series let you know from the start how it ends, so it isn't a will they/won't they situation so much as a "how."
It ends on starting a relationship. Which... fine. But I honestly think it would have been interesting to see how the relationship develops, ie characters figuring out and living a functional healthy romantic relationship rather than it being "happily ever after." There will be more work in this universe, but it's not focused on that.
It ends on starting a relationship. Which... fine. But I honestly think it would have been interesting to see how the relationship develops, ie characters figuring out and living a functional healthy romantic relationship rather than it being "happily ever after." There will be more work in this universe, but it's not focused on that.
March 13, 2022
Once again, Sejic has a beautiful knack for offering an emotional thrust and a mindfulness to BDSM. We see Lisa and Ally contend with growing feelings with each other as another sub becomes part of their dynamic. My main quibble with Sejic's writing is how he'll open up a character arc and leave it hanging. I suppose this is indicative of the comic book format to a large degree (such as Harper and the club). But with masters like Brian K. Vaughan proving regularly that you can provide a beat to rest on (even Matt Fraction, at his most rambling, manages this!), it is an annoying habit that prevents SUNSTONE from being an entirely satisfying experience for me. Nevertheless, this is fairly groundbreaking in lending voice and vivacity to outliers.
August 28, 2024
Read this in one sitting, I could not put this down, I could not read fast enough to turn the pages to see what happens next.
Romance is not a genre I usually read at all, but this comic just worked and I loved it. Fantastic artwork, great protagonists, a heart warming story. The BDSM part is still present, but just as a feature of the romance.
I read this the evening before and my head still spins around this story (first thing I thought of when waking up). I want to read more about these characters, but I have to wait until November for the third book.
I cannot praise this enough. If someone asked me today what my favourite comics are, I would easily list this book among them.
Romance is not a genre I usually read at all, but this comic just worked and I loved it. Fantastic artwork, great protagonists, a heart warming story. The BDSM part is still present, but just as a feature of the romance.
I read this the evening before and my head still spins around this story (first thing I thought of when waking up). I want to read more about these characters, but I have to wait until November for the third book.
I cannot praise this enough. If someone asked me today what my favourite comics are, I would easily list this book among them.
April 28, 2020
4.5 out of 5 stars - a definite romance/slice of life story where the characters drive the story, not superheroes or the plot. Characters are well developed and I felt invested in their decisions and consequences which produces emotions in the reader. I rated 4 instead of 5 as it's a bit of a niche read - not for everyone and also the first third really deals with insecurities revolving around insecurities, but the end wraps more with a flavor of jealousy. Trying to give a broad assessment here as I don't want to spoil anything. I thought this volume was a bit better than Vol. 1.
May 12, 2020
A printed out version of a gorgeous webcomic.
Book 2 gets even more in depth on the relationship and character development. It's not always as fun and sexy as in book 1, but it is certainly powerful and relatable. I don't want to spoil the plot, but it's really that good.
Most of the bonus content is on book 1, but this one still manages to be the thicker book.
Note: don't remember how long it took to read this, especially since I kept rereading bits of it and stopping to admire the art before moving on.
Book 2 gets even more in depth on the relationship and character development. It's not always as fun and sexy as in book 1, but it is certainly powerful and relatable. I don't want to spoil the plot, but it's really that good.
Most of the bonus content is on book 1, but this one still manages to be the thicker book.
Note: don't remember how long it took to read this, especially since I kept rereading bits of it and stopping to admire the art before moving on.
November 15, 2020
Pretty good ending, it all wrapped up alright. The illustrations were definitely way cooler in the second half, with way more experimental pages that were super cool to look at.
I definitely think the story was better in the first half, but it might just have been that it resonated with me a little better. I think it stuck the landing pretty well, and it's definitely the only purely romance/slice of life comic I've been able to sit through. Would recommend to anyone who'd like to be surprised by a strong romantic comic.
I definitely think the story was better in the first half, but it might just have been that it resonated with me a little better. I think it stuck the landing pretty well, and it's definitely the only purely romance/slice of life comic I've been able to sit through. Would recommend to anyone who'd like to be surprised by a strong romantic comic.
March 1, 2021
This is a collection of Sunstone Volumes 4 & 5. I went into this with a background in psychology and the community. I was pleasantly surprised that the author’s focus was on the humanity, as opposed to only the sexuality. Book 2 focuses more on the emotional difficulties resulting from each individual characters’ flaws and insecurities. While there is a certain “happily ever after” quality to the conclusion, the journey there is painfully realistic in terms of how the characters engage with their emotions and personal traumas.
Overall, this is a must read if you’ve read volumes 1-3.
Overall, this is a must read if you’ve read volumes 1-3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
I loved this book. Although it journeys into a BDSM relationship, the relationship journey itself was great. Without getting into spoilers book one leaned into Ally and Lisa meeting. While this one is more about them fixing a problem that came up in book one. It’s a very well written romance, love story. Looking forward to jumping into book 3. However, I know book 3 will be more about the stories of the other characters that we’re in these two books. But all the characters were so well written looking forward to reading their journey.
May 17, 2018
Actually, 4.5 stars.
This book was even better than the first. The characters really came to life. It’s a beautiful love story of such a high quality that I have never read before in comics. Sometimes it’s a bit repetitive in the phrasing though, so I can’t give it the full 5 stars. The art deserves 10 to be honest. It’s absolutely stunning.
A must read.
This book was even better than the first. The characters really came to life. It’s a beautiful love story of such a high quality that I have never read before in comics. Sometimes it’s a bit repetitive in the phrasing though, so I can’t give it the full 5 stars. The art deserves 10 to be honest. It’s absolutely stunning.
A must read.
July 28, 2018
Full of adorable flirty times, imaginative sexcapades, frank and respectful portrayals of BDSM culture, the inevitable relationship roadblocks and misunderstandings, and a healthy dose of humor. A bit like Strangers in Paradise's kinkier cousin, this endearing friends-with-benefits turned romance will have you feeling all the feels. And oh yes, it is sexy as hell.
December 19, 2023
Admittedly, it was purely out of curiosity that I even picked this series up in the first place. I expected to be shocked and I guess.. kind of uncomfortable? Instead, I was absolutely enthralled and quite emotional. This was so beautiful. It has burrowed itself into my brain, and likely will never leave it.
February 5, 2020
I am in love with this series. I can't count how many times I would read something and think to myself, "Oh my god, that's me!" I'm so glad to have been introduced to these books and these characters.
January 25, 2022
As much as the first collection had me laughing, I had not expected to spend reading half of this collection in tears. Seriously, I even downed half a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
I don’t even have any more words. I loved it, it made me feel things, and inspired me to eat my feelings.
I don’t even have any more words. I loved it, it made me feel things, and inspired me to eat my feelings.
September 12, 2023
2.25⭐️
I like the first volume but this was a slog. Frustrating to read. The writing is has the subtlety of a sledgehammer, but that worked somewhat in the first book.
It’s hard for me to pinpoint why this felt so dissatisfying.
I like the first volume but this was a slog. Frustrating to read. The writing is has the subtlety of a sledgehammer, but that worked somewhat in the first book.
It’s hard for me to pinpoint why this felt so dissatisfying.
August 13, 2024
So I started this out of curiosity (and the image logo cause i'll read anything from image). My curiosity quickly went to obsession (no pun intended) and I binged the majority of this series. The love story here is so well written. I hope this gets the appreciation it deserves as a series!
October 28, 2025
Meno di impatto rispetto al primo volume, ma non per questo meno bello. Il tema principale è la comunicazione e l'esplorazione dei propri sentimenti. Molto bella la rappresentazione dell'amicizia femminile.
July 6, 2018
This story is so freaking cute. I'm glad this volume exits because it gives some well needed perspective and also learning experiences for our faves. ALSO I WANT MORE!
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