What do you think?
Rate this book
Cottons #1
Cottons: The Secret of the Wind
In the first volume in the epic Cottons trilogy, rabbits and foxes inhabit a world where magic, technology, and art are used as weapons of war.
To her neighbors in the Vale of Industry, Bridgebelle is an ordinary rabbit. All day long, she toils at the carrot factory. After a hard day, she returns home to care for her ailing auntie. And whenever she's out, she's watchful of the murderous foxes who prey on her kind.
But Bridgebelle is not ordinary—she's a rabbit with talents beyond her own understanding. Using cha, the mysterious fuel that powers her world, she can change everyday objects into thokchas—magical, transforming works of art. Bridgebelle makes thokchas because they're beautiful. But there are those in her world who want to harness her powers and turn her art into a weapon.
To her neighbors in the Vale of Industry, Bridgebelle is an ordinary rabbit. All day long, she toils at the carrot factory. After a hard day, she returns home to care for her ailing auntie. And whenever she's out, she's watchful of the murderous foxes who prey on her kind.
But Bridgebelle is not ordinary—she's a rabbit with talents beyond her own understanding. Using cha, the mysterious fuel that powers her world, she can change everyday objects into thokchas—magical, transforming works of art. Bridgebelle makes thokchas because they're beautiful. But there are those in her world who want to harness her powers and turn her art into a weapon.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2018
8 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 28, 2018
This series reminds me a little bit of the 'Wheel of Time' series with rabbits mixed with a dash of the 'Lord of the Rings'. There is a lot of world building going on. The Cottons have a fairly peaceful, yet industrial society where they mine carrots dust and turn it into energy. The foxes want their industry and power. There are rabbits that are artist and there are rabbits working in the factories and there are the religious rabbits who bind their ears. I mean there is a lot here.
I love the artwork. It is gorgeous and well thought out. This is character driven with plenty of questions left to answer. It is very well written. I wanted to give this 5 stars, yet there was something that didn't quite make my heart sing and give me real joy. A little pinch of something was not there. Maybe it was how harsh the society seemed and everyone worked so hard. Maybe it's too much like issues are are going through today. I'm not sure. I really enjoyed this book, but I don't know that I want to read it again, so I can't give it 5 stars. Now, I do want to go on and read the next book in the series. I'm very interested in what's going to happen.
I'm glad I picked this up on a whim. It was worth the read.
I love the artwork. It is gorgeous and well thought out. This is character driven with plenty of questions left to answer. It is very well written. I wanted to give this 5 stars, yet there was something that didn't quite make my heart sing and give me real joy. A little pinch of something was not there. Maybe it was how harsh the society seemed and everyone worked so hard. Maybe it's too much like issues are are going through today. I'm not sure. I really enjoyed this book, but I don't know that I want to read it again, so I can't give it 5 stars. Now, I do want to go on and read the next book in the series. I'm very interested in what's going to happen.
I'm glad I picked this up on a whim. It was worth the read.
December 1, 2018
I'm genuinely confused why this has been marketed to middle grade audiences - because it's bunnies and teens won't read about anthropomorphic bunnies? But it was confusing to follow and I can't imagine it sustaining the interest of most 10 year olds. The illustrations are indeed gorgeous and I wanted to like this more being a huge lifelong fan of Watership Down - but it just felt like too much obscure world building and not enough storytelling.
August 3, 2021
Thanks to Calista for bringing this series to my attention. The first in the series lays the groundwork for our main characters and the conflict. Bridgebelle has lost her family in the great fire and is haunted by the memories. It seems the cottons are hard-working and create cha from carrots (this creates a substance used for energy). Foxes use cha as a hallucinogenic and thus begins the conflict.
I like the illustrations as the cottons really are given their own personalities to help distinguish one from another. There are lots of notes in the back to help give the background of each character and the history of the rabbit world. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I like the illustrations as the cottons really are given their own personalities to help distinguish one from another. There are lots of notes in the back to help give the background of each character and the history of the rabbit world. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
November 17, 2021
It gave me such strong Watership Down vibes that I almost expected Fiver and Hazel to make an appearance. Mix that up with Animal Farm and you get Cottons. The art is absolutely stunning, and the story is off to a very intriguing start. Solid 4.25*
November 12, 2017
Wow, Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is surely something else. Pascoe has done an amazing job at creating this rich and old world, its history and the possible future. The details are breathtaking and makes this almost like living history even when we are talking about rabbits. Or are we? Cottons tells the story of rabbits who harness power, cha, from carrots and foxes want that power too. Our main hero is Bridgebelle, a rabbit, whose history isn't that clear and there's lots of mysteries and shenanigans around everything. Pascoe manages to create this amazing world and oh how the history of that world looks like that of ours. Industrialization, art and weapons all play a great role in this societal story that seems to tell more than meets the eye. The anthropomorphic animals are the perfect solution and the plot is multifaceted and complicated like our world. Amazing. I would've wanted this first part to be a little longer though, so we could've got acquainted with the world and characters better, although the info at the back was great.
The art is beautiful and the colors fit with the emotions in the panels. The animals look like animals too, which is wonderful, even though they represent people in a way. The religion and everything are so deeply rooted in the story that it's just pure wow. The line art is thin and precise and works with all the settings so amazingly well. Cottons: The Secret of the Wind could actually be worth of five stars even, but I want to see how this will evolve even more. I'm not a fan of animal comics and this was just pure awesome, so that should tell a lot.
The art is beautiful and the colors fit with the emotions in the panels. The animals look like animals too, which is wonderful, even though they represent people in a way. The religion and everything are so deeply rooted in the story that it's just pure wow. The line art is thin and precise and works with all the settings so amazingly well. Cottons: The Secret of the Wind could actually be worth of five stars even, but I want to see how this will evolve even more. I'm not a fan of animal comics and this was just pure awesome, so that should tell a lot.
June 18, 2018
I broke one of my own rules and I regretted it. I try not to read series until they are all available. I hate waiting between books, I have a terrible memory, and then sometimes, like with this one, the book really feels incomplete and like a preamble.
In Cottons, a warren of rabbits go to work every day in a mine, mining carrots which are then made into this magical substance which can do anything. But some rabbits are artists and make other things. And then one rabbit discovers a secret object, like an amulet, which can do real magic. And just as the world-building wraps up, the book is over. And the character-building and the plot have just scraped the surface. I have a feeling that one day when all volumes are available (preferably published as an omnibus), this will be great, but in the meantime, it's just frustrating for me, although with intriguing and beautiful artwork. I can tell a great story is being set up, but I want to read it all nooooooooow!
In Cottons, a warren of rabbits go to work every day in a mine, mining carrots which are then made into this magical substance which can do anything. But some rabbits are artists and make other things. And then one rabbit discovers a secret object, like an amulet, which can do real magic. And just as the world-building wraps up, the book is over. And the character-building and the plot have just scraped the surface. I have a feeling that one day when all volumes are available (preferably published as an omnibus), this will be great, but in the meantime, it's just frustrating for me, although with intriguing and beautiful artwork. I can tell a great story is being set up, but I want to read it all nooooooooow!
November 3, 2018
What an incredible letdown. Let's be clear about one thing: the art in Cottons is stellar, absolutely gorgeous. I almost knocked this one-star review up to two stars for that reason.
Why did I stick with one star? The plot is byzantine to the point of meaninglessness. None of the characters are properly introduced. Because they're all rabbits, they are essentially indistinguishable from one another. Jim Pascoe does a terrible job of explaining why rabbits are harvesting carrots for energy, why they're worshiping the wind, what all these weird dreams about fire and sky mean. There are so many aspects of Cottons that could have been good! It's all there, just jumbled up in short chapters that jump wildly between timelines and characters for no apparent reason. I followed almost no parts of this book despite my best efforts.
What's worse is that the concluding 30 pages are a primer to the world of Cottons and those 30 pages are radically more interesting than any of the preceding story. If Pascoe had seeded literally any of that information in the story itself, this book would have been much better. As it is, Cottons is beautiful to look at, but painful to read. So disappointed.
Why did I stick with one star? The plot is byzantine to the point of meaninglessness. None of the characters are properly introduced. Because they're all rabbits, they are essentially indistinguishable from one another. Jim Pascoe does a terrible job of explaining why rabbits are harvesting carrots for energy, why they're worshiping the wind, what all these weird dreams about fire and sky mean. There are so many aspects of Cottons that could have been good! It's all there, just jumbled up in short chapters that jump wildly between timelines and characters for no apparent reason. I followed almost no parts of this book despite my best efforts.
What's worse is that the concluding 30 pages are a primer to the world of Cottons and those 30 pages are radically more interesting than any of the preceding story. If Pascoe had seeded literally any of that information in the story itself, this book would have been much better. As it is, Cottons is beautiful to look at, but painful to read. So disappointed.
January 18, 2023
Read this a WHILE ago- review coming soon!
--
Okay, so like update: I don't know when I'm going to be re-reading this book (given how much I have to read as of now), so I'm going to give a brief one for the time being.
This was a really interesting graphic novel! Definitely new to the world of other books like this in this genre, but still fell in love. Found it pretty confusing at times and even doubted the points being made. Would love to really re-read it again and hopefully see what the creators had envisioned!
Hope that's good for now you guys! ^^ :P
--
Okay, so like update: I don't know when I'm going to be re-reading this book (given how much I have to read as of now), so I'm going to give a brief one for the time being.
This was a really interesting graphic novel! Definitely new to the world of other books like this in this genre, but still fell in love. Found it pretty confusing at times and even doubted the points being made. Would love to really re-read it again and hopefully see what the creators had envisioned!
Hope that's good for now you guys! ^^ :P
June 19, 2018
A graphic novel tale set in a valley where various groups and factions are vying for control of the valley’s energy source, cha, a substance derived from carrots at the factory. There are various factions at work, but mainly the power struggle is between the rabbits and the foxes. While most of the foxes turn to intimidation tactics like murder and kidnapping, one of them turns to more arcane and dark powers. Meanwhile the rabbits are having issues with their factory they can’t explain, Bridgebelle is tasked with trying to make things more efficient though she’d rather just use cha for making art. She’s also trying to puzzle out the riddle told her by a dying rabbit. And many of the rabbits are trying to figure out who they are despite past trauma and varying messages from society.
There is a LOT going on in here, and I get the feeling this volume is just barely scratching the surface of the world that Pascoe has dreamed up. It feels like the start of an epic fantasy. I mean there’s a whole several centuries-long history that’s briefly outlined in the afterword, the animals have their own complex religion, their own folktales, and there are multiple characters that get enough development there are probably a dozen side plots going on. Thinking of a blend of Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH and Redwall will give you only the basic feel for what’s going on. Usually this kind of complex world development is reserved for books that involve faeries or aliens instead of rabbits and foxes. I was very glad for the afterward material as it explains a lot of things in the world that don’t get fleshed out during the story. But that works. It’s way better than an animal info dumping as they go about their normal business. I am most definitely interested to find out more about this world. Oh, and how could I forget to mention the amazing artwork! It is beautiful and though it isn’t stated anywhere, the valley where the animals live is a far future Yosemite Valley, so some great scenery. I can see epic fantasy lovers really getting into this. It may be advertised for the middle grade crowd, but I can see anyone 12+ being thoroughly absorbed in this world.
Notes on content [based on ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content beyond two rabbits kissing. There is one gory murder with an animal’s throat getting ripped out (lots of blood), and a couple less gory animal deaths. There’s also some dark magic that gets a little creepy at times.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There is a LOT going on in here, and I get the feeling this volume is just barely scratching the surface of the world that Pascoe has dreamed up. It feels like the start of an epic fantasy. I mean there’s a whole several centuries-long history that’s briefly outlined in the afterword, the animals have their own complex religion, their own folktales, and there are multiple characters that get enough development there are probably a dozen side plots going on. Thinking of a blend of Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH and Redwall will give you only the basic feel for what’s going on. Usually this kind of complex world development is reserved for books that involve faeries or aliens instead of rabbits and foxes. I was very glad for the afterward material as it explains a lot of things in the world that don’t get fleshed out during the story. But that works. It’s way better than an animal info dumping as they go about their normal business. I am most definitely interested to find out more about this world. Oh, and how could I forget to mention the amazing artwork! It is beautiful and though it isn’t stated anywhere, the valley where the animals live is a far future Yosemite Valley, so some great scenery. I can see epic fantasy lovers really getting into this. It may be advertised for the middle grade crowd, but I can see anyone 12+ being thoroughly absorbed in this world.
Notes on content [based on ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content beyond two rabbits kissing. There is one gory murder with an animal’s throat getting ripped out (lots of blood), and a couple less gory animal deaths. There’s also some dark magic that gets a little creepy at times.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2018
If you liked Watership Down, you'll like this story. Just like the Watership Down series, it involves rabbits who are self sustaining in their own colonies and merely want to exist in peace and happiness. Yet danger and greed lurks everywhere. Their world seems to be dependent on a thing called Cha, which is derived from carrots, along with their enemies, the foxes, who all desperately want and need. It can be used in art and even seems to have addictive consumption qualities, along with some sort of magical properties.
The main plot of the story seems to follow Bridgebelle, a female rabbit who is looked down upon due to a tragic incident and past memories which often cause problems for her in the present. She wants to be an artist but due to the demand for Cha, most rabbits work to harvest that and barely meet requirements for food and other necessities they need. The foxes are no different and are even more ruthless to get more Cha. Bridgebelle does all she can to figure out her fragmented memories of the past as she learns more about the properties of Cha and the evil that lurks around her and the other rabbits.
The story was very interesting to read and flowed smoothly. Like I said earlier, it reminded me of Watership Down and the infusion of the rabbit/fox lore and mythology scattered throughout the tale made it a delight to enjoy even more. The art especially was beautiful and vivid, and I loved seeing how Cha was used by the rabbits to make their own version of art. It has such a calming effect and was something I wish I could experience in real life. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the series, if more is to come.
The main plot of the story seems to follow Bridgebelle, a female rabbit who is looked down upon due to a tragic incident and past memories which often cause problems for her in the present. She wants to be an artist but due to the demand for Cha, most rabbits work to harvest that and barely meet requirements for food and other necessities they need. The foxes are no different and are even more ruthless to get more Cha. Bridgebelle does all she can to figure out her fragmented memories of the past as she learns more about the properties of Cha and the evil that lurks around her and the other rabbits.
The story was very interesting to read and flowed smoothly. Like I said earlier, it reminded me of Watership Down and the infusion of the rabbit/fox lore and mythology scattered throughout the tale made it a delight to enjoy even more. The art especially was beautiful and vivid, and I loved seeing how Cha was used by the rabbits to make their own version of art. It has such a calming effect and was something I wish I could experience in real life. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the series, if more is to come.
July 8, 2018
Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is a new graphic novel by creative team of writer Jim Pascoe (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy Animated, Undertown) and illustrator Heidi Arnhold (Fraggle Rock, Legends of the Dark Crystal, Volume 2) that will premiere next week from First Second Books. This is the first volume of a trilogy, telling the story of anthropomorphized cottons – rabbits – living in a post-apocalyptic vale.
The story opens with Bridgebelle, Soozie, and Glee being chased by a fox. The fox delivers an ultimatum and punctuates his demand by killing Soozie. In a voice-over narrative, the reader finds out that Bridgebelle is the lone survivor of a fire that killed her family years before. She carries psychological scars and an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. Pascoe reveals a rigidly structured society of expectations and traditions steeped in mythology. Although patriarchal, the focus is on the female characters, particularly Bridgebelle, who is the protagonist of this volume. There is a vulnerability about her; the conflict she feels between doing what is expected and her desire to follow her dreams is a situation that will resonate with readers. Taking on the role of villain are a trio of foxes, and while they all want the same thing, there is discord amongst the three. Yet, the threat is very real.
Please read my full review at Fanbase Press:
http://www.fanbasepress.com/index.php...
The story opens with Bridgebelle, Soozie, and Glee being chased by a fox. The fox delivers an ultimatum and punctuates his demand by killing Soozie. In a voice-over narrative, the reader finds out that Bridgebelle is the lone survivor of a fire that killed her family years before. She carries psychological scars and an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. Pascoe reveals a rigidly structured society of expectations and traditions steeped in mythology. Although patriarchal, the focus is on the female characters, particularly Bridgebelle, who is the protagonist of this volume. There is a vulnerability about her; the conflict she feels between doing what is expected and her desire to follow her dreams is a situation that will resonate with readers. Taking on the role of villain are a trio of foxes, and while they all want the same thing, there is discord amongst the three. Yet, the threat is very real.
Please read my full review at Fanbase Press:
http://www.fanbasepress.com/index.php...
August 3, 2018
I bought this book on cover and art style alone. I was at an indie book store that had this book on display and the moment I saw it I snatched it up with little thought. A comic book about bunnies? Sold! While I have never read Watership Down (it's on my TBR list), I would imagine this story is similar in tone and themes. Wild rabbit stories are not about cute, fluffy innocence, but about survival which ultimately means death. The tone also reminded me of The Secret of NIMH.
The art in this comic is absolutely gorgeous. Every panel is detailed and the rabbits have a cross between actual rabbit anatomy with a hint of anthropomorphism. It's truly lovely.
There was a bit of a world-building gap that I think would have made this comic even better. The author decided to just throw the cottons' culture at you and only fed you information in piecemeal. Terms and gods barely get explained and the reader is expected to just accept it and move on. At the end of the book, there is a "history" that goes into explaining everything, which makes up for the lack in the actual story. (Some of the rabbits were hard to distinguish from each other as well.)
My last complaint of this book is the idea that rabbits eat carrots as a main food source. Anyone who owns a bunny knows that this is false, but I'll allow it considering carrots are used more than just for food in the cottons' culture.
Fantastic book! I'm looking forward to the next volume (next year!).
The art in this comic is absolutely gorgeous. Every panel is detailed and the rabbits have a cross between actual rabbit anatomy with a hint of anthropomorphism. It's truly lovely.
There was a bit of a world-building gap that I think would have made this comic even better. The author decided to just throw the cottons' culture at you and only fed you information in piecemeal. Terms and gods barely get explained and the reader is expected to just accept it and move on. At the end of the book, there is a "history" that goes into explaining everything, which makes up for the lack in the actual story. (Some of the rabbits were hard to distinguish from each other as well.)
My last complaint of this book is the idea that rabbits eat carrots as a main food source. Anyone who owns a bunny knows that this is false, but I'll allow it considering carrots are used more than just for food in the cottons' culture.
Fantastic book! I'm looking forward to the next volume (next year!).
September 7, 2018
I think this particular graphic novel should be for teen for content, rather than young readers.
That aside; the artwork here is AMAZING. I’m very particular about what styles I like, and have put down certain books because of the art work. This one though was simply stunning.
The story was equally impressive but I would definitely suggest it to an older reader. Some of the rabbit relations are for an older audience ;) the description of society, the workin class, and the artists was also a bit deep for a young reader. My concern is that they wouldn’t quite understand some of the phrases used. They would understand the words yes, but not the meaning.
I would highly recommend this to anyone that loved watership down - what an amazing world Pascoe has created for us with rabbits! Arnhold, the illustrator, did a fantastic job working in scenes that clearly displayed the thoughts and emotions needed to continue the story.
I cannot wait until the next one!
That aside; the artwork here is AMAZING. I’m very particular about what styles I like, and have put down certain books because of the art work. This one though was simply stunning.
The story was equally impressive but I would definitely suggest it to an older reader. Some of the rabbit relations are for an older audience ;) the description of society, the workin class, and the artists was also a bit deep for a young reader. My concern is that they wouldn’t quite understand some of the phrases used. They would understand the words yes, but not the meaning.
I would highly recommend this to anyone that loved watership down - what an amazing world Pascoe has created for us with rabbits! Arnhold, the illustrator, did a fantastic job working in scenes that clearly displayed the thoughts and emotions needed to continue the story.
I cannot wait until the next one!
March 30, 2019
A bit convoluted and extremely dramatic, though the somewhat lack of character expressions say otherwise. I know they are animals, but the emotional story arcs, drama and action did not connect with the animals facial expressions/reactions. It was off-putting. And the story was choppy with dialogue leaving you scratching you head more than it provided any answers.
I hoped for more, especially considering how beautiful the artwork is. Not sure if I will continue with this series, though...
I hoped for more, especially considering how beautiful the artwork is. Not sure if I will continue with this series, though...
August 4, 2021
This book is about the evils of capitalism and there's a lot of implied violence and threats in this book. There also seems to be a lot of history and mythology in this world. Not much of it was explored in this book, although there is a large glossary in the rear matter. It's unclear how the rabbits make art and why some characters are so against it, although the parallel to the real world is very clear.
July 29, 2018
A magical, mystical new graphic novel about a rabbit society and the secrets that make up the World of Lavender! Illustrations are stunning. First in the trilogy- can’t wait for the rest!
August 31, 2018
Good artwork. Story felt a series of vignettes rather than a whole story with a beginning, middle, and end.
January 20, 2024
Beautifully illustrated, Cottons is a more complex story than I anticipated. I checked this out for my oldest son, but I was intrigued, as well. This is the first book in the trilogy, and it focuses on the Cottons (Rabbits) through their complex animal society (think Redwall), their enemies the Foxes, and other mythical powers at play.
CW: Attempted suicide by a parent over their belief a child has died. (They have not, and the attempt is no graphic and unsuccessful. Young readers may not understand what they are seeing.) Death - discussed, and one seen. A bit more graphic than preferred, but not overtly so. Fire. A whole lotta fire. Dark magical forces. (Interestingly enough, those dark powers warn the one who called on them of their folly.)
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the other two volumes.
CW: Attempted suicide by a parent over their belief a child has died. (They have not, and the attempt is no graphic and unsuccessful. Young readers may not understand what they are seeing.) Death - discussed, and one seen. A bit more graphic than preferred, but not overtly so. Fire. A whole lotta fire. Dark magical forces. (Interestingly enough, those dark powers warn the one who called on them of their folly.)
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the other two volumes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2018
A wonderful new graphic novel series that sits in the same vein as Redwall and the Secret of Nimh. Pascoe and Arnhold have created a world infused with just a bit of magic, and lovable anthropomorphized characters. The story centers around the young Bridgebelle, a cotton (aka rabbit), who dreams of being an artist, but has to work in the cha (a fuel) producing factory instead. While she provides the primary viewpoint, the creators show us those of other characters as well. This is a necessary action because of the power struggle that is happening in the valley. The foxes want the civilized lifestyle that the cottons enjoy, but they don't necessarily want to do the work. So one of them has come up with a plan to gain power. The dark forces he wants to call forth spell trouble for the denizens of vale. There may be hope though, for Bridgebelle was given a riddle that could lead to their salvation. The Secret of the Wind has a grim underpinning -the series is definitely for middle grade readers- and will especially appeal to those that like darker fantasy series. The characters are all well defined, and the artist has done a good job of giving them distinctive characteristics. These designs have a Disney-like style. Cottons provides readers with an intriguing premise, interesting political dynamics, and the beginnings of some wonderful character development; it is definitely one to check out.
November 6, 2020
I honestly just picked this up because the cover art looked really cool. When I read the blurbs mentioning Bone Complete Set, Volumes 1 9: Out From Boneville, The Great Cow Race, Eyes Of The Storm, The Dragonslayer, Rock Jaw, Old Man's Cave, Ghost Circles, Treasure Hunters, And Crown Of Horns, Redwall and Into the Wild, I knew this was going to be an adventure. But wow, I was not expecting such a dark, mysterious fantasy.
My only complaint was the few times I was having trouble telling the rabbits apart, mostly at the start of the book when I was still learning the characters and their motives. After that, you could identify them, if not be how they looked, at least by the context of the scene.
There are also some major Watership Down vibes (so much so that I have head-canoned that the before times they talk about are just the events of that book). But there are magical elements too that make it clear these are not just anthropomorphized animals, but creatures with a complex society and culture.
Great read for kids/tweens/teens that like high fantasy tales and can deal with things getting dark and heavy
(tw:
My only complaint was the few times I was having trouble telling the rabbits apart, mostly at the start of the book when I was still learning the characters and their motives. After that, you could identify them, if not be how they looked, at least by the context of the scene.
There are also some major Watership Down vibes (so much so that I have head-canoned that the before times they talk about are just the events of that book). But there are magical elements too that make it clear these are not just anthropomorphized animals, but creatures with a complex society and culture.
Great read for kids/tweens/teens that like high fantasy tales and can deal with things getting dark and heavy
(tw:
September 10, 2018
Impressive world-making and compelling visual storytelling.
August 27, 2018
I will read the next one when it comes out, but I felt the graphic novel style did not convey enough information for this story! Perhaps that was intentional, but I wanted more
April 26, 2018
Written by Jim Pascoe and illustrated by Heidi Arnhold, Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is a thrilling ride that combines the best of several traditional genres into one amazing story. Imagine Watership Down meets Pagan Mythology meets Modern Steampunk, and you have a taste of the incredible world created and rendered in this graphic novel. Incredibly, I never thought I would be raving about a graphic novel about rabbits. Not only am I raving, however, I also am so psyched for the two follow-up volumes that are coming down the line. Why am I so excited?
Okay, the book is filled with these intriguing storylines that give mere hints about what is going to happen. As the equilibrium between the rabbits and the foxes shifts, as the magic of the artistic creations become more powerful, you know their world is changing. But you are not sure how and you do not know what the consequences will be for our young heroine, Bridgebelle.
At the same time, the emotional resonance between the characters feels so authentic. You identify and empathize with the pain and joy, the sorrow and creative exultation experienced by these characters. Given the manner in which art is integrated into their world through a connection between the ability to create and the ability to generate the power the society needs to thrive, it is a rare fictional world where the artists have actual power beyond expression. When you connect that power to the mythology, it becomes both complex and beautiful.
I honestly don't know how Jim Pascoe came up with this magical tale, and I'm not sure I want to find out. What I do want to know is what happens next. Indeed, there are some definite cliffhangers, and it's going to be a challenge to patiently wait for the next volume.
In other words, a big thumbs up. If you haven't read Cottons yet, the time to do it is now.
Okay, the book is filled with these intriguing storylines that give mere hints about what is going to happen. As the equilibrium between the rabbits and the foxes shifts, as the magic of the artistic creations become more powerful, you know their world is changing. But you are not sure how and you do not know what the consequences will be for our young heroine, Bridgebelle.
At the same time, the emotional resonance between the characters feels so authentic. You identify and empathize with the pain and joy, the sorrow and creative exultation experienced by these characters. Given the manner in which art is integrated into their world through a connection between the ability to create and the ability to generate the power the society needs to thrive, it is a rare fictional world where the artists have actual power beyond expression. When you connect that power to the mythology, it becomes both complex and beautiful.
I honestly don't know how Jim Pascoe came up with this magical tale, and I'm not sure I want to find out. What I do want to know is what happens next. Indeed, there are some definite cliffhangers, and it's going to be a challenge to patiently wait for the next volume.
In other words, a big thumbs up. If you haven't read Cottons yet, the time to do it is now.
August 15, 2018
The art is fabulous and awesome. It is what made me pick up this book in the first place. The story is so interesting! This book is full of mystery, action, and even some romance (which was really weird to be honest, there are some rabbits kissing which I did not expect nor see it coming). I want to read the next book already! But alas, it is expected to come out July of next year, 2019. When it comes out I'll be sure to read it! I am intrigued as to what happens next and what happened to a specific rabbit.
August 14, 2018
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. The story is intriguing. I want to know more! I did find it hard to keep the rabbits straight at the beginning. I kept having to flip back to earlier sections to refresh myself, but I love the concept and I can't wait for the next book.
February 5, 2018
The Cottons is beautifully illustrated. I feel like I should just end my review there because the illustrations really are breathtaking and provide so much of the depth in this graphic novel. The Cottons would be a great recommendation for fans of Amulet who love gorgeous detailed illustrations and are eager for more, although this story is considerably darker (and has evil foxes with fabulous eyebrows). The story is interesting and has a lot of potential, but the sheer amount of information conveyed in this volume bogged down much of the storytelling. I’m excited for future volumes when the worldbuilding is established and the author and illustrator can just run with it.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Read
July 19, 2018To her neighbors in the Vale of Industry, Bridgebelle is an ordinary rabbit. All day long, she toils at the carrot factory. After a hard day, she returns home to care for her ailing auntie. Whenever she is out, she is watchful of the murderous foxes who prey on her kind. However, Bridgebelle is not ordinary; she is a rabbit with talents beyond her own understanding. Using cha, the mysterious fuel that powers her world, she can change everyday objects into thokchas--magical, transforming works of art. Bridgebelle makes thokchas because they are beautiful. But, there are those in her world who want to harness her powers and turn her art into a weapon.
August 6, 2018
First of all this book is absolutely gorgeous. Like really, really pretty. I don't often read stories of animals, no idea why I love animals but struggle to read them, but this was not difficult. I like the main characters and the story is intriguing enough to keep me reading even while leaving me with the vague feeling that I don't quite know what's going on. Like most animal stories I found it a little dark, but nothing horrible and I definitely am ready for the second book because I need to know more of the story.
Pick it up and look at the art at the very least (the cover art beneath the dust jacket is a favorite) and give the story a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Pick it up and look at the art at the very least (the cover art beneath the dust jacket is a favorite) and give the story a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
November 13, 2017
Jim Pascoe's Cottons: The Secret of the Wind is beautifully written. The story is engaging and makes me want to read more. Heidi Arnold's illustrations are so full of life and emotion; they are a great accompaniment to Pascoe's story. Initially, I was concerned about being able to become vested in bunny and fox characters, but Pascoe creates a world that is believable and enchanting. I look forward to reading the rest of the Cottons' stories.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2018
Bridgebelle is a main character, fascinating enough to carry this book through all of its vistas and attractive artwork. Never mind (or fully embrace) that she is a rabbit.
This book works as well as any Beatrix Potter story, and brought to mind classics like Watership Down. The images are striking, the story works well, and the book is full of adventure and color.
I can see this book as an enjoyable read on its own, or as part of a unit combined with one of the stories I just mentioned.
This book works as well as any Beatrix Potter story, and brought to mind classics like Watership Down. The images are striking, the story works well, and the book is full of adventure and color.
I can see this book as an enjoyable read on its own, or as part of a unit combined with one of the stories I just mentioned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews