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Sleepless #7-11
Sleepless Vol. 2
Nearly a year later in the court of Harbeny, Lady Poppy and Sir Cyrenic must forge ahead without each other. Cyrenic adjusts to life after being released from the Sleepless Vow. And though the future looks bleak, both Poppy and Cyrenic are fighters. Either they will claw their way out of the darkness, or take as many enemies with them as they can. This second volume of SLEEPLESS concludes the story of Poppy and Cyrenic.Collects SLEEPLESS #7-11
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2019
7 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Alissa M. Sallah
6 books6 followersALISSA SALLAH is a cartoonist (and cosplayer) from small town Ohio. She edits and contributes to the Bonfire Yearly Anthology (STRATOS, TOPIA, SILK & METAL), has been featured in the BITCH PLANET Triple Feature, the YAKUZA 6 SONG OF LIFE artbook and was the colorist on the Image comic series SLEEPLESS. Her work can be found at alissasallah.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
March 29, 2019
Well, that was a surprise, and a disappointment, that the whole story wraps in two volumes. It's fantasy, it's a romance, with a cute fennec named Bini. And a black heroine!
So to get to it: Cyrenic, released from being the Sleepless servant of Poppy, sleeps. And after months of sleeping, wakes up to find his true love Poppy engaged to a man for political convenience. That marriage does in fact happen, but then things shift quickly, the action quickly picks up, and things wrap up quickly. It's a romance, but there's really not enough attention to the development of the romance. And there's not enough attention to the political issues at the center of the conflict, really. What is going on? What's at stake?
I think the action sequences toward the end are pretty well crafted, and I'm happy things work out, there's some sweetness there, it's good. And the art, which in the first volume feels rushed, somehow unfinished, has some appropriately beautiful panels as we approach the end. Bur this could have easily been a three volume series. Why not take your time letting the characters, therelationship and the world develop a it more?
So to get to it: Cyrenic, released from being the Sleepless servant of Poppy, sleeps. And after months of sleeping, wakes up to find his true love Poppy engaged to a man for political convenience. That marriage does in fact happen, but then things shift quickly, the action quickly picks up, and things wrap up quickly. It's a romance, but there's really not enough attention to the development of the romance. And there's not enough attention to the political issues at the center of the conflict, really. What is going on? What's at stake?
I think the action sequences toward the end are pretty well crafted, and I'm happy things work out, there's some sweetness there, it's good. And the art, which in the first volume feels rushed, somehow unfinished, has some appropriately beautiful panels as we approach the end. Bur this could have easily been a three volume series. Why not take your time letting the characters, therelationship and the world develop a it more?
April 7, 2019
This is an appealing but oddly paced series. It dwells on court intrigue and relationships, sending signs that it is going to be a book about world building, but then precipitously jumps into an action sequence that rather abruptly ends the series without a full exploration or explanation of its intriguing world.
November 10, 2019
I absolutley loved the forbidden romance aspect and the chemistry in the first volume. The story of the first one seemed like it was setting up for a long series with many volumes and then this volume just comes to such an abrupt conclusion. I also think this volume didn't capture the chemistry between the Cyrenic and Poppy. I hope this isn't the end because I was really here for a black, curly girl MC.
April 15, 2019
*cries* why is this only two volumes?!??!?
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March 8, 2019
A year after the events of vol 1, Lady Poppy is still trying to pick up the pieces of her life. On the plus side—she's made dear friends with Princess Rellen and her guard. On the negative—Sir Cyrenic remains asleep, and while the mysterious forces who wanted her dead remained unnamed, they are still there.
This has probably become one of my most favorite comics of all time. The storyline is fast-paced, the world-building is deftly done through words and illustration, and the illustrations...omg. The clothing, the architecture, everything is so beautiful. And Bini is a treasure.
I also liked that there is the theme of what came before, particularly in knowing the past. In a land that worships time, it's ironic that so many things are lost to time, either purposefully or just forgotten.
I do wish that there was more build-up to that very epic final showdown, but it did work out well in the end, and the conclusion was enjoyable.
Anywho, I am definitely thankful for the multiple panels of a shirtless Cyrenic.
Those will never be forgotten by time.
I received this ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher for an honest review.
This has probably become one of my most favorite comics of all time. The storyline is fast-paced, the world-building is deftly done through words and illustration, and the illustrations...omg. The clothing, the architecture, everything is so beautiful. And Bini is a treasure.
I also liked that there is the theme of what came before, particularly in knowing the past. In a land that worships time, it's ironic that so many things are lost to time, either purposefully or just forgotten.
I do wish that there was more build-up to that very epic final showdown, but it did work out well in the end, and the conclusion was enjoyable.
Anywho, I am definitely thankful for the multiple panels of a shirtless Cyrenic.
Those will never be forgotten by time.
I received this ARC from Edelweiss and the publisher for an honest review.
May 7, 2019
A generous 3 stars.
Don't get me wrong, I did like this for what it was and the artwork is still some of my favorite out there but the story line was too rushed. I went into this not realizing that volume 2 would be the conclusion of this story and was shocked that that was it, because it really should have been longer. I loved volume 1 and I thought it was setting up for a great epic fantasy story with magic, romance, assassinations, and political intrigue so to have events and revelations come to a head so quickly made the reveals a bit lackluster. I'd still pick it up if you're interested, if not for volume 1 alone, but it will leave you wanting for volume 2 and you might not get what you were hoping for.
Don't get me wrong, I did like this for what it was and the artwork is still some of my favorite out there but the story line was too rushed. I went into this not realizing that volume 2 would be the conclusion of this story and was shocked that that was it, because it really should have been longer. I loved volume 1 and I thought it was setting up for a great epic fantasy story with magic, romance, assassinations, and political intrigue so to have events and revelations come to a head so quickly made the reveals a bit lackluster. I'd still pick it up if you're interested, if not for volume 1 alone, but it will leave you wanting for volume 2 and you might not get what you were hoping for.
April 15, 2020
the way im about to cry because there are no more volumes
March 4, 2022
This vol contained noticeably more romance than Sleepless, Vol. 1, however, it still didn't seem enough. This whole volume felt half-hearted. The conclusion to the story felt rushed, the progression of characters' relationships were rushed or skipped entirely, and the reveal of the answer to the mystery from vol. 1 felt so random because there was no prior build up or clues hinting at the real culprit.
The way obvious enemies that should've been obstacles in the plot conveniently mellowed down and became allies was a recurring problem that started in vol. 1 and continued in this vol. It was indicative of a lack of character integrity and a lack of commitment to serious consequences for the characters which hindered the comic from reaching its potential. There were ideas posed that suggested self-awareness and complexity with regards to royal politics and morality, but then they were completely disregarded at the last minute. By the end, the writer dropped all pretence of caring about the plot and shuffled the protagonist along to her destined happily-ever-after, leaving behind a bundle of suggested but unexplored plotlines.
Overall, this was an above-average concept with a meek execution.
The way obvious enemies that should've been obstacles in the plot conveniently mellowed down and became allies was a recurring problem that started in vol. 1 and continued in this vol. It was indicative of a lack of character integrity and a lack of commitment to serious consequences for the characters which hindered the comic from reaching its potential. There were ideas posed that suggested self-awareness and complexity with regards to royal politics and morality, but then they were completely disregarded at the last minute. By the end, the writer dropped all pretence of caring about the plot and shuffled the protagonist along to her destined happily-ever-after, leaving behind a bundle of suggested but unexplored plotlines.
Overall, this was an above-average concept with a meek execution.
August 28, 2021
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★★★✰✰ 3 stars ( writing/story: ★★ 2 stars + artwork ★★★★★ 5 stars )
I really loved Sleepless, Vol. 1. The beautiful art, the wistful characters, and the tranquil tone of the story. The main leads had a great sense of duty and a remarkable restraint over their feelings for each other. There was this unspoken bond between them that gave their story a bittersweet flavour.
Sadly, Sleepless, Vol. 2 lacks the subtlety of its predecessor. The pacing was off, and things felt rushed: the 'mystery' was underdeveloped and there is this 'reveal' which was rather convenient...
What was previously an understated relationship becomes a fully fledged romance.
It was all too hurried.
Still the art is still beautiful...I mean how gorgeous is this:
★★★✰✰ 3 stars ( writing/story: ★★ 2 stars + artwork ★★★★★ 5 stars )
I really loved Sleepless, Vol. 1. The beautiful art, the wistful characters, and the tranquil tone of the story. The main leads had a great sense of duty and a remarkable restraint over their feelings for each other. There was this unspoken bond between them that gave their story a bittersweet flavour.
Sadly, Sleepless, Vol. 2 lacks the subtlety of its predecessor. The pacing was off, and things felt rushed: the 'mystery' was underdeveloped and there is this 'reveal' which was rather convenient...
What was previously an understated relationship becomes a fully fledged romance.
It was all too hurried.
Still the art is still beautiful...I mean how gorgeous is this:
June 16, 2019
Waaah, it's over! Only two volumes? Why???
Okay, so there's definitely an HEA but I really want more of this world. And oh my goddess, Poppy and Cyrenic are my new favorite couple that I simply must ship hard.
As a huge fan of the short lived series 'Still Star Crossed', as well as 'The Borgias', Sleepless, Vol. 2 has all the feels of historical romance and intrigue. The costumes are most definitely based on Italian Renaissance designs.
And let me just wax poetic about the art - it's simply gorgeous. It reminds me of the work of Leo and Diane Dillon (look them up). The colors are vibrant, fabric appears to have movement, the characters are wonderfully rendered. And Poppy is shown with long, natural 4C type hair which is styled in realistic fashion, even including her wearing a protective headwrap while sleeping. Seriously. It's these details that really stood out.
Poppy is unapologetically and unequivocally a dark-skinned woman. None of that "ethnically ambiguous filling in for generic Black woman" nonsense that Hollywood (and much of the media) seems fond of. She is a beautiful Black princess being rescued while giving away none of her autonomy or wit. She's Tiana without the baggage Disney tends to bring along (and I like Tiana). Unfortunately colorism is a real issue and I've mentioned before that even my beloved IR genre (and romance in general) isn't immune.
Okay, so there's definitely an HEA but I really want more of this world. And oh my goddess, Poppy and Cyrenic are my new favorite couple that I simply must ship hard.
As a huge fan of the short lived series 'Still Star Crossed', as well as 'The Borgias', Sleepless, Vol. 2 has all the feels of historical romance and intrigue. The costumes are most definitely based on Italian Renaissance designs.
And let me just wax poetic about the art - it's simply gorgeous. It reminds me of the work of Leo and Diane Dillon (look them up). The colors are vibrant, fabric appears to have movement, the characters are wonderfully rendered. And Poppy is shown with long, natural 4C type hair which is styled in realistic fashion, even including her wearing a protective headwrap while sleeping. Seriously. It's these details that really stood out.
Poppy is unapologetically and unequivocally a dark-skinned woman. None of that "ethnically ambiguous filling in for generic Black woman" nonsense that Hollywood (and much of the media) seems fond of. She is a beautiful Black princess being rescued while giving away none of her autonomy or wit. She's Tiana without the baggage Disney tends to bring along (and I like Tiana). Unfortunately colorism is a real issue and I've mentioned before that even my beloved IR genre (and romance in general) isn't immune.
April 26, 2021
Oh, how I wish this series had been longer!
Two volumes seem too short for the storyline as it was shaping up in the first volume, hinting at a longer series (personally, I thought there would be at least five volumes), and that it ended this quickly is disappointing. On one hand, it leaves many questions up in the air such as the mystery of the underground caves, how magic works in this world; and it leaves cultures other than the Harbenians offstage, for example I'd have loved to have seen the Mribeshi peoples. And on the other hand, the plot feels rushed, there's no time for the relationship between Poppy and Cyrenic to grow, and the villain's motivations are a bit out of left field as well as rather underdeveloped.
The story needed more time to "breathe" and mature, there was still plenty of intrigue at court that could've been exploited, the characters could've met more challenges, and everything should've felt more earned. It is still enjoyable in spite of this, however, just not as satisfying as it could've been.
Two volumes seem too short for the storyline as it was shaping up in the first volume, hinting at a longer series (personally, I thought there would be at least five volumes), and that it ended this quickly is disappointing. On one hand, it leaves many questions up in the air such as the mystery of the underground caves, how magic works in this world; and it leaves cultures other than the Harbenians offstage, for example I'd have loved to have seen the Mribeshi peoples. And on the other hand, the plot feels rushed, there's no time for the relationship between Poppy and Cyrenic to grow, and the villain's motivations are a bit out of left field as well as rather underdeveloped.
The story needed more time to "breathe" and mature, there was still plenty of intrigue at court that could've been exploited, the characters could've met more challenges, and everything should've felt more earned. It is still enjoyable in spite of this, however, just not as satisfying as it could've been.
May 17, 2019
I enjoyed this action-adventure-romance with its historical setting and slight magical elements. The artwork is beautiful. However I felt the story was very much rushed. I thought the first volume was a setup for a longer story. Indeed, it would have made an excellent epic adventure. But for only two volumes, there were too many elements that were introduced but not given their proper resolution. Rellen, for instance, deserved more. We never see Poppy’s mother, and her situation in her homeland is very sketchy, just like Poppy’s father, Otranto, Helden, and even Cyrenic. The Edtlish, with their magic, and healing powers, are never explained.
Overall this left me wanting more. What’s there is great but far from a complete story.
Overall this left me wanting more. What’s there is great but far from a complete story.
August 10, 2019
I am like:
I the the idea of this comic was great, but the whole storytelling lacked some attention. The time jumps almost unnoticeable (there was just one sentence to indicate that a year passed), some secondary characters are very cardboard, the whole story evolves just around one plot line, there is almost nothing unexpected. Some scenes/dialogues have no significance, some more drama would have been welcomed too. But it's still cute and nice.
I the the idea of this comic was great, but the whole storytelling lacked some attention. The time jumps almost unnoticeable (there was just one sentence to indicate that a year passed), some secondary characters are very cardboard, the whole story evolves just around one plot line, there is almost nothing unexpected. Some scenes/dialogues have no significance, some more drama would have been welcomed too. But it's still cute and nice.
November 23, 2021
I liked this a lot more than the first part! Granted, I'm not sure I buy the villain's motivation (or rather, I'm not sure it was explored enough), and the ending was weirdly pro-monarchy, but Poppy and Cyrenic were super cute and this was super fast-paced and fun.
September 22, 2020
THIS IS SO GOOD
And while I'm glad it ended and I don't have to wait (and possibly forget) about this beautiful series . . . I WOULD HAVE LIKED ONE MORE VOLUME!! But, I got what I wanted, which was a happy ending and lots more Poppy/Cyrenic material (hello hello to that cave kiss page *fans self*) & a mostly-satisfying ending.
Do yourself a favor and read this series!!
And while I'm glad it ended and I don't have to wait (and possibly forget) about this beautiful series . . . I WOULD HAVE LIKED ONE MORE VOLUME!! But, I got what I wanted, which was a happy ending and lots more Poppy/Cyrenic material (hello hello to that cave kiss page *fans self*) & a mostly-satisfying ending.
Do yourself a favor and read this series!!
August 3, 2019
I devoured most of this in one sitting, what does that tell you
My only complaint is that I want more of this universe! Even mini/slice of life stories
My only complaint is that I want more of this universe! Even mini/slice of life stories
December 20, 2023
I recently discovered the lush romantic fantasy series Sleepless and quickly read the duology. I just wish it had been a longer series, as I enjoyed the love story between Poppy and Cyrenic and think it could have at least been fleshed out into three volumes.
The second volume opens almost a year after the first, with Cyrenic awakening from his sleep after being released from his magical vow of eternal wakefulness. Poppy is being forced into a marriage of political convenience to Lord Helder, the very man she suspects of trying to kill her, but the king has blinders on and pushes her to go through with the wedding. Surprisingly the marriage ceremony does occur, but Poppy has her own reasons for going along with it. However, the wedding night spins out of control and Poppy and Cyrenic are on the run.
As Cyrenic is the first sleepless knight to be released from his vow and deals with his recovery afterward, there were some interesting perspectives from the other knights about whether they too would like to be released. There were some thought-provoking reasons as to why some of them would prefer to stay sleepless. The last half of the book is a long action sequence, and an additional villain is revealed, but the reasoning behind this second person wanting vengeance against Poppy feels ridiculous. During their escape, Poppy and Cyrenic reaffirm their love, but it is rushed and could have been so much more.
The artwork was as lovely as ever, with the wedding scene being especially well done. The patterns and brocades of the clothing worn were exquisite. I felt the illustrations really lent to world-building, for the interiors from the throne room to the kitchens combined into a believable kingdom. The coloring also added to the atmosphere with jewel tones for the courtly attire, decorations and poppy motif to earth tones for much of the action. Plus, Bini the fox was as adorbs as ever. An added bonus at the conclusion was alternative covers by other artists and some process pages that showed the evolution of the artwork throughout the story.
I do want to point out two glaring oddities. There was much made that Poppy’s mother is in her home country and can not return due to political issues and many letters are exchanged between the women. Although a wedding gift from her mother helps Poppy during a crisis, we still do not meet her, even at the end when all has been resolved. And as Poppy and Cyrenic escaped by jumping down a tunnel at one point, they fell about 50 feet and landed on a pile of bones. This would have killed them, instead, they act as if it was a cushion, and then there is some throwaway conversation about the caverns and bones needing to be researched.
As a whole, this was an excellent short series. But there were definitely enough plot threads that could have been expanded upon that a third volume would have been very welcome. Author Sarah Vaughn created a beautiful fantasy world that artist Leila del Duca built upon, and I’m glad that I visited their magical realm!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2019/06/0...
The second volume opens almost a year after the first, with Cyrenic awakening from his sleep after being released from his magical vow of eternal wakefulness. Poppy is being forced into a marriage of political convenience to Lord Helder, the very man she suspects of trying to kill her, but the king has blinders on and pushes her to go through with the wedding. Surprisingly the marriage ceremony does occur, but Poppy has her own reasons for going along with it. However, the wedding night spins out of control and Poppy and Cyrenic are on the run.
As Cyrenic is the first sleepless knight to be released from his vow and deals with his recovery afterward, there were some interesting perspectives from the other knights about whether they too would like to be released. There were some thought-provoking reasons as to why some of them would prefer to stay sleepless. The last half of the book is a long action sequence, and an additional villain is revealed, but the reasoning behind this second person wanting vengeance against Poppy feels ridiculous. During their escape, Poppy and Cyrenic reaffirm their love, but it is rushed and could have been so much more.
The artwork was as lovely as ever, with the wedding scene being especially well done. The patterns and brocades of the clothing worn were exquisite. I felt the illustrations really lent to world-building, for the interiors from the throne room to the kitchens combined into a believable kingdom. The coloring also added to the atmosphere with jewel tones for the courtly attire, decorations and poppy motif to earth tones for much of the action. Plus, Bini the fox was as adorbs as ever. An added bonus at the conclusion was alternative covers by other artists and some process pages that showed the evolution of the artwork throughout the story.
I do want to point out two glaring oddities. There was much made that Poppy’s mother is in her home country and can not return due to political issues and many letters are exchanged between the women. Although a wedding gift from her mother helps Poppy during a crisis, we still do not meet her, even at the end when all has been resolved. And as Poppy and Cyrenic escaped by jumping down a tunnel at one point, they fell about 50 feet and landed on a pile of bones. This would have killed them, instead, they act as if it was a cushion, and then there is some throwaway conversation about the caverns and bones needing to be researched.
As a whole, this was an excellent short series. But there were definitely enough plot threads that could have been expanded upon that a third volume would have been very welcome. Author Sarah Vaughn created a beautiful fantasy world that artist Leila del Duca built upon, and I’m glad that I visited their magical realm!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2019/06/0...
June 2, 2019
This was another fun romantic fantasy adventure, and it neatly closes off a story that I'm very glad to have read. The peril in this volume felt very real. I continued to love not only Poppy and Sir Cyrenic but also the circle of women around them, and I thought the resolutions were neat and interesting. My only nitpick is that it all happened SO quickly. There were only five issues in this volume, rather than the six included in the first volume, and I do think the pacing would have worked better if the story had been given an extra episode's worth of space, so it didn't all have to be packed in quite so tightly.
However, I really liked all of those events that happened, the artwork, again, was utterly gorgeous, and the ending made me happy. I'm really glad to have read this duology!
However, I really liked all of those events that happened, the artwork, again, was utterly gorgeous, and the ending made me happy. I'm really glad to have read this duology!
July 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn’t love this one as much as the first volume (pacing felt off and I wanted more of the romantic plotline). But the art was still lovely and definitely worth the read.
I didn’t love this one as much as the first volume (pacing felt off and I wanted more of the romantic plotline). But the art was still lovely and definitely worth the read.
June 9, 2020
I have some issues with the pacing, but this was fun and the art is glorious. Betrayal is everywhere in this one.
March 18, 2019
5 stars--lovely story, lovely art. Very glad I read this series!
April 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this super short and sweet fantasy.
I think this is the kind of fantasy I like vs the large scale, world is ending type stuff.
This is a great series!
I think this is the kind of fantasy I like vs the large scale, world is ending type stuff.
This is a great series!
January 11, 2019
So, this ended... quickly. Is it me or the ending feels a little too rushed? I was really enjoying the worldbuilding and the links between Poppy and some other characters. But everything is rushed in the last three issues. The slow-moving, subtle and, sometimes, contradictory, love story, turns from one page to the other into a plain and simple romance. It's OK, but not thrilling.
So, it's a fine ending for a beautiful comic. I guess that the feeling that much more could have been told about these places and characters is a good one, as it means that the world created by Sarah Vaughn is rich and fascinating. As in the first book, I've become absolutely delighted by Leela Del Duca's art, specially the color.
I can't denny it: although the plot is not the most original I've read or I don't feel quite in love with the characters, this comic has something that makes you feel like you're part of its story from the second page. The worldbuilding really captures you and keeps your mind and your imagination well fed. And that's amazing. I only wish I had felt more connected with any of the characters. Although I'd be happy to read more about Poppy in the future. She's beaufitul in every single way and I thank Vaughn for creating such a well designed character. This is a comic I would recommend to most of my friends
So, it's a fine ending for a beautiful comic. I guess that the feeling that much more could have been told about these places and characters is a good one, as it means that the world created by Sarah Vaughn is rich and fascinating. As in the first book, I've become absolutely delighted by Leela Del Duca's art, specially the color.
I can't denny it: although the plot is not the most original I've read or I don't feel quite in love with the characters, this comic has something that makes you feel like you're part of its story from the second page. The worldbuilding really captures you and keeps your mind and your imagination well fed. And that's amazing. I only wish I had felt more connected with any of the characters. Although I'd be happy to read more about Poppy in the future. She's beaufitul in every single way and I thank Vaughn for creating such a well designed character. This is a comic I would recommend to most of my friends
February 21, 2020
We get a pretty satisfying conclusion to the story in this volume, even if it feels a little quick. (potentially a little easy too, but that's just me being picky) Sarah Vaughn has crafted a fantasy world that is easy enough to absorb in the limited time we get with it, but that doesn't mean it feels lacking. Leila del Duca illustrates this story with great texture and weight. It feels lived in and detailed, it kept me invested in this story.
I saved vol 2 for the YA Reading challenge because I really do believe this is a great recommendation for 11-16 year old readers who say they aren't looking for Superheroes or that they like fantasy or want something with court intrigue and royal affairs. It feels unique, to me anyway, in both art and tone and I'm glad I know about it.
I saved vol 2 for the YA Reading challenge because I really do believe this is a great recommendation for 11-16 year old readers who say they aren't looking for Superheroes or that they like fantasy or want something with court intrigue and royal affairs. It feels unique, to me anyway, in both art and tone and I'm glad I know about it.
April 27, 2020
This series is so beautiful it makes my chest hurt. I'll always love the first one best, because it gets the pleasure of introducing us to Harbeny and Poppy and Cyrenic for the first time, but I loved this one too. The art is still beautiful, Bini is still the cutest, and I loved Rellen and her guards getting to be bigger secondary characters, and all the scenes of Rellen and Poppy's genuine and warm friendship. Ugh, it's just so good — I definitely need to buy a physical copy to put on my shelf next to the first. More please? Like, please more? I know the story is finished but can I PLEASE get some more?
March 30, 2019
Still beautifully illustrated and intriguing story, though I feel like the plot tied up a little too neatly and quickly. That being said, I prefer a story to give itself a finite ending (even if it's a little rushed). I wish (hope?) there's going to be more of this world with maybe a different plot or from a different starting point, as it's such a rich world and I feel like we barely got to know it in these two volumes.
I'll look forward to anything more from the creators!
I'll look forward to anything more from the creators!
November 20, 2022
I did indeed think this series was much longer, it is not. Unfortunately this fell victim to a common conundrum I’ve seen with graphic novels/comics.
The world is incredible and the history is fascinating. But we don’t really get any of that in depth due to the short nature of the format. I would love to ingest Sleepless in another media, one where it can be fleshed out to the point of bursting.
The world is incredible and the history is fascinating. But we don’t really get any of that in depth due to the short nature of the format. I would love to ingest Sleepless in another media, one where it can be fleshed out to the point of bursting.
December 16, 2019
Leila del Luca's character design is wonderful, the colors are beautiful and the story moving.
September 19, 2023
The second volume of Sleepless starts with a time jump, but it flows from the first part of the story seamlessly. The art is as beautiful as its predecessor's, setting the tone and doing the heavy lifting of world-building. The story's medieval vibes with court intrigue and political backstabbing (sometimes literally) continue. Poppy is as quick-thinking and decisive as ever, looking out for herself when no one else can or will. She and the other characters in the main cast are easy to love. The Princess Rellen remains the only sympathetic portrayal of a character with imperfect skin in a comic or graphic novel that I've come across. She endures mocking for how she looks, but her characterization doesn't include stereotypes like slovenliness or attendant lack of social skill that often appear for characters with less than a perfect, glowing complexion. And last but not least, Cyrenic's loyalty is necessarily turned on its head. Oaths can compel it and honor demand it, but what would Cyrenic choose if the wide world was open to him?
My only complaint is that though we have a nice resolution to the plot, it's rushed. Once Poppy's enemies are revealed, there's a lot of backstory and depth to it that gets glossed over (presumably for the sake of time). This is also true for the romantic plot, a true bummer. A surprise bit of lore pops in, as well, but it doesn't lead anywhere. I'm grateful to have a clear conclusion to Poppy and Cyrenic's story, but the pacing in this second volume didn't do them justice.
My only complaint is that though we have a nice resolution to the plot, it's rushed. Once Poppy's enemies are revealed, there's a lot of backstory and depth to it that gets glossed over (presumably for the sake of time). This is also true for the romantic plot, a true bummer. A surprise bit of lore pops in, as well, but it doesn't lead anywhere. I'm grateful to have a clear conclusion to Poppy and Cyrenic's story, but the pacing in this second volume didn't do them justice.
July 5, 2019
I enjoyed this series so much! Still wish there was more to it, but again I think that’s a good sign. The world building is SO cool! Worshiping time, the idea of the “sleepless”, etc. Our heroine is smart- I sometimes wished there had been a little more insight into her thought process, but I was still happy with the events. There is a sweet happily-ever-after, something we all need sometimes. I wish I had read the volumes closer together, but such is life with library books. The pacing is still a little funny in this volume, as with volume one. There are hints at greater political conflicts that don’t get fully fleshed out (which goes back to my point of “cool world building, leaves you wanting more”). I really love the art and will be following up with the creators. Despite my issues with the series, it’s undeniable how much I enjoyed it, hence the bump to my star rating. I hope there is fanfiction out there!
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