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Hotel Dare
Olive and her adopted siblings Charlotte and Darwin are spending the summer with their estranged grandma at her creepy hotel and it’s all work and no play. They’re stuck inside doing boring chores but they soon stumble upon an incredible secret... Behind each room door of the hotel lies a portal to a different strange and mysterious place. The simple turn of a knob transports them to a distant magical world filled with space pirates. Behind the next door are bearded wizards. Down the hall is a doorway to a cotton-candied kingdom. But once the doors are opened, worlds start colliding, and only one family can save them before they tear themselves apart. Written by Terry Blas (The Amazing World of Gumball) and illustrated by the talented Claudia Aguirre (Kim & Kim), this world-hopping fantasy tale breaks down the door to imagination and dares you to embrace the idea that family is everything.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2019
11 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Terry Blas
49 books36 followersTERRY BLAS is an illustrator and writer based in Portland, Oregon. He is the writer behind the auto-bio comics Ghetto Swirl and You Say Latino (featured on NPR, OPB, Vox.com and Cosmo.com.)
Terry’s work has appeared in comics Bravest Warriors, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time, and Rick and Morty.
His first graphic novel, Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom, is a murder mystery set at a weight loss camp. Dead Weight has been named by YALSA as a 2019 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers.
His latest graphic novel, Hotel Dare, a love letter to his childhood memories in Mexico, will be in stores June 2019.
Terry’s work has appeared in comics Bravest Warriors, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time, and Rick and Morty.
His first graphic novel, Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom, is a murder mystery set at a weight loss camp. Dead Weight has been named by YALSA as a 2019 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers.
His latest graphic novel, Hotel Dare, a love letter to his childhood memories in Mexico, will be in stores June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
October 18, 2019
This was really fun! Equal parts Coco and Fablehaven , this is definitely a story about how family goes beyond biology and love can be complicated. I will say I was expecting a bit more spookiness with the hotel, but it’s a fun dimension hopping adventure that I think a lot of kids will really enjoy. I would have adored this when I was a middle grade kid.
Representation: the entire family is Latinx and the story is initially set in a hotel in Mexico. Charlotte is adopted and Olive self-identifies as queer.
**I was given a free copy of this book for review at BookExpo but all opinions remain my own**
Representation: the entire family is Latinx and the story is initially set in a hotel in Mexico. Charlotte is adopted and Olive self-identifies as queer.
**I was given a free copy of this book for review at BookExpo but all opinions remain my own**
June 10, 2019
Portals! Space pirates! Wizards! Woohoo!
After my initial read I gave this graphic novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I enjoyed it more when I reread it yesterday and got even more out of the story during today’s third read. It has mystery, adventure and heart, plus there’s a badass granny!
There are hidden worlds to explore and between them, these adopted siblings meet wizards, space pirates and cuddlemuffins. I adored Sunny the Cuddlemuffin! Along the way Charlotte learns about belonging and family, and what home really means.
I could easily keep rereading this story and I would happily visit other portals with these kids if there was a sequel. Thank you so much to NetGalley and KaBOOM!, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, for granting my wish to read this graphic novel.
After my initial read I gave this graphic novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I enjoyed it more when I reread it yesterday and got even more out of the story during today’s third read. It has mystery, adventure and heart, plus there’s a badass granny!
Charlotte is the newest member of the Dare family. She goes with Darwin, who has a female rat called Donut, and Olive, who identifies as queer and loves organising, to Mamá Lupe’s hotel in Mexico for the summer.
Mamá Lupe has warned them to stay out of her office but these are three kids spending their summer cleaning rooms in a hotel; naturally the allure of the forbidden is too interesting to ignore. Soon they learn that this isn’t an ordinary hotel and Mamá Lupe is not your typical granny.
There are hidden worlds to explore and between them, these adopted siblings meet wizards, space pirates and cuddlemuffins. I adored Sunny the Cuddlemuffin! Along the way Charlotte learns about belonging and family, and what home really means.
I loved how Claudia Aguirre brought Terry Blas’ story to life, with plenty of detail and vibrant colours. The Land of the Dead was always going to be my favourite portal destination but I enjoyed them all. I did Google some Spanish to figure out some small sections of dialogue but I would have still known what was happening if I hadn’t.
I could easily keep rereading this story and I would happily visit other portals with these kids if there was a sequel. Thank you so much to NetGalley and KaBOOM!, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, for granting my wish to read this graphic novel.
June 24, 2019
I want to thank NetGalley for sending me an advanced digital copy of this book
Olive has two adopted siblings, Darwin and Charlotte. All together, they are sent to their abuela to help her with managing her old hotel. What they don't know, is that the building hides much more than old furniture and dust: it might be that Hotel Dare is actually a very magical place.
I am sorry to admit I didn't like this graphic novel very much: I was not into the story at all and, to be honest, I found it rather boring. I appreciate the desire to tell a story about love in an adoptive family in which the siblings have different ethnic backgrounds, but that wasn't enough to keep we wanting to go on. The character design was actually really good, and it was probably my favourite thing in the volume. As for the art, it was appealing for the eye, but unfortunately not that original (I couldn't find any unique features that distinguish it from other contemporary comics). Overall, it wasn't bad but also not quite good. I am sorry for the negative review, and I still appreciated the possibility to read this as an advanced copy.
Olive has two adopted siblings, Darwin and Charlotte. All together, they are sent to their abuela to help her with managing her old hotel. What they don't know, is that the building hides much more than old furniture and dust: it might be that Hotel Dare is actually a very magical place.
I am sorry to admit I didn't like this graphic novel very much: I was not into the story at all and, to be honest, I found it rather boring. I appreciate the desire to tell a story about love in an adoptive family in which the siblings have different ethnic backgrounds, but that wasn't enough to keep we wanting to go on. The character design was actually really good, and it was probably my favourite thing in the volume. As for the art, it was appealing for the eye, but unfortunately not that original (I couldn't find any unique features that distinguish it from other contemporary comics). Overall, it wasn't bad but also not quite good. I am sorry for the negative review, and I still appreciated the possibility to read this as an advanced copy.
March 26, 2019
5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
HUGE thanks to Netgalley and BOOM! Studios for granting my wish and allowing me to read this work of art early!
Hotel Dare, written by Terry Blas, and illustrated by Claudia Aguirre, is the story of Olive and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte who find themselves being thrust into worlds unlike their own while exploring their grandma's hotel!
What I liked most about this was the fact that it talks about the importance of family; biological and chosen! The artwork was stunning, and I had an incredible time exploring the different worlds that popped up! I don't read nearly enough graphic novels/comics for my liking, but this one was a win for me, and I couldn't recommend it enough!
The expected publication for Hotel Dare is the 11th of June, 2019, so if this sounds like something you'd enjoy, you wont have to wait long before getting your hands on a copy!
HUGE thanks to Netgalley and BOOM! Studios for granting my wish and allowing me to read this work of art early!
Hotel Dare, written by Terry Blas, and illustrated by Claudia Aguirre, is the story of Olive and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte who find themselves being thrust into worlds unlike their own while exploring their grandma's hotel!
What I liked most about this was the fact that it talks about the importance of family; biological and chosen! The artwork was stunning, and I had an incredible time exploring the different worlds that popped up! I don't read nearly enough graphic novels/comics for my liking, but this one was a win for me, and I couldn't recommend it enough!
The expected publication for Hotel Dare is the 11th of June, 2019, so if this sounds like something you'd enjoy, you wont have to wait long before getting your hands on a copy!
May 22, 2019
A great fantastical story about a blended family who discover a hotel that transports them to different worlds. I really enjoyed the message of your family is who you choose it to be. The different mystical and sci-fi worlds were fun. The art was solid as well.
Received a review copy from KaBoom and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from KaBoom and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
April 4, 2019
This was really lovely! The art was fun, the characters were likable, and I thought the world was remarkably well-developed for such a short story. I especially loved how effortlessly diverse the cast was, with the Dares being Latinx, the oldest sibling being a queer girl, and the awesome themes revolving around adoption and recognizing that family is what you make of it. Oh, and Sunny? I need a Sunny in my life. ♥
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 24, 2020
A cute graphic novel that's infused with magic and family bonds. Three siblings go to Mexico to spend the summer at their grandmother's hotel. There they discover portals that lead them to magical and extraordinary worlds that host a multitude of different characters and creatures. I loved how resilient Mamá Lupe was and also all her backstory and secrets of the past. I must admit I was expecting something more regarding the theme of family, but it was still nice.
The artwork was amazing and my main complaint is that the story felt very rushed, I would have preferred to see something more fleshed out.
The artwork was amazing and my main complaint is that the story felt very rushed, I would have preferred to see something more fleshed out.
August 21, 2019
This world-hopping adventure story for kids teaches an awesome lesson about the importance of family. Family isn't about being biologically related....it's about who you trust and who makes you feel loved and valued. Three teens go to visit their Grandma Lupe in her run-down, mysterious, old hotel. They discover a secret that sends them into several different magical fantasy worlds. Space pirates. Wizards. Aliens. This book has a little bit of everything!
I loved this story! The teens are learning how to become a newly blended family and come together to solve the mysterious predicament they find themselves in. Their Grandma Lupe is quirky and feisty, yet lovable.
The artwork is fantastic! The story is interesting and exciting, while making important points about family relationships.
Loved it! I will definitely be looking for more by this author and illustrator! Terry Blas has written stories for several familiar animated characters including Steven Universe and The Amazing World of Gumball. Claudia Aguirre's art appears in multiple graphic novels/comics including Open Earth and Kim & Kim #1.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I loved this story! The teens are learning how to become a newly blended family and come together to solve the mysterious predicament they find themselves in. Their Grandma Lupe is quirky and feisty, yet lovable.
The artwork is fantastic! The story is interesting and exciting, while making important points about family relationships.
Loved it! I will definitely be looking for more by this author and illustrator! Terry Blas has written stories for several familiar animated characters including Steven Universe and The Amazing World of Gumball. Claudia Aguirre's art appears in multiple graphic novels/comics including Open Earth and Kim & Kim #1.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
June 3, 2019
Well, this is one of BOOM!'s agitated LGBT+ comics, where you can guess the author is queer/LGBT+ proactive person from first few pages. Well, that kind of spoils it for me because it's annoying when comics are like "I take a fine story and make it so much LGBT hate free as I can imagine". Which is quite sad, because the story and the universe are very nice (nothing creative, but well composed). It's very similar to Lumberjanes, but at least for a first few books, Lumberjanes wasn't so pushy in this topics. But hey, it's me who dislike when author spoils a good story with pushing his agenda without any finesse. On the other hand, kids could actually enjoy this adventurous story, which is actually not bad. Simple, but good. The art is again Luberjane-ish, kind of KaBoom/Boom Box generic artist style. If you like Lumberjanes in ar or/and style of adventure, where kids with attitude stick their noses where they do not belong and wreak havoc to eventually make everything right, you probably will like Hotel Dare.
Thanks to BOOM! Studios and NetGalley.net to provide the free digital crappy quality copy. #HotelDare #NetGalley
Thanks to BOOM! Studios and NetGalley.net to provide the free digital crappy quality copy. #HotelDare #NetGalley
July 25, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
We stan diverse characters and a diverse family!
This was SUCH a great adventure from beginning to end that I could not put down.
Some things were confusing at first, but it all wrapped up really nicely.
I really want more of this series very soon! Also the artwork is definitely worth mentioning - it was absolutely electric, so colorful, and totally eye catching. Loved all of it!
We stan diverse characters and a diverse family!
This was SUCH a great adventure from beginning to end that I could not put down.
Some things were confusing at first, but it all wrapped up really nicely.
I really want more of this series very soon! Also the artwork is definitely worth mentioning - it was absolutely electric, so colorful, and totally eye catching. Loved all of it!
April 1, 2019
2,5/5. Hotel Dare is a well illustrated comic book that mixed various elements trying to build an epic storyline. Unfortunately, for me, that didn’t work. The story is okay, not the most original, adapting/playing with elements seen many time (the old house/hotel, the magical doors, other world/plan of existence, etc..) and some part of it remind me a Lock and Key actually but that was the characters that failed this one. I didn’t like them, didn’t feel anything for them, and finally didn’t care much for them. I’ve no doubt that some reader will enjoy this one (it already have some love on Goodreads) but I’m not one of them, having read too many similar thing maybe... Not bad, but not for me!
October 6, 2019
★★★★,5 | The many doors to finding a family.
Hotel Dare is a story about the family of Dares -- related by blood or acquired by other means. When three siblings visit their grandma in Mexico they stumble upon a certain family secret which will bring them on an adventure as well as bring them together.
It's a hilarious exploration of family relations -- growing together and apart and together again. The secrets and magic and Aztec beliefs all tie together in a magnificent way and nothing seems out of place no matter how absurd it may be. The ridiculous hotel, the bearded society, strange puffballs, and a space ship? In one story? Oh, yes. And it's all amazing, trust me.
Also, the family dynamics? A queer older sister, a soft shy middle kid brother, and a troublemaker youngest girl? Magnificent. But then it also gives me a stern but loving grandmother who's more badass than any of us can ever dream to be?? Ma'am, you own my soul...
Anyway, Hotel Dare is a great story for the whole family -- full of laughs, bonding, and gorgeous art!!
blog | insta | twitter | booksirens | duolingo
Hotel Dare is a story about the family of Dares -- related by blood or acquired by other means. When three siblings visit their grandma in Mexico they stumble upon a certain family secret which will bring them on an adventure as well as bring them together.
It's a hilarious exploration of family relations -- growing together and apart and together again. The secrets and magic and Aztec beliefs all tie together in a magnificent way and nothing seems out of place no matter how absurd it may be. The ridiculous hotel, the bearded society, strange puffballs, and a space ship? In one story? Oh, yes. And it's all amazing, trust me.
Also, the family dynamics? A queer older sister, a soft shy middle kid brother, and a troublemaker youngest girl? Magnificent. But then it also gives me a stern but loving grandmother who's more badass than any of us can ever dream to be?? Ma'am, you own my soul...
Anyway, Hotel Dare is a great story for the whole family -- full of laughs, bonding, and gorgeous art!!
blog | insta | twitter | booksirens | duolingo
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May 21, 2021
Oh I loved this so so much, I kind of hope there will be a sequel though.
I loved the characters, and the artwork is just absolutely gorgeous and so colourful!
I loved the characters, and the artwork is just absolutely gorgeous and so colourful!
July 10, 2019
Hotel Dare was truly BEAUTIFUL--and I mean that in every aspect. The illustrations are vivid and so colorful, the story is incredibly unique and fun, and the characters are diverse and original. Set in a hotel whose rooms transport entrants to fantastical worlds, the Dare siblings learn the importance of family--even adoptive family--as well as friendship and love.
May 4, 2019
A pretty cute graphic novel. Not really what I expected, and that's both good and bad.
I expected more of a horror story taking place in the hotel, not dimension- hopping to fantasy worlds. And that's the "bad" part of my review: I'm not a fan of those stories. I don't like fantasy worlds, I don't like dimension- travelling, I'm not interested in that kind of worldbuilding, and definitely not when it's based on "A family has hidden depths and secrets that kids stumble on and then they all work it out by cooperating". WOW, never seen THAT before.
Not to mention that the writing was pretty cliche. For example, Charlotte, the blonde kid on the cover, is adopted, and she gets to say "You're not my real sibling!" pretty early on... it was uncalled for and extremely cliche, especially because this is one of those "Your family is the people you choose and home is where those people are" stories.
On the other hand, the art is pretty great (apart from some clearly rushed panels), and I liked that Grandma Lupé got to kick ass. You don't see old women being badass a lot. Also, the fact that Now THAT was a cliche that the story completely subverted, I was very happy about that.
All in all, not a bad story, just not the story for me.
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book**
I expected more of a horror story taking place in the hotel, not dimension- hopping to fantasy worlds. And that's the "bad" part of my review: I'm not a fan of those stories. I don't like fantasy worlds, I don't like dimension- travelling, I'm not interested in that kind of worldbuilding, and definitely not when it's based on "A family has hidden depths and secrets that kids stumble on and then they all work it out by cooperating". WOW, never seen THAT before.
Not to mention that the writing was pretty cliche. For example, Charlotte, the blonde kid on the cover, is adopted, and she gets to say "You're not my real sibling!" pretty early on... it was uncalled for and extremely cliche, especially because this is one of those "Your family is the people you choose and home is where those people are" stories.
On the other hand, the art is pretty great (apart from some clearly rushed panels), and I liked that Grandma Lupé got to kick ass. You don't see old women being badass a lot. Also, the fact that Now THAT was a cliche that the story completely subverted, I was very happy about that.
All in all, not a bad story, just not the story for me.
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book**
June 18, 2019
Loved the art, the story was fulfilling and fleshed out. A great fantasy! The illustrations conveyed just as much story as the writing (which can be something hard to come by sometimes)
There might be a sequel?!
There might be a sequel?!
April 20, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This was a really fun read. The art is great and I liked all the different designs for the characters and scenery. There are a ton of great characters in this story and I liked the focus on family and friend relationships. The different worlds they travel to are interesting as well and I liked how they were all different. Overall a nice blend of fantasy and sci-fi.
This was a really fun read. The art is great and I liked all the different designs for the characters and scenery. There are a ton of great characters in this story and I liked the focus on family and friend relationships. The different worlds they travel to are interesting as well and I liked how they were all different. Overall a nice blend of fantasy and sci-fi.
July 6, 2019
Firstly, I want to thank the publishers BOOM!Studios and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This will be a spoiler-free review.
Hotel Dare is a heartwarming tale of adventure and family, and I really enjoyed it.
It tells the story of the siblings Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte who are going to spend the summer with their grandma, Mama Lupe. They're expecting it to be boring, but what starts as a chore, turns into a journey into different worlds after they stumble upon a magical Aztec brooch.
The different characters they encounter there all help them come to important realizations about accepting who you are and your differences, loving yourself and loving your family, no matter who they are or how you met. As Mila, the friendly space pirate says: "If you have people who love you, treasure them, however you got them. And not juts your blood kin. Family are people who treat you like family. Even when it's difficult and there's problems. Especially then."
Overall, Hotel Dare is a fun, fantastic journey with great and important messages perfect for all ages.
Hotel Dare is a heartwarming tale of adventure and family, and I really enjoyed it.
It tells the story of the siblings Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte who are going to spend the summer with their grandma, Mama Lupe. They're expecting it to be boring, but what starts as a chore, turns into a journey into different worlds after they stumble upon a magical Aztec brooch.
The different characters they encounter there all help them come to important realizations about accepting who you are and your differences, loving yourself and loving your family, no matter who they are or how you met. As Mila, the friendly space pirate says: "If you have people who love you, treasure them, however you got them. And not juts your blood kin. Family are people who treat you like family. Even when it's difficult and there's problems. Especially then."
Overall, Hotel Dare is a fun, fantastic journey with great and important messages perfect for all ages.
July 14, 2019
I received a copy from BOOM! Studios through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte are dropped off at their Mamá Lupe’s place, they are quickly put to work. Of course, cleaning the creepy old hotel their grandmother lives in is not how they expected to spend their summer. One day, Mamá Lupe tells them to continue cleaning while she’s out and gives them strict instructions not to go near her office. Ignoring her grandma, Charlotte picks the lock and explores the forbidden office with her reluctant siblings, and accidentally unlocks a magical world within the hotel.
This is such a cute and heartwarming story, but it could’ve been so much more. I think that it suffers from having too much going on at once. It has a great cast of characters, the storytelling is beautiful, the artwork is wonderful, and the story itself is great. That said, the story began to splinter down once the kids are separated into different worlds, or dimensions I guess, and it continues throughout the rest of the story as more and more gets tacked on. Unfortunately, this book reads more as a companion story to a book or series that doesn’t exist, especially because of how little we spend in two of the other worlds. It just seemed like we should’ve known these worlds already.
At its core, the story is about family, and we follow Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte, who are siblings through adoption. I love that Olive and Darwin have bonded and Darwin feels like a member of the family. However, Charlotte does not, and her feelings is what drives some of her actions, including pressuring her siblings into going into Mamá Lupe’s forbidden office. I loved watching their individual adventures, but I wish that the kids went into the different worlds together from the start. Because of how much they are separated, Charlotte finally feeling like a member of her family seems like an afterthought.
I loved the characters, but I loved Mamá Lupe the most. I would love to follow a series following her and her adventures as she searched for her husband across the different worlds. It appears to be a stand-alone story, but I will 100% be here if a book following Mamá Lupe were to come out.
When Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte are dropped off at their Mamá Lupe’s place, they are quickly put to work. Of course, cleaning the creepy old hotel their grandmother lives in is not how they expected to spend their summer. One day, Mamá Lupe tells them to continue cleaning while she’s out and gives them strict instructions not to go near her office. Ignoring her grandma, Charlotte picks the lock and explores the forbidden office with her reluctant siblings, and accidentally unlocks a magical world within the hotel.
This is such a cute and heartwarming story, but it could’ve been so much more. I think that it suffers from having too much going on at once. It has a great cast of characters, the storytelling is beautiful, the artwork is wonderful, and the story itself is great. That said, the story began to splinter down once the kids are separated into different worlds, or dimensions I guess, and it continues throughout the rest of the story as more and more gets tacked on. Unfortunately, this book reads more as a companion story to a book or series that doesn’t exist, especially because of how little we spend in two of the other worlds. It just seemed like we should’ve known these worlds already.
At its core, the story is about family, and we follow Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte, who are siblings through adoption. I love that Olive and Darwin have bonded and Darwin feels like a member of the family. However, Charlotte does not, and her feelings is what drives some of her actions, including pressuring her siblings into going into Mamá Lupe’s forbidden office. I loved watching their individual adventures, but I wish that the kids went into the different worlds together from the start. Because of how much they are separated, Charlotte finally feeling like a member of her family seems like an afterthought.
I loved the characters, but I loved Mamá Lupe the most. I would love to follow a series following her and her adventures as she searched for her husband across the different worlds. It appears to be a stand-alone story, but I will 100% be here if a book following Mamá Lupe were to come out.
June 19, 2019
This is what I never knew I wanted until I started reading It!!
If you’re looking for a graphic novel that’s more deep and amazing that whatever you could imagine, this is it: the art it’s outstanding, colorful and super cute, but that’s not even the best part. Magic, traveling between fantasy and sci-fi worlds. I mean, I had an awesome time while I was enjoying my time with the Dare family.
A vacation that turns out epic because your grandma owns an hotel where basically everything can happen? Sign me up. And the family dynamics?? Lovely. I need more of this, please.
Thank you, Netgalley!!
If you’re looking for a graphic novel that’s more deep and amazing that whatever you could imagine, this is it: the art it’s outstanding, colorful and super cute, but that’s not even the best part. Magic, traveling between fantasy and sci-fi worlds. I mean, I had an awesome time while I was enjoying my time with the Dare family.
A vacation that turns out epic because your grandma owns an hotel where basically everything can happen? Sign me up. And the family dynamics?? Lovely. I need more of this, please.
Thank you, Netgalley!!
June 16, 2019
This graphic novel was so fun, it was full of space pirates, bearded wizards, space portals, an evil queen, other world adventures and even a unicorn! It took a little while to figure out the story and the direction it was going in but once that was clear I found it really enjoyable. I loved the characters, Mama Lupé in paticular was one fierce Grandmother! One thing I really liked was the importance on family, both biological and chosen. The illustrations were amazing too! Would definitely recommend.
April 19, 2019
This graphic novel is fantastic! I don't even know where to begin, honestly. The story is about adopted siblings, Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte. They are spending the summer with their grandma at her hotel. They think the summer is going to be cleaning all day and being bored but it soon turns into something more. While at the hotel the discover that there are portals to other worlds inside the hotel. They each explore a new amazing world behind one of the doors of the hotel rooms. Thus begins their journey to right wrongs and reunite family members.
I really liked the fact that this book focuses on family. Not just biological family but found family as well. The characters are all nicely fleshed out and all have their own distinct personalities. There are a few different story lines going on throughout the book but I had no problems keeping track of who was who. The artwork is also very, very good and I really enjoyed all the amazing bright colors throughout the book. I would highly recommend this to any fans of graphic novels and I know a few kids at my library that I will definitely be recommending this to!
I really liked the fact that this book focuses on family. Not just biological family but found family as well. The characters are all nicely fleshed out and all have their own distinct personalities. There are a few different story lines going on throughout the book but I had no problems keeping track of who was who. The artwork is also very, very good and I really enjoyed all the amazing bright colors throughout the book. I would highly recommend this to any fans of graphic novels and I know a few kids at my library that I will definitely be recommending this to!
May 15, 2019
If you have people who love you, treasure them. And not just your blood kin. Family are people who treat you like family. Even when it's difficult and there's problems. Especially then. When you don't have much you learn to fix what you do have, to make it better, right?
ben bunu tekrar okurum ya çok güzeldi ehhe
July 17, 2019
Hotel Dare is a good and diverse read with great artwork, family feelings, and magical adventures. I would definitely support Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre again. However, there is too much happening in this book and I really wish the plot and characters were better developed.
Adopted siblings Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte are spending the summer with their estranged grandmother Mamá Lupe. The kids are stuck inside doing chores at her creepy hotel. However, thanks to inquisitive Charlotte who is also the newest addition to their family, the Dare children are about to have the adventure of a lifetime! Behind each hotel door, there’s a portal to a different and amazing place. Olive is transported to a world filled with bearded wizards, Darwin finds a cotton candy kingdom, and Charlotte discovers space pirates. However, when these worlds start colliding, the Dare family must save the day!
Claudia Aguirre’s art is eye-catching and detailed. Every time I look at a panel, I notice something new. I love the inclusion of Mexican culture and imagery.
This is an interesting story but it could have been a lot better. I like the well-paced plot and some twists surprised me. However, the book is bogged down with too many plotlines. There is enough potential in this book to comfortably create an excellent series. Squeezing all these stories into one book did the writing a disservice. Moreover, certain important things aren’t properly explained and this took me out of the book.
I love seeing each new world. I wanted to know much more about each place. However, these locations are underdeveloped and there isn’t enough time to understand or care about them. Although I liked following each kid on their different adventures, the storytelling and themes would have been tighter and more meaningful if the kids had explored each new world together.
I love the interesting and diverse characters! The Dare children are relatable. However, I would have liked to see more individual growth, especially from Charlotte who at first feels like she isn’t part of the family but who suddenly belongs at the end. I love mysterious and courageous Mamá Lupe. I would have liked more of her backstory. Her interactions with Xochitl also felt rushed.
However, the book has too many characters. While they are unique and memorable, they could be much better developed. The characterization is rushed and insufficient and it’s hard to connect with them.
I love the theme of family but I wish it was more organic. I wanted to see the Dare kids working together and spending time together more meaningfully. The book touches on issues of belonging in an adopted family but it is underexplored.
Hotel Dare is a great and quick read with lovely art but it could’ve been much stronger. But, I did enjoy it and it’s an easy and fun book that will appeal to kids and teens.
Thank you to BOOM! Studios and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
💀💀💀 skull masks out of 5!
Adopted siblings Olive, Darwin, and Charlotte are spending the summer with their estranged grandmother Mamá Lupe. The kids are stuck inside doing chores at her creepy hotel. However, thanks to inquisitive Charlotte who is also the newest addition to their family, the Dare children are about to have the adventure of a lifetime! Behind each hotel door, there’s a portal to a different and amazing place. Olive is transported to a world filled with bearded wizards, Darwin finds a cotton candy kingdom, and Charlotte discovers space pirates. However, when these worlds start colliding, the Dare family must save the day!
Claudia Aguirre’s art is eye-catching and detailed. Every time I look at a panel, I notice something new. I love the inclusion of Mexican culture and imagery.
This is an interesting story but it could have been a lot better. I like the well-paced plot and some twists surprised me. However, the book is bogged down with too many plotlines. There is enough potential in this book to comfortably create an excellent series. Squeezing all these stories into one book did the writing a disservice. Moreover, certain important things aren’t properly explained and this took me out of the book.
I love seeing each new world. I wanted to know much more about each place. However, these locations are underdeveloped and there isn’t enough time to understand or care about them. Although I liked following each kid on their different adventures, the storytelling and themes would have been tighter and more meaningful if the kids had explored each new world together.
I love the interesting and diverse characters! The Dare children are relatable. However, I would have liked to see more individual growth, especially from Charlotte who at first feels like she isn’t part of the family but who suddenly belongs at the end. I love mysterious and courageous Mamá Lupe. I would have liked more of her backstory. Her interactions with Xochitl also felt rushed.
However, the book has too many characters. While they are unique and memorable, they could be much better developed. The characterization is rushed and insufficient and it’s hard to connect with them.
I love the theme of family but I wish it was more organic. I wanted to see the Dare kids working together and spending time together more meaningfully. The book touches on issues of belonging in an adopted family but it is underexplored.
Hotel Dare is a great and quick read with lovely art but it could’ve been much stronger. But, I did enjoy it and it’s an easy and fun book that will appeal to kids and teens.
Thank you to BOOM! Studios and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
💀💀💀 skull masks out of 5!
September 23, 2019
Magic, technology, fantasy lands, even the land of the dead!? This story had it all. Even real life family issues that morphed, melted and healed to create a diverse, unique story. This was just wonderful!
#Netgalley
#Netgalley
October 14, 2022
A lot happened, but the sequence was a bit illogical. The ART was purdy!
December 21, 2019
I thought the story was very engaging and I loved the art style. From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked until the very last page. Look forward to finding more about the Dare family!!
October 25, 2019
I thought I was gonna like this more, the story was promising but there is too much happening that I couldn't actually get into the story. While I was reading, it felt like some pages were missing, the panels changed really wierdly and that pulled me out of the story. The travelling though dimensions was a really good touch tho as I'm always in for parallel universes.
September 1, 2019
Oh my god! This graphic novel made me so happy. I loved reading all of it. The story is amazing, the characters are amazing and the worlds are just amazing!
June 10, 2019
The following is my honest & voluntary review for Hotel Dare. Thank you Boom! Studios for an advance copy of this book.
I truly believe family isn't always a blood relative and this book just illustrates that well. I spend more birthdays and holidays celebrating with close friends who have become family than I do with those who share my DNA. Whether it is through proximity, loss, acceptance, or similarities, family looks different to everyone, and the family we see in Hotel Dare proves that point.
Olive Dare and her adopted siblings, Darwin and the new family addition Charlotte, are going to Mexico to visit their Mama Lupe at her hotel. What initially seems to be a boring summer of cleaning guest rooms gets a large dose of adventure and upheaval! Olive is hoping to uncover the reason why her father and his mother, Mama Lupe, barely speak. When the teens start snooping around, they come across some interesting artifacts that suddenly open the door to many possibilities. As the siblings start on their new adventures, we are introduced to new characters that feel like family but aren't in the same world as the Dare family...literally.
The art work is clean & bright with bright colors and easily distinguishable characters. Once we see the possibilities that lie behind closed doors, the difference in the worlds was noticeable, as well. The storyline is well fleshed out and explained, as well as being appropriate for what I would assume is middle grade and above. There is some Spanish phrases that I had to look up, but not so many that it was daunting. For a young person learning Spanish, this seems like a good opportunity to practice those translation skills over summer break. I enjoyed the story and the lesson reiterated here because it wasn't like a giant anvil crashing on my head. It was sweet & subtle, just how I, fully grown adult who enjoys middle grade stories, likes her lessons.
I would absolutely read another book in this series, should there be one. My only hope is that we see a bit more of the Dare parents and learn how they came to adopt Darwin & Charlotte.
I truly believe family isn't always a blood relative and this book just illustrates that well. I spend more birthdays and holidays celebrating with close friends who have become family than I do with those who share my DNA. Whether it is through proximity, loss, acceptance, or similarities, family looks different to everyone, and the family we see in Hotel Dare proves that point.
Olive Dare and her adopted siblings, Darwin and the new family addition Charlotte, are going to Mexico to visit their Mama Lupe at her hotel. What initially seems to be a boring summer of cleaning guest rooms gets a large dose of adventure and upheaval! Olive is hoping to uncover the reason why her father and his mother, Mama Lupe, barely speak. When the teens start snooping around, they come across some interesting artifacts that suddenly open the door to many possibilities. As the siblings start on their new adventures, we are introduced to new characters that feel like family but aren't in the same world as the Dare family...literally.
The art work is clean & bright with bright colors and easily distinguishable characters. Once we see the possibilities that lie behind closed doors, the difference in the worlds was noticeable, as well. The storyline is well fleshed out and explained, as well as being appropriate for what I would assume is middle grade and above. There is some Spanish phrases that I had to look up, but not so many that it was daunting. For a young person learning Spanish, this seems like a good opportunity to practice those translation skills over summer break. I enjoyed the story and the lesson reiterated here because it wasn't like a giant anvil crashing on my head. It was sweet & subtle, just how I, fully grown adult who enjoys middle grade stories, likes her lessons.
I would absolutely read another book in this series, should there be one. My only hope is that we see a bit more of the Dare parents and learn how they came to adopt Darwin & Charlotte.
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