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Hopeless, Maine #1B
Inheritance
Continue with the adventures of young Salamandra, the orphaned, mysterious, witch-in-training on the haunted island of Hopeless, Maine! When Sal discovers she might have a grandfather living on the island, she seeks him out, only to find him full of even more mystery than the rest of her past. Before she can unravel the secrets of her family's past, however, her best friend, Owen, is thrust into a family trauma of his own. Salamandra must choose between helping Owen and finding the home and family she has always longed for.
Alternate cover for the book with ISBN: 9781939867032
Alternate cover for the book with ISBN: 9781939867032
103 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
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112 people want to read
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August 31, 2024I enjoyed the 2nd installment of "Hopeless, Maine". It's a lovely hardback produced to a high standard. I buy very few books for myself these days (I get more than I can read sent to me) but I shelled out my pounds for this without complaint and feel it was money well spent.
As with the first book the artwork is bizarre, Gothic, and sumptuous, each panel full of strange detail. Why are there so many bottles standing about? We shall probably never know ... just part of its charm.
The first book seemed to have a more complete story arc. This one feels more like a bridge or episode. The story moves around a fair bit and there were times when I found myself turning back, wondering if I'd missed a page or two. The pervading strangeness continues to grow and we're left with more mysteries than we started with, but the thing is more about mood and imagery than anything else and the trick is to let go of your need to understand everything and to go with the flow.
At the end there's a text-heavy appendix detailing some of the families on the island and it added to the story in a good way. There's a gentle off-beat humour throughout the book which I liked.
This a quirky, restrained, and atmospheric tale that I'm struggling to describe. Google the title to get a feeling for the artwork and the vibe of the thing. And if you like what you see then let the tentacles pull you in!
If you enjoyed the first volume, "Personal Demons" (& I did, a lot) then you're going to find a lot to like in Inheritance. It's certainly something you'll return to to rest your eye on the artwork and discover new things in the shadows each time.
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..
As with the first book the artwork is bizarre, Gothic, and sumptuous, each panel full of strange detail. Why are there so many bottles standing about? We shall probably never know ... just part of its charm.
The first book seemed to have a more complete story arc. This one feels more like a bridge or episode. The story moves around a fair bit and there were times when I found myself turning back, wondering if I'd missed a page or two. The pervading strangeness continues to grow and we're left with more mysteries than we started with, but the thing is more about mood and imagery than anything else and the trick is to let go of your need to understand everything and to go with the flow.
At the end there's a text-heavy appendix detailing some of the families on the island and it added to the story in a good way. There's a gentle off-beat humour throughout the book which I liked.
This a quirky, restrained, and atmospheric tale that I'm struggling to describe. Google the title to get a feeling for the artwork and the vibe of the thing. And if you like what you see then let the tentacles pull you in!
If you enjoyed the first volume, "Personal Demons" (& I did, a lot) then you're going to find a lot to like in Inheritance. It's certainly something you'll return to to rest your eye on the artwork and discover new things in the shadows each time.
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
..
December 10, 2016
I was so disappointed that my local county library system did not have a copy of this second volume, after liking the first one, that I bought it and want to donate it to them, if they will put it in circulation. However, I did not like this sequel as much as the original story. The story telling is uneven, and I really struggled to find a coherent plot. The friendship and bond between Salamandra and Owen is the main storyline, but their family dynamics approach dizzying. On the other hand, the artwork is really top-notch (and eerie.) I recommend you read Mark Lawrence's review for more color: here.
October 15, 2013
I absolutely love these books. If you like weird, steampunk, gothic or just weird art and stories this is for you.
Salamandra is one of my favorite characters and I got to tell you, I'd love to vacation in Hopeless if it meant I could actually leave when I was done.
I love the subtlety of the world. The characters just live in this world so while we, as readers, notice that's it's not normal - they just go about their days with strange creatures surrounding them.
The only part I was disappointed with is that I followed the books so closely that I realized that I already knew most of this part of the story. So I have to restrain myself and not peek until book 3 comes out.
I have to tell you that I saw the first book at a local store and just about screamed with joy. I'm thinking it's a series that I will be investing in and not just enjoying when I can borrow a copy. I love the art and if Tom and Nimue came this way - I definitely be inviting them to visit. I am just in love with these books. Now where can I buy prints?
Salamandra is one of my favorite characters and I got to tell you, I'd love to vacation in Hopeless if it meant I could actually leave when I was done.
I love the subtlety of the world. The characters just live in this world so while we, as readers, notice that's it's not normal - they just go about their days with strange creatures surrounding them.
The only part I was disappointed with is that I followed the books so closely that I realized that I already knew most of this part of the story. So I have to restrain myself and not peek until book 3 comes out.
I have to tell you that I saw the first book at a local store and just about screamed with joy. I'm thinking it's a series that I will be investing in and not just enjoying when I can borrow a copy. I love the art and if Tom and Nimue came this way - I definitely be inviting them to visit. I am just in love with these books. Now where can I buy prints?
October 6, 2013
Good Second Vol. Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley
The second volume of this series set in the Gothic and strange town of Hopeless, Maine finds an older Salamandra struggling to discover more about herself as well as the town. Her parents are revealed, and she discovers a missing family member.
The attraction of this series, and of this volume largely toward in episodes, is the character that simply is. Salamandra’s attraction isn’t so much her magic powers, but her human nature. Characters such as Wolverine have wonderful powers but when you think about, lack a degree of humanness. Salamandra doesn’t. She is human with power.
And she is not a babe. She is a real heroine for girls and women.
The story telling in this volume is less fluid and far more episodic than the first. There is a coherent plot, and the sense of mystery and wonder is still present. The focus, or theme, of this volume seems to be discovery though lost, and the fact that magic doesn’t fix everything.
And that makes for some rather powerful storytelling.
The artwork is beautiful. Some of full page layouts would make beautiful hanging art.
If you have a child who reads comics, and who you feel reads “cheap” comics, you might want to get them interested in this.
The second volume of this series set in the Gothic and strange town of Hopeless, Maine finds an older Salamandra struggling to discover more about herself as well as the town. Her parents are revealed, and she discovers a missing family member.
The attraction of this series, and of this volume largely toward in episodes, is the character that simply is. Salamandra’s attraction isn’t so much her magic powers, but her human nature. Characters such as Wolverine have wonderful powers but when you think about, lack a degree of humanness. Salamandra doesn’t. She is human with power.
And she is not a babe. She is a real heroine for girls and women.
The story telling in this volume is less fluid and far more episodic than the first. There is a coherent plot, and the sense of mystery and wonder is still present. The focus, or theme, of this volume seems to be discovery though lost, and the fact that magic doesn’t fix everything.
And that makes for some rather powerful storytelling.
The artwork is beautiful. Some of full page layouts would make beautiful hanging art.
If you have a child who reads comics, and who you feel reads “cheap” comics, you might want to get them interested in this.
November 17, 2013
Very odd, yet I want more.
March 5, 2015
Much of this is confusing and a bit disjointed, yet somehow I don't care and love every page. Almost more art than literature, but beautiful and great.
November 18, 2014
This is the second in a beautifully illustrated dark and Gothic young adult comic series by husband and wife team Tom and Nimue Brown. The packaging and illustrations are lovely - filled with rich sepia tones - and the events build upon what was introduced in the first volume. I look forward to the next in the series.
December 11, 2014
Love the illustrations and attention to detail. the Brown's have created a beautifully creepy and curious adventure that is intriguing without violence and gore.
October 25, 2015
Picked this up at Steampunks at the asylum earlier in the year, loved it, read it countless time. I adore the artwork especially :)
April 10, 2017
Interesting enough to keep reading. Nice grim atmosphere. And girl with powers rocks.
September 17, 2022
REVIEW: Hopeless, Maine: Inheritance by Tom & Nimue Brown.
Still so intriguing and even more mysterious. This volume had an even more eerie vibe compared to the first volume.
This appeared to be more darker and had a lot of open endings to storylines.
I didn't particularly enjoy this book as much as I did the previous one as at points I was confused as to what was happening as the story tends to jump from time to time and so it was hard to follow.
I still really liked the art work and the mystery of the island. I would have just liked to see more of a sequence of events.
I will definitely be looking into reading the rest of this series as I want to know what happens next.
3 Stars!
Still so intriguing and even more mysterious. This volume had an even more eerie vibe compared to the first volume.
This appeared to be more darker and had a lot of open endings to storylines.
I didn't particularly enjoy this book as much as I did the previous one as at points I was confused as to what was happening as the story tends to jump from time to time and so it was hard to follow.
I still really liked the art work and the mystery of the island. I would have just liked to see more of a sequence of events.
I will definitely be looking into reading the rest of this series as I want to know what happens next.
3 Stars!
October 23, 2014
“Once upon a time, we fought demons together.
Now we are older, wiser.
We give our demons different names.
And no names at all.
This is not a story about growing up.
It is a story about thinking you had grown up already.
And finding it wasn’t that simple after all.”
Hopeless, Maine, Inheritance felt a lot like a dream. It pulled me into its world greedily, keeping me under its quirky, fascinating spell until I reached the last page and beyond. The style of storytelling was most intriguing. The pictures, the amazing little details, the mood like a nameless shadow rising from the pages often overtook the role of the words where those left off, connecting the scenes and revealing more than the writing alone would have been capable of.
There is a beautiful sadness leaking from the book, resonating the loss of love, as those close to your heart one way or the other disappear from your life and the chilling ache that creeps up on you in the silence they leave behind. The story paints a reflection of our own world, a curious place crawling with mysteries, one we cannot leave but are destined to keep searching for answers, trying to make sense of the ones we’re given, hoping they don’t conceal meanings we feared.
Despite the grim events there is a touch of warmness carefully hidden behind the interiors, it trickles through the spontaneous smiles and the mischievous dark humour. It unites us with the characters in the hope, that we can somehow make all that we’ve been given better, that happiness is not beyond reach and finding our ways through the many hardships of life isn’t, after all, entirely hopeless.
Now we are older, wiser.
We give our demons different names.
And no names at all.
This is not a story about growing up.
It is a story about thinking you had grown up already.
And finding it wasn’t that simple after all.”
Hopeless, Maine, Inheritance felt a lot like a dream. It pulled me into its world greedily, keeping me under its quirky, fascinating spell until I reached the last page and beyond. The style of storytelling was most intriguing. The pictures, the amazing little details, the mood like a nameless shadow rising from the pages often overtook the role of the words where those left off, connecting the scenes and revealing more than the writing alone would have been capable of.
There is a beautiful sadness leaking from the book, resonating the loss of love, as those close to your heart one way or the other disappear from your life and the chilling ache that creeps up on you in the silence they leave behind. The story paints a reflection of our own world, a curious place crawling with mysteries, one we cannot leave but are destined to keep searching for answers, trying to make sense of the ones we’re given, hoping they don’t conceal meanings we feared.
Despite the grim events there is a touch of warmness carefully hidden behind the interiors, it trickles through the spontaneous smiles and the mischievous dark humour. It unites us with the characters in the hope, that we can somehow make all that we’ve been given better, that happiness is not beyond reach and finding our ways through the many hardships of life isn’t, after all, entirely hopeless.
February 6, 2017
I wish I could rate the illustrations & story separately. Like the first book, the artwork is bizarre, dark, and wonderful. The story itself is puzzling & has large chronological jumps, leaving one wondering if you've missed a page or two. While the artist uses detail, the storyteller employs a broad brush. Once you get used to the unusual pacing, where you see just a snippet here, snippet there, of what's happening in the character's lives, the overall story is understandable. It leaves you wanting to know what happens next.
To give a satisfying synopsis of the story would be quite difficult, so I'd say that if you are into strange stories, pick this up. If nothing else, it's a short read & won't take you long.
To give a satisfying synopsis of the story would be quite difficult, so I'd say that if you are into strange stories, pick this up. If nothing else, it's a short read & won't take you long.
February 1, 2016
Slightly tougher to review than the first one, the over all story is a bit stronger and does a decent job advancing the overall plot but overall it felt rather choppy. Literately in some cases, the first six or so pages had me double checking that I didn't accidentally skip a page or so as the story skipped forward so quickly.
The Lovecraftian influence is getting stronger as is the sense of mystery and I did enjoy that. And as before the art is gorgeous and fascinating, definitely the strongest part of the book.
While a bit ore uneven I am still enjoying this series and I still look forward to reading more.
The Lovecraftian influence is getting stronger as is the sense of mystery and I did enjoy that. And as before the art is gorgeous and fascinating, definitely the strongest part of the book.
While a bit ore uneven I am still enjoying this series and I still look forward to reading more.
December 27, 2022
A sumptuous, slow-building and brooding tale from the world of Hopeless, Maine. Things happen and sometimes you're glad you're only observing externally ... and then you realise Hopeless, Maine is drawing you in to the island. There is no escape ;)
July 31, 2022
A graphic novel about a magical orphan and her friend the undertaker’s son that live on a remote island in Maine. No one can leave and inhabitants are dying. The makings of a great gothic story.
The storyline was extremely slow to takeoff. The first chapter was stilted in the character interactions which made it difficult to determine who each person was. The following chapters were better. However, I’m jumping in on a second book so that may explain some of it.
#ARC #NetGalley#HopelessMaine
The storyline was extremely slow to takeoff. The first chapter was stilted in the character interactions which made it difficult to determine who each person was. The following chapters were better. However, I’m jumping in on a second book so that may explain some of it.
#ARC #NetGalley#HopelessMaine
December 19, 2015
A brilliant book! I am not normally a graphic novel reader, but this beautifully illustrated, intelligently written book was fabulous. Great characters, not least being that the main character is a young girl: so not what I expected from a graphic novel. Am I showing my ignorance? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Tom Brown's amazing writing combined with Nimue's way with words had me bowled over. Dark & delicious in equal measures.
Tom Brown's amazing writing combined with Nimue's way with words had me bowled over. Dark & delicious in equal measures.
September 10, 2014
In the second volume of this series we see the same dark, brooding mood beautifully complimented by the sepia-toned, Steampunk art. This is a series filled with gloom and enigma, but the mystery and snark will appeal to teen readers.
August 19, 2022
Una graphic novel con un grande potenzione, ad essere sincera non sapevo che ci fosse un primo volume e forse non ho appreso appieno tutta la storia, ma posso dirvi che l’ho letta con estrema tranquillità.
October 10, 2013
another gorgeous, creepy entry in the saga of Hopeless, Maine. this is one island I don't want to get stranded on. eyeballs everywhere.
August 10, 2016
Love the artwork in this series, really wonderful. There will be another book which I'm glad of. This one was more sad than scary like the last one.
May 20, 2015
Gorgeous art, fun story. I found the delivery a little convoluted, but I've loved every bit of this comic I've seen, so I didn't mind.
February 17, 2015
De très beaux dessins et une histoire intrigante et gothique. Je le conseille.
September 4, 2018
Salamandra is back in another story from Hopeless, Maine. She and her friend Owen become suspicious when people start dying. Sure people disappear all the time, but now they are becoming ill and dying. Could the doctor have something to do with it? We learn more about Hopeless's founding families and the islands history. We also meet Salamandra's grandfather and learn that at least one person has actually escaped the island. I would love to see more books set in this series. Not sure we will get them, but there would definitely be more stories to tell.
dnf
October 15, 2019I'm really disappointed that this didn't work for me because the art is absolutely gorgeous!
The story was extremely choppy and quite often felt like it was missing pages. The constant switching between perspectives without any type of segway didn't help either. And what I could follow felt slow and honestly, kinda boring? Not enough magic and witches! It didn't even truly feel like a fantasy story.
The story was extremely choppy and quite often felt like it was missing pages. The constant switching between perspectives without any type of segway didn't help either. And what I could follow felt slow and honestly, kinda boring? Not enough magic and witches! It didn't even truly feel like a fantasy story.
August 8, 2021
Sadly, I was disappointed with this one. Although there is still the darkness to Salamandra's world, this latest offering didn't seem to be as coherent as the first instalment. I didn't find myself engaging with the story as much as I did with volume 1. The art was still eerie and quite haunting, at times, but there was something missing in the storytelling for me.
January 6, 2019
This and Hopeless,Maine #1A were obviously meant to be one big volume instead of split up into 2 shorter volumes. This second volume doesn't work on it's own. It seems mostly pointless and the family studies in the back should have been seen for the 1st volume.
February 27, 2019
After finishing the first book I knew I wanted to read this one. I loved this graphic novel just as much as the first one. I loved how the story continues and I loved coming back to the same characters and learning more about them. I just wish there are more in the series.
May 10, 2025
Flew through this one and it's a completely worthy successor to 'Personal Demons'. The writing is witty and evocative, the artwork murkily intriguing. But be warned: we still don't get to find out what was going on with that blind fisherman.
October 16, 2018
The art wasn't as magical as the first one and the story was kind of fragmented - jumping around with no transitions
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