Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lumberjanes #17

Lumberjanes, Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars

Rate this book
Jen and Rosie plan to take the Lumberjane scouts to see an amazing astronomical event, but with a gatecrashing goddess, a kitten-napping, and secret crushes coming to light this is a night no one ever expected!

STOLEN KITTIES, SECRET CRUSHES & A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! Jen and Rosie plan to take the Lumberjane scouts to see an amazing astronomical event. But their night of star-gazing is thrown off course when half of the Roanoke and Zodiac cabins sneak away into the night in search of aliens, leaving everyone else to deal with a gatecrashing goddess who throws the entire camp into a tizzy. Not to mention there’s a nefarious kitten-napping and a super-secret crush to contend with! Writers Kat Leyh and Shannon Watters team up with talented newcomer Kanesha C. Bryant for the next volume of the New York Times best-selling phenomenon that takes Friendship To The Max! Collects Lumberjanes #65-68.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2021

25 people are currently reading
813 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Watters

200 books192 followers
Senior Editor at BOOM! Studios | Head of BOOM! Box | Co-Creator/Writer of Lumberjanes | your favorite boy band butch [she/her]
(from Twitter profile)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
526 (34%)
4 stars
699 (45%)
3 stars
289 (18%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for Dev.
2,462 reviews187 followers
February 10, 2021
[muffled chanting] ACE ARTEMIS! ACE ARTEMIS!

So funny that I was just recently thinking 'wouldn't it be cool if Artemis was ace in Lumberjanes' since a lot of ace people view her that way AND THEN!! Very cute, hope they do more with that. Overall just a really fun volume and I liked the introduction of some Norse mythology as well.
Profile Image for Alyssa Black.
71 reviews21 followers
March 7, 2021
I feel like this is the lumberjanes I’ve been missing for a few volumes. Loved it.
Profile Image for Chris Lemmerman.
Author 7 books123 followers
February 9, 2021
Okay, quick review of the actual story - splitting the 'Janes into two groups and getting some new characters involved is something I'd have thought we'd have got a LONG time ago, but it works really well. The is-it-aliens-is-it-not plot is silly, but the goddess stuff counterbalances it well. I love how oblivious everyone is to everyone else. And the artwork takes a little getting used to, but it's a fun change by the end of the volume.

But now, to what I really want to say.

Asexuality representation in media is few and far between. I can count on one FINGER when I personally have seen a character say that they're not into sex, and I can't recall a single time that I've heard the word asexual spoken/written down.

I personally identify as a homoromantic asexual, which is probably even rarer in real life than it is in media. I'd all but given up on seeing someone fall into that category in any of the media I consume.

And yet this volume does it. Granted, we still don't get the A word. But then again, Lumberjanes has never said that Jo is trans, or that Barney is non-binary either. They just are. So it fits the way that the book tells its stories, and I can't have everything. But I digress.

One of the characters here has the conversation with someone crushing on them, and just tells them outright that they aren't into kissing and that side of relationships. But they're happy to hold hands, and still return their romantic feelings. And their prospective partner just smiles and accepts it, and then they're together. It's just...wonderful to see myself reflected on a page. Okay, I'm a dude, and the two people in this book are female, but it's still there. It's still a homoromantic asexual character, on paper, in front of me.

So yeah, all the stars.
Profile Image for Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*.
1,518 reviews320 followers
April 26, 2022
Excellent story; great friendship, great action, great fun, and a touching depth to the ‘Janes mutual support, even between characters who constantly butt heads.

The artwork, by “talented newcomer” Kanesha C. Bryat, grew on me. It’s still jarring to jump into a brand new art style every other volume, and I will repeat my comparison from a prior review: It’s like if your favourite show was completely recast every season, with actors who embody the characters perfectly, but they’re still new faces each time. The figures are more cartoonish than they’ve been for a long time and it works, and there are manga-inspired stylized reaction shots. So, great character art.

The environments, though, leave something to be desired, and that’s for the environments to consistently exist. About half of the panels have blank backgrounds, mere smears of colour with absolutely zero objects or detail, like the characters are standing in front of a green screen and the director forgot to have the special effects crew add in the setting. Are the colours in these blankgrounds nice colours? They are, and props to the colourist overall. But when there’s a two-page spread in which there’s no indication if they’re even indoors or outdoors, it strikes me as lazy and rushed; characters acting in the ether.

Three volumes to go.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,694 reviews342 followers
April 18, 2021

Volume #17 of the Lumberjanes has the camp split in half as half of the camp is going off Alien Hunting whereas the other half are on their journey to see the Meteor shower that is supposed to be happening tonight. While the group led by Emily and Jo is off alien-hunting as we learn that Emily's parents love everything Alien-related and even own a UFO-styled diner. Hes decides that this is his chance to ask Mal about love advice as she and Molly are the "perfect camp couple" as Hes has feelings for Diane - our Goddess. Meanwhile, in the other group, Barney is walking with Molly and Diane when all of a sudden his cat is kidnapped by a Norse Goddess who believes the cat belongs to the Goddess Freja and it is her job to bring it back to her. However, can Barney convince her that she has things mixed up and we see Diane getting angry as she is no longer the only Goddess at the camp and this is her territory? I have to admit I wasn't as impressed with this particular volume of Lumberjanes as the storyline fell a bit flat for my liking compared to the other adventures that the girls and Barney have experienced before in previous volumes. Like I felt that the Alien storyline could have been played on a bit more as this felt like a fantastical adventure that the girls could fit right into.
Profile Image for Alex Nonymous.
Author 26 books559 followers
February 7, 2021
Gahhhhhh okay fine. This one was really cute, okay? A lot less substance than the first few editions but I literally do not care at all because this made my heart extremely happy.
Profile Image for rachel, x.
1,793 reviews943 followers
February 16, 2022
#1) Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Holy Kitten ★★★☆☆
#2) Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max ★★☆☆☆
#3) Lumberjanes, Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan ★★★★☆
#4) Lumberjanes, Vol. 4: Out of Time ★★★★☆
#5) Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together ★★★★☆
#6) Lumberjanes, Vol. 6: Sink or Swim ★★★☆☆
#7) Lumberjanes, Vol. 7: A Bird-Eye's View ★★★★☆
#8) Lumberjanes Vol. 8: Stone Cold ★★★★☆
#10 Lumberjanes, Vol. 10: Parents' Day ★★★★☆
#11) Lumberjanes Vol. 11: Time After Crime ★★★★☆
#12) Lumberjanes Vol. 12: Jackalope Springs Festival ★★★★★
#13) Lumberjanes Vol. 13: Indoor Recess ★★★★☆
#14) Lumberjanes Vol. 14: X Marks the Spot ★★★☆☆
#15) Lumberjanes Vol. 15: Birthday Smarty ★★★☆☆
#16) Lumberjanes Vol. 16: Mind Over Mettle ★★★★☆
#18) Lumberjanes Vol. 18: Horticultural Horizons ★★★☆☆
#19) Lumberjanes Vol. 19: A Summer to Remember ★★★☆☆
#20) Lumberjanes Vol. 20: End of Summer ★★★★★


Trigger warnings for .

Representation: BIPOC, queer & nonbinary mcs and scs.

BlogTrigger Warning DatabaseTwitterInstagram
Profile Image for Megan.
248 reviews
June 9, 2021
Wow. This book.

This book is, undoubtedly, one of the very best "Lumberjanes" books I've ever read in this entire series. The fact that it comes after literally one of the worst ones that I've ever read (or at least, lowest rated so far on my Goodreads) is really just something. It is because of these AMAZING "Lumberjanes" that come every couple of books in the series that I continue to still read it.

What can I say about this book? Well, I think I have to give some context as to why I enjoyed this book so much...

Throughout the past ten years, I've really struggled with my sexuality and still do. I don't know what I am, to put it frankly. For a long time, I didn't have the word, but, even with the word I know, it doesn't exactly describe the feelings and thoughts I experience fully.

I may be asexual. Or I might be aromantic. Or I might be aromantic with graysexuality.
I don't know.
I can't figure it out, really, for the life of me and when I start to look too internally in, I get very depressed because, to be honest, I am not comfortable being whatever I am and I crave to be... I don't know. Like everyone else, I guess. Plus, to me, it just feels like another "problem" in my life even if it's not meant to be one and I already have enough of those with my mental illnesses, family dysfunction, don't - know - what - I'm - doing - with - my - life career wise and just generally. When I tact on the problems with my sexuality and the big ? around it... I don't know, I just can't handle it. I would rather shove it somewhere and not further examine it anymore even though I know I'm not like my friends around me.
And I never have.
And I doubt I ever really will.
I have always been off or different in this area of my life compared to everyone else.

That said, I have never read a book about an asexual character before and I especially was not expecting to tonight when I opened this book in the "Lumberjanes" series. Although it makes sense with how inclusive the book series has ALWAYS been, but still. I was surprised. And I loved it!! Not only that, but even if I might be aromantic in my life with people - I love romance in books, movies, and TV shows. So not only was the typical Mal and Molly romance just A+ in this, but I also adored watching Hes and Diane bloom with each other... And then, for Diane to be an asexual character in a relationship... Wow, I am just BLOWN AWAY.

Furthermore, besides the stories of romance in this book, I very much enjoyed the other things happening as well in this one like Norse mythology being introduced with Greek mythology (sort of made me go to Toon Town for a bit, to be honest) and the searching for a cat and all the fun alien hunting with the Zodiacs and getting to know their characters better.

I don't know - I just found this "Lumberjanes" book being ENTHRALLING. And then, amazing. And fun. There were no problems in this one that I experienced in the last one (no fighting, no unnecessary repetition, bad writing, et cetera) and then... I don't know. I found my heart soaring when I saw that Diane was asexual. Even though I am still figuring out my own bullshit and whatever I might be, I just really appreciated the representation in this book, the normalization, and the fact that it gave me some type of like... Hope? Making me feel like I am okay, to a certain extent??? Diane being happy and asexual was just something I needed because to me, at this point in my life, I find it something so heavy and negative and painful.

I hope one day that I can be as accepting and happy with myself as Diane is in this book. This is what I aspire to be... A Greek mythical goddess that's asexual in a comic about crazy shit at camp, lol. Also, I should like totally read more books about asexual people, I guess? Or the realms of asexuality that people might be experiencing and navigating in that? I don't know. It was really helpful in this moment, but I know, in other times, it's really difficult for me (as, like I said, it can be sort of painful and it feels like the end of all my romantic dreams/notions that I've grown up with for the past 26 years [although it doesn't have to be necessarily like that and this book really helped me with that as Diane is asexual and she is still romantic/in a relationship]). Also, I hope my review doesn't offend anyone? It's Pride month currently and this post is sort of like... I don't know... How I struggle to figure myself out and have pride for myself? I don't mean it to be offensive, I'm just going through shit and trying to figure it out and I wanted to be honest about this book and my feelings with it.

So yeah, this was my review. It probably reveals way too much of myself to a group of people that don't need to know, but I've still done it anyway. I VERY much recommend this "Lumberjanes" book. I would even be willing to give it like six out of five stars because I truly find it one of the best ones out of the entire series... Maybe even more than the first two (that I originally adored)? Wow. Just crazy times. Who expected this turn of events.

EXTRA FINAL NOTE: Also, loved the art in this book. It was very unique and I loved the style along with the choices the artist made like that one page where it was a montage of what both girl groups were doing... Beautiful and amazing!
Profile Image for sallanvaara.
522 reviews56 followers
September 21, 2022
I give all the Lumberjane comics basically the same 3.5 and then just round it up and down here based on vibes, but this is a true mix. I really didn't like the art style compared to most other issues, but I enjoyed the story more than on average so WHO KNOWS!

Also yes I'm getting all of my quick reads out of the way today to pad my September reading tally before I start my annual LotR re-read tomorrow WHAT OF IT xD
354 reviews133 followers
October 3, 2021
This volume was just okay. The storyline was somewhat interesting. I thought stars would have a bigger part of the story judging by the title. I have mix feelings about the art style. I will be finishing this series at some point.
Profile Image for Amanda.
656 reviews414 followers
March 27, 2021
Stargazing, Norse goddesses, crop circles? This one was so fun!
Profile Image for AquaMoon.
1,694 reviews56 followers
February 11, 2021
I keep saying I'm done with this series, and yet...

and yet... it keeps tempting me back.

WITH KITTENS!!!!

While this issue was better than #16, it still wasn't as good as the Early 'Janes. You know, back when the series was fresh and new and plotlines didn't feel as recycled as old Disney animations. But this volume was cute and friendship-focused (per usual) to the max. And it gave the Roanokes (Barney, Diane, and Co) time to shine a bit more than usual. And it had magical kittens. Marigold 💞 and some new sparkly feline friends✨...which are, somehow, even better than regular magical kitters. Don't ask how. They just are.

Artwork had a bit of a Muppet Babies feel, which was better than the lumpish-ness that it sometimes has (you know, where the characters look kind of like potatoes). Still distracting, though, and I can't really say I like it.

But the story was so freaking CUTE!!

And KITTENS!!

All the things combines... Three star average
Profile Image for juliette.
474 reviews
Read
April 9, 2021
the ending with hes and diane made me soft :,) loving that aroace rep; i was Not expecting it!! and this particular volume had creative transitions that kept me reading as well as a cute incorporation of both plot lines into one at the end. all these volumes read like episodes of a children's cartoon. i wish there was more of an overarching storyline considered there are only a few volumes left before the series is officially over and as of this volume it's not ramping up to any big conflict or anything.
Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].
3,536 reviews97 followers
June 14, 2021
God, I just love the queer representation in this book, so much. And even though Diana was one of my least favorite characters when she first showed up, you can really see a lot of growth in her character, and her part of this story was BEAUTIFUL.
Profile Image for Amber Scaife.
1,652 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2021
(very slight spoilers ahead)

The 'janes are at it again, this time half of them follow along and support a fellow camper who's looking for proof of alien life, while the other half have a close encounter with a Norse goddess.

This series continues to be one of my very favorite things for its insanely clever wit and its all-encompassing acceptance. (In particular this time around for its revealing of the goddess Diane as a grey ace in loving, NBD style. Just...so wonderful.)
Profile Image for mykittyquest17.
1,262 reviews20 followers
April 23, 2021
5 stars

A fantastic graphic novel. I enjoyed returning to the lumberjanes camp and getting to adventure with the Roanoaks and the Zodiaks.

This adventure also had a full on goddess fight and magic cats so, all in all, this was amazing and Beautiful.
Profile Image for Libbie.
1,311 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2025
2.5/5 rounded down

*sighs*

Maybe figure out what the hell you're doing with one type of mythology before introducing another and messing that one up too?

Yet another artist and I swear these people are competing to see who can make the worst art for this series
Profile Image for Holly.
738 reviews26 followers
March 15, 2021
Definitely one of my favorite volumes.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
485 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2021
I love when other cabins are involved. Plus more goddesses and cats. Seeing an ace character was also great. Done in such a nice way too.
Profile Image for Lici.
39 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
This was one of the best lumberjanes that I've read in a while. I really enjoyed it. The character Freya was adorable, the whole thing was excellent.
Profile Image for Mackenzie.
44 reviews
July 26, 2021
The art in this volume is SO GOOD. I definitely prefer this to the art style the last few volumes have had. I feel like the characters have their recognizability back! Ripley looks like she’s younger than everyone and Mal has her body shape back. The faces are a lot more expressive.

I liked Roanoke cabin teaming up with the Zodiacs I don’t love when the girls are separated, but I do like that they kinda just mixed and mashed the cabins together. Diane is so interesting and I always love seeing more of her. The Zodiacs are really cool too! I love their character designs.

The two stories really came together in a way I never expected! I really enjoyed this volume. It feels like we’re getting back to form with the Lumberjanes!
Profile Image for Luce.
59 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2023
I just finished playing God of War: Ragnarok yesterday and literally the next Lumberjanes volume I pick up revolves around Norse mythology. This was a sign from the gods of course because GOWR was so fucking good, I should’ve known this would be too. The plot, the art, the dialogue, the character moments, the magic cats, literally everything I wanted from a Lumberjanes book! Oh and also ACE DIANE ACE DIANE ACE DIANE ACE DIANE ACE DIANE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.