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Dungeon Club #1
Roll Call
From New York Times bestselling author Molly Knox Ostertag and critically acclaimed illustrator Xanthe Bouma comes an all-new Dungeons & Dragons graphic novel series!
Middle school is a dungeon… At least, that’s how Jess sees it.
Luckily, she and her best friend Olivia know how to escape into the sprawling worlds of their own imaginations. The two friends have always loved making up stories, first with little kid games of make-believe, and more recently with the fantasy roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. When they play, Olivia runs the game as Dungeon Master and Jess is the solo party member, playing a take-no-prisoners, lone-wolf fighter of her own design named Sir Corius.
But when Olivia wants to add new players to their group, Jess finds herself struggling to share their game—and her best friend. Will their epic campaign withstand all this change, or has their adventure—and their friendship—finally come to an end?
Middle school is a dungeon… At least, that’s how Jess sees it.
Luckily, she and her best friend Olivia know how to escape into the sprawling worlds of their own imaginations. The two friends have always loved making up stories, first with little kid games of make-believe, and more recently with the fantasy roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. When they play, Olivia runs the game as Dungeon Master and Jess is the solo party member, playing a take-no-prisoners, lone-wolf fighter of her own design named Sir Corius.
But when Olivia wants to add new players to their group, Jess finds herself struggling to share their game—and her best friend. Will their epic campaign withstand all this change, or has their adventure—and their friendship—finally come to an end?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2022
63 people are currently reading
5580 people want to read
About the author
Molly Knox Ostertag
42 books2,431 followersI grew up in the forests of upstate New York, where I spent the first half of my childhood reading about fantastical adventures and the second half acting them out with foam swords at a live action roleplaying camp . I graduated in 2014 from the School of Visual Arts, where I studied cartooning and illustration, and I currently live in Los Angeles. My artistic interests include women in fiction, fantasy and sci fi, superheroes, and history.
I illustrate a twice weekly webcomic called Strong Female Protagonist with co-creator Brennan Lee Mulligan, which was listed as one of io9's Best New and Short Webcomics when it launched in 2012. I ran a successful Kickstarter in the summer of 2014 to print the first volume, which was distributed by Top Shelf comics and is now available in stores and online.
I'm currently working on a graphic novel with First Second named Shattered Warrior, coming out in Spring 2017.
I illustrate a twice weekly webcomic called Strong Female Protagonist with co-creator Brennan Lee Mulligan, which was listed as one of io9's Best New and Short Webcomics when it launched in 2012. I ran a successful Kickstarter in the summer of 2014 to print the first volume, which was distributed by Top Shelf comics and is now available in stores and online.
I'm currently working on a graphic novel with First Second named Shattered Warrior, coming out in Spring 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews
March 20, 2023
I definitely understand why readers enjoy Molly Knox Ostertag's graphic novels. This was heartwarming, charming, and fun to devour! CW: bullying & parental abandonment
Roll Call is the first in a new Dungeons and Dragons series that follows Jess and her best friend Olivia. The two initially meet in elementary school and bound over their love of playing imagination based games. Eventually, they grow into die hard Dungeons and Dragons fans and spend most of their time playing the game. As they transition into their last year of middle school, Olivia wants to expand their friend group and invite more people to play while Jess prefers to maintain their close knit friendship without the involvement of others. What follows is a heartwarming and sometimes tough narrative of what it's like to make new friends when you're used to being alone.
What Worked: The storytelling of this book was amazing! I went through so many emotions while reading this especially as the story pertained to Jess. I understood her fear of making new friends, but I was so frustrated by some of the decisions that she made. Nevertheless, Ostertag made me reckon with the fact that I probably would have behaved the same way if I was her age and in the same position. I absolutely adored and loved Olivia. Despite the ups and downs of her relationship with Jess, she tried to be empathetic and caring. She was extremely aware of Jess's experiences with her mother and how that would impact her need for closeness. There was just a certain emotional maturity about her that I didn't expect. Now, I was extremely nervous about the inclusion of Dungeons and Dragons because I've never played; however, I feel like Ostertag did a wonderful job explaining various aspects of the game that made it more accessible for readers like me. This is a love letter to those kids that love playing or have grown up playing D&D. It gets rid of the assumptions and biases that people have had about it. Tie that in with a good look at middle school friendships and it makes for an excellent story. I also adored the artwork. It was bright and vibrant. The panels of Jess, Olivia, and the other kids matched the panels of the fantastical world. They worked in harmony instead of opposition which I really appreciated.
What Didn't Work: I think that there was some great character development with most of the characters, but things fell a little flat with Kelly who was the bully. I'm not sure if Ostertag plans explore her more in future installments, but compared to the other characters she was 0ne-dimensional.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting middle grade graphic novel. I'm extremely excited to check out more in the series.
Roll Call is the first in a new Dungeons and Dragons series that follows Jess and her best friend Olivia. The two initially meet in elementary school and bound over their love of playing imagination based games. Eventually, they grow into die hard Dungeons and Dragons fans and spend most of their time playing the game. As they transition into their last year of middle school, Olivia wants to expand their friend group and invite more people to play while Jess prefers to maintain their close knit friendship without the involvement of others. What follows is a heartwarming and sometimes tough narrative of what it's like to make new friends when you're used to being alone.
What Worked: The storytelling of this book was amazing! I went through so many emotions while reading this especially as the story pertained to Jess. I understood her fear of making new friends, but I was so frustrated by some of the decisions that she made. Nevertheless, Ostertag made me reckon with the fact that I probably would have behaved the same way if I was her age and in the same position. I absolutely adored and loved Olivia. Despite the ups and downs of her relationship with Jess, she tried to be empathetic and caring. She was extremely aware of Jess's experiences with her mother and how that would impact her need for closeness. There was just a certain emotional maturity about her that I didn't expect. Now, I was extremely nervous about the inclusion of Dungeons and Dragons because I've never played; however, I feel like Ostertag did a wonderful job explaining various aspects of the game that made it more accessible for readers like me. This is a love letter to those kids that love playing or have grown up playing D&D. It gets rid of the assumptions and biases that people have had about it. Tie that in with a good look at middle school friendships and it makes for an excellent story. I also adored the artwork. It was bright and vibrant. The panels of Jess, Olivia, and the other kids matched the panels of the fantastical world. They worked in harmony instead of opposition which I really appreciated.
What Didn't Work: I think that there was some great character development with most of the characters, but things fell a little flat with Kelly who was the bully. I'm not sure if Ostertag plans explore her more in future installments, but compared to the other characters she was 0ne-dimensional.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting middle grade graphic novel. I'm extremely excited to check out more in the series.
May 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a story about junior high school students creating a Dungeons and Dragons club in their first year of middle school. It deals with issues such as bullying, shifting friend groups, evolving relationships, and learning how to accept others. The characters have relatable issues which make it easy to root for them even when they aren't at their best.
June 12, 2023
I loved this so much and I can't wait for the next volume!!!
This was such a cute graphic novel. Love the friendships and how it dealt with opening yourself up to new ones. The art was amazing and I loved the D&D scenes.
Jess' great relationship with her Dad was also a high point for me. Loved him!
This was such a cute graphic novel. Love the friendships and how it dealt with opening yourself up to new ones. The art was amazing and I loved the D&D scenes.
Jess' great relationship with her Dad was also a high point for me. Loved him!
December 27, 2022
SO CUTE. As a socially awkward introverted middle schooler, this book hit close to home. It's about D&D obviously, but also about maintaining friendships, being open to making new friends, learning to apologize, the importance of imagination and creativity, standing up to bullies, complex family structures, and more. Plus, as a fellow tiefling, the actual campaign was super fun to follow.
January 5, 2023
When two friends start a dungeons and dragons club at their high school, someone arrives but can their friendship last when High school and everything else gets in the way of their adventures together? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good dungeons and dragons graphic novel. If you love dungeons and dragons, graphic novels and books about high school then definitely check this book out. You can find this wherever books and ebooks are sold.
This was a pretty good dungeons and dragons graphic novel. If you love dungeons and dragons, graphic novels and books about high school then definitely check this book out. You can find this wherever books and ebooks are sold.
March 25, 2023
This graphic novel caught my attention just as I was invited to play D&D. I’ve never done it before and I was curious about what it’s like.
I love the way the author and illustrator worked together to illustrate the world that the characters created. I felt very immersed!
I found Jess’ struggle to open up to others relatable. It’s all too easy to forget that the world can be scary, but there are good people in it, if we’re willing to be vulnerable and let others in. The depiction of friendship and teamwork was so heartwarming!
There’s a number 1 on the spine so I hope there’s more on the way!
I love the way the author and illustrator worked together to illustrate the world that the characters created. I felt very immersed!
I found Jess’ struggle to open up to others relatable. It’s all too easy to forget that the world can be scary, but there are good people in it, if we’re willing to be vulnerable and let others in. The depiction of friendship and teamwork was so heartwarming!
There’s a number 1 on the spine so I hope there’s more on the way!
November 23, 2022
Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club - Roll Call was an incredibly fun middle grade graphic novel that had way more heart than I ever would have thought possible. I know I am not the likely demographic for it, but I really hope that plenty of kids get the chance to and see how much fun playing D & D can be, as well as the power of friendship and acceptance. The writing and art were both excellent and I am really anticipating another entry in the series sometime soon.....please.
Special thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC
Special thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC
October 3, 2024
Not quite as good as The Witch Boy series, but it was two-tons of fun all the same. Some good characters, easily identifiable and relatable narrative. Fast paced and delightfully entertaining on multiple levels. I’ve got some pretty high expectations for Dungeon Club: Time to Party.
November 20, 2022
This book was very good because there were parts of the story that are like D&D. A thing that I liked was that when a monster showed up there would be a little pop-up that showed a part of the monsters stats in the classic D&D format. Also when you are first introduced to a character it also shows, just like a monster, a little pop-up that showing their "stats". Another part that I liked was that the main character, Jess, is very unsocial and plays in D&D Sir Corius, a tiefling, which is a very unsocial race. So over all this book is a very well constructed book and I think that if you like D&D, role playing, or people fighting monsters then you should read this
This review is based off of Net Galley's advanced reader copy.
This review is based off of Net Galley's advanced reader copy.
November 14, 2022
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I ADORED this graphic novel so much. Everything about it spoke to me and drew me in from the start. From the gorgeous illustrations to the heartfelt and emotional storyline. I think it's a fantastic way to introduce D&D to a younger audience who doesn't understand.
I also think it shows how something simple like "just a game" can bring people together and make our voices feel heard when they've been buried so deeply by others and even ourselves. I hope there's more to come from this!
I ADORED this graphic novel so much. Everything about it spoke to me and drew me in from the start. From the gorgeous illustrations to the heartfelt and emotional storyline. I think it's a fantastic way to introduce D&D to a younger audience who doesn't understand.
I also think it shows how something simple like "just a game" can bring people together and make our voices feel heard when they've been buried so deeply by others and even ourselves. I hope there's more to come from this!
January 3, 2023
THIS WAS SO CUTE!! I love how the D&D identification methods were woven into the story and the plot between the D&D characters was just as interesting as the one between the human leads. Can’t wait to see where this goes next!
October 2, 2024
Jess and Olivia are best friends, bonded by their love of making up stories. Their favorite pastime now is D&D. But Olivia wants to start a club and recruit more members, while Jess doesn't want things to change.
I'm biased, because I love everything that Molly Knox Ostertag does. But this is a cute story about friendship and letting others in.
I'm biased, because I love everything that Molly Knox Ostertag does. But this is a cute story about friendship and letting others in.
July 27, 2024
A fun lighthearted story. Would love to read more about these cute little guys<3
October 1, 2025
SO. CUTE.
July 23, 2025
A really charming graphic novel that deals with themes of teenage angst, high school bullying, and friendship all centered around the love of D&D.
June 26, 2024
"middle school is impossible if you're not in a group"
if Molly Knox Ostertag writes it, I will read it and my cheeks will hurt from cheesing the whole time. This is adorable from all the little D&D details like displaying people's stats and naming the chapters after sessions, with important lessons every middle schooler needs to hear about being yourself and open to friends. Also, the campaign itself is a really interesting story too, I'm super excited to see where it goes. And the way they perfectly captured how it feels to merge into your character??? Cute, cute, cute
if Molly Knox Ostertag writes it, I will read it and my cheeks will hurt from cheesing the whole time. This is adorable from all the little D&D details like displaying people's stats and naming the chapters after sessions, with important lessons every middle schooler needs to hear about being yourself and open to friends. Also, the campaign itself is a really interesting story too, I'm super excited to see where it goes. And the way they perfectly captured how it feels to merge into your character??? Cute, cute, cute
July 10, 2023
This graphic novel is absolutely adorable. Geared toward middle grade/middle school readers, this short story is about two best friends and D&D. I thought this was an adorable portrayal of middle school friendship, with all its jealousies and ups and downs. I also loved how it portrayed playing D&D, which was very very cute.
This was a story about growing: being worried about growing apart, and opening up to grow together in friendship.
This was a story about growing: being worried about growing apart, and opening up to grow together in friendship.
April 3, 2024
I LOVE D&D AND I WANT MORE STORIES ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!
November 2, 2025
molly knox ostertag can’t lose!!
September 16, 2023
TW:
bullying, homophobia
This is a sweet if not sometimes frustrating story of learning to deal with change and growth. I really like how the actual campaign is shown and the dynamics of the character, and I'm sure the party is going to be stunning in the next volume! Jess makes a lot of bad decisions in this, but such is the life of an 8th grader, and it's really cathartic to see her understand the wrongness of her actions and get vulnerable
This is a sweet if not sometimes frustrating story of learning to deal with change and growth. I really like how the actual campaign is shown and the dynamics of the character, and I'm sure the party is going to be stunning in the next volume! Jess makes a lot of bad decisions in this, but such is the life of an 8th grader, and it's really cathartic to see her understand the wrongness of her actions and get vulnerable
August 9, 2025
This book was so heartwarming and cute. The art was amazing and I would definitely like to read more of this series. It’s set in middle school, but feels approachable for all ages to read and appreciate.
January 26, 2023
I have zero knowledge of D&D and enjoyed this all the same. A fun story about friendship, bullying, jealousy, and the overall Middle School experience with a fun fantasy story interwoven.
February 4, 2023
This book is very cute and I hope there's a second one!
December 28, 2024
4.5 stars
This was so good! I love that there is a graphic novel for middle grade readers about D&D. Can't wait to see where this story goes next :)
This was so good! I love that there is a graphic novel for middle grade readers about D&D. Can't wait to see where this story goes next :)
September 12, 2025
Jag älskade det här! ❤️
Den har vardag, vänskap, allvar, känslor, tankar - och - rollspel. Om jag blivit extra sugen på att spela? Ehm, ja!
Den har vardag, vänskap, allvar, känslor, tankar - och - rollspel. Om jag blivit extra sugen på att spela? Ehm, ja!
June 7, 2025
A short but sweet graphic novel about friendship and forgiveness personally I really enjoyed it. Plus the art style was really good 🙂
December 11, 2022
A short and sweet ode to middle school, dungeons and dragons, and friendships both new and old.
Molly Knox Ostertag can do no wrong and every story she pens is a delight and a comfort to all the senses. This story in particular calls back to my own middle school days, which I believe is it's intention. Ostertag's works always make me feel less alone we more seen, I guess. The art is stunning and detailed, shifting between bold and startling adventures in the Forgotten Realms and warm and subtle in the real world.
Molly Knox Ostertag can do no wrong and every story she pens is a delight and a comfort to all the senses. This story in particular calls back to my own middle school days, which I believe is it's intention. Ostertag's works always make me feel less alone we more seen, I guess. The art is stunning and detailed, shifting between bold and startling adventures in the Forgotten Realms and warm and subtle in the real world.
September 12, 2022
Jess and her best friend Olivia love to play D&D. At middle school, Jess doesn't really have any friends like Olivia, so D&D is her refuge that she closely guards. Olivia on the other hand, wants to open their group up to other players and tries to start a club. When another player joins, Jess struggles to accept him and tries to sabotage him in game which results in her and Olivia having a fight. Will Jess be able to repair things in real life and in game?
This was a super cute middle grades graphic novel. Jess is pretty easy to relate to. You can understand why she doesn't want a new player in the game, especially once you learn the backstory of that new player. Middle school is a hard time. I loved that the book included stat blocks for monster and for characters in the book. It made the connection to D&D much more tangible. I also enjoyed how Jess would transform into her character from the game. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Childrens Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super cute middle grades graphic novel. Jess is pretty easy to relate to. You can understand why she doesn't want a new player in the game, especially once you learn the backstory of that new player. Middle school is a hard time. I loved that the book included stat blocks for monster and for characters in the book. It made the connection to D&D much more tangible. I also enjoyed how Jess would transform into her character from the game. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Childrens Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews