Two young girls and their father move next to an abandoned lighthouse, where the girls meet a strange new friend and work together to try to solve the mysteries of Wreckers Cove.
Eisner award-winning cartoonist Liniers and writer Angelica del Campo recreate the world of 19th century lighthouse keepers in a delightful supernatural tale about ghosts and shipwrecks, inspired by the real-life story of a heroic young woman who tended an isolated Maine lighthouse many years ago. Two young sisters Cristina and Martha and their dad, move to a summer home in a small coastal town located near an old nonworking lighthouse. As the two sisters explore the beach and the old lighthouse, they encounter a friendly, albeit unusual, red-haired girl, who turns out to be a ghostly local legend with a heartbreaking story shrouded in mystery.
This is so not my usual read, especially this close to Halloween, but I loved it. It's a spooky all ages tale set at a lighthouse featuring a ghost (no spoiler there) and a century old mystery. The art is similar to what you'd see in a children's book, but it's really good art in that style. This was a cool and unique story. I need to expand my reading list to include more things like this rather than just grim and gritty all the time.
When a father packs himself and his two daughters off to a cottage next to a lighthouse, he's probably trying to get them to sort out their feelings about their deceased mother. And for them to have the kind of childhood as seen in Amy Spyglass books that the city hadn't allowed them before now. But they stumble on something else to turn their minds to, instead – a ghost of someone who seems connected to the lighthouse. Finding more of the truth out in the local village, they realise a historical wrong is there to be righted, by the right minds. If the girls have them, then, they'll shine a new light – quite literally – that reaches miles.
This was really pleasant to read. The pages turn very quickly – and they're not exactly wordless. The girls seem at times the token bickering siblings, but they have fine characterisation in the finish, through both the text and the visuals (just witness the younger huffing away at taking the never-you-mind up the steps). Sure, it's not perfect, as some of the resolution seemed very quick, and some of the end-matter is needlessly woke, but the story itself is really fun to engage with. It has a lot of old-fashioned feel (and I won't be the only person to google Amy Spyglass, just to check if I ever read one of her dramas), but is certainly not too stuffy and dated. Apparently starting a new series, and apparently from someone new to writing graphic novels, this is a fine success. If they do get further adventures together, I'd definitely appreciate the chance to see them play out for these sisters – a strong four stars.
Started reading this graphic novel last weekend, finished it today. This is a charming book illustrating the wonders of childhood, the joys of a mystery, and the difficulties of life and change. I liked it.
The story is about a single father and his two daughters moving into a lighthouse for a short period, apparently so the father can work on his illustrations. His two daughters react in opposite ways--the older doesn't like the fact that she can't find a wi-fi signal anywhere, and the younger is excited for nature and adventure. But when the two befriend a ghost who has ties to where they are now living, they both excitedly pursue the mystery of the ghost's origins, and the history of the lighthouse.
The story is quiet and subdued--not a crazy high adventure, and only has one scene of real danger. There is so much quaintness and warmth in the depictions of the characters and their relationships. The art is sketchy and quirky and I didn't always like it, but it feels honest and real. The ghost, Ida, seems to be partially based on the real person Ida Lewis, but their stories diverge a lot--the real Ida is way cooler.
The Ghost of Wreckers Cove is a middle grade graphic novel that blends adventure, history and just the right amount of the supernatural. It follows a grieving father and his two daughters who come to the cove hoping for a fresh start, only to discover much more than they bargained for. The seaside setting is wonderfully atmospheric, mysterious and a little eerie, yet still safe enough for younger readers to enjoy.
I liked how the story kept its focus on family and friendship at the heart of this adventure. The bond between the girls and their dad felt genuine and the ghostly mystery added suspense without overshadowing the emotional core. While it didn’t completely sweep me away, it was still an engaging and heartfelt read. I think middle grade readers who enjoy a mix of family, courage and a little spookiness will have fun with this one.
My thanks to the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.
I don’t even know when I started this. I got about 15% in. Then my job got so insane I didn’t have time for much of anything.
Anyway, at the end of the third week in January, my life usually resumes some semblance of normalcy for a time. So here I am, finally finishing this book.
It is a quick, light read. Perfect for kids or tweens (and 40 year-old dudes who are tired of conventional comics but still love graphic novels).
The mystery builds quick and resolves quicker, but it is sweet-not too sweet thankfully-and engaging. It has sentimental moments, but nothing heart-wrenching, which I also appreciate. I didn’t open this book wanting to cry, and I didn’t.
It was just right for a book I’m returning to after feeling a tad too-taxed to do or read anything else.
I really thought this graphic novel was so fun! There was a mystery to solve and ghosts to befriend all while learning about some history! I think this is perfect for kids and grownups alike. It was really intriguing and the artwork was very well done as well. I highly recommend this one! Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!
Read via an online reader copy. A fun sister/buddy story that deals with grief, family, love, mystery and more. Clever and simple, without being simplistic, this tale is reminiscent of classical stories with a touch of modernism. Spooky without being scary. It had a few "bumps" for the adult reader, but the strong 8 to 12 will say it is a rating of 5
A good children's book. The story is suspenseful, yet lighthearted. The artwork really compliments the story as well. The plot will keep children of all ages engaged and although there are ghosts, will not frighten the younger child. A good book, a quick read that I recommend.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Meh. Really good art (and coloring). The sequence with the water rising in the cave was tense and effective; that's this book at it's best. I'm not sure the story - particularly the pace of the story - would appeal to the intended audience.
ARC COPY...It was mysterious I can saw that and interested what was going on with the whole mystery of the light house and its ghost plus the art style depicting the small coastal town was nice.