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A Taste for Blood
When former mobster Aldo joins forces with Lou—who has just murdered her husband—in order to oppose the local Mafia, scores are settled and misunderstandings abound. This story could only end in a bloodbath...
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2022
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 27, 2023
A taste for blood was a different kind of graphic novel. I didn't like it at first but as I continued reading the characters grew on me.
December 1, 2022
oh god, i suck at reviewing graphic novels. i found this on netgalley and thought it would be an interesting read since it was about a female killer.
i mean, it was alright. pretty average since i’ve heard and read tons of other graphic novels like that, albeit with the male killers as protagonists, and i would definitely recommend this if you want a quick read before the year ends, but obviously don’t expect too much going in.
my only wish was for it to be a little bit longer so Lou could really shine as a killer and characters each a tad more developed, because i feel like it all was being told to the reader in a matter-of-fact way, if that makes sense. in any case, this is a perfect book to add that 1 extra number to your reading goal 😂
i mean, it was alright. pretty average since i’ve heard and read tons of other graphic novels like that, albeit with the male killers as protagonists, and i would definitely recommend this if you want a quick read before the year ends, but obviously don’t expect too much going in.
my only wish was for it to be a little bit longer so Lou could really shine as a killer and characters each a tad more developed, because i feel like it all was being told to the reader in a matter-of-fact way, if that makes sense. in any case, this is a perfect book to add that 1 extra number to your reading goal 😂
February 11, 2023
read through netgalley!
i think i was not the target audience for this, i really didn't like the art style nor the plot. the premise sounded interesting so that's why i picked it up but i didnt like a single point in this book 🥲
i think i was not the target audience for this, i really didn't like the art style nor the plot. the premise sounded interesting so that's why i picked it up but i didnt like a single point in this book 🥲
December 22, 2022
DNF @ 50%
Predictable and lackluster, really hard to get into this one. The art style isn’t much my thing but the cover has really grabbed me with the original premise. Just missing the mark for me all around.
*Thank you to the publisher Europe Comics and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of honest review*
Predictable and lackluster, really hard to get into this one. The art style isn’t much my thing but the cover has really grabbed me with the original premise. Just missing the mark for me all around.
*Thank you to the publisher Europe Comics and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of honest review*
December 4, 2022
A Taste for Blood is a quick graphic novel about Lou, a female serial killer and Aldo, an ex-convict who gets tangled up in the world of Lou. I can't say much more without giving away the whole story. BUT what I can say is that I think it was underdeveloped in a way. I would have loved to have gotten more of Aldo's backstory, especially with his brother ??? that was kind of out of nowhere. And we could have gotten more content surrounding the relationship of Lou and Aldo, especially at the end. I personally loved the color palette, but the art style was not for me. If you enjoy the art style of The Umbrella Academy comics then you will enjoy this. Overall a quick and entertaining read. Thank you to netgalley for my first ever e-arc!!
December 22, 2022
Read via NetGalley
I’m not sure what to make of this honestly. The art is giving ‘American newspaper political comic’ style, but the muted/pastel type colours are nice and feel kinda retro.
As for the plot, I was intrigued by the idea of a team-up between an accidental killer and an ex-mafia guy, but almost immediately it is established that the ‘accidental’ killer actually tends more towards ‘psycho murderer’ for no particular reason. Add in the fact that the mafia guy is in actuality very reluctant and doesn’t really have much helpful knowledge to give in the end, and you get this plot filled with flat characters and disjointed events.
All in all it’s not too bad, just pretty surface level
I’m not sure what to make of this honestly. The art is giving ‘American newspaper political comic’ style, but the muted/pastel type colours are nice and feel kinda retro.
As for the plot, I was intrigued by the idea of a team-up between an accidental killer and an ex-mafia guy, but almost immediately it is established that the ‘accidental’ killer actually tends more towards ‘psycho murderer’ for no particular reason. Add in the fact that the mafia guy is in actuality very reluctant and doesn’t really have much helpful knowledge to give in the end, and you get this plot filled with flat characters and disjointed events.
All in all it’s not too bad, just pretty surface level
January 27, 2023
This is a graphic novel about a woman living alone in a cabin after discovering her husband secretly did financials for the mafia to deal with his gambling debt, and a man who seeks refuge in her house as he’s on the run from the same mafia. The plot isn’t overly complex & it has a small cast of characters: the 2 mcs, 3 mobsters, a dopey small town cop & a corrupt mayor. Can they survive when they’re one of the mafias most wanted?
I also liked the art style, and altho it wasn’t my fave from a graphic novel ever it defo matched the vibe of the story. So yeah, overall I recommend!
Thank you to netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I also liked the art style, and altho it wasn’t my fave from a graphic novel ever it defo matched the vibe of the story. So yeah, overall I recommend!
Thank you to netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 21, 2022
ARC received from Netgalley in return for honest feedback.
This is a quick little book, that's a bit too fast paced for my liking, but has a lot to fit into less than 120 pages. I enjoyed the art, and the character designs, especially that of the Lobster, but otherwise it was lacking to me in the story department. I felt like a lot of really interesting things could have been done with this concept, but the short length really got in its way.
This is a quick little book, that's a bit too fast paced for my liking, but has a lot to fit into less than 120 pages. I enjoyed the art, and the character designs, especially that of the Lobster, but otherwise it was lacking to me in the story department. I felt like a lot of really interesting things could have been done with this concept, but the short length really got in its way.
January 3, 2023
Het is een beetje een bizar verhaal, en niet het bizarre dat je wil eigenlijk. Zeker entertainend, maar ook ongeloofwaardig. Zowel qua acties als qua gevoelsleven van de personages. Mooi gebruik van kleur in illustraties.
December 16, 2022
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is great for a quick read if you're wanting to venture into something a little different. But it was very predictable and tropey and it was pretty underdeveloped with little payoff in the end for my taste. There's a lot of promise and I think it was an easy read if you're not expecting something wildly engaging. One of the times when you hope for more and it feels like you settled at the end.
This is great for a quick read if you're wanting to venture into something a little different. But it was very predictable and tropey and it was pretty underdeveloped with little payoff in the end for my taste. There's a lot of promise and I think it was an easy read if you're not expecting something wildly engaging. One of the times when you hope for more and it feels like you settled at the end.
April 5, 2023
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This comic had an interesting premisse but unfortunately it was too short and fast paced to be well executed. You have no time to connect with any characters and honestly to even believe the story. The art is okay but nothing that could save this. It's a no from me.
This comic had an interesting premisse but unfortunately it was too short and fast paced to be well executed. You have no time to connect with any characters and honestly to even believe the story. The art is okay but nothing that could save this. It's a no from me.
December 11, 2022
This was a fun, short comic 😁 Lou is such a badass 😍😍😍 I'm glad Frida, Lou's dog, didn't die from being shot by the Lobster—or else this book would only get one star from me 😤
December 4, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was...okay. It felt like it had every single trope that you can find in any classic 1970s mafia movie. The story is okay, but it's easily forgettable and didn't really keep me engaged. I only finished it because the book is only 120-something pages long. I did have moments where I thought it was set in the 1980s due to how some of the mafia characters talk, but once I saw characters using cell phones and laptops, I realize it has to be set in modern times. The art style is okay. It's very 1990's American newspaper cartoon style, leaning into almost caricatures with how faces are drawn. I'm not a huge fan of this style, but it's still easy to understand what's going on in the scenes with it, so that is a plus. I do like that whenever a character speaks another language, there is a translation at the bottom of the page. This book is VERY gory. The cartoon style mutes it quite a bit, but it's still pretty bloody in certain parts. There's also not too much focus on Lou, because most of the story focuses on Aldo, which is a pity. I wish the story focused more on Lou because she's honestly a far more interesting character than Aldo.
This was...okay. It felt like it had every single trope that you can find in any classic 1970s mafia movie. The story is okay, but it's easily forgettable and didn't really keep me engaged. I only finished it because the book is only 120-something pages long. I did have moments where I thought it was set in the 1980s due to how some of the mafia characters talk, but once I saw characters using cell phones and laptops, I realize it has to be set in modern times. The art style is okay. It's very 1990's American newspaper cartoon style, leaning into almost caricatures with how faces are drawn. I'm not a huge fan of this style, but it's still easy to understand what's going on in the scenes with it, so that is a plus. I do like that whenever a character speaks another language, there is a translation at the bottom of the page. This book is VERY gory. The cartoon style mutes it quite a bit, but it's still pretty bloody in certain parts. There's also not too much focus on Lou, because most of the story focuses on Aldo, which is a pity. I wish the story focused more on Lou because she's honestly a far more interesting character than Aldo.
April 8, 2023
Black comedy graphic novel, where a mobster gets out of jail after being ignored by his Family for the nine years of his stretch, only to crash his car and end up at the farmhouse home of an elder single woman – single because she offed her husband and he's still in the freezer. That's not the only death to occur on the farm, but when two goons see the bodies, they immediately fall under the assumption our 'hero' is undertaking a parade of heinous revenge killings against the Mob...
It's not the most complex and subtle read, but this case of mistakenly attributed murder, and the fact it's the dark horses and the still waters you have to avoid, is actually good fun. So much fun in fact I can imagine the Coen Brothers making a right pig's ear out of filming it – Frances McDormand would be the farmer's wife, someone goofily cast against type would be the hero, and there would be no end of OTT and semi-inept Mob assassins for their friends to play. I however would happily stick with this original – it never once aims for the beautiful, but it's an attractively dark piece, played for nicely-judged laughs and toying with the Mafioso stereotype in pleasingly light-hearted fashion. A strong four stars.
It's not the most complex and subtle read, but this case of mistakenly attributed murder, and the fact it's the dark horses and the still waters you have to avoid, is actually good fun. So much fun in fact I can imagine the Coen Brothers making a right pig's ear out of filming it – Frances McDormand would be the farmer's wife, someone goofily cast against type would be the hero, and there would be no end of OTT and semi-inept Mob assassins for their friends to play. I however would happily stick with this original – it never once aims for the beautiful, but it's an attractively dark piece, played for nicely-judged laughs and toying with the Mafioso stereotype in pleasingly light-hearted fashion. A strong four stars.
January 20, 2023
This was another quick and fun read!
The story follows Aldo, an ex-mobster who has just been released from jail, and Lou, an accidental murderer with a seemingly growing taste for killing. Together, they make an unlikely but ultimately strong team against the mafia.
The illustrations were pretty cool! The especially graphic art really added to the dark humor aspect of the storyline. Also, I felt like there were several tropey scenes that I could see making a good fit for a satirical and action-filled television show.
I would have liked it if this graphic novel was a bit longer! I thought that the banter between Aldo and Lou was really funny and would have liked to see more of it. Additionally, the ending felt a bit rushed. It felt like there was a lot of buildup, and the story/action could have wrapped up in a longer and more satisfying manner.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to what's next!
The story follows Aldo, an ex-mobster who has just been released from jail, and Lou, an accidental murderer with a seemingly growing taste for killing. Together, they make an unlikely but ultimately strong team against the mafia.
The illustrations were pretty cool! The especially graphic art really added to the dark humor aspect of the storyline. Also, I felt like there were several tropey scenes that I could see making a good fit for a satirical and action-filled television show.
I would have liked it if this graphic novel was a bit longer! I thought that the banter between Aldo and Lou was really funny and would have liked to see more of it. Additionally, the ending felt a bit rushed. It felt like there was a lot of buildup, and the story/action could have wrapped up in a longer and more satisfying manner.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to what's next!
January 3, 2023
I thought this was fun, but with dark humour. When Aldo, a mobster, is released from jail, he inadvertently meets Lou who lives on a farm near a deserted forest with her dog and pigs. What Aldo doesn’t know is that Lou has just murdered her husband who was the accountant for the local mafia and he owed the mafia money. The mafia are Aldo’s former gang members who double crossed him and when they realise Aldo has been released and is with Lou, the clock to the show down starts ticking, but not before a few more bodies are disposed of.
This was gory and funny, with ridiculous twists and turns, and some very peculiar henchmen. The artwork was quirky and colourful, and complimented the story in a great way. If you like a bit of gore with your humour then this is for you.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This was gory and funny, with ridiculous twists and turns, and some very peculiar henchmen. The artwork was quirky and colourful, and complimented the story in a great way. If you like a bit of gore with your humour then this is for you.
Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 20, 2023
This was a VERY quick read, if you're looking for something to fill up a quarter of an hour then this is a relatively fun ride.
Honestly, I was enjoying it until the 'battle' scene. It was super confusing and I didn't recognise a couple of the characters, not sure who died and who didn't, and the ending was just as confusing. I gave this 3 stars because the first part was fun, but then it went downhill so fast that the last third of the book just stayed at rock bottom.
For this to be better, I'd make it longer so we can get some character development from all characters - I think Aldo was well-developed but I wanted more from Lou. I'd also include some mentioned but omitted events such as the killing of the husband and a longer section about what led Aldo to be imprisoned.
Overall this is mindless fun, but don't expect too much depth.
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
Honestly, I was enjoying it until the 'battle' scene. It was super confusing and I didn't recognise a couple of the characters, not sure who died and who didn't, and the ending was just as confusing. I gave this 3 stars because the first part was fun, but then it went downhill so fast that the last third of the book just stayed at rock bottom.
For this to be better, I'd make it longer so we can get some character development from all characters - I think Aldo was well-developed but I wanted more from Lou. I'd also include some mentioned but omitted events such as the killing of the husband and a longer section about what led Aldo to be imprisoned.
Overall this is mindless fun, but don't expect too much depth.
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
January 20, 2023
Read via NetGalley
This is the story of Aldo, an ex mobster, and Lou, a woman who just killed her husband, and the series of misunderstandings that springs from their meeting.
I had to admit I wasn't really into the art style at first, but it definitely grew on me the more I read the story, and in the end I think it really suits the mood of it!
I didn't really know what to expect, I often go in blind when it comes to Graphic Novels haha but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was very entertaining.
***SPOILER ABOUT THE DOG!!!!*** she lives!! I was honestly this close to DNF it because the dog was shot but she lives!!!
This is the story of Aldo, an ex mobster, and Lou, a woman who just killed her husband, and the series of misunderstandings that springs from their meeting.
I had to admit I wasn't really into the art style at first, but it definitely grew on me the more I read the story, and in the end I think it really suits the mood of it!
I didn't really know what to expect, I often go in blind when it comes to Graphic Novels haha but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was very entertaining.
***SPOILER ABOUT THE DOG!!!!*** she lives!! I was honestly this close to DNF it because the dog was shot but she lives!!!
December 1, 2022
Free e-ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a review.
A nice quick read! In this graphic novel, a mafioso recently released from prison comes across a farmer who recently murdered her husband. The husband, an accountant, was also tied up with the mob- bloodshed and camaraderie ensue. This is a fun gory graphic novel that seems like it's setting up for a series. I'm not sure if I'll be back for more, but it was a good way to add another book to my count for the year, and a way to kill 20 minutes!
A nice quick read! In this graphic novel, a mafioso recently released from prison comes across a farmer who recently murdered her husband. The husband, an accountant, was also tied up with the mob- bloodshed and camaraderie ensue. This is a fun gory graphic novel that seems like it's setting up for a series. I'm not sure if I'll be back for more, but it was a good way to add another book to my count for the year, and a way to kill 20 minutes!
December 21, 2022
Found on Netgalley, and decided to check it out. I’m not the best at reviewing graphic novels, but I’ll do my best, so bear with me! The art style goes really well with the story, and the character designs were fun to look at. I enjoyed the general premise of the book, but the dialogue felt out of place and awkward. The fast pace made this a quick read, but left no room for character development, especially when it came to Lou. With the pacing, the plot twists just didn’t land.
Thank you to Netgalley!
Thank you to Netgalley!
December 25, 2022
This was a very quick read, which I'm kind of thankful. The story had promise but didn't really follow through with it, the characters were pretty one dimensional and stereotypical, and the end made my eyes roll 😬 It took me a while to get into the art style, I found it a little confusing and jarring, but that could just be bc my phone screen is on the small side.
Maybe if you like mafia stories you'll enjoy this more! It just fell a little flat for me. Thanks NetGalley and Europe Comics for the arc.
Maybe if you like mafia stories you'll enjoy this more! It just fell a little flat for me. Thanks NetGalley and Europe Comics for the arc.
December 26, 2022
Mafia guy ends up saved by a farm girl. Mafia guy is the softy, farm girl is scary. Turns out farm girls husband was an accountant doing the books for the Mafia that the Mafia guy belonged to. She's blood thirsty and he vomits at the sight of fresh blood.
This was cute and wild and absolutely ridiculous and gruesome and had the sweetest ending. Aldo is the sweetest and he's definitely soft on Lou.
There's loads of death and crime and it's quite graphic so proceed with caution but I think if you like violent and cozy then this might be the right mix of wtf for you.
This was cute and wild and absolutely ridiculous and gruesome and had the sweetest ending. Aldo is the sweetest and he's definitely soft on Lou.
There's loads of death and crime and it's quite graphic so proceed with caution but I think if you like violent and cozy then this might be the right mix of wtf for you.
December 29, 2022
A story of a strong farming woman and a soft mafia guy and their first meeting. I enjoyed the story, especially as it picked up and we even had a small mystery aspect in there. This made the story interesting. I sometimes had problems to follow the pictures and had wished for a few more panels to explain. Otherwise the characters are funny and I would say the main genre remains comedy. I recommend it for a short funny read if you're a fan of mystery! After the ending I hope there's another volume to come and this'll turn into a series.
January 2, 2023
I didn't like this one because I felt like the characters are too cartoonish and not developed. Also, the story is quite short but has so much information it feels rushed. It looked like this was written according to some "rules of novel writing" which were not thought upon just mindlessly implemented. Everything feels a bit unbalanced with some incongruent moments and aspects. So I didn't like it because the dark atmosphere of the beginning novel is turned into a "Home Alone-fighting-the-bad-guys" ending.
January 24, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The story follows Aldo, a former member of the mob, as he finds his way onto Lou's farm. While on the farm, Aldo and Lou find themselves in trouble with the mob, due to both Aldo and Lou's pasts. With the trouble, "wrong man" hijinks ensue leading to bloody and darkly comic misunderstandings.
I thought that this was an interesting story. Aldo was portrayed as the lovable oaf, while Lou was the hard-hearted widow. While there was plenty of blood, this definitely had a comic side.
The story follows Aldo, a former member of the mob, as he finds his way onto Lou's farm. While on the farm, Aldo and Lou find themselves in trouble with the mob, due to both Aldo and Lou's pasts. With the trouble, "wrong man" hijinks ensue leading to bloody and darkly comic misunderstandings.
I thought that this was an interesting story. Aldo was portrayed as the lovable oaf, while Lou was the hard-hearted widow. While there was plenty of blood, this definitely had a comic side.
January 13, 2023
I received this and as an eARC to read for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for giving me access.
Well, this one was an interesting graphic novel. The storyline was different but intriguing enough to keep me reading. What really drew me in was the art style and color palette. I am pretty picky when It comes to GN but this one drew me in and I am glad it did.
This one won't be for everyone but it was enjoyable enough for me.
Well, this one was an interesting graphic novel. The storyline was different but intriguing enough to keep me reading. What really drew me in was the art style and color palette. I am pretty picky when It comes to GN but this one drew me in and I am glad it did.
This one won't be for everyone but it was enjoyable enough for me.
January 23, 2023
The cover is definitely eye-catching, and I liked the dynamic between the main characters Lou and Aldo. Although I would have liked to know a little more about Aldo, because he really had a lot of potential, especially in a certain scene that defines the decision between life and death. On the other hand, the final scene was definitely required. Overall I was quite entertained despite certain details that I think were missing.
Thanks to Netgalley for sending me the graphic novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for sending me the graphic novel.
March 19, 2023
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for earc. Opinions are my own.
Aldo, a former gang member just got released from prison for burglary. Accidentally his rental car just broke down and after looking for help, he stumbled on Lou a woman whose husband disappeared recently. Aldo and Lou become an ally for a reason. She just found out that her husband was a compulsive gambler and might be linked to Aldo's gang.
I love the rendering. The plot looks catchy and raw. I give 4 ⭐️
Aldo, a former gang member just got released from prison for burglary. Accidentally his rental car just broke down and after looking for help, he stumbled on Lou a woman whose husband disappeared recently. Aldo and Lou become an ally for a reason. She just found out that her husband was a compulsive gambler and might be linked to Aldo's gang.
I love the rendering. The plot looks catchy and raw. I give 4 ⭐️
May 9, 2023
This was an enjoyable read, it was funny and fast paced. But it was also a little bit rushed at parts. It was an interesting concept and well executed. I love the art style, it was cartoony and full of vibrant colours, especially the blood.
I gave this 3 stars because although it didn’t particularly thrill me, it was fun and kept my attention. I would recommend this graphic novel and will be looking for others by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for this review copy.
I gave this 3 stars because although it didn’t particularly thrill me, it was fun and kept my attention. I would recommend this graphic novel and will be looking for others by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for this review copy.
December 10, 2022
It was a fun quick read. Look out for running headless chickens. If you like a story with a psycho farmer’s wife, an affectionate gullible mobster, a hound dog named Frida, and a kind cop…..look no further. The puns throughout this story were not lost on me. It was a fun cast of characters that I’d be happy to visit again.
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