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The Drowned
Paris, 1800. Theophile has been moldering in an asylum for five years with no clear memory of how he came to be there. He wavers in and out of madness until the day that unseen forces compel him to escape and make his way back home to the haunted Breton coast. As he follows the tatters of memory back to the ungodly events of his childhood, striving to wring sense out of madness, he is pursued in turn by furious crows, drowned witches, a loved one long believed dead, a secret cabal of priests and a damaged orphan. Each carries pieces of a secret that emerges into two distinct but interwining tales of supernatural vengeance. As the ravages of Theophile's buried past catch up with him at last, a battle for power begins, and the stakes are no less than the fate of the lost souls in hell.
80 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2004
5 people are currently reading
1746 people want to read
About the author
Laini Taylor
36 books39.7k followersHi! I write fantasy books. My latest is STRANGE THE DREAMER, about a young librarian, a mythic lost city, and the half-human children of murdered gods. Check it out :-) Before that I wrote the DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE trilogy, which has been translated into 32 languages. It's about a blue-haired art student raised by monsters, a broken angel, and a war that has raged for 1000 years in another world. I also wrote LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, which was a National Book Award finalist, and the DREAMDARK books. As well as various short stories and novellas.
Thanks for reading!!
www.lainitaylor.com
@lainitaylor
Thanks for reading!!
www.lainitaylor.com
@lainitaylor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 16, 2019
Well, guess it is a good thing I re-read this, because I apparently didn't rate or review it last year.
As part of a reading challenge, I chose The Drowned for the "a debut novel" prompt. It is technically Laini Taylor's first published work alongside her husband and, oh hot damn, you can tell in this comic book that they both have some serious talent that is only going to mature going forward, and it did!
Just like with my first read, I was blown away by the artwork and the storytelling. The styles of both complemented each other incredibly--both are eerie, both give a great sense of a darker world hidden just beyond what the eye can see, and that is EXACTLY what happens with this comic. The story twists and turns and leaves you trying to piece together the puzzle. Is he a lunatic? What is really going on? Why would the sister's lover act the way her did? Even on this second go through I am left with some of these questions, but not in a "I'm unfulfilled way"; more along the lines of questions intentionally left open in a manner for readers to ponder like I have.
I know this is a hard to come by comic book, and I feel honored to have come across one, but I encourage you to read it if it is accessible to you. I wish there were more to the story.
As part of a reading challenge, I chose The Drowned for the "a debut novel" prompt. It is technically Laini Taylor's first published work alongside her husband and, oh hot damn, you can tell in this comic book that they both have some serious talent that is only going to mature going forward, and it did!
Just like with my first read, I was blown away by the artwork and the storytelling. The styles of both complemented each other incredibly--both are eerie, both give a great sense of a darker world hidden just beyond what the eye can see, and that is EXACTLY what happens with this comic. The story twists and turns and leaves you trying to piece together the puzzle. Is he a lunatic? What is really going on? Why would the sister's lover act the way her did? Even on this second go through I am left with some of these questions, but not in a "I'm unfulfilled way"; more along the lines of questions intentionally left open in a manner for readers to ponder like I have.
I know this is a hard to come by comic book, and I feel honored to have come across one, but I encourage you to read it if it is accessible to you. I wish there were more to the story.
Want to read
August 12, 2016How have I not noticed this existed before?
January 6, 2013
Well I FINALLY got this! It took me so long to find it - hint for those who try to track it down, it's rare, and expensive! But, if you a true Laini fan (like me) or a Jim fan (like me), it is well worth it.
This is the first actual graphic novel I've ever read (well I did read the Daughter of Smoke and Bone sampler Jim made - and still hoping he finishes it one day), some wasn't sure what to expect.
Even though this isn't a "novel", it is still a great story: Laini still manages to grab and hold your attention with her words (her writing style is a whole language of its own), and Jim's illustrations drag you further into this horrific world (and I say that with admiration, this is after all "a tale of mystery and horror)
This is the first actual graphic novel I've ever read (well I did read the Daughter of Smoke and Bone sampler Jim made - and still hoping he finishes it one day), some wasn't sure what to expect.
Even though this isn't a "novel", it is still a great story: Laini still manages to grab and hold your attention with her words (her writing style is a whole language of its own), and Jim's illustrations drag you further into this horrific world (and I say that with admiration, this is after all "a tale of mystery and horror)
November 7, 2021
I'm not quite sure I got this one. Oops.
July 21, 2017
Dull and boring.
Tiresome to read the excessive lettering on certain pages.
Tiresome to read the excessive lettering on certain pages.
November 17, 2016
(4.5)
This was not an easy book to get my hands on, but I consider it worth it. It is my personal mission to get my hands on a copy of all the books Laini Taylor has written or helped write.
I was a little worried going into this that because it was a graphic novel rather than a book, that we wouldn't get to see Laini Taylor's beautiful writing, but my fears were for naught. It was also lovely to see Jim Di Bartolo's beautiful art, and while colour would have been nice, the black and white theme suited the story.
The story itself is not something that I would usually find all that interesting, I am neither a huge fan of historical stories or ones based around religion, but I did really enjoy this and got through it quite quickly. The story didn't feel rushed either, as I have found graphic novels I have read in the past to be, simply because they can't waste frames on small details and extra plot. And while this could easily be continued on as a series, it also had a definite ending so I don't feel like I have been left with a massive cliff-hanger.
This was not an easy book to get my hands on, but I consider it worth it. It is my personal mission to get my hands on a copy of all the books Laini Taylor has written or helped write.
I was a little worried going into this that because it was a graphic novel rather than a book, that we wouldn't get to see Laini Taylor's beautiful writing, but my fears were for naught. It was also lovely to see Jim Di Bartolo's beautiful art, and while colour would have been nice, the black and white theme suited the story.
The story itself is not something that I would usually find all that interesting, I am neither a huge fan of historical stories or ones based around religion, but I did really enjoy this and got through it quite quickly. The story didn't feel rushed either, as I have found graphic novels I have read in the past to be, simply because they can't waste frames on small details and extra plot. And while this could easily be continued on as a series, it also had a definite ending so I don't feel like I have been left with a massive cliff-hanger.
July 3, 2018
Did you guys know Laini Taylor wrote a graphic novel?! I had never heard of it until a few months ago when I was lucky enough to win a copy (I've later learned that it is verrry hard to find, so I don't feel as bad for this lapse). Anyway, let's get to this review!
I want to start this off by saying that I've only recently started getting into graphic novels, so I'm by no means an expert on them. But, this artwork truly is gorgeous! Jim Di Bartolo is an incredible artist. And, of course, Laini Taylor is a wonderful author as well. So it really is a great combination!
The story was a little too odd for me, although I did appreciate a lot of aspects of it. The plot didn't always make sense, but I think that might have just been because of how short this story is. But I really enjoyed the incorporation of crows (I always have a soft spot for crows) and Theophile was such a fascinating character!
If you enjoy graphic novels that are a little different than your typical superhero-saving-the-world type of story and don't mind being slightly creeped out, I think this is definitely worth checking out! I'm glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of this.
I want to start this off by saying that I've only recently started getting into graphic novels, so I'm by no means an expert on them. But, this artwork truly is gorgeous! Jim Di Bartolo is an incredible artist. And, of course, Laini Taylor is a wonderful author as well. So it really is a great combination!
The story was a little too odd for me, although I did appreciate a lot of aspects of it. The plot didn't always make sense, but I think that might have just been because of how short this story is. But I really enjoyed the incorporation of crows (I always have a soft spot for crows) and Theophile was such a fascinating character!
If you enjoy graphic novels that are a little different than your typical superhero-saving-the-world type of story and don't mind being slightly creeped out, I think this is definitely worth checking out! I'm glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of this.
Read
January 18, 2025A strange little relic of a graphic novel. I loved the beginning section in particular, it was so creepy and compelling. The idea of a drowned village - and the gorgeous art that accompanied it, with skirts swirling in water - utterly entranced me. There are a lot of panels in this book that will be staying with me for a long time. How beautiful the artwork is.
August 13, 2023
3 ⭐️
The art was pretty
The art was pretty
March 22, 2014
My expectations did not match this book. When I said something along those lines to my husband, he asked me if that meant it was better or worse.
Hmm. I can't really answer that - not better, not worse, just...unexpected.
The art in this graphic novel was incredible. I just wish it could have been in color, but I do admit that the black-and-white drawings added a level of...mystery?...grimness?...to the Theo's tale that probably wouldn't have been captured had the pictures been colorized.
And continuing on about the drawings: some of them gave me a shiver. Totally did not expect that! Had I been in Theo's place, had I seen some of those women's faces up close and personal, I probably would have peed my pants. So, bravo Theo, for standing your ground and fighting the good fight. Those bitches had crazy eyes!
I wonder if there's another graphic novel in the works? Because there was a very definite opening for further books, especially given that Theo learned a huge secret about himself , and managed to rustle himself up a knowledgeable and amiable sidekick.
Seems ripe for another adventure, if you ask me!
Just...can we make sure that any future books are reasonably priced? I mean, I paid fifty dollars for this copy. Let's pause so you can fully appreciate this:
FIFTY. DOLLARS! (plus shipping!)
My fascination with Laini Taylor makes me do crazy things, folks.
Hmm. I can't really answer that - not better, not worse, just...unexpected.
The art in this graphic novel was incredible. I just wish it could have been in color, but I do admit that the black-and-white drawings added a level of...mystery?...grimness?...to the Theo's tale that probably wouldn't have been captured had the pictures been colorized.
And continuing on about the drawings: some of them gave me a shiver. Totally did not expect that! Had I been in Theo's place, had I seen some of those women's faces up close and personal, I probably would have peed my pants. So, bravo Theo, for standing your ground and fighting the good fight. Those bitches had crazy eyes!
I wonder if there's another graphic novel in the works? Because there was a very definite opening for further books, especially given that Theo learned a huge secret about himself , and managed to rustle himself up a knowledgeable and amiable sidekick.
Seems ripe for another adventure, if you ask me!
Just...can we make sure that any future books are reasonably priced? I mean, I paid fifty dollars for this copy. Let's pause so you can fully appreciate this:
FIFTY. DOLLARS! (plus shipping!)
My fascination with Laini Taylor makes me do crazy things, folks.
November 3, 2018
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this and add it to my Laini Taylor collection, and I liked the art, but I didn't completely understand the story, especially at the end.
January 11, 2023
I picked up a copy of this comic/graphic novel from the authors' website last year when they were selling through what I think was their personal backstock and I'm so glad I did. At the time I hadn't realized how difficult it was to find copies of this graphic novel (at the time of writing this there is literally ONE copy for sale on Amazon so if you'd like to get one for yourself maybe snag that immediately). I was fortunate enough to not only get one, but a copy signed by both author and artist, AND paid a little extra to have an original drawing included in the back which I think makes this one of the coolest things I own.
The Drowned is a funky, surreal graphic novel filled with mystery, witchcraft, and a grumpy main character. I've truly never read anything else like it. With the writing, it's easy to see how Laini Taylor transitioned into book writing, as the text within is more lyrical and literary than what I'd typically expect to find in a graphic novel like this. The artwork is both eye-catching and off-putting as the plot dissolves into something unsettling. While I would say the actual course of the plot isn't exceptionally unique, the writing and the way it's handled is. This is something I would definitely reread - maybe in the fall, because then it would match the seasonal vibes the best.
If you can get your hands on a copy, I'd definitely recommend giving The Drowned a read!
The Drowned is a funky, surreal graphic novel filled with mystery, witchcraft, and a grumpy main character. I've truly never read anything else like it. With the writing, it's easy to see how Laini Taylor transitioned into book writing, as the text within is more lyrical and literary than what I'd typically expect to find in a graphic novel like this. The artwork is both eye-catching and off-putting as the plot dissolves into something unsettling. While I would say the actual course of the plot isn't exceptionally unique, the writing and the way it's handled is. This is something I would definitely reread - maybe in the fall, because then it would match the seasonal vibes the best.
If you can get your hands on a copy, I'd definitely recommend giving The Drowned a read!
October 15, 2021
I loved this comic by Laini Taylor and Jim DiBartolo. It felt like it was made for me!!
Set in 1800 France we follow our main character Theophile who is locked up in an institution and lost access to his memories. Laini describes this perfectly as everyone can access their memories as a book, but for Theo it is an apothecary cabinet and he is not the apothecary..
We follow him break out of his cell leaving Paris to hunt down his memories in his hometown. However, he finds very disturbing people on the way including his long dead sister.
If you love secret societies, dark forces, and our dark lord Satan, you will love this comic!
This comic is very dark as it talks about both mental and physical horrors, and the black and white illustrations make it ever more so. Jim's designs are magnificent and complement Laini's writing beautifully. His strength is defenitly in the fight seems, they almost come off the page!!
I would love to read about more stories in this world, and for Laini to go back into comics in the future.. that would be amazing!!
Set in 1800 France we follow our main character Theophile who is locked up in an institution and lost access to his memories. Laini describes this perfectly as everyone can access their memories as a book, but for Theo it is an apothecary cabinet and he is not the apothecary..
We follow him break out of his cell leaving Paris to hunt down his memories in his hometown. However, he finds very disturbing people on the way including his long dead sister.
If you love secret societies, dark forces, and our dark lord Satan, you will love this comic!
This comic is very dark as it talks about both mental and physical horrors, and the black and white illustrations make it ever more so. Jim's designs are magnificent and complement Laini's writing beautifully. His strength is defenitly in the fight seems, they almost come off the page!!
I would love to read about more stories in this world, and for Laini to go back into comics in the future.. that would be amazing!!
September 29, 2021
The writing was good. Not as good as in Laini Taylor's newer books, but that is 100% understandable considering this was tequnically her debut *graphic* novel.
The characters weren't very fleshed out, and the plot was rushed and confusing. But, also, this book had an enjoyable atmosphere and I am glad to have read another of my favorite authors books!
I would have given this a 2.5 star rating, but I upped it to a 3 because there were supposed to be more volumes in this series, but they never got published, so looking at this story from a first-book-in-a-series perspective changes things for me and boosted the rating.
The characters weren't very fleshed out, and the plot was rushed and confusing. But, also, this book had an enjoyable atmosphere and I am glad to have read another of my favorite authors books!
I would have given this a 2.5 star rating, but I upped it to a 3 because there were supposed to be more volumes in this series, but they never got published, so looking at this story from a first-book-in-a-series perspective changes things for me and boosted the rating.
January 20, 2018
GRAPHIC NOVEL
FANTASY
PECHUA KUCHA PROJECT
As someone unfamiliar with graphic novels, I enjoyed The Drowned. It tells the story of Theo, a young Frenchman who's sister was drowned thirteen years earlier. He returns to his hometown, and is confronted by his sister's ghost, who longs to escape from purgatory. The book is fast paced and a quick read, with amazing art and writing. However, I felt like the story wasn't anything too original, and I'm still a little confused by everything that happened by the end. But overall, I recommend it to anyone who loves horror or graphic novels.
FANTASY
PECHUA KUCHA PROJECT
As someone unfamiliar with graphic novels, I enjoyed The Drowned. It tells the story of Theo, a young Frenchman who's sister was drowned thirteen years earlier. He returns to his hometown, and is confronted by his sister's ghost, who longs to escape from purgatory. The book is fast paced and a quick read, with amazing art and writing. However, I felt like the story wasn't anything too original, and I'm still a little confused by everything that happened by the end. But overall, I recommend it to anyone who loves horror or graphic novels.
April 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the plot. A man discovers his sister sold her soul to the devil and that he has the ability to stop the devil or at least slow him down. There were problems. For example the panels seem to jump from one scene to another without enough information, as if parts were missing. And there are no sequels. It ends well, in a completed way but it does feel too short and like it was meant to be longer.
February 12, 2021
I’m so glad I finally got my hands on this story from one of my favorite authors - Laini Taylor. Beautifully written, and gorgeously drawn by her husband Jim Di Bartolo check out this amazing take on good versus evil.
February 27, 2023
Awesome to read Laini Taylor's first work, she's one of my favorite authors. I liked the art and story, but it did seem a bit rushed. I'd be interested if she went back to this, as a graphic novel or regular novel, as the story appears to be unfinished and the world could really be expanded on.
September 10, 2024
The only thing scary about this story was how much I paid for it! I felt like it was unfinished, and I really would have liked more backstory on Ylene. However, I'm still a big Laini Taylor and Jim Di Bartolo fan!
Read:
The rest of Laini Taylor's books
The Alchemyst graphic novel
Read:
The rest of Laini Taylor's books
The Alchemyst graphic novel
June 1, 2021
Absolutely adored the stunning artwork by Jim Di Bartolo and the story is quite clearly stamped with Laini Taylor's talent.
December 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this...problem now is I want sequel books to read!
August 28, 2021
As Laini Taylor's first ever book, I wasn't sure what to expect. And given that it is a graphic novel as opposed to her usual prose, this certainly made it an interesting adjustment.
The good:
-You can spot Laini Taylor's creativity right away - the major plot twist both surprised me (as a reader) and didn't (as a lover of Laini Taylor) because it felt so distinct and unexpected
-Despite the small size, the story holds a lot of material but doesn't rush through
-The tension is held well throughout with all the creepy creatures and people we encounter throughout (which I love!)
The bad/meh:
-I'm not much of a historical fiction person, so this didn't captivate me right away until I could see more magic
-Jim di Bartolo's art style didn't always work for me in this context, and the actual text was so small, hard to read and crowded that the made my reading experience much harder than I would have liked
-I totally thought from the title and cover that this would have more to do with merfolk and other sea myths... but it's literally nothing about that. There are ghosts and devils of course, but just wasn't what I expected!
Thought not my favourite Laini Taylor piece, it is neat to finally get my hands on this!
The good:
-You can spot Laini Taylor's creativity right away - the major plot twist both surprised me (as a reader) and didn't (as a lover of Laini Taylor) because it felt so distinct and unexpected
-Despite the small size, the story holds a lot of material but doesn't rush through
-The tension is held well throughout with all the creepy creatures and people we encounter throughout (which I love!)
The bad/meh:
-I'm not much of a historical fiction person, so this didn't captivate me right away until I could see more magic
-Jim di Bartolo's art style didn't always work for me in this context, and the actual text was so small, hard to read and crowded that the made my reading experience much harder than I would have liked
-I totally thought from the title and cover that this would have more to do with merfolk and other sea myths... but it's literally nothing about that. There are ghosts and devils of course, but just wasn't what I expected!
Thought not my favourite Laini Taylor piece, it is neat to finally get my hands on this!
September 19, 2009
The first few pages of this book are amazing. I loved the writing, but the art was of inconsistent quality and of a style I don''t particularly enjoy. one of my problems with the art was that many of the male characters looked too much alike making it difficlt to follow some of the action and dialogue. Overall this is a great work and I highly recommend it, but read it in one sitting not over the course of several days as I was forced to. You really loose the momentum of the story that way.
December 31, 2009
I'd forgotten that I'd read this one before, but was perfectly happy to read it again. Very Poe-esque. The beginning doesn't give any indication of where it will end up; many good surprises (not that the surprises themselves were good--in fact, they were rather horrible for the characters!--but I didn't see them coming).
January 18, 2013
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book written by Laini, except for this one. I had a hard time following along, and even staying interested. i feel bad saying this since i like all of her other writings...but i was not a fan.
December 22, 2015
On my quest to read all my favorite author's books, I inter library loaned this one from Oberlin... It cost me $13 just to read it... but to buy it would have been $30 so meh.
Lots of wonderful dark Laini themes in this book. Can't wait to read what she writes next!
Lots of wonderful dark Laini themes in this book. Can't wait to read what she writes next!
December 12, 2016
Graphic novels are not my usual medium for stories so perhaps that's why I have to give a Laini creation less than 4-stars? There were some good points, but the story is hard to discern. The art is a bit hasty, it looks like.
Read
June 7, 2009Totally loved this!
Want to read
August 16, 2012Just ordered this.. so happy to have found a copy that wasn't outragously priced! Can't wait to get it!
February 9, 2016
Very good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews