Graphic Novel ARC Review: Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 by Aaron Duran

*I was given a copy of Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Oni Press and Aaron Duran.*

Synopsis: 

From a young age, Althalia knew she would someday be the last of her kind—a bruja, tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. Never alone, Althalia works in a paranormal museum with her friends, a real-life Chupacabra and a were-coyote, while living with and caring for her beloved abuela. Through these powerful connections, her skills and knowledge grow.

But the prejudice her people have always faced continues, and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must realize her destiny and grow into it quickly if she is to prevent the church from achieving its ultimate goal—destroying the last bruja.

Review:

Season of the Bruja was one of my most anticipated reads for January but unfortunately, it feel a little flat. Straight away you are thrown in action, which I like, but none of it made any sense. Althalia and her colleagues are dealing with a demon, which is part of their jobs. However, none of this is explained very well and throughout the entire graphic novel I was lost on what was happening. 

After reading a couple of pages and not understanding who these people were or why they had some kind of magical powers, I worried I had somehow stumbled into the middle of the series, but no. That’s just how it is written. There is no introduction just pure action. 

After a while you come to understand these things a little better, but it made the reading experience very disjointed for me. It might just be me but I like it when characters are properly introduced and you get to know more about them. 

I absolutely love the art style. Everything was so vibrant and perfectly detailed. The cover is what first drew me into Season of the Bruja and the artwork did not disappoint. 

The plot was definitely interesting and I’d love to learn more about this world and its magical history, but the pacing was off. Everything happened a little too quickly and it was over before I knew it. 

I did really enjoy the characters though. Their love for food and how it’s a big part of their friendship was really sweet. 

Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 was a fun read, but one that was a little too quick for my liking. The art style is absolutely gorgeous and the story has a lot of potential. It is a series I may consider continuing in the future.

Rating: 3 out of 5.


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