This book was provided by NetGalley for free to review. It's a well plotted story with great art and panel work. The world building could be stronger, and the main character could be more fleshed out too. I wish that it were longer as it seemed like this storyline was a little rushed. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Sanderson. ( )

The art is a little hard to follow. Good story though. ( )

Bestselling fantasy author, Brandon Sanderson, teams up with Dan Wells to create a fun listen in the style of a true crime podcast. Written exclusively for audiobook - this short mystery takes place over the course of several podcast episodes - with the intrigue ramping up every episode. College student, Christina Walsh, discovers a CD of world-renowned violinist Leona McPherson, who mysteriously disappeared and was found murdered years prior. After her father's disappearance, this case really hits home and Christina decides to take her best friend, Sophie, along for a cross country adventure to re-discover this missing musician. With each new discovery the case gets wilder and stranger and soon the two may be in danger themselves. It appears as if no one remembers Leona, not one person! If it wasn't for the mountain of evidence proving that she was a real person - the girls would think they were being pranked. Even Leona's own mother has no recollection of her daughter! What exactly have these two stumbled upon and will the world ever be the same again? Narrated by a full cast - this audiobook is fresh and fun. It is fast paced, unique, and gripping. It's a wild ride that will find a wide audience for Brandon Sanderson fans, podcast junkies, and true crime devotees. - Erin Cataldi ( )

Spring 2022 (March);
~ My Sisyphean Sanderson Challenge

I finally waded my way into Sanderson's graphic novels. I'm so, so, so interested int where this series might go, and in the passing back and forth between the realms. Also, I love the tongue-in-cheek meta everywhere about how everything in 'the fantasy side' is dictated By The Narrative. I couldn't help some smirking every single time it got said, and grinning like a fool anytime the 'expected narrative outcome' (both those of the characters living their lives by it, and the reader themselves) was subverted or reversed entirely.

I look forward to volume 2 so much! ( )

Worlds collide with prophecies, narratives, heroes and certain evil only to turn everything on its head and launch into what promises to be an exciting series.

A monster hides inside Paul, but nobody truly believes him. He's not so sure he believes it himself and is determined weekly psychologists visits might finally help him become normal. But when a warrior appears on horseback in the doctor's office and beheads a man, Paul realizes he might not be so crazy after all. Soon, he's swept into another world, one where evil always rises and is defeated by a chosen one again and again. And Paul's at the center of the entire thing.

This read was darker and harsher than I expected it to be. So, I'd definitely recommend this one to the upper YA end due to violence and gore. But it's nothing which doesn't fit the story or go completely overboard, either. Paul's life isn't nice and neither is the world and adventure he's about to face. The first pages are calm enough and allow the reader to get to know Paul. The story isn't only seen from his point of view, though. Rather, it switches between Paul, the other world and his mother, who's a top-notch prosecutor. This switch from one perspective to another was well done, never grew confusing, and allowed the two worlds to become a bit familiar before they collide.

The graphics are well done and definitely kept the story racing along. While there are more than a couple violent and bloody scenes, this does not overshadow or weaken the character depth and general plot. Rather, it supports how horrible the situation is, in which Paul finds himself. And I especially appreciated the character arc. Paul is a character to cheer for and full of surprises. He battles with himself, and has an amazing balance of light and darkness inside. I can't wait to grab up the second volume because there is so much more to come. ( )