The Lost Boy by Greg Ruth
Review by Lauren
copy from library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Nate’s not happy about his family moving to a new house in a new town. After
all, nobody asked him if he wanted to move in the first place. But when he
discovers a tape recorder and note addressed to him under the floorboards of his
bedroom, Nate is thrust into a dark mystery about a boy who went missing many,
many years ago. Now, as strange happenings and weird creatures begin to track
Nate, he must partner with Tabitha, a local girl, to find out what they want
with him. But time is running out, for a powerful force is gathering strength in
the woods at the edge of town, and before long Nate and Tabitha will be forced
to confront a terrifying foe, and uncover the truth about the Lost Boy.
Review: One of the things that really stood out to me about this graphic novel were the illustrations. They are all in black and white, but the detail makes things look fairly realistic. I loved the attention to detail and how the story came alive across the pages. As for the story, this is about a boy named Nate who finds a mysterious tape recorder from a boy named Walt, who lived long ago and found a secret world just outside his home; now Nate’s home. The magic and intrigue that surrounded Walt all those years ago has now captured Nate and his neighbor, Tabitha.
Honestly, describing this book is a bit difficult. I suppose I’d call it a fantasy, and I love how the book includes a mix of interesting characters. You have a doll named Tom Button, an annoying squirrel, insects riding dogs, and more. Of course, all of these creatures talk and not everyone is on Nate and Tabitha’s side. The biggest intrigue in the book is called the Vespertine and I found it to be quite an interesting character in the end.
The book ends with the main storyline wrapped up, but readers are given a glimpse that not all is well and it makes me excited to find out what will happen next. I do hope a sequel comes out soon!
I love showing everyone a little of what the book includes, especially to showcase the artwork, so here is a page from the book:
Like I said above, I really love the illustrations in this book. Some graphic novels have more of a cartoon feel, which can be fine, but The Lost Boy does well with the realistic drawings.
This is my first book read for the 2014 Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.
I'm not really a graphic novel reader, but I do admit that I like the illustrations in this one!
I love the illustrations as well 🙂 They are very realistic. The story sounds pretty interesting. Great review!
Janina @ Synchronized Reading
I have always been drawn to black and white images whether they are illustrations or pictures. Wonderful review!
Those illustrations are stunning. I am sure the book is worth reading just for that aspect. Thanks for sharing!
Okay, I mentioned not too long ago about needing to read a graphic novel after not reading any for awhile, and this looks like a good one.
Okay, I mentioned not too long ago about needing to read a graphic novel after not reading any for awhile, and this looks like a good one.
Okay, I mentioned not too long ago about needing to read a graphic novel after not reading any for awhile, and this looks like a good one.
I've wanted to read this one since the Cybils shortlisted it.
That sounds like an awesome story!
Wow, the illustrations are amazing. I'm so glad you enjoyed The Lost Boy, Lauren!
Oh wow, the illustrations are amazing! I can just imagine how long one panel would take to draw. I'll have to add this to my list and try to find it.
Wow black and white illustrations are so cool! The variety of the characters sounds amazing and I still need to read a good graphic novel. Ugh I need to start looking around for one to read and this may be the one I break into the genre with. Fantastic review, Lauren! <33
I don't usually stray away from the typical Marvel and DC comic stories, but this one looks pretty interesting and I like the illustrations like the one shown in the picture you posted. If I ever com across The Lost Boy, I just may pick it up, Thanks!
-Deanpool,
mdeanpool.blogspot.com
Oooohhh…I like the sound and look of this one! 🙂
That artwork is so well drawn! I love the illustrations. The Lost Boy sounds like a great graphic novel to try. I'll definitely have to check it out 🙂
I love a mystery with a good dose of fantasy, and the artwork for this looks lovely! Thanks for putting another graphic novel read on my tbr list with your wonderful review. 🙂
I tried to find this at my library but they don't have it. 🙁 I am going to see if they will order it though!!!