After finishing my online reader copy of Ghoul by Kasey Iris (sent to me via an email from the publisher; due May 2026) I was not sure if I liked it or not. I know I didn’t dislike it, but I’m not sure how much I liked it. And, in this case, that is not a bad thing. This is a thoughtful and interesting story on grief, family and pain. Each character is dealing with secrets, heartache, and lack of understanding. The characters are seemingly simple, but there is a lot to think about. And that is why being uncertain about my feelings is okay. It is a thinking book and this uncertainty means I am thinking.
The borderless paneling can be a bit confusing at times, but overall the abstract makes it work for the theme of the story. They are not “cozy” but there is something oddly likable about them. The part I enjoyed is that they have colors, but are not popping out with them. It continues with that surreal element of magic and mystery. The publisher description says “Dynamic page layouts and dramatic lettering energize frenetically-paced plotting, which aptly reflects Lyn’s difficulty navigating tumultuous life shifts and supernatural phenomena.” 
Included at the end of our main character Lynn’s story is the comic she finds soon after moving into her new home and accidentally meeting one of her neighbors, Mr. Cho, who is partly in the center of the action we have. This comic is a take off of Little Red Riding Hood with the only colors being black and white with red. Of course, this is not unique but there is something about it that has clever elements and makes a very familiar story less so. I don’t want a sequel to Ghoul, or if there is one, I do not think I would read it because I like how things work out for Lynn, her friends and family.. Maybe it is not the most happy ending, but it is the one these people need. Best for ages 13 and up, due to subjects such as death, violence, mental heath and suicide. While they are serious subjects, Iris handles them respectfully. Also included is Lynn’s heiritage and that representation.
