All but the last review come from my reads during the first Pokethon gym of 2026. (Pokethon is a year long readathon run by Jade @jadeyraereads for her patreons.)
When I first found this series, I thought I might have found one I would really like. Unfortunately, I could barely make it through. If my only hang up lay with the questionable decisions regarding the artwork depicting costume transitions, I would have considered continuing the series. Unfortunately, the plot dragged on, made little sense, and failed to adequately develop the five characters so that they had their own personalities.
I think that Vermette created a fascinating premise here although I do not think I will continue. This series exists in short comic style issues which prevents deep character exploration in a single issue. I have discovered that shorter works are not for me. If I could potentially find a single bind up, I might return to the series.
I appreciated the representation of a “normal” middle school boy during Ramadan, his first fasting Ramadan. The narrative does not try to do amazing things and for that I think it works well. It normalizes life. These normal representations are so important.
I goofed at some point last year and accidentally picked up volume 12 before 11 which explains why I felt so confused. I still love this story. My favorite storyline of these volumes is the bus hijacking. I love Anya.
I have seen other people recommend this series but it’s not for me. I wonder if this series takes place in an already established world because I could not figure out some basic details. I did not enjoy my read so I will not continue.
I gave Sarah Penner another chance and now must admit that she is not the author for me. I never engaged with the narrative, a narrative that – in my opinion – tried to do too much. A few days after my read and little about the narrative remains in my memory.