Mooncakes
by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker
Fantasy
Graphic Novel
LGBTQ
Romance
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Nova Huang is a young witch who is reunited with her childhood friend Tam Lang (pronouns: they, them), a young werewolf, when Tam returns to town in pursuit of a demon that can only be destroyed by her wolf magic. Nova’s grandmothers are able to temporarily bind the demon while Nova and Tam work out how to defeat it, which gives them time to reconnect and explore their feelings for one another (aw, young love). Tam’s attempts to control their magic go awry and, in their weakened state, they are kidnapped by another coven of witches that seeks to use them as a vessel for the demon, and thus enslave it. Nova comes to the rescue (with her own coven), but they’re too late to stop the demon from taking possession. It’s Tam who must discover how their magic can save the situation. This is a light and enjoyable fantasy-romance cross with strong, young protagonists who are brave, loving, capable, and joyful. Tam is nonbinary and other characters acknowledge and are respectful of their preferences.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
