Reviews

The Girl Who Owned a City: The Graphic Novel by O.T. Nelson

naomiozzy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mtmcsween's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

Story is very fast paced and leaves little room for meaningful character development. Concept is interesting for younger readers and does a lot to spark imaginations. How would 1-12 year olds survive in a world with no adults? I’m sure the novel does a better job fleshing out their challenges, but I found myself wanting much more out of this short graphic novel. 

ohclaire's review

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3.0

I cannot BELIEVE this was one of my favorite books as a kid. I guess every ten year old girl wants control over her life but fantasizing about being a dictator is not it lmaoo

namsmommy09's review against another edition

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3.0

I didn't like this book as much as I wanted to. The main character, at first is likeable, but quickly becomes very unlikeable when others approach her with problems. I guess it makes sense since she is only a teenage girl, but it is still hard to understand why the "people" didn't find someone new to be their leader... 

franuary's review

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2.0

If Ayn Rand rewrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a post-apocalyptic plague story, it would read something like this. I feel as thought I would have loved this if I had read it as a pre-teen, but as an adult, Lisa comes off more arrogant (and annoying) than worldly. Lisa is in dire need of some Scoobies to remind her of the importance of working together, trusting others, and to get over her own specialness.

wrentheblurry's review

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3.0

The artwork is good, the subject matter intriguing, though the writing kept this from getting more stars from me.

A plague has killed all of the adults, and now the children that remain in this harsh new world are fighting amongst themselves for resources. One girl, Lisa, rises above the others by using her brains to find food and useful items in places many haven't checked. I didn't care for Lisa's arrogance and selfishness. If she was my leader, I would have formed a mutiny! Her friends try to talk to her and encourage her to be more open, but her attitude never changes, even at the very end! Bah.

Dystopian novels seem to be fairly popular these days, largely due to the Hunger Games books. This was originally written in the mid '70s, before Mad Max even made an appearance, so it's not as imitative as you might initially think.

alboyer6's review

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3.0

I have loved the original book since I was in 7th grade and this is a pretty good adaptation of it, though I still like the original one best. The art is fun, the story good and a great book that can be shared with a wide range of ages.

ogreart's review against another edition

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4.0

It's another post-apocalypse story. Everyone over the age of 12 dies, conveniently turning into dust so no one has to bury or burn them. The kids are in charge. One girl has a plan and won't let anyone stop her. Probably. I have a feeling there will be more to this story.

guylou's review against another edition

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4.0

A small dog lying on a fluffy blanket with a Kindle Tablet to her left.

This graphic novel is based on a novel by O.T. Nelson, adapted by Dan Jolley, and illustrated by Joëlle Jones. I enjoyed the illustrations and the plot. Think what would happen to a world where the older human being is 12 years old. Lisa, the main protagonist, is wiser beyond her years and she means well in trying to save those who ally themselves with her. Her leadership skills are at time immature, but we see her grow and mature as the story evolves. The book is suitable for tweens, teens, and is a bit young for adults but has its merits. A post-apocalyptic graphic novel showcasing survival of the fittest can put things in perspective, especially during a pandemic.

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pussinbooks's review

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This graphic novel is just like the book I remember reading in elementary school. Now that I'm an adult, I can see the Objectivist ideals at work in the story. Lisa is sure everyone is happier when they have a job to keep them occupied. She even has a cruel line about how she won't share her food with starving children because they weren't smart enough to go out and find it. Yikes. But hey, the image of a 12yo girl with a shotgun slung over her shoulder walking away from a burning building is bad ass.