Reviews

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

After rereading this, I still rate it 3 stars. Although I noticed that the reason as to how she got paralyzed is unclear, although the summary said that she was shot, the scene shows us how she falls off a building. The accident was later referenced as being caused by her being shot. This leaves her paralyzed from the waist down. After these events, she spends a good chunk of the book processing what just happened to her. She isolates herself from everyone who approaches her and is trying to cope. As the book progresses, she starts to get friendlier and gets closer to Jana, who tells her sinister stories about Arkham. She starts to try to solve the mystery of why people are disappearing from the asylum.

I liked this version a lot, although I would have loved to see more about her life after she started to accept her disability. I liked how the author didn't try to fix Barbara like other comics had done in the past. Not only did they not try to fix Barbara, but they gave all the characters shown to have a range of emotions. Overall, it was a good book and it was well executed as the art style also tended to reflect the tone of the story.

pantsreads's review

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4.0

I love the agency that the disabled characters in this book have, and really enjoyed this new version of Babs Gordon's life.

Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.

ogreart's review against another edition

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4.0

Another variation on a DC superhero coming of age. The reboot of Oracle was interestingly done. The characters were real to me. Another reintroduction of a character to a new generation.

owlyreadsalot's review

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3.0

I'm really liking the young adult versions of many of these DC characters. Barbara's beginnings were a definite plus. There were a few times that the book seemed to jump a bit in events, such as the moment Barb becomes paralyzed. But, it does right itself as the story progresses, with many flashbacks from her. Those first few pages also showed an attitude driven character, but with what Barb's gone through, it made sense for everything else that was to come.

Another part that I really enjoyed, were the illustrations in this novel. The style is not always one I go for, but there are different variations in here. Plus, it includes images like that above, which really added another nice touch to it all. It really told a story, and gave the reader a feel for things. Much of that, was pertaining to the facility Barb was admitted to. But, there is another moment in here with the cutest illustrations, but spookiest stories, about a girl, ghosts, dolls, and much more.

For those particular images, you'll have to venture into the novel. Believe me, there are more than a few that make this story unique. It was those added illustrations, and creepy tales, that kept me reading. Sometimes, without them, it might have felt a bit flat with all the goings. And, if you're here for an action packed story, this might not be where to start. But, if you're here for Barb's story and how it all came full circle, then this is the novel for you. I'm glad to have had the chance to read it!

***I received this copy from DC Comics, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

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