A review by obscurepages
The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor

challenging emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Is this a ghost story? Definitely, yes. But is this also a significant story tackling the importance of mental health and establishing boundaries, while also touching on people's outlook on death itself? Oh, absolutely.

This graphic novel is just so precious and so surprising 🥺 I knew I'd be getting a peculiar, paranormal story (the MC is literally a ghost therapist 😆), but I wasn't prepared for how profound it was going to be. It touched on a lot of important topics, the main ones being mental health advocacy and establishing boundaries. Dorian communicates with the dead and helps them move onto the afterlife, but in doing so he's also sacrificing a part of himself and his own mental health. This isn't exactly healthy, and definitely not in real life for us. I just really loved how the whole story doubles down on that and the readers get to realize that along with Dorian.

Also love the little bit of mythology and lore in this story! Ghosts, banshees, Death's door, Grim Reaper? I love it. Also there is a ghost cat, that's a whole star, right there. 😂

And of course the romantic subplot! It wasn't too major or anything, but it was so cute and sweet? I also saw from the author that the MC is bi/ace so that's also a wonderful surprise 🥹

As for the art and color, AMAZING. I did notice the art tend to be a bit blurry? But maybe that's just my e-arc, ofc that might not be final. But the art and style is so good, and I have no trouble following the dialogue and conversations between two or more characters. Also the character designs are incredible!

I could also argue that this isn't YA but maybe more on NA, just based in the characters since they seem older (but not yet middle aged). Overall, this was just a wholesome treat, and everything wrapped up nicely for me.

Exact rating: 4.00⭐️

Thank you so much to the publisher (Penguin Teen) and NetGalley for this e-arc! 

CW: death, grief, trauma, discussions about mental health/burnout, diseases, injuries, blood
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