Despite her monstrous appearance, Iris has never felt like she belongs in a mansion filled with kelpies and gorgons and unicorns. She longs to find a family. Unfortunately, she and her housemates are trapped in a “foster home for horrors” run by former paranormal investigator Mr. Halloway. So, when a human boy named Mathias breaks the house’s sealing spell, Iris and her companions are set free upon the town of Dead End Springs.

What Iris doesn’t know is that Mathias is also a paranormal hunter (the kind who seeks to capture and destroy the horrors), or that there are other dangers ahead. As Iris searches for a home, she makes human friends, explores a brand-new world…and stumbles upon a dark secret that Halloway has kept locked in the basement of the house. Will this long-slumbering mystery destroy the family Iris so desperately seeks?

I loved this graphic novel. It was absolutely perfect for the fall season and Halloween. It was extremely seasonal because there was a harvest festival going on and people were dressing up in costumes. It was so much fun, and it also had a lot of heart and good lessons for kids. 

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! There was a good ratio of images to word bubbles. The colors are bright and vibrant. I loved looking at all the different monsters. It’s very creative and whimsical. 

There is quite a bit of depth to this story. I liked the messages about accepting and belonging, and not judging someone by their outer appearance. It’s also a story about forgiveness and second chances, as well as showing bravery and courage. I also loved the found family element with all of the horrors. There are some really good messages about friendships and loving yourself for who you are. 

I also appreciated how the ending was pretty epic, and it didn’t shy away from danger and risk. So many graphic novel endings are anticlimactic, and this one is not. There is a build-up, then an intense sequence, and then the resolution. It was very satisfying.

I really enjoyed all of the characters and would love to see another graphic novel in this world. This is one of the best graphic novels that I’ve ever read. Highly recommend!!