Morgana and Oz

Gr 6 Up--The Winterberry family of witches have long been at odds with the Red Vampire Clan. However, after decades of feuding, the night has finally come for the two rival groups to sit down and try to broker some peace. When mysterious happenings and misunderstandings cause the sit-down to go horribly wrong, Morgana Winterberry and Red Vampire Clan member Oz are forced to work together to try and prevent the two families from completely destroying each other. The popular Webtoon finally makes its print debut. Lead, titular characters have charming chemistry (not to mention relatable teenage imperfections), and their potential paranormal romance weaves its way through the expected speed bumps. Miyuli adeptly makes clear that there's legitimate hostility between the warring factions, while keeping depictions of said aggressions completely inoffensive. Artwork is light and uncluttered, giving it a clean appearance that younger readers will enjoy visually. The narrative, though similar to other YA read-alikes, still has a compelling feel to it that will generate interest in future releases. Whether for the romantic, fantasy, or paranormal angle, youth librarians should be able to find multiple reading factions that will delight in this web favorite's print debut. VERDICT While this graphic novel will inevitably bring to mind other paranormal romances, its great art, identifiable characters, and interesting plot and conflict will make it a hit with readers.--Joe Pascullo

A witch and a vampire-turned-cat team up in this compilation of entries from a popular WEBTOON comic series. Morgana only wants her magic to not be so erratic; it'd be nice to actually get a spell right once in a while. Her family has more ambitious aspirations, however: Her mom wants peace between the witches and a dangerous vampire clan. Their relationship has been tense for some time, but when an attempt at conciliation goes south, the problems escalate. In the chaos, Morgana accidentally transforms one of the vampires, Oz, into a little white, red-eyed cat. Turning him back, when she can't even manage making tea, might be tough, and Oz's clan thinks he's been kidnapped and won't let this go. Between possible traitors and a brewing war, Morgana must do her best to help Oz so she can help her family. As the stakes rise, vampires start becoming sick with a craving for witches' blood, thanks to a curse supposedly inflicted on them by Morgana's family. Morgana doesn't know what to do, or whom to turn to. Could a mysterious new arrival be an ally? The adorable full-color art in contrasting tones of purples, rich browns, and pastels portrays scenes that are at times laugh-out-loud funny. Morgana is a sweetly naïve protagonist, and the intrigue is engrossing. An adorable adventure with a thrilling ending: Readers will be excited for the next volume.(Manga. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.