Early Reader Review: Lights by Brenna Thummler

Source: From Netgalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Lights by Brenna Thummler 

Series: Sheets #3
Publisher:  Oni Press
Publication Date:  September 6, 2023

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Following Brenna Thummler’s bestselling and critically acclaimed graphic novels Sheets and Delicates, Marjorie, Eliza, and Wendell the ghost are back to uncover the secrets of Wendell’s human life in the third and final heartwarming installment of the Sheets trilogy.

Marjorie Glatt’s life was forever changed the day she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat. One of those ghosts was Wendell: a lonely phantom turned Marjorie’s best friend. When he and Marjorie are joined by ghost-enthusiast Eliza Duncan, the three friends band together in friendship, bravery, and all things paranormal.

Wendell died far too young and now must wander the Land of Humans with nothing more than a sheet for a body. He knows how he died—a tragic drowning accident—but lately he’s grown curious about his past life. He wants to know more about why he died, not just how he died. It’s not easy, though, since Wendell’s memory of his human life has grown increasingly blurry. With Marjorie and Eliza’s help, they set out on a journey to find out more. When they hear a rumor about Wendell’s death, they wonder if it might not have been an accident after all. Meanwhile, Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship is tested when Marjorie starts to befriend the very people who used to bully Eliza.

In the third and final installment of the Sheets trilogy, Wendell will finally uncover the truth of his human life. Marjorie and Eliza will learn that some people really can change. Most of all, they start to see that everything can cast shadows, but if you look hard enough, you can find the light.

Review: 

I can't believe this is the final installment to the Sheets series. I have loved following Marjorie and Wendell, and later Eliza too. 

Throughout the series their friendships are strong and they are so real with each other which is so nice. These books deal with a lot of heavy issues like loss, grief, depression, and more, and this one is no different. This tends to be a darker series, so please be aware that this installment talks about death.

In this installment, we get some closure for Wendell and learn more about his life before he was a ghost. We knew he had drowned but not the circumstances around his death, so Marjorie and Eliza are trying to help him remember more. Their friendship is threatened along the way though. There were times when I wasn't a fan of how Marjorie and Eliza acted toward one another, they both seemed a little shady, but I also think that in the end they did ok coming back together. 

The overall story is heart-warming and easy to follow, even with the time jumps throughout. The illustrations are well done again with pastel colors and it is a pretty book.