Book review: The Tea Dragon Society

The Tea Dragon Society, by Katie O’Neill

Description: (from Goodreads)

From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

Also, from the author’s website:

The Tea Dragon Society is a webcomic created by Katie O’Neill, that upon completion will be published as a book by Oni Press. It follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.
It updates weekly, with a new page every Sunday evening (PST).
The comic will always be free to read online – if you would like to support me as I create it and receive exclusive sketches and phone wallpapers, you can do so on Patreon! Your generosity goes a very long way.

Publication date: October 31 2017.
A review copy (eARC) of this book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. Some things might change in the final copy.

What a pure, wonderful cosy graphic novel I just read! 

First of all, if a story about a young blacksmith apprentice, dragons, tea and TEA DRAGONS, does not appeal to you: what are you doing here? I’m kidding, but really, the first time I saw an artwork about tea dragons (I think it was some years ago on tumblr??) I was amazed at the idea, and fell in love with the art style.

The colours are so nice and soft and easy to look at, the light fantasy setting is adorable, the characters lovely and the whole thing is just delightfully atmospheric.

The queer love story isn’t as much the focus as it was in Princess Princess ever after (that I loved!) but was still there, still so very innoncent and precious. I loved the flashback to two older characters life in their youth and how they came to meet, and how one came to be in a wheelchair. This flashback is the only time there is a bit of action, the rest of the story is very calm, day-to-day life. This is a very calming and soothing story, that leaves the reader with a blissful smile. It mostly focuses on not forgetting old ways and traditions, to handing over the reins to a younger generation and above all: love, friendship and respect.

It is very light in world-building, but I enjoyed the little guide about the different tea dragons at the end. I was maybe hoping for a bit more, but the story is aimed at children/young teens and it was all very lovely done.

I’ll definitely keep on following Katie O’Neill’s work because it hits all the right notes for me!