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Clara & the Devil, Volume 1
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26The devil has come to town. And he wants a library card. Star author Olivie Blake and artist Little Chmura kick off a deliciously dark graphic novel romance series with Clara & the Devil, Volume 1.
Clara has the rest of her life figured out. She’ll graduate college with the support of her best friend, Jonah; marry her adoring boyfriend; take a full-time job at her local library; and settle down in her small seaside hometown. But when an unusual tourist―tall, dark, and infernal―comes to town, Clara’s careful plans quickly start to unravel.
And even while the stranger, who openly calls himself the devil, strikes up a situationship with Jonah, he continues to tempt Clara with reckless talk of power, ambition, and lust. Over the course of one sultry summer, tensions between Clara, Jonah, and the devil mount to an intolerable degree, and Clara is forced to confront the desires she’s kept secret her whole life, even from herself.
This deliciously dark tale of Faustian bargains and seduction from New York Times–bestselling author Olivie Blake and fan-favorite artist Little Chmura kicks off a series that explores artistry and power through the temptation of the seven deadly sins.
Clara has the rest of her life figured out. She’ll graduate college with the support of her best friend, Jonah; marry her adoring boyfriend; take a full-time job at her local library; and settle down in her small seaside hometown. But when an unusual tourist―tall, dark, and infernal―comes to town, Clara’s careful plans quickly start to unravel.
And even while the stranger, who openly calls himself the devil, strikes up a situationship with Jonah, he continues to tempt Clara with reckless talk of power, ambition, and lust. Over the course of one sultry summer, tensions between Clara, Jonah, and the devil mount to an intolerable degree, and Clara is forced to confront the desires she’s kept secret her whole life, even from herself.
This deliciously dark tale of Faustian bargains and seduction from New York Times–bestselling author Olivie Blake and fan-favorite artist Little Chmura kicks off a series that explores artistry and power through the temptation of the seven deadly sins.
176 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
3 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Olivie Blake
49 books17.3k followersOlivie Blake is the pseudonym of Alexene Farol Follmuth, a lover and writer of stories, many of which involve the fantastic, the paranormal, or the supernatural, but not always. More often, her works revolve around what it means to be human (or not), and the endlessly interesting complexities of life and love.
Olivie has penned several indie SFF projects, including the webtoon Clara and the Devil with illustrator Little Chmura and the viral Atlas series. As Follmuth, her young adult rom-com My Mechanical Romance releases May 2022.
Olivie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and new baby, where she is generally tolerated by her rescue pit bull.
Olivie has penned several indie SFF projects, including the webtoon Clara and the Devil with illustrator Little Chmura and the viral Atlas series. As Follmuth, her young adult rom-com My Mechanical Romance releases May 2022.
Olivie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and new baby, where she is generally tolerated by her rescue pit bull.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 3, 2025
At this point I'll read anything Olivie Blake writes.
This is a graphic novel with beautiful illustrations by little chmura, who I already love from other olivie books, and the usual gorgeous writing. This talks mainly about sex and power, and it is SO. GOOD.
It's a quick read, only 180 pages, and so worth it. If you like Olivie's book go for it, you won't regret it.
Thank you Netgalley and First Second Books for the ARC.
This is a graphic novel with beautiful illustrations by little chmura, who I already love from other olivie books, and the usual gorgeous writing. This talks mainly about sex and power, and it is SO. GOOD.
It's a quick read, only 180 pages, and so worth it. If you like Olivie's book go for it, you won't regret it.
Thank you Netgalley and First Second Books for the ARC.
Want to read
December 13, 2025this really is going to be my entire personality upon release :]
November 4, 2025
Olivie Blake is an amazing storyteller and you have to just trust the process with her work. I think that's always the fun bit about reading something Olivie Blake wrote, because you are often sitting there going "what is happening?!" "where is this going?!" or "what's going on!!!!". I devoured this in one sitting and couldn't pull my eyes away from my screen. The pages are filled with gorgeous watercolor styled art that left me in awe. I kept looking at all the small details on each page, and I already want to go back and reread to appreciate the stunning work on all the pages. I didn't realize there was going to be multiple volumes for this story, and I am excited to see where this all goes!
Thank you so much netgalley and First Second books for the e-arc! <3
Thank you so much netgalley and First Second books for the e-arc! <3
January 1, 2026
The art in this is phenomenal. It wouldn’t be as impactful had it not been a graphic novel. I loved the story of Clara, and the Devil. I loved how mysterious he was and how he was able to tell Clara and Jonah what they wanted before they knew it. It was so captivating. I read this book in one sitting and it left me wanting more.
•• Spoilers ••
The transformation that I got to see unfold through the pages was beautifully thought through. Seeing the similarities between desire and power and watching Clara tow that line, wrestling with herself and what she truly wants. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out
•• Spoilers ••
The transformation that I got to see unfold through the pages was beautifully thought through. Seeing the similarities between desire and power and watching Clara tow that line, wrestling with herself and what she truly wants. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out
December 6, 2025
I love Olivie Blake’s writing and I am so happy her and little chmura ended up doing this graphic novel. Typical Olivie Blake fashion you hate but love all the characters (maybe some more than others lol) this was a really good story about power love and sex. I recommend to anyone who loves her writing! I can’t wait for Volume 2! Thank you Netgalley and First Second Books for the e arc!
October 6, 2025
It's a tale as old as time, the Devil seducing an unsuspecting soul into sin. But is that such a terrible thing, when the Devil perceives the truth you conceal?
Little Chmura's art goes perfectly with the eerie yet enthralling story that Blake has written. I'm in love with the way the art is designed, esp with the color palette and piercing eyes.
This is a really excellent first hook for the series, and I am reminded that I'll need to actually get to all of the Olivie Blake books on my tbr.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Little Chmura's art goes perfectly with the eerie yet enthralling story that Blake has written. I'm in love with the way the art is designed, esp with the color palette and piercing eyes.
This is a really excellent first hook for the series, and I am reminded that I'll need to actually get to all of the Olivie Blake books on my tbr.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
November 8, 2025
This was definitely not for me.
Clara lives in a small town and works as an assistant librarian while finishing up college. She’s been dating her high school sweet heart, Andrew, for seven years and they’ve been waiting until marriage to have sex. She has a best friend, Jonah, who she obviously has a crush on.
I would say everything goes downhill after she meets the devil, Nick, but really she’s rough from the start. The first chapter is her talking about how she essentially likes to put other people down (in her head) to make herself feel better - she looks for the flaws in everyone. I mentioned earlier that she has a crush on Jonah, which is insanely obvious by the way she thinks about him and the general fact that she talks more about him than her longtime boyfriend Andrew. The devil getting added into the mix really just exacerbates the whole situation. She ends up cheating on Andrew with the devil and Jonah. Cool.
To me, the devil tempting you is such a poor excuse for pursuing your dreams in this fashion and cheating. I absolutely hated Clara from start to finish. If we ignore the characters, I’d say the inner monologue was rough too: “I’m twenty-one and not dead so I went to a party…”. I’m not that much older than Clara but that’s never been close to my mentality. I even grew up in a small town. I don’t know what to say other than I wouldn’t recommend this series - sorry.
Thank you First Second Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Clara lives in a small town and works as an assistant librarian while finishing up college. She’s been dating her high school sweet heart, Andrew, for seven years and they’ve been waiting until marriage to have sex. She has a best friend, Jonah, who she obviously has a crush on.
I would say everything goes downhill after she meets the devil, Nick, but really she’s rough from the start. The first chapter is her talking about how she essentially likes to put other people down (in her head) to make herself feel better - she looks for the flaws in everyone. I mentioned earlier that she has a crush on Jonah, which is insanely obvious by the way she thinks about him and the general fact that she talks more about him than her longtime boyfriend Andrew. The devil getting added into the mix really just exacerbates the whole situation. She ends up cheating on Andrew with the devil and Jonah. Cool.
To me, the devil tempting you is such a poor excuse for pursuing your dreams in this fashion and cheating. I absolutely hated Clara from start to finish. If we ignore the characters, I’d say the inner monologue was rough too: “I’m twenty-one and not dead so I went to a party…”. I’m not that much older than Clara but that’s never been close to my mentality. I even grew up in a small town. I don’t know what to say other than I wouldn’t recommend this series - sorry.
Thank you First Second Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
I firmly believe Olivie Blake’s name belongs across every body of literature in existence, so of course, a comic book series by THE Olivie Blake is an instant hit. True to form, she delivers a quick-witted, seductive story about sex and power; the kind of tale that revels in the irresistible allure of breaking free from life’s neatly packaged expectations and the power that comes from indulging, fully and unabashedly, in temptation and desire.
I always say this, but the art!? The art! Little Chmura's breathtaking illustrations are always a delight to bear witness to. Every panel is rich and dripping with the kind of moody intensity this story demands. The synergy between Blake's voice and Chmura's visuals is nothing short of magic. This is a promising start to a series that is sure to be wickedly addictive. Bring on Volume 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and the First Second Books team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I always say this, but the art!? The art! Little Chmura's breathtaking illustrations are always a delight to bear witness to. Every panel is rich and dripping with the kind of moody intensity this story demands. The synergy between Blake's voice and Chmura's visuals is nothing short of magic. This is a promising start to a series that is sure to be wickedly addictive. Bring on Volume 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and the First Second Books team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2025
The art is gorgeous but I'm really not sure what this book is supposed to be about. Not sure if I'll read volume 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for this eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for this eARC!
October 30, 2025
Clara is stronger than I am. If the Devil came in to get a library card I would fold immediately.
Clara has a straightforward life with a boyfriend and a job at the library, and that's enough for her. Enough, but only until the Devil comes town, in search of a library card and...something else.
It's no secret that I'm an Olivie Blake fanboy so when I saw she was putting out a graphic novel with art by Little Chmura I was sat. Sure enough, volume 1 is the start of a pulse-pounding story about desire and power, with all of the weirdness I've come to expect from Olivie Blake. I know this is a silly thing to put in a review but the color palette! The art is really gorgeous–kind of uncanny at points but I think that fits the story.
I look forward to the next volume and Olivie Blake continuing to put out crazy, awesome books!
Thank you to Olivie Blake and 23rd St. Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Clara has a straightforward life with a boyfriend and a job at the library, and that's enough for her. Enough, but only until the Devil comes town, in search of a library card and...something else.
It's no secret that I'm an Olivie Blake fanboy so when I saw she was putting out a graphic novel with art by Little Chmura I was sat. Sure enough, volume 1 is the start of a pulse-pounding story about desire and power, with all of the weirdness I've come to expect from Olivie Blake. I know this is a silly thing to put in a review but the color palette! The art is really gorgeous–kind of uncanny at points but I think that fits the story.
I look forward to the next volume and Olivie Blake continuing to put out crazy, awesome books!
Thank you to Olivie Blake and 23rd St. Books for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
November 4, 2025
Overall, this was an okay read. The art is very unique with its watercolors and near minimalism; it's frequently very gorgeous. However, neither the plot or characters really grabbed me. There's potential here, but I don't think this series is for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the review copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the review copy!
October 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
I really enjoyed the artwork it was very captivating and tasteful. The plot was also very fast paced, at first I didn't know where we were going but I really liked it. It wasn't what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley!
I really enjoyed the artwork it was very captivating and tasteful. The plot was also very fast paced, at first I didn't know where we were going but I really liked it. It wasn't what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley!
November 10, 2025
not for me at all :/
this was sooo underwhelming. very much a no plot just vibes type of book, but the vibes are nowhere near good enough to carry the story. this desperately needed more plot and depth and development
i will keep picking up everything olivie blake writes just because of how much i adored alone with you in the ether but i fear that might have been a one time thing for me 😭
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
this was sooo underwhelming. very much a no plot just vibes type of book, but the vibes are nowhere near good enough to carry the story. this desperately needed more plot and depth and development
i will keep picking up everything olivie blake writes just because of how much i adored alone with you in the ether but i fear that might have been a one time thing for me 😭
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
October 7, 2025
5 ★
♡︎ Book Summary ♡︎
Clara seems to have her life mostly planned out: finishing college, settling down in her seaside hometown, working at the library, marrying her boyfriend, and leaning on her best friend Jonah for support. But things get complicated when a very unusual visitor shows up: tall, dark, and openly calling himself “the devil.”
This “devil” doesn’t come simply as a threat; he brings temptation, ambition, power, and lust & begins to unravel Clara’s carefully constructed path. Jonah and Clara are pulled into tense, morally grey spaces: the devil strikes something like a “situationship” with Jonah, yet also draws Clara toward desires she has long suppressed or ignored. Over a single sultry summer, tensions escalate between Clara, Jonah, and the devil, forcing Clara to confront parts of herself she didn’t realize were buried.
✍︎︎ Review ✍︎︎
Olivia Blake’s writing + Little Chmura’s illustrations created a compelling, haunting, seductive tone. The art supports the story by blending sensuality and darkness, making the supernatural feel plausible and emotionally resonant.
I loved that the story explored what it costs to resist or embrace deep desire. Clara’s gradual internal purge of comfort zones and her confrontation with ambition (and what ambition might require) gives the story weight beyond just romance or fantasy.
❌ I wish it was longer! I wasn’t ready for it to end. Can’t wait for the next volume!!
❌ While sex is frequently mentioned, there’s zero spice. I was 100% okay with this but this is a note to readers. But trust, it brings all the tension and lust!
Overall, Clara & the Devil Volume 1 is enticing and rich: it offers beautiful art, compelling stakes, and a provocative flirtation between what’s safe and what’s dangerous in human longing. It leans on atmosphere and tension more than tidy closure, setting up questions more than answering them; which is fitting, given its themes of temptation, ambition, and what we suppress in ourselves. Highly recommend!
✔︎ TL;DR
❥ Graphic Novel / Dark Romance / Fantasy
❥ Internal conflict & complex emotions
❥ Lush & beautiful illustrations
❥ Seductive & High tension
Thank you, First Second Books | 23rd St & NetGalley for my gifted advanced book copy. All my reviews are my own opinion. 💕
IG
Storygraph
Amazon
♡︎ Book Summary ♡︎
Clara seems to have her life mostly planned out: finishing college, settling down in her seaside hometown, working at the library, marrying her boyfriend, and leaning on her best friend Jonah for support. But things get complicated when a very unusual visitor shows up: tall, dark, and openly calling himself “the devil.”
This “devil” doesn’t come simply as a threat; he brings temptation, ambition, power, and lust & begins to unravel Clara’s carefully constructed path. Jonah and Clara are pulled into tense, morally grey spaces: the devil strikes something like a “situationship” with Jonah, yet also draws Clara toward desires she has long suppressed or ignored. Over a single sultry summer, tensions escalate between Clara, Jonah, and the devil, forcing Clara to confront parts of herself she didn’t realize were buried.
✍︎︎ Review ✍︎︎
Olivia Blake’s writing + Little Chmura’s illustrations created a compelling, haunting, seductive tone. The art supports the story by blending sensuality and darkness, making the supernatural feel plausible and emotionally resonant.
I loved that the story explored what it costs to resist or embrace deep desire. Clara’s gradual internal purge of comfort zones and her confrontation with ambition (and what ambition might require) gives the story weight beyond just romance or fantasy.
❌ I wish it was longer! I wasn’t ready for it to end. Can’t wait for the next volume!!
❌ While sex is frequently mentioned, there’s zero spice. I was 100% okay with this but this is a note to readers. But trust, it brings all the tension and lust!
Overall, Clara & the Devil Volume 1 is enticing and rich: it offers beautiful art, compelling stakes, and a provocative flirtation between what’s safe and what’s dangerous in human longing. It leans on atmosphere and tension more than tidy closure, setting up questions more than answering them; which is fitting, given its themes of temptation, ambition, and what we suppress in ourselves. Highly recommend!
✔︎ TL;DR
❥ Graphic Novel / Dark Romance / Fantasy
❥ Internal conflict & complex emotions
❥ Lush & beautiful illustrations
❥ Seductive & High tension
Thank you, First Second Books | 23rd St & NetGalley for my gifted advanced book copy. All my reviews are my own opinion. 💕
IG
Storygraph
Amazon
November 19, 2025
Thank you to 23rd St. and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am frothing at the mouth and need volume 2 in my possession stat!!
I love Olivie Blake and her writing. This was so much fun to read, and I love how there’s always more meaning beyond the surface. I’m so interested to see where she takes the storyline. Clara lives in her small town when the Devil comes to town. Her small, quiet world is slowly rattled by his suggestions and offers. She feels drawn to him, as does her best friend.
The artwork was absolutely stunning as well! Once this releases (5/5/26), I will love having a copy!! Put this on your TBR now!
CW: sexual content
I am frothing at the mouth and need volume 2 in my possession stat!!
I love Olivie Blake and her writing. This was so much fun to read, and I love how there’s always more meaning beyond the surface. I’m so interested to see where she takes the storyline. Clara lives in her small town when the Devil comes to town. Her small, quiet world is slowly rattled by his suggestions and offers. She feels drawn to him, as does her best friend.
The artwork was absolutely stunning as well! Once this releases (5/5/26), I will love having a copy!! Put this on your TBR now!
CW: sexual content
November 27, 2025
Clara and the Devil Volume 1 follows Clara, a young woman who works in a library. Her world is turned on its head one day when the devil comes in looking for a library card.
This was fantastic. The art is absolutely breathtaking. Every page was stunning. This is a graphic novel that truly takes a story and mixes it with imagery in a perfect balance. The storytelling itself is a bit sparse but so much of it is told through the art. This was truly a treat to read and look at and I can’t wait until I have a physical copy in my hand.
This was fantastic. The art is absolutely breathtaking. Every page was stunning. This is a graphic novel that truly takes a story and mixes it with imagery in a perfect balance. The storytelling itself is a bit sparse but so much of it is told through the art. This was truly a treat to read and look at and I can’t wait until I have a physical copy in my hand.
January 2, 2026
Was excited to receive an ARC of this graphic novel! Olivie Blake has become one of my favs and this book was a weird and wild ride.
Clara & the devil follows Clara, her best friend Jonah, and their experiences with Nick aka the devil. This book at its core is about sex, power, lust, and emotion. It’s very metaphorical. It’s also very dark and eerie. The art style is very grim and oddly beautiful. When I first started it I felt very unsure - but I’m glad I stuck with it and really enjoyed the visual, dark, powerful experience!
Clara & the devil follows Clara, her best friend Jonah, and their experiences with Nick aka the devil. This book at its core is about sex, power, lust, and emotion. It’s very metaphorical. It’s also very dark and eerie. The art style is very grim and oddly beautiful. When I first started it I felt very unsure - but I’m glad I stuck with it and really enjoyed the visual, dark, powerful experience!
October 3, 2025
Thank you to First Second Books and NetGalley for the arc!
4.25 stars
This was a really interesting graphic novel! I love Olivie Blake's full-length novels, and I really enjoyed this as well. Additionally, I loved Little Chmura's illustrations; they're absolutely gorgeous. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume in this series!
4.25 stars
This was a really interesting graphic novel! I love Olivie Blake's full-length novels, and I really enjoyed this as well. Additionally, I loved Little Chmura's illustrations; they're absolutely gorgeous. I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume in this series!
November 12, 2025
3.5⭐️
Graphic novels are still very new to me but this one was quick, captivating, and beautiful. I loved the art so much and the story was short but good. The Devil as a character is always enjoyable and this novel definitely played with him tempting people into desires that they maybe should have followed all along. Quick read, and excited this is a first volume!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Graphic novels are still very new to me but this one was quick, captivating, and beautiful. I loved the art so much and the story was short but good. The Devil as a character is always enjoyable and this novel definitely played with him tempting people into desires that they maybe should have followed all along. Quick read, and excited this is a first volume!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Read
October 7, 2025Gorgeous illustrations, and a gripping story and setting. It does feel like the story only really gets going as you reach the end of the volume, but such is the way of the comicbook/ graphic novel format I suppose.
November 9, 2025
Do you like Romantasy? Do you like Graphic Novels? If you answered yes, you need to read this ASAP!
Wow just Wow is all I can say. The illustration is stunning & the story straight up seduction. It left me breathless & dying for volume 2!
Wow just Wow is all I can say. The illustration is stunning & the story straight up seduction. It left me breathless & dying for volume 2!
October 5, 2025
I forgot how much I like Olivie Blake’s writing! There’s this very specific flow to it that really sets it apart. There’s narration is basically ripped from her books. It pare well with the art style. Clara has these lovely, wide doe eyes and an ingénue stare. The titular devil is appropriately handsome and of course into books. But, for what purpose? You can probably play a drinking game with the sheer amount of times the devil does a sexy sunglass pull. The only drawback that I can see would be the prominent love triangle. If you’re fatigued of that aspect maybe skip this for the authors other works.
Thanks to Netgaley and the publisher First Second Books for the digital review copy!
Thanks to Netgaley and the publisher First Second Books for the digital review copy!
November 1, 2025
In Clara & The Devil the Devil comes to Clara’s town, visits her library and corrupts the souls of the innocent. I was somewhat underwhelmed with the plot or lack there of. What held my interest was the beautiful artwork.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2026
I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Olivie Blake, and Pan Macmillan for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Clara & the Devil: Collection One will be out May 5, 2026!
Immediately I have to say how gorgeous this watercolor design is. It’s a perfect balance of unsettling and eye catching so huge props to Little Chmura for how visually stunning this first collection is.
Clara & the Devil follows our narrator Clara who notices the Devil has come to visit her small hometown and is hooking up with her best friend Jonah. Clara works as a librarian and is deeply unsatisfied: with her longtime relationship, with her job, with her life. While I’ve only read the sampler, from what I read I found Clara to be very boring and unlikable. Pacing as well was a bit all over the place, with not much happening after 60 pages.
Again, this review is largely based on what was provided to me, so from my initial reading I am interested to see why Clara is even involved as all. Jonah, handsome golden boy in their small town, is the Devil’s main target from what we see in Clara’s point of view and he is very quickly tempted and seduced which is huge for how Clara describes their small minded small town.
Keen to see where this story goes, I hope it changes my mind as I walked away wishing the story was just between these two handsome interesting men.
Immediately I have to say how gorgeous this watercolor design is. It’s a perfect balance of unsettling and eye catching so huge props to Little Chmura for how visually stunning this first collection is.
Clara & the Devil follows our narrator Clara who notices the Devil has come to visit her small hometown and is hooking up with her best friend Jonah. Clara works as a librarian and is deeply unsatisfied: with her longtime relationship, with her job, with her life. While I’ve only read the sampler, from what I read I found Clara to be very boring and unlikable. Pacing as well was a bit all over the place, with not much happening after 60 pages.
Again, this review is largely based on what was provided to me, so from my initial reading I am interested to see why Clara is even involved as all. Jonah, handsome golden boy in their small town, is the Devil’s main target from what we see in Clara’s point of view and he is very quickly tempted and seduced which is huge for how Clara describes their small minded small town.
Keen to see where this story goes, I hope it changes my mind as I walked away wishing the story was just between these two handsome interesting men.
November 3, 2025
This was my first-ever graphic novel, and I absolutely devoured it in one sitting! The art was stunning and I can. Not. Wait. to have a physical copy so I can admire and reread it over and over again.
The story itself was just as captivating. The Devil comes to town offering sex and power, serving as this sharp, clever metaphor for capitalism, the patriarchy, and all the other power structures we’re trapped within. It was such a fun and layered read.
Anyway, I love Olivie, this was absolutely stunning, and you should 100% grab yourself a copy!
The story itself was just as captivating. The Devil comes to town offering sex and power, serving as this sharp, clever metaphor for capitalism, the patriarchy, and all the other power structures we’re trapped within. It was such a fun and layered read.
Anyway, I love Olivie, this was absolutely stunning, and you should 100% grab yourself a copy!
November 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this graphic novel. I adored the gorgeous watercolor style illustration of this graphic novel. I found the plot quite dark, but Olivie Blake is a master of writing unlikable yet troublingly relatable characters. I hated when I felt myself sympathize with Clara, yet also felt seen in a level. This whole story of a small town taken in by the devil feels tragic, but I couldn’t put it down. I’ll be anticipating the next volume.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clara and the Devil is an intriguing and quietly unsettling graphic novel about a young girl who works in the library of her small town, and the Devil, who unexpectedly comes in for a library card. What begins as a strange curiosity soon turns into something darker: a tale about temptation, loneliness, jealousy and the quiet dread of looking too closely into yourself.
The first thing that stood out for me was the art. It doesn’t follow the traditional structure or layout of a graphic novel, and while the style can feel inconsistent at times, it’s also really captivating. The visuals enhance the story’s unsettling atmosphere, making the whole experience feel like drifting through a dream, the kind where something always feels just slightly off.
The narration is another standout element. There’s a lyrical, almost hypnotic quality to the writing that mirrors the Devil’s quiet persistence and Clara’s growing unease. The story itself doesn’t dive particularly deep, it feels more like a mood piece than a fully developed narrative, but since this is only the first volume, there’s a sense that the story is just beginning to unfold. I did really enjoy the ending, though; it was the conclusion I didn’t even realize I wanted until it happened.
This graphic novel won’t be for everyone. Its pacing, tone, and unconventional style make it a very specific kind of read, it's haunting, quiet, and strange. But for readers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and art that feels just a little unsettling, it’s a captivating first volume that promises more to come. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next.
The first thing that stood out for me was the art. It doesn’t follow the traditional structure or layout of a graphic novel, and while the style can feel inconsistent at times, it’s also really captivating. The visuals enhance the story’s unsettling atmosphere, making the whole experience feel like drifting through a dream, the kind where something always feels just slightly off.
The narration is another standout element. There’s a lyrical, almost hypnotic quality to the writing that mirrors the Devil’s quiet persistence and Clara’s growing unease. The story itself doesn’t dive particularly deep, it feels more like a mood piece than a fully developed narrative, but since this is only the first volume, there’s a sense that the story is just beginning to unfold. I did really enjoy the ending, though; it was the conclusion I didn’t even realize I wanted until it happened.
This graphic novel won’t be for everyone. Its pacing, tone, and unconventional style make it a very specific kind of read, it's haunting, quiet, and strange. But for readers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and art that feels just a little unsettling, it’s a captivating first volume that promises more to come. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next.
January 9, 2026
I don’t need to even see this already 5 stars my baby is coming to life.
Update finished it and as a lover of the originals this artwork is so so so good I can’t even. It’s Olivie at her finest and I love the conversation around becoming MORE and wanting more. I can’t recommend this enough (as I always have) and I cannot wait for the next volume. Clara I love you ❤️💕
Update finished it and as a lover of the originals this artwork is so so so good I can’t even. It’s Olivie at her finest and I love the conversation around becoming MORE and wanting more. I can’t recommend this enough (as I always have) and I cannot wait for the next volume. Clara I love you ❤️💕
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clara works at her seaside small town's local library, administering new membership cards, while she completes her undergrad degree alongside the since-high school boyfriend she's had since high school. It's a small, quiet life she has planned, but that's fine. Until one day the Devil comes to town and wants a library card. Over the course of that summer, Clara is tempted by the Devil's talk of power and lust, until finally she must confront desires she's hidden even from herself.
I'm at the point in my life where I'll read just about anything that Olivie Blake writes, which is not a bad place to be. The front half was a mixed bag for me, but a strong second half did a lot of making up for it. Overall, there's a lot of introspection and internal monologue from Clara compared to dialogue. It goes a long way toward establishing Clara as a character, particularly since all those silly little assumptions Clara holds about herself and her life are going to be blasted wide open. The downsides are that 1) it significantly slows down the pace of the first half of the story and 2) it means we didn't get much of the crackling, delicious dialogue that Blake does so well in her non-graphic novels and that I very much wanted here. This was perhaps the biggest weakness for me.
The second half picks up in intensity, however, once Clara begins to recognize her desires and succumbs to the Devil. Yes, Clara, it's okay to be horny! Embrace it! Dump that boyfriend while you're at it!
I have to say, though, the star of this collaboration is definitely artist Little Chmura, whose work here is absolutely brilliant. Lush, intense, dramatic, sensual, and exactly as moody and dark as I desperately hope the story itself is going to become, A stunning use of that red-orange color to draw and direct the eye.
Side note: I am very glad to have known upfront that this is volume 1 in a series. If I had finished the book with THAT ending under the assumption that this was a completed story, I may have rioted.
Side note #2: If Clara doesn't f*ck the Devil by the end of this series, I will definitely riot. I have my fingers crossed and my hopes moderately high since "romance" is both in the book description and listed as a category for it.
Rating: 👍🏻 (liked)
Thanks to First Second Books and Netgalley for the eARC, which is out on 05/05/26!
I'm at the point in my life where I'll read just about anything that Olivie Blake writes, which is not a bad place to be. The front half was a mixed bag for me, but a strong second half did a lot of making up for it. Overall, there's a lot of introspection and internal monologue from Clara compared to dialogue. It goes a long way toward establishing Clara as a character, particularly since all those silly little assumptions Clara holds about herself and her life are going to be blasted wide open. The downsides are that 1) it significantly slows down the pace of the first half of the story and 2) it means we didn't get much of the crackling, delicious dialogue that Blake does so well in her non-graphic novels and that I very much wanted here. This was perhaps the biggest weakness for me.
The second half picks up in intensity, however, once Clara begins to recognize her desires and succumbs to the Devil. Yes, Clara, it's okay to be horny! Embrace it! Dump that boyfriend while you're at it!
I have to say, though, the star of this collaboration is definitely artist Little Chmura, whose work here is absolutely brilliant. Lush, intense, dramatic, sensual, and exactly as moody and dark as I desperately hope the story itself is going to become, A stunning use of that red-orange color to draw and direct the eye.
Side note: I am very glad to have known upfront that this is volume 1 in a series. If I had finished the book with THAT ending under the assumption that this was a completed story, I may have rioted.
Side note #2: If Clara doesn't f*ck the Devil by the end of this series, I will definitely riot. I have my fingers crossed and my hopes moderately high since "romance" is both in the book description and listed as a category for it.
Rating: 👍🏻 (liked)
Thanks to First Second Books and Netgalley for the eARC, which is out on 05/05/26!
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