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Sleepless, Vol. 1
(Sleepless #1-6)
by
Lady "Poppy" Pyppenia is guarded by the Sleepless Knight Cyrenic, but becomes endangered when an assassin threatens her life in the new king's reign. As Poppy and Cyrenic try to discover who wants her dead, they must navigate the dangerous waters of life at court, and of their growing feelings for one another.
Collects issues 1-6.
...more
Collects issues 1-6.
...more
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Paperback, 168 pages
Published
July 10th 2018
by Image Comics
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Start your review of Sleepless, Vol. 1

it has been a while since i read a graphic novel that i just fell in love with.
i really hope there are more issues of this soon
court intrigue + assassination plots + tender romance between the king's illegitimate daughter and her bodyguard + adorable pet fox ...more
i really hope there are more issues of this soon
court intrigue + assassination plots + tender romance between the king's illegitimate daughter and her bodyguard + adorable pet fox ...more

I love going to a book store or library and seeing staff picks. Very often, there are great stories on display there. I was looking around my library and the past few times in there I say this story by staff at the BCPL. I picked it up. It was a good story.
This is a fantasy story in a Kingdom with magic. A knight can take a vow to protect someone and the knight will no longer be able to sleep. The knight can guard 24 hours a day. I thought that was a very cool plot device.
Our main story follows ...more
This is a fantasy story in a Kingdom with magic. A knight can take a vow to protect someone and the knight will no longer be able to sleep. The knight can guard 24 hours a day. I thought that was a very cool plot device.
Our main story follows ...more

(Read as single issues.)
4.5 stars, happily rounded up.
I think this is one of my favorite new titles, and am bummed that I have to wait until SEPTEMBER for more.
For my money, this title should be getting readership that reaches "Saga" levels.
This is a low-key, charming fantasy tale with a focus on the characters (including a strong female protagonist) and some adept world-building woven in, and is (to my mind) accessible even to the non-fantasy readers out there.
And between this, "Eternal Empire" ...more
4.5 stars, happily rounded up.
I think this is one of my favorite new titles, and am bummed that I have to wait until SEPTEMBER for more.
For my money, this title should be getting readership that reaches "Saga" levels.
This is a low-key, charming fantasy tale with a focus on the characters (including a strong female protagonist) and some adept world-building woven in, and is (to my mind) accessible even to the non-fantasy readers out there.
And between this, "Eternal Empire" ...more

An historical fantasy graphic comics series, volume one, by the co-creator of Alex + Ada, Sarah Vaughan, illustrated by Leila del Duca. Princess Pyppenia (Poppy)is the “illegitimate” daughter of a recently deceased king, and someone wants to kill her. Her protector is Cyrenic, a member of a “sleepless” order; they don’t sleep, right, they are 24/7 protection. Her uncle, the new king, keeps her from returning to her home, Mribesh, and forces her to hang with his daughter, the next Queen. Poppy an
...more

Rep: non-white characters
WHAT THE FUCK
WHAT THE FUCK

3.5/5
The art is gorgeous. I really like both Poppy and Cyrenic. The idea of sleepless knights is really cool. With all of that said, I do think this volume needed to be longer - considering there's only going to be two in total - because it just felt like there was a lot that was left unexplored. I wanted a deeper look into the world. I wanted more of Poppy and Cyrenic's relationship history. More nuance to other characters. It's a beautiful graphic novel, and I did really like it, but it just f ...more
The art is gorgeous. I really like both Poppy and Cyrenic. The idea of sleepless knights is really cool. With all of that said, I do think this volume needed to be longer - considering there's only going to be two in total - because it just felt like there was a lot that was left unexplored. I wanted a deeper look into the world. I wanted more of Poppy and Cyrenic's relationship history. More nuance to other characters. It's a beautiful graphic novel, and I did really like it, but it just f ...more

1st read - March 2019
2nd read - May 2019
Poppy is the daughter of the former king and now that her uncle has been crowned her place in court is very precarious. She may be the old king's illegitimate child but in her mother's distant land she is still considered a princess and therefore has a lot of support, something the new king is not very happy about. Forced to stay at the court by her uncle the only person she can truly rely on is her Sleepless Knight Cyrenic, a man pledged to protect her fo ...more
2nd read - May 2019
Poppy is the daughter of the former king and now that her uncle has been crowned her place in court is very precarious. She may be the old king's illegitimate child but in her mother's distant land she is still considered a princess and therefore has a lot of support, something the new king is not very happy about. Forced to stay at the court by her uncle the only person she can truly rely on is her Sleepless Knight Cyrenic, a man pledged to protect her fo ...more

I was sucked in immediately by this fantasy story about the illegitimate daughter of a former king, Princess Pyppenia (Poppy), and her Sleepless protector knight, Cyrenic. Poppy has assassins after her after her uncle is crowned King. Her uncle prevents her returning to Mribesh, her home, and safety, instead ordering her to spend time with the legitimate princess, his daughter, who will eventually be Queen. Poppy and Cyrenic try to figure out who's attempting to kill her, while Cyrenic is starti
...more

Damn it legit left me on that cliffhanger?!?!
So two part review: writing and art.
I thought the writing was phenomenal! The plot and pacing of the story was on point and I was drawn into this world from the very first few pages. It’s highly political yet I never felt like I was drowning in the world building. A+ work!
Art:
I’m not a huge fan of the art style, I like more smooth and cute lines and brighter/saturated colors BUT the artistic storytelling was amazing! I love it when the art can tell th ...more
So two part review: writing and art.
I thought the writing was phenomenal! The plot and pacing of the story was on point and I was drawn into this world from the very first few pages. It’s highly political yet I never felt like I was drowning in the world building. A+ work!
Art:
I’m not a huge fan of the art style, I like more smooth and cute lines and brighter/saturated colors BUT the artistic storytelling was amazing! I love it when the art can tell th ...more

Court intrigue, assassination plots, magical cursed soldiers, gorgeous lush art, tender but possibly doomed romance... this graphic novel is so good! Centered on Lady Pyppenia, known as Poppy, the illegitimate daughter of the recently deceased king, as she finds herself in a precarious political position with the new king, her uncle. Her protector Cyrenic is one of the Sleepless, knights who accept a magical curse that allows them to stay awake twenty-four hours a day, but with a cost of eventua
...more

I loved this so much on my second read that I went from four stars to five. This has everything: interesting world-building! Great characters! Gorgeous art! A tight plot! Beautiful dresses! An amazing animal companion! This would work for anyone who likes fantasy or romance, even if they don't read very many graphic novels.
The end of this volume is shockingly good. (view spoiler) Let's hope the momentum carries through to the next. ...more
The end of this volume is shockingly good. (view spoiler) Let's hope the momentum carries through to the next. ...more

Jun 13, 2019
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
rated it
it was amazing
OH. MY. GODDESS!!!
THIS is the kind of #BlackGirlPrincessMagic everyone needs in their lives right now!!! The artwork alone has me wanting to give this ten stars. I mean LOOK at it! Look at how beautiful this couple is. You can tell from the hero's expression that he's ready to protect her at all costs.
This fed my love of everything magical, political intrigue, diverse world-building and swoon worthy romance all in one.
The Lady Pyppenia (known as Poppy) is the out of wedlock daughter of the form ...more
THIS is the kind of #BlackGirlPrincessMagic everyone needs in their lives right now!!! The artwork alone has me wanting to give this ten stars. I mean LOOK at it! Look at how beautiful this couple is. You can tell from the hero's expression that he's ready to protect her at all costs.
This fed my love of everything magical, political intrigue, diverse world-building and swoon worthy romance all in one.
The Lady Pyppenia (known as Poppy) is the out of wedlock daughter of the form ...more

Aug 08, 2018
Joel
added it
Slightly slow but intriguing start to a gorgeous new fantasy series. I loved the character work, and the worldbuilding is really well-handled, deft, assured, and free of infodumps. Eager to see where it goes.

This book felt intoxicating to read. Creepy-cool dark magic, dangerous courtly intrigue, swoonworthy romance - this story is SO my jam! Add in gorgeous, lush, vibrant artwork and I just felt like I was floating as I read - it thrilled me SO much.
I loved the romance between Lady Poppy (the illegitimate daughter of the last king, who has been left in great danger at court after her father's death) and her sleepless knight, Sir Cyrenic - but I also really loved all the different relationships amon ...more
I loved the romance between Lady Poppy (the illegitimate daughter of the last king, who has been left in great danger at court after her father's death) and her sleepless knight, Sir Cyrenic - but I also really loved all the different relationships amon ...more

Having really enjoyed Vaughn's Alex + Ada graphic novels, I had high hopes for this new story. Lady Pyppenia (Poppy), the illegitimate daughter of the recently deceased king, finds herself as a pawn in the court of the new king, her uncle. Her bodyguard, handsome Cyrenic, is one of the Sleepless: knights who accept a magical curse allowing them to stay awake twenty-four hours a day, eventually causing physical or mental collapse. Someone is out to kill her, as their feelings for one another ripe
...more

Sep 20, 2018
Meagan ✊🏼 Blacklivesmatter ✊🏼Blacktranslivesmatter
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
diverse-main-characters
This was so good! The ending was crazy! Like why would you do that, Poppy? 😕 I know tensions were high but....I can't wait until the next one!
...more

THIS IS VERY GOOD EVERYONE GO READ IT.
(It’s on hoopla and there are two volumes)
(It’s on hoopla and there are two volumes)

Woo hoo this was really fun! I love some good ol' fashioned court intrigue with just a dash of magic thrown in and then to make this extra awesome you've also got just killer illustrations and an gorgeous, multi ethnic cast of intriguing characters and just a tiny morsel of exquisite forbidden romance. Annnnnnddd there's a fox!!!!
The king has died in the kingdom of Harbeny and his brother sits on the throne. With the former king's death Lady "Poppy" Pyppenia, his illegitimate but much loved daug ...more
The king has died in the kingdom of Harbeny and his brother sits on the throne. With the former king's death Lady "Poppy" Pyppenia, his illegitimate but much loved daug ...more

This fantasy series has a solid and tantalizing start. While a little too heavy on court intrigue, there is enough action and romance to leave me hoping the second volume's release date is not too far away. The artist really helps set the tone and drive the story along dynamically.
...more

So... Poppy is The Most Gorgeous Person I Have Ever Seen.
You've heard of compulsively readable traditional novels. Compulsively watchable movies/TV. What's the term for a graphic novel??? Because that's what Poppy makes Sleepless omfg
Also that ENDING 😭😭😭😭 Reminds me of what happens to Jared and Kami (gosh I love these two) in Untold ...more
You've heard of compulsively readable traditional novels. Compulsively watchable movies/TV. What's the term for a graphic novel??? Because that's what Poppy makes Sleepless omfg
Also that ENDING 😭😭😭😭 Reminds me of what happens to Jared and Kami (gosh I love these two) in Untold ...more
![laurel [the suspected bibliophile]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1546974316p2/7494844.jpg)
This is so gorgeous.
The intrigue.
The politics.
The magic.
The artwork.
The fashion.
Real life image of me sliding up to Vol 2:
...more
The intrigue.
The politics.
The magic.
The artwork.
The fashion.
Real life image of me sliding up to Vol 2:


I’m swooning right now, kids. I’m having a hard time expressing myself beyond sighs, and I’m not sure how one spells a sigh. Is it just a bunch of h’s? Like Hhhhhhhhh? That doesn’t look right.
I also don’t know how to spell the sound of falling over (I know you think I covered “falling over” when I swooned, but imagine, if you will, a person swooning, then lying on the floor sighing, then getting back in her chair, and then falling out of it) because now I have to wait before I can read more abo ...more
I also don’t know how to spell the sound of falling over (I know you think I covered “falling over” when I swooned, but imagine, if you will, a person swooning, then lying on the floor sighing, then getting back in her chair, and then falling out of it) because now I have to wait before I can read more abo ...more

Beautiful art, great characters, interesting world-building, MEGA SEXUAL TENSION.
-Poppy is wise and beautiful and strong without being a fighter.
-Cyrenic has sort of a tragic Bucky Barnes thing going on, I'm into it, natch.
-Female friendships! Lots and lots of cliche-defying positive female friendships!
-I want a fennec fox for a pet; Poppy, girl, you have the best taste in pets, clothes, and men. I applaud you.
-Please give me volume two. ...more
-Poppy is wise and beautiful and strong without being a fighter.
-Cyrenic has sort of a tragic Bucky Barnes thing going on, I'm into it, natch.
-Female friendships! Lots and lots of cliche-defying positive female friendships!
-I want a fennec fox for a pet; Poppy, girl, you have the best taste in pets, clothes, and men. I applaud you.
-Please give me volume two. ...more

One of the strongest facets of this graphic novel is its attention to detail. Expressions are beautifully drawn--Poppy's emotions are so apparent, and though Cyrenic is a stoic character, his looks of reverence, anger, and piercing longing make his panels fascinating. I loved the fact that Cyrenic's sleeplessness has changed him physically to such a degree; the panels that contrast his previous appearance, with his former rich, dark complexion and bright eyes, to his current ashen pallor and gla
...more

Great art but a cliche ridden story made for an aight read.
World: The art is fantastic, it’s stylish and the characters are expressive and full of emotion. The link between the script and the art is done incredibly well with a lot of the unspoken words and emotions coming through in the art. However the lack of any splash pages and the action (when there was any) not being very kinetic did make those parts of it weak. The world building is okay, it’s a bit patchy and readers are thrown into the ...more
World: The art is fantastic, it’s stylish and the characters are expressive and full of emotion. The link between the script and the art is done incredibly well with a lot of the unspoken words and emotions coming through in the art. However the lack of any splash pages and the action (when there was any) not being very kinetic did make those parts of it weak. The world building is okay, it’s a bit patchy and readers are thrown into the ...more

4.5 stars.
A promising first volume with gorgeous art, complex political maneuvering, and well-realized characters. I can't wait to read the next chapters in this story. ...more
A promising first volume with gorgeous art, complex political maneuvering, and well-realized characters. I can't wait to read the next chapters in this story. ...more

Think Game of Thrones, but better in some key ways.
This lives in the same kind of universe as GoT (medieval fantasy).
Focuses on one central (not white) character, instead of weaving together many narratives.
There are political machinations, complicated family relationships, and a general lack of trust between characters.
I really enjoyed the clothes! The patterns on the clothes are shown in a way that I recognize from cheaply churned out Archie comics in my childhood - where the pattern doesn't ...more
This lives in the same kind of universe as GoT (medieval fantasy).
Focuses on one central (not white) character, instead of weaving together many narratives.
There are political machinations, complicated family relationships, and a general lack of trust between characters.
I really enjoyed the clothes! The patterns on the clothes are shown in a way that I recognize from cheaply churned out Archie comics in my childhood - where the pattern doesn't ...more
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Sarah Vaughn is an artist, writer, over-thinker. She's penciled Sparkshooter and is currently working with Jonathan Luna on Alex + Ada for Image Comics.
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