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Stage Dreams
In this rollicking queer western adventure, acclaimed cartoonist Melanie Gillman (Stonewall Award Honor Book As the Crow Flies ) puts readers in the saddle alongside Flor and Grace, a Latinx outlaw and a trans runaway, as they team up to thwart a Confederate plot in the New Mexico Territory. When Flor―also known as the notorious Ghost Hawk―robs the stagecoach that Grace has used to escape her Georgia home, the first thing on her mind is ransom. But when the two get to talking about Flor's plan to crash a Confederate gala and steal some crucial documents, Grace convinces Flor to let her join the heist.
104 pages, Library Binding
First published September 3, 2019
21 people are currently reading
2719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
July 5, 2019
This was super quick and charming and I liked it a heckin' ton. My heart!
September 24, 2020
If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "Man, there really aren't enough queer AF westerns in the world, are there?" (I have!), let me tell you, Stage Dreams is everything you've been looking for. It follows the heist of a Latinx woman and her new captive-turned-friend, a lovely trans southern belle escaping her father's wishes that she join the Confederate army. While the story takes place during the Civil War, not much of it actually focuses on that element; primarily, we're here to watch two ladies break into a party, steal a map, and fall in love in the process. It's cute, it's heartwarming, the art is lovely, and I enjoyed it so much.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 16, 2019
my name is chandler ainsley and it has been 0 days since my last cry
i really didn't expect an auto- download graphic novel from netgalley to get me in my feelings but here we are.
it's a hundred pages of wild western goodness with a trans woman main character and a POC woman main character and it was just so fucking cute. no transphobia or homophobia AT ALL in here and the relationship that developed was just so damn cute.
i went in to this with no expectations which i think enhanced my enjoyment of this. it is VERY short so if you're looking for tons of character development or a slow burn romance you're going to be disappointed but if you're just looking for a f/f good time this is fantastic. HIGHLY recommend.
i really didn't expect an auto- download graphic novel from netgalley to get me in my feelings but here we are.
it's a hundred pages of wild western goodness with a trans woman main character and a POC woman main character and it was just so fucking cute. no transphobia or homophobia AT ALL in here and the relationship that developed was just so damn cute.
i went in to this with no expectations which i think enhanced my enjoyment of this. it is VERY short so if you're looking for tons of character development or a slow burn romance you're going to be disappointed but if you're just looking for a f/f good time this is fantastic. HIGHLY recommend.
October 27, 2021
I had to draw a bunch of horses for this book, and despite that I STILL like it.
June 9, 2020
3.5 stars
this was really charming i wish it was longer tho :(
this was really charming i wish it was longer tho :(
June 12, 2019
I read a few reviews for this graphic novel across the blogosphere and was interested in it, especially because I’m always on the lookout for new discoveries. And I don’t think I’ve ever read a western, so I decided to give it a try.
As it’s just 100 pages long, I didn’t expect a lot of plot or character development, just something fun - and it totally delivered on that aspect. Grace is a trans southern belle running from her family because she doesn’t wanna fight in the war and has dreams of her own, while Flor is the stylish queer Latinx outlaw who robs stagecoaches and wants to save money for a secure future. Though Flor kidnaps Grace, they eventually settle on a plan to work together and what follows is a cute adventure of their own where they discover some truths about themselves and develop feelings in the process. This story is hella cute and sweet, and so full of acceptance that it made me very happy. The art style is also very unique, and while I didn’t know anything about how colored pencil art would work for a graphic novel, it’s perfect here. The color palette and style feel very appropriate for the dry New Mexico setting, while also giving out a cutesy vibe. And I especially loved the cotillion gowns.
Finally, I just wanna say that if you love westerns or queer graphic novels, you should definitely check this one out because it’ll leave you with a big smile on your face. Just go into it without any expectations and ready to have a rollicking time.
As it’s just 100 pages long, I didn’t expect a lot of plot or character development, just something fun - and it totally delivered on that aspect. Grace is a trans southern belle running from her family because she doesn’t wanna fight in the war and has dreams of her own, while Flor is the stylish queer Latinx outlaw who robs stagecoaches and wants to save money for a secure future. Though Flor kidnaps Grace, they eventually settle on a plan to work together and what follows is a cute adventure of their own where they discover some truths about themselves and develop feelings in the process. This story is hella cute and sweet, and so full of acceptance that it made me very happy. The art style is also very unique, and while I didn’t know anything about how colored pencil art would work for a graphic novel, it’s perfect here. The color palette and style feel very appropriate for the dry New Mexico setting, while also giving out a cutesy vibe. And I especially loved the cotillion gowns.
Finally, I just wanna say that if you love westerns or queer graphic novels, you should definitely check this one out because it’ll leave you with a big smile on your face. Just go into it without any expectations and ready to have a rollicking time.
March 27, 2023
A fun, affirming graphic novel about a queer outlaw and a trans gal who fled the Army going on a mission to steal secrets from the Confederacy. After the outlaw kidnaps the deserter. It's a bit of an awkward meet-cute, but it works! Love to see a historical story with diversity, and both characters really come alive. I read this back in 2020, then reread it recently in 2023 and enjoyed it possibly even more.
October 14, 2020
So sweet and wholesome!!
I just wish it was longer 😭😭 the ending was too abrupt for me, I would have loved to see more of Flor and Grace's adventures!
And the history nerd in me really appreciated the author's historical notes. ❤️
Content warning: racism, sexism, violence (mild), transphobia (implied)
*Book #3 for the Graphics A Thon
I just wish it was longer 😭😭 the ending was too abrupt for me, I would have loved to see more of Flor and Grace's adventures!
And the history nerd in me really appreciated the author's historical notes. ❤️
Content warning: racism, sexism, violence (mild), transphobia (implied)
*Book #3 for the Graphics A Thon
May 29, 2022
more like 3.5 ⭐️!!
this was such a cute, quick read and i loved the explanations of historical references/accuracy at the back but i just wish it had been longer! more queer westerns/gfs doing heists please!!!
this was such a cute, quick read and i loved the explanations of historical references/accuracy at the back but i just wish it had been longer! more queer westerns/gfs doing heists please!!!
June 26, 2019
A cutesy story about a trans person named Grace who's kidnapped by a Latin stage coach robber named Flor. They eventually decide to rob some rich robber barons at a cotillion who are preparing to take the Civil War even more Westward. This is only the first volume and the main plot just starts as this ends. Most of the book is prologue establishing the characters and their personalities. As a cutesy, queer, historical romance, this works. However, as a historical novel itself, people are way too accepting of both gay women and trans people for this to feel realistic. That aspect of the book feels glossed over to keep the story positive. The colored pencil art works very well for a Western.
Received a review copy from Lerner and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Lerner and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
May 4, 2019
The ARC of this graphic novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stage Dreams is a little western graphic novel set in New Mexico. It’s basically the story of Flor, a Latinx outlaw that everyone knows as Ghost Hawk, and Grace, a trans runaway. The two girls crash a Confederate gala and steal an important map but the real plot of this book is the love story that blossoms between the main characters.
The illustrations are in colored pencil and even though it’s not my favorite I found them nice anyway.
I really wish there was more to read, I found the book a bit too short.
Stage Dreams is a little western graphic novel set in New Mexico. It’s basically the story of Flor, a Latinx outlaw that everyone knows as Ghost Hawk, and Grace, a trans runaway. The two girls crash a Confederate gala and steal an important map but the real plot of this book is the love story that blossoms between the main characters.
The illustrations are in colored pencil and even though it’s not my favorite I found them nice anyway.
I really wish there was more to read, I found the book a bit too short.
January 12, 2020
Fact - It is easier to purchase lesbian/gay erotica than LGBTQ graphic novels. It is different from my school days where more of my comics confiscated than totally not mine skin magazines.
This GN made it to www.advocate.com the best of LGBTQ Graphic Novels of 2O19 and thankfully the ebook is available on Google Play.
What impresses me the most is, Gillman is the author and illustrator for this. Picturing myself doing the same thing, the paper in the vintage typewriter will have Chapter One, typed repeatedly and the drawings will make people think that I'm a gifted newborn.
Gillman is a colored pencils artist and her illustration has the calmness vibe to it. The plot, a wild-wild west adventure between a transwoman, Grace and a villain turned sweetheart, Flo. These characters have interesting attributes but due to the length of the story, they aren't explored much, everything is on the surface only.
Not a disappointing GN and will get the author's other books, especially the Steven Universe ones.
This GN made it to www.advocate.com the best of LGBTQ Graphic Novels of 2O19 and thankfully the ebook is available on Google Play.
What impresses me the most is, Gillman is the author and illustrator for this. Picturing myself doing the same thing, the paper in the vintage typewriter will have Chapter One, typed repeatedly and the drawings will make people think that I'm a gifted newborn.
Gillman is a colored pencils artist and her illustration has the calmness vibe to it. The plot, a wild-wild west adventure between a transwoman, Grace and a villain turned sweetheart, Flo. These characters have interesting attributes but due to the length of the story, they aren't explored much, everything is on the surface only.
Not a disappointing GN and will get the author's other books, especially the Steven Universe ones.
May 17, 2019
That's it? Um... okay. (Maybe there's going to be a sequel or something. I sure hope so. Because this is not a complete story at all.)
While I appreciate the intent of this graphic novel, I'm not sure it worked for me. I had a similar issue with it that I did with Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker: believability. The issue isn't so much people believing Grace is a girl; there are plenty of examples throughout history that show that it isn't impossible. However, in this book, I felt like I had to suspend disbelief about the attitudes. Lip service is paid to the difficulties trans people might have faced (within their own families, mostly), but the ease with which everyone around Grace accepts her (despite the fact that she's drawn with fairly male-looking features in some parts of the book) just doesn't seem right. Like in The Prince and the Dressmaker, the reader seems to be expected to believe that historical attitudes toward trans and queer people were better--more accepting--than they are today. While I'm sure there were some people who would accept folks just the way they were, I kind of doubt it was the norm... and books like these seem to be glossing over what must've been some difficult (and potentially dangerous) times for those with differing gender identities.
The story (what there was of it, anyway; it seemed to end just as it was getting going) is fine. The illustrations are kind of neat, too. They're done with coloured pencil, which gives everything a dreamy sort of look.
I wouldn't mind reading another book about Flor and Grace (if there's going to be one), because Stage Dreams didn't really satisfy my hankering for a good story. I guess we'll see if the plot continues at some point...
Thank you to NetGalley and Graphic Universe for providing a digital ARC.
While I appreciate the intent of this graphic novel, I'm not sure it worked for me. I had a similar issue with it that I did with Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker: believability. The issue isn't so much people believing Grace is a girl; there are plenty of examples throughout history that show that it isn't impossible. However, in this book, I felt like I had to suspend disbelief about the attitudes. Lip service is paid to the difficulties trans people might have faced (within their own families, mostly), but the ease with which everyone around Grace accepts her (despite the fact that she's drawn with fairly male-looking features in some parts of the book) just doesn't seem right. Like in The Prince and the Dressmaker, the reader seems to be expected to believe that historical attitudes toward trans and queer people were better--more accepting--than they are today. While I'm sure there were some people who would accept folks just the way they were, I kind of doubt it was the norm... and books like these seem to be glossing over what must've been some difficult (and potentially dangerous) times for those with differing gender identities.
The story (what there was of it, anyway; it seemed to end just as it was getting going) is fine. The illustrations are kind of neat, too. They're done with coloured pencil, which gives everything a dreamy sort of look.
I wouldn't mind reading another book about Flor and Grace (if there's going to be one), because Stage Dreams didn't really satisfy my hankering for a good story. I guess we'll see if the plot continues at some point...
Thank you to NetGalley and Graphic Universe for providing a digital ARC.
September 3, 2019
What an absolute delight of a graphic novel!
I found this on a list of queer releases for the second half of the year and when I went to Netgalley and saw that it was Read Now, I picked it up immediately and I don't regret it one bit.
This is about a trans woman who gets kidnapped by a queer Latinx woman and the two end up working together. It's really, really cute, both the art and story and while this style might not be my favourite, I thought it fit the story incredibly well.
It was really lovely to read a story with two queer main characters in a Western adventure with there being absolutely no trans- or homophobia. On the contrary, even with the trans character being out to some people in the story, they didn't treat her any differently. And guess what, it didn't read unrealistic in any way, it was just feelgood.
I'd highly recommend this wonderful graphic novel, it made me smile so much and I hope we get more of these two!
♦ Booktube Channel ♦ Twitter ♦ Instagram ♦
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
October 6, 2021
rep: trans sapphic mc, Latina sapphic mc, Black side character
cannot believe u only need like two panels to show someone's support for a trans character!!
cannot believe u only need like two panels to show someone's support for a trans character!!
January 1, 2024
my final read of 2023 was this adorable lil historical graphic novel. it’s so heartening to see an androgynous brown bandit falling for a talented trans runaway in the late 19th century southwest.
we need these depictions of queerness in our past - especially when our heroes are fighting oppression!! so good!!
gillman's art is lovely, and i really appreciated the footnotes at the end of the book. they provide interesting historical context, and really show how much attention to detail went into the making of this book.
short and sweet and certainly recommended.
we need these depictions of queerness in our past - especially when our heroes are fighting oppression!! so good!!
gillman's art is lovely, and i really appreciated the footnotes at the end of the book. they provide interesting historical context, and really show how much attention to detail went into the making of this book.
short and sweet and certainly recommended.
June 5, 2019
Received Stage Dreams through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this graphic novel because of Chandler Ainsley on YouTube, and she made it sound so enticing and fun!
Which it definitely was!
Stage Dreams is a Western graphic novel set in New Mexico, featuring a wlw relationship and a main character who is trans. I love that diversity rep! Which is the main reason for my adoration of this book honestly.
The characters were definitely nice to read about but when a graphic novel takes twenty minutes to read as it's only 100 pages long, there isn't going to be much development in it. You go in probably knowing that. I do wonder if there will be more added to the story, and I hope there is! Generally it feels like it's left open and there isn't much of a plot.
These two women meet after Ghost Hawk 'kidnaps' her but then they go on an adventure together and then moves onto something cute and lovely.
I don't read much graphic novels so my review on them probably isn't great and doesn't have much in terms of content. I did like the art, which were drawings rather than high-en graphics! I felt like it added something into the story though, it helped the atmosphere and made the book enjoyable. I think if it were digitally created, it would have changed a lot of the graphic novel!
I picked up this graphic novel because of Chandler Ainsley on YouTube, and she made it sound so enticing and fun!
Which it definitely was!
Stage Dreams is a Western graphic novel set in New Mexico, featuring a wlw relationship and a main character who is trans. I love that diversity rep! Which is the main reason for my adoration of this book honestly.
The characters were definitely nice to read about but when a graphic novel takes twenty minutes to read as it's only 100 pages long, there isn't going to be much development in it. You go in probably knowing that. I do wonder if there will be more added to the story, and I hope there is! Generally it feels like it's left open and there isn't much of a plot.
These two women meet after Ghost Hawk 'kidnaps' her but then they go on an adventure together and then moves onto something cute and lovely.
I don't read much graphic novels so my review on them probably isn't great and doesn't have much in terms of content. I did like the art, which were drawings rather than high-en graphics! I felt like it added something into the story though, it helped the atmosphere and made the book enjoyable. I think if it were digitally created, it would have changed a lot of the graphic novel!
March 28, 2025
This was a super cute, super fast read. The art style was very cute and I really liked how the annotations in the back had so much historical information, including some historical trans figures.
I would've loved for this to be even a little bit longer or to see where they end up 🤭
I would've loved for this to be even a little bit longer or to see where they end up 🤭
March 15, 2020
Work has been so chaotic because of everything going on that I haven't had a chance to read and I just wanted a little pick me up, something quick that would make me smile. This didn't disappoint!!
The story was interesting and I genuinely liked it but it was definitely too short for me, I could have read a whole novel about these two characters! I want to know if their dreams came true or if they changed to something different, did Flor get her goat farm? Does Grace visit? Do they just continue being bandits and spies?? I wanna know!!
Imho the strongest part of this story is there references/resources in the end that the author did for different details and story elements. It was really cool to read the thought process between different elements, especially about the history of trans/two spirit ppl. I really enjoyed the attention to detail and care the author showed
This was cute and interesting and definitely worth checking out! It also took me like five hours to put the whole stage coach, acting stage title reference together...
The story was interesting and I genuinely liked it but it was definitely too short for me, I could have read a whole novel about these two characters! I want to know if their dreams came true or if they changed to something different, did Flor get her goat farm? Does Grace visit? Do they just continue being bandits and spies?? I wanna know!!
Imho the strongest part of this story is there references/resources in the end that the author did for different details and story elements. It was really cool to read the thought process between different elements, especially about the history of trans/two spirit ppl. I really enjoyed the attention to detail and care the author showed
This was cute and interesting and definitely worth checking out! It also took me like five hours to put the whole stage coach, acting stage title reference together...
September 10, 2019
Grace & Flor FTW.!
The history lesson at the end on transgender people who thankfully weren't completely erased from history like so many were, the inclusion of speaking about two-spirit people, speaking about how there were some southerners who were against the war but still pro-slavery, all the famous Civil War spies who were women and were successfulin part thanks to so much rampant sexism, all helped push this to a 5 star review.!
I need a #2 so I can continue to follow their wonderful love story.!
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher and the author through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
The history lesson at the end on transgender people who thankfully weren't completely erased from history like so many were, the inclusion of speaking about two-spirit people, speaking about how there were some southerners who were against the war but still pro-slavery, all the famous Civil War spies who were women and were successful
I need a #2 so I can continue to follow their wonderful love story.!
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher and the author through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
October 25, 2019
Pretty darn good LGBTQ+ western, but it seemed to introduce more concepts and potential storylines than this slight volume was able to pull off. Since it cannot be magically twice as long as it already is, I'd definitely like to see a sequel that could more fully address all the stuff Gillman brings up in their endnotes.
May 21, 2024
Ahhh this was great!! I just wanted it to be longer. It's a historical graphic novel with a trans femme MC and Latine lesbian MC.
February 19, 2022
2021 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Trans/Non-binary Rep
Read via library.
Read via library.
June 13, 2020
I was sent an eARC of this graphic novel through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
"To our queer and trans ancestors. Far too many of your stories were lost, but we remember you."
If that isn't a heartwarming dedication, I don't know what is.
First off, I absolutely loved the characters. I haven't read many books in a historical setting featuring queer characters, and I especially haven't seen a lot of transgender characters represented in a historical setting. The characters were both really lovable as well.
Unfortunately, the story itself, and especially the setting and the dialogues surrounding the political situation, really confused me. That's probably mainly me, because I'm not American and I just don't know have a lot of knowledge about this time period. But I still feel like the context could have been made clearer. It was very helpful to get a little more background info at the back of the novel, though!
Aside from this, this graphic novel is rather short, and to me, it felt like it was cut off rather abruptly. I loved the romance aspect of the novel, but as far as the plot goes, I don't think it was really finished or resolved or anything like that.
I did absolutely love the art work though. The characters were all so distinctive, and I loved the muted use of colours as well.
Rep: f/f romance, trans MC, brown queer MC, several black side characters
"To our queer and trans ancestors. Far too many of your stories were lost, but we remember you."
If that isn't a heartwarming dedication, I don't know what is.
First off, I absolutely loved the characters. I haven't read many books in a historical setting featuring queer characters, and I especially haven't seen a lot of transgender characters represented in a historical setting. The characters were both really lovable as well.
Unfortunately, the story itself, and especially the setting and the dialogues surrounding the political situation, really confused me. That's probably mainly me, because I'm not American and I just don't know have a lot of knowledge about this time period. But I still feel like the context could have been made clearer. It was very helpful to get a little more background info at the back of the novel, though!
Aside from this, this graphic novel is rather short, and to me, it felt like it was cut off rather abruptly. I loved the romance aspect of the novel, but as far as the plot goes, I don't think it was really finished or resolved or anything like that.
I did absolutely love the art work though. The characters were all so distinctive, and I loved the muted use of colours as well.
Rep: f/f romance, trans MC, brown queer MC, several black side characters
May 28, 2019
A queer western graphic novel is something I never knew I needed.
What an adorable read.
In only one hundred pages, Gilman made me shed tears four times.
Stage Dreams follows the adventure pursued by trans southern belle captured by a heist pulling POC woman. Saying anymore than that would spoil this beautiful story- so go ahead and read it!
The illustration is visually stunning. There is no transphobia or homophobia present, and in all honesty reading this gave me hope for a future where we accept those as they are.
The only reason this is not a five star read for me is that it seems slightly rushed. I am hoping for a sequel in the future!
I will definitely be purchasing upon release date.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What an adorable read.
In only one hundred pages, Gilman made me shed tears four times.
Stage Dreams follows the adventure pursued by trans southern belle captured by a heist pulling POC woman. Saying anymore than that would spoil this beautiful story- so go ahead and read it!
The illustration is visually stunning. There is no transphobia or homophobia present, and in all honesty reading this gave me hope for a future where we accept those as they are.
The only reason this is not a five star read for me is that it seems slightly rushed. I am hoping for a sequel in the future!
I will definitely be purchasing upon release date.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
Queer. Western. Graphic Novel.... Have I drawn you in yet? Relatively short for a graphic novel; Stage Dreams tells the story of a trans deserter who is kidnapped by an indigenous woman and her hawk. When Ghost Hawk realizes that Grace is trans, she isn't upset; in fact the two start to work together to steal maps and gold along their way to California. What neither of them expected was to start falling for each other. A super short, charming story that looks wonderful in colored pencil rather than the usual color of graphic novels.
June 13, 2025
Rep: Latine lesbian MC, trans femme MC.
This was excellent from start to finish!
This was excellent from start to finish!
June 15, 2025
It stopped right when I wanted it to keep goinggggg
October 13, 2019
Stage Dreams is a fun graphic novel that is a Western adventure centering the lives of people who have traditionally been on the fringes of or excluded from this part of history. A Latinx outlaw kidnaps a woman who turns out to be a trans runaway and they team up in this fast-paced story. Stage Dreams is thoughtful and includes fascinating notes about real trans people in history who are often erased from our conception of what things were like. My main complaint with this is that it's too short. I liked it, but I wanted a little more plot than what we got. That said, I think it's well-worth picking up and has a great message about how many parents really just want their children to be safe and happy.
August 23, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
actual rating 3.5
This was very cute although I really wish it had been a bit longer because everything seemed to move very fast and was a bit bare bones. Still, the art was the cute and the story was cute and it's nice to have a fun historical romance with lgbtq characters that just allows them to exist instead of focusing the entire story on how miserable they must be because ~historical accuracy~. I would definitely read a volume two if they are planning one.
actual rating 3.5
This was very cute although I really wish it had been a bit longer because everything seemed to move very fast and was a bit bare bones. Still, the art was the cute and the story was cute and it's nice to have a fun historical romance with lgbtq characters that just allows them to exist instead of focusing the entire story on how miserable they must be because ~historical accuracy~. I would definitely read a volume two if they are planning one.
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