Lifted: Of Gods & Thieves [Shawn Pryor]

When I first read Lifted: Of Gods & Thieves by Shawn Pryor with Keith Cunningham and Chris Murrin, I remember enjoying it. The sad thing, though, is that I don’t really remember much else. And that’s the thing that bugs me. Despite the fact that I can generally tell you what this book is about, know what happened in the plot, and remember liking it but I’m not able to recall the character names or anything about their personalities off the top of my head doesn’t really bode well.

When it’s just okay

I think the thing that really hurt this graphic novel the most is the fact that it felt like a continuation of something rather than the first volume. I didn’t really feel like this was the first introduction of these characters. Rather, it seemed like a story where I should have already known everything about them and am now merely revisiting. That connection you expect the story to build between you and the characters? It wasn’t there.

I didn’t really leave this story wanting to know what happened next. I didn’t end reading it feeling thoroughly invested in the lives of the characters. And herein lies the biggest problem I had with this book. Where were the emotions I was supposed to feel? The plot was actually pretty decent and it was definitely exciting and full of high stakes. But nothing compelled me to seek out volume two, either.

Graphics

In a way, I feel like the artwork was similar to the story. I can’t recall ever feeling blown away by it. But I still liked it overall? Though nothing ever had me amazed or in love. In general, it felt similar to a movie that was enjoyable enough to watch that I didn’t regret spending my time with it but really had no intention of ever watching again. Both the story and the artwork felt like that.

This is kind of disappointing since I’m fairly certain the book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.

All in all, I wouldn’t say it was bad. I just wish I’d liked it more.