Short AF Book Review | Orla! | ARC Received By Netgalley

 Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Orla!" by John Lees. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"ORLA! is a romcom/creature feature mash - up about a lonely woman struggling to navigate the Seattle singles scene while sometimes turning into a man - eating monster.

Love is a monster, Orl Bard is an antique restorer, romance novel enjoyer and keen birder. She also believes in true love, continuing to navigate Seattle's singles scene despite repeated disappointment. But Orla has a secret. She is afflicted with The Ick, a man - eating monstrous entity dwelling inside her, who violently emerges whenever she gets to angry or afraid. Unable to rid herself of this curse, Orla uses The Ick to save other women by removing the scummiest men frot he dating pool... permanently. Hearts (and bodies) will be broken in this offbeat romcom/creature - feature mashup!"

I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read Orla! is because I saw this in Netgalley's graphic novel section and it looked like the perfect read for me. Friends, this graphic novel was such a fun, colourful and sometimes disturbing read. I love when horror mashes with comedy and this truly was the perfect blend of both the genres. I found it really easy to see myself and relate to parts of Orla, as I suspect most women will. I would 100% recommend reading up on the trigger warnings, as there are a few moments that could absolutely be triggering for some people. Most of the comic however, is lighthearted, and funny, and maybe just a little bit gory to top it all off. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who just wants a quick fun graphic novel to read. I definitely will be getting myself a physical copy when it's out!

I gave this a 4/5 star rating on Goodreads!

This book comes out on the 21st April 2026!

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!