Bizenghast the Novel, Volume 1

I have never read a manga...ever. I enjoyed this book so much, I think I may have to pick one up to see what they're about. Writing was very descriptive and really drew me into the story. The characters were interesting and the storyline kept me enthused. Can't wait for the sequel!

I'm not a manga fan, nor had I read any of the Bizenghast books. On the recommendation of a friend, I picked up this book and was very pleasantly surprised. It's an excellent piece of fantasy writing. Although I usually don't like teenagers as main characters in fantasy, the author does a great job keeping them mature, clever and interesting enough throughout. Thorgersen writes with an easy flowing style and describes the myriad ghost-dream scenes very well without going overboard. I'm going to buy the first graphic novel now to see if my mental images match the artist's, and look forward to many sequels!

I had not heard of the Bizenghast magda, very rarely read fantasy, and if there is a primary demographic for the Bizenghast series, I do not fit into it. I brought the novel to a day of doctor appointments & decided to read a bit here and there to pass the time. I found myself being grateful for the long waits, as I became deeply involved in the lives and adventures of Dinah & Vincent in the strange town of Bizenghast. I would catch a few more pages anywhere I could... in the elevator, while waiting in the dentist chair, even a paragraph as my insurance information was processesed during checkout! Shawn Thorgersen has a gift of bringing characters to life and involving the reader with their challenges and triumphs. M. Alice LeGrow's storyline is creative, and though this is fantasy, it had me thinking about those who pass from this human life with troubled souls. Maybe there's a way we can reach to worlds beyond and shine the light of love and caring and release souls from bondage. I have not been on the edge of my seat (dentist chair) over a book in a long time. Thank you to the creator of Bizenghast, and the author of the novel for a captivating story and skillful & artistic modern writing. Two thumbs up from a 29-year-old musician/financial analyst!

I'm a fan of the original series, so I was looking forward to getting a sneak peek at the psychology of the main characters. This book did not disappoint, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting inside the heads of Dinah and Vincent. It was a treat to also get inside the heads of peripheral characters like Aunt Jane and Edrear, which was an unexpected surprise. I also enjoyed the new insights into the ghost's motivations. As much as I was looking forward to seeing the old ghosts from the manga novellized, I REALLY enjoyed the new ghosts that Thorgersen adds to the mix.

First of all, let's be clear. While I enjoyed the graphic novel, I enjoyed the book more. I can only imagine that if you love Bizenghast, you will love this book too. I'm embarrassed to say that I was actually somewhat reluctant to read the novel, as the manga it's based on is known primarily for its art and atmosphere. The story can be confusing, and the protagonist, Dinah... a bit weak and helpless for my tastes. So I was a bit concerned that reading the story of Bizenghast would be a disappointment without the beautiful art. I was wrong. THIS BOOK ROCKS! The advantage to reading the Bizenghast story in text form becomes clear right from the start- Thorgersen allows us to get inside the heads of the characters and see what they are thinking. While I always thought Dinah was a somewhat weak character (in the first graphic novel, at least), by hearing her inner monologue, I was actually able to watch her make the transition from a weak character to the strong protagonist she starts off as in Book Two. Dinah has a strong through-line, and even when she is on the side-lines is constantly developing as a character. Also, the story is makes more sense to me now. I understand more of the world of Bizenghast, and the rules that govern that reality. I expect that my next read of the Bizenghast graphic novel will be INFORMED by the novel in a way that will bring me more enjoyment on the next read. Plus, some cool new ghosts, and an awesome chapter with the four Tower Guards. I was actually wondering.... is it possible to get a manga adaptation of a book adaptation of a manga? LOL. Think about it, Tokyopop! Bizenghast: The Lost Chapters? ;) The book was a delight.