Bizenghast: The Novel Volume 1 (Paperback)

~ (Author), M. Alice LeGrow (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With two of the four Tower Guards to aid them, Dinah and Vincent are halfway to freedom from their nightly tasks. But a new set of vicious ghosts is only the first of many dangers for the pair--and even the help of the gallant Edrear might not be enough to protect the humans from becoming part of the ranks of the departed themselves. Jealousy, bitterness and resentment keep the dead from finding peace, but what happens when those emotions start to affect Dinah and her comrades? And as more of the mystery of Addie Clark is revealed, Dinah may discover that there are some creatures that even the dead fear... "The next great fantasy series!" â€"ign.com As seen on Teen People's Hot List! --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop; First Printing edition (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1427810303
• ISBN-13: 978-1427810304
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,230,142 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent fantasy work, even for non-Bizenghast fans, November 4, 2008

By	D. R. Schechter - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hoping for a sequel or two or three to Bizenghast the Novel, October 6, 2008

By	T. R. Clark "growin' gal" (Nomad of the USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for Bizenghast fans!!!!, August 13, 2008

By	Laurence Brenner (Manhattan, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.