Chris Gooch, notable Australian graphic novelist, presents us with a coming-of-age-sci-fi-graphic horror novel. Precocious tween Hailey is none too happy when her mother drops her off at a shabby holiday childcare location—a neglected mall.  It is a really creepy derelict place, but Hailey is not to be deterred, especially when she meets Jen, who will lead her into some of the more harrowing places in the complex. They soon discover otherworldly creatures that might be a threat to humanity, but it is their growing friendship that gets them through it all.

This book is for all the kaiju monster story readers, all the independent graphic novel readers, and all the bildungsroman readers. Graphic design art lovers will love its stylishly limited color palette. All horror readers will swoon over the friendship between a deadpan tween and mysterious teenager in a decaying mall. Chris Gooch scores high points in portraying what it is like growing up in all of its often gross dinginess and in portraying racial diversity. When you suddenly find a true friend, it makes a monumental difference in your life. This coming-of-age novel will conjure up memories in adults who may have forgotten what it is like to be at that vulnerable point in your young life.

What I’m saying is: if you like monsters and female friendships and graphic novels, I think you’ll like this book. If you like well-drawn characters and hints of larger stories, I think you’ll like this. And, hand to heart, if more of you don’t read this soon, I am going to become absolutely insufferable.