Uptown Oracle Reads… The Night Mother Vol 1 by Jeremy Lambert | Unveiling the Shadows

Dive into the shadows of “The Night Mother Vol 1,” a graphic novel that weaves a tapestry of gothic allure and vibrant folklore. Authored by Jeremy Lambert with mesmerising illustrations by Alexa Sharpe, this book invites readers into a darkly enchanted world where the stakes are as high as the night sky. Join young Madeline Tock as she confronts a celestial antagonist with the power to alter the very fabric of night and day.

The Night Mother by Jeremy Lambert

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Endless night befalls a sleepy seaside town, leaving it to young Madeline Tock to save her community from a threat known only as the Night Mother . . .

The moon is stuck like a broken clock in the midnight sky, the sun a distant memory. No one in this quiet seaside town can remember how long this unnatural darkness has lasted. No one, that is, except for the curious girl who lives in the graveyard, caring for the dead: twelve-year-old Madeline Tock. In gratitude, the departed whisper their worries to her, sounding just like her overprotective but loving father: beware this endless night and she who causes it.

Because there’s someone else who can hear the whispers, too . . . someone whose gown is a map of the cosmos, hair a tangled constellation, eyes like the lights of faraway stars. The Night Mother. Her elemental duty is to gather the souls of the dead in her lantern, then send them to their eternal rest as beautiful moonlight. But when her hunger for power drives her to take souls from the living, Madeline bravely stands up to defend her town and those she loves. Can Madeline help bring back the sun, or will she be lured by the starry promises of this mysterious woman?

In the haunting embrace of “The Night Mother Vol 1”, Jeremy Lambert crafts a narrative woven with the threads of gothic mystery and celestial wonder, beautifully illustrated by Alexa Sharpe. This graphic novel introduces us to Madeline Tock, a young guardian of the dead, living in a town smothered by an unyielding night, tasked with facing the enigmatic Night Mother.

Madeline serves as our eyes and ears, a bridge between the reader and the eerie world of the novel. Her innocence and resolve make her a compelling protagonist. Barnabus Tock, her father, is a beacon of love and protection, whose depth is slowly unfurled through secrets that shape the narrative. Nura, a newcomer, initially seems like she’s there for support but ends up showcasing her own strength and complexity, promising more layers to be revealed in future volumes. The Night Mother, reminiscent of Coraline’s Other Mother but with a grander cosmic role, is both fascinating and frightening as she manipulates the celestial cycle to harvest souls.

The plot is a tapestry of classic Neil Gaiman and the whimsical pathways of Neil Gaiman’s “Stardust”, marked by an art style that evokes a “Coraline”-like eeriness. Each page is a piece of folklore brought to life, with the storyline guiding us through dark revelations and gripping twists, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next volume.

Sharpe’s illustrations are nothing short of captivating—each panel enriches the tale’s dark folklore vibes and breathes life into Lambert’s chilling narrative. The character designs, especially the creepier ones, add layers of depth to the already rich story, enhancing the folklore and fairytale essence that permeates the pages.

Central to the story is the concept of family—how bonds of love and duty hold stronger than those of blood alone. This theme resonates deeply through the interactions between Madeline and her father, highlighting the realness and warmth of adopted families.

“The Night Mother Vol 1” is a compelling start to what promises to be a deeply engaging series. It is perfect for those who love their fantasy with a touch of nightmarish beauty and those who find solace in stories of the night sky. For anyone who cherishes stories like “Coraline” or enjoys the mystical flow of “Stardust”, this graphic novel is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Dive into this eerie adventure and let yourself be swept away into the night that Madeline battles to save.

Positives of The Night Mother

• Captivating characters: Madeline and Barnabus Tock bring depth and relatability.
• Enthralling art style: Alexa Sharpe’s illustrations are beautifully gothic and atmospheric.
• Engaging storyline: Combines elements of folklore with a suspenseful plot.
• Rich themes: Explores meaningful concepts like the value of chosen family.
• Promising setup: Ends on a cliffhanger that promises more intriguing developments.

Negatives of The Night Mother

• Predictable plot points: Some twists may seem obvious to seasoned readers.
• Limited setting: Most of the story unfolds in one locale, which might feel restrictive.

“The Night Mother Vol 1” serves as a stellar beginning to what promises to be a gripping series. With its rich blend of eerie aesthetics and a heart-pounding narrative, it stands as a testament to the power of graphic novels to tell complex and mature stories through the artful interplay of words and images. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, folklore, or just looking for a beautifully crafted tale that explores the depths of family and courage, this book is a compelling addition to your reading list. Keep an eye on the night sky – and this promising series!

I received The Night Mother by Jeremy Lambert from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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