Nimona

by Noelle Stevenson, ND Stevenson
Nimona cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8958
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-19
  • ISBN: 9780062278227
  • Publisher: HarperTeen
  • Published: 2015-05-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Nimona is a graphic novel debut from Noelle Stevenson, based on her popular web comic. It features an exclusive epilogue and bonus conceptual sketches not seen in the web comic. The story follows Nimona, an impulsive young shapeshifter with a talent for villainy, and Lord Ballister Blackheart, a villain seeking revenge. Together, they aim to prove that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his allies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics are not the heroes they appear to be. As their mission escalates from small acts of mischief to a full-blown battle, Lord Blackheart discovers that Nimona's powers are as mysterious as her past. Her unpredictable nature may pose a danger that even he is unwilling to acknowledge. With its sharp wit, vibrant artwork, and complex characters, Nimona offers a fresh and exciting take on the classic hero vs. villain narrative.

Reviews
FunFandomBlog · 2023-09-11
enjoyable 4.50

Despite its melancholic undertones, the story is engaging and evolves into a deeper narrative. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a standout read.

This reviewer found Nimona to be a delightful read that balances humor and melancholy beautifully. They appreciated how the story, which initially appears to be a simple fantasy romp, slowly unfolds into a more complex and emotionally resonant narrative. The characters and their interactions are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of depth to the story. The reviewer also praised the unexpected emotional depth, which adds a unique touch to the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Despite the unexpected melancholy, I highly enjoyed Nimona.

    What looks from the outside to be a simple fantasy romp actually develops slowly but surely into a deeper narrative.

    The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a standout read.

The Books Are Everywhere · 2022-09-11
fun 4.00

They loved the found-family aspect and character interactions, despite minor criticisms. The story is fun and engaging, with strong emotional moments.

This reviewer had a lot of positive things to say about Nimona, particularly the found-family theme and the interactions between characters. They found the story to be fun and engaging, with a lot of heart and humor. While there were a few minor criticisms, such as some pacing issues, these were overshadowed by the overall enjoyment of the book. The emotional moments are particularly well-handled, adding depth and resonance to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and their relationships are a highlight of the story. Overall, it's a book that delivers on both entertainment and emotional impact.

Quick quotes

    Nimona is a fun story that has a great found-family component and interactions that I loved!

    The emotional moments are particularly well-handled, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

    The characters are well-developed and their relationships are a highlight of the story.

My Book Joy · 2020-10-05
impressive 5.00

They were pleasantly surprised by the book's sweet and savage nature, finding it to be much more than expected. The story is both heartfelt and emotional, turning fantasy hero stereotypes on their heads.

This reviewer was thoroughly impressed by Nimona, describing it as much more than they initially expected. The book's unique blend of sweetness and savagery is a standout feature, making it a compelling and memorable read. They appreciated how the story subverts traditional fantasy hero stereotypes, adding a fresh and innovative perspective to the genre. The emotional depth and heartfelt moments are particularly noteworthy, making the characters and their journeys resonate deeply. Overall, it's a book that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    So much more than I expected, and so sweet and savage that I absolutely loved it!

    The story subverts traditional fantasy hero stereotypes, adding a fresh and innovative perspective to the genre.

    The emotional depth and heartfelt moments are particularly noteworthy, making the characters and their journeys resonate deeply.

SFF Book Reviews · 2016-02-25
subversive 4.75

The story is brilliantly subversive and sharply irreverent, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The blend of science and symbolism adds depth to the narrative.

This reviewer praises Nimona for its brilliantly subversive and sharply irreverent approach to storytelling. They found the blend of science and symbolism to be particularly intriguing, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciated the unique characters and their dynamics, which contribute to the story's overall appeal. The irreverent humor and emotional depth make it a memorable read, standing out in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson.

    The story is not only witty but also emotional and had a incredibly interesting setting and plot.

    Nimona has oodles of charm and a ton of heart.

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