Hunger's Bite

Starred review from October 28, 2024
Emery Botwright and bespectacled Neeta Pandey have lived most of their lives sailing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the ocean liner SS Lark. Cracks in the teens’ tight friendship begin appearing
as they near adulthood: Emery wants to follow his father’s captainship and remain aboard the Lark, while Neeta yearns to use the education she’s received as a ward of the Botwrights to make something of herself, and “it’s not going to be on this ship.” Everything changes when the Lark is bought by American Mr. Honeycutt. Neeta’s brother Aamir, who works as part of the waitstaff, says “greedy old miser” Honeycutt has “been changing the way
of everything just to pinch a few pennies.” But it soon becomes clear to Emery and Neeta that there’s something more sinister at play. As the truth behind Honeycutt’s schemes are revealed, Robin’s expressive art morphs to match the slowly shifting mood. What starts as a charmingly funny interpretation of diverging adolescence evolves into a feverish nightmare that uses abstract paneling and character designs to examine capitalism and greed, resulting in a jumps-off-the-page thrill ride. The Pandeys are of Indian heritage; other main characters cue as white. Ages 13–17. Agent: Kurestin Armada, Root Literary.

December 15, 2024
In the early 20th century, a young woman yearns for greater mysteries and adventures than she can find aboard ship, but when a new owner takes over, there may be more of both than she's ready for. Neeta Pandey, who's of Indian descent, grew up on theLark as the ward of the British captain and in the company of his son, her best friend Emery Botwright. Neeta's late mother was Emery's ayah, so Capt. Botwright favored her, paying her school tuition and offering her a room on the ship during holidays; her brother, Aamir, meanwhile, works in the galley. Tired of the crossing between Liverpool and New York, she dreams of going on a grand tour of Europe after she graduates. But Emery is ready to follow in his father's footsteps--and he wants Neeta with him. When Mr. Honeycutt, the crass, sexist new owner from America, arrives, the friends are driven further apart. The wealthy first-class passengers seem unaffected, but Neeta can see that the staff and crew are suffering under Honeycutt's harsh ways. Neeta turns to mysterious passenger Warwick Farley, who shares her concerns, and together they try to figure out the terrible things happening aboard theLark. This satisfying graphic novel, which is lightly infused with horror elements, has dynamic illustrations that feature an effective use of color to evoke mood. The themes of class and power imbalances are masterfully handled and timely. Most characters present white. Atmospheric and compelling. (playlists)(Graphic supernatural. 14-18)

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Starred review from February 1, 2025
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Neeta has dropped a serious bombshell on best friend Emery as they guess the titles of first-class passengers--she yearns to travel and is set to make her dreams come true. Emery would much rather they stay together on the SS Lark, the ocean liner that has been their home for a number of years. Emery may just get his wish when the off-putting, sharp-toothed Mr. Honeycutt purchases the SS Lark and takes over management. Luckily, vampire and paranormal investigator Wick Farley is on the case, growing wearier and more involved (a big no-no according to his higher-ups) as crew members, including Neeta's older brother, start collapsing from exhaustion. Neeta and Wick form a hesitant alliance, much to Emery's chagrin, leaving Emery to be pulled into the oppressive and haunting grasp of Mr. Honeycutt. Robin uses a dazzling palette of jewel tones and startling shifts into Picasso-like cubism to convey the perspectives of those falling under Mr. Honeycutt's influence, all of which will draw readers in and creep them out. The plot is propulsive without cutting substance-- an excellent narrative on the struggles of transcending social classes while loved ones struggle is handled with care and integrity. Robin's debut shines with its excellent color choices, robust onomatopoeia, and perfect balance of creepy and touching. And for the sea-weary, never fear, Robin's next work (a sequel?) will be set on a train.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from March 1, 2025

Gr 7 Up-Life on the Lark is flipped upside down for the passengers and crew when the predatory American vampire Mr. Honeycutt buys the ship and takes over operations. Emery, the captain's son, and his best friend Neeta, a previously welcomed stowaway, notice how the ship's employees, Neeta's brother included, are pushed past the brink of collapse under this new leadership. Desperate for answers, the crew partners with a private investigator to unravel Honeycutt's sinister plans. Together, they must work to save the crew and working class passengers from being cast into the fiery maw of the boiler to satisfy Honeycutt's insatiable greed. Robin offers an exciting adventure and explores themes like the impact of greed and power. Characters are well-developed and diverse perspectives are considered in this menacing tale of hunger for more. The horror elements within the illustrations are chilling and add to the draw of this text. The cartoon art style coupled with the colors to enhance the tone and mood of each spread creates an immersive, nightmarish experience for readers. The sinister, contrasting art style used for characters during a personality shift is horrifically magnificent. VERDICT This harrowing story of survival and justice is a feast for horror enthusiasts and lays the groundwork for a sequel.-Angie Jameson

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