Les Normaux by Janine Janssen ~ a Review

by MK French

Sébastien recently moved to Paris hoping to get away from home and learn magic. He made out with a really hot vampire to forget his family troubles, then discovered Elia is his new neighbor.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2025; Avon; 978-0063429840
audio, ebook, print (336 pages); graphic novel

Janine Janssen is the author and artist of this graphic novel, which was initially published on Webtoons. In this story, we start with a boy disappointing his parents by moving out on his own and he's demisexual, meaning he needs to form a connection with someone before wanting a sexual relationship. Though he kisses Elia in a club, he doesn't feel comfortable with not knowing him well and backs off before more can happen. He wants to practice magic, which his parents never approved of, and parts of Paris are full of magical creatures and those who openly practice the craft. Elia is a model who is nervous about expanding his repertoire. Both really like each other and are interested in developing their relationship further.

We see young men working on building a life in a big city. There's making friends, attending classes, going to work, and figuring out relationships. Sébastien is a worrier, so he tends to overthink everything, feels like he must be perfect, and that Elia would never be interested in him. Elia has his own insecurities and feels overwhelmed and overscheduled, so there's a push and pull in their attraction to each other. It's cute, and other couples forming in counterpoint to their relationship makes for a great contrast. This was a fun book to read and a great look into a new magical world.

Buy Les Normaux at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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