Strange Bedfellows

Starred review from December 2, 2024
In a futuristic world in which 60% of people have mutated to develop superpowers, transgender teen Oberon, who has a panic disorder, is the only one of his siblings without a powerful ability. After his life is thrown into disarray following an intense period of panic, Oberon drops out of college and isolates himself from those around him. Things take a turn when Kon, the boy of his dreams, inexplicably materializes before him. Kon is the imaginary and overly flirtatious version of Oberon’s high school crush, whom he hasn’t seen in years, brought to life by his newly awakened ability to conjure his own dreams. As Kon helps Oberon control his powers—and his life—the two spark a romance. But when Oberon’s night terrors force themselves free and jeopardize the world around him, the teens struggle to keep them at bay. All the while, Oberon must reckon with his and Kon’s relationship and decide whether holding on to a fantasy is better than reality. In this luminous love story, Ries (Witchy) examines issues surrounding mental health using vibrantly colored cartoon-style illustrations whose intricate details complement the dreamlike science fiction setting. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 13–up.

January 1, 2025

Gr 10 Up-In the future, being born with superhuman abilities is common and everyone seems to have a place in the world. College dropout Oberon feels left behind, but things begin to look up when he finally develops superpowers that allow him to manifest his dreams, thanks to the guidance of Oberon's other half, who appears as a version of Kon, his former high school crush. Much like Oberon, this story finds itself juggling too many elements at once, attempting to tackle topics of queer identity, family issues, mental health issues, recovery from a dramatic breakup, and reuniting with former friend groups. All of these are alongside the complicated magic system and future worldbuilding. The piece overall is a valiant effort that will certainly hit the mark for some readers, but others will be bogged down by undeveloped ideas or unnecessary details. The relationship and romance between Oberon and Kon are engaging and fun, with the dream logic allowing the two characters to get into a variety of riveting adventures across various genres and time periods. Reis's illustrations are the standout element of the book, heightening these moments with humor and charm. VERDICT This whimsical sci-fi fantasy may be a dream come true for some readers, but its crammed story elements might leave others wishing for a little more space.-Peter Blenski

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2025
On the interstellar settlement of Pangaea Ultima, trans first-year university student Oberon Afolayan is taking a leave of absence after a debilitating panic attack. Oberon avoids friends and treads lightly with family, anxious about disappointing them further, especially as the only one of his siblings who seemingly isn't a Ghost. Old crush Kon appears--first in Oberon's dreams and then in the waking world along with other dream creatures--and reveals that Oberon has developed the power to manifest dreams. He offers to help Oberon learn to control his abilities, get his life back in order, and avoid the Ghost Authority, a government entity that surveils Ghosts with extraordinary capabilities. Initially overwhelmed, Oberon becomes comfortable controlling his manifestations and spending time with Kon, who also maneuvers him to reconnect with friends. But Oberon worries about his growing affection for Kon; intellectually, he believes Kon to be a false apparition born from his subconscious feelings and insecurities. When Oberon's powers seemingly grow beyond his control, the truth about Kon threatens to break the feelings between them. Ries' narrative, which relies on readers to interpret contextual clues, weaves in literary references and science-fiction lore. The work features stunningly surreal illustrations and explores forgiveness, love, and family in a futuristic, racially and culturally diverse world that's body positive and inclusive of queer folks. Oberon is cued as having Javanese Indonesian and Nigerian heritage. Dreamy.(Graphic science fiction. 13-18)

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February 1, 2025
Grades 8-12 Colony ships, planet-wide climate control, shuttles to the moon, and children developing superpowers could set the stage for a zany adventure, but this uses the imaginative setting to tell a very relatable tale about growing up. Oberon is a trans boy and the only one of his siblings not to develop powers--or so he thought until, while on break from college after a severe panic attack, he starts manifesting things from his dreams. This seems to include a vision of his high-school crush, Kon. Learning how to control his powers and processing his feelings for Kon while keeping everything a secret from his family and the friends he's reconnecting with takes a toll. Oberon must learn that he doesn't have to do it all alone while still figuring out his own path. The art gorgeously supports the story, depicting the new world with its communal homes and lovely gardens as well as the twisting surreality of Oberon's dreams. A great book for teens looking for understanding and hope about adulthood's uncertainties.

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