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LOVE AND GRAVITY by Ari North

LOVE AND GRAVITY

From the Always Human series, volume 2

by Ari North ; illustrated by Ari North

Pub Date: July 25th, 2023
ISBN: 9781499812794
Publisher: Yellow Jacket

Healthy relationships and healthy conversations unfold in a sweet slice-of-life story, the second in a series that launched on Webtoon.

Possessing much of the same charm of the first book, this sequel, set in a futuristic world where people can modify their appearances using technology called mods, introduces readers to new challenges in the lives of Sunati and Austen. A good portion of the book is focused on friendship, specifically Rae and Sunati’s. It starts with a flashback to 10 years earlier, when Sunati first came to Kaku City and felt scared by how overwhelming everything was—until she found Rae, suddenly had a friend, and wasn’t alone anymore. The story returns to the present, when the two young women work together. Sunati has an exciting new job opportunity, but she isn’t the only one: Rae gets her dream job, but it means she’ll be moving far away. Conflicted—wanting what’s best for her friend but also not wanting her to go—Sunati finds solace in girlfriend Austen. Ultimately, the two best friends work it out. The book includes a positive mention of therapy and a frank conversation about sex, consent, and waiting until you feel ready. These elements reflect a theme throughout this charming work: cultivating satisfying relationships through open, honest communication. The art is mainly in tones of blue and pink, executed in a fluid, dreamy, watercolor-painting style.

Heartwarming.

(Graphic science fiction. 12-18)