Graphic Novel Review: The Tea Dragon Society Series by Katie O'Neill

The Tea Dragon Society Series by Katie O'Neill

Goodreads| Amazon

The Tea Dragon Society

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

The Tea Dragon Festival

Rinn has grown up with the Tea Dragons that inhabit their village, but stumbling across a real dragon turns out to be a different matter entirely! Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village, but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep. . . . But Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.

The Tea Dragon Tapestry

Join Greta and Minette once more for the heartwarming conclusion of the award-winning Tea Dragon series! Over a year since being entrusted with Ginseng's care, Greta still can't chase away the cloud of mourning that hangs over the timid Tea Dragon. Meanwhile, Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to be a prophetess. Told with the same care and charm as the previous installments of the Tea Dragon series, The Tea Dragon Tapestry welcomes old friends and new into a heartfelt story of purpose, love, and growth.

My review:

The Tea Dragon Society is a heartwarming graphic novel series by Katie O’Neill, who not only wrote but also illustrated these delightful books. Her artwork and storytelling combine to create a whimsical, peaceful fantasy world that feels like a warm hug. The series revolves around themes of friendship, family, love, and discovering what brings you joy.

The tea dragons are small, magical creatures that grow tea leaves with unique properties. For me, they resemble cats in their endearing and slightly mysterious nature. Each book in the series explores the lives of different characters and their connection to these adorable creatures.

The first book, The Tea Dragon Society, serves as an introduction to the world and its characters. The story follows Greta, a blacksmith’s apprentice, who becomes curious about tea dragons and their caretaking. Through her journey, she learns the importance of preserving traditions, building relationships, and understanding the value of quiet, meaningful work. Though shorter than the other books, this volume lays a charming foundation for the series.

The Tea Dragon Festival, the second book, I think it is my favorite (it's difficult to choose). Set in the past, it provides a deeper look at the characters when they were younger and introduces a magnificent dragon. This book expands on the lore of tea dragons and their connection to the world, blending elements of tradition and change beautifully. The storytelling and illustrations are vibrant, full of life, and truly enchanting.

The final book, The Tea Dragon Tapestry, brings the characters from the first two books together a few years later. It’s a more introspective story, delving deeper into the personal growth of Min and a now more mature Greta. The narrative feels richer and more layered, making it a satisfying conclusion to the series. 

Overall, reading The Tea Dragon Society series was a delightful experience. Katie O’Neill’s art and storytelling create a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. The books left me feeling inspired and comforted, and I’m eager to explore more of her work. If you’re looking for a gentle, uplifting series, I highly recommend these graphic novels.