Clara & the Devil, Volume 1 by Olivie Blake, Little Chmura (Illustrator)
23rd St. (May 5, 2026)
Reviewed by Joshua Gage
Olivie Blake is the New York Times bestselling author of speculative fiction for adults, including The Atlas Six trilogy, Alone with You in the Ether, Masters of Death, the short story collection Januaries, and her novel, Girl Dinner. As Alexene Farol Follmuth, she is also the author of the young adult novels My Mechanical Romance and Twelfth Knight. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. With Little Chmura, she is the co-creator of the graphic series Clara & the Devil.
Clara has the rest of her life figured out. She’ll graduate college with the support of her best friend, Jonah; marry her adoring boyfriend; take a full-time job at her local library; and settle down in her small seaside hometown. This is the life her mother has been planning for her, and nothing can distract her from this path. Until the Devil comes to town and asks for a library card and then seduces best friend Jonah at a summer beach bonfire. While Clara is busy trying to save her friend, the Devil is busy seducing her with temptations of power, ambition, and lust. The summer continues to heat up, as does Clara’s relationship with the Devil, until the blistering heat of August becomes too much for everyone.
Little Chmura is a digital illustrator and animator. Her illustration practice is focused on portraits, with a special interest in intense, dramatic looks. Little Chmura loves working with strong contrast, textured brush strokes, and animation to create incandescent art. Her art in Clara & the Devil reflects the introspective tone of the narration. Panels are illustrated with watercolor palettes and wild, black swirls, echoing the chaos the Devil introduces to both the small coastal town and Clara’s life. Little Chmura’s talent in painting portraits, especially the eyes, creates dramatic characters and captures them in very intimate, sinful closeups.
Overall, this is a beautiful book and a clever take on the Faustian bargain. Little Chmura’s watery illustrations, combined with Blake’s post-adolescent story, craft the perfect marriage of art reflecting content. The story is fun and seductive, and this book is recommended for any enthusiasts of graphic novels, especially those who enjoy a seductive Devil and a hellish deal.
