đż Stolen Identities & Unexpected Love
A Review of Forgive Me Not by Mari Costa
Thereâs something magical about a graphic novel that doesnât just tell a storyâbut immerses you completely in its world through both narrative and art. Forgive Me Not by Mari Costa does exactly that, delivering a lush, emotionally layered fantasy filled with fae intrigue, identity struggles, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that absolutely hooked me.
The story follows Aisling, a princess who seems to have everythingâloving parents, a clear future, and a defined identity. But everything changes the night before her 18th birthday when Forgive-Me-Not (or âNotâ) crashes into her life with a vengeance. What unfolds is a journey that flips everything Aisling thought she knew about herself upside down. Themes of identity, belonging, and truth weave seamlessly into a narrative that is both adventurous and deeply personal.
Letâs talk about the artworkâbecause wow. Costaâs use of color is one of the most striking aspects of this graphic novel. The beginning of the story is filled with bright, vibrant hues that reflect Aislingâs sheltered and structured life as a princess. As the story transitions into the realm of Faerie, the palette shifts dramatically into deep blues and greens, creating an almost dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. This contrast not only enhances the visual storytelling but also mirrors Aislingâs internal transformation as she steps into the unknown.
The worldbuilding is another standout. From goblins to fae, pixies to other faerie folk, the setting feels rich and alive without becoming overwhelming. Costa strikes a great balance between introducing fantastical elements and keeping the story grounded in character-driven emotion. Itâs the kind of world you want to get lost inâand I absolutely did.
Now, onto the charactersâparticularly the dynamic between Aisling and Not. Their relationship is a classic enemies-to-lovers arc, and if youâre a fan of that trope (like I am), this one delivers. Their journey from mistrust and resentment to understanding and connection feels earned and satisfying.
That said, one aspect that stood out to me was the portrayal of Not. Initially, I found the characterâs design a bit confusingâI didnât realize Not was meant to be female until it was explicitly stated in the second chapter. The more masculine presentation contrasted strongly with Aislingâs very feminine design, and while this may have been an intentional artistic or thematic choice, it did take me a moment to adjust. Still, it didnât take away from my overall enjoyment of the story, and I appreciated the diversity in character representation.
At its core, Forgive Me Not is about identityâwho we are, who weâre told we are, and who we choose to become. It explores these ideas through a queer lens in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. The emotional beats land well, and the pacing keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
If youâre looking for a graphic novel that combines stunning visuals, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a compelling romantic arc, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
đ Top 5 Reasons to Read Forgive Me Not
đ¨ Stunning Color Storytelling â The shift from bright royal tones to deep fae hues is visually captivating.
đâĄď¸â¤ď¸ Enemies-to-Lovers Romance â A slow-burn dynamic that feels authentic and rewarding.
đ§ Immersive Fantasy World â Filled with goblins, fae, pixies, and rich lore.
đ Queer Representation â Thoughtful and naturally integrated into the story.
đ§ Themes of Identity & Belonging â Emotionally resonant and relatable.
About the Book:
Publisher: First Second
Publishing date: April 14, 2026
Genre: YA Graphic Novel
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Rep: Rep: Queer, LGBT+
Synopsis:
A queer âenemies to loversâ journey of a lost princess and a changeling who was made to take the heirâs place as part of a fey scheme.
Aisling is many things to many people: princess, heir to the throne, teenage daughter of two loving parents⌠Sheâs also about to learn a lot more about herself: changeling. Fey creature. Hunted. Feared. Loved?
Forgive-Me-Not is the name given to the true princess â the lost teenage biological daughter to the king and queen, whoâs grown up in the chaotic and untrustworthy realm of Faerie. When Forgive-Me-Not breaks into Aislingâs room the night before their 18 th birthday looking for revenge, the two embark on a long and arduous journey. And what starts as a confrontational and adversarial pairing grows into a bond of mutual understanding, friendship, and maybe something moreâŚ
Meet the Author:
Mari Costa is a Luso-Brazilian cartoonist with a bachelorâs degree in Character Animation. Sheâs in love with creating stories and populating them with people who have very messy interpersonal drama. Some of her works include Life of Melody, The Demon of Beausoleil, and Belle of the Ball.