Title: The Unlovables Scent of Hope
Author: Fei Kah Yaw
Year of Publication: 2025
Number of Pages: 142
Category: Graphic Novel
You may not be familiar with graphic novels, but The Unlovables: Scent of Hope by Fei Kah Yaw is a great place to start. If you enjoy stories with strong visuals, this book makes reading effortless. The illustrations bring every scene to life, so there is no need to struggle to imagine the world, you can clearly see it unfold before you.
From the cover alone, it is clear that Fei Kah Yaw is a fan of fantasy dramas. The title itself may make you pause, The Unlovables? Who would want to deal with them? But for Princess Dassas, this is her reality, and she has no choice but to face it.
As you read, female readers especially may feel a sense of relief that they are not among the women of the Kingdom of Zur. The decree of the Titan Throne sends a chill down your spine: one hundred young women are demanded. Fear creeps in as the weight of this command hangs over the kingdom. Yet, just as the tension settles, you are briefly distracted by the surprisingly handsome image of the king. The fear softens, curiosity takes over, and you turn the page.
The female characters are equally captivating. They are beautifully illustrated, and you quickly find yourself interested in getting to know them better. Even as women run in panic, you sense that this cannot be the only trouble in the story. And you are right, this book is filled with drama, slowly revealing deeper trouble than you first imagined.
Then come the three men from the Unlovables. The moment they appear, your knees almost tremble. You may even wish you could choose one for yourself, but that choice belongs to Princess Dassas. However, their attractiveness comes with a price. Their beauty hides a curse, and what first feels exciting soon turns unsettling.
Beyond the drama, the book includes moments of humour that make you smile. Just as you begin to relax, a deeper fear sets in, one rooted in hypocrisy. This danger comes from someone close, someone you least expect, reminding readers how power can corrupt and how dangerous the human heart can be.
The story uses flashbacks, much like a movie. Page after page, new revelations are revealed. At times, the transitions move quickly, and the amount of information can feel overwhelming, briefly confusing the reader. Still, the curiosity to know what happens next keeps you turning the pages.
As the story progresses, you begin to realise that those labelled “unlovable” may actually be the most genuine, while those expected to protect and care may be the real enemies. There are moments of repeated arguments that may tempt you to skim ahead, but doing so risks missing important details, as the author often surprises readers with new information.
By the end, there is a happy conclusion, yet some questions remain unanswered. That is when you realise this book is only the beginning, the first piece of a much larger story.
Blending fantasy, drama, and adventure, The Unlovables: Scent of Hope draws readers in from the very start. With strong characters, vivid illustrations, and an engaging storyline, this book is suitable for both young adults and adults. It is an interesting and enjoyable read, especially for those who love imaginative worlds brought to life through visuals.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipreeofficial
