A visually and narratively complex fantasy adventure.
In this translated graphic novel from Spain, a princess must find her own way through conflicting stories about who wields power in her kingdom.
Ania is the heir to the throne—and the magic—in a land where bas-reliefs in old ruins tell of a sword-wielding hero who defended people from a demon and granted them “great power intended to guide them to do righteous things through magic.” These days, however, the version of the story that people tell is different—and it’s one that concentrates magical powers in the hands of the queen, Ania’s mother. At her behest, Ania embarks on an official mission to the north to investigate a forest where medicinal herbs grow; form diplomatic bonds; and “seize the day to reflect upon your power.” Ania sets off, accompanied by Elisa, a healer who has been living in the palace with whom she has a sweet romance. Ania also takes the mysterious sword she found while exploring one day that has brought a strange presence into her life. In the lead up to a major battle, her understanding of what it means to be a ruler is tested. This artistically rich work offers reflections on power and peace, but the depth and complexity of the lore and worldbuilding feel overwhelming at times. The lush flora, opulent palace, and stylized, white-presenting human cast add to the fablelike atmosphere.
A visually and narratively complex fantasy adventure. (Graphic fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781637157596
Page Count: 184
Publisher: Oni Press
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning.
Two teens train to be society-sanctioned killers in an otherwise immortal world.
On post-mortal Earth, humans live long (if not particularly passionate) lives without fear of disease, aging, or accidents. Operating independently of the governing AI (called the Thunderhead since it evolved from the cloud), scythes rely on 10 commandments, quotas, and their own moral codes to glean the population. After challenging Hon. Scythe Faraday, 16-year-olds Rowan Damisch and Citra Terranova reluctantly become his apprentices. Subjected to killcraft training, exposed to numerous executions, and discouraged from becoming allies or lovers, the two find themselves engaged in a fatal competition but equally determined to fight corruption and cruelty. The vivid and often violent action unfolds slowly, anchored in complex worldbuilding and propelled by political machinations and existential musings. Scythes’ journal entries accompany Rowan’s and Citra’s dual and dueling narratives, revealing both personal struggles and societal problems. The futuristic post–2042 MidMerican world is both dystopia and utopia, free of fear, unexpected death, and blatant racism—multiracial main characters discuss their diverse ethnic percentages rather than purity—but also lacking creativity, emotion, and purpose. Elegant and elegiac, brooding but imbued with gallows humor, Shusterman’s dark tale thrusts realistic, likable teens into a surreal situation and raises deep philosophic questions.
A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning. (Science fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: Nov. 29, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4424-7242-6
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 25, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2016
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
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