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
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
Both entertaining and well-written; demands and holds readers’ attention.
A duology opener that revisits the world of Divergent (2011).
Beatrice “Tris” Prior is Divergent. But before she can select Dauntless, her Choosing Ceremony is interrupted by a group of factionless rebels, and her good friend is killed. Amid the chaos, Tris sees Evelyn, the wife of Abnegation leader Marcus Eaton—but Evelyn supposedly died years ago. And, shockingly, she’s an Amity woman who’s holding a gun. Tris doesn’t tell anyone, even her father, when he later questions her. Her brother, Caleb, chooses Erudite—the faction that’s most critical toward the Abnegation and their practices—and Tris feels pressured to stay in Abnegation. But when her father tries to erase her memories, she knows she’s unsafe. Tris’ mother helps her escape to the factionless, where Tris meets Four, a Dauntless boy. Their relationship shows her that she was right to leave Abnegation—and that maybe the rebels are correct to want the death of the faction system. As Tris becomes friends with the other “faction failures,” she realizes that no faction is as it seems, and that power is a corrupting influence they can’t escape. This exciting work revisits beloved characters, offering a new understanding of them and of what happens when we stand up and ask questions. Returning fans and those new to this world will appreciate the witty banter, slow-burn romance, and heartache stemming from betrayal and complicated familial love. The leads are cued white.
Both entertaining and well-written; demands and holds readers’ attention. (Dystopian. 13-18)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9780063462595
Page Count: 528
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
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