THE LOST KING

A young witch comes into her own.

Dickson knows the appeal of the Elizabethan age as a mystery setting, and his sequel to The Queen’s Favorite Witch (2021) is rife with period superstitions and political intrigue. Opening in 1564, this graphic novel finds Daisy, the queen’s royal witch, attending to Elizabeth I. The queen’s advisers are eager for her to marry, and despite Elizabeth’s determination to remain single, a visit from the king of Spain is arranged. When Daisy explores an enchanted palace in search of answers about strange nightmares, she is taken prisoner by the nefarious Massingbyrde. Simon the groom; Daisy’s familiar, a rat named Nathaniel; and several talking spiders rescue Daisy, but it turns out Massingbyrde has also captured King Philip of Spain. Though a bit dismayed that she needed to rely on the others, Daisy bravely returns to free the lost king. Simple, flat backgrounds focus attention on the considerable action. Alas, costume authenticity is poor; some historical details are wrong; and it’s hard to believe that Daisy didn’t know of Anne Boleyn’s execution. But that will matter little to many readers. And, adding a deeper dimension, Elizabeth offers Daisy advice on personal growth and the universality of imposter syndrome. Daisy, Simon, and most of the cast are light-skinned, though people of color are also depicted.

Combines chills, thrills, and life lessons.