A vibrant new story for a classic character.
This original story by bestselling author Elle is inspired by Disney’s 2023 live-action film The Little Mermaid.
Teenage admirers of the plucky sea princess are reunited with Ariel, who’s just turned 15 and is the last in the royal family to assume responsibility as Protector over her sea territory, located on the desirable high-sun side of Carinae. However, her father, King Triton, is overprotective and unsure if the youngest of his seven daughters can take on this important role without the guidance of the late queen. The unexpected, tragic death of the family’s matriarch still looms over the family, resulting in a yearslong fracture among the sisters. But when the family does come together for Ariel’s ceremonial festivities, events are abruptly interrupted when oldest sister Mala is abducted under mysterious and threatening circumstances. With gumption and a natural knack for unifying leadership, Ariel creates unlikely alliances in an attempt to quell discord within the kingdom and find her missing sister before it’s too late. Elle’s story infuses vigor and depth into the beloved and storied Disney franchise and centers a brown-skinned Ariel with auburn locs. The solid writing conveys the resilience and ingenuity of its familiar yet reimagined protagonist. The entertaining action and worldbuilding combine to create a story generations of fans will enjoy.
A vibrant new story for a classic character. (Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 9781368077224
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Disney Press
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2023
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
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
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