A satisfying story of found family and fey magic from an artist to watch.
A young silver-haired witch searches for help navigating her unwieldy magic and discovers more than she bargained for in this debut graphic novel.
Desperate to learn to control her magic, 17-year-old Rosefinch, who appears white, journeys to Harp, a quiet village known for being a refuge to the fey and other magic folk. Upon arrival at Harp Castle, she discovers a young knight frozen by a curse and uses her magic to thaw them. Pale, black-haired Thierry doesn’t remember why they’re there or what happened before they were frozen. Exploring the castle together, the two discover Prince Morgan of Harp, who presents Black and had also been frozen. Morgan remembers more than Thierry, and together the trio work to unravel a series of mysteries: Who is the Witch-Queen of Harp? What are Thierry’s ties to the castle? Where did Morgan’s mothers, the Harp Queens, go? But Rosefinch is harboring secrets of her own, and ultimately, the trio must journey to the dangerous Feywild to get answers. The story’s pacing at times feels rushed, but the worldbuilding is robust and full of potential. While some of the paneling choices contribute to a stilted flow, Lauderbaugh’s character design, rich colors, and linework are highly appealing. Thierry and Rosefinch’s chemistry is immediate, but it never overshadows Morgan’s friendship with Thierry or his developing camaraderie with Rosefinch.
A satisfying story of found family and fey magic from an artist to watch. (character designs and worldbuilding notes) (Graphic fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
ISBN: 9781250344816
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: June 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
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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