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goodthingsread's review
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a delightful read. The art was interesting, a sort of polished unpolished style full of energy and movement. The story of Aiza and Doruk also kept my interest and was fun to read through. I do wish I could have gotten more about all the other characters, including Hende. It seems to be a standalone novel, and graphic novels don't always allow for <i>the most</i> background on characters since you're limited to the cells and making things cohesive in a visual manner. But I do wish I could get a little bit more about the other characters' motivations. There's precious little for Sahar and Basem has the most background, but a lot of that I got from reading into what was there, not what the book elaborated on.
I would prefer this as a series, because the ending does feel a little bit off, like the beat of the story was established and then we suddenly went to a half-step.
In hindsight, I might have rated this more of a 3.5, but I can see from other reviews and from the writer and artist's own notes that this kind of representation means a lot, so it's easy to round up rather than down. It is nice to have a different look and culture to the characters rather than the same old English inspired knights.
I would prefer this as a series, because the ending does feel a little bit off, like the beat of the story was established and then we suddenly went to a half-step.
In hindsight, I might have rated this more of a 3.5, but I can see from other reviews and from the writer and artist's own notes that this kind of representation means a lot, so it's easy to round up rather than down. It is nice to have a different look and culture to the characters rather than the same old English inspired knights.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
ehmannky's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A lovely graphic novel set in a fantasy empire and explores the ways that young people can work to reject and fight against (or not) imperialism and colonialist mindsets. I thought that the themes of anti-colonialism were depicted in a way that is accessible for a teen audience, the characters were wonderful, I enjoyed the artwork, and the story is well-paced and thought out. It felt incredibly relevant to the world we're living in right now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: War
kmoz's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such a beautiful and immersive graphic novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Violence and War
spicycronereads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a fun read but it felt *really* rushed. So much happens and the story and characters don’t ever get the chance to breathe. It could have easily been 2-3 times longer to show relationships evolving, the plot developing, and so forth.
Aiza the FMC is from a disempowered ethnic group and dreams of becoming a Squire. When she goes to training she hides her identity. And hijinks ensue.
The book deals with such important themes and lovable characters . I just wish they were given the time it would take to really tell the story with nuance.
So definitely read it. But be prepared for things to move really quickly and for it to be pretty heavy handed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aiza the FMC is from a disempowered ethnic group and dreams of becoming a Squire. When she goes to training she hides her identity. And hijinks ensue.
The book deals with such important themes and lovable characters . I just wish they were given the time it would take to really tell the story with nuance.
So definitely read it. But be prepared for things to move really quickly and for it to be pretty heavy handed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, and Racism
Minor: War
beebeewin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a beautifully drawn and told story! I was not expecting it to be a such a profound story with such toughing and pertinent themes. It always stuns me the artistry of graphic novels and I would say that in the limited pages this one really created a whole world that I long to spend more time in. All the characters were not only loveable but complex. I appreciate that no one person was all evil or all good, but a mix created by their environment and the histories that have been told to them. I think for me it felt a little like a complex topic was simplified slightly, but I think it can be forgiven for the ending staying deliberately ambiguous. The art itself was probably my favorite part of this graphic novel. Hearing the authors/illustrators talk about their inspirations was perfect as it showed in how detailed and beautiful it all was. I would definitely recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking for story of immigrants, colonialism, and stunning art.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation and Xenophobia
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The art style of this graphic novel was nice and I liked the action scenes, particulalry. I felt like some of the early parts of the novel were a little wordy and the panels didn't have a lot going on, despite the actual drawings being done well technically, which made some parts drag a little for me. I liked the premise of the story though, and the ideas it presents on colonisation, racism/classism, military and revisionist history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Blood
abarnakwn_ourcolourfulpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Colonisation, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Gaslighting, Racism, and Injury/Injury detail
wanderlust_romance's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
First and foremost, the illustrations in this graphic novel are incredible: filled with action, detail, and a remarkable ability to communicate a wide array of emotions and landscapes. I was hooked from the very beginning by the dedication page, in which Shammas notes, "To Edward Said, for giving me the language to see myself clearly."
Squire follows Aiza, a teenage girl living in Bayt-Sajji. In the narrative, Bayt-Sajji is an empire seeking to expand its borders through militaristic conquest. While there are several colonized identities outlined in the story, Aiza's Ornu heritage is of particular importance. The Ornu are looked down upon by others in the Bayt-Sajji empire - seen as greedy and uncivilized - and often depicted as cowards within the empire's historical narrative. Being an Ornu is a key aspect of Aiza's identity that she is compelled to hide during her military training.
Themes of militarism, colonization, patriotism, and citizenship are deeply woven into the story. At the beginning, Aiza envisions a future for herself beyond the walls of her family's designated camp and its accompanying agricultural life. There were two aspects that really resonated for me during Aiza's confrontation with her parents regarding her desire to enlist. 1) The parents' initial reaction: "How can you be so ungrateful? How can you not accept all we have given you?" and 2) The parents' eventual conclusion: "We will support you if this is truly the path you envision for yourself." And while Aiza begins her squire training with rose colored glasses, she soon comes to find that not all is as it seems, especially when you come from her particular ethnic identity. And all of this comes full circle as Aiza must grapple with some difficult questions. Did I enlist in squire training for personal glory? Would I be comfortable exacting violence in the name of the empire against my own people? What can one person do to challenge the vast machinations of empire?
This graphic novel is not only thoughtful in its approach to these questions, it is written and illustrated in a manner that appears to a wide audience. I can't wait to read this one with my kiddo.
Squire follows Aiza, a teenage girl living in Bayt-Sajji. In the narrative, Bayt-Sajji is an empire seeking to expand its borders through militaristic conquest. While there are several colonized identities outlined in the story, Aiza's Ornu heritage is of particular importance. The Ornu are looked down upon by others in the Bayt-Sajji empire - seen as greedy and uncivilized - and often depicted as cowards within the empire's historical narrative. Being an Ornu is a key aspect of Aiza's identity that she is compelled to hide during her military training.
Themes of militarism, colonization, patriotism, and citizenship are deeply woven into the story. At the beginning, Aiza envisions a future for herself beyond the walls of her family's designated camp and its accompanying agricultural life. There were two aspects that really resonated for me during Aiza's confrontation with her parents regarding her desire to enlist. 1) The parents' initial reaction: "How can you be so ungrateful? How can you not accept all we have given you?" and 2) The parents' eventual conclusion: "We will support you if this is truly the path you envision for yourself." And while Aiza begins her squire training with rose colored glasses, she soon comes to find that not all is as it seems, especially when you come from her particular ethnic identity. And all of this comes full circle as Aiza must grapple with some difficult questions. Did I enlist in squire training for personal glory? Would I be comfortable exacting violence in the name of the empire against my own people? What can one person do to challenge the vast machinations of empire?
This graphic novel is not only thoughtful in its approach to these questions, it is written and illustrated in a manner that appears to a wide audience. I can't wait to read this one with my kiddo.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War, Colonisation, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
puttingwingsonwords's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and War
aslteric's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
The metaphor in this story is surprising and truly effective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Violence, Blood, Xenophobia, and Racism