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jenlouisegallant's review
4.0
The main character is so cute. Getting into trouble and wanting to prove himself. The whole concept is really interesting, with the saviour bringing light to the world.
saidtheraina's review
3.0
I really liked the creatures and the world-building, but was never quite sucked in by the story.
Very action heavy, low on character development. Great full-color illustrations, though.
And I can't quite stop myself from side-eyeing the art for its similarity to imagery from marginalized cultures. I didn't do the research to full-on condemn it for wrong-doing (read: appropriation) there, but I found the (maybe imagined) question a personal mental roadblock.
Very action heavy, low on character development. Great full-color illustrations, though.
And I can't quite stop myself from side-eyeing the art for its similarity to imagery from marginalized cultures. I didn't do the research to full-on condemn it for wrong-doing (read: appropriation) there, but I found the (maybe imagined) question a personal mental roadblock.
sauce4you's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
cadavis3's review
4.0
The artwork is beautiful and original and I'm eager to learn more about this fascinating world. Which is why the relatively sparse narrative was a little unsatisfying. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
mimyexplore's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Los dibujos de está novela gráfica son super buenos.
pwbalto's review
5.0
I want more of this RIGHT NOW. Art that combines Northwest Native American and Central American stylistic tradition with hints of Central Asian, Japanese, and even Venetian material culture to illustrate a prototypical return of the hero quest undertaken by an underestimated hero - and yet it feels marvelously original, and no kid will have to know a single thing about Haida masks, Italian opera garb, or yurts in order to enjoy it. Brava!
rhodesee's review
5.0
Beautiful artwork! I was invested from the first page and can't wait to read more.
bemused_writer's review
5.0
This is excellent! It feels a bit like a cross between The Wind Waker and Avatar: The Last Airbender, which is a superb mix in my opinion. The story stands on its own though.
The story is following Bali who wants to prove himself to his tribe. As you might expect, this simple hope takes some twists and turns and nothing is a simple as it seems. There's also a legacy, forgotten history, and two tribes. The whole world has mystical creatures and unusual animals. I really like the aboriginal vibe throughout. The only thing I found a little incongruous was the use of Futhark runes in the design but that seems to happen fairly often in fantasy. Having said that, for all I know this could be pertinent to the plot.
The art really shines as well. The color schemes are bold and lovely and the drawings are crisp and easy to follow. There's nothing to dislike here.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more and seeing how the plot goes!
The story is following Bali who wants to prove himself to his tribe. As you might expect, this simple hope takes some twists and turns and nothing is a simple as it seems. There's also a legacy, forgotten history, and two tribes. The whole world has mystical creatures and unusual animals. I really like the aboriginal vibe throughout. The only thing I found a little incongruous was the use of Futhark runes in the design but that seems to happen fairly often in fantasy. Having said that, for all I know this could be pertinent to the plot.
The art really shines as well. The color schemes are bold and lovely and the drawings are crisp and easy to follow. There's nothing to dislike here.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more and seeing how the plot goes!
anatolej's review
5.0
(Review written after a second read)
This book is mostly aimed at kids, but adults (namely me) can enjoy it too !
Bali is small (too small) and clumsy, and needs to prove that he's ready for smokewalk, the ceremony that turn the boys of the nuru tribe into men. So, of course, he goes into the forbidden woods, and discover hidden things way bigger thant himself and smokewalk. The first volume sort of ends on a cliffhanger that had me order the second book right away
Things I loved in this first book :
- Bali is SMALL. The kid is just a ball of clothes bundled together and doesn't speak much, but his movements are just so expressive, he felt very much real
- The art is absolutely perfect for this story. There are pages without any words at all, and still a lot is being said. And it's just gorgeous for the eyes.
- Creepy Rook men, I love 'em
- BIG SWORD
This book is mostly aimed at kids, but adults (namely me) can enjoy it too !
Bali is small (too small) and clumsy, and needs to prove that he's ready for smokewalk, the ceremony that turn the boys of the nuru tribe into men. So, of course, he goes into the forbidden woods, and discover hidden things way bigger thant himself and smokewalk. The first volume sort of ends on a cliffhanger that had me order the second book right away
Things I loved in this first book :
- Bali is SMALL. The kid is just a ball of clothes bundled together and doesn't speak much, but his movements are just so expressive, he felt very much real
- The art is absolutely perfect for this story. There are pages without any words at all, and still a lot is being said. And it's just gorgeous for the eyes.
- Creepy Rook men, I love 'em
- BIG SWORD