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booklover160's review
4.0
I’m honestly surprised how much I loved this graphic novel. Historical fiction isn’t usually my thing and this is based loosely on the story of Queen Elizabeth and Mary.
I loved the art. It was cute but not overly so; fun but serious when it needed to be; just an overall good fit. At first I was overwhelmed with the number of characters but everyone has a fairly distinct personality and I grew to love them all. The plot was a bit convoluted but only because I really don’t know the source material.
I really wish there was a second volume as I don’t want Margaret’s story to ever end!
I loved the art. It was cute but not overly so; fun but serious when it needed to be; just an overall good fit. At first I was overwhelmed with the number of characters but everyone has a fairly distinct personality and I grew to love them all. The plot was a bit convoluted but only because I really don’t know the source material.
I really wish there was a second volume as I don’t want Margaret’s story to ever end!
averageacquaintance's review
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The entire book is beautifully written and illustrated and very well researched.
sducharme's review
5.0
Really enjoyed this historical fiction graphic novel set during Elizabethan times but with a mash up of actual events and royal characters. Funny, dramatic, and with a twisty plot, I also loved the little details that bring the time period to life.
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
Great story interspersed with interesting historical and religious tidbits. The artwork is beautiful!
agoldendear's review
slow-paced
2.0
It simply wasn’t my thing. Other people will like it more than me.
libraryrobin's review
4.0
Built on a mix of fictionalized history, folklore, and actual norms of convent life, this graphic novel is a joy for readers to immerse in.
theladyelizabeth's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
v_nessa's review
2.0
A neat, if fictional, story that takes inspiration from Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. It's an interesting story about Margaret, a girl who was left on the island of nuns as a baby. It follows her activities learning about the island's inhabitants, the animals, what each toll of the bell means, and their general life. Margaret also goes around asking about who her parents were, which no one seems to know.
The illustrations are lovely, looking simple at first glance but add to the atmosphere of the story. It treads the line between historical and fairytale. All of the characters are rounded out and feel close to real people.
A woman and her son come to stay on the island, William is around her age and they slowly become friends. However, William's mother contracts a fever and dies, leading to William being forced off the island. Things become tumultuous for Margaret when it's revealed what the island's purpose is and why William is made to leave. Margaret does eventually find out who her parents are.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
The illustrations are lovely, looking simple at first glance but add to the atmosphere of the story. It treads the line between historical and fairytale. All of the characters are rounded out and feel close to real people.
A woman and her son come to stay on the island, William is around her age and they slowly become friends. However, William's mother contracts a fever and dies, leading to William being forced off the island. Things become tumultuous for Margaret when it's revealed what the island's purpose is and why William is made to leave. Margaret does eventually find out who her parents are.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
annalisenak97's review
5.0
Glorious in every way-- the historical inspiration, the glorious illustrations, the fiesty Margaret and the cast of loyal and hilarious nuns, NUNS-- this was so fun to read. The art in here is beautiful, vibrant and watercolors, interspersed with embroidered or brightly colored historical asides about what life was like or legends of the island. I wanted to tear through it and savor it at the same time.