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geekwayne's review
5.0
'The Legend of Brightblade' with story and art by Ethan M. Aldridge is a graphic novel about a young man finding his way in the world.
Prince Alto comes from a line of heroes, especially his own mother Lady Brightblade. The bard that fought by her side is training Alto, and that is what he wants to be. His mother does not approve and that forces Alto to run away. His journey finds him in strange new company, and he might even end up being a hero of sorts too.
I liked this story of striking out on your own to pursue the thing you are good at. I liked the odd characters the story brings along the way, and even though the story feels a bit predictable, I enjoyed the journey. The art has an interesting look to it also.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Prince Alto comes from a line of heroes, especially his own mother Lady Brightblade. The bard that fought by her side is training Alto, and that is what he wants to be. His mother does not approve and that forces Alto to run away. His journey finds him in strange new company, and he might even end up being a hero of sorts too.
I liked this story of striking out on your own to pursue the thing you are good at. I liked the odd characters the story brings along the way, and even though the story feels a bit predictable, I enjoyed the journey. The art has an interesting look to it also.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
This art! I'm in awe at how beautiful this book is, and the story on top is phenomenal. I love Alto, how he feels like he has actual progression here, and the way magic is in this world leaves me speechless. This is a fantastic middle grade novel for kids who loved Aldridge's other work, and it leaves me desperate for an all bard party in my next D&D game.
booklover160's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked Ethan M. Aldridge's past works, [b:Estranged|31193404|Estranged (Estranged, #1)|Ethan M. Aldridge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511472336l/31193404._SY75_.jpg|51838813] and [b:The Changeling King|41212409|The Changeling King (Estranged, #2)|Ethan M. Aldridge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550080671l/41212409._SY75_.jpg|64405657], so I was looking forward to this one! It was really good!
Alto is the youngest son of the legendary hero, Brightblade. He also just wants to be a bard. I liked his journey, even when he frustrated me. He was quite childish and sheltered and has a long way to grow, but he has good friends by his side. I wish there was a second book! I want to see Alto grow and learn more!
Alto is the youngest son of the legendary hero, Brightblade. He also just wants to be a bard. I liked his journey, even when he frustrated me. He was quite childish and sheltered and has a long way to grow, but he has good friends by his side. I wish there was a second book! I want to see Alto grow and learn more!
sleepy_snailcat's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
sarag1701's review
4.0
Heartwarming but I wish we got a little more info on the villain, felt like that was missing a bit
jkenna1990's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for a free review copy!
This graphic novel follows Prince Alto, who desperately wants to be a bard wielding magical music and going on adventures. His mother, the queen, Lady Brightblade, doesn't share his wish for him to go adventuring. She would like Prince Alto to stop goofing off with music and learn to be a proper prince. But Alto is bored with castle life and decides to run away and go off on his own adventures. He meets with up with two other bards and together they face the evil that is threatening the kingdom.
This was such a cute graphic novel! I loved the story and I thought it was pretty unique. I don't think I've ever read a graphic novel that centers around three bards. The only think that took this down was the font. There were times that I couldn't really read what was going on because of the font. Other than that though I really enjoyed this!
This graphic novel follows Prince Alto, who desperately wants to be a bard wielding magical music and going on adventures. His mother, the queen, Lady Brightblade, doesn't share his wish for him to go adventuring. She would like Prince Alto to stop goofing off with music and learn to be a proper prince. But Alto is bored with castle life and decides to run away and go off on his own adventures. He meets with up with two other bards and together they face the evil that is threatening the kingdom.
This was such a cute graphic novel! I loved the story and I thought it was pretty unique. I don't think I've ever read a graphic novel that centers around three bards. The only think that took this down was the font. There were times that I couldn't really read what was going on because of the font. Other than that though I really enjoyed this!
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
4.0
Alto, a young prince, dreams of being a hero just like his mother. He has been learning the bard's magic and is ready to do more than live his boring life in the castle. Determined to have an adventure and explore more of his skills, Alto runs away from the palace to explore the kingdom. Along the way, he meets more friends who also have learned to use Bard's magic. They learn about a danger that is threatening the kingdom and together, they are determined to stop the evil plot.
I have grown to love this book more each time I read it. I was a little overwhelmed by the plot the first time I read it so I wasn't able to appreciate the story in the same way. I've now read it three times and find that I appreciate so much about this story.
I love that the magic in the book comes from the music they play on their instruments. It seems to be saying that real magic can be found in creativity, music, and art. The characters are unique and break traditional stereotypes. Their friendship shows the strength that can be found in good friendships. The graphics are well done and I enjoyed the color palette.
This is a great book for middle-grade readers.
I have grown to love this book more each time I read it. I was a little overwhelmed by the plot the first time I read it so I wasn't able to appreciate the story in the same way. I've now read it three times and find that I appreciate so much about this story.
I love that the magic in the book comes from the music they play on their instruments. It seems to be saying that real magic can be found in creativity, music, and art. The characters are unique and break traditional stereotypes. Their friendship shows the strength that can be found in good friendships. The graphics are well done and I enjoyed the color palette.
This is a great book for middle-grade readers.
adeleon's review against another edition
4.0
A really fun and enchanting adventurers tale about a prince who just wants to be a bard (or hero?). I loved how the author managed to fit so much lore and backstory and character growth into a graphic novel. That's a difficult ask! The art style was beautiful and I LOVED how they drew what bards magic looks like. I think it's so challenging to draw how music sounds. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and wanted more to it! I'd love if this became a series.