Barbarian Lord by Matt Smith –NO

Smith, Matt Barbarian Lord 176 pgs. Clarion Books, 2014. $17.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: PG. GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Barbarian Lord is banished to a tiny boat on the ocean. After surviving a horrific journey, he find the nearest leader and presents himself. The Barbarian Lord is given an impossible task and only by accomplishing it can he get the help he needs to take back his land. In the meantime his nemesis is pursuing the Barbarian Lords death with the aid of his witch. But the Barbarian Lord has aid of his own.

I was surprised that the book was in black and white, it felt like an unfinished work. Many of the characters has a similar look, so I had trouble telling the big bad guy from the bard who also doesn’t like the main character. I feel like the author presented a strong character with a really weak story. The inclusion of the talking animals was really confusing! Not my favorite book, but maybe those knowledgeable about Norse mythology might find more meaning.

MS, HS –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.