Song of the Lioness: Alanna by Tamora Pierce

Song of the Lioness: Alanna (Song of the Lioness #1) by Tamora Pierce, 251 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Abrams Fanfare (ABRAMS), 2025. $18.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

When Alanna (11yo) and her twin brother, Thom, are sent away by their father to become a court lady and a knight, respectively, neither are happy. So they switch places. Thom goes into training to become a sorcerer in the City of the Gods, and Alanna cuts her hair and calls herself Alan in order to be a page in training to become a knight.

While Alanna struggles with the long road to become who she wants to be, she perseveres, showing readers that victory is about more than magic and inherent talent. Alanna’s story captured me when I was her age, and reading this graphic novel version has brought it to life again for me—it even cleared up some confusion I didn’t realize I still had from when I read the series before. I loved how the illustrations enhanced my visualization of the action sequences and of the castles and world Pierce described.

Characters of various skin tones are depicted throughout the book. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mild scary elements, mild innuendo, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for assault, war, death, and fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno - ADVISABLE

Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno, 416 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2024. $20

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (fade to black intimate scenes); Violence: PG-13 (many people dead in battle scenes and murders)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lord Aubrey Ainsley had no idea that it would be love at first sight when he first met Prince Edmund, the future king of Saban.  When Saban is attacked by their neighbors, who wield dark magic and evil to control their world, both Aubrey and Edmund know that their desires take second place to the needs of the kingdom. Aubrey’s foresight as a Seer could be what is needed to turn this war in Saban’s favor.

You should know that I dislike romance books disguising themselves as fantasy. Tirreno has managed to avoid that trap all together.  You will definitely be rooting for Aubrey and Edmond, but their romance takes second place to saving their country.  I hope this book performs so well that other first fantasy writers will follow her lead - if I never hear the word “romantasy” again, it will be too soon!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Warrior of Legend (Heromaker #2) by Kendare Blake - ADVISABLE

Warrior of Legend (Heromaker #2) by Kendare Blake, 512 pages. HarperCollins, 2024. $11

Language: PG-13 (15 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (off page sex and implied sex); Violence: PG-13 (attempted sexual assault, off page murder, bloody violence and bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After losing her hero, 16yo Reed has thrown herself head first into serving the Aristene. She has sent three heroes to their glorious death in less than a year. When her fellow Aristene, Lyonene, is called to help a hero, she begs Reed to take her place. Lyonene wants to stay with her hero, prince, and husband Alsander. What Reed and Lyonene don’t know is how much this one decision will change their lives.

I liked the dynamic between Reed, her mentor, her hero and her fellow Aristene. This series will have more than two books. The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but it left me wanting to know what’s to come.

The ethnicity mentions white, tan, and olive skintones.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Champion of Fate (Heromaker #1) by Kendare Blake - ADVISABLE

Champion of Fate (Heromaker #1) by Kendare Blake, 480 pages. HarperCollins, 2023. $10.

Language:  PG-13 (10 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (deaths and bloody fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Reed was eight years old when raiders arrived in her village and killed everyone except her. The raiders find Reed hiding in the wreckage and take her to be a sacrifice to their god for their safe journey home, but she is rescued by two strong women who take her to live among their warrior kind, the Aristenes. Now 16yo, Reed was raised to believe she will become a great warrior and find a hero that will die a glorious death so she can become an Aristene also. Reed learns that life isn’t black and white or easy.

Reed is a strong character who believes in right and wrong. Reed has a great relationship with the two other girls being raised to become Aristene warriors alongside her, Gretchen and Lyonene. The story shows the importance of love, loyalty, strength and friendship. Ethnicity is mixed with many skin tones. Reed has tan skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee - OPTIONAL

Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee, 338 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2024. $20

Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f');  Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (death and fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

9yo Hwagin was a child living in a clanner settlement outside the Empire of New Joseon when her community was devastated by a brutal attack. Rescued by an Imperial soldier who promises the Empress's protection, she is taken in as a ward of the state. Six years later, now known as 15yo Hwa Young, she attends a military academy and dreams of piloting a neurolink mecha, fiercely loyal to the Empire that saved her. When she and her classmates are hastily recruited as lancer pilots to fill personnel shortages, she believes she is finally achieving her dream. However, as she faces the realities of war, she begins to uncover troubling truths about the Empire and its methods. Hints of deliberate separation from older mentors and the grim desperation of the war effort suggests deeper conspiracies that challenge her faith.

Moonstorm captured my attention right away.  I enjoyed getting to know the protagonist, Hwa Young, and following her journey from traumatized child to a loyal soldier. The world Lee created was both interesting and detailed with sociopolitical tension in the Empire of New Joseon and mecha warfare. I always question sending young adults into war and wonder how realistic that really is.  I understand in this book it was necessary because of the shortage of people, but I can't imagine a 15yo flying an aircraft in a battle type situation. Despite that, I thought this was a fast-paced and thrilling book.

All of the characters in this book are of Korean or East Asian descent.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

Heir by Sabaa Tahir - MANY

Heir by Sabaa Tahir, 512 pages. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2024. $18

Language: R (37 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Aiz has burn scars from an orphanage fire ten years prior and wants vengeance for the victims of the fire. 20yo Prince Quil is heir after the Empress, his Aunt Helene, and he loves to be under the radar and roams the streets with anonymity. Bani al-Mauth, the holy figure Chosen of Death, meets with Quil after a homeless boy is killed by having his heart burned out of his chest. She wants Quil’s help in stopping the murders that have taken place. Sirsha is a poor jewel thief trying to survive the slums and earn enough to move away someday. She’s running from a violent gang and barely escapes when she’s found by a man who wants her help. Their paths will cross and danger follows.

It was nice to be in the world of An Ember in the Ashes again, over a decade into the future. Instead of learning about a new world and trying to navigate it, I was revisiting a world I was very familiar with. The new main characters are complex and each has a story to tell.

Ethnicity includes brown and white skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Kaya and the Lizard Riders by Wes Craig - ADVISABLE

Kaya and the Lizard Riders, Book 1 by Wes Craig, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Image Comics, Inc. 2023. $10 

Language: G (2 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: PG (fighting, death, destruction) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Kaya is a young girl who must take her 8yo brother to a safe haven after their village is destroyed. He is a prince and may be the answer to a prophecy. The siblings have not grown up together, and while the prince still thinks he can give orders, it is Kaya and her magic arm that keep them alive while fleeing the empire and battling monsters. 

If you like comic books, this one is for you. Kaya has just enough attitude and moxie to make her an unlikely, yet interesting hero. The plot is fast-paced and the subplots, about a possible relationship and having honor are intriguing. This is book one of five, and readers will want to find out what happens to Kaya and her brother. Kaya may or may not be black, and her love interest is a lizard man. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro - ADVISABLE

Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro, 222 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2024 16 

Language: G (1 swear) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Eowulf, daughter of Deowulf, son of Ceowulf, descendant of Beowulf, has problems. She is a Dungeons & Dragons whiz with her friends, but when she tries to stick up for a kid who always gets bullied, her friends suddenly seem distant. Besides, Eowulf has a secret she hasn't shared with her friends: she is a monster hunter with her dad. But boring New Jersey may have a monster and secrets of its own. 

 I liked that there is a plot within a plot. There is a story about the D&D campaign that dovetails nicely with Eowulf's narrative. While the premise is pretty bizarre, it's relatable because of common threads surrounding friendship, bullying, misunderstandings, and finding common ground. I ended up liking the story and the bright, colorful graphics. The story wraps up nicely, but there will be a second book. Race or cultures are difficult to assess, but there is a variety of skin tones. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake - ADVISABLE

Champion of Fate (Heromaker #1) by Kendare Blake, 480 pages. Quill Tree Books (HarperCollins), 2023. $20.

Language: PG13 (11 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The Aristenes are powerful, nearly immortal women who help mortals become heroes in order to win glory for their goddess. As a child, Reed was found and saved by Aster, an Aristene, and Reed has been training to become one herself ever since. Now Reed (16yo) will have to prove herself worthy of becoming one of them by leading her first hero into glory.

Reed’s story is a tragedy from the beginning, making readers desperate for anything good to make up for it. Through the highs and the lows, readers celebrate and cry with Reed as she goes to war beside her hero. Blake makes readers think about what glory is and hints at the lurking underside of glory that comes at a difficult price. The conclusion is satisfying, but Reed’s story isn’t finished.

Skin colors mentioned are varied. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for blood, murder, and fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith, illustrated by Boulet - ADVISABLE

Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith, illustrated by Boulet, 202 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan). 2023. $20. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (dodgeball battles, peril, children physically fighting with an adult). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Treeheart is a wonderful kid built/kid run/kid protected fort - high in a tree where kids can happily be children - eating candy, playing games, making noise . But a neighbor, Grindle, hates children, he hates that they play near his house, he wants them gone. Grindle has the power to magic the children into teenagers, and he conquers Treeheart. King Roger needs a warrior, and an army to defeat Grindle - he needs Bea Wolf. 

I loved Zach Weinersmith's Retelling of Beowulf. The poetic text is reminiscent of the classic - alliterative and descriptive, a gorgeous read aloud rich in text and allusion. A great bedtime story to be read in small chucks. The language is challenging, but each page is mostly Boulet's fantastic and enticing illustrations and the verse is just so much fun to read aloud - the reader is missing out if they aren't vocalizing. Kids trying for an independent read will feel they are reading a classic - the text isn't too difficult for upper elementary or middle school, and I hope they aren't daunted by the big words. It'll be worth it. I loved Bea Wolf, and I think the child's delight in hearing the story lies in the enjoyment their parent or teacher has in the sharing. The characters are multicultural children, Grindle is an adult. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Moonlight Blade by Tessa Barbosa - OPTIONAL

The Moonlight Blade by Tessa Barbosa, 368 pages. Entangled Teen. 2023. $19. 

Language: PG-13 (19 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Brief kissing) Violence: PG (cuts on palms of hands as a gift of blood to begin a ceremony) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

In Tigang, 17yo Narra wants her mother to stay home but she insists on going to the capital to confess that she kept her marked daughter alive even when the law stated she must die. Narra is the marked daughter because of the birthmarks on her neck, which people believe makes her cursed. Her mother is imprisoned and Narra enters the competition that takes place every ten years to find a new ruler. She wants to win the competition so she can rescue her mother. Narra enters the trials with no magic, no weapons, and no help. It takes all of her willpower and wits to get through it all. 

The vocabulary in the world-building and introduction of characters gets confusing but it makes more sense as the story goes on. The story felt disjointed because of the competition, the past lives, and the magic not necessarily blending well together. I did like Narra, the main character, and her companions, Virian and Dayen, and how they worked together and helped each other. The ethnicity is mixed with the following: olive skin, brown skin, deep russet skin, dark Tigangi skin, and dark brown skin. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian

Night Spinner by Addie Thorley - MANY

Night Spinner (Night Spinner #1) by Addie Thorley, 400 pages. Page Street Publishing, 2020. $19.

Language: PG13 (15 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Once lauded as Enebish the Warrior, Enebish (18yo) is now hidden away in a monastery by the grace of her older sister, Ghoa – kept far away from the people that now know her as Enebish the Destroyer. When Ghoa visits and gives Enebish an inch of freedom, Serik convinces Enebish to take a mile – and doing so will change the course of her life yet again.

Enebish’s story has abundant conflict but is unclear about which parties are “good” and “bad.” Thorley writes in such a way that we know that more lurks beneath the surface of what Enebish (and the reader) sees, and we turn pages desperately in order to find the missing information. I love the magic system and the complicated characters, I love that the once powerful and confident Enebish is now limping and ashamed and has to discover how to regain the confidence that was once taken for granted, and I love that her story is not over yet.

Enebish describes herself as having “dark” skin, and Temujin is described as having “polished copper” skin. Skin colors of all shades are mentioned. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and illegal activity. The violence rating is for weapon use, mentions of child abuse and murder, and fantasy violence.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

She Who Rides the Storm by Caitilin Sangster - MANY

She Who Rides the Storm by Caitilin Sangster, 400 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2021. $18 

Language: PG-13 (25 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use); Violence: PG-13 (rape and assault briefly mentioned, blood and gore described, a man's throat is cut.)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

Long before the story is told, there were said to be shapeshifters that ruled the land. Their power and influence came from the souls of their subjects and anyone that dared threaten their kingdom. But now, as the shapeshifters have long been defeated, a secret tomb has been uncovered and in order to keep the balance and not unleash the shapeshifters, 4 complete strangers and their intertwined stories must come together and defeat their common enemy. 

She Who Rides the Storm is full of vivid and lush world building, the world and it's magic is so descriptive and beautiful. This is a book that has the 'perfect heist gang' trope, meaning you've got the thief, the healer, an archaeologist, and several other POVs. I thought the overall book was really well written but the plot lacked that last bit of climax, and end that I was hoping it would have. Anwei, the healer is described with a darker complexion and long brown hair, Knox, the thief has a lighter complexion and brown hair 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer

The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna - OPTIONAL

The Merciless Ones (Gilded Ones #2) by Namina Forna, 453 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2022. $14 

Language: PG-13 (24 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (Kissing described and sexual abuse mentioned briefly); Violence: PG-13 (Blood and gore, fighting monsters and overall fear) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Deka is back in this thrilling sequel to The Gilded Ones. And this time, she is ready to fully embrace who she is and what her powers bring. This newfound courage and confidence can also be found within her group of warriors, born with the same powers and sworn to protect the kingdom. In order to protect those whom she loves, Deka must fight monsters and something or someone that the monsters call to as a master. As we tag along with Deka and the warriors we catch a glimpse of what life as an outcast protector really is like. 

The Merciless Ones is a nice addition to the Gilded Ones series, and I do appreciate the strong character development of Deka, once shy and timid is now a strong and independent. The world is beautiful and complex, but the plot often seemed forced and not as well executed. I do love the set of pace in fantasy Forna created with African based mythology. Deka and everyone in the novels have dark brown skin.

 Kenzie Hoehne 

The Well by Jake Wyatt - ADVISABLE

The Well by Jake Wyatt, 176 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second (Roaring Book Press), 2022. $18.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (fantasy violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Lizzy, or Li-Zhen (both are used in story), is a young girl whose life has been marked by tragedy, as her mother, father, and grandmother died battling a monstrous leviathan that has cursed the landscape. Despite this start, Lizzy has a good life. She helps her grandfather, raises goats, and flirts with the woman who rows the ferry. One day, Lizzy steals (or "borrows" as she would like to say) a couple of coins from the local sacred well. Doing so brings another curse upon her unless she can make the wishes she's stolen come true.

This is a great fantasy action-adventure with lots of Asian references. The plot almost matches the Hero's Journey pattern to a T. I thought quite a few parts of the story were almost poetic. It was so fun to see Lizzy’s character growth, even though the story itself was short and sweet. This would be a great addition to any graphic novel collection and a quick, exciting story for secondary readers.

Kiera, #bookswithbeddes

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna - AVERAGE

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, 415 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2020. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (strip search and examination, woman treated as objects); Violence: R (drowning, hanging, beheading, stabbings) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

All throughout Deka's life she has been groomed to become the perfect example of virtue, purity and humility. But when her tribe's annual purifying ritual deems her impure- her tribe and her family quickly turn against her. Soon a powerful stranger comes into her tribe and promises her an opportunity of a lifetime. Deka comes to relize that being impure isn't what it was deemed. With a purpose and a mission, Deka will have to overcome her personal trials to become what she is needed to be, a warrior. 

Forna's The Gilded Ones, was an immersive tale of prejudice, war and freedom. What I enjoyed about this novel was the diverse and exploratory characters it introduced, warrior women plus blood lusting priests but also I enjoyed the overall world building and idea of purification rituals, which I am sure Forna took inspiration from real life examples. What I didn't quite like was the overall plot, a big chunk of it just seemed like a training montage which was anti climatic. 

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer 

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall - ADVISABLE

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 247 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $20. Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

When a gentle monk finds a girl asleep in the barn with Answelica the goat, he takes her to the monastery to recover. The girl can remember her name, Beatryce, but not much else. However, as Edik nurses her back to health, he discovers that she may be the girl a prophecy refers to, and that her life may be in danger - the King is looking for her. So, disguising her looks by shaving her head, dressing her in monk's robes and warning her not to speak is not enough. When a boy comes from the village looking for someone who can write down a confession - the other brothers at the monastery are anxious to send Beatryce away (for their protection) and reveal that she can read and write. Now, Beatryce finds herself on an adventure, with the boy, the monk and a man who used to be a King. 

As much as I love books set in the middle ages (Gidwitz's The Inquisitor's Tale, Cushman's Midwife's Apprentice) I have a hard time getting the kids interested. Hopefully DiCamillo's reputation will help, as I think she has given us a well-told story with a bit of action, and a lot of suspense. Also, the goat, Answelica, was my favorite. 

Lisa Librarian

Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore - ADVISABLE

Winterkeep (Graceling #4) by Kristin Cashore, 528 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2021. $20

 Content: G (some danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Bitterblue may be the Queen of Monsea, but she is still surrounded by enemies and intrigue. Gracelings are still being exploited in other kingdoms and the discovery of more kingdoms across the seas only has compounded Blue’s problems, because her envoys to the kingdoms have disappeared. The new mineral, zilfium, seems to play an important role in the danger – someone wants control of it and is willing to kill for the privilege. I

f you still have the Graceling books in your library, you should buy the 4th in the series. If you have already weeded them, you don’t need to restock your shelves. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Graceling (graphic novel) by Kristin Cashore - ADVISABLE

Graceling by Kristin Cashore, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Clarion Books, 2021. $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Katsa has been graced with the ability to kill, making her valuable to her uncle, the king. He sends her out to do his bidding, though she doesn’t always agree with the missions the king sends her on. When Katsa meets Po, he gives her a way out, if only Katsa can bring herself to trust him.

I first read the novel Graceling a decade ago, and I’ve reread it a few times since then. I could not have been more thrilled to see it come to life as a graphic novel. Yes, a few things had to be changed and simplified for the adaptation, but the same compelling characters and fascinating world of higher abilities are portrayed. Being able to see the imagined world and getting a new taste of the story I’ve enjoyed reading made me find a full length copy to reread yet again. I have no doubt that readers new to Katsa’s story will enjoy this graphic novel as much as the loyal fans. The violence rating is for frequent murder and battle gore.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn - HIGH

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, 512 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2020. $19 

Language: R (66 swears, 7 “f”); Mature Content: PG (adultery, rape mentioned); Violence: PG (fighting demons) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

After her mom dies, Bree needs a complete change of scenery, so she enrolls in the pre-college program at UNC that she knows her mother didn’t want her to join. Her first night an older student from home invites Bree and her best friend Alice to a secret, illegal party near the cliffs. While the girls don’t drink and don’t join in the partying, disaster still strikes in the form of an inhuman monster – that no one but Alice seems to see. Now she’s been assigned an extremely hot mentor, Nick, who seems to be able to see the monsters too. Reluctantly – VERY reluctantly – Nick introduces Bree to the Legendborn – a line of demon hunters from the time of King Arthur. If Bree survives the trial sand is accepted, she would be the first Black member of the society. At the same time, however, she meets the Rootcrafters, a group that her mother used to belong to. They also have magic, but are against everything the Legendborn do. 

There is so much more to explain in Deonn’s tour de force. Her writing is way better than my summary. The twists you are encounter are so excellent unexpected, but really not, if you had been paying attention. I am thrilled that there is another book in the series coming. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS