Brightly Woven: The Graphic Novel
by Alexandra Bracken (Author), Leigh Dragoon (Author), Kit Seaton (Illustrator)
Synopsis:
Extraordinary things just don’t happen to fourteen-year-old Sydelle Mirabil, a talented weaver who dreams about life outside of her tiny village. But that all changes when a mysterious young wizard named Wayland North appears and asks for Sydelle’s help. He’s got a shocking secret that could stop a war between kingdoms-if he can reach the capital with the news in time. North needs a navigator who can mend his magical cloaks, and Sydelle is perfect for the job.
As Sydelle and North race against the clock to deliver their message, they must contend with unusually wild weather and a dark wizard who will do anything to stop them. But the sudden earthquakes and freak snowstorms may not be a coincidence. As Sydelle discovers more about North’s past and her own strange abilities, she realizes that the fate of the kingdom may rest in her fingertips.
Review:
This is a graphic novel, adapted from a full-length, YA fantasy novel. It had to have been hard to whittle down, but it really works as a graphic novel. In fact, it’s beautiful and feels like a story made to be told with pictures. There are lush colors and Sydelle’s creations and dreams were some of my favorite things about this book.
The story is engaging and exciting as well. And I loved the characters of Sydelle and Wayland. This inspired, middle grade, fantasy combines magic and art in a wonderful way.