Reviews

First Test Graphic Novel: (A Graphic Novel) by Tamora Pierce

rissa_may_read's review

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inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

thelittlebook_bee's review against another edition

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3.0

I CANNOT wait to get my hands on this when it's in full color.

Great illustrations, true to the story, kept much of the "iconic" dialogue.

My one qualm is kind of a biggie, though. I think if I hadn't already read this numerous times growing up and already been so familiar with the story, this would be a little hard to follow. There are HUGE chronological jumps, and waaaayyy too much story packed into 142 pages. I think they could have lengthened this quite a bit to allow new readers to get more of the story. Kel's inner dialogue is basically non-existent, which is an enormous bummer.

Other, I loved it.

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

In Tortall, women are officially able to train for knighthood, and Keladry intends to take advantage of it. She expects the usual grueling schedule of a page, along with a little hazing. But Lord Wyldon has different expectations. Especially since he thinks that women shouldn't become knights.

So, it is up to Keladry to prove him wrong. In order to be fully accepted into knighthood training, Keladry has to pass a year of probation. Something no one else has ever had to do. But if Kel wants to eventually become a knight, she has to play by their games.

Thanks to Random House Graphic and NetGalley for an advanced copy of First Test Graphic Novel by Tamora Pierce to review! When I was growing up, Tamora Pierce was definitely a favorite of mine. I was excited to see that it was getting the graphic novel adaptation treatment. And I am happy to say that it didn't disappoint!

Though it's been a long time since I've read these novels, I feel like the adaptation has captured the essence of the story. Tamora Pierce has been writing these kind of girl power stories for as long as I can remember. Reading this definitely makes me want to revisit these books and see if they hold up like I remember them. There's definitely a kind of nostalgia in reading this book, at least for me!

The art style works well for this story; I liked getting to see this world of Tortall come to life. I hope this book does well enough to get some of the other books in the Tortall series, because I'd definitely like to see more of the magic brought to life int his way.

All in all, this is a great adaptation you should have on your radar when it comes out this summer!

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mahoupunk's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

odurant8's review against another edition

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4.0

Seeing Keladry of Mindelan brought to life is exciting for me, as I have been a fan of all things Tortall since childhood! This full-color adaptation of Pierce's series doesn't disappoint, including the best parts of the novel for old and new fans to enjoy. My only disappointment was the rendering of Numair, who didn't seem to match what I knew of him. Now I want to re-read the entire series! Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

bookish_selkie's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

meghan21's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

As a long time Tamora Pierce fan, this was a delightful and nostalgic rendering of my favorite character and I am excited for the rest of the series. Kel has been one of my favorite characters in literature for the last twenty years and this does her justice. I don't believe it's as good as the original text, but I doubt any abridged version of the story could be. I really just wish it could be longer to include more detail. First time readers may not enjoy this as thoroughly as prior fans.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC to review!

izzyrbell's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I read a black and white ARC of this book and I can't wait to see it in full color! If you want adventure and a girl made of sheer determination and heart, this is the book for you. A nice adaptation of the original prose to graphic novel form with excellent action sequences.

jmarchi's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

fadingapple's review

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author, end statement. The Tortall universe has such a special place in my heart and it's a realm I return to often. So I couldn't wait to get to this ARC!

That said, I did enjoy it, but I missed the extra depth and detail  you get from Tamora's writing. The art was good and I enjoyed the graphic novel, I think I just prefer the written form for this world....just because Pierce's writing is already so descriptive and well done I don't like missing things in favor of pictures!

But, I think this is an EXCELLENT introduction for people into the world and it's still a great way to revisit for the veterans. My heart is happy, knowing her work is popular enough to continue being reprinted and adapted.