Reviews

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

plaidpladd's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

This was way more complex than I thought it would be, and the art style is so great. I was hoping for a sequel!

bickie's review

3.0

Starts out somewhat slowly but becomes a high-stakes adventure when Eleanor shows up at the island. Great for readers interested in medieval times especially - lots of information about life in a convent (what the hours are called and what happens, different embroidery stitches). Format is kind of a hybrid of typical graphic novel with panels and diagrams with explanations (which I loved).

bookishly_laura9813's review

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

svnz's review against another edition

5.0

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've always been fascinated by British royal history, so when I came across this graphic novel I had to read it. It's a story inspired by Queen Elizabeth I's exile during her sister Queen Mary's reign. The author is quick to point out that this is not a history book and the characters and the plot that unfolds are all fictional. It's probably a testament to how much I enjoyed this story because now I actually wish this was history! I also really liked the art style and the presentation of the story; it's a mashup of traditional panel based graphics and picture book style storytelling. I read an ARC so the illustrations are not the high resolution ones we will find in the final published version, but I can imagine it's going to look absolutely lovely.

hidingincorners's review

5.0

Incredibly gripping historical fiction. I love the illustration style. I was so invested in the characters! Even the awful ones! Great villain. Great antihero. Great protagonist. Margaret's thought processes are very much in line with what mine were at her age. Just fantastic. Well done.

johnnymacaroni's review

5.0

Loved everything about this- the characters, the story, the illustrations! I hope we meet Margaret again!

booklover160's review

4.0

I’m honestly surprised how much I loved this graphic novel. Historical fiction isn’t usually my thing and this is based loosely on the story of Queen Elizabeth and Mary.

I loved the art. It was cute but not overly so; fun but serious when it needed to be; just an overall good fit. At first I was overwhelmed with the number of characters but everyone has a fairly distinct personality and I grew to love them all. The plot was a bit convoluted but only because I really don’t know the source material.

I really wish there was a second volume as I don’t want Margaret’s story to ever end!

averageacquaintance's review

adventurous funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

The entire book is beautifully written and illustrated and very well researched. 

sducharme's review

5.0

Really enjoyed this historical fiction graphic novel set during Elizabethan times but with a mash up of actual events and royal characters. Funny, dramatic, and with a twisty plot, I also loved the little details that bring the time period to life.

aoosterwyk's review

4.0

Great story interspersed with interesting historical and religious tidbits. The artwork is beautiful!