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mkhare's review against another edition
5.0
4.75 stars. This was a fantastic first volume! The art was wonderful, and it elegantly and subtly hinted at the world and characters, meaning that the story didn't have to rely on long-winded narration/exposition to ground the reader. The panelling was always clear and concise, and the expressions and diverse physical characteristics of the many people meant I was never confused. The story was warm and charming, whilst also being sinister and enthralling. I love how this volume focused on action and people's different reactions to the sudden and dire situation, whilst still giving the reader hints about the main character Io's possible 'rank' or position. I can't wait to read the next volume!
mkfreckles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, this was good. The story is strong, a quest for power to fill the vacuum left by the old sorcerer. Then a twist, she's not dead, but collecting power. Now all the others must try to stay alive, win the contest, or outsmart her.
I can't wait for the next book.
I can't wait for the next book.
jkenna1990's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good first volume in this series. It established the characters and the story very well. I liked the art style that it was drawn in as well. I'm interested to see where the contest goes in the next volume.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
3.0
A Geis is a curse, a vow or a spell where, if broken, the infractor will suffer dishonor or death.
The chief matriarch is on her deathbed with no heir to rule in her place. She has decided that a contest will be held to find the one worthy to rule in her place. Fifty people have signed her will to participate, unknowingly being placed under a geis by a powerful sorceress. Now, the participants must complete the challenges or face the consequences.
I am just starting to read more comic books, so I am not the greatest judge. However, I was really pulled into this story and it's cast of characters. There is a wide variety of people who are competing for the position including a judge, Councillor, village witch and a young girl, a Kite Lord's daughter. I enjoyed seeing the first challenge from several of the characters perspectives. The artwork uses a muted pastel palate which brings the focus to the characters and keeps the tone classic and serious. The story leaves us on quite a cliffhanger with the end of the first challenge. I would have really liked to learn more about the curse itself and some of the characters and I'm hoping book two of the trilogy will answers these questions. Appropriate for middle grade readers and up, a suspenseful, exciting story with a little bit of a dark streak.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The chief matriarch is on her deathbed with no heir to rule in her place. She has decided that a contest will be held to find the one worthy to rule in her place. Fifty people have signed her will to participate, unknowingly being placed under a geis by a powerful sorceress. Now, the participants must complete the challenges or face the consequences.
I am just starting to read more comic books, so I am not the greatest judge. However, I was really pulled into this story and it's cast of characters. There is a wide variety of people who are competing for the position including a judge, Councillor, village witch and a young girl, a Kite Lord's daughter. I enjoyed seeing the first challenge from several of the characters perspectives. The artwork uses a muted pastel palate which brings the focus to the characters and keeps the tone classic and serious. The story leaves us on quite a cliffhanger with the end of the first challenge. I would have really liked to learn more about the curse itself and some of the characters and I'm hoping book two of the trilogy will answers these questions. Appropriate for middle grade readers and up, a suspenseful, exciting story with a little bit of a dark streak.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
bengriffin's review against another edition
4.0
Another beautifully bound book from Nobrow and a wonderful start to the trilogy. It feels like a European fairytale crossed with a Scandinavian children's book, both visually (think Tove Jansson meets Elsa Beskow) and in the tone of its storytelling. The colours are fantastic and do a lot to set the mood as well as looking stunning. The plot is immediately engaging with mostly ordinary, likeable people, rather than heroes, being cast into a fantasy adventure against their will. Like all the best fairytales there's an excellent sinister streak running throughout the story with some genuinely horrific events occurring. It's well written, lovely to look at, emotionally powerful, and the sudden ending just made me eager for the next two volumes.
fishfish's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Reads in an absolute flash, can't wait to find book 2
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Death of parent
droar's review against another edition
3.0
This is a weird little book & I really didn't expect it to be a series. I'm interested in the plot, but the characters aren't developed at all. I'll probably read the next one just to see what happens. I do really like it's art style though, the color choices make it feel pretty strange.
emilyalbertelli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.75