Published by Clarion Books
Summary: Elliott and Liza are orphaned twins who survive by selling the trash they find at the dump. When they see a friend trap a raven with magic, they’re intrigued. They learn that the ravens will give their captors a quest, rewarding them with money if they fulfill it. The twins start participating, gradually getting bigger and more dangerous quests until Liza gets attacked by a giant serpent during one of them. A magician’s apprentice, Seb, rescues them, taking them to a mysterious old woman who is rumored to be a healer. She sends Seb and Elliott on a dangerous mission to gather ingredients for the antidote, taking them to the castle where they learn some unsettling secrets about the kingdom they live in. Eventually, the old woman reveals her identity, and Elliott must make a huge sacrifice to save his sister, setting the stage for a sequel. Includes a spell glossary and early versions of some of the illustrations. 272 pages; grades 4-7.
Pros: An excellent fantasy adventure graphic novel with interesting characters and world-building, and plenty of plot twists.
Cons: I see no sign of a sequel…I hope we will not be left forever wondering what happened to Elliott.
Summary: Elliott and Liza are orphaned twins who survive by selling the trash they find at the dump. When they see a friend trap a raven with magic, they’re intrigued. They learn that the ravens will give their captors a quest, rewarding them with money if they fulfill it. The twins start participating, gradually getting bigger and more dangerous quests until Liza gets attacked by a giant serpent during one of them. A magician’s apprentice, Seb, rescues them, taking them to a mysterious old woman who is rumored to be a healer. She sends Seb and Elliott on a dangerous mission to gather ingredients for the antidote, taking them to the castle where they learn some unsettling secrets about the kingdom they live in. Eventually, the old woman reveals her identity, and Elliott must make a huge sacrifice to save his sister, setting the stage for a sequel. Includes a spell glossary and early versions of some of the illustrations. 272 pages; grades 4-7.
Pros: An excellent fantasy adventure graphic novel with interesting characters and world-building, and plenty of plot twists.
Cons: I see no sign of a sequel…I hope we will not be left forever wondering what happened to Elliott.