badbud's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
macklin's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Really beautiful art and a fun story that reminds me the She Ra reboot. Really intrigued to read more.
nightwing's review
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, stunning artwork, fantastic worldbuilding, and wholesome protagonists...this graphic novel has it all! Can't wait to read more!
Wow, stunning artwork, fantastic worldbuilding, and wholesome protagonists...this graphic novel has it all! Can't wait to read more!
grace_ace's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Atana, a young mermaid, wants to learn about her mysterious past, but it’s dangerous for magical creatures to travel alone. This all changes when a Firebird named Ren falls from the sky. Together they seek answers, meet new friends, and become entangled in the Witch Queen's plans.
I absolutely adored this book! I was swept away by the characters and the story. Atana, Ren, and their friend Cosmos are so much fun to read. Vivian Zhou does an excellent job balancing each of their individual arcs and the overall mystery of the Witch Queen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. The art style is also fantastic. I loved looking at each panel- especially the facial expressions. They captured so many emotions! I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book! I was swept away by the characters and the story. Atana, Ren, and their friend Cosmos are so much fun to read. Vivian Zhou does an excellent job balancing each of their individual arcs and the overall mystery of the Witch Queen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. The art style is also fantastic. I loved looking at each panel- especially the facial expressions. They captured so many emotions! I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
hckilgour's review
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I got a lot of Stardust and Last Airbender vibes from this book.
I feel like this was a good start to the series. We got the know the characters and some of their motivations. But a lot of things have been left unexplained so I’ll have to come back for more.
The ending with the witch queen and Ren’s aunt I saw coming.
I feel like this was a good start to the series. We got the know the characters and some of their motivations. But a lot of things have been left unexplained so I’ll have to come back for more.
The ending with the witch queen and Ren’s aunt I saw coming.
ezwolf's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Atana is a mermaid banished to live on land where she meets a firebird named Ren. After the two become friends they set out on an adventure to learn what they can and also keep Ren safe.
First, the art for this graphic novel is gorgeous. I love the cover, it's amazing and invokes so many emotions in me. The magic system was interesting and different than what I've read before, I like how it incorporated three different kinds of magical beings in order to function, how they are all reliant on each other. And the casualness of queerness is always appreciated!
I very excitedly await book two!
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
First, the art for this graphic novel is gorgeous. I love the cover, it's amazing and invokes so many emotions in me. The magic system was interesting and different than what I've read before, I like how it incorporated three different kinds of magical beings in order to function, how they are all reliant on each other. And the casualness of queerness is always appreciated!
I very excitedly await book two!
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Child abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death
i_love_read_ing's review against another edition
4.0
Atana, a mermaid who has been forced to grow up on a island alone, has a chance encounter with Ren, a firebird who has flown down to earth. The girls become quick friends and decide to travel the world together. On their travels, they meet the witch queen and her followers, who offer them sanctuary from the cruel world. Along the way, they also become friends with Cosmo, a female witch, who is searching for her missing sister. As the friends become closer, they realize their paths may be leading them in different directions. But the witch queen has mysterious plans of her own.
"Atana and the Firebird" is the first in a new graphic novel series. Atana is a story of friendship. I loved getting to see the characters grow in their relationships with one another. I think this story would be relatable for middle grade readers, and the illustrations would be appealing towards that target age group.The artwork was simple, similar to Adventure Time. There was not much shading or details, but the entire novel was in color, which is always impressive. The art style wasn't my personal taste, but I still appreciated how hard the illustrator worked to create each beautiful panel.
I would rate this 3.5/5 stars, but I think middle grade readers would love this more because the story is more suitable for their age range. I would love to continue on with the series and see where Atana and friends end up on their next adventure!
"Atana and the Firebird" is the first in a new graphic novel series. Atana is a story of friendship. I loved getting to see the characters grow in their relationships with one another. I think this story would be relatable for middle grade readers, and the illustrations would be appealing towards that target age group.The artwork was simple, similar to Adventure Time. There was not much shading or details, but the entire novel was in color, which is always impressive. The art style wasn't my personal taste, but I still appreciated how hard the illustrator worked to create each beautiful panel.
I would rate this 3.5/5 stars, but I think middle grade readers would love this more because the story is more suitable for their age range. I would love to continue on with the series and see where Atana and friends end up on their next adventure!
sarahreads2222's review against another edition
3.5
Love the art
Story had a lot happening and was hard to follow
I liked the various species and how they use magic differently
Intended audience will enjoy, similar to amulet with a bit less action
Story had a lot happening and was hard to follow
I liked the various species and how they use magic differently
Intended audience will enjoy, similar to amulet with a bit less action