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A review by arisia
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen
4.0
The introductory book to the Mouse Guard series hit a lot of the points I expect in fantasy stories (mouse-related or otherwise): clear conflict, a credible threat, and lean--but not lacking--exposition of an interesting and poignant world. That the mouse settlements provide shelter in constant danger of turning into incarceration automatically fills the world with a kind of tension and lends urgency to the eponymous Guard--and, therefore, gives the central conflict its subtle gravitas. All that considered, however, the story maintains status quo on many generic conventions. Characterization is bare-bones and the cast is fairly archetypal.
The art in the book is simply stunning. Common animals can look cute and vicious in turn, all the while staying close to their natural appearances. Backgrounds and settings are beautifully rendered, as well. The aforementioned cuteness--which is centered, of course, on the mice--provides a kind of visual-narrative irony: apparent harmlessness masks toughness honed in a world of constant peril. If there's anywhere the visuals gave me pause, it was in the lettering, but that may simply be a mater of getting used to.
The art in the book is simply stunning. Common animals can look cute and vicious in turn, all the while staying close to their natural appearances. Backgrounds and settings are beautifully rendered, as well. The aforementioned cuteness--which is centered, of course, on the mice--provides a kind of visual-narrative irony: apparent harmlessness masks toughness honed in a world of constant peril. If there's anywhere the visuals gave me pause, it was in the lettering, but that may simply be a mater of getting used to.