Brightly Woven: The Graphic Novel is a refreshingly simple fantasy yet is not superficial. You know the characters and themes because you have read other stories with handsome, mysterious wizards and lovely, plucky heroines. The villains are bad (they even have the scar to prove it). There is magic, secrets and even a possible romance. There is intrigue and a war to be stopped. When Sydelle Mirabil meets Waylon North, she realizes he is not an ordinary wizard. And soon, she learns she is not just a very talented weaver or an ordinary girl.
This was a three-day lunch read as I took my time reading, but it flows quickly enough. However, occasionally it can be a little slow (a few areas are a tad repetitive). But you still want to continue finding out what will happen. Will North stop the war and find a cure to his illness? Why doesn’t Sydell like the nickname Syd? And who is the wizard following him and what is his connection to the kings poisoning? Magic and adventure mixed together to make a good graphic novel adaptation.
Leigh Dragoon adapted this graphic novel from Alexandra Bracken’s novel of the same name. I am assuming the plot is slightly different (not having read it, I am not sure but after reading the description of the novel, there seems to be a few plot points that have been changed). The graphic novel is a stand-alone story where you do not have to know the novel to enjoy it. In fact, it sounds like you might not want to. There might be sequels to this edition, but you know there is a going to be at least a practical solution to wrap things up.
Kit Seaton’s illustrations are also familiar. They are traditional fantasy adventure. These people are comfortable in any medieval village, in a Shakespeare play or in Middle Earth. As the copy I read was a reader copy and in black and white, I am not sure how the colors will look, but I am hoping they are done brightly as several characters comment on Sydell’s red hair (and how it looks like the goddess of another kingdoms).
This is a book that teens (strong 12 and up) will enjoy, but it was also a nice “beach/lunch read” for this adult.