Due to the rushed ending, The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen is a 3.5 and not a 4. However, it is Paulsen and I like the books I have read out of three I know they have written and illustrated. The first was Garlic and the Vampire, and the second is The Firelight Apprentice. I have Garlic and the Witch waiting for me. (And to get it out of the way, all graphic novels are now currently available but I read this via an online reader copy.)
We follow older sister Ada and younger sister Safi, as they help their father in their shop, deal with the loss of their mother and try to help Sarfi’s growing magic. There is also a little arc with some LGBTQ elements as well. There is a trans man who has a slightly forced introduction to the fact he is trans, but overall the fact is not exploited or used as a major plot point. And Ada might actually be aromantic, demisexual or even asexual due to being commented as she’s not the romantic type. I enjoyed the sibling story arc, the magical elements and the overall feeling. As a big sister I’m miffed that the younger sister “got the power,” but she is okay (personality wise) so I don’t begrudge her (much) for having it. Granted it can be a bit obvious for the adult reader, but the 10 and up crowd will enjoy it.
I am stealing the publisher description for its illustrations comments: lush, saturated colors do substantial work in establishing mood-particularly of note are the outside scenes that feature bright pops of color depicting Ada’s persistent efforts at joy and connection against a bruised green/yellow hue evoking the universal devastation of war. Wordless panels offer as many setting details as the exposition, making this a remarkably well-developed world for such a short graphic novel. You are either a fan or not. There really is no inbetween. I like them as they curve the more serious nature of the story, especially this time around.
I was not completely sure what this book was reminding me of, but while reading, I knew that if you liked strong girl stories this would work for you. Read via an online reader copy though it is currently available.