M.T Anderson’s enthralling storytelling and Andrea Offermann’s evocative illustrations transport the reader to the age of the Knights of the Round Table in this rich graphic novel. The narrative follows the formula of an epic tale, following a hero’s journey and his many conquests as he fights to retain his honour and regain his love. The novel’s theme of love and hate existing as one is bittersweet and highlighted by expressive and symbolic artwork.
Translated from Chrétien De Troyes’ Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion written eight centuries ago, it is truly a treat to have such a classic and timeless tale printed in the modern format of a graphic novel. Offermann’s illustrations are done primarily in ink and watercolour; this use of traditional materials feels like a nod to the medieval age and keeps a certain integrity that wouldn’t have been present if it had been entirely digital. The artwork makes the story come to life, with thoughtful character designs and colour symbolism. The fight scenes are especially powerful, with every panel dynamic and exciting.
Yvain challenges the idea of a hero and what is really means to have honour. The protagonist is not without flaw, and no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, he sometimes makes the wrong choice, bringing him greater misfortune but never causing him to lose sight of what’s important to him. Yvain is the sort of hero that, while you might not agree with all of his decisions, you can’t help but root for him. Despite having his own motivations, he doesn’t let that get in the way of helping those who need him, leading him into some interesting quests and keeping the reader enthralled.
Yvain is an excellent read for all ages; there’s an equal balance of dialogue and action scenes, complete with charming narration, and of course the wonderfully rough and rugged illustrations that create an enchanting fantasy world that’s easy to get lost in. It’s an exciting and accessible way to read a tale from the world of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.
DRAGON RIDER follows the tale of Firedrake, a young dragon who sets off on a quest to find the acclaimed Rim of Heaven after learning that his home–and all the dragons that live in it–are in grave danger of a man-induced flood that will destroy their riparian home. Along the way, he will be joined …
Cally Black’s In The Dark Spaces is an immersive sci-fi thriller that features some incredible aliens and insightful thoughts on human nature. While it’s full of action and danger, the heart of the story revolves around family, morality, communication, and love in all its forms. Exposition is scarce, but this works in the book’s favour. [...]
The trials and tribulations of an English upper class noble are thrown into increasingly dangerous–but equally hilarious–lengths in American author Mackenzi Lee’s novel ‘The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue’. The story centres around Lord Henry Montague as his affluent father sends him away on a Grand Tour throughout Europe with his sister and close …
In ‘Again, but Better’, a college student and creatively-driven Shane enrols in a university in the United Kingdom to fulfil her dreams of becoming a writer. Previously a medical student at a university in America, she makes the move unbeknownst to her parents, who have insisted she pursue a career in medicine for vicarious reasons. …
In 1984, one of modern literature’s most celebrated works, readers are introduced to Winston Smith, who lives in a dystopian society in which everything–from actions, movements, careers, and, even in some cases, thoughts–are monitored and recorded tirelessly. In this society, all individuals are governed by organisations who mandate conformity and allegiance, and who will cause …
For anyone who loves fairy tales with a twist, the Rondo series is the perfect way to escape to a world of magic and mystery. Rodda creates a new layer to the classic formula, drawing from familiar characters such as evil queens, talking animals and mythical creatures, but the addition of two protagonists from the …
Book Review – Yvain, The Knight of the Lion
Translated from Chrétien De Troyes’ Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion written eight centuries ago, it is truly a treat to have such a classic and timeless tale printed in the modern format of a graphic novel. Offermann’s illustrations are done primarily in ink and watercolour; this use of traditional materials feels like a nod to the medieval age and keeps a certain integrity that wouldn’t have been present if it had been entirely digital. The artwork makes the story come to life, with thoughtful character designs and colour symbolism. The fight scenes are especially powerful, with every panel dynamic and exciting.
Yvain challenges the idea of a hero and what is really means to have honour. The protagonist is not without flaw, and no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, he sometimes makes the wrong choice, bringing him greater misfortune but never causing him to lose sight of what’s important to him. Yvain is the sort of hero that, while you might not agree with all of his decisions, you can’t help but root for him. Despite having his own motivations, he doesn’t let that get in the way of helping those who need him, leading him into some interesting quests and keeping the reader enthralled.
Yvain is an excellent read for all ages; there’s an equal balance of dialogue and action scenes, complete with charming narration, and of course the wonderfully rough and rugged illustrations that create an enchanting fantasy world that’s easy to get lost in. It’s an exciting and accessible way to read a tale from the world of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.
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