Author: Dylan Meconis
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Publisher: Walker Books US
Source: Hardcover
Purchase: Hardcover | B&N | Book Depository
Synopsis:
Cult graphic novelist Dylan Meconis offers a rich reimagining of history in this hybrid novel loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary.
When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelation of the island’s sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor’s life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself.
My Rating:
My Thoughts:
Such an enjoyable graphic novel. I loved Margaret as a character. Though she was young and abandoned, she carried herself with much grace. She loved people, even when they did wrong.
Eleanor was an awesome queen. She seemed like a snappy person, but she grew on me.
Sister Agnes was the best influence and person for Margaret. She knew Margaret's true identity and cared well for her.
Mother Mary Clemence was a wicked woman. I didn't like her at all. She was rude, hard and abused her authority.
The artwork in this graphic novel is very eye catching. It almost has such a simplistic look while still keeping you focused on the colors, drawings and words.
Overall, this was a fun graphic novel. Definitely would recommend it.
About the Author
Unlike a lot of people who become professional artists and authors, I didn’t go to art school or a creative writing program in college. Instead, I mostly studied history, literature, philosophy, and French in the College of Letters at Wesleyan University. This means I have a brain full of weird facts, old books, strange art, and the extremely useful ability to read The Tales of Canterbury in the original Middle English. Except for the Middle English bit, it’s all come in very handy for writing and drawing historical fiction and fantasy.
I first started to get paid for making comics when I was still in college, when my first graphic novel was published online. After college, I worked as a graphic designer and visual communications consultant (which means “person who helps teach adults complicated stuff in cool new ways using pictures”). I’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies, global charities, technology companies, libraries, and a lot of other interesting organizations. I’ve made illustrations, animations, information graphics and cool presentations, explaining everything from how microchips work to the ways that clean drinking water can help communities in the third world.
For the last ten years, though, I mostly work as a writer, comic book creator and illustrator! Sometimes I make books totally by myself, and sometimes I get to team up with other writers or artists. It can be lots of fun, but it can also be very hard work. Luckily, I never get tired of making new stories.
- Ends July 18th
- Giveaway is open to International
- Must be 13+ to Enter
- 10 Winners will receive a Copy of QUEEN OF THE SEA by Dylan Meconis.
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