January 16, 2023
A magical kingdom, feuding mythical creatures, and a treacherous quest for power frame this expansive graphic novel adventure. According to legend, the leader of the Snowcats, the Eldking—an icy blue feline entity with elk horns—once ruled over the Nordan Kingdom. Wanting his power for themselves, red serpentine monsters with vulpine heads called Sandfoxes stole the Eldking’s crown and disappeared. The youngest of seven Snowcat princes, Syv—whose late father often regaled him with these tales of old—is determined to reclaim the stolen crown from the malicious Sandfoxes, especially after his brothers claim to have found a map to it in their father’s belongings. Syv sets out alone until he befriends Kit, a rambunctious freckled human wearing a crown of twigs upon flaming red hair. As the pair travel across the land, through snow-covered hills and into eerie, sunset-hued forests, Syv must confront hard truths about his people’s past if he hopes to return home alive. Norwegian artist Norlund cleverly utilizes highly saturated contrasting color palettes to emphasize the mystical species’ ancient feud. Boasting a vivid sense of place and a tranquil ambiance, this contemplative story explores preconceived notions and the import of generational storytelling. Ages 8–12.
Starred review from January 15, 2023
A young feline prince journeys to find a mysterious magical crown in hopes of saving the kingdom. According to snowcat lore, over a thousand years ago, there lived an Eldking who had his smiths forge a crown made of magic called aura. When he was attacked by the cunning, evil shape-shifting sandfoxes, the Eldking and the crown were never seen again, and the snowcats were cursed. Syv is the youngest snowcat of the seven princes. Earnest and well-liked, he is seen as a threat by his brothers, who send him out alone to acquire the Eldking's crown, a near-impossible feat. Plucky and determined, he ventures out, meeting a red-haired, light-skinned human girl named Kit along the way. As a hero's quest often goes, Syv discovers that both the legends about the sandfoxes and the Eldking and his new friend, Kit, may not be what they appear. Norlund's stand-alone graphic offering is stunning, with lush, vibrant illustrations that flawlessly complement her richly imagined world. Reminiscent of a fairy tale but in no way derivative, this feels fresh and innovative in its exploration of the lasting power of myth, systemic corruption, and the search for truth. Backmatter includes more in-depth aspects of Syv's world, helpfully explaining some of the nuance and history of aura, the snowcats, and the sandfoxes. Purr-fect. (bonus art, map) (Graphic fantasy. 7-12)
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March 1, 2023
Gr 3-6-In a fantasy kingdom ruled by leonine snowcats, a young snowcat prince named Syv embarks on a quest to find his ancestor's mythical crown and break the curse gripping their land. Goaded into the journey by his older brothers, who hope to remove the popular young prince from the public eye, Syv sets out on a trek and meets Kit, a red-haired human girl who is more than she appears to be. The story is a classic hero's journey folktale, with adventure and plot twists to keep the reader's interest. The artwork is the big star here, with luminous blues, reds, pinks, and golds throughout. The story takes inspiration from Disney, manga, and fairy tales, making this a smart choice for graphic novel collections. VERDICT A self-contained adventure with high middle grade appeal, and a very good choice for the graphic novel shelves, particularly where readers enjoy fantasy.-Rosemary Kiladitis
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