Early Reader Review: Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu, Illustrated by Teny Issakhanian  Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:   March 1, 2022

 

Format: ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A young girl must stop a threat to her magical world in this epic graphic novel from New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu and remarkable debut illustrator Teny Issakhanian.

Zuli is extraordinary--she just doesn't realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she's never ventured beyond this safe haven. She's never had to. Until now.

When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it. So begins an adventure bigger than anything Zuli could've ever imagined--one that will bring her, along with some newfound friends, face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and most surprisingly of all: her true identity.

This captivating middle grade graphic novel, the first of a series, is perfect for fans of the Amulet books and the Wings of Fire series.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Review: 

Wingbearer is a Middle Grade, Graphic Novel about a young girl that has known nothing of her life before the Great Tree and the birds. She has been there since she was an infant and raised by the birds and the bird spirits that come there to be reborn into the world. The book begins when something starts to threaten the magic of the tree and the spirits are no longer appearing to be reborn, Zuli, our main character is confused, upset, but determined to figure out what has happened and fix it. The means venturing into the real world to figure it all out. 

Zuli is young, innocent, and very sheltered. She doesn't know anything of her background or history, but is fully alright with leaving the safety of her home/tree to save it. She is determined and a bit stubborn. When she doesn't understand something she just pushes forward and hopes for the best. She is a strong character that I think younger readers will like. 

The plot of the book begins with the missing spirits and then leads us on a journey about who Zuli might be. Although we don't learn a lot about her yet, there is a lot of mystery for the reader to follow and attempt guesses with. 

This graphic novel was very well done. The illustrations were bright and the worldbuilding was very well done throughout the images and the plot. I found that there was a lot of dialogue and not enought being told through the images, however I know that middle grade graphic novels tend to have this issue as it tries to lead younger readers more easily through the story.

Overall, if you liked the Amulet series or are looking for more middle grade graphic novels, this is a great beginning to a new series that you may also enjoy.