Sorceline (Sorceline #1)
Sylvia Douyé
Illustrated by Paola Antista
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published on May 17, 2022
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads
About Sorceline
Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them. In Book 1 of this riveting new middle grade graphic novel series, a gifted young cryptozoologist-in-training must learn to tame powerful beasts—including her own inner demons.
For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices.
But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper.
When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected . . .
(This book contains the first three volumes of the original series)
My Review
I remember seeing this book when it came out and being completely taken with the illustrations. I love the whimsical feel of them, and all of the forest or nature spreads. The text and illustrations together give a great sense of the relationships between the characters. I love the expressions on the characters’ faces and the comments they make about each other.
At first, the story appears to be about a bunch of students competing for an internship and trying to solve the mystery of what’s causing a gorgon to be ill. (Almost like a middle grade, magical version of the show House. Ha.) As we get deeper into the tale, though, it’s clear someone is accidentally or purposefully sabotaging the students and maybe setting out to harm the magical creatures as well.
This first book in the series ends on quite a cliffhanger, so I’m really glad I’m reading it when I have access to the second book. I’m really interested to see where the story goes from here.
I think readers who enjoyed WINGBEARER by Marjorie Liu or ESTRANGED by Ethan Aldridge will love the detailed illustrations and emotive depictions of the characters in the book.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Representation
The main character appears white or white-passing. Some of the other students are people of color.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.
Romance/Sexual Content
Some attraction between boys and girls.
Spiritual Content
Some characters use magic. The story also contains magical creatures, references to curses, and omens.
Violent Content
Situations of peril.
Drug Content
None.
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