Squire
Ratings16
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings16
Average rating3.9
From two incredible rising talents comes the fantasy graphic novel Molly Knox Ostertag calls “instantly compelling.” Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It’s the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program. It’s not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the “greater good” that Bayt-Sajji’s military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined. In this breathtaking and timely story, Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire.
Reviews with the most likes.
Plot-wise and pacing this was wonderful but the artwork was inconsistent at times (our protagonist had two completely different noses on the same page, for example).
Quick and easy read with a good message, was my first graphic novel in awhile and I think it's a good one to start with!
Finished! Very fast read, really adored the characters. I did feel rather empty(?) at the end. I thought there would be much more, it finished almost abruptly for me. I even searched if it's part of a series but no :c. It's a solid 3.5 stars. I liked it yes, will I ever think about it again? Probably not and the ending was meh for me soo not a 4 star.
This is one that's going to stick with me.
I LOVED it. Not only is the art gorgeous - I want to live in those color palettes - but the story is excellent. I think it's a great interrogation of heroism, war, and violence. I was reading another review where the person said they wanted to know what the Ornu had “done” to be treated as enemies or second-class citizens. The answer is, like so many real-life examples, that they did nothing. Their “crime” was being in the way of colonization and power and empire.
The authors clearly took so much care into all the details of this work and it is exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever wanted to be a hero.
