Jessi Zabarsky

I loved this so much. It's beautifully drawn, with some of the most striking facial expressions I've ever seen, and the story is superbly paced (though I would've liked a few more pages at the end). The whole thing kinda evoked Earthsea feelings in me: magical drama playing out in small towns and on the journeys between them. But with great warmth and humor.

This graphic novel wasn't 100% clear all of the time - I had questions about the fantastical world and characters and I think I need to give it another reread before I understand it fully. Two women love each other deeply - one is filled with magic the ability to shape and shift - while the other struggles greatly with it. When a mist takes over the library that stores all the wealth of their ancestors, Valissa volunteers to see what it is. The task takes a long time and in the meantime show more Preet is lonely - she decides to hatch a seed all on her own (which is forbidden - two need to be present to raise a seedling). Soon she has a precious child that she has to keep hidden because it goes against the customs. What if love can conquer all? Or maybe the rules of magic are bound to get in the way. Beautiful, but hard to follow. show less

Loved every bit of this. I devoured it in practically no time, and I could easily have read much more about these girls! Love the representation of LGBTQIA characters, including the non-binary witch, as well as the variety of body shapes. I ached for Sanja when she thought she'd lost Lelek!

A lovely fantasy story about participating in and hopefully improving a society, while trying to navigate its rules and restrictions. Ruminations on the origins and value of traditions and on love and relationships. Cool creature concepts and very beautiful art.