I don’t think I’ve really looked at or read a comic or graphic novel since I was in early middle school.  Honestly, the last time I looked at one, I was using it as a CliffsNotes version to a book so I could complete a book report on a story I really didn’t want to read.  Needless to say, I’m very opinionated when it comes to assigned reading and book reports in our schools.  I hate seeing our children’s joy in reading killed by the overuse of these practices.  A child should be encouraged to read the things that interest them and expand their imagination and curiosity.  At the same time, I wanted my children to progress to reading longer and more in-depth stories.  So I’ll be honest, my son’s propensity to read graphic novels somewhat frustrated me. I’ll admit purchasing new graphic novels became a reward or bargain for him reading longer pieces.  Amazingly, it did work.  I never dictated what genre he chose to read, but I did encourage him to explore and find what really interested him.  It’s funny that now that he has grown and left home, I’m picking up a graphic novel.  While they won’t become my favorite reading medium I think I’m beginning to see what appealed to him.

Muirwood: The Lost Abbey is a serial graphic novel that is a part of the Kindle Worlds program. It was created and released in installments that were set to automatically update as new additions were made. Note that I only read the first installment as an ARC so this review is not for the complete serial novel. I found it intriguing that so much could be conveyed with such concise narration and dialog. The graphics fill in for setting ambiance, mood, placement in time and place. These are not the crude simplistic renderings of old time comics. They have depth. They’re colorful and artistic. The Lost Abbey also appeals for its basis in a fantasy realm with magic, adventure, and quests.

Lady Marciana Solven is the disinherited princess of the kingdom of Comoros lovingly known by the pet name “Maia.” Unlike all the women of her kingdom, she has secretly been mentored in the forbidden… reading and magic. Recent years since the death of her mentor, exile of her mother and expulsion of the Dochte Mandar have seen her a virtual prisoner. Now her presence is demanded by her father, the king. He has a quest for her, one that will prove dangerous, a quest meant to save their lands from the dissension and malady that has swept it since the Docte Mandar left. One that she has little choice in taking on if she wants to see herself and her people freed.

The story and the graphics are dark and give you a feel for the desolation of the kingdom. The only light is in the magic displayed. While I’m not a big graphic novel enthusiast I can see the appeal. After reading this one, I found myself actually buying a couple for my granddaughter when she asked for them for Christmas. The ones I selected though were not Muirwood. She’s just a bit young for the violence and PG theme. From this first installment that I’ve read, I would recommend the young adult or adult as an audience for this series. The detractors for myself are that the novel is first a serial and second that graphic novels are not my favorite medium. Even so I would recommend it to those who do enjoy them.

Muirwood Series:

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