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 · 1,103 ratings  · 268 reviews

Starting time your review of Squire

'-This isn't the way the world works, girl.
-Peradventure not. Simply the world is only how nosotros make information technology. How volition you arrive?'

If y'all are looking for excellent adventure, look no further than Squire from writer/illustrator team Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas. This is an exciting fantasy in an arresting world detailed through it's intense political climate and features a lot of women with swords battling for truth and justice. All of this is brought to life through Sara Alfageeh'due south actually lovely artwork and

'-This isn't the way the world works, girl.
-Perchance not. But the world is but how we make information technology. How will you make information technology?'

If you are looking for first-class hazard, look no further than Squire from writer/illustrator team Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas. This is an exciting fantasy in an arresting world detailed through it's intense political climate and features a lot of women with swords battling for truth and justice. All of this is brought to life through Sara Alfageeh's really lovely artwork and lush colors. Squire tackles a lot of really important and complex bug of colonialism and the propaganda that perpetuates imperialism, too as the struggles for identity living under a conquering empire, merely the excellent storytelling and engaging narrative make this a fast, fun and really rewarding experience.

Nadia Shammas dedicated Squire to the great Edward Said, whose books such every bit Orientalism and Culture and Imperialism are foundational texts critical of Western depictions of 'The E' and shows how empires persist through colonizing stories too as land. The influence of his work is present here and Shammas and Alfageeh are able to tell their own stories of their own civilisation—the globe of the war-torn Bayt-Sajji Empire in Squire is heavily influenced past Standard arabic nations and history—instead of being told through the white gaze. In this mode they are able to not only tell and celebrate cultural heritage but also critique politics of state of war without it being written for the purpose of weaponizing the stories for the sake of Othering Islamic nations, as Said explains the history of literature tends to do.

The story follows Aiza, a daughter from the recently conquered Ornu people, who enlists to railroad train to go a Squire in order to proceeds full citizenship in the Bayt-Sajji Empire as well equally to go a hero as she seeks adventure and glory. Having to hibernate her ethnicity, Aiza meets friends along the way in the grueling preparation military camp and we see how complex identity is for each of these various characters in a earth full of conquering and an insistence of patriotism and upholding honor. Withal deception lurks in every corner and while Aiza trains under the tutelage of a disgraced Squire now working as a 1-armed janitor she also begins to understand how the stories of the Empire are just that: stories. The myth making of patriotism becomes a way to weaponize fear mongering against others—such as the Ornu—and keep an ground forces ready to fight and dice for the Empire at any costs. The book does well by looking into ideas of complicity and questioning the myths that we are told to instill pride in a ruling government.

This is an exciting book and many of the training scenes made me get that song from Disney's Mulan stuck in my head. There is a lot of set-up which is really rich with lore and politics that I quite enjoyed, and though the 2d half of the volume feels well-nigh too chop-chop paced at times, it makes for a really action packed and fun read. I as well enjoyed how long it was as I tend to fly through graphic novels too apace and this fabricated for a multi-sitting read to be more immersed in the world. Plus this is a smashing book for those hoping to have a more inclusive reading listing with a predominantly brown-skinned cast of characters and cultural references based in the Middle East. The illustrator writes that the color palette, which is extraordinary, is influenced in the colors she saw in Turkey and Jordan and there are some astounding shades of blue used to great effect hither. This is a wonderful book and I would love to see a sequel.

4/5

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the graphic novel that has it all: girls + swords, girls + swords realizing their heroes were manufactured imperial propaganda, girls + swords fighting their style toward a different kind of heroism alongside a ragtag band of empire's exiles. i read information technology out loud to my 5yo. twice. in one day. the graphic novel that has it all: girls + swords, girls + swords realizing their heroes were manufactured royal propaganda, girls + swords fighting their mode toward a different kind of heroism alongside a ragtag band of empire's exiles. i read it out loud to my 5yo. twice. in one mean solar day. ...more

3.75 Stars. This was a well washed graphic novel. I'm a graphic novel fan, merely with so many books on my to read list, I don't notice the time for equally many graphic novels as I would like. When I saw this particular new graphic novel, it immediately caught my attention and I knew I would happily make time for it. I love fantasy stories almost young women who are underdogs in preparation to become squires and knights. And of course seeing the tittle of Squire, acquired me to instantly remember of a favorite seri three.75 Stars. This was a well done graphic novel. I'm a graphic novel fan, but with so many books on my to read listing, I don't find the time for as many graphic novels equally I would similar. When I saw this particular new graphic novel, information technology immediately caught my attention and I knew I would happily brand time for it. I dear fantasy stories about immature women who are underdogs in preparation to become squires and knights. And of grade seeing the tittle of Squire, caused me to instantly think of a favorite series of mine, Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce. I was hoping for a similar feel with this comic and I did get a picayune of that.

I must admit that I was non crazy almost the art in the first few panels. I don't know if overdone is the right word, or not, just something wasn't clicking for me. However, that before long changed and I found myself really enjoying the art, peculiarly the colors. The color choices are wonderful and this graphic novel really stands out because of it.

I enjoyed the story and found information technology very like shooting fish in a barrel to go sucked into this world. If I am totally absorbed by any type of story, my reading footstep picks up. That is not ever piece of cake to practice with graphic novels since you have to be more than conscientious how you lot read them. In this example, I was happy that the bubbles were easy to follow so I didn't find myself reading text out of turn, and it kept the story flowing and allowed me to read at good speed.

My simply slight upshot is that I was not crazy about the ending. Non the bodily story, only that I felt like the ending was a bit besides rushed. At that place is a lot going on in this graphic novel, and so I get it, merely I feel like the climatic ending wasn't every bit exciting every bit information technology should take been for me, since sure things felt like they were happening as well quickly. It did not ruin my overall enjoyment, simply it'south why I didn't give this a full 4 stars.

TLDR: A beautifully colored graphic novel. I'm a YA fantasy fan, and so this was right upward my alley and I enjoyed the story. The catastrophe was a tad rushed, but everything else was well done and I would absolutely read another book if there is one in the hereafter.

P.S. Since I read a lot of LGBTQ+ content, I just desire to mention that while I wondered nigh ane character, this graphic novel has no obvious LGBTQ+ characters.

An ARC was given to me for a review.

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Come up for the gorgeous illustrations and a story nearly knights, stay for an incredible story about a immature daughter against the fact that her dream of condign a knight is built on imperialism and subjugation of the oppressed (and yes, do stay for its gorgeous illustration too).

This graphic novel is absolutely brilliant and I loved this.

Read my full review on my volume blog, The Quiet Pond.

I received a digital advanced readers copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Come for the gorgeous illustrations and a story about knights, stay for an incredible story about a immature girl confronting the fact that her dream of becoming a knight is congenital on imperialism and subjugation of the oppressed (and aye, do stay for its gorgeous analogy too).

This graphic novel is admittedly brilliant and I loved this.

Read my full review on my book blog, The Placidity Swimming.

I received a digital advanced readers re-create from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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OH Hello THERE. THIS IS THE Volume I DREAMED OF WHEN I WAS A WEE Picayune Thing DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF KNIGHTS THROUGH TAMORA PIERCE'S WORKS. Now I Get TO Run across MYSELF IN A STORY AND MY Heart HURTS WITH HOW HAPPY I AM

ARC received from the publisher (Quill Tree Books) in commutation for an honest review.

I'm pretty sure I've been looking forwards to this graphic novel for a few years now, having first heard virtually it back in my webcomic-heavy era – the concept and the art were an immediate draw. I was delighted when I got a chance to give it a endeavor.

Why did you come here? Coin or food? Citizenship…or honor? They dangle the prize of status, mobility, a better life. They employ your bodies and railroad train you while their s

ARC received from the publisher (Quill Tree Books) in commutation for an honest review.

I'm pretty sure I've been looking forwards to this graphic novel for a few years now, having commencement heard well-nigh it dorsum in my webcomic-heavy era – the concept and the art were an immediate depict. I was delighted when I got a gamble to give information technology a effort.

Why did y'all come here? Money or food? Citizenship…or honour? They dangle the prize of status, mobility, a better life. They use your bodies and railroad train yous while their sweet rewards stay in the futurity while you toil hither, now.

Aiza, a member of the oppressed Ornu people, captivated by propaganda pamphlets, dreams of joining the army of the Bayt-Sajji Empire occupying her homeland and becoming a knight. Dreams of adventure, celebrity, full citizenship. When she finally convinces her parents to let her join, she's delighted. But of class, information technology's not going to be equally easy or clear-cut as that.

I absolutely loved how this graphic novel interrogates imperialism, militarism, and prejudice, the fashion different characters are shaped by their backgrounds, which influences their biases and opinions, it was all very well done. It reminds me a lot of The Unbroken, if YA and less nighttime. The basic plot is archetype school setting coming of age with a plucky heroine, information technology's fun and it works, but it'due south the themes and the fine art and the setting that really make it shine.

Nevertheless, there is ane major flaw: the pacing is extremely rushed. It felt equally if it should accept been at least two, perhaps iii times its length to give some events their proper weight. Especially well-nigh the end, too many things happen too chop-chop, with what feels like not plenty reason. In particular when information technology comes to characters changing their minds. There is a expert plot and a good catastrophe, but with some more infinite to exhale it would have been an excellent one.

Regardless, I'd generally recommend it if it sounds good to you.

Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: iii.v/five

Recommended to: those who want a story that manages to be fun and deal with some heavy issues at the same fourth dimension, those looking for something without a romance subplot or fantasy without magic
Not recommended to: those easily bothered past pacing issues

More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.

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Loved the concept of this, a immature soldier condign a Squire for her state's army, but the execution offered nothing new for me. I've read this trope of the young girl finding a tough mentor who makes her a better warrior many times earlier, and I wanted this book to do something new merely it had naught to offering. It's also upper heart grade, not young adult as I thought.

I felt that the last few chapters were very rushed, which made me realise that this is probable a standalone graphic novel, and

Loved the concept of this, a immature soldier becoming a Squire for her country'due south regular army, merely the execution offered nothing new for me. I've read this trope of the young girl finding a tough mentor who makes her a better warrior many times before, and I wanted this book to practice something new but it had nothing to offering. Information technology's also upper middle grade, non young developed equally I thought.

I felt that the concluding few chapters were very rushed, which made me realise that this is likely a standalone graphic novel, and information technology would be amend as a series. I'd honey to run across Aiza as a young adult / adult in the futurity, and this story would exist an okay beginning to the serial, but as a standalone it's very weak.

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Disclaimer: the ARC I got was about entirely in black and white and information technology was so muddy I could barely tell what was going on, I may have had a dissimilar opinion if the publisher could exist bothered to transport a decent copy.

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Beautifully illustrated graphic novel gear up in a Heart Eastern-inspired fantasy earth without magic. It's long (compared to most graphic novels), just I inappreciably noticed because I was so engrossed. The key idea of complicity in an empire'south subjugation of oppressed populations, especially when you've been fed lies about then-chosen "greatness"... oof. Hard (but necessary) to introspect, and the themes will resonate with folks.

One selfish request: I promise there'due south a sequel considering Aiza'southward adventu

Beautifully illustrated graphic novel set in a Center Eastern-inspired fantasy world without magic. It's long (compared to most graphic novels), but I hardly noticed because I was so engrossed. The cardinal idea of complicity in an empire's subjugation of oppressed populations, especially when y'all've been fed lies about so-chosen "greatness"... oof. Difficult (but necessary) to introspect, and the themes volition resonate with folks.

Ane selfish asking: I hope at that place'south a sequel because Aiza's adventures seem unfinished.

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Gorgeous fine art; really interesting worldbuilding; and nice themes of the importance of duty, fluidity of patriotism and citizenship, and morality. On the downwardly side, the plot is a pretty standard training/coming of age story, and the twists are both simultaneously somewhat predicable and non explored enough. That said, I would read a lot more in this universe especially with these characters.

**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in substitution for an honest review.

All her life, Azia has dreamed of being a knight of the Bayt-Sajji Empire. Never heed the empire is not as cracking equally it once was, or that she is a member of the Ornu people, who have been turned into scapegoats for the Empire's woes. Azia is going to do exist a hero.

Only when she joins the other recruits, she discovers that existence a hero is not necessarily what she had thought...and that at that place are many layers of complicity within an empire.

No more orcs. No Called One. Just people learning how to unlea

All her life, Azia has dreamed of being a knight of the Bayt-Sajji Empire. Never mind the empire is not as bully as it one time was, or that she is a member of the Ornu people, who have been turned into scapegoats for the Empire'due south woes. Azia is going to do be a hero.

But when she joins the other recruits, she discovers that being a hero is not necessarily what she had thought...and that there are many layers of complicity inside an empire.

No more orcs. No Called I. But people learning how to unlearn the justifications of colonialism and finding their way.

Ooooooh I really like this one.

The artwork was fantastic. The storyline was tight (although I wanted more than), and I liked the cast of characters. I did desire more than background on the empire and the world and the rest of the peoples making up the world, just I empathize why the authors didn't go into as much detail—there was a lot to get through and what they portrayed was enough to become the betoken across.

There is so much joy hither, fifty-fifty among the suffering and hardship, and I had so much fun following Azia equally she bounced and leapt and fought her way through training—and beyond.

And the commentary on colonialism, empire and complicity was likewise very well washed.

Overall, a solid graphic novel, and I'grand non simply maxim it because in that location were girls with swords trying to be knights!

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review

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first of all let me just say how much i love the fine art style of this graphic novel. information technology's so fun in terms of characters design and and so cute when it comes to the settings and backgrounds they're in. the story we see the aiza get through is one that i find resonates with a lot of people today and tackled serious themes such as identity, state of war and colonialism that is still very present today, through a graphic novel in a mode that i found very engaging. seeing the characters finding out what they'd be outset of all permit me but say how much i love the art style of this graphic novel. it'southward so fun in terms of characters design and so beautiful when it comes to the settings and backgrounds they're in. the story nosotros see the aiza go through is i that i notice resonates with a lot of people today and tackled serious themes such as identity, state of war and colonialism that is still very present today, through a graphic novel in a manner that i found very engaging. seeing the characters finding out what they'd believed to skillful actually being the opposite and a complex matter actually highlights the themes of growing up equally they starting time to run across things every bit they truly are. whilst i always knew from the first what would play out, it was still heartbreaking to see aiza'south ideas of heroism shattered. honestly, i actually recommend you become become yourselves a copy of this wonderful piece of art and literature, whether you preorder (which would be better) or in one case information technology comes out in march. it's then worth the read ...more than

― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Squire is a 1000 fantasy YA graphic novel that while on the surface is nigh a girl'southward dream to become a knight, delves into nuanced discussion of imperialism, loyalty to an empire that conquered her people, alongside themes of war & the cycle that maintains it! Through a scrappy, enthusiastic heroine named Aiza, the reader gets pulled into the world of Bayt-Sajji and the grander ideas it presents. A compelling graphic novel with great artwork & a story that leaves you westward ― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Squire is a grand fantasy YA graphic novel that while on the surface is about a daughter's dream to become a knight, delves into nuanced word of imperialism, loyalty to an empire that conquered her people, alongside themes of war & the cycle that maintains it! Through a scrappy, enthusiastic heroine named Aiza, the reader gets pulled into the world of Bayt-Sajji and the grander ideas it presents. A compelling graphic novel with keen artwork & a story that leaves yous wanting to know more.

When I start heard well-nigh Squire, information technology contained everything I feel like I don't oftentimes see in YA Fantasy: Knights, grand ballsy globe and grander themes tackled within the story. From the very beginning its articulate that Aiza's Ornu background makes her discriminated against and with little opportunities, both for her and her family. And then when hearing about the recruitment to become a Squire and its supposed benefits, she leaps at the chance to bring together!

From in that location, she meets new friends (Husni, Sahar, & Basem) and undergoes grooming and exams to become a knight. While she struggles to keep upward, she gets assist from the groundskeeper Doruk, trying to keep her place in training and avoid failure.

The artwork is colorful ranging from reds to oranges, browns, and other earthy colors to present the vibrant compages, article of clothing and setting of the Bayt-Saiji Empire. With a lot of night grooming scenes and a character with their own ulterior motives, the artwork transitions to nighttime hues of red and blue across the novel. The paneling is wonderfully presented to tell the story and helps to evangelize a peachy pacing. There's also dynamic action scenes, wonderfully synthetic backgrounds and overall the details to the characters or detail elements in a panel highlight a lot near the scene.

Despite the obviously planned out & intended themes that are explored through Aiza'southward journey, they did feel vert overt and heavy-handed in terms of execution in the dialogue (the subjugation, realities of state of war, etc.). That's non necessarily a bad matter but so it felt like then, there's no room to explore the themes at greater length. Additionally, despite having a dandy bandage of characters I never felt like I knew too much about them, we get some background as to Husni and Basem merely again there's never additional details that make them experience more adult. I did enjoy Aiza, Doruk, and Husni, etc. but over again all these dynamics / characters have that familiarity merely are never given more page-time to delve into their stories. I just left the globe of Bayt-Saiji similar at that place was and then much more to observe...

The war machine and training to be a Squire becomes a big portion of the plot, notwithstanding were some of the most fascinating parts of story for me! While it and then conspicuously establishes a grander idea nearly how the Empire utilizes the youth & naivete of the recruits to farther expand their attain, information technology still manages to feel similar a very close, tight-knit story about these recruits and their feel in training which gives it a more light-hearted feel to the story coupled with Aiza'south charm, the banter and sense of humour woven into the narrative.

Non sure if there is a sequel planned (that would be astonishing!), but I would not mind returning to this world over again to explore what's side by side for the characters and the empire.

Squire excels at presenting and examining a multifariousness of themes from loyalty, imperialism, & more! The artwork is lively with a gorgeous palette of colors, unfolding the story in such a way that elements of mystery and adventure are always nowadays. Alfageeh and Shammas excel at bringing that personal depth to the different layers and themes in this book. Aiza's story is not just that of condign a knight, what this graphic novel does is offer fantastic explorations into grander ideas about the impacts of war, knighthood, and the cost of dreams that doesn't want to include her!

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A well-done comic about a young girl's dream of condign a squire. The two big differences being the centre-eastern setting and the willingness to testify the circuitous morality of knighthood.

The graphic novel was written universally enough that I feel like any age could pick upwardly and savor it (love of lady knights is not age-specific). The fine art was cute and felt related to the theme of the story and the landscapes and extra details were beautiful. The simply thing I wish I could have had more of are thos

A well-done comic about a young girl's dream of becoming a squire. The two big differences being the middle-eastern setting and the willingness to show the circuitous morality of knighthood.

The graphic novel was written universally enough that I experience like any age could pick up and enjoy it (honey of lady knights is not age-specific). The fine art was cute and felt related to the theme of the story and the landscapes and extra details were cute. The only thing I wish I could accept had more of are those sweet training montages.

While I generally read novels with LGBTQ+ rep, I will mention that this book does non have any canonical representation within the community. That being said, there is multifariousness in the terms of body and skin types.

If you take a soft spot for the "girl wants to be a knight" trope then this could be a skillful fit for you especially if yous are tired of the euro-centric representation of knighthood. I would too recommend it to any younger readers that are okay with violence (gore is unsaid offscreen).

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CW: blood, violence, injury, war, racism, xenophobia
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I take been excited for Squire always since I showtime heard nearly it and it was so skillful!

Set in a Heart-Eastern inspired world Squire follows a young girl from an oppressed background, who'due south dream of becoming a hero comes at the cost of hiding her identity.

I don't want to requite too much away about it but with a wonderful group of characters at its core this is an inspiring story about following your center and being brave plenty to stand upward for

CW: blood, violence, injury, war, racism, xenophobia
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I take been excited for Squire e'er since I first heard virtually it and it was then good!

Set in a Heart-Eastern inspired world Squire follows a young girl from an oppressed groundwork, who's dream of becoming a hero comes at the toll of hiding her identity.

I don't desire to give too much away about it but with a wonderful group of characters at its core this is an inspiring story almost following your center and being brave enough to stand up up for what is correct, no matter the cost.
The commentary on the weaponization of history, imperialism and complicity in such regimes was besides and then well addressed.

And of course the artwork is STUNNING! It enhances the story further by beautifully portraying the characters and the setting and I absolutely loved Sara's notation on how the colours were chosen and inspired by photos she took when she was in Jordan and Turkey.

I did find the ending a picayune rushed compared to the residuum of the story and I wish it could have been separate into a longer serial merely I loved it even so. Though this is for a YA audition, I'd say anyone of any age would definitely take something abroad from it so definitely check it out!
Final Rating – 4.5/5 Stars

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Described as "a mix betwixt Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Mulan"? YES PLEASE.

Oh and the concept art is SO Expert.

Described as "a mix betwixt Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Mulan"? YES PLEASE.

Oh and the concept art is And then Practiced.

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This is such a gorgeous looking graphic novel, but the story is convoluted and rushed. I wish it could accept been developed ameliorate.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced re-create of this to review! Always on the lookout for new, diverse graphic novels to read, and this one fits the beak. Bonus points for it being fantasy and filling a hole seen in the graphic novel fantasy genre!

For the most part, I thought the writing throughout this was well washed. There a few times where I thought information technology possibly got a footling too wordy for a graphic novel, but sometimes it was necessary to ensure the readers are on the same folio. Espe

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! Always on the lookout for new, diverse graphic novels to read, and this one fits the bill. Bonus points for it being fantasy and filling a hole seen in the graphic novel fantasy genre!

For the virtually office, I thought the writing throughout this was well done. There a few times where I idea information technology maybe got a little as well wordy for a graphic novel, but sometimes it was necessary to ensure the readers are on the same page. Especially since this is a fantasy world that needs some caption at times.

The writing also partners well with the characters to truly bring them to life. The art makes the characters incredibly expressive, supported past what's going on in the text. We are also able to see a various representation of characters throughout this world, which better reflects the real world. Y'all can see the characters changing as they larn more, which is then important in a volume like this.

I likewise really liked the fine art in this. In that location are some actually great panels in here, especially depicting the overall world. The overall colour palette likewise helps in bringing this fantasy earth to life.

My simply qualm with this volume is that the ending felt a flake rushed. I think it could have been expanded, and this honestly could become a series. I would totally read more!

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I LOVED this as someone raised on Tamora Pierce! It reminded me of the Alanna or Kel books, but what if they were gear up in a fantasy Middle Eastward instead of fantasy Europe and were actively anti-colonialist?

I found the ending a little bit rushed, merely was so happy to see this story told in a new setting and with a sharper lens on the glory of heroics. I read an ARC, merely would love to reread a finished re-create in color when it comes out.

Would definitely recommend for fans of Pierce, Nimona, Avatar: the

I LOVED this as someone raised on Tamora Pierce! Information technology reminded me of the Alanna or Kel books, but what if they were set up in a fantasy Middle E instead of fantasy Europe and were actively anti-colonialist?

I institute the ending a little bit rushed, merely was and so happy to see this story told in a new setting and with a sharper lens on the glory of heroics. I read an ARC, but would dear to reread a finished copy in color when information technology comes out.

Would definitely recommend for fans of Pierce, Nimona, Avatar: the Last Airbender, or Mulan.

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This was only and then proficient. I loved it, and I'chiliad definitely going to preorder it. This was just and then good. I loved it, and I'1000 definitely going to preorder it. ...more

This is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel that grapples with deep themes and an epic cast of characters (well-nigh all of them with really amazing graphic symbol arcs)! It'south not explicitly Muslamic, although in that location are drawings of what look like mosques in the background. The themes it deals with, though, are relatable to what a lot of Muslim Americans face up.

Immature Aiza dreams of becoming a squire and serving her empire. Simply later on realizing that the empire wages war against her own people, and treats

This is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel that grapples with deep themes and an epic bandage of characters (almost all of them with really amazing character arcs)! It's not explicitly Muslamic, although at that place are drawings of what look like mosques in the background. The themes it deals with, though, are relatable to what a lot of Muslim Americans face up.

Young Aiza dreams of becoming a squire and serving her empire. But after realizing that the empire wages war against her own people, and treats them and other refugees as second-form citizens, Aiza must determine whether to proceed her dreams of serving heroically, or embarking on a new path.

There were a lot of parallels to the situation today: Arab Americans defining their conflicting identities, the US as an empire waging war confronting other countries (specially Arab/Muslim ones) dorsum home, Arab Americans enjoying the comforts of living in the empire while feeling guilty and worried nigh what Arabs/Muslims volition be bombed by the United states of america adjacent, the rhetoric of Americans "fearing" the others and feeling as though they must either conquer or be conquered.

Overall it was a great read. There are some Muslim American youth who consider joining--and end up joining--the US army (whether it is for a sense of purpose, to become a hero, or just tuition bills). I would definitely recommend it for a young developed audience, and youth considering joining the army in item—it might prompt them to consider things otherwise unconsidered.

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*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A stirring tale of friendship, martial training, and uprising. I was instantly drawn in past this underdog story featuring Aiza, a small but fierce daughter who dreams of condign a knight and achieving great things. She's bought into the empire's idea of greatness and, despite her parents cautioning her confronting it, is determined to join the recruits. However, she has to proceed her identity equally one of the Ornu people a secret. As the sto

*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A stirring tale of friendship, martial preparation, and uprising. I was instantly drawn in by this underdog story featuring Aiza, a small merely fierce girl who dreams of condign a knight and achieving great things. She'due south bought into the empire's idea of greatness and, despite her parents cautioning her against it, is determined to join the recruits. However, she has to go along her identity every bit one of the Ornu people a secret. Every bit the story unfolds, Aiza meets recruits from dissimilar people groups and social classes, trains with an old soldier haunted by the past, and uncovers difficult truths about the knights. The characters are all wonderful and the story kept me engaged and eager to know what would happen side by side.

I dear the art and character design - the art is really detailed and the characters have a wide range of body types and expressions. I especially loved the visual contrast betwixt Aiza and her mentor - they're polar opposites in every manner and I love their dynamic. Inspired past Arab countries, civilization, and history, this story is wonderfully various. Reading it was a joy!

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Such a lovely subversion of genre tropes. I wish at that place had been more than caption of how the Ornu came to be and so hated and how the dominant group came into power, only even without that extra depth, this was an amazing wait at the harm that war and imperialism tin can do.

This was a lovely graphic novel
virtually a immature girl who follows her dream path out of poverty and subjugation into the harsh reality of imperialism. Some things stood out to me as a little wonky (some of the lettering, the story pacing at parts) but overall I enjoyed information technology and would recommend information technology for high schoolers/young adult readers

Sometimes justice is trying anyway. Just us. HA!

What a fantastic graphic novel, probably i of the best I've ever read.

Squire takes the typical fantasy fare of a daughter wanting to become a knight, simply sets it in a Middle Eastern inspired world and turns the trope on its head. Information technology'southward about unlearning societal propaganda and thinking for yourself. It's about forging your own path when the i you'd ever imagined for yourself isn't what you idea it would be.

The artwork, story, and world building are all exceptional. I tin can't recommend this i

What a fantastic graphic novel, probably one of the best I've e'er read.

Squire takes the typical fantasy fare of a girl wanting to get a knight, but sets it in a Middle Eastern inspired earth and turns the trope on its caput. It'due south most unlearning societal propaganda and thinking for yourself. It'southward about forging your own path when the one you'd always imagined for yourself isn't what yous thought information technology would be.

The artwork, story, and world building are all exceptional. I can't recommend this i highly enough!

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Everything about this volume was dandy, merely I especially liked the fine art and the grumpy erstwhile human.

DOES THIS COUNT AS A REVIEW, BELLA? ARE You HAPPY Now?

Great art, fun characters with intriguing and complex standalone story with potential for sequel. Should entreatment to those who enjoyed the Nameless City series of graphic novels.

This is a story near loyalty, duty and honour, and whether those words mean following orders or fighting against a broken system.
In this world we have several different clans of people who are slowly being conquered by the Bayt-Sajji empire. The Bayt-Sajji offering the people the opportunity to become a squire in their armed services for rewards such as citizenship, a home and security for the recruits whole family. Merely what initially sounds like a tempting offer, is soon unmasked as what information technology is - the c This is a story virtually loyalty, duty and honour, and whether those words mean following orders or fighting against a broken system.
In this world we accept several unlike clans of people who are slowly being conquered by the Bayt-Sajji empire. The Bayt-Sajji offering the people the opportunity to become a squire in their military for rewards such as citizenship, a dwelling and security for the recruits whole family unit. Simply what initially sounds like a tempting offering, is presently unmasked as what it is - the colonisers trying to postage out all other traditions and cultures from the land.
Fifty-fifty though the topic is heavy on newspaper, this comic is full of fun, friendship and comradery. The art way is slap-up, each character has a unique await so you lot tin tell them all apart even though nosotros have quite a few important characters introduced quite close together. I read an ARC copy which wasn't fully colourised, just from what I did encounter in the first affiliate, the colours are really squeamish and add together to the feel of the story.

review copy.

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Give thanks you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Squire tells the story of Aiza, a young Ornu girl with dreams of condign a squire similar the heroes in the stories. We follow her struggles and her victories equally she goes through preparation and learns that being a hero might not mean exactly what she idea it would.

This was just such a joy to read. The art was stunning, the plot was well-paced so like shooting fish in a barrel to get invested in. You tin can't assist simply ro

Thank yous to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an ARC in commutation for my honest review!

Squire tells the story of Aiza, a young Ornu girl with dreams of becoming a squire like the heroes in the stories. We follow her struggles and her victories as she goes through preparation and learns that being a hero might not mean exactly what she thought it would.

This was just such a joy to read. The art was stunning, the plot was well-paced and so like shooting fish in a barrel to get invested in. You can't help only root for Aiza, and it's hard not to root for the friends she makes in training, also. Basen in item was such a well written character; I loved his complexity and I loved his struggle with finding his own identity outside of his family's legacy and expectations.

For such a short story, there was and then much packed into Squire. Themes such as how history tin be shaped to serve its own purpose, and what it means to exist a hero, are fully fleshed out without leaving me feeling equally if anything was missing. Colonialism, nationalism, racism, and the horrors of war are all touched upon and beautifully woven into the story.

This is ane of the easier books to charge per unit; Squire is a solid 5 stars.

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Sara Alfageeh is a Jordanian-American illustrator and creative managing director in Boston. She is passionate about history, educational activity, girls with swords, and the spaces where art and identity intersect. She has just wrapped up drawing SQUIRE, and is currently co-founder of I More Multiverse.

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57992924-squire

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