Series: Estranged #1
Published by HarperCollins on August 7, 2018
Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Edmund and the Childe were swapped at birth. Now Edmund lives in secret as a changeling in the World Above, his fae powers hidden from his unsuspecting parents and his older sister, Alexis. The Childe lives among the fae in the World Below, where being a human makes him a curiosity at the royal palace.
But when the cruel sorceress Hawthorne seizes the throne, the Childe and Edmund must unite on a dangerous quest to save both worlds—even if they’re not sure which world they belong to.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I picked up Estranged because I love magical adventures, graphic novels, and books in which family features prominently.
What I love about Estranged
- The sister Alexis is one of the main supports, and she plays the role of big sister beautifully to both Edmund and the Childe. Emotionally wise…and as a full-blown member of Team Rescue the World Below. (Note: they don’t actually name their team. I made it up just now.)
- The beautiful artwork is suited to the tone of the graphic novel and brings the characters and world to life.
- There are various magical creatures from the fey to wax golems and even a dragon!
- It features themes of family and belonging with both Edmund and the Childe trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. I appreciate that we get to see these themes play out in both of their lives.
- Not everything is perfect at the end. Edmund and the Childe still have questions, but they’re facing the future with a positive attitude.
Note: While there is an outward journey, this book is very much about the internal journey that Edmund and the Childe go through.
The Changeling King by Ethan M. AldridgeSeries: Estranged #2
Published by HarperCollins on October 1, 2019
Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.
Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.
When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Changeling King explores the aftermath of the heroes’ journey in the first book. I enjoyed how their personalities and the mistakes they made in the first book directly influence events in this sequel. Even a tiny detail that readers may have brushed off.
Edmund, now Cinder, is king of the World Below; the Childe, now Ed, is adjusting to life with his birth family in the World Above. Both are learning that the life they coveted is not all they imagined to be. Their worlds will once again when Cinder needs his human family to help him with a crisis.
Aldridge expands the world and history of Estranged in The Changeling King. I love how Ed’s parents play a larger, if still minor, role in this book and how Alexis continues to grow as a major supporting character. Little details demonstrate the changes that Ed and Cinder have gone through during their time apart and how they still have room to grow.
The family secret that we learn at the end of this graphic novel is revealing of the way the World Below has been run in the past, and it opens the way for the continuation of Ed and Cinder’s journey. I would be interested in reading another sequel to see where Aldridge takes us next.
ShootingStarsMag says
I think I have the first book on my wish list, but if not, it needs to be. These sound so fun, and I love graphic novels.
-Lauren
Crystal says
It is a fun book. I love graphic novels too!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I really love fae so this is right up my book street! Changlings never seem to work when an author tries to incorporate them so I really love the idea playing out so well here. And sisters rule the world!
Crystal says
Fae are fantastic. Great sibling dynamics even more so. The older sister is a fantastic character! 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Oooh, I really like the sound of these. I’ll have to check them out! Fae stories always fascinate me, and I don’t think I’ve read any fae graphic novels before.
Crystal says
I love fae stories too. I hope you enjoy Estranged, Nicole!