School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

Gr 6 Up-Delilah Dirk has a chip on her shoulder. Of late, she lashes out at anyone who wounds her pride or name, even when the danger is great. As in Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (First Second, 2012), her faithful friend Selim acts as the voice of reason, but stopping a resolute Delilah proves to be nearly impossible. So when a traitorous British soldier threatens her good reputation, she pursues him, bent on his downfall. England does not welcome her back, and with redcoats chasing her, she reluctantly takes refuge with her privileged family. This position gives her an advantage, but her headstrong attitude jeopardizes all: her chance at success, survival, and her bonds. Frustration and tension have a bigger presence than humor in this volume, but we get more character and relationship development because of this. Colors are key to setting the tone; when this duo arrive in England, the hues take on an overcast brown to match how stifled Delilah feels. Fortunately, heart-pounding action sequences chase such clouds away every time. VERDICT Another whirlwind adventure that builds upon Cliff's unifying factortrue friendship. Rachel Forbes, formerly of Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada

ALA Booklist (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

Delilah Dirk and Mister Selim have had a lot of adventures over the two years they've traveled together. But when Delilah is accused of being a spy and has to return to England to clear her name, they'll face their greatest challenge: her mother. As in volume one, Cliff shows readers the wonders and dangers of traveling with Delilah through the eyes of the gentle and reserved Selim. But he also broadens his focus a bit to allow readers to understand the frustration Delilah feels over the inequality of women, the imbalance between rich and poor, and the expectations of society. Anyone, teen or adult, who has ever chafed at the strictures of a loving but unaware parent will identify with Delilah's desire to avoid her family home for as long as possible. Cliff includes plenty of humor and action to keep the tale from becoming too weighted, and the result, when combined with his lively artwork, is a breathless romp that will appeal to a broad range of readers.

Voice of Youth Advocates (Tue Feb 28 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Delilah Dirk, aka Alexandra Nichols, would prefer to plunder ruins and live the life of a globe-trotting adventuress with her stalwart companion, Mister Selim. But when a British officer drags her name in the mud to help hide his own perfidious nature, she has no choice but to return to England and her family estate to right this wrong, save England, and most importantly, give the officer the thrashing he deserves. Readers of the first Delilah Dirk adventure might be surprised that the brash heroine would get involved in the subtleties of an espionage plot, but have no fear: she decidedly does not trade her swords for subtlety.Cliff's artwork and storytelling skill make this graphic novel a fine purchase for those looking to expand their graphic novel collection beyond capes and manga. What is particularly interesting about this second volume of Dirk's adventures is watching the heroine struggle with the consequences of having kept her true identity a secret from Mister Selim and her role as an adventuress a secret from her mother. While she is up to any challenge she can face with a sharp blade, she finds herself at a loss sharing these truths with the people she cares about.Sean Rapacki.