Talli flees persecution for her powers in this work translated from French.When Lord Ulric attacks her castle home, Talli's adoptive father, Lord Borin, stays behind to defend it while she escapes with the knight Sir Alan. With sharpshooter Capt. Nina in pursuit, the duo flee. Pavel, a merchant, and his grandson, Lélo, offer Talli and Alan transport to Dame Sybbyl, where Talli will be safe. On the road Talli meets worshippers of the moon goddess Meness-they must follow their forbidden religion in secret as they are branded heretics. Talli learns more about her own origins as a Summoner, or descendant of Meness, who had four baby girls. Since the first chimera war, nobles have attempted to eradicate Summoners; Talli is the very last survivor. When a Summoner's blood is shed, a magical creature known as a chimera appears, and this knowledge keeps the group on a strict deadline: They must reach refuge with Dame Sybbyl before Talli's next period comes. Meanwhile, Lord Ulric interrogates Lord Borin, concerned that Talli's inherited powers could lead to another chimera war. The setting evokes medieval Europe, and the story is populated by racially diverse characters; Talli reads White. This action-oriented graphic novel features classic fantasy motifs, engaging characters, and expressive, dynamic, manga-style art. The framing of menstruation as something once naturally accommodated may feel empowering to some readers.A plot-driven fantasy adventure that keeps pages turning. (author/illustrator notes) (Graphic fantasy. 14-18)

In this well-paced, medieval European–feeling fantasy graphic novel debut by Sourya, Lady Talli, the adopted daughter of Lord Borin, is on the run after their castle is seized by rival Lord Ulric. Accompanied by her earnest, noble-to-a-fault knight Sir Alan and pursued by Lord Ulric’s guard captain sharpshooter Nina, the duo make their way toward Dame Sybbl, where Talli assumes she’ll be safe. Antiques merchant Pavel and his sleepy grandson Lélo, a surprisingly formidable fighter, offer them safe passage to Dame Sybbl, but a dangerous encounter with a group of heretics unveils Talli’s previously unknown heritage as a Summoner, a descendant of a powerful goddess. As a Summoner, Talli has the power to conjure fearsome chimeras with her blood. With Talli’s next period on the horizon, the group’s quest for refuge is imbued with an added sense of urgency; if they don’t reach Dame Sybbl, the inevitable chimera summoning will make them an easy target for their pursuers. A classic manga influence is clear in Sourya’s b&w art, which renders detail-rich backgrounds populated by expressive characters portrayed with myriad skin tones. Dynamic action and humorous dialogue personify this exhilarating series opener. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)