Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Frantz introduces readers to a world of spirits suffused in tension and magic in her debut solo graphic novel.The citadel is a tightly guarded spirit fortress. The world outside is full of chaotic human unrest. Between them stands the chancellor—a cloaked figure whose face is perpetually hidden in the shadows of a hood. Sometimes called a witch, sometimes a "window walker," the chancellor's true identity is unknown. Her powers are all but limitless, to the benefit of those she protects and the detriment of those who threaten her and her people. But that kind of power comes at a cost; it breeds fear among those who don't understand it, and innumerable atrocities have been committed in the name of fear. Frantz immerses readers in a world that feels so much bigger than the brief glimpse readers get here they will dearly hope for more. It is no small talent to so effectively deploy the unknown and the unseen in a narrative to create such visual and textual richness. Even with an inviting and masterfully paced art style, the exploration of violence begetting violence cannot help but be heavy, but the added questions of magical powers, the origin of a city of spirits, and the chancellor's role in it all break up the density. The world Frantz creates is a racially diverse one.Just try to put it down. (Fantasy. 10-14)

ALA Booklist (Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2019)

"The world's falling apart," young Olive sighs under a starry sky. "Some think it's coming together," the chancellor reminds her as she guides Olive home through the forest, subduing an angry beast midway. Cloaked in layers, her face obscured in hooded darkness, the chancellor protects her citadel by any means necessary. When detractors besiege her kingdom with accusations of dishonesty and destruction, violence inevitably ensues. Suddenly, right and wrong, good guys and bad guys are not so obvious, and taking sides solves nothing. Deep in the citadel's inner sanctum lined with endless books, the chancellor must confront a bitterly disillusioned young woman desperate to challenge the chancellor's power. Newbie comics creator Frantz presents a brave new world in her action-packed, never stagnant artwork lushly saturated in blues, pinks, and purples, where quick answers and easy labels don't exist. Inspired by post 2016 election political protests in her Portland, Oregon, hometown, Frantz transfers her reactions to the page for younger audiences to both question and find solace in a world both falling apart and still coming together.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Frantz introduces readers to a world of spirits suffused in tension and magic in her debut solo graphic novel.The citadel is a tightly guarded spirit fortress. The world outside is full of chaotic human unrest. Between them stands the chancellor—a cloaked figure whose face is perpetually hidden in the shadows of a hood. Sometimes called a witch, sometimes a "window walker," the chancellor's true identity is unknown. Her powers are all but limitless, to the benefit of those she protects and the detriment of those who threaten her and her people. But that kind of power comes at a cost; it breeds fear among those who don't understand it, and innumerable atrocities have been committed in the name of fear. Frantz immerses readers in a world that feels so much bigger than the brief glimpse readers get here they will dearly hope for more. It is no small talent to so effectively deploy the unknown and the unseen in a narrative to create such visual and textual richness. Even with an inviting and masterfully paced art style, the exploration of violence begetting violence cannot help but be heavy, but the added questions of magical powers, the origin of a city of spirits, and the chancellor's role in it all break up the density. The world Frantz creates is a racially diverse one.Just try to put it down. (Fantasy. 10-14)

School Library Journal (Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 6 Up-When human beings infiltrate the magical city known only as the Citadel, the Chancellor, its sole protector, wipes them out. Convinced that humans will retaliate by devastating their world, as they did once before, the once-peaceful city gives way to fear and aggression. Wracked with guilt, the Chancellor battles an existential crisis while relying on friend Olive's gentle solace. Those who revered the Chancellor now regard her with suspicion, and few speak out in support. So when it is discovered that the Chancellor rescued a human survivor (whom Olive has been using her magic to heal), the Citadel dwellers demand action to safeguard their home. Taking sides with the Chancellor against her people could end everything for Olive. This snapshot tale of good vs. evil is not initially what it seems; ultimately, right and wrong are never black-and-white. The chiaroscuro artwork emphasizes the moral dilemma of the varying characters, with light and dark shading highlighting the literal right and wrong choices that each are poised to consider as the plot builds. VERDICT Thematic elements will lend themselves well to book discussion groups. Recommended for large collections where fantasy is popular. Elise Martinez, Zion-Benton Public Library, IL