#BookReview: The Orphan King
by Tyler Chin-Tanner & James Boyle
Hey Space Cadets; I hope this review finds you well! I found this book at our local library while introducing my son to the joys of walking up and down the isles looking for a book to catch his fancy. For this graphic novel, the image on the cover is what caught my attention. The picture of a knight in golden armor, with what appears to be a witch behind him instantly drew me in. The art is amazing, I loved the visceral imagery that the artist created.
What is this book about? It’s a fantasy novel about a young man who was sent away by his dad, the king, to grow up. When he finally comes home three years later, he finds things vastly different, and an adventure begins. I loved it and I think you will too!
If this cover caught your eye too, then click this link and give this book a shot! I think you’ll dig it, and with all those pictures even the Marines can enjoy this kid’s book!
The Story
This is the story of the young Prince Kaidan, heir to the throne of Aesolan. He was sent off to complete his secret training with his aunt, the magical Lady Taleissa on the Isle of Woman when tragedy struck his family. He returned home, only to find things were quite different than when he’d left three years ago. This story was the illegitimate love child of an Arthurian myth, mated with Robin Hood and Beowulf. The first novel was a slow burn, as the author set up the world building for a five novel arc and forced Kaidan to deal with the enemy soldiers left behind in the ruins of his kingdom.
The art style was well done and gripping. I’m not an artist, and I’m colorblind, but I really loved this artistic imagery. The style of this art was similar to that of John Byrne, famous for his work in the superhero genre. This story, The Orphan King, was illustrated by James Boyle and evoked similar feelings. The illustrator gave this story clean lines and he paid attention to the little details that brought the story to life. From the articulation of Kaidan’s armor, to the wings of the griffin, this book had everything you need to sink into the worlds of The Orphan King. The imagery was dark in places, yet never losing that hopeful vibe. It had crisp earthtone colors that even I could see and stopped the pictures from being too busy. The art was just right, never trying to do too much, but they also managed not to undersell it either. I loved how they used those tiny details to allow you to envision yourself in the story.
The writing was well done, though as a graphic novel we see that mostly through the choice of art paired with the dialogue. The pacing of the story was an interesting choice of the current times, set in grim-dark colors and the prince’s past depicted in sepia hues. It strung you along, waiting for the next shoe to drop as the young man made his way in the world. In the end, we were left wanting more as the authors joined the Cliff Hangerin Bastard’s Club.
The Characters
The main character of this graphic novel was Prince Kaidan, the son of King Gorlan. He is the heir to the throne of Aesolan and determined to earn his father’s affection. At the beginning of the story, he’s a young kid sent away to train with his aunt on the Isle of Women. He was supposed to be there for four years, but came home early to find his father dead and his kingdom conquered by an enemy from the North. Throughout the first novel we see this character grow into his role as the once and future king. He becomes a competent young teen with strong moral convictions, in spite of the danger to himself. He was so well written that I went on to find the next books in this series.
Personality wise, Kaidan evolved from spoiled brat to humble young knight willing to learn and improve. His willingness to sacrifice for his kingdom and family’s future, instead of slinking into the Wild Woods to hide is commendable. They’ve shown him to be the type of leader you’d want to follow, if he lives long enough to attain command of Aesolan. The authors balanced the need to write a believable child and the desire to make him the hero his people needed.
The World
This story was set in the Kingdom of Aesolan, which gave me Sherwood Forrest vibes. The choice of art and shading in this graphic novel really set the mood and helped show the kingdom before and after its fall. It gave you a since of yearning for the glory days, despite King Gorlan not appearing to be a very nice guy. It was just enough to keep you reading and age appropriate for the target audience. It was shown through the art and the flashbacks to Kaidan’s past memories of his time just before he left his home to move in with his aunt. The story didn’t re-invent the wheel, instead relying on classic fantasy tropes. The space that this decision gave the dynamic duo of Tyler Chin-Tanner and James Boyle to have the room to build the world and the characters residing in it.
Politics
This novel has no real-world politics and doesn’t stray outside of the normal power plays that happened in the medieval world. That absence gave you room for you to just dive in and enjoy some good old-fashioned historic fun!
Content Warning
This was a young adult story, so there was nothing that wasn’t PG-13 in this graphic novel.
Who is it for?
This book is for people who enjoyed Beowulf style adventures with flavors of Arthurian legends and Robin Hood’s band of merry folk.
Why buy it
I’m not the normal audience for a graphic novel, but this was a fun little story perfect for younger readers. This is a solid escapist story for when you want sword fighting and justice in a hurry. The art is compelling, the prose is clean and the story arc had me unable to stop turning the page.
If this review didn’t sell this book, I don’t know what it’ll take to convince you! Seriously, click here and buy the book already!