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The Firelight Apprentice: A Graphic Novel
The bestselling author-illustrator of Garlic and the Vampire, Bree Paulsen, brings her fantastical storytelling and warm, sparkling artwork to this story that celebrates the bond between sisters.
In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king's magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.
When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces�
In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king's magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.
When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces�
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2024
26 people are currently reading
4924 people want to read
About the author
Bree Paulsen
8books407followersBree Paulsen is a native of Southern California in love with all things autumnal. After graduating from the Laguna College of Art and Design with a BFA in animation, she freelanced on a few independent animation and illustration projects before turning her focus toward comics. She started her webcomic for adults, Patrik the Vampire, in 2013 and self-publishes its printed volumes. Garlic and the Vampire is her first traditionally published book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
October 25, 2024
In a Nutshell: A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about two sisters and their struggles, whether worldly or otherworldly. Unusual storyline. Great magical elements and also some unexpected spooky elements. Somewhat bittersweet. Darker than the author’s popular Garlic and the Vampire series.
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Plot Preview:
When I saw the author’s name on the cover, I didn’t hesitate even a second and immediately jumped at this book without even reading the synopsis. Ever since I read ‘Garlic and the Vampire�, I knew I would read any and every book by this talented author-illustrator.
The Firelight Apprentice� is also a middle-grade fantasy graphic novel. However, that’s where the similarity ends. This latest offering of hers goes much darker than the Garlic series, covering a couple of scary themes (scary in terms of worry as well as paranormal.) One of the scenes is distressing and one is nightmare-fodder. In other words, don’t expect this to be a light, relaxing read.
That said, the story is compelling in a very different way. This is not an ordinary tale of magic and success. Rather, the magic is secondary to the human content. A father’s love, a daughter’s worry, a teacher’s pride, a child’s joy, a sister’s apprehension, a dissatisfied person’s greed � the story covers a gamut of human emotions. This, interspersed with the magical elements, makes the plot quite different from the ordinary.
What makes the proceedings even more special is the characters. The two main characters are wonderful in their own way, with their contrary personalities not coming in the way of their sibling bond. But even the side characters, right from the girl’s doting father to the interfering Myrium to the magicians Sergio, Calaban, Monica, and even the Great Elba� all the characters with spoken lines elevate the reading experience.
The title makes it seem like this is primarily Safi’s story as she is the firelight apprentice. But the plot is written in such a way that Ada and Safi share the responsibility of taking the story ahead, and both handle it well. I felt especially close to Ada because as an elder daughter myself, I could feel the strain on her to keep things going without the younger sibling feeling the same burden. One particular scene that contains parallel panels showing what's going on in the individual lives of Ada and Safi simultaneously is especially heartbreaking.
For us adults, it is not too difficult to spot the twisty reveal in the final quarter, but kids are sure to be caught by surprise (and shock.) That scene is chilling and yet so powerful! I enjoyed that final clash even though I could see it coming well in advance.
Where the book could have better for me was in establishing the backstory more neatly. We know this city has just come out of a major war, we know the girl’s mother was a magician and passed away because of the war, but the intricacies of many such background events are not detailed out. Even the girls� ages aren’t clarified throughout the book. A bit more filling in of some of the back-details would have helped.
The book is aimed at middle-graders and while the page count might seem a bit too much for them, many pages have no conversational bubbles or captions. So this 228-page novel goes by quite fast.
The artwork is in this author’s distinctive style. While I was not a big fan of Safi's disproportionately large head, I loved her freckles and her exuberance. Ada and her emotions are depicted well throughout, as are the other characters. The magical scenes are…well, magical! The colour tone works excellently for the story, giving it a kind of old-world charm.
All in all, I mostly enjoyed this story, though it turned out to be darker than I was prepared for. Some of the content might be a little triggering for sensitive readers, so adults, please do read the book first before passing it to your little ones.
Recommended to middle-graders who love magical stories and can handle darker issues and paranormal content.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Quill Tree Books for providing the DRC of “The Firelight Apprentice� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Plot Preview:
As an elder sister and motherless daughter, Ada shoulders many responsibilities: taking care of their father’s shop as he struggles with his health, ensuring that her younger sister Safi is safe from the power-stealing liches who have infested their land, and trying to find a magician under whose apprenticeship Safi can learn to control her magical powers but without too much of a financial burden on them.
When a travelling group of magicians come to the city for a show, Ada and Safi go to the performance. Ada’s quest is rewarded when the head magician recognises Safi’s skills and takes her under his charge. But is everything going to be okay now on? Will Safi be happy in her new home? Can Ada finally stop worrying about her little sister?
When I saw the author’s name on the cover, I didn’t hesitate even a second and immediately jumped at this book without even reading the synopsis. Ever since I read ‘Garlic and the Vampire�, I knew I would read any and every book by this talented author-illustrator.
The Firelight Apprentice� is also a middle-grade fantasy graphic novel. However, that’s where the similarity ends. This latest offering of hers goes much darker than the Garlic series, covering a couple of scary themes (scary in terms of worry as well as paranormal.) One of the scenes is distressing and one is nightmare-fodder. In other words, don’t expect this to be a light, relaxing read.
That said, the story is compelling in a very different way. This is not an ordinary tale of magic and success. Rather, the magic is secondary to the human content. A father’s love, a daughter’s worry, a teacher’s pride, a child’s joy, a sister’s apprehension, a dissatisfied person’s greed � the story covers a gamut of human emotions. This, interspersed with the magical elements, makes the plot quite different from the ordinary.
What makes the proceedings even more special is the characters. The two main characters are wonderful in their own way, with their contrary personalities not coming in the way of their sibling bond. But even the side characters, right from the girl’s doting father to the interfering Myrium to the magicians Sergio, Calaban, Monica, and even the Great Elba� all the characters with spoken lines elevate the reading experience.
The title makes it seem like this is primarily Safi’s story as she is the firelight apprentice. But the plot is written in such a way that Ada and Safi share the responsibility of taking the story ahead, and both handle it well. I felt especially close to Ada because as an elder daughter myself, I could feel the strain on her to keep things going without the younger sibling feeling the same burden. One particular scene that contains parallel panels showing what's going on in the individual lives of Ada and Safi simultaneously is especially heartbreaking.
For us adults, it is not too difficult to spot the twisty reveal in the final quarter, but kids are sure to be caught by surprise (and shock.) That scene is chilling and yet so powerful! I enjoyed that final clash even though I could see it coming well in advance.
Where the book could have better for me was in establishing the backstory more neatly. We know this city has just come out of a major war, we know the girl’s mother was a magician and passed away because of the war, but the intricacies of many such background events are not detailed out. Even the girls� ages aren’t clarified throughout the book. A bit more filling in of some of the back-details would have helped.
The book is aimed at middle-graders and while the page count might seem a bit too much for them, many pages have no conversational bubbles or captions. So this 228-page novel goes by quite fast.
The artwork is in this author’s distinctive style. While I was not a big fan of Safi's disproportionately large head, I loved her freckles and her exuberance. Ada and her emotions are depicted well throughout, as are the other characters. The magical scenes are…well, magical! The colour tone works excellently for the story, giving it a kind of old-world charm.
All in all, I mostly enjoyed this story, though it turned out to be darker than I was prepared for. Some of the content might be a little triggering for sensitive readers, so adults, please do read the book first before passing it to your little ones.
Recommended to middle-graders who love magical stories and can handle darker issues and paranormal content.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Quill Tree Books for providing the DRC of “The Firelight Apprentice� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Connect with me through:
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November 10, 2024
4.5 stars
I absolutely love Bree's graphic novels. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, this was brilliant.
I absolutely love Bree's graphic novels. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, this was brilliant.
April 27, 2025
This was so cute and emotional at times, but everything about this graphic novel was so heartwarming. Bree’s art just has that effect on you! I absolutely loved it. Ada and Safi, my precious girls 🥹🫶🏼
February 17, 2025
Unfortunately, this one didn't work as well for me as I anticipated. Bree Paulsen is such a talented creator and I adored the artwork in this; however, the actually storyline left me wanting more. It didn't feel as though it was flushed out and there were a few plot holes. It's still a solid read, but not the strongest that I've read from Paulsen.
March 31, 2025
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May 26, 2025
de art is echt weer heeel mooi, maar ik vond deze gewoon wat minder dan garlicje. zelfs een beetje eng soms 🤭
Want to read
June 15, 2023"a middle grade graphic novel about a girl whose older sister hesitantly allows her to take an apprenticeship with a duo of magicians to help her control her own magic, until rumors of a dangerous lich begin to run through the town."
Anything Bree does is gonna be good but THIS LOOKS EXCELLENT
Anything Bree does is gonna be good but THIS LOOKS EXCELLENT
May 3, 2025
I bought this solely because I saw Bree Paulsen's name - I LOVED the Garlic books () and without even looking at the description, I could tell from the cover I would love this too... I mean, just look at that art!
Ada and Safi are two sisters in a nameless magical world with an interesting history that is only touched on briefly, though I wished for more. The story follows both sisters pretty equally but the book is really centered on little sister, Safi, and her natural magical talent, and the good and bad that talent attracts.
There are also themes around parental loss, recovery from war, and grief but Paulsen is gentle as always with how she conveys her messages.
The art is, as always, soooo adorable and beautiful and just an absolute pleasure to look at.
I'm a fan of this new world and look forward to more, should we be so lucky!
Ada and Safi are two sisters in a nameless magical world with an interesting history that is only touched on briefly, though I wished for more. The story follows both sisters pretty equally but the book is really centered on little sister, Safi, and her natural magical talent, and the good and bad that talent attracts.
There are also themes around parental loss, recovery from war, and grief but Paulsen is gentle as always with how she conveys her messages.
The art is, as always, soooo adorable and beautiful and just an absolute pleasure to look at.
I'm a fan of this new world and look forward to more, should we be so lucky!
November 10, 2024
So sad but still a beautiful story. Art-wise, I LOVED the lich element!
October 8, 2024
At its heart, the Firelight Apprentice is a story of a family's perseverance in the heart of a war. There is magic, grief, hope, and betrayal. This was so different from Bree Paulsen's previous work with Garlic and the Vampire, definitely not a cozy read...but it was a masterpiece all the same. If you're looking for a hard-hitting book with beautiful illustrations, you can't go wrong with this one.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2025
Garlic and the Vampire along with Garlic and the Witch are two of my favorite graphic novels that I have recently read. When I heard that the author had a new one coming out, I had to pick it up.
The Firelight Apprentice is exactly what I look for in a graphic novel with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story. We are following Safi, who is developing her magical powers and her older sister Ada, who wants to help her. Their father is not doing well healthwise and so it is up to Ada to secure an apprenticeship for Safi.
When a traveling magician troop comes to town they are able to do just that. However, things are not exactly what they appear to be. This is a very cute story and if you are a fan of graphic novels, I highly recommend it. The other series by this author is still my favorite, but this is also a stand out.
The Firelight Apprentice is exactly what I look for in a graphic novel with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story. We are following Safi, who is developing her magical powers and her older sister Ada, who wants to help her. Their father is not doing well healthwise and so it is up to Ada to secure an apprenticeship for Safi.
When a traveling magician troop comes to town they are able to do just that. However, things are not exactly what they appear to be. This is a very cute story and if you are a fan of graphic novels, I highly recommend it. The other series by this author is still my favorite, but this is also a stand out.
January 9, 2025
3.5 Stars
November 10, 2024
This middle grade magical fantasy graphic novel is heartwarming. We follow two sisters who lost their mother to the war and have an ill father. The youngest sister has magic and needs to train with an apprentice to learn how to use her powers, but the family is poor and can't afford it. The older sister finds a way to show off her sister's powers at a magic show in hopes they would notice and take her on as an apprentice, which they do. The older sister is happy but also sad because her sister will have to leave them to go live with her apprentice to train. The story follows the sisters as they each navigate their new lives with the older sister caring for their sick father while running his business, and the younger sister living her dream of becoming a great magician. There is also something sinister in the works which leads to a twist at the end. This story depicts hardship, war, grief, sisterhood and magic. It was a wonderful story with beautiful graphics. I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley & author for an ARC of this book. #netgalley #thefirelightapprentice
Thank you NetGalley & author for an ARC of this book. #netgalley #thefirelightapprentice
January 1, 2025
Loved the art and the story! This was a fast, captivating read and the art added so much to it. I would’ve liked to know a little bit more about the magic system and the history involved. This had a good amount of action while still having a cozy feel to it.
November 25, 2024
I LOVEEEEEEEED Garlic & the Vampire and Garlic & the Witch!! When I requested this book from the publisher, it didn’t click that it was from the same author. Looking back now, I can see the resemblance to the human characters in that series and the art style is the same. I just saw cute witchy characters and said� FOR MEEEEEE!
The Firelight Apprentice is about a young girl (and her family) with so much magic in her body and no knowledge on how to channel or use it. After the war took their mother, and may in the short term take their father, they don’t have the money to pay for a mentor for her.
When a traveling group of magicians comes to their town, she and her older sister travel to see them in the hopes that they’ll take her on as an apprentice so that she can learn from someone who can help her grow.
This was definitely filled with magic, but also just the right amount of mystery to make it a page turner. There is a trans character, which I love to see in middle grade books, and I think the older sister may be ace, but it wasn’t spelled out in so many letters. It’s just an inkling I’m getting� maybe a hope. I love seeing diverse queer representation.
I loved this and need all of the Bree Paulsen books!!! More more more, please!!!!
Thank you to Harper Alley for gifting me this copy of the book.
The Firelight Apprentice is about a young girl (and her family) with so much magic in her body and no knowledge on how to channel or use it. After the war took their mother, and may in the short term take their father, they don’t have the money to pay for a mentor for her.
When a traveling group of magicians comes to their town, she and her older sister travel to see them in the hopes that they’ll take her on as an apprentice so that she can learn from someone who can help her grow.
This was definitely filled with magic, but also just the right amount of mystery to make it a page turner. There is a trans character, which I love to see in middle grade books, and I think the older sister may be ace, but it wasn’t spelled out in so many letters. It’s just an inkling I’m getting� maybe a hope. I love seeing diverse queer representation.
I loved this and need all of the Bree Paulsen books!!! More more more, please!!!!
Thank you to Harper Alley for gifting me this copy of the book.
September 24, 2024
The Graphic Novel “The Firelight Apprentice� by Bree Paulson follows the sisters Ada and Safi dealing with Safi’s emerging gift to conjure magic after the war has torn apart their family.
I read “Garlic & the Vampire� and “Garlic & the Witch� by the same author last year and fell in love with the characters. It was magical and whimsical. So I was really excited to take a look at the new series from Bree Paulson. In “The Firelight Apprentice� the tone is much darker than in previous novels. The story centers around the subjects of loss and war. While Safi always had the childlike sense of wonder and joy, it wasn't enough for me to balance out the darker plot points.
The story takes its time to introduce the world and characters and rapidly picks up speed in the second half. I liked the little twist and the way the conflict was resolved in the end. The world felt unique and had some interesting elements. The characters however didn't really resonate with me.
This was a solid read that didn't quite hit my taste but still showed Bree Paulson's talent for tackling important topics in a magical way.
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books and Quill Tree Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read “Garlic & the Vampire� and “Garlic & the Witch� by the same author last year and fell in love with the characters. It was magical and whimsical. So I was really excited to take a look at the new series from Bree Paulson. In “The Firelight Apprentice� the tone is much darker than in previous novels. The story centers around the subjects of loss and war. While Safi always had the childlike sense of wonder and joy, it wasn't enough for me to balance out the darker plot points.
The story takes its time to introduce the world and characters and rapidly picks up speed in the second half. I liked the little twist and the way the conflict was resolved in the end. The world felt unique and had some interesting elements. The characters however didn't really resonate with me.
This was a solid read that didn't quite hit my taste but still showed Bree Paulson's talent for tackling important topics in a magical way.
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books and Quill Tree Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2024
This is a cozy middle grade fantasy graphic novel about two sisters. The younger is magical, the older is not. Their parents fought in the war, which left their mother dead and their father ill. He now makes lightbulbs, but the family is too poor to afford magic lessons for the youngest, who desperately needs them. When a magical troupe passes through, they agree to take her along to train her. But not all is as it seems.
I really enjoyed most of this, especially the sisters. But, to me, the ending was really rushed.
I really enjoyed most of this, especially the sisters. But, to me, the ending was really rushed.
November 16, 2024
TW:
parental death
4.4
As soon as I heard Bree Paulsen's newest graphic novel was out, I went running! As always, the art is great and the heart behind it is even better. I'm really taken with the characters (especially our new grandpa figure) and I think this glimpse of a world ravaged by war, where ex-soldiers just want to bring more whimsy and magic to the world is a really beautiful one. I did think the war itself was going to have more specific impact, and I would have loved a subplot to add another layer or two, but what we do get is great.
4.4
As soon as I heard Bree Paulsen's newest graphic novel was out, I went running! As always, the art is great and the heart behind it is even better. I'm really taken with the characters (especially our new grandpa figure) and I think this glimpse of a world ravaged by war, where ex-soldiers just want to bring more whimsy and magic to the world is a really beautiful one. I did think the war itself was going to have more specific impact, and I would have loved a subplot to add another layer or two, but what we do get is great.
August 31, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy of The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen!
This was a great cozy atmospheric read with a splash of magic!
I enjoyed this graphic novel but felt like the ending conflict was a bit rushed.
Still recommend this for a fun cozy read! The art was stunning and I loved the magical aspect.
3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
This was a great cozy atmospheric read with a splash of magic!
I enjoyed this graphic novel but felt like the ending conflict was a bit rushed.
Still recommend this for a fun cozy read! The art was stunning and I loved the magical aspect.
3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
November 22, 2024
Another unsurprisingly wonderful read. I loved Garlic and the Witch so I knew I wanted to read Bree Paulsens next book. This does have some cozy magical elements but it's a bit darker than Garlic. It follows these two sisters as they navigate a magical apprentice and a creature who sucks the magic out of people.
CW: death of a parent.
CW: death of a parent.
January 9, 2025
3.25-3.5/5
February 7, 2025
The Firelight Apprentice
Overall Rating: � � � (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: � � � (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
January 13, 2025
i love bree’s art !!!! i loved the story and the characters. garlic is still my favorite tho 🧄🤎
December 3, 2024
Thank you so much to Quill Tree Books, HarperCollins Children's Books, and NetGalley for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
I’ve recently read Patrik the Vampire, Garlic and the Vampire, and Garlic and the Witch by this author, and I’ve loved each one, so I knew I had to read The Firelight Apprentice ASAP!
As an adult, I always struggle a bit with reviews of books aimed at younger audiences. The themes of this story really hit home with me as I read; I definitely felt invested and even teared up a few times. The vibe, style, and colors of the art worked perfectly with this story. The characters were well-crafted and believable, and I really enjoyed the plot!
My only note would be that I think the ending felt a bit abrupt or rushed � I think I would have wanted a few more scenes after the last one to make the story arc feel more balanced or complete? I went from feeling quite emotionally affected and very ~in~ the story to the story just being over, which was a little jarring.
Overall, though, I think this was great, and I’m really happy that I read it!
I’ve recently read Patrik the Vampire, Garlic and the Vampire, and Garlic and the Witch by this author, and I’ve loved each one, so I knew I had to read The Firelight Apprentice ASAP!
As an adult, I always struggle a bit with reviews of books aimed at younger audiences. The themes of this story really hit home with me as I read; I definitely felt invested and even teared up a few times. The vibe, style, and colors of the art worked perfectly with this story. The characters were well-crafted and believable, and I really enjoyed the plot!
My only note would be that I think the ending felt a bit abrupt or rushed � I think I would have wanted a few more scenes after the last one to make the story arc feel more balanced or complete? I went from feeling quite emotionally affected and very ~in~ the story to the story just being over, which was a little jarring.
Overall, though, I think this was great, and I’m really happy that I read it!
June 12, 2024
Thank you HarperCollins Children’s Books | Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for the early digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Paulsen does a great job at teaching readers a lesson in a short amount of pages. I loved Ada and Safi’s relationship. Ada is protective of her sister, but she also knows she has to be independent and learn life lessons through trial and error. The art style is also super cute! I fell in love with it whenever I read Garlic and the Witch / Vampire.
I didn’t find this as enjoyable as the other two graphic novels by Paulsen. I know I’m not particularly into reading about magic, but I knew her stories worked for me, so I wanted to give this a shot. Unfortunately, it just didn’t spark an emotion from me. I’d still recommend it if you’re interested! I think the lessons learned are important for all readers.
Paulsen does a great job at teaching readers a lesson in a short amount of pages. I loved Ada and Safi’s relationship. Ada is protective of her sister, but she also knows she has to be independent and learn life lessons through trial and error. The art style is also super cute! I fell in love with it whenever I read Garlic and the Witch / Vampire.
I didn’t find this as enjoyable as the other two graphic novels by Paulsen. I know I’m not particularly into reading about magic, but I knew her stories worked for me, so I wanted to give this a shot. Unfortunately, it just didn’t spark an emotion from me. I’d still recommend it if you’re interested! I think the lessons learned are important for all readers.
January 11, 2025
'What? What's wrong with a date?'
'Myrium, you know Ada isn't the romantic sort.'
Of course, I'll read anything Bree Paulsen writes after the amazingness of Garlic and the Vampire and Garlic and the Witch. The Firelight Apprentice, while quite different and much more serious from her previous works, is still a solid read while containing the same essence that makes her stories so magical.
In the magical still recovering post-war world of The Firelight Apprentice, Ada and Safi have already lost their mother and their father's health to the war so it's no surprise that Ada is hesitant to eventually lose her sister to the magic as well. However, they can't afford to pay for a mentor and can only hope for a good apprenticeship to come their way. Much to Safi's delight, a traveling group of magicians instantly recognize her magical potential and agree to take her under their wing.
While Safi is happy learning magic, things at home are far from happy as Ada adjusts to life without her and their father falls more and more ill every day. All of Ada's letters to Safi are also mysteriously being intercepted and never reaching her so she has no idea about their father's deteriorating health. The one good thing to come out of everything is Ada getting to know the Great Elba, the trans magician who lost his leg to the war.
All the characters from Ada, Safi to the Great Elba and the villagers are well-developed. Also, Ada is very clearly aromantic so it's nice to get that representation as well. It just would have been nice to get more of a backstory on the war as well as the liches but it's a middle grade story after all. There's also very little revealed about the magic itself.
Bree Paulsen's art style is again at home in a fantasy setting so for the most part, the art works for the story. I just wasn't a fan of how Safi is drawn throughout. The muted color palette provides the entire story with a touch of steampunk. Scenes of landscapes, their father's shop and the library in the airship popped out the most for me.
'Myrium, you know Ada isn't the romantic sort.'
Of course, I'll read anything Bree Paulsen writes after the amazingness of Garlic and the Vampire and Garlic and the Witch. The Firelight Apprentice, while quite different and much more serious from her previous works, is still a solid read while containing the same essence that makes her stories so magical.
In the magical still recovering post-war world of The Firelight Apprentice, Ada and Safi have already lost their mother and their father's health to the war so it's no surprise that Ada is hesitant to eventually lose her sister to the magic as well. However, they can't afford to pay for a mentor and can only hope for a good apprenticeship to come their way. Much to Safi's delight, a traveling group of magicians instantly recognize her magical potential and agree to take her under their wing.
While Safi is happy learning magic, things at home are far from happy as Ada adjusts to life without her and their father falls more and more ill every day. All of Ada's letters to Safi are also mysteriously being intercepted and never reaching her so she has no idea about their father's deteriorating health. The one good thing to come out of everything is Ada getting to know the Great Elba, the trans magician who lost his leg to the war.
All the characters from Ada, Safi to the Great Elba and the villagers are well-developed. Also, Ada is very clearly aromantic so it's nice to get that representation as well. It just would have been nice to get more of a backstory on the war as well as the liches but it's a middle grade story after all. There's also very little revealed about the magic itself.
Bree Paulsen's art style is again at home in a fantasy setting so for the most part, the art works for the story. I just wasn't a fan of how Safi is drawn throughout. The muted color palette provides the entire story with a touch of steampunk. Scenes of landscapes, their father's shop and the library in the airship popped out the most for me.
October 31, 2024
� Review � The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen
Thanks to Quill Tree Books, HarperCollins Children's Publishers and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
I loved Paulsen's Garlic and the Vampire last year and couldn't resist picking this one up as soon as it came through my door. It has a similar beautiful, whimsical illustration style but the topics range from light magic (butterflies and light) to the much darker topics of death, illness, poverty, and more.
As Safi's powers grow, her older sister Ada is trying to find an apprenticeship for her. After their mother died in the war and their father suffered from lung damage in those sam battles, their options are limited. When traveling magicians come through town, Ada sees an opportunity for her sister. But will she stay safe far from home, and how will they stay connected?
Ada, Safi, and their dad produce lightbulbs and light is just as key to this story as is magic. The warm colors and dark tones reflect on the good and evil forces that run through this book, showing things are not always what they seem.
My only qualms were that it felt like it all wrapped up just a little too quickly!
Gorgeous illustrations and really expressive imagery make the text on these pages light. I thought this brought it's only special magic to the book, and I really enjoyed it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: middle grades fantasy, graphic novel
Setting: an imaginary city / kingdom
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades graphic novels
⭕️ fantasy worlds with magic
⭕️ books that include discussion of darker topics like war, grief, and death
⭕️ really incredible illustrations
Thanks to Quill Tree Books, HarperCollins Children's Publishers and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
I loved Paulsen's Garlic and the Vampire last year and couldn't resist picking this one up as soon as it came through my door. It has a similar beautiful, whimsical illustration style but the topics range from light magic (butterflies and light) to the much darker topics of death, illness, poverty, and more.
As Safi's powers grow, her older sister Ada is trying to find an apprenticeship for her. After their mother died in the war and their father suffered from lung damage in those sam battles, their options are limited. When traveling magicians come through town, Ada sees an opportunity for her sister. But will she stay safe far from home, and how will they stay connected?
Ada, Safi, and their dad produce lightbulbs and light is just as key to this story as is magic. The warm colors and dark tones reflect on the good and evil forces that run through this book, showing things are not always what they seem.
My only qualms were that it felt like it all wrapped up just a little too quickly!
Gorgeous illustrations and really expressive imagery make the text on these pages light. I thought this brought it's only special magic to the book, and I really enjoyed it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: middle grades fantasy, graphic novel
Setting: an imaginary city / kingdom
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades graphic novels
⭕️ fantasy worlds with magic
⭕️ books that include discussion of darker topics like war, grief, and death
⭕️ really incredible illustrations
November 1, 2024
A late-era gaslamp Fantasy about a pair of sisters who've lost their parents to the war, and the difficult decisions they have to navigate on their own.
If you're familiar with Bree Paulsen's Garlic graphic novels, then you'll already know what to expect from the art. It's an absolutely lovely autumnal palette that has a warm glow akin to golden hour.
Tonally this is very different from the Garlic books which are silly and fun and talk about great ways to deal with anxiety for a very young audience. While this novel is slightly aged up and much more melancholy, focusing on the sacrifices and losses of war, on the impact of families and what can tear them apart.
There's a duality as all the moments seen through Safi's eyes are optimistic and hopeful and full of joy. She's too young to have internalized as much of the loss as her older sister, and also bursting with talent and potential. But always Ada is in the background, holding in her tears, trying to contain as much of the hurt and difficulty to herself so that Safi can maintain her free spirit.
Overall I thought it was quite lovely, even though it made me tear up a little at the end.
If you're familiar with Bree Paulsen's Garlic graphic novels, then you'll already know what to expect from the art. It's an absolutely lovely autumnal palette that has a warm glow akin to golden hour.
Tonally this is very different from the Garlic books which are silly and fun and talk about great ways to deal with anxiety for a very young audience. While this novel is slightly aged up and much more melancholy, focusing on the sacrifices and losses of war, on the impact of families and what can tear them apart.
There's a duality as all the moments seen through Safi's eyes are optimistic and hopeful and full of joy. She's too young to have internalized as much of the loss as her older sister, and also bursting with talent and potential. But always Ada is in the background, holding in her tears, trying to contain as much of the hurt and difficulty to herself so that Safi can maintain her free spirit.
Overall I thought it was quite lovely, even though it made me tear up a little at the end.
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