Fabled Kingdom Book 1 by Queenie Chan, (Bento Comics) PP RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781925376029
Reviewed by Karen Hendriks
Queenie Chan has written and
illustrated The Fabled Kingdom Book 1,
an intriguing graphic novel that
updates fairytales into a modern world. Its
striking cover will draw readers, and gives a glimpse of what will unfold.
The book, which suits readers
from 12 years and up, is the first in
a series of three, with three central characters, each being based upon the era
of kingdoms. It is divided into seven parts that clearly depict the journey of
the book’s protagonist Celsia. She is a modern-day ‘Red Hood’ who is training with
her grandmother to become a healer in a small village deep in the woods. Things
are not all as they seem and before long, Celsia discovers her grandmother
isn’t her real grandmother. Thus she flees her village on a quest of self-discovery.
Quillon, Celsia’s childhood friend who is entrusted with keeping her safe,
joins her, along with Pylus, a loveable faun, whom she meets on a never-ending
brick path. Each character plays their
role, but it is refreshing to see a strong female character as the leader and
decision-maker.
With unanswered and puzzling
questions about her origins, Celsia must seek out her true-born grandmothers
who are both powerful queens of magical kingdoms. By uncovering the truth of
her heritage, Celsia is able to save the troubled kingdom of Fallinor whose
people have been asleep for 60 years. Invasion and politics of the day has kept
this troubled kingdom hidden behind a big, black wall of brambles. In her
quest, Celsia is finally able to understand her own identity.
Detailed manga-style comic
illustrations strongly support the written text and add layers of meaning to the
story while the text is imaginative and well-written with a steady pace that is
sure to keep readers gripped and wanting to know more. Different fairytales with
an original spin appear throughout the story. The Fabled Kingdom certainly won’t disappoint readers of this
genre.
Author-illustrator Queenie
Chan who has a background in graphic design, is based in Sydney: her first
professionally published work was The
Dreaming Series. She has also worked with best-selling authors such as Dean
Koontz and is well-regarded for her work in the Australian graphic novel and
comic industry.
The reviewer, Karen Hendriks, is a children’s author
and speaker whose
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