Rise of the Halfling King (Tales of the Feathered Serpent #1)

With seemingly simple yet vivid illustrations characterized by strong, dynamic lines, the illustrator develops cunning and endearing characters to populate this enticing tale. An unmissable adventure of mythical proportions.

Gr 4-8--In this tale drawn from Mesoamerican myth, Sayam, a stouthearted halfling, deposes a tyrant. Uxmal, a Yucatán city, thrived for a century before King Kinich Kak Ek brought it under his yoke. When the king's sorcerer, Zaatan Ik, warns him that a man not born of woman will seize his throne, the heedless Kinich begins expanding his empire and brutalizing subjugated peoples. Eventually, Zaatan Ik unleashes an underworld serpent on a city that won't surrender, precipitating the king's downfall. Years earlier, fairy-like aluxes presented Almah, a witch in nearby Kabah, with a drum that would proclaim Uxmal's rightful king--and she's been raising Sayam, an alux-human hybrid, since he hatched from an egg. As the drum sounds, a worthy ruler rises. In an afterword, David Bowles likens graphic novels to the predominantly visual hieroglyphics Mesoamericans employed in their written records. The first installment in a 10-volume series converting his Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky to a graphic format, this book reads the way that a folk tale is traditionally heard: It's fast, vivid, and action-laden. Since archetypes require little elaboration, readers freed from the burden of intricate characterization can instead attend to the story's cultural context and perennial themes. Charlene Bowles melds the stylizations of historical codices and scrolls with livelier, rounded linework typical of modern comics to create an engaging accompaniment to the concise text. Characters are all Indigenous Mayans. VERDICT An obvious buy for those that already have plenty of titles featuring Greco-Roman and Norse deities.--Steven Thompson, Bound Brook Memorial P.L., NJ

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

This first in a series of full-color graphic novels draws from the author's 2018 work for older readers, Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky. Apprentice witch Almah must complete her training by meeting the Aluxes, "mystic elfin beings who wield great magic to protect nature." She is given two items: a magical stone and a drum that will "announce the rightful king of Uxmal," which hasn't had one in a century. Years later, under the rule of cruel King Kinich Kak Ek, who outlaws witches, lonely Almah finds an egg that hatches a boy, whom she adopts as her grandson. But half-human, half-Alux Sayam is different from other humans, and his first battle, against a giant snake attacking a nearby city, garners the king's attention. When the kingmaker drum is struck, a prophecy is set in motion: whoever bests the king at three impossible tasks will succeed him. Armed with magical knowledge from Almah, a mind for reading ancient spells, and his spider monkey best friend, Sayam challenges the monarch. Expressive, boldly lined art complements simple storytelling, resulting in a respectful, engaging interpretation of ancient Mesoamerican folklore accessible for younger readers. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-13. Agents: Taylor Martindale Kean and Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary. (Oct.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

JC Cervantes, NYT-bestselling author of the Storm Runner novels
A tale of wonder, courage, and ultimately the power of goodness. I was completely spellbound by the imagery and storytelling. Cannot wait to see what magic is woven into the next installment!

Carlos Hernandez, author of Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
What an amazing trick David and Charlene Bowles have pulled off in Rise of the Halfling King! Somehow, they've managed to tell a story that feels contemporary, mythic, and historical all at once. The careful writing subtly yet unmistakably evokes the Maya language and culture, while the limpid, evocative illustrations provided both grounding and a launchpad for the imagination.

David José Older, NYT-bestselling author of the Dactyl Hill Squad series
Rise of the Halfling King is a fun and fantastic adventure for kids of all ages with beautiful art and a joyful sense of upliftment. 

Reading Style
Stories from an often-overlooked culture are brought to life with colorful panels, intriguing plot and characters who jump off the pages and into the reader's imagination. —Barbara Moon

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
With giant snakes and a monkey best friend sealing the deal for lovers of fantasy and folklore...the digital, action-packed art of debut graphic novelist (and author's daughter) Charlene Bowles, [use] of vibrant colors and cartoonish character design makes this an especially kid-friendly pick. —Kiri Palm