SideQuested
Book 1
A girl explores a strange world of magic in K. B. Spangler and Alexandra Presser’s fantastical graphic novel SideQuested.
Charlie trains to be a librarian. Her plans are upset when she learns that her caretakers of eighteen years are not her real parents. She is of noble birth, and her biological father returns to bring her to the royal court.
Meanwhile, Prince Leopold is charged with rescuing his betrothed, Princess Robin, from a witch’s tower. Leopold becomes smitten with Charlie instead. Charlie takes over Leopold’s quest; she discovers that Robin is quite comfortable in the tower, and the witch in question is Robin’s mother, Boopsie. Driven by a delicate political situation, Boopsie sets Charlie, Robin, and Leopold on a new quest: to discover the source of a mysterious magic.
Though it is set in a complex world of politics, magic, and machinations, wherein violence fuels an elite magical hierarchy, the story is delivered in a light, romantic style. An intriguing love triangle develops: Charlie and Robin hint at feelings for each other; Leopold pines for Charlie’s attention. As a team, the three, who have different viewpoints but complementary skills, exhibit lively, entertaining friction. Talking vultures and dragons add to the fun.
The art showcases strong, dynamic storytelling through rich details and a practiced style that varies between cartoons and realism, depending on the situation. Other techniques, like blurring foreground characters to better emphasize what’s happening in the background, are used in an expert fashion. The images complement the story’s sense of humor throughout, as when Charlie slaps her forehead upon opening a book that promises knowledge and finds the words, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” A short bonus story boasts bold experiments with silent storytelling.
In the vibrant graphic novel SideQuested, a relocated girl learns about magic and herself.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
