The Firelight Apprentice

August 5, 2024
Sisters Ada and Safi face financial struggles in the aftermath of a devastating war in this steampunk graphic novel by Paulsen (Garlic and the Witch). Their father’s declining health and the death of their mother add to their hardships, leaving Safi’s magical potential untapped without a mentor. The arrival of magicians Sergio and Caliban introduces a glimmer of hope as they offer to teach Safi aboard their airship, but Ada becomes suspicious when her letters to Safi go unanswered. Upon their reunion, what seems like a misunderstanding hints at a deeper, more sinister plot that Ada must unravel to protect her sister. Cartoony
illustrations with realistic flair effectively capture characters’ emotions through exaggerated expressions and dynamic body
language, while a vibrant color palette establishes the narrative tone, shifting
from warm hues during intense scenes to calming shades in quieter moments. Varied panel layouts add energy, close-ups emphasize key moments, and wide shots set the scene, ensuring an engaging and easy-to-follow read. Focusing on themes of family, the impact of war, and the search for one’s place in the world, Paulsen blends cozy
cottagecore fantasy with instances of high-stakes adventure. Ages 10–up. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative.

October 15, 2024
Grades 5-8 In Paulsen's captivating graphic novel, Ada faces the daunting task of holding her family together after a devastating war claimed her mother and many renowned magicians. With her father's health deteriorating from their hazardous work with firelight bulbs and her younger sister Safi's powers growing increasingly uncontrollable, Ada is desperate for a solution. The looming threat of Liches--spirits that consume magic--adds to her anxiety about protecting Safi. They seek help from a traveling magician troupe they're hoping might take Safi as an apprentice. Yet, trust is a major concern. Ada's worry deepens as Safi remains unresponsive to her letters. This enchanting tale is rich with adventure and features stunning illustrations in warm, vibrant colors. The novel's allure lies in its magical imagery and the suspenseful journey of the siblings. The eerie presence of the Liches and the shimmering magic throughout make this an ideal fall read, particularly for middle-grade fantasy enthusiasts.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 15, 2024
A girl who's endowed with magic navigates a postwar society that's populated by nefarious beings. Safi Defoy and her family--her father and older sister, Ada--work hard to maintain a business in their stone-walled city that's nestled in a green valley. A recent war, which devastated people and businesses alike, left Papa with damaged lungs. Like her deceased mother, Safi is a magician; with training, her electrical powers could prove to be of great value. Those who possess magic are in danger, however: Liches--the souls of dead magicians who died in the war but weren't properly laid to rest--are searching for power and hunting living magicians. Liches hide behind deep disguises, making it hard to know whom to trust. Ada takes Safi to see a show by famous traveling magicians Sergio and Caliban. During their performance, they notice Safi's unbridled magical sparks. Afterward, they invite her to be their apprentice, offering Ada and Papa hope that she'll be kept safe. This volume focuses more on building this world, which evokes 19th-century Central Europe, and developing the endearing characters than on telling a propulsive narrative. When the climactic action does arrive, it wraps up quickly. The clean, regular, richly colored panels, which include emotionally resonant wordless sequences, communicate the emotional weight of the fantastical elements. Most characters are light-skinned, and some are racially ambiguous and cued queer. Ada is aromantic. A magical steampunk exploration of difference, danger, and sacrifice.(Graphic fantasy. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2024

Gr 5-8-Ada looks after her younger sister Safi while assisting her ailing father in his shop. Safi's magic is developing quickly, and Ada knows that serving as an apprentice is the best way for Safi to learn how to manage her powers, but she has misgivings about letting her leave home. When the sisters see a traveling magic show, the performers can't help but notice Safi's abilities and offer her an apprenticeship. While Ada is happy for Safi, she misses her terribly and is concerned when Safi does not reply to her letters, especially after sending one containing terrible news. Could it be that Safi's mentors and caregivers are not who they seem? Those familiar with Garlic and the Vampire will know how effectively Paulsen creates complicated yet endearing characters. Ada is emotionally torn throughout the book but does her best to give Safi a better life. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and Adventure Time will enjoy the lich character and all will delight in the expressive illustrations and color palette, which consist mainly of rich reds, greens, and yellows. Recommend to fans of Molly Knox Ostertag's The Witch Boy, Tim Probert's Lightfall, or anyone looking to expand their familiarity with lich mythology. VERDICT While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.-Sarah Maciejewski

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2025
This lushly illustrated graphic novel follows sisters Ada and Safi, who have fallen on hard times. Their mother, a magician in the king's forces, was killed in war, and their father's failing health and struggling business are becoming harder to manage on their own. Most worrisome to older sister Ada is the magical energy building up within Safi: without proper training and guidance, Safi's magic could become deadly. When Ada hears that a troupe of professional magicians is coming to town, she sees this as a chance to get Safi the mentorship she needs. Paulsen digitally illustrates a world reminiscent of early-nineteenth-century Europe (with airships); the sisters' dreary town reflects the aftermath of war. Stark stone buildings surround Ada at home, while Safi's traveling apprenticeship showers her in a world of luxurious red velvet and abundant greenery. Magic is expelled in bursts of yellow light, often taking the form of creatures conjured by the sorcerers. The story takes an exciting and mysterious turn when an outcast magician, "The Great Elba," alerts Ada to the dark side of one of Safi's mentors, and the two team up to save her. Paulsen's (Garlic & the Vampire, rev. 11/21) newest work is a family story through and through. Queer representation is lovingly incorporated via Elba, a transgender man, who in the end becomes a part of the girls' family. Hill Saxton

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)