Member Reviews

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a re-imagining of Wonder Woman's origin tale. Diana is turning 16 in this retelling and is trying to be a perfect Amazon but her Changling status keeps getting in her way. She feels like she suffers and is problematic where others thrive and she is starting to become discouraged. When boats start finding her home island, Diana believes that they should help these suffering people but her protests are on deaf ears. So when she tries to save refugees off of Themyscira (her home island) herself, she accidentally becomes a refugee herself. Equipped with her Amazonian smarts and knowledge of different languages she is able to make a life for herself in the United States unlike a lot of her refugee companions.

The story follows her as she learns her new home and finds her strength there doing what is right. It is Diana in the modern world with phones, injustice, and political issues all around. She must learn to be herself in this new world and make it her new home. There are a lot of sad and scary themes throughout this plot but it is a great way to raise awareness for younger readers.

It is important to note that this story also may have triggers, there are themes of homelessness and human trafficking throughout Diana's time in New York.
The illustrations are well done, detailed and help tell the story well. The whole thing is very polished and multifaceted for a young adult read. It will appeal to both young adults as well as adult readers. It will especially appeal to anyone that enjoys the Wonder Woman story line as an alternative origin story. From what I can tell, it is well done but I am not a consistent reader of Wonder Woman.

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Thanks for the free copy DC Comics! I thoroughly enjoyed this! Read it in one go and wanted more! It covers a lot of important topics and is definitely worth reading!

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This Wonder Woman reimagining is definitely for the "woke" generation. While trying to help refugees, Wonder Woman is swept up by the sea and ends up in a new world, New York City. There, what I was hoping would be an action-adventure story becomes a fish out of water story with plenty of social issues thrown in. Almost every scene covers an American injustice that must be explained to Wonder Woman. And Wonder Woman's response is to knock people out. As a result, she looks like a crazy person. You would think all the fighting would make the story more interesting. Unfortunately, it does not. The author tries to cover too many issues, and there's no plot development. The ending is rushed, and I didn't care about it at all. I wish I liked this book more.

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Oh, my goodness. I have liked most of the other titles in the DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults line, but I think this one takes the cake! Laurie Halse Anderson is just a master writer; so much so that I didn't even mind that this was yet another origin story! The twining of Diana's story with that of modern immigrants and refugees was just remarkable. I can not wait to hand this to everyone I see!

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Themyscira, the secret island home of the Amazons, is protected by a barrier that shelters them from the outside world, although global conflict and human suffering weaken the barrier. On Princess Diana’s 16th “Born Day,” she breaks the rules to help refugees stranded at sea, and is trapped beyond the barrier. Days later, she washes ashore in Greece, now a refugee herself. Her skill with languages earns her a student visa to the United States. In New York city, “Diana Prince” learns about social justice issues (racism, income inequality, gentrification) through her feisty foster sister, Raissa. She also discovers that the square where Raissa and her friends practice parkour is an excellent makeshift training facility for an erstwhile Amazon. Through a free lunch program where the girls volunteer, Diana learns of a possible human trafficking ring, and she discovers her true purpose: protecting the most vulnerable. Themes of preparing to be a warrior, fighting for what’s right, and longing for home are always appealing to teen readers, and Wonder Woman finds an audience generation after generation. Sunny, high-contrast artwork in shades of turquoise, terra cotta, and blue-black perfectly frame a diverse cast, and especially Diana’s expressive face and body language. With Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed, Laurie Halse Anderson joins other beloved YA authors who are reinventing the superhero origin story.

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RATING: 4/5 STARS

I will start by saying that the art in this graphic novel is absolutely beautiful. The coloring is spectacular and the characters are so vivacious they nearly come off the page. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. The story addressed important human rights issues in a way that was appropriate for middle grade and young adult readers. These themes were creatively incorporated into the Wonder Woman mythology and Diana's background. Overall, WONDER WOMAN: TEMPEST TOSSED is a timely and relevant read about modern society.

A sincere thanks to DC Comics for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram

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I really loved this version of Wonder Woman! Starting off the colors Leila Del Duca used were very beautiful they made me want to keep reading. I really enjoyed that the comic involved issues going on in the world right now and it made me connect more to the story.

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Diana, I don’t think we’re in Themyscira anymore.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed starts off on Diana’s sixteenth birthday and she’s hoping that this will be the day of new beginnings. However, things don’t go according to plan as refugees break through the barriers. While attempting to help them, Diana gets carried away by sea and ends up entering a whole new world.

Now, Diana has to survive this world on her own; that is until she meets her newfound family. Tempest Tossed jumps into a lot of heavy topics such as child trafficking. Back in Themsycria, these aren’t necessarily things that Diana dealt with, but once discovering these problems, she finds herself determined to help.

If you are a fan of stories that focus on strong women saving the day, newfound families, and coming-of-age tales, Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a perfect one to pick up.

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I love Laurie Halse Anderson and I love Wonder Woman, so this mashup is right up my alley. Anderson does a nice job setting teenage Diana in our world and allowing us to see the injustices encountered by everyday people and also refugees and immigrants through new eyes by using Diana's outside-looking-in perspective. There's less rough and tumble action than you may expect, but it's a timely book and celebratory of the human spirit. 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This is the second Wonder Woman graphic novel I’ve read this year (the first being Diana, Princess of the Amazons). It varied so much in tone and yet, still carried the same themes about strength, girl power, and justice. It just goes to show how vital a great illustrator is and Leila Del Duca really brought Anderson’s version of Diana Prince to life in stunning ways.

The art itself was beautiful and dynamic. The writing touched on so many important topics–immigration, profiling, war, refugees, human trafficking, and so much more. This Diana becomes stranded from her only known home of Themyscira on her 16th birthday, just when she believes she will become a true Amazonian warrior. She’s deposited on the war torn shores of the modern world and eventually finds a home in New York City, where she joins her new family in fighting for justice and peace.

Wonder Woman is down right my favorite superhero, ever. I love badass women who use their strength and power to fight for good. Diana as portrayed in Tempest Tossed is a particular favorite with how she’s coded as an immigrant and refugee. I love seeing how she learns new cultures and modern trends, and slowly comes into her own outside of her sheltered upbringing.

The story itself meandered a little bit, and I spent quite a bit of time waiting for some kind of plot to appear. There were a lot of things tackled in the course of the graphic novel, and it seemed to start spreading a little thin. The climax surrounding the child trafficking ring felt rushed.

Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read and a great addition to the shelves of any Wonder Woman fans.

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3 stars! Full review on the blog!

Amazon Princess Diana once again wins lots of people over in this teen graphic novel!

It was super fast-paced, everything happened very quickly and there was never a dull moment!

This is Wonder Woman's origin story, and it conveyed everything very well- it was hard not to love Diana and her stubbornness. Though everything happened so quickly, and there was so much of it!

Later, she faces the refugee experience, immigration, and other powerful obstacles. And it wouldn't be our lovely Diana if she didn't charge at them head-first to deliver justice.

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Thank. you for the advanced e-ARC win exchange for my honest review. I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.

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Great graphic novel. Check out the link below for my full review on Comic Years. I'm looking forward to their next YA book.

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Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a timely take on Diana’s origin story. While it is not the original story that fans know, it does put a new perspective on Diana’s life and just how she becomes Wonder Woman. Still a teenager, it is clear to see that Diana is frustrated with the changes she is experiencing on Themyscira. However, it is clear that this did not deter her from saving lives. Early on in the story, we see her stepping into her heroism. As someone who is a beacon of justice, it was great to see Diana fighting for those who were helpless, despite the orders of her fellow Amazons. While this was the same moment that she is separated from her family, it is also the beginning of her journey as a hero.

In this timely tale, we see Diana go through life in a refugee camp before she is rescued by Steve and Trevor, and brought to New York City. While it isn’t her home, it is somewhere safer for her to be. However, her first thought is how she cannot leave the other people in the camp behind – another nod to her character. She has a plethora of questions about what will happen to them and how she can help and protect them when she will be thousands of miles away. This shows Diana’s true heart. As always, she is kind and compassionate. But navigating the streets of New York City is very different from her time spent in Themyscira and of course, at the refugee camp. Now, Diana needs to learn to adapt quite quickly. While Henke welcomes Diana into her home, she has a hard time interacting with Henke’s granddaughter, Raissa.

Still learning, Diana doesn’t know how to interact with some of the girls her age, and while it’s not intentional, it is a point of contention between herself and Raissa. The addition of many of the things that we’ve all experienced as teenagers was also great. At some point in time, we’ve all had trouble fitting in or making new friends. All of these moments challenge Diana in ways she didn’t expect, and also put her on a path to cracking down on a human trafficking ring with Raissa’s help. It is dangerous, but Diana knows in her heart that she must do what is right.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed expertly explores these triggering themes in a way that is both informative and also stays true to Wonder Woman lore, while still providing a new spin on everything. When Diana sees the disparity between rich and poor, seeing things like homelessness upon her arrival in the United States of America, darkness roils within her. While she at first doesn’t understand the disparity, she makes it her mission to work in ways to change it. Tirelessly finding ways to assist. In addition, the graphic novel speaks to relevant issues like the refugee crisis that is happening all over the world and the harsh realities of it and human trafficking. The book truly hones in on Diana’s compassion for others and that was truly the book’s brightest quality.

Beautifully written by Laurie Halse Anderson with amazing artwork by Leila Del Duca, Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is another great addition to the DC Ink lineup of YA graphic novels.

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Sixteen-year-old Diana sees a raft of refugees offshore from Themyscira and tries to rescue them. Unfortunately, she is swept away by the sea and is now a refugee as well. She has to navigate through the outside world and is witness to danger and injustice.

This graphic novel is illustrated by Leila Del Duca. There is a limited color palette to the book so that our eyes are instantly drawn to the splashes of orange for fire in the new history of the world as presented here. It's also fascinating to see a teenage Diana hit by the regular teenage woes, making the Amazons all around her call her "Changeling." I'm sure every parent of tweens and teenagers will feel their sympathy!

From the start, Diana doesn't like being treated differently from the nearly immortal Amazons, and she has a kind heart. She can't let refugees with children drown in the sea, even if that's what the rules say she has to do. Diana outright disobeys her mother the Queen of Themyscira. "When the rules are wrong, you have to break them. Especially when it comes to little ones in trouble." This is how she's swept up with the refugees and arrives in Greece, and is subject to the same dehumanizing inspections, lines and casual disrespect from armed guards.

Once Diana is in America, she sees the sharp disparity between rich and poor, and she discovers what child trafficking is. Her sense of justice doesn't leave just when things grow dark for her, or even when she's arrested for causing a scene in a park. She keeps going, and her superhuman strength and agility help her track down a van and try to fight off the guards as well as throw cars around. This teenage Diana can't ever go back to Themyscira, but she has a new family of sorts that are all interested in justice and helping those less fortunate. It's a new take on Diana, and one that kids will be able to see pieces of themselves, and have an idea of how they too can move forward and help others.

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Wonder Woman has always been one of my favorite superheroes and I love how this book interprets Diana Prince and her life when she was younger. She breaks through the barrier of Themyscira into our world when she is trying to save people. This book illustrates her selflessness, love for family, and skills. It also explores topics such as gentrification, corruption and human trafficking which are a little hard hitting but very important. I really enjoyed it.

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4.5 stars. DC does it again! I continue to be impressed with the graphic novels they are producing for kids and teens. I wasn't sure I would love this one like I have ones in the past. The art style for this is not my favorite (personal preference - the art work is beautiful, just not my preferred style). But I was captivated by the story. Strong social justice emphasis here - homelessness, food insecurity/hunger, immigrants/refugees, child trafficking. Everything is age appropriate - I would feel comfortable handing this to a teenager who is mature enough to understand there is need as well as evil in the world and can separate the two. The twists on the classic WW storyline - instead of a love interest named Steve Trevor there are two UN workers who are married named Steve and Trevor who help Diana - are clever. I thoroughly enjoyed this! Highly recommend.

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Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is one that I really enjoyed. It has girl power, activism and found family. Each of the characters stole a little part of my heart, they were diverse and all amazing in their different ways. I highly recommend it, specially if you are a Wonder Woman fan like myself! The illustrations were bright and beautiful as well! I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to read it early, it was special!

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Not sure how to start this review...other than Diana is a warrior! She helps others even when she feels hopeless. She cares with a huge heart and gives even when she feels like it's not making a huge difference. She may have lost the family and only home she'd ever known but she found a new place to call home, a family of new friends, teachers and helping hands. As a child of immigrant parents, I've seen the hardship they face. Diana is faced with similar trials. She feels even more like an outsider than she before. But she learns things along the way! She learns that friendships can be messy. That not all problems are so easily solved. That parkour is fun (and it's almost like Amazonian warrior training xD and honestly it's something I'd like to try!) This book breathes hope and love and understanding from it's pages, but it also gets you burning for change, looking for a way to help those who are less fortunate than us, to be the change you so desperately want to see in society. The art was as beautiful as the story it told!

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What a neat graphic novel! I am not an expert in reviewing this genre but I feel pretty confident I know what appeals to young readers and what helps them out - graphic novels are in! Kids are grabbing classics off the shelves because they are being told in an exciting format. The first thing I noticed was the color scheme - the artist, Leila del Duca, did a very creative job, as it changes as the story advances.... and the story itself was easy to follow within each page (sometimes a problem with graphic novels). The panels were different shapes but the but the borders separating them were clear. Second, Halse Anderson was able to use not only dialogue balloons but different colored/shaped thought balloons with sneaky footnotes tossed in to advance the story without distraction or taking away (for example when they define the Hague). The story itself - super heroes are IN! Graphic novels are in! The plot zooms along and has both action and emotion - I think it will appeal to all readers. Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed will not stay on my shelf, I imagine, but rather passed along from reader to reader. That being said, I can't think of a novel by Laurie Halse Anderson that I have read and not loved, and her adaptation of Wonder Woman is no exception. Well done! Yay! I can't wait to get a physical copy to add to my classroom library for this upcoming school year. Thanks to #Netgalley for the opportunity to preview #WonderWomanTempestTossed by Laurie Halse Anderson

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