Excellent edition to the fantasy-graphic novel collections of those in grades 4-7ish. Solid world-building visually by Teny Issakhannian and augmented well by Liu’s text. With the graphic novel format, the plot has to be fairly uncomplicated, but Zuli’s quest is adventurous enough to keep readers engaged and there’s a dragon which makes it extra appealing to most in the target age group. Readers will become very invested in both Zuli and Frowly, her companion and bird friend, and will look forward to reading more about them both. Text is free of profanity and sexual content. Illustrations portray Zuli as Black.

I first became familiar with Marjorie when she debuted Monstress, a horror fantasy series that was grotesquely beautiful in both its artwork and its message. Speaking on issues such as racism, war, and feminism, it received critical acclaim, and I was happy to see its author praised for her incredible work.

Now, years later, Marjorie has created a very different kind of story in Wingbearer. Her name was enough to catch my attention, but I’m happy to report that the story exceeded my expectations within minutes of starting this book.

Wingbearer holds lessons for children and adults alike, and if you’re interested in reading about an adventurous young girl who takes on an impossible task with nothing more than love and kindness in her heart, I urge you to pick up Marjorie Liu’s latest. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

Zuli is the only human girl living within the great tree, a haven where the souls of birds come once they have passed on in order to be reborn again. However, when no souls return to the great tree, Zuli must make a journey to find out what's happening in the world beyond. A place she's never known but has always been curious to learn more. Once she and her companion, Frowly the owl, are out in the world, there's much that Zuli needs to learn and for Frowly to remember from his days here. Along their journey, they gather allies in Orien, a winged goblin, and his adorable winged beasty, Oti, as well as getting assistance from others while also being sought (or rather hunted) by the Witch-Queen's minions. <i>Wingbearer</i> is the first part of a greater story that I am eager to continue once Liu and Issakhanian are ready to share the next segment of Zuli's journey. The art is gorgeous and colorful, and it will surely appeal to the middle grade audience and hopefully older readers as well.

Highly recommended.

'Wingbearer' is a delightful fantasy adventure geared toward young readers but will have readers of all ages loving it. It is a wonderfully written tale with amazing main characters to root for, set in a world that allows its readers to dive into with ease.

I adored this book. Firstly, Issakhanian has incredible artistic skills and used them to create brilliant imagery throughout the entire graphic novel. I also loved the story that Liu created. Zuli is such an adorable character faced with what seems like insurmountable obstacles that present themselves at every turn. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Readers will not be able to put this adventure down until the final page, and they will be left eagerly awaiting the next installment. Beautiful and captivating, this is highly recommended for middle grade and up.

This was such a fun graphic novel! I really enjoyed the amazing artwork - it was gorgeous! In the story we follow Zuli, who lives in the Great Tree with all the bird spirits. Little does she know that she is very special. Something is happening to the bird spirits and Zuli is determined to go investigate. During her journey she meets some interesting friends and even encounters a dragon! Overall this was a great graphic novel and I think that it would be a great book for anyone to read.

OMG! Get a copy and read this book NOW!! It is soooo Good. Zuli has spent her life with the Great Tree. As far as she knows, she is the only one of her kind. When the souls of birds get lost on their way to the Great Tree, Zuli adventures outside her realm, into a new one, to save all those who are lost. Along the way she will meet dragons, goblins, griffins, manticore, etc. This story is amazing. Coming from Marjorie Liu I am not surprised. Plus, the illustrations, are phenomenal. They are so bright and colorful. They look like top quality movie stills put on a non-moving platform. If you are a fan of old school fantasy animated stories like the Last Unicorn, the animated Lord of the Rings, etc you will love this. It will be a series and even with a cliffhanger you will absolutely love this book!

This was such a cute graphic novel!! The artwork was beautiful and memorable, and the writing style was very engaging. I am so invested in the story and cannot wait for the next installment! I recommend this to all ages.

"Adventures are good for making our worlds bigger...and our hearts, too." What an open-hearted and beautiful story, with truly breath-taking, heart-stopping artwork. The colors burst off the page, and every facial expression, animal and human alike, is a masterpiece. Zuli is a remarkable protagonist with a big heart, and her journey through the world will move you. This may be a book for children, but readers of all ages will get something out of living in this book's beautiful, textured world for a bit.

Although I loved the story of this book, I have to start this review by discussing the art, which was absolutely breathtaking. The color palette, the glows, the whimsy... It all really pulls you into this other world and brings it to life. I don't even need this graphic novel to be turned into a TV show or movie, because the images are already alive on the page. To top that off, the story is fast-paced, with enough adventurous twists to maintain the attention of any upper elementary or middle school student. I highly recommend for library purchase.

This was a really cute graphic novel. I have read part of the author’s adult graphic novel series Monstress, so I was interested to read a middle grade from her. It was a cute fantasy adventure story that I think a lot of middle grade readers will enjoy, especially those that liked Amulet. It was a little slow for me at times, and I thought the plot was a bit basic, but I still enjoyed it overall. I also really enjoyed the art style, especially how colorful it was. Would definitely recommend to young readers.

The art is clean and crisp and engaging, the characters are endearing, and the world building is fascinating. So why only three stars? T be honest, despite this being a YA graphic novel, I was expecting a lot more from Marjorie Liu. The plot was so YA quest by the numbers hero's journey, that the other good aspects of the world and the art dimmed a bit. Still a good book, just not as good as I was hoping.

What a fantastical adventure! This new mythology is a great foundation for a new series. Zuli and Frowly make a wonderful pair to take us on this adventure with Zuli’s free spirit and Frowly’s grumpiness and hesitation they make a perfect duo! Then they meet other characters with traits that compliment theirs.

The colorful and movie-like illustrations move the action along and help suck the reader into the story. The setting is beautiful, and I adore the cast of creatures that Zuli meets along the way. Note to readers though: There is a cliffhanger which will make you craving the next book!

I honestly didn't know what to expect going into this one, but wow. It was great. Zuli's story drew me in right away. It was fun to explore the world with her, seeing everything for the first time just as she did. And the contrast between her open hearted kindness and the rest of the world's prejudices and jaded attitudes was clear without being overbearing or didactic.
The artwork is beautiful and matches the story perfectly. I especially love the vivid color palettes that were chosen.
I did not see that twist coming at the end and I'm hoping I don't have to wait a full year to get my hands on book 2!

SO glad I stumbled across WINGBEARER by Marjorie Liu. Loved the plot, the colorful illustrations, and the diverse characters. This would be a great read for fans of Wings of Fire graphic novel or Amulet series.

I loved this book! It was the start of a great story and the artwork is AMAZING! Uplifting story about a determined main character and her quest-mates who give second chances when people mess up and don't give up on others even if they are let down by their actions. I will definitely be sharing this with my kiddo!

In the graphic novel 'Wingbearer' by Marjorie Liu with art by Teny Issakhanian, a young girl makes a strange journey to save the world and maybe learn a little about herself along the way.

Zuli lives in a mysterious tree and communes with the spirits of birds. When she learns of a threat to the tree and the birds, she makes a journey to another world with only her bravery and a magical bracelet. Along the way she encounters strange creatures who may be allies, or may want to sabotage her quest.

This was a great read and Zuli is a great protagonist. Her courage and naivete lead her to trust, sometimes to her benefit and sometimes not. The companions she finds along the way are nicely rounded characters. The art is colorful and has an animated look to it. I think this is one that young readers will enjoy reading with its good story and enjoyable art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

A strong fantasy story needs a really well constructed world with strong characters for the reader to properly engage and I'm not sure this one really gets there. The book spends too much time hinting at stuff and note enough actually revealing the way the world works. With a slow start and more dialogue than action, it's certainly not my favorite.