With only 160 pages, I get that the story might feel a bit rushed, but honestly, I didn’t feel any chemistry between Jordan and the elf—like, not even a little bit. Everything happens way too fast, and nothing is explained, not even the basics. You can’t just pack in a bunch of action scenes and expect that to make up for the lack of depth in the story🙄. It really needed more development to be truly engaging.

#IntheShadowoftheThrone #NetGalley.

I don’t read a ton of comics like I used to when I was younger, this one makes me want to read them more often. Beautiful art along with a great plot. Though it does read a little closer to lower YA/middle grade than upper YA than I was expecting. I still enjoyed it and the way it took me into the past.

Sometimes what you love most can have consequences. In this story, Jordan wants to get away from his siblings and parents due to the burden of responsibilities he receives from being the older brother. This desire leads him to travel to another parallel world, where magic and creatures are everywhere. Jordan will meet an insolent prince who he will have to help save his kingdom.
It is a story that I think needs much more depth, especially in the vignettes and length. The plot and the relationship between the characters are too fast and therefore do not stand on their own. Jordan and Astel's relationship comes out of nowhere and I think it needs a lot more material to be drawn. Still, this "Ghibli vibe" story from "Spirited Away" leaves a smile.

The art style was okay, there were some frames that I thought could use some refining. I didn’t really care for the plot tbh but I did wish Jordan and Prince Astel had more time together it was a bit too fast paced for me. I did really like how one wrong turn in the museum led him to Lymeira. 2 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

It was too fast paced for me but still cute.
I was attracted by the cover, that really looks gorgeous.
I was expecting something different, and something more, but it was cute

"In the Shadow of the Throne" by Kate Sheridan and Gaia Cardinali is an enthralling and visually stunning graphic novel that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, power struggles, and magical realms. Sheridan and Cardinali's collaborative storytelling shines as they craft a tale of royalty, secrets, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The graphic novel's captivating artwork and engaging plot create an immersive reading experience that captivates both teen and young adult readers. The authors skillfully weave together elements of fantasy, political drama, and personal growth, leading readers through a thrilling narrative filled with twists and turns. "In the Shadow of the Throne" invites readers to explore a world where alliances are forged and destinies are entwined, while leaving them eagerly anticipating the revelations and challenges that lie ahead in this intricate fantasy series.

I enjoyed this one fine and loved the premise, but ultimately thought it was just okay. Characters could have been better fleshed out and it was ultimately somewhat forgettable (for me).

Loved the art style and concept. I think some bit of the plot seemed very rushed and would've been great if they were explained a little more. Great representation

really great idea, not the best execution. I loved the art style and the representation given, but it just felt like it was missing something. It might have been better giving it a second volume and allowing for a little more depth being given.

I really enjoyed this cute little fantasy graphic novel - the art style was gorgeous and I loved the rep!
I do however wish we got just a bit more - more character development, more depth. But of course that can sometimes be challenging in this format, especially when sticking with fewer pages.
All in all, In the Shadow of the Throne was a fun and exciting read and I am curious about what the author and illustrator work on next!

When I received a copy of In the Shadow of the Throne, I was so excited to read this. The story has a good take on portal fantasies. Overall, I think the story was a bit rushed but this did not ruin the enjoyment of reading the book. I do wish it was longer and given more details. For example, I would have liked to know the characters more. Such as more interactions, the characters knowing each other more, and just more details about them. Also, worldbuilding needed more information on the structure. Perhaps Jordan could have been given a tour of the kingdom which would have opened up the worldbuilding, details about the kingdom, and getting more information. Oh, seeing more of the elf kingdom for sure would have been nice. By doing these things would have given the reader a chance to learn more about this new world we are being introduced to.

We have Jordan Rivera, a queer boy, who is trying to enjoy his vacation but he was also placed in charge of his younger siblings at the museum. He is looking for a bathroom when he gets taken to a fantasy realm where he has to train as a knight to help the young prince keep his kingdom safe. This is fine and all, however, there isn't any suspense or buildup in the plotline.

However, let me mention the illustrations of the book! This is what initially drew me in, captured my attention, and kept my attention. The art nicely went along with the story and progressed the graphic novel.

I received a free e-copy of the ARC of In the Shadow of the Throne from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

Was unable to get PDF to download. I would love to be able to read the book, but cannot. If this is ever remedied, I would be more than happy to change my review and rating, because I was very excited to read!

UPDATE 02.15.2023: I got a copy of this from my local library and unfortunately... I will not be changing my rating. The art work is GORGEOUS and I think this could have been a very compelling story. However, my issue with one volume comics/graphic novels is always that they feel rushed and underdeveloped. That's how this felt to me as well. I wanted to feel more invested but instead found myself not caring if anyone lived or died. The story gives me Outlander vibes but with more magic and fantasy involved, so it's a disappointment that it didn't live up to the hype.

An engaging adventure and really pretty art!
But personally - I could have used with some more development. (This could very well just be because I'm outside the intended audience's age range).

I'm just a sucker for pretty art and people who get everything I want. When will it be my turn to be sucked into another world

I absolutely loved the art style of this graphic novel.
There were times I got a bit confused while reading it but asides that it has a good storyline and plot and the art is very much beautiful.

I loved the art and the story, something I genuinely love are stories of contemporary people falling into a medieval fantasy world. However I couldn't connect deeply with the characters and that's why I give it 4 stars

'In The Shadow of the Throne' by Kate Sheridan with art by Gaia Cardinali is a graphic novel about a young man who wishes to be somewhere else and suddenly finds himself there.

Jordan is not happy with his life, and when he suddenly finds himself on another world where magic is real, he thinks he's got his perfect life. He saves the life of Prince Astel and finds himself in the middle of a mystery.

It's a by-the-numbers fantasy that left me with questions like how did Jordan make it to this world? There is also a romance that seemingly goes nowhere, but maybe it's a placeholder for future story.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for kindly providing me with this eArc!

I must admit i'm a bit confused, nothing seemed to be explained and everything seemed rushed. The art was very pretty though I must admit.

To start, I was really drawn in by the art! The storyline melded with that made for an intriguing story and the character arcs meshed well with the broader plot — all in all, I really enjoyed this.

Think LOTR mixed with a bit of Once Upon a Time and Shadowhunters but with a bit of YA angst thrown in for seasoning. A bit rushed, and the art was at times a bit overwhelming, but I ultimately loved this and would love an entire series.