I loved this story even though it had the lose of two parents and war it was still very heartwarming. I also loved how one of the magicians was of the trans experience. I hope there is a second book.

I really enjoyed the exploration of war in this graphic novel. It's great seeing Safi still love and wants to learn magic even after everything magicians went through in the war. I also loved seeing the family dynamic develop throughout the story. The illustrations were perfect and really brought the world to life.

I loved Bree Paulsen’s Garlic books and have read them several times to myself and to my little nieces. I received an ARC of The Firelight Apprentice and read it immediately. It is excellent, and I’m so excited to have another world of Paulsen’s that I can return to again and again.
The world building in The Firelight Apprentice is excellent. As a reader, I felt dropped into a magical world that was fully developed and that I learned more about as the book continued. It is a beautiful book to read. The illustrations are full and exciting, but the plot is clear and intriguing.
Thematically, I love Paulsen’s focus on the relationship between the sisters. Safi and Ada felt like richly drawn characters even in such a short work. I’m very impressed by what Paulsen can convey through art. For example, while they did not speak of it, it seemed clear to me that Ada had to step into a motherly role to her younger sister upon their mother’s death. This was not explicitly stated, but shown in a way that I found impressive. I also always appreciate Paulsen’s subtle but important queer representation. Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books for my copy of this book.

Bree Paulsen's work and art is a shining light in my existence. I loved this story, it was original and imaginative, and perfect for fans of her other work! I'd like to see more set in this universe.

Bree Paulsen definitely has a style! Fans of Garlic and the Vampire will love a return to Paulsen's cozy artwork, and fans of historical-feeling magical worlds will find much to love in this story of sisters. Hand to fans of Victoria Ying's City of Secrets looking for a slightly shorter read.

This was a beautiful little book that as an older sister hit me right in the feels. I connected so deeply with the idea of having to relinquish control of a sibling in order for them to flourish.

The art was adorable of course! And that plot twist. I loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc :)

Thank you HarperCollins Children’s Books | Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for the early digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The art style is beautiful. Paulsen's artwork is unique and sets her apart from many other artists. The amount of detail that goes into each frame is one of the reasons I keep picking up her graphic novels.

The story, in theory, sounds super cute. I don't gravitate toward magical stories, but after reading Garlic and the Witch / Vampire, I still wanted to try this. The reader follows two sisters, Ada (oldest) and Safi. Ada is very protective of Safi, but she knows that it's essential to make your own mistakes. What's even harder to come to terms with is that Safi is gaining her magical abilities and will be apprenticed by the king's magician. She goes on to practice with traveling magicians and leaves Ada to watch over everything, even their ill father. When Ada starts sending letters to Safi to keep her up to date, Safi has no clue that they're not getting to her, so she keeps updating Ada with new and exciting news. But who's destroying the letters and why?

Although it was super cute, it didn't evoke any emotion from me like I expected it to. However, I believe the lessons learned in Paulsen's stories are something all ages can stand to learn, which makes it appealing to a wide range of readers. I don't have a lot to say about it because I know that it will be a beloved story for many readers. It just wasn't what I was anticipating and that's okay. I will continue to read from Paulsen regardless.

Interesting book! While I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot since the pacing was too slow for me, the characters were wonderful to get to know throughout the book. Though I must add that twist at the end was super cool!

The Firelight Apprentice follows Safi as she enters an apprenticeship under the king's magician, but all is not as it seems. I loved the relationships Safi makes and strengthens throughout the story, and I love Bree Paulsen's illustrations. With an overall theme of good triumphs evil, this graphic novel has the perfect blend of darkness and light.

I received an ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this story!! It reminded me so much of Howl's Moving Castle. I really enjoyed the relationship between the sisters, and the way it the story was about both of them.

This is a charming graphic novel about a world where magic exists and it's used to power cities and to help fight in battle. Safi has a remarkable talent for magic, but her older sister Ada is worried for her due to roaming litches stealing magician's powers. The family decides to send Safi off to be trained under another group of magicians, but all is not what it seems.

I really love Bree Paulsen's art and I found this story very pleasant.

I was incredibly excited to pick up another graphic novel by Bree Paulsen and The Firelight Apprentice lived up to expectations!

The Firelight Apprentice follows Safi and Ada, two sisters living in a kingdom that is recovering from war. Ada and Safi lost their mother in the war and their father's health was also deeply impacted by the war. Safi has very powerful magic. In an effort to get Safi an apprenticeship with a magician, Ada and Safi go to a traveling magicians show. The magicians recognize Safi's talent and decide to mentor her. While Safi goes off to hone in her magical talent, Ada stays behind to care for their ailing father and their family's shop. When their father's health turns for the worst and Ada doesn't hear from Safi, she worries. Ada's worry proves to be necessary as not all of Safi's company is being truthful about who they are.

I really loved The Firelight Apprentice. The illustrations really jump off the page and perfectly encapsulates the magic of this story. The story effectively reflects on the after effects of war and also shows how these characters care and protect one another through these hardships. The Firelight Apprentice reflects on good vs evil, trust, sisterhood, and found family.

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a magical graphic novel that focuses on family!