The Orphan King

KIRKUS -- A young prince returns home to find his kingdom destroyed. in this graphic offering, the first in a proposed series, readers meet Prince Kaidan, who left his homeland, Aesolan, to train at the Isle of Woman. When he arrives back home, he discovers Aesolan destroyed and its people gone. All Kaidan has left is Taliburn, a special sword bequeathed to him by his father. Meanwhile, Aesolan and the surrounding lands have fallen under the control of the sovereign Scathelocke, who wants to capture the young prince. Confronted and pursued by dangerous men and beasts, Kaidan soon meets up with three people who seem kind-Anne, Sir Robert, and Sturdy Jon-but who have ulterior motives. As the story alternates between flashbacks and the present, Chin-Tanner builds this medieval-flavored tale that mixes together monsters and men, ample battle scenes, and nods to Arthurian legend and Robin Hood. Falling somewhere between original and familiar, this will be a comfort read for fans of such tropes. Boyle's full-color illustrations are highly stylized and tidily arranged, with cinematic flourishes emphasizing action and close-ups. Each chapter ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger, keeping pages flying as Kaidan overcomes each new obstacle. The majority of characters present White; Sturdy Jon has locs and brown skin. An intriguing, adventure-filled series opener. (character designs) (Graphic fiction. 12-16)