The Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0062995537
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
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Aldridge, author of the beautiful Estranged duology, is back with a stand-alone graphic novel perfect for the elementary or middle grade fantasy reader. Prince Alto has heard stories of his heroic mother, Lady Brightblade, and he longs for an adventure of his own. Secretly practicing his bardic skill, he decides to venture out into the world to seek his fortune and prove that he can make it on his own. Like all good adventure stories, there is a crew of villains (using magic against people), a band of heroes (a couple of outcasts looking to prove themselves), and a quest to find answers that will lead to growth and empowerment for our hero. All of the tropes are there, but the addition of dueling lutes and bardic songs make for a satisfying read. The illustrations are bright and well-drawn and offer excellent differentiation between the villainous and the heroic songs (think red and green lasers in Star Wars). Readers of Amulet and fans of Lord of the Rings will gobble up this tale and clamor for more. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of Alto.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth