This Was Our Pact

This Was Our PactThis Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
Published by First Second on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1626720533
Pages: 330
Goodreads
five-stars

This Was Our Pact is a graphic novel from Ryan Andrews. Ben and his three best friends are on their bikes following the lanterns from the Autumn Equinox Festival. Every year, they follow the lanterns as they bob down the river, but turn back before they find out where they go. This year will be different because they’ve made a pact–No one turns back or looks behind them. Eventually, however, Ben’s friends do turn back and Ben is left with Nathaniel–the weird kid who has been following along. Ben and Nathaniel go on a long fantastical journey, eventually learning the truth of where the lanterns go and learn a lot about each other as they do.

This Was Our Pact is full of twists and turns that startle the reader. The stand out aspect of the graphic novels are Andrews’ illustrations. Toned in various colors, they breathe life into the stories and make the fantasy become part of the reality for the characters.

Recommended for readers between 9 and 14.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

five-stars