A YA fantasy graphic novel that follows Rosefinch, a young witch, who is running from her past and gets dragged into breaking a spell placed over an ancient castle. Along the way she helps people frozen in time and cursed. Slowly as more information surfaces she will have to team up with these new people, question whether or not they are truly trustworthy, and hide her past long enough to hopefully break the curse and free all trapped under the spell.

I Will put he publisher synopsis here for a more in-depth explanation

Publisher Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Rosefinch has been traveling along the weather-beaten coast for two years on a quest to find a witch strong enough to help her control her magic. Her magic is volatile, hard to wield, and Rosefinch is tired of the pain of magical backlash. When she’s directed to the sea-side village of Harp, she discovers the ancient castle of a long-lost Witch Queen with the inhabitants long gone; the only remaining soul is a knight encased in solid ice guarding the door. 

When she attempts to lift the curse, she frees Thierry, a human with no memory of who they are, wrapped in cursed magic so strong that they cannot leave the castle. Thierry is soft spoken, strong, and in possession of a fey sword that should be impossible for them to have. But they have secrets of their own, as do other members of the Harp family still hidden within the walls. 

Harp castle was left in ruins for a reason, and Rosefinch must find a way to cure the curse or lose Thierry—and the chance to learn the truth about the Witch Queen—forever.

Now onto my thoughts

This book was an absolute joy to read. 

The characters were funny, the found family was so well done with just a sprinkle of romance. It was the perfect mix of fantasy that says something, and just being great fun to read. 

I loved the strong messages of learning to accept your power, while at the same time not letting that completely overshadow who it is you are as a person. 

The art was gorgeous! It was abundantly clear that so much time, love, and effort went into making this book what it was. I will be forever in awe of Mars and their talent as an artist. 

Plot & World-bilding

The plot was engaging, fast, and well crafted, only having 200 or so pages the story’s end did feel a little bit abrupt, yet altogether enjoyable.

The world was developed mostly in little sections before each chapters start. An excellent way to give insight to the world in a limited number of pages. Getting to see the way magic worked and the way the factions of Fae differ was so helpful for understanding the magical aspects of the story. 

I really enjoyed the direction in which the Author took this world and the characters. It’s very enjoyable, yet I feel great potential to expand many of the ideas in the book and look forward to further adventures in this realm.

Characters

In terms of characters, overall they were well done. I could however have used more time on Morgen’s character, I really enjoyed what I got but ended up feeling like he didn’t get enough page time. Rose was such an enjoyable main character to follow. Her relationship with Thierry was teasing and sweet in all the best ways. Getting to see all the pieces of her past hinted at, but not truly confirmed until the final showdown was truly epic. There is plenty more to say but this must suffice for fear of spoiling the book.

Sign off and thank you

I had so much fun going on this adventure with Rose, Morgen, and Thierry. This motley crew of sweet beans will hold a place in my heart for a long time to come.

Thank you so much to the people at Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing graphic novel before publication.

Pre-Order Links

US. Directly from the publisher with links to separate retailers

UK Blackwells booksellers (only place I could find to get it over seas)