Blog Tour Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Page, illustrated by Stephen Byrne

Author: Danielle Page

Genre: YA Graphic Novel

Published by: DC Ink

Publication date: 01/04/19

Pages: 192

My rating: ★★★★

 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From Danielle Paige, the New York Times best-selling author of Stealing Snow, comes a Mera and Aquaman origin story that explores Mera’s first steps on land as well as her first steps as a hero or a villain, forcing her to choose to follow her heart or her mission to kill.

Mera is teenage royalty, heir to the throne of Xebel, the other not-so-lost colony under the sea. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown, that of Atlantis. When the inhabitants of Xebel plot to overthrow their homeland of Atlantis, Mera is sent to kill the heir to the throne, Arthur Curry. As the unrest between their colonies grows, Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love…will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera’s side in Atlantis, or will he die under her blade?

Mera by Danielle Paige is an astonishing story that explores themes of duty, love, heroism and freedom, all through the eyes of readers’ favorite undersea royalty.

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to review a graphic novel, especially when of the options was Mera. My experience with grahic novels begins and ends with Watchmen and Gerard Way’s work. I have to say, this didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all. If anything, I enjoyed it more for having a badass female protagonist, written by a female author. I read this in two sittings, I couldn’t stop once I had started, it’s SO good! I also found it easier to follow than other graphic novels, some graphic novels can be difficult when the order of speech bubbles is not clear.

Set in a Xebel under Atlantean rule, after eavesdropping on plans, Mera leaves to kill Arthur Curry, ending the Atlantean line and It’s rule over Xebel. Though Mera gets more then she bargained for when she arrives on land. I really hope there’s more volumes to come because I need it, I need it so bad! There’s so much to love, from the story, to Mera’s unwillingness to give up or even share her rightful throne with a man she doesn’t love. I cannot recommend Mera enough, even if you don’t read many graphic novels. You’ll be desperate to read more, I know I am!

Illustrations:

The illustrations are just stunning, I mean, look at them! I found myself pausing just to take in every detail throughout, couldn’t get enough of them. I don’t really know what to say, the colouring is beautiful, complimenting both illustrations and story perfectly. Stephen Byrne did a fantastic job and I really hope he illustrates any future volumes.

Buy from: Book Depository Waterstones