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Atana #1
Atana and the Firebird
A mermaid, a firebird, and a witch become entangled with the mysterious and powerful Witch Queen, who may hold the key to each of their past in this epic middle grade fantasy by debut author Vivian Zhou. Atana’s island may be quiet and peaceful, but mostly, it’s lonely. With the outside world full of magic hunters who would stop at nothing to capture a mermaid like her, Atana has never been brave enough to swim far from her island’s shores and seek the answers to her mysterious past—until a firebird named Ren unexpectedly crashes into her life. Ren’s arrival does not go unnoticed, as it has been hundreds of years since a firebird last landed on Earth. Determined to both protect Ren and finally chase the answers she’s longed for, Atana embarks on an adventure that takes her and the firebird to strange new islands and entangles them with the powerful yet secretive Witch Queen. Generous though the Witch Queen’s offer of protection may be, an invitation to the Blue Palace can’t come without a price. And while the Palace’s splendid halls and library might hold the key to Atana’s past, will she be willing to pay the cost when it risks her chance of a bright new future?
252 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2023
46 people are currently reading
3704 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Zhou
7 books59 followersVivian Zhou is a Chinese-Canadian cartoonist and illustrator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She loves writing stories filled with magic, and often blends fantasy with real world commentary and personal narratives. She graduated from the Bachelor of Animation program at Sheridan College, and subsequently pivoted to graphic novels to continue pursuing her love for blending art and narrative.
She is best known for being the creator of the graphic novels “Atana and the Firebird” and “Atana and the Jade Mermaid”. When she isn’t working on graphic novels, she can often be found making short comics for zines and comic anthologies.
She is best known for being the creator of the graphic novels “Atana and the Firebird” and “Atana and the Jade Mermaid”. When she isn’t working on graphic novels, she can often be found making short comics for zines and comic anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
April 9, 2025
In a Nutshell: A magical and adventurous graphic novel aimed at middle-graders. First of a duology, so this leaves many threads dangling. Nevertheless, a commendable debut work.
Reread: April 2025.
Picked this middle-grade graphic novel up for the second time to refresh my memory before reading the long-awaited sequel. Nothing much to add to the original sentiments, though I think I tilted more towards 4.25 this time around. (Probably because I was more prepared for its being an incomplete story and the first of a planned duology.)
This book has a fabulous story with a diverse cast, excellent magic, and a complex storyline. Quite a few characters come with baggage that isn't unloaded and lightened in this first volume of the series. It gets a bit tricky to remember the multitude of subplots, especially when none of them are resolved. But all of them are interesting, the pacing is quick, and the illustrations are wonderful.
Looking forward to the sequel to resolve all my pending doubts. Will update this review to confirm if the next book satisfies my curiosity.
Rating: 4.25 stars.
Update: The sequel is outstanding! All the pending doubts are cleared well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First read: August 2023. Original unedited review below.
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
🌹 Interesting characters: One mermaid, one firebird, one witch. Each of them have their own powers and their own secrets, so to see their bond with each other and their battle over their personal issues was a treat to read.
🌹 Even beyond the central trio, there are some interesting characters in the narrative. I particularly enjoyed Suah’s arc, and hope there’s more of her in the next book.
🌹 I loved the various kinds of magic systems in use. Because the characters weren’t typical, neither was the magic they wielded.
🌹 There is a minor LGBTQ+ track in the story. Though this should have been lengthier (and maybe it shall be so in the sequel), I appreciate the inclusion.
🌹 Though on the lengthier side of MG graphic novels at 260 pages, the book just whizzes by. It never slacks off the storytelling paces, and at the same time, it never shoves in too much too soon. I liked the pacing and the steady flow of the narrative that balances between adventurous action and lull moments with aplomb.
🌹 The illustrations, though on the simpler side when it comes to character faces, are perfect for the story. The magical elements are especially beautiful. Quite a few pages allow the art to speak for itself without needing support from text.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 I hadn’t been aware that this was the planned first of a duology. Given a choice, I always prefer reading standalone works. Though the ending is at a fairly safe point for the characters and not exactly a cliffhanger, it leaves plenty of unanswered questions and a few characters with unclarified backstories. I will not be able to evaluate the current story better unless I know how the sequel tackles the pending arcs. (I guess I’ll update this review once I read the sequel.)
All in all, this is a commendable debut with an interesting storyline and just enough magic as to captivate its young readers. Definitely looking forward to the sequel.
4 stars.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Atana and the Firebird”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Reread: April 2025.
Picked this middle-grade graphic novel up for the second time to refresh my memory before reading the long-awaited sequel. Nothing much to add to the original sentiments, though I think I tilted more towards 4.25 this time around. (Probably because I was more prepared for its being an incomplete story and the first of a planned duology.)
This book has a fabulous story with a diverse cast, excellent magic, and a complex storyline. Quite a few characters come with baggage that isn't unloaded and lightened in this first volume of the series. It gets a bit tricky to remember the multitude of subplots, especially when none of them are resolved. But all of them are interesting, the pacing is quick, and the illustrations are wonderful.
Looking forward to the sequel to resolve all my pending doubts. Will update this review to confirm if the next book satisfies my curiosity.
Rating: 4.25 stars.
Update: The sequel is outstanding! All the pending doubts are cleared well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First read: August 2023. Original unedited review below.
Story Synopsis:
Atana is a mermaid who has stayed alone on her isolated island for as long as she can remember. As she knows that there are dangerous magic hunters who are always searching for magical beings such as her, she never dares venture out in the open sea. But when a firebird named Ren crashes into her life, quite literally, Atana feels brave enough to explore the uncharted with Ren by her side.
However, Ren is the first firebird in centuries to crash on earth, so her arrival doesn’t go unnoticed. When the two embark upon their adventure, they realise that they are both in need of protection, and it is soon offered to them by the powerful Witch Queen, who assigns young trainee Cosmos the duty of protecting her guests.
But can such a generous offer come without its demands? Atana, Ren, and Cosmos each have to take a call on this tough question.
Bookish Yays:
🌹 Interesting characters: One mermaid, one firebird, one witch. Each of them have their own powers and their own secrets, so to see their bond with each other and their battle over their personal issues was a treat to read.
🌹 Even beyond the central trio, there are some interesting characters in the narrative. I particularly enjoyed Suah’s arc, and hope there’s more of her in the next book.
🌹 I loved the various kinds of magic systems in use. Because the characters weren’t typical, neither was the magic they wielded.
🌹 There is a minor LGBTQ+ track in the story. Though this should have been lengthier (and maybe it shall be so in the sequel), I appreciate the inclusion.
🌹 Though on the lengthier side of MG graphic novels at 260 pages, the book just whizzes by. It never slacks off the storytelling paces, and at the same time, it never shoves in too much too soon. I liked the pacing and the steady flow of the narrative that balances between adventurous action and lull moments with aplomb.
🌹 The illustrations, though on the simpler side when it comes to character faces, are perfect for the story. The magical elements are especially beautiful. Quite a few pages allow the art to speak for itself without needing support from text.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 I hadn’t been aware that this was the planned first of a duology. Given a choice, I always prefer reading standalone works. Though the ending is at a fairly safe point for the characters and not exactly a cliffhanger, it leaves plenty of unanswered questions and a few characters with unclarified backstories. I will not be able to evaluate the current story better unless I know how the sequel tackles the pending arcs. (I guess I’ll update this review once I read the sequel.)
All in all, this is a commendable debut with an interesting storyline and just enough magic as to captivate its young readers. Definitely looking forward to the sequel.
4 stars.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “Atana and the Firebird”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
August 15, 2025
Rtc. I'm doing reviews tomorrow.
Okay, so tomorrow ended up being weeks later. But I still remember this freaking adorable graphic novel about a mer and a star. I love stars and space and merfolk, so this was perfect for me.
Five out of five stars. 5/5.
At first, I was afraid this was going to be some boring cutesy comic that had no exciting plot, but I was wrong and in for a treat. Atana and the Firebird by Vivian Zhou is a graphic novel about family, tradition and the heart's deepest wishes.
Atana’s island may be quiet and peaceful, but mostly, it’s lonely. With the outside world full of magic hunters who would stop at nothing to capture a mermaid like her, Atana has never been brave enough to swim far from her island’s shores and seek the answers to her mysterious past—until a firebird named Ren unexpectedly crashes into her life. Ren’s arrival does not go unnoticed, as it has been hundreds of years since a firebird last landed on Earth. — GoodReads book blurb.
Ren and Atana are fun and vibrant characters to be sharing this journey with, and watching them grow is an honor. This would be a fantastic addition to any library including the school or home library. The content is suitable for young teens and middle grade children and adult will definitely enjoying reading this masterpiece. If I were rich I would definitely add this to my comics and graphic novel shelf since I love merfolk so much, but right now I can only dream.
Get reading, this graphic novel is worth your time and is made beautifully.
Okay, so tomorrow ended up being weeks later. But I still remember this freaking adorable graphic novel about a mer and a star. I love stars and space and merfolk, so this was perfect for me.
Five out of five stars. 5/5.
At first, I was afraid this was going to be some boring cutesy comic that had no exciting plot, but I was wrong and in for a treat. Atana and the Firebird by Vivian Zhou is a graphic novel about family, tradition and the heart's deepest wishes.
Atana’s island may be quiet and peaceful, but mostly, it’s lonely. With the outside world full of magic hunters who would stop at nothing to capture a mermaid like her, Atana has never been brave enough to swim far from her island’s shores and seek the answers to her mysterious past—until a firebird named Ren unexpectedly crashes into her life. Ren’s arrival does not go unnoticed, as it has been hundreds of years since a firebird last landed on Earth. — GoodReads book blurb.
Ren and Atana are fun and vibrant characters to be sharing this journey with, and watching them grow is an honor. This would be a fantastic addition to any library including the school or home library. The content is suitable for young teens and middle grade children and adult will definitely enjoying reading this masterpiece. If I were rich I would definitely add this to my comics and graphic novel shelf since I love merfolk so much, but right now I can only dream.
Get reading, this graphic novel is worth your time and is made beautifully.
December 10, 2023
if you're looking for a graphic novel with stunning art, whimsical worldbuilding, and incredible character design, read ATANA AND THE FIREBIRD. i fell in love with this book after seeing the cover, and its content does not disappoint.
atana has grown up alone on an isolated island, and longs to visit the outside world. but magic hunters prowl the waters around, and she's never dared leave. that is, until a rarely seen firebird crashes into her life. ren has never been to earth, and atana decides to finally see the world with her. they quickly attract the attention of the all-seeing witch queen, but her generosity may not be as innocent as it seems.
atana and ren's friendship was so incredibly sweet to read. both of them were so excited to travel the world, and ren especially was so utterly kind to everyone around her. i was really reminded of steven universe while reading because of the innocent magic with which she looked at the world. the worldbuilding also reminded me of steven universe as well as she-ra, with magic being incorporated as a physical aspect of earth's core, and having a cycle resembling the water cycle. i loved it so much, and the amazing art style was the cherry on top. i cannot recommend this highly enough to enjoyers of fantasy and graphic novels.
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own
atana has grown up alone on an isolated island, and longs to visit the outside world. but magic hunters prowl the waters around, and she's never dared leave. that is, until a rarely seen firebird crashes into her life. ren has never been to earth, and atana decides to finally see the world with her. they quickly attract the attention of the all-seeing witch queen, but her generosity may not be as innocent as it seems.
atana and ren's friendship was so incredibly sweet to read. both of them were so excited to travel the world, and ren especially was so utterly kind to everyone around her. i was really reminded of steven universe while reading because of the innocent magic with which she looked at the world. the worldbuilding also reminded me of steven universe as well as she-ra, with magic being incorporated as a physical aspect of earth's core, and having a cycle resembling the water cycle. i loved it so much, and the amazing art style was the cherry on top. i cannot recommend this highly enough to enjoyers of fantasy and graphic novels.
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own
January 20, 2024
Atana is a mermaid, but she was banished from her home to live alone on island for a reason she doesn't understand. One night a curious young firebird leaves her flock in space to come down and visit Earth, and she convinces Atana to go an adventure. They are soon pursed by magic hunters, but they also make friends, and end up as invited guests in the Witch Queen's palace. She makes them welcome in her massive library and gardens, but she also has ulterior motives. This is a fast paced story of magic, friendship, and young people slowly learning about the forces larger than themselves that shape their world and their lives. I really enjoyed the art, it has a very active, energetic line which serves the action scenes particularly well. I can tell the author came from an animation background! I am glad that the ending set up potential future installments in this world.
July 16, 2023
I went into this expecting it to be a stand-alone graphic novel, but apparently, it's going to be the first book in a series! The world is of Atana and the Firebird is a fascinating one; it's full of magic with witches, mermaids, and firebirds! After their eventful first meeting, Atana and Ren go on an adventure to meet the Witch Queen. The story was excellent, I found myself fully absorbed in reading this book. The art style is excellent! The style is very clean and at times could be considered simplistic, but it works amazingly with the story. I also loved the action scenes, they had me on the edge of my seat! I'm looking forward to reading more volumes in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 26, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books and HarperAlley for the eARC.
4.75*. Such a beautiful and fun story. It has great characters and dynamics, an interesting world and magic system, and an engaging plot that I can see will evolve further in the next volume. It's never boring, we get to see different kinds of magic and how they work, and there are also slight mysteries here and there, which adds to the plot and intrigue of the story. The art style is gorgeous, the colors and illustrations bring the characters to life and make it unique. Highly recommend.
4.75*. Such a beautiful and fun story. It has great characters and dynamics, an interesting world and magic system, and an engaging plot that I can see will evolve further in the next volume. It's never boring, we get to see different kinds of magic and how they work, and there are also slight mysteries here and there, which adds to the plot and intrigue of the story. The art style is gorgeous, the colors and illustrations bring the characters to life and make it unique. Highly recommend.
July 7, 2025
This is a sweet, queer story about a young mermaid haunted by a prophecy and the firebird who comes down to earth to celebrate the life of a family member and discover all the wonders the world holds. Their journey to set the world’s magic back in order has them escaping from magic hunters and seeking the guidance of the great witch queen.
While they both easily make friends, not everyone is who they pretend to be. So not only is this a story of self-discovery, but they have to learn that the world is both beautiful and deadly.
I like that this is a world where you can love anyone without consequence, but the majority (if not all) of the good characters are female (at least presenting) and the villains are mostly male. So I’m not sure how I feel about that. Overall, I really enjoyed the plot.
While they both easily make friends, not everyone is who they pretend to be. So not only is this a story of self-discovery, but they have to learn that the world is both beautiful and deadly.
I like that this is a world where you can love anyone without consequence, but the majority (if not all) of the good characters are female (at least presenting) and the villains are mostly male. So I’m not sure how I feel about that. Overall, I really enjoyed the plot.
April 17, 2025
This was super cute. one of the better graphic novels I've read.
June 22, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the Arc!
What a lovely little story :) The art is really fantastic, especially the colors and character designs. Each character had a unique look and feeling. Looking forward to recommending this to the library.
What a lovely little story :) The art is really fantastic, especially the colors and character designs. Each character had a unique look and feeling. Looking forward to recommending this to the library.
January 22, 2025
4.5/5
trop bieeeeeeeeeeeen avec une sirène, des mages, une belle amitié, des personnages queer, quasi que des personnages féminins, une grand maitrise de la narration et de superbes illustrations et couleurs. j'ai adoré
trop bieeeeeeeeeeeen avec une sirène, des mages, une belle amitié, des personnages queer, quasi que des personnages féminins, une grand maitrise de la narration et de superbes illustrations et couleurs. j'ai adoré
January 16, 2024
As my first book this year, I would say this read was a great start to my goodreads challenge. This book had original characters and ideas along with beautiful designs that made me want to spend more time reading this graphic novel. Vivian Zhou told a story through characters Atana, Ren, and Cosmos; three magical girls who explore the vast lands of their world, each seeking to find answers about themselves and the ways of magic.
As someone who mostly looks at the pictures of graphic novels instead of reading them, I found myself caught up in the story and the development of characters. Zhou answered all my questions that I had about the book yet left me wanting to know what happens next. Even though this entire world is full of fantastical beings such as mermaids, witches, and "firebirds", it didn't feel like too much world building. I did find it a little strange that there were only women in the story, the only men in the story were the hunters. I don't know if it was intentional, but I still enjoyed the story.
The artwork was simple, but fit the personalities of the characters very well. Atana was always wearing green, Ren was always wearing red, and Cosmos was always wearing blue. The coloring had little to no shading, but there was a soft gradient in most of the backgrounds. I liked her color choices and the way she went about spending time on the story more than the art.
Overall, I would give this book a 5/5 stars because of the original storyline, simplistic artwork, and creative storytelling. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic.
As someone who mostly looks at the pictures of graphic novels instead of reading them, I found myself caught up in the story and the development of characters. Zhou answered all my questions that I had about the book yet left me wanting to know what happens next. Even though this entire world is full of fantastical beings such as mermaids, witches, and "firebirds", it didn't feel like too much world building. I did find it a little strange that there were only women in the story, the only men in the story were the hunters. I don't know if it was intentional, but I still enjoyed the story.
The artwork was simple, but fit the personalities of the characters very well. Atana was always wearing green, Ren was always wearing red, and Cosmos was always wearing blue. The coloring had little to no shading, but there was a soft gradient in most of the backgrounds. I liked her color choices and the way she went about spending time on the story more than the art.
Overall, I would give this book a 5/5 stars because of the original storyline, simplistic artwork, and creative storytelling. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic.
January 7, 2024
3 stars
I liked this middle grade graphic novel a lot. Atana and the Firebird would make a fantastic animated film or TV show. In this, we follow Atana, a merperson who has been isolated from her people, and a firebird named Ren. They go on adventures together to travel the Earth and discover the amazing places and stories Ren heard from her aunt.
This was a fun little graphic novel that is quickly paced and keeps the reader turning the page. It isn't my favorite graphic novel or even my favorite MG graphic novel, but I'm glad I read this and if I come across the opportunity to read the sequel, I will. It's a fun time and I think if MG and graphic novels are your thing, then this will be something you may love.
I liked this middle grade graphic novel a lot. Atana and the Firebird would make a fantastic animated film or TV show. In this, we follow Atana, a merperson who has been isolated from her people, and a firebird named Ren. They go on adventures together to travel the Earth and discover the amazing places and stories Ren heard from her aunt.
This was a fun little graphic novel that is quickly paced and keeps the reader turning the page. It isn't my favorite graphic novel or even my favorite MG graphic novel, but I'm glad I read this and if I come across the opportunity to read the sequel, I will. It's a fun time and I think if MG and graphic novels are your thing, then this will be something you may love.
November 17, 2023
Atana and the Firebird is a magical story unlike any graphic novels I’ve previously read.
Atana and Ren have this wonderful innocence and joy to them. Even when they face danger, there’s a lightness to them that is wonderful.
Author Vivian Zhou’s worldbuilding is spot on, and their artwork truly transports you to a different place. Most importantly, Zhou’s ability to convey the entire story through text and words cohesively is to be admired.
Atana and the Firebird is the first book in a planned duology. It’s a fast and enchanting read.
Atana and Ren have this wonderful innocence and joy to them. Even when they face danger, there’s a lightness to them that is wonderful.
Author Vivian Zhou’s worldbuilding is spot on, and their artwork truly transports you to a different place. Most importantly, Zhou’s ability to convey the entire story through text and words cohesively is to be admired.
Atana and the Firebird is the first book in a planned duology. It’s a fast and enchanting read.
June 28, 2025
I love magical Sapphics 🥹
March 3, 2024
In a whimsical world where mermaids swim, firebirds soar, and witches brew potions, join Atana on her magical journey in this enchanting middle-grade fantasy by the talented debut author, Vivian Zhou. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous!
Atana lives on a serene island, but her heart is full of curiosity and questions about her mysterious past. She's always been too scared to venture far from home, especially with magic hunters lurking around. But everything changes when a dazzling firebird named Ren swoops into her life!
Ren's appearance is extraordinary, stirring up excitement and wonder. With newfound courage, Atana decides to embark on an adventure alongside Ren. Together, they discover enchanting new islands and encounter the mysterious Witch Queen, whose powers are both captivating and puzzling.
The Witch Queen extends a kind offer of protection, but it comes with a catch. To uncover the secrets of her past, Atana must brave the dangers of the Blue Palace. Will she risk everything, including her bright future, for the chance to unlock the mysteries of her origins?
Join Atana, Ren, and their magical friends as they navigate thrilling quests, face daring challenges, and learn the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and belonging in this captivating tale of wonder and enchantment. A must have for graphic novel lovers.
Atana lives on a serene island, but her heart is full of curiosity and questions about her mysterious past. She's always been too scared to venture far from home, especially with magic hunters lurking around. But everything changes when a dazzling firebird named Ren swoops into her life!
Ren's appearance is extraordinary, stirring up excitement and wonder. With newfound courage, Atana decides to embark on an adventure alongside Ren. Together, they discover enchanting new islands and encounter the mysterious Witch Queen, whose powers are both captivating and puzzling.
The Witch Queen extends a kind offer of protection, but it comes with a catch. To uncover the secrets of her past, Atana must brave the dangers of the Blue Palace. Will she risk everything, including her bright future, for the chance to unlock the mysteries of her origins?
Join Atana, Ren, and their magical friends as they navigate thrilling quests, face daring challenges, and learn the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and belonging in this captivating tale of wonder and enchantment. A must have for graphic novel lovers.
read-comix
November 2, 2023This was a beautiful and magical graphic novel featuring mermaids, firebirds, and witches. The friendships were my favorite and I really enjoyed the world building. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!
I also loved the artwork so much and it reminded me of K. O’Neill a bit.
I also loved the artwork so much and it reminded me of K. O’Neill a bit.
January 30, 2024
Two characters finding their way and their selves. An adventurous, heartwarming tale with great illustrations.
Read
September 8, 2023I know this graphic novel doesn't debut until November, but y'all NEED to go request it on Netgalley asap!! (Or just save this post so you don't forget to add it to your tbr 😅). It's so so good!
ATANA AND THE FIREBIRD (which is the first book in what will be a middle grade duology), has:
- a magic earth with firebirds, merfolk, and witches
- the sweetest magical friend group
- missing memories & prophecies 👀
- libraries!
- research for "the greater good" 🤔
- oral storytelling
- casual queer side rep
- a chinese-canadian author / illustrator
Honestly, I read this gem in one sitting and will be singing its praises when it finally comes out! Good rec for kids who enjoyed The Girl From the Sea and/or Tidesong, except this one has more epic adventure vibes.
Looking forward to book 2 for sure ✨.
ATANA AND THE FIREBIRD (which is the first book in what will be a middle grade duology), has:
- a magic earth with firebirds, merfolk, and witches
- the sweetest magical friend group
- missing memories & prophecies 👀
- libraries!
- research for "the greater good" 🤔
- oral storytelling
- casual queer side rep
- a chinese-canadian author / illustrator
Honestly, I read this gem in one sitting and will be singing its praises when it finally comes out! Good rec for kids who enjoyed The Girl From the Sea and/or Tidesong, except this one has more epic adventure vibes.
Looking forward to book 2 for sure ✨.
September 9, 2025
What a cute graphic novel! I needed a book with a "Z" author, and stumbled upon this title. I love me a good middlegrade graphic novel, and this one reminded me a bit of Nimona just from the cover!
Comparing versus other graphic novels, I'd place Atana and the Firebird in the middle graphically. I prefer the drawing in this versus Nimona, but nowhere near as gorgeous as The Owl Keeper. I liked the color palette of this book! Lots of pastel and soft colors.
The story and world building in this were excellent! I loved all the different groups/characters, and would love to meet more of the mermaids in the next book!
Comparing versus other graphic novels, I'd place Atana and the Firebird in the middle graphically. I prefer the drawing in this versus Nimona, but nowhere near as gorgeous as The Owl Keeper. I liked the color palette of this book! Lots of pastel and soft colors.
The story and world building in this were excellent! I loved all the different groups/characters, and would love to meet more of the mermaids in the next book!
April 11, 2025
INCROYABLE !!
Pourquoi j’ai attendu si longtemps pour lire cette pépite ?? J’ai adoré le graphisme, l’univers et l’ambiance qui sont vraiment très singulières et uniques en leur genre. C’était si doux, avec certaines planches extrêmement contemplatives.
Je dirais une BD jeunesse/ado à conseiller dès 9 ans (il y a quand même un peu de texte), avec sa dose de magie et d’aventure, à l’inventivité époustouflante et tout naturellement inclusive ! J’ai si hâte de lire la suite !!
(Au risque de me répéter : encore BRAVO les lesbiennes !)
Pourquoi j’ai attendu si longtemps pour lire cette pépite ?? J’ai adoré le graphisme, l’univers et l’ambiance qui sont vraiment très singulières et uniques en leur genre. C’était si doux, avec certaines planches extrêmement contemplatives.
Je dirais une BD jeunesse/ado à conseiller dès 9 ans (il y a quand même un peu de texte), avec sa dose de magie et d’aventure, à l’inventivité époustouflante et tout naturellement inclusive ! J’ai si hâte de lire la suite !!
(Au risque de me répéter : encore BRAVO les lesbiennes !)
July 1, 2024
Graphic novels aren't really my thing, and stories without a male lead are really not my thing. But somehow, this one works.
April 9, 2024
Such beautiful art and fun story! I love comics 😭
December 30, 2024
Pretty good tbh. The characters were nice and the magic was fun. The queen was pretty hot so that’s always a plus. It was a typically typical and average GN.
I do wish there was more lore, more backstory with the magic and such. Maybe that will come in books 2+ but it just didn’t really capture me the way others have with their backstories. There’s so much hype about firebirds but there isn’t much delivery.
Overall, I’d recommend and I’ll probably read the next in the series.
I do wish there was more lore, more backstory with the magic and such. Maybe that will come in books 2+ but it just didn’t really capture me the way others have with their backstories. There’s so much hype about firebirds but there isn’t much delivery.
Overall, I’d recommend and I’ll probably read the next in the series.
January 9, 2025
give me more of the hot hermit witch!!!
I will be reading book #2 for sure when it comes out.
I will be reading book #2 for sure when it comes out.
December 31, 2024
Eagerly awaiting the next book!
June 4, 2024
Atana, a young mermaid, wants to learn about her mysterious past, but it’s dangerous for magical creatures to travel alone. This all changes when a Firebird named Ren falls from the sky. Together they seek answers, meet new friends, and become entangled in the Witch Queen's plans.
I absolutely adored this book! I was swept away by the characters and the story. Atana, Ren, and their friend Cosmos are so much fun to read. Vivian Zhou does an excellent job balancing each of their individual arcs and the overall mystery of the Witch Queen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. The art style is also fantastic. I loved looking at each panel- especially the facial expressions. They captured so many emotions! I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book! I was swept away by the characters and the story. Atana, Ren, and their friend Cosmos are so much fun to read. Vivian Zhou does an excellent job balancing each of their individual arcs and the overall mystery of the Witch Queen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. The art style is also fantastic. I loved looking at each panel- especially the facial expressions. They captured so many emotions! I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2023
Atana is a mermaid banished to live on land where she meets a firebird named Ren. After the two become friends they set out on an adventure to learn what they can and also keep Ren safe.
First, the art for this graphic novel is gorgeous. I love the cover, it's amazing and invokes so many emotions in me. The magic system was interesting and different than what I've read before, I like how it incorporated three different kinds of magical beings in order to function, how they are all reliant on each other. And the casualness of queerness is always appreciated!
I very excitedly await book two!
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
First, the art for this graphic novel is gorgeous. I love the cover, it's amazing and invokes so many emotions in me. The magic system was interesting and different than what I've read before, I like how it incorporated three different kinds of magical beings in order to function, how they are all reliant on each other. And the casualness of queerness is always appreciated!
I very excitedly await book two!
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
December 26, 2023
This is a wonderful graphic novel with a very unique plot and characters! I love the world Zhou has created and the use of magic. Everything flows so smoothly and i'm anxiously awaiting the 2nd book!
Atana, Ren and Cosmos are a wonderful trio and their friendship is really sweet. I love the depth of their individual dreams and what theyre aiming to get from the world/life. Additionally the side characters like the Queen and Cosmos' sister + others leave so much open for more story growth that I would love to read. Overall it was a quick read with beautiful art and a great story. Will definitely recommend and wait for more!
Atana, Ren and Cosmos are a wonderful trio and their friendship is really sweet. I love the depth of their individual dreams and what theyre aiming to get from the world/life. Additionally the side characters like the Queen and Cosmos' sister + others leave so much open for more story growth that I would love to read. Overall it was a quick read with beautiful art and a great story. Will definitely recommend and wait for more!
September 2, 2023
4.75 stars rounded up. Vivian Zhou has created a masterful fantasy graphic novel filled with the magic of witches, firebirds and mermaids. The simple, clean art is gorgeous with predominantly pastel colors. I loved the world building and bond between the characters. Given this book is a duology, the ending lacked some satisfaction that I hope will come in the next installment- I’m looking forward to it! This book features strong female characters and is LGBTQ positive. I’m grateful for an advanced read from NetGalley.
April 13, 2025
A magical story with the most enchanting art ✨ I loved all the characters, their different personalities, realistic flaws and mystical elements. There are several arcs to be completed, I'm looking forward to see how it gets tied up in the sequel!
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