The Blood of Kings

Imagine Nation #1

by Matt Myklusch, Onofrio Orlando (illustrator)

A brave warrior fights to protect his home from threats both outside and within in this first book in the middle grade graphic novel series by Matt Myklusch set in the same Imagine Nation from his acclaimed Jack Blank series.

The Imagine Nation is the origin of all stories, made up of worlds inhabited by everything from comic book superheroes to embattled knights of medieval epics.

Ever since failing to save his parents from a terrible fate, young swordsman Skerren has molded himself into a fearless warrior to defend his home, the medieval borough of Varagog Village—and to never again be as powerless as the was the day he lost his family. History comes dangerously close to repeating itself when Skerren’s mentor, King Hovarth of Varagog nearly dies on his watch.

With the king’s life hanging by a thread, Skerren is named as Hovarth’s heir, prompting an arrogant prince to challenge him for the throne. Skerren is forced to split his attention between political enemies inside the village threatening the title he never asked for and the villainous Night Lander Horde still circling outside following their strike against Horvath—all while being unsure who he can trust.

Skerren must face devastating betrayals, the looming threat of war with the Night Landers, and the haunting truth about his parents’ death. He may even find out if he has what it takes to be a king…if he survives the experience.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Matt Myklusch is the author of 8 middle-grade novels, including the JACK BLANK, ORDER OF THE MAJESTIC, and the SEABORNE series. When he was a kid, he wanted to be a comic book penciller. That didn’t happen, but he never stopped drawing – and now he’s writing comic books! IMAGINE NATION, his new graphic novel series hits the shelves on January 7, 2025.

He lives in New Jersey with his wife and family, where he is always behind schedule on his next book.

Reviews

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ups and downs happen within these pages. Familiar and fresh, the combination of realism and fantasy captures the reader. Overall, I enjoyed it, but one small bump was that it felt as if this was not the first in a series but maybe book two or three, which makes me wonder if this is a continuation of the novels in the Jack Blank Adventure series. With that said, things stand alone as well.

Great for the 10 and up crowd, younger readers could partake, but some issues might not be for the young or sensitive reader.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first long book that my 6-year-old has read in its entirety. His brothers (ages 11 and 9) recommended it so many times that he decided to try to get through it himself. They love the adventure, the thrill, and the fast-paced nature. They also appreciate that it is a graphic novel with a lot of images. We haven't owned this book for that long, but my kids have read it so many times that its cover is showing how well-loved it is. That's the sign of a really good book.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd one for me. I really didn't connect at first. I legit put this book down for over a month and felt no real reason (other than professional obligation) to pick it back up. But when I did and I made myself sit and read... its not bad. It's a pretty classic adventure/fantasy story. The art isn't my thing, but overall it's an ok book.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable fun action and adventure. My digital advance copy was mainly in greyscale but did have a handful of full-color pages, which were much more appealing.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review submitted to School Library Journal for their upcoming SMS Fiction article.