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Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
5 Worlds meets Spirited Away in this tale of a girl fighting her way back home after getting trapped in the spirit world.
Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic. She doesn't feel much like celebrating anymore.
While avoiding holiday festivities, Anzu spots a stray dog down the street. A dog that seems to be staring right at her . But when she chases after it, she slips and falls down a ridge, losing consciousness. When she awakes, she’s in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she’s only heard about in Obaachan’s stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it’s too late.
Only, getting home is not as simple as she’d thought. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami of Yomi and a world full of creatures she’d once thought weren’t real, the race against the clock is on. She must break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children, and reach the gate home before sunrise…or be stuck in Yomi forever.
Anzu has just moved to a new town during Obon, a time for families to remember and celebrate their ancestors. Ever since her obaachan died, though, Obon has lost its magic. She doesn't feel much like celebrating anymore.
While avoiding holiday festivities, Anzu spots a stray dog down the street. A dog that seems to be staring right at her . But when she chases after it, she slips and falls down a ridge, losing consciousness. When she awakes, she’s in the Shinto underworld known as Yomi, a place she’s only heard about in Obaachan’s stories. The stray dog, she finds out, is actually the Gatekeeper of Yomi, and he warns her to return to the human realm before it’s too late.
Only, getting home is not as simple as she’d thought. Faced with the nefarious Queen Izanami of Yomi and a world full of creatures she’d once thought weren’t real, the race against the clock is on. She must break a curse, free the spirits of other lost children, and reach the gate home before sunrise…or be stuck in Yomi forever.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
45 people are currently reading
5325 people want to read
About the author
Mai K. Nguyen
4 books307 followersMai is a Vietnamese-Japanese American comics creator, illustrator, and ice-cream enthusiast living in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 1, 2025
This was so good. It took me a while to finish because I kept putting it down for other books, but Mai K. Nguyen did an excellent job tackling themes like belonging, grief, and identity.
What Worked: Nguyen did a wonderful job crafting a fantastical world based on Shintoism and Buddhism that set the tone for Anzu attempting to figure where she belonged in the world. While it isn't a direct retelling of any specific lore, I appreciated that the intertwining of the two created a beautiful backdrop to Anzu's adventures. Additionally, I adored Anzu as a character. Though kids are resilient, it's never easy moving to a new place while attempting to figure out your identity at the same time. Anzu is also mourning the loss of her grandmother so her struggles are compounded as readers get to know more about her. The artwork by Diana Tsai Santos is absolutely spectacular. I loved that theme of purple, grey, and green were the dominant color choices throughout the course of the book. It worked well with the overall vibe of the story.
If you're looking for an action-packed graphic novel that tackles difficult themes, I would definitely recommend checking this out. I'm looking forward to reading more by Mai K. Nguyen and checking out more artwork by Diana Tsai Santos.
What Worked: Nguyen did a wonderful job crafting a fantastical world based on Shintoism and Buddhism that set the tone for Anzu attempting to figure where she belonged in the world. While it isn't a direct retelling of any specific lore, I appreciated that the intertwining of the two created a beautiful backdrop to Anzu's adventures. Additionally, I adored Anzu as a character. Though kids are resilient, it's never easy moving to a new place while attempting to figure out your identity at the same time. Anzu is also mourning the loss of her grandmother so her struggles are compounded as readers get to know more about her. The artwork by Diana Tsai Santos is absolutely spectacular. I loved that theme of purple, grey, and green were the dominant color choices throughout the course of the book. It worked well with the overall vibe of the story.
If you're looking for an action-packed graphic novel that tackles difficult themes, I would definitely recommend checking this out. I'm looking forward to reading more by Mai K. Nguyen and checking out more artwork by Diana Tsai Santos.
March 21, 2025
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
Anzu acaba de mudarse con su familia a una nueva ciudad durante las festividades de Obon, cuando se honra y recuerda a los antepasados, pero desde que murió su abuela, la joven no tiene ganas de celebrarlo. Se siente fuera de lugar, incapaz de encajar, y mientras huye de sus problemas, un perro callejero le roba su colgante y, al perseguirlo, cae por un terraplén y pierde el conocimiento; al despertar, se encuentra en Yomi, el inframundo, donde descubre que el perro era en realidad el guardián de las puertas, quien le advierte que debe regresar a casa antes de que sea demasiado tarde. Pero no resulta tan sencillo, pues Anzu es perseguida por la infame reina Izanami, criaturas asombrosas y peligros, pero si no consigue romper la maldición y liberar a los espíritus de otros niños perdidos y volver a casa a tiempo, se quedará atrapada allí para siempre.
¡Madre mía! Algo de lo que pecan muchas veces las novelas gráficas es de no tener tramas demasiado enrevesadas, sobre todo por la falta de espacio para desarrollarlas, pero desde luego que ese no ha sido el caso aquí: menuda pedazo de historia más bien montada, con muchos giros, personajes y sorpresas. Me ha flipado de principio a fin.
Anzu acaba de mudarse con su familia a una nueva ciudad durante las festividades de Obon, cuando se honra y recuerda a los antepasados, pero desde que murió su abuela, la joven no tiene ganas de celebrarlo. Se siente fuera de lugar, incapaz de encajar, y mientras huye de sus problemas, un perro callejero le roba su colgante y, al perseguirlo, cae por un terraplén y pierde el conocimiento; al despertar, se encuentra en Yomi, el inframundo, donde descubre que el perro era en realidad el guardián de las puertas, quien le advierte que debe regresar a casa antes de que sea demasiado tarde. Pero no resulta tan sencillo, pues Anzu es perseguida por la infame reina Izanami, criaturas asombrosas y peligros, pero si no consigue romper la maldición y liberar a los espíritus de otros niños perdidos y volver a casa a tiempo, se quedará atrapada allí para siempre.
¡Madre mía! Algo de lo que pecan muchas veces las novelas gráficas es de no tener tramas demasiado enrevesadas, sobre todo por la falta de espacio para desarrollarlas, pero desde luego que ese no ha sido el caso aquí: menuda pedazo de historia más bien montada, con muchos giros, personajes y sorpresas. Me ha flipado de principio a fin.
November 5, 2024
Such a lovely graphic novel about learning to take up space and make choices that align with who you are.
Action packed, beautifully illustrated with a message for everyone <3
Action packed, beautifully illustrated with a message for everyone <3
February 11, 2025
3.5 <3
Segundo libro que leo de Mai, y una vez más ha sido muy emocionante, lleno de fantasía y mitología, y conmovedor, con un mensaje muy bonito e importante.
Segundo libro que leo de Mai, y una vez más ha sido muy emocionante, lleno de fantasía y mitología, y conmovedor, con un mensaje muy bonito e importante.
August 25, 2025
Spirited Away meet Coraline in this beautifully illustrated tale about a young girl who falls into the underworld and must get back home whilst also struggling with grief and bullying.
It took me 8 months to read this book as I had recently lost my Grandma by the time the book was sent to me so I knew I would not be able to emotionally handle reading about a young girl grieving for her Grandmother. I am glad I waited. This is a beautiful melancholy tale about believing in yourself, self-love and grief that swept me up and blew my mind.
The illustrations were amazing and Anzu was such an amazing character!
It took me 8 months to read this book as I had recently lost my Grandma by the time the book was sent to me so I knew I would not be able to emotionally handle reading about a young girl grieving for her Grandmother. I am glad I waited. This is a beautiful melancholy tale about believing in yourself, self-love and grief that swept me up and blew my mind.
The illustrations were amazing and Anzu was such an amazing character!
September 16, 2025
Flaming dogs and tattooed octopuses and giant skeletons! If you haven't experienced Nyugen’s art before, you are in for a treat. Nguyen's storylines often deal with grief, but this narrative offers more closure than others. I didn't completely understand the Shinto underworld, but I'm white and every story doesn't have to be for me. Also, Nguyen offers an amazing glossary of Japanese mythology in the back matter. One of my FAVORITE artists.
August 28, 2024
I loved this trip into Japanese folklore! Themes of cultural identity and belief in oneself make this a great MG GN, and a great adjacent option for MG manga lovers
September 27, 2024
Love this unique adventure of finding yourself imbued with mythology, twisty storylines, and my favorite character: Limbo. 🐕
May 3, 2024
3,5/5
June 14, 2024
Very Nice 👍
April 17, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for letting me read an ARC of this book through NetGalley!
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (4.5/5) or 8.85/10 overall
Characters - 8
Anzu and Limbo were incredibly likeable and relatable characters. It was easy to root for them and enjoyable to see their interactions. Most of the side characters were fleshed out enough and had some personality to them. However, I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the real-world characters.
Atmosphere - 10
Coming into reading this book, I had no clue that it was a graphic novel, but the art did not disappoint. Each panel had a sense of life and movement that added so much more to the story than just the words could express. The backgrounds were beautifully detailed, while not becoming too busy or hard to follow.
Writing - 9
The writing in throughout the story was reasonable and interesting. It helped to explain key elements and elaborate on the characters' emotions well.
Plot - 9
This story was incredibly unique and entertaining. While the shift to Yomi did seem a bit abrupt, the rest of the plot had a good pace that pulled me in and made me keep reading til the end.
Intrigue - 9
The premise and cover of this book originally drew me in to want to read it. After realizing it was a graphic novel, I became that much more excited to start because the cover is so pleasing to look at. I was intrigued the whole way through and nothing felt too predictable.
Logic - 8
The book was reasonably logical. There were a few points that struck me as a bit odd, but I was able to look past them and have a good time reading this book anyway.
Enjoyment - 9
I was thoroughly entertained by this book. It was incredibly unique, with amazing art and dynamic characters. I would've given this book 5 stars were it not for a few minor points that dampened my enjoyment. :)
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (4.5/5) or 8.85/10 overall
Characters - 8
Anzu and Limbo were incredibly likeable and relatable characters. It was easy to root for them and enjoyable to see their interactions. Most of the side characters were fleshed out enough and had some personality to them. However, I do wish we had gotten to see a bit more of the real-world characters.
Atmosphere - 10
Coming into reading this book, I had no clue that it was a graphic novel, but the art did not disappoint. Each panel had a sense of life and movement that added so much more to the story than just the words could express. The backgrounds were beautifully detailed, while not becoming too busy or hard to follow.
Writing - 9
The writing in throughout the story was reasonable and interesting. It helped to explain key elements and elaborate on the characters' emotions well.
Plot - 9
This story was incredibly unique and entertaining. While the shift to Yomi did seem a bit abrupt, the rest of the plot had a good pace that pulled me in and made me keep reading til the end.
Intrigue - 9
The premise and cover of this book originally drew me in to want to read it. After realizing it was a graphic novel, I became that much more excited to start because the cover is so pleasing to look at. I was intrigued the whole way through and nothing felt too predictable.
Logic - 8
The book was reasonably logical. There were a few points that struck me as a bit odd, but I was able to look past them and have a good time reading this book anyway.
Enjoyment - 9
I was thoroughly entertained by this book. It was incredibly unique, with amazing art and dynamic characters. I would've given this book 5 stars were it not for a few minor points that dampened my enjoyment. :)
April 24, 2024
A beautiful message of accepting yourself and finding who you are through your ancestors wraps up Anzu & the Realm of Darkness in a pretty red ribbon. I enjoyed every second of reading this story and what I imagine is going to be filled with beautiful colors to go along with the GORGEOUS artwork.
Anzu is different than the kids at her school. They say her food looks gross and smells like dead fish and her name is too weird, dubbing her Anne, so they can say it easier. Which in turn makes her withdraw and want to be the same as everyone else. It also brings on the wish heard from beyond.
Wishing to disappear, she wanders into town where a wild dog runs up to her and bites off the necklace given to her by her Obachan. Instead of losing the most precious item she owns, she runs after the dog and tumbles down a hill… into Yomi.
This was an adventurous wild ride through the land in between that I could not put down. Not only did I learn about Obon, but we meet a variety of creatures and characters along the way. I love that the book concludes with a glossary, which is incredible for children who want to learn even more about the culture and folklore.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anzu is different than the kids at her school. They say her food looks gross and smells like dead fish and her name is too weird, dubbing her Anne, so they can say it easier. Which in turn makes her withdraw and want to be the same as everyone else. It also brings on the wish heard from beyond.
Wishing to disappear, she wanders into town where a wild dog runs up to her and bites off the necklace given to her by her Obachan. Instead of losing the most precious item she owns, she runs after the dog and tumbles down a hill… into Yomi.
This was an adventurous wild ride through the land in between that I could not put down. Not only did I learn about Obon, but we meet a variety of creatures and characters along the way. I love that the book concludes with a glossary, which is incredible for children who want to learn even more about the culture and folklore.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 8, 2024In Mai K. Nguyen’s middle-grade graphic novel Anzu and the Realm of Darkness (Viking, 2024), Anza has an identity crisis. She is the new kid at school, no one understands her interest in manga, she misses her grandmother, and she is so taunted about her name that she starts calling her herself Anne. When a mysterious dog steals Anzu’s precious necklace, she chases the thief but slips down an embankment and enters another world.
The multi-chambered Realm of Darkness is inhabited by beings both good and evil. Anzu soon discovers that the souls of lost children are being imprisoned by a sinister shape-shifter who consider them her own sons and daughters. Limbo, the mysterious dog who is actually one of the Realm’s gatekeepers, leads Anzu in search of the portal that will allow her to return home. During her journey, Anzu discovers her true identity: a smart, brave, caring human.
Anzu is drawn in a fairly classic comic style, while the illustrations of the Realm of Darkness denizens range from menacing to Pokemon-style cuteness. This juxtaposition emphasizes Anzu’s immersion in a complex, alien world. Nguyen’s panels vary in size depending on the intensity of the plot at various points, and the dramatic double-page spreads first surprise readers, then entice them to dwell on the image details even in the midst of chaotic plot developments.
Nguyen’s invented world draws on elements of Shintoism and Buddhism and will appeal to readers who like mythology and fantasy, as well as those who are attracted to adventure tales. Beneath all of the action is a lesson: Power comes from listening to and acting on our instincts. That power is magnified when humans bring forth their best selves in service to others.
Anza and the Realm of Darkness is a worthwhile addition to school and classroom libraries and will likely inspire readers to seek out other similar titles.
Thanks to Penguin Kids for an advance copy of Anzu and the Realm of Darkness.
This review is also posted on my What's Not Wrong? blog in slightly different form.
September 19, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. The main messages were to believe in yourself and take up space, understanding that the choices you make impact who you are. Never let people make you feel small because you're different.
I loved the exploration of the underworld - the author notes that she mixes Shintoism with Buddhism - and it gives Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way.
Beautiful art and colorization; a strong, empowering story; and a heroine who learns to love who she is by the end of the story makes this book absolutely wonderful!
TW: kidnapping, death of a child, mass grave, murder, violence, bullying, racism
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
ARC gifted by Viking via Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the exploration of the underworld - the author notes that she mixes Shintoism with Buddhism - and it gives Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way.
Beautiful art and colorization; a strong, empowering story; and a heroine who learns to love who she is by the end of the story makes this book absolutely wonderful!
TW: kidnapping, death of a child, mass grave, murder, violence, bullying, racism
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
ARC gifted by Viking via Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2024
“I’ve seen it myself— the power to be kind, the power to be true, the power to stand up for others! It’s a power you would never understand because all you do is take.”
Hi okay so I read this while sitting inside of a mechanic’s shop and now I’m sobbing in said mechanic’s shop. This story was so beautiful and SO important. The art is gorgeous, the colors are impactful. I love, love, LOVED this and I cannot wait to recommend this to every person I come across.
Hi okay so I read this while sitting inside of a mechanic’s shop and now I’m sobbing in said mechanic’s shop. This story was so beautiful and SO important. The art is gorgeous, the colors are impactful. I love, love, LOVED this and I cannot wait to recommend this to every person I come across.
January 1, 2025
5 ⭐️ This is such an amazing coming of age story filled with culture and a beautiful message for all. It reminded me of a crossover of the Ghibli Spirited Away and Coraline. Which happen to be two of my all time favorite movies/books. The art was beautiful, the story was predictable but tied to tradition and family. The author shows the main characters struggle of being Asian American and a battle between cultures. I love this it has become a graphic that I will treasure and probably reread.
February 15, 2025
Mainio Henkien kätkemän veroinen seikkailu! Anzu päätyy Yomiin, elämän ja kuoleman välitilaan. Hän saa apua kiehtovalta portinvartijalta, sillä on vähällä kadottaa itsensä. Häntä on kiusattu koulussa etnisyytensä takia, ja hän toivoo olevansa näkymätön. Perhe on juuri muuttanut, joten isä on yrittänyt lohduttaa häntä, että uudet lapset voivat olla mukavampia kuin edellisessä koulussa. Japanilaiset tarut moninaisine olentoineen ovat niin kiehtovia. Iso suositus!
July 26, 2024
Although it’s not my favourite graphic novel style, I know many of my intermediate students will enjoy this book. I really like the message of self acceptance and will happily promote this book in September.
4.5 rounded to 5
4.5 rounded to 5
October 1, 2024
4.25⭐️
A lovely middle grade graphic novel that explores identity, self-acceptance, and empowerment through Japanese folklore. The art in this story was so beautiful and colorful! I also appreciated the glossary of mythology in the back.
Would be a 5 if pacing were more structured!
A lovely middle grade graphic novel that explores identity, self-acceptance, and empowerment through Japanese folklore. The art in this story was so beautiful and colorful! I also appreciated the glossary of mythology in the back.
Would be a 5 if pacing were more structured!
April 15, 2024
4.5 rounded up. It got a little distracted but otherwise it's a beautiful message and artwork!
June 15, 2024
A graphic novel that our Amulet readers will likely enjoy!
June 26, 2024
An instant classic. I had hoped to digest this over the course of a few days but couldn’t put it down. Mai Nguyen’s spectacular artwork is rich. Her story is gripping and powerful.
December 17, 2024
Meh. Too much going on and not enough exposition to make it clear what's going on for my taste.
December 21, 2024
Ghibli vibes, loved it
February 13, 2025
Absolutely adorable.
March 9, 2025
Absolutely beautifully drawn. The life in the art and inks are incredible. A wonderful story of self discovery set in the world of Japanese mythology and lore. Highly recommended.
Read
October 28, 2025A cute and heartwarming middle grade graphic novel that explores the world of Japanese ghosts.
July 18, 2025
This is the best manga I have read so far! The storyline is captivating and the illustrations are amazing....I read in 3 sittings.
November 15, 2024
Great read for all the kids out there that don't feel like they're enough!
November 16, 2025
Une Bd mélangeant les mythes et traditions japonaises et vietnamiennes, sur comment accepter ces traditions différentes face aux autres et donc s'accepter soit. Un très beau message sur fond de deuil et d'affrontement de la mort. Plutôt sombre pour du jeunesse mais bien traité et captivant et aussi paradoxalement très tendre par certains aspects
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews