What do you think?
Rate this book
The Victors
Contemporary-meets-fantasy in a YA graphic novel about what happens after the chosen one has saved the world.
The prophecy foretold they would be enemies … it didn’t mention they’d be flatmates.
At fifteen, Dirk Earnest led the world to victory in a savage battle against the evil overlord Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal university student – or he’s trying to be. As the poster boy for fighting evil, Dirk has many adoring fans who follow his every move, but he’s crushingly lonely.
Cue his new housemate, Medusa de la Nuage: art student, former demon soldier, war criminal … and Dirk’s nemesis.
With Dirk haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Medusa’s desire for human connection battling her demonic nature, the two are about to discover that the best friend you need most might be your (ex) mortal enemy.
A witty, compassionate and inventive graphic novel from Wren James, who has writing credits on the TV show Heartstopper, paired with an exciting debut artist.
The prophecy foretold they would be enemies … it didn’t mention they’d be flatmates.
At fifteen, Dirk Earnest led the world to victory in a savage battle against the evil overlord Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal university student – or he’s trying to be. As the poster boy for fighting evil, Dirk has many adoring fans who follow his every move, but he’s crushingly lonely.
Cue his new housemate, Medusa de la Nuage: art student, former demon soldier, war criminal … and Dirk’s nemesis.
With Dirk haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Medusa’s desire for human connection battling her demonic nature, the two are about to discover that the best friend you need most might be your (ex) mortal enemy.
A witty, compassionate and inventive graphic novel from Wren James, who has writing credits on the TV show Heartstopper, paired with an exciting debut artist.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
Wren James
27 books64 followersWren James is the award-winning British author of many Young Adult novels. Their books include Last Seen Online, Green Rising and The Quiet at the End of the World (previously published as Lauren James). The Loneliest Girl in the Universe is in development as a feature film with RK Films.
A story consultant on Netflix’s Heartstopper (Seasons 2 & 3) and a RLF Royal Fellow, Wren is also the founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League, creator of The Climate-Conscious Writers Handbook, and editor of Future Hopes: Hopeful stories in a time of climate change.
They have won the Sustainable Story Award and been shortlisted for the YA Book Prize, Carnegie Medal and STEAM Book Award. Their books have sold over 200,000 copies in eight languages.
They are on the Society of Authors’ Sustainability steering Committee and work as a consultant on climate storytelling for museums, production companies, major brands and publishers, with a focus on optimism and hope.
Wren’s writing has been described as ‘gripping romantic sci-fi’ by the Wall Street Journal and ‘a strange, witty, compulsively unpredictable read which blows most of its new YA-suspense brethren out of the water’ by Entertainment Weekly. Their latest title is The Victors (May 2026), a graphic novel illustrated by Beth Fuller.
Wren was born in 1992, and has a Masters degree from the University of Nottingham, where they studied Chemistry and Physics. They run a Queer Writers group in Coventry. Follow them on Instagram at @wrenjameswriter or find out more at wrenjames.co.uk.
A story consultant on Netflix’s Heartstopper (Seasons 2 & 3) and a RLF Royal Fellow, Wren is also the founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League, creator of The Climate-Conscious Writers Handbook, and editor of Future Hopes: Hopeful stories in a time of climate change.
They have won the Sustainable Story Award and been shortlisted for the YA Book Prize, Carnegie Medal and STEAM Book Award. Their books have sold over 200,000 copies in eight languages.
They are on the Society of Authors’ Sustainability steering Committee and work as a consultant on climate storytelling for museums, production companies, major brands and publishers, with a focus on optimism and hope.
Wren’s writing has been described as ‘gripping romantic sci-fi’ by the Wall Street Journal and ‘a strange, witty, compulsively unpredictable read which blows most of its new YA-suspense brethren out of the water’ by Entertainment Weekly. Their latest title is The Victors (May 2026), a graphic novel illustrated by Beth Fuller.
Wren was born in 1992, and has a Masters degree from the University of Nottingham, where they studied Chemistry and Physics. They run a Queer Writers group in Coventry. Follow them on Instagram at @wrenjameswriter or find out more at wrenjames.co.uk.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Read
April 3, 2026Funny and fantastical, with a generous helping of trauma! A little story about what happens after the Chosen One has saved the world and has to go back to normal life: university lectures, moving in with a sworn enemy, and learning how to let go.
Read
May 19, 2026May 2026: this is out now! I hope you all enjoy it! Check my social media for all my behind the scenes content - @wrenjameswriter on tiktok and Instagram!
November 2025: I am SO excited to be sharing the delicious cover of my debut graphic novel The Victors, illustrated by Beth Fuller and publishing in the UK and Australia with Walker Books on 7th May (175 days!)
I adore this cover so much, from the bi flag colours to the intricate cityscape details - and the little beetles! The Victors is all about the contrasts between Medusa’s medieval, demonic style of magic compared to Dirk’s solidly modern style, and I love how their outfits show that difference. Medusa’s armour is so cool! And her hair! Their far-off gazes really convey the past battles that still haunt them.
I hope you love the cover too! As an extra treat, here are some early pages from the graphic novel:
October 2025: I am very excited to announce that my next release will be a graphic novel! The Victors is illustrated by the miraculous Beth Fuller (@bf_illustrates) and will be published in May 2026 with Walker Books!
The Victors is about what happens after the chosen one has saved the world. At fifteen, Dirk Earnest led the world to victory in a savage battle against the evil overlord Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal university student – or he’s trying to be. As the poster boy for fighting evil, Dirk has many adoring fans who follow his every move, but he’s crushingly lonely.
Cue his new housemate, Medusa de la Nuage: art student, former demon soldier, war criminal … and Dirk’s nemesis. With Dirk haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Medusa’s desire for human connection battling her demonic nature, the two are about to discover that the best friend you need most might be your (ex) mortal enemy.
After working in script development on Heartstopper, I was dying to write something in a tight, cinematic format. There’s something so special about a beautifully designed standalone graphic novel that immerses you in a self-contained adventure. Writing within those constraints is a bit of a literary puzzle.
I pitched a graphic novel to Walker Books knowing full well that I don’t have the artistic talent to pull off the illustrations myself. But I had a strong vision of Dirk and Medusa right from the onset. Their character details are total mirrors of each other, from dark to light; dull to vibrant; outgoing to reclusive.
Miraculously, we found Beth Fuller, who has gone above and beyond my original vision to create something truly spectacular. Her rich art style is startlingly funny, heart-breaking and endearing, all at once. She’s a true talent. She’s brought Dirk and Medusa to life so perfectly that I actually got her design of Medusa tattooed on my forearm. A true sign of how perfectly she’s captured the character!
She’s an utter genius and I feel incredibly lucky to have her, Non Pratt and Jamie Hammond at Walker working on The Victors.
November 2025: I am SO excited to be sharing the delicious cover of my debut graphic novel The Victors, illustrated by Beth Fuller and publishing in the UK and Australia with Walker Books on 7th May (175 days!)
I adore this cover so much, from the bi flag colours to the intricate cityscape details - and the little beetles! The Victors is all about the contrasts between Medusa’s medieval, demonic style of magic compared to Dirk’s solidly modern style, and I love how their outfits show that difference. Medusa’s armour is so cool! And her hair! Their far-off gazes really convey the past battles that still haunt them.
I hope you love the cover too! As an extra treat, here are some early pages from the graphic novel:
October 2025: I am very excited to announce that my next release will be a graphic novel! The Victors is illustrated by the miraculous Beth Fuller (@bf_illustrates) and will be published in May 2026 with Walker Books!
The Victors is about what happens after the chosen one has saved the world. At fifteen, Dirk Earnest led the world to victory in a savage battle against the evil overlord Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal university student – or he’s trying to be. As the poster boy for fighting evil, Dirk has many adoring fans who follow his every move, but he’s crushingly lonely.
Cue his new housemate, Medusa de la Nuage: art student, former demon soldier, war criminal … and Dirk’s nemesis. With Dirk haunted by the ghosts of his past, and Medusa’s desire for human connection battling her demonic nature, the two are about to discover that the best friend you need most might be your (ex) mortal enemy.
After working in script development on Heartstopper, I was dying to write something in a tight, cinematic format. There’s something so special about a beautifully designed standalone graphic novel that immerses you in a self-contained adventure. Writing within those constraints is a bit of a literary puzzle.
I pitched a graphic novel to Walker Books knowing full well that I don’t have the artistic talent to pull off the illustrations myself. But I had a strong vision of Dirk and Medusa right from the onset. Their character details are total mirrors of each other, from dark to light; dull to vibrant; outgoing to reclusive.
Miraculously, we found Beth Fuller, who has gone above and beyond my original vision to create something truly spectacular. Her rich art style is startlingly funny, heart-breaking and endearing, all at once. She’s a true talent. She’s brought Dirk and Medusa to life so perfectly that I actually got her design of Medusa tattooed on my forearm. A true sign of how perfectly she’s captured the character!
She’s an utter genius and I feel incredibly lucky to have her, Non Pratt and Jamie Hammond at Walker working on The Victors.
May 19, 2026
This is out now! I hope you all enjoy it! Check my social media for all my behind the scenes content - @wrenjameswriter on tiktok and Instagram!
Read
May 11, 2026Always exciting to see a British-publisher YA graphic novel!! I know of this one via the artist - Fuller’s style of imaginative, stylised fantasy illustration works brilliantly here, vividly bringing the world to life. It’s a B&W comic and clearly well-designed for the format: the book itself has a really lovely lightweight manga volume feel, with storytelling very accessible to young readers.
The story’s a YA play on a YA premise, following two unlikely university roommates. One (trans, although the story doesn’t get deep into his identity) teen who saved the world, another from the ‘bad guys’ demon side who’s a weird bird who doesn’t understand phones and still somewhat hungers for blood. I love her. But the humour is wry - it overall takes both the demon war (that may or may not really be over) seriously, with a strong, poignant main thread of two lost young people trying to find their way in a world that feels doomed. By the end the story really pulls together, and the art is delicious all the way through. There are a few art spreads of the final scenes I kept going back to look at because they're so breathtaking!
The story’s a YA play on a YA premise, following two unlikely university roommates. One (trans, although the story doesn’t get deep into his identity) teen who saved the world, another from the ‘bad guys’ demon side who’s a weird bird who doesn’t understand phones and still somewhat hungers for blood. I love her. But the humour is wry - it overall takes both the demon war (that may or may not really be over) seriously, with a strong, poignant main thread of two lost young people trying to find their way in a world that feels doomed. By the end the story really pulls together, and the art is delicious all the way through. There are a few art spreads of the final scenes I kept going back to look at because they're so breathtaking!
May 20, 2026
oh god i’m crying this was so beautiful and lovely and i’ll have to reread it to stare more at the intricate art and i love how each character has their own font!! more comics need to do that
May 13, 2026
I'm not crying, YOU are crying.
October 16, 2025
can't wait to find out how it ends
May 22, 2026
just lovely!
I think this would've had more or an impact on me if I hadn't read the Carry On saga, which deals with some very similar themes (but in a slightly heavier way), so for now it was primarily very cute
I think this would've had more or an impact on me if I hadn't read the Carry On saga, which deals with some very similar themes (but in a slightly heavier way), so for now it was primarily very cute
April 16, 2026
This was an absolute delight to read. The illustrations are STUNNING and the writing was entertaining and easy to follow, with clear distinction between the different characters and their voices/inner monologues.
I loved the premise of picking up the characters’ stories after the world saving battles were already done and everyone was just trying to get on with their lives as normal. We follow Dirk and Medusa, arch-nemeses, attending university and learning how to tolerate one another now that the war is done. We see them dealing with highly relatable issues for all young adults: the pressures of societal expectations, social media and finding our own identities. I really liked how these issues were absolutely central to the plot and character development but at no point took over it, making the texts feel relatable without being overly didactic or making the reading experience feel more like a self-help manual, as can sometimes be the case!
A quick separate paragraph just to say I LOVE our changeling girl, Medusa, and she absolutely does deserve to transcend to godliness, as she herself states. What a legend.
This was definitely 5⭐️ for me. I’ll certainly be recommending it to my older teen students to read. Here’s hoping for a sequel soon!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Walker Books and Wren James for selecting me as an ARC reader. It was a real treat!
I loved the premise of picking up the characters’ stories after the world saving battles were already done and everyone was just trying to get on with their lives as normal. We follow Dirk and Medusa, arch-nemeses, attending university and learning how to tolerate one another now that the war is done. We see them dealing with highly relatable issues for all young adults: the pressures of societal expectations, social media and finding our own identities. I really liked how these issues were absolutely central to the plot and character development but at no point took over it, making the texts feel relatable without being overly didactic or making the reading experience feel more like a self-help manual, as can sometimes be the case!
A quick separate paragraph just to say I LOVE our changeling girl, Medusa, and she absolutely does deserve to transcend to godliness, as she herself states. What a legend.
This was definitely 5⭐️ for me. I’ll certainly be recommending it to my older teen students to read. Here’s hoping for a sequel soon!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Walker Books and Wren James for selecting me as an ARC reader. It was a real treat!
May 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this graphic novel by Wren James and Beth Fuller.
I have always loved work that has high and low fantasy interplay & would’ve absolutely loved this as a teen (who was devouring Fables etc) bit that said, this couldn’t have existed then and completely brings to life the experience of being a young hero/demon in 2026 with all of the pressures of existing (THE INTERNET!) , before even beginning to think of the threat of an apocalypse.
I loved the fact that Dirk and Medusa are thrown together as flatmates. Flatshares are such a lottery and this is a genius contrivance to bring about tension and humour- and ultimately lots of tender growth.
I loved the varied pages: collectors’ cards for the MVPs; screenshots of social media detailing campus gossip and sightings; gorgeous, detailed title pages etc etc. special shout out for page 99 (although it is the culmination of a neat sequence) - loved the symmetry and it brought a tear to my eye. And I just LOVED the Medusa character design.
Text and graphics work together so well.
I have always loved work that has high and low fantasy interplay & would’ve absolutely loved this as a teen (who was devouring Fables etc) bit that said, this couldn’t have existed then and completely brings to life the experience of being a young hero/demon in 2026 with all of the pressures of existing (THE INTERNET!) , before even beginning to think of the threat of an apocalypse.
I loved the fact that Dirk and Medusa are thrown together as flatmates. Flatshares are such a lottery and this is a genius contrivance to bring about tension and humour- and ultimately lots of tender growth.
I loved the varied pages: collectors’ cards for the MVPs; screenshots of social media detailing campus gossip and sightings; gorgeous, detailed title pages etc etc. special shout out for page 99 (although it is the culmination of a neat sequence) - loved the symmetry and it brought a tear to my eye. And I just LOVED the Medusa character design.
Text and graphics work together so well.
May 13, 2026
very interesting and satisfying and captivating story of people finding themselves beyond what defined them and insanely beautiful art to go with it, really enjoyed all the little Wren James easter eggs too!!
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for the ARC.
Plot 4.5/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
-It’s definitely refreshing seeing an aftermath of a war rather than the lead up and the war itself. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this and k really enjoyed it. As my first graphic novel. The illustrations really made the story all the more fun, so I understand the hype now.
-I loved these characters. They were all so sweet and caring towards each other, it’s definitely giving a little found family moment which is sweet seeing as they come from different sides of the war. Medusa was definitely my favourite. She was quirky, sweet and truly a great character.
-The ending was also nice. This book as a whole was short and sweet and the ending reflected that beautifully. I love how the characters came together in the end and their friendship prevailed.
Plot 4.5/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
-It’s definitely refreshing seeing an aftermath of a war rather than the lead up and the war itself. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this and k really enjoyed it. As my first graphic novel. The illustrations really made the story all the more fun, so I understand the hype now.
-I loved these characters. They were all so sweet and caring towards each other, it’s definitely giving a little found family moment which is sweet seeing as they come from different sides of the war. Medusa was definitely my favourite. She was quirky, sweet and truly a great character.
-The ending was also nice. This book as a whole was short and sweet and the ending reflected that beautifully. I love how the characters came together in the end and their friendship prevailed.
May 16, 2026
I love anything by Wren James and this was no different.
Once enemies, now roommates. Can a human and demon learn to get along?
The war is over and Dirk just wants to be normal and forget the past. Humans won and now he wants to study and be out the lime light. But the University pair his accommodation with Medusa, who was on the demon side and is now running for student council.
I loved both characters. Dirk is an emotional hero that's still suffering because of the war. Nedusa or Em just wants to make friends and fit in. Em was such a loveable character.
Loved the Stardew reference. And also a nod to being happy off social media.
Once enemies, now roommates. Can a human and demon learn to get along?
The war is over and Dirk just wants to be normal and forget the past. Humans won and now he wants to study and be out the lime light. But the University pair his accommodation with Medusa, who was on the demon side and is now running for student council.
I loved both characters. Dirk is an emotional hero that's still suffering because of the war. Nedusa or Em just wants to make friends and fit in. Em was such a loveable character.
Loved the Stardew reference. And also a nod to being happy off social media.
April 20, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!
I really enjoyed returning to Wren James their writing, and the concept of this graphic novel was incredibly creative! The story of “after” that we don’t hear enough off, and both sides of are represented here, our hero and our villain which i really really loved!
And amazing illustrations by Beth Fuller making it come to life!
Only thing I’ve knocked a star down for is the second hand embarrassment I kept getting, that may have indicated it’s meant for a bit of a younger audience than I initially assumed but I still throughly enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed returning to Wren James their writing, and the concept of this graphic novel was incredibly creative! The story of “after” that we don’t hear enough off, and both sides of are represented here, our hero and our villain which i really really loved!
And amazing illustrations by Beth Fuller making it come to life!
Only thing I’ve knocked a star down for is the second hand embarrassment I kept getting, that may have indicated it’s meant for a bit of a younger audience than I initially assumed but I still throughly enjoyed it!
May 7, 2026
Medusa please be my friend
April 24, 2026
A genuinely refreshing YA graphic novel that's both playful and emotionally grounded. What really sets it apart is its premise: instead of the usual “save the world” arc, we meet former enemies Dirk and Medusa after the dust has settled—now awkwardly navigating university life as housemates.
Beneath the humour and banter, the novel digs into some surprisingly thoughtful themes. It explores identity in a way that feels very real for a YA audience: how we shape ourselves under pressure, how power (or the loss of it) can define us, and how exhausting it can be to maintain a curated version of yourself, especially in a social media-driven world.
Visually, Wren’s illustrations are an absolute highlight. They’re expressive, dynamic and perfectly tuned to both the emotional beats and the comedic timing. Medusa, in particular, is unforgettable—her design feels original and striking, especially when her more demonic side breaks through. Those moments are equal parts tragic and darkly funny, adding real depth to her character.
What I also appreciated is that the story resists falling into a predictable “enemies to lovers” trope. Instead, Dirk and Medusa’s relationship evolves into a unique friendship shaped by shared pain, mutual understanding and the strange intimacy of having been on opposite sides of the same story.
Beneath the humour and banter, the novel digs into some surprisingly thoughtful themes. It explores identity in a way that feels very real for a YA audience: how we shape ourselves under pressure, how power (or the loss of it) can define us, and how exhausting it can be to maintain a curated version of yourself, especially in a social media-driven world.
Visually, Wren’s illustrations are an absolute highlight. They’re expressive, dynamic and perfectly tuned to both the emotional beats and the comedic timing. Medusa, in particular, is unforgettable—her design feels original and striking, especially when her more demonic side breaks through. Those moments are equal parts tragic and darkly funny, adding real depth to her character.
What I also appreciated is that the story resists falling into a predictable “enemies to lovers” trope. Instead, Dirk and Medusa’s relationship evolves into a unique friendship shaped by shared pain, mutual understanding and the strange intimacy of having been on opposite sides of the same story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
AAAH it was so good!!! Excellent book, exactly as expected from Wren James. They keep outdoing themselves with every new book. Proud to call them my favourite author :)
This book offers a fresh spin on the 'chosen one' trope. It deals with themes that are often left out from adventure books. After the epic battle, the life is not instantly glorious and Wren was not afraid to show the ugly aspects of post-war reality. Four years after the war ended, things are still chaotic and people are dealing with trauma -- including our main character, the reluctant hero, who's still haunted by the horrors of the war and struggling to find a place for himself. And as for the second main character...
I'M IN LOVE WITH MEDUSA. I love everything about her. Her design. Her backstory. Her character development. Her journey to herself. Her simple joy of finally being able to live a life of her own. I was rooting for her so much. She's so precious. She's a baby and needs to be protected at all costs.
Beth Fuller did a fantastic job as the illustrator. The artstyle is gorgeous. Characters are distinct and easy to recognise, I was never confused who is who. Emotions were displayed in a nice and clear way that allowed the characters to come to life. I really liked the backgrounds too, so many fun details! But my absolute favourite thing was Medusa's character design. She is so beautiful. I love her style and don't even get me started on her hair! I've never seen a character with feather hair before and I was amazed at every new hairstyle she was able pull off. And her winged form is so cool and majestic too! It's no wonder Wren had to get her tattooed. This design is literally peak.
I liked that the book was casually queer without any romantic subplot. Instead, it focused on friendship and trust, and that fit the story so much better than any romance ever would. I'm so tired of seeing forced romantic plots in stories that absolutely don't need them and I'm glad that that's not the case with The Victors.
It was a nice surprise to see a character from Slavic mythology. I'm Polish and it warmed my heart that my favourite foreign author took inspiration from our folklore :) (and that Raróg's name was spelled with a correct diacritic sign haha)
Thanks to Netgalley and Walker Books for the eARC. Opinions are my own. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this book early!
This book offers a fresh spin on the 'chosen one' trope. It deals with themes that are often left out from adventure books. After the epic battle, the life is not instantly glorious and Wren was not afraid to show the ugly aspects of post-war reality. Four years after the war ended, things are still chaotic and people are dealing with trauma -- including our main character, the reluctant hero, who's still haunted by the horrors of the war and struggling to find a place for himself. And as for the second main character...
I'M IN LOVE WITH MEDUSA. I love everything about her. Her design. Her backstory. Her character development. Her journey to herself. Her simple joy of finally being able to live a life of her own. I was rooting for her so much. She's so precious. She's a baby and needs to be protected at all costs.
Beth Fuller did a fantastic job as the illustrator. The artstyle is gorgeous. Characters are distinct and easy to recognise, I was never confused who is who. Emotions were displayed in a nice and clear way that allowed the characters to come to life. I really liked the backgrounds too, so many fun details! But my absolute favourite thing was Medusa's character design. She is so beautiful. I love her style and don't even get me started on her hair! I've never seen a character with feather hair before and I was amazed at every new hairstyle she was able pull off. And her winged form is so cool and majestic too! It's no wonder Wren had to get her tattooed. This design is literally peak.
I liked that the book was casually queer without any romantic subplot. Instead, it focused on friendship and trust, and that fit the story so much better than any romance ever would. I'm so tired of seeing forced romantic plots in stories that absolutely don't need them and I'm glad that that's not the case with The Victors.
It was a nice surprise to see a character from Slavic mythology. I'm Polish and it warmed my heart that my favourite foreign author took inspiration from our folklore :) (and that Raróg's name was spelled with a correct diacritic sign haha)
Thanks to Netgalley and Walker Books for the eARC. Opinions are my own. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this book early!
May 9, 2026
I am not a big graphic novel reader however they are something that I enjoy when I do read them, so when I saw this one advertised I decided to give it a read and see what I thought.
The Victors follows two characters after a war ends and what happens next for them.
I had a really good time reading this one, the art was really enjoyable, I would love to read more illustrated by Beth Fuller or buy some of her art, and I was invested in the story. I also enjoyed how cosy it was after recently reading some books advertised as cosy fantasy that turned out not to be cosy.
While I tend to find that as a reader I prefer novels, due to how well they tend to let me get to know characters, I did feel that I got to know the characters really well which definitely had me more invested in the story. The flashbacks throughout the chapters helped me to understand the characters pasts a lot better, and why they acted the way they did so I really liked the additions of those throughout the story, and I think they made the book a lot stronger.
The topic of this book being what happens after a war is won was something I ended up finding really interesting and I really liked the way that Wren James explored it. With the characters of Dirk and Medusa it was explored from both the winning and the losing side which I am glad about because I think it might have felt incomplete if it was only explored from one side. I also liked how it was explored how they found themselves fighting originally and what the winners are allowed to do after the war. I think the exploration of this was one of my favourite parts of the book and I am glad it was explored so fully as it did get me thinking.
Overall this was a graphic novel that I really enjoyed and I will be keeping my eye out to see if these two release any more together as I think they would also be ones I would enjoy. If you are a graphic novel fan I would recommend picking this one up now that it is out, because I think it offers a great perspective and some really enjoyable art.
Thank you to Netgalley and Walker Books for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Victors follows two characters after a war ends and what happens next for them.
I had a really good time reading this one, the art was really enjoyable, I would love to read more illustrated by Beth Fuller or buy some of her art, and I was invested in the story. I also enjoyed how cosy it was after recently reading some books advertised as cosy fantasy that turned out not to be cosy.
While I tend to find that as a reader I prefer novels, due to how well they tend to let me get to know characters, I did feel that I got to know the characters really well which definitely had me more invested in the story. The flashbacks throughout the chapters helped me to understand the characters pasts a lot better, and why they acted the way they did so I really liked the additions of those throughout the story, and I think they made the book a lot stronger.
The topic of this book being what happens after a war is won was something I ended up finding really interesting and I really liked the way that Wren James explored it. With the characters of Dirk and Medusa it was explored from both the winning and the losing side which I am glad about because I think it might have felt incomplete if it was only explored from one side. I also liked how it was explored how they found themselves fighting originally and what the winners are allowed to do after the war. I think the exploration of this was one of my favourite parts of the book and I am glad it was explored so fully as it did get me thinking.
Overall this was a graphic novel that I really enjoyed and I will be keeping my eye out to see if these two release any more together as I think they would also be ones I would enjoy. If you are a graphic novel fan I would recommend picking this one up now that it is out, because I think it offers a great perspective and some really enjoyable art.
Thank you to Netgalley and Walker Books for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
In a lot of books we always get to see the chosen one's battle against evil, but we never really get to see what happens after the side of good has vanquished the darkness. In this graphic novel, that's amended.
The book follows Dirk, who's attending university a few years after saving the world. It was kind of a big deal, so he's got fans, high expectations forced upon him, and of course, a tad bit of trauma from losing friends and witnessing so much horror. We also have Medusa, who was Dirk's sworn nemesis according to the Prophecy, and ex-evil-do-er. Everyone dislikes her, she's 'too different' and is learning how to handle these irritating newfound human emotions.
I really enjoyed the forced proximity between Dirk and Medusa, their banter was funny and I liked seeing their trust and friendship develop. Together they taught each other and learned how to move on from their rocky past, whilst also having a second opportunity to finally fight on the same side.
The art style admittedly was hard to get used to at first, only because I'm so used to reading manga that this style felt so different, but around halfway through I got used to it. That's purely personal preference. The pop culture references and whimsical tidbits were so amusing, I searched every page for the little fantastical details such as posters and book titles.
Overall, this was a enlightening, oddly inspirational, cosy and welcoming read, perfect for any hero's wanting to be reassured their doing enough, or any misunderstood villains wanting some advice on how to embrace your better self!
4/5 🌟
In a lot of books we always get to see the chosen one's battle against evil, but we never really get to see what happens after the side of good has vanquished the darkness. In this graphic novel, that's amended.
The book follows Dirk, who's attending university a few years after saving the world. It was kind of a big deal, so he's got fans, high expectations forced upon him, and of course, a tad bit of trauma from losing friends and witnessing so much horror. We also have Medusa, who was Dirk's sworn nemesis according to the Prophecy, and ex-evil-do-er. Everyone dislikes her, she's 'too different' and is learning how to handle these irritating newfound human emotions.
I really enjoyed the forced proximity between Dirk and Medusa, their banter was funny and I liked seeing their trust and friendship develop. Together they taught each other and learned how to move on from their rocky past, whilst also having a second opportunity to finally fight on the same side.
The art style admittedly was hard to get used to at first, only because I'm so used to reading manga that this style felt so different, but around halfway through I got used to it. That's purely personal preference. The pop culture references and whimsical tidbits were so amusing, I searched every page for the little fantastical details such as posters and book titles.
Overall, this was a enlightening, oddly inspirational, cosy and welcoming read, perfect for any hero's wanting to be reassured their doing enough, or any misunderstood villains wanting some advice on how to embrace your better self!
4/5 🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a graphic novel about what life is like for the ‘Chosen One’ when the evil is defeated and the war is won. And what happens when the chosen one has to share a dorm-room with a changeling girl who was one of the evil demon army’s major generals during the war. That’s already a great premise, and fortunately it is also well executed in this story that deals with grief, trauma, isolation and redemption. I really liked the characters, but I do kinda wish the book had been longer, so that the world and the relationships between the characters would’ve gotten more time to develop and shine. Especially the ending felt a bit rushed, which is always a bit sad, when you follow characters along their journey that is all building up to a finale, only for that finale to be a bit disappointing.
The characters and their dynamics were definitely the best part of the book for me. I especially just adore Medusa, who strikes that perfect balance of quirky and serious that made me fall in love with her. I did also like Dirk and the themes his story touched on, but Medusa just outshone him so much that he ended up almost feeling a bit like a side character in his own story.
----
Thank you to Walker Books for the ARC!
The characters and their dynamics were definitely the best part of the book for me. I especially just adore Medusa, who strikes that perfect balance of quirky and serious that made me fall in love with her. I did also like Dirk and the themes his story touched on, but Medusa just outshone him so much that he ended up almost feeling a bit like a side character in his own story.
----
Thank you to Walker Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A beautiful and gorgeous gothic novel from powerhouse Wren James, with incredible art from Beth Fuller. I really, really enjoyed this queer normative story if two former child soldiers from opposite sides of a brutal demon war forced to live together at university as they confront their PTSD and the fact that neither was given a choice and both are wracked with guilt over the lives they took.
It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time as these former enemies come together to work for a better world and a better version of themselves and change opinions and attitudes as they do so.
Both Dirk and Medusa are fascinating studies in dysmorphia but both have settled into their unique identities by the start of the story, Medusa's shifting has settled to a place she is happy and Dirk's transness is incidental with gentle moments of gender euphoria, with Wren bringing their trademark gentle queer normality not pure joy but not pure struggle either. It's the kind of queer literature we need.
It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time as these former enemies come together to work for a better world and a better version of themselves and change opinions and attitudes as they do so.
Both Dirk and Medusa are fascinating studies in dysmorphia but both have settled into their unique identities by the start of the story, Medusa's shifting has settled to a place she is happy and Dirk's transness is incidental with gentle moments of gender euphoria, with Wren bringing their trademark gentle queer normality not pure joy but not pure struggle either. It's the kind of queer literature we need.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐
Woah. I'm always downbad for any Medusa related media and I was not disappointed.
• A villain who's really redeemable, a hero who struggles to find purpose in life while also handling the grief of the consequences of war, and an enemy who's hell bent on destroying this hard won peace.
• The premise itself was really amazing, a story about what happens after the victory, after the war, after getting the peace.
• The art was really good, and the strong flowed well- with a slow burn in which the characters first became friends and then more. They really supported and helped each other through their traumas.
• I loved the vivid description & commentry on the consequences of war, and how the characters and everyone I. The world had to suffer due to it.
💌 Overall, a really amazing story, with lots of communication, gradual relationship development and amazing art!
💖 I absolutely adore this, would always recommend.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Woah. I'm always downbad for any Medusa related media and I was not disappointed.
• A villain who's really redeemable, a hero who struggles to find purpose in life while also handling the grief of the consequences of war, and an enemy who's hell bent on destroying this hard won peace.
• The premise itself was really amazing, a story about what happens after the victory, after the war, after getting the peace.
• The art was really good, and the strong flowed well- with a slow burn in which the characters first became friends and then more. They really supported and helped each other through their traumas.
• I loved the vivid description & commentry on the consequences of war, and how the characters and everyone I. The world had to suffer due to it.
💌 Overall, a really amazing story, with lots of communication, gradual relationship development and amazing art!
💖 I absolutely adore this, would always recommend.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
May 22, 2026
Dirk Earnest is the chosen one who defeated the demon overlord in the war, but now he's just coping with student housing, social media fame and depression. Until he realises that his new university-appointed housemate is his former arch-nemesis, Medusa. Medusa was kidnapped as a baby to be part of the demon hoards, she is mostly reformed due to her time spent living with crows, and now she's just trying to fit in with the humans and make some friends. They're both traumatised and scarred by the war, but perhaps together they can find a way to move on.
This beautifully drawn graphic novel is about what happens after the epic finale when you have to go back to school and carry on with your life. It's infused with warmth, heart and humour - and packed full of witty references to various fantasy tropes - I laughed out loud throughout this story. Absolutely loved it!
This beautifully drawn graphic novel is about what happens after the epic finale when you have to go back to school and carry on with your life. It's infused with warmth, heart and humour - and packed full of witty references to various fantasy tropes - I laughed out loud throughout this story. Absolutely loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!
A fun and engaging graphic novel!
I wasn't initially super into the art style, but it definitely grew on me and matched the vibe of the story well. I also found the MCs endearing, and I love their dynamic, from their initial animosity, which transitions naturally into friendship.
I found the premise interesting; it's not super original but I enjoy former Chosen One stories, and the college setting and mythic inspirations was lots of fun!
I liked how the narrative explores how different perspectives inform our perception of good or bad. I wonder how a full length novel version of this story might explore this more, but as it is, this book does a pretty good job.
A fun and engaging graphic novel!
I wasn't initially super into the art style, but it definitely grew on me and matched the vibe of the story well. I also found the MCs endearing, and I love their dynamic, from their initial animosity, which transitions naturally into friendship.
I found the premise interesting; it's not super original but I enjoy former Chosen One stories, and the college setting and mythic inspirations was lots of fun!
I liked how the narrative explores how different perspectives inform our perception of good or bad. I wonder how a full length novel version of this story might explore this more, but as it is, this book does a pretty good job.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Al opinions are completely my own.
This was a fun read! I really enjoyed the perspective of seeing what happens to a hero after a fantastical battle when the world returns back to normal. The illustrations were beautiful and the writing was just as great as Wren James' writing always is.
The characters were great and I feel like we got a lot of background info on them for such a short read. The story was fully fleshed out and the pacing was great. The plot was enjoyable and I loved the messaging of this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend this to every graphic novel lover out there!
This was a fun read! I really enjoyed the perspective of seeing what happens to a hero after a fantastical battle when the world returns back to normal. The illustrations were beautiful and the writing was just as great as Wren James' writing always is.
The characters were great and I feel like we got a lot of background info on them for such a short read. The story was fully fleshed out and the pacing was great. The plot was enjoyable and I loved the messaging of this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend this to every graphic novel lover out there!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
GIFTED
Thank you to Walker Books UK for this book. All opinions will be my own.
Ever wondered what happens to the Chosen One has ended the war? He goes to university and ends up becoming roommates with his nemesis!
This was such a wonderful book about healing, figuring out who you are and platonic love.
I love Dirk and Medusa's dynamic and I would love to read more about them, they are such a fun pair who heal both together and as individuals.
The illustration style is absolutely stunning as well and each character design has been so beautifully done.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to Walker Books UK for this book. All opinions will be my own.
Ever wondered what happens to the Chosen One has ended the war? He goes to university and ends up becoming roommates with his nemesis!
This was such a wonderful book about healing, figuring out who you are and platonic love.
I love Dirk and Medusa's dynamic and I would love to read more about them, they are such a fun pair who heal both together and as individuals.
The illustration style is absolutely stunning as well and each character design has been so beautifully done.
Highly recommend!
June 1, 2026
It is so refreshing to see a character like Dirk, a trans man dealing with depression after having saved the world. This comic is such a unique twist on the chosen one trope, showing what happens after all the villains have been conquered. The banter between Dirk and Medusa, his shapeshifting evil nemisis turned roomate, is very witty and somewhat comforting, as they get used to one another. I love that this book is set in a university and explores some interesting themes of self worth and identity. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm quite fond of the illustration style, it totally grew on me the longer it progressed. The premise ended up falling on both sides of the table; an interesting and unique way of telling a story of a hero during post-war period. Naturally it got a bit info dumpy because of that choice.
I especially adore its sense of humour and it's wrapped up really nicely. Overall, i had a good time! Thanks Netgalley and publisher for providing me this copy!🗡
I especially adore its sense of humour and it's wrapped up really nicely. Overall, i had a good time! Thanks Netgalley and publisher for providing me this copy!🗡
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this, it packed a lot into quite a small reading time. I liked that it follows how both sides struggle to get back to daily life, seeing a 'chosen one' forced to readjust after the story would usually end was refreshing and interesting. The twists were great, I didn't see it coming. I loved the art, it had so much personality. My copy was black and white, but I can imagine this would be magical in colour.
Thank you to the author and netgalley for my review copy
Thank you to the author and netgalley for my review copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley for this ARC
This was a really fun read! I love the illustrations, they’re so beautiful, especially Medusa.
A beautiful story about what happens to the hero and the bad guy (now antihero) after the final battle ends. The premise of this drew me in. I love the pacing of this. I couldn’t put this down once I started reading it
This was a really fun read! I love the illustrations, they’re so beautiful, especially Medusa.
A beautiful story about what happens to the hero and the bad guy (now antihero) after the final battle ends. The premise of this drew me in. I love the pacing of this. I couldn’t put this down once I started reading it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews