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Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #9
Talons of Power: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #9)
The graphic novel adaptations of the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series continue to set the world on fire!
For every villain, there is a hero ...
Turtle isn't one of the heroes he reads about in stories. If he were, he'd use his animus powers to help Pyrrhia -- instead of keeping his abilities a secret, even from his own sister. Now that Darkstalker, the sinister and impossibly old dragon from Pyrrhia's most notorious legends, has returned, Turtle knows his own role is hide. And stay hidden.
The more he watches Darkstalker from the shadows, the more Turtle knows that someone needs to stop the powerful dragon. A real hero. But Turtle is running out of time to find one, which means ... he might have to try to save the day himself.
The #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series soars to new heights in the ninth graphic novel adaptation, with art by Mike Holmes.
For every villain, there is a hero ...
Turtle isn't one of the heroes he reads about in stories. If he were, he'd use his animus powers to help Pyrrhia -- instead of keeping his abilities a secret, even from his own sister. Now that Darkstalker, the sinister and impossibly old dragon from Pyrrhia's most notorious legends, has returned, Turtle knows his own role is hide. And stay hidden.
The more he watches Darkstalker from the shadows, the more Turtle knows that someone needs to stop the powerful dragon. A real hero. But Turtle is running out of time to find one, which means ... he might have to try to save the day himself.
The #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series soars to new heights in the ninth graphic novel adaptation, with art by Mike Holmes.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2025
479 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Tui T. Sutherland
179 books6,544 followersOkay, I know what you’re thinking. Tui? What kind of name is that? Is it short for something?
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
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December 28, 2025Turtle is just like me but if I was a dude. And also royalty. And also a wizard. And also a dragon. But other than that-
December 31, 2025
Amazing book! I really hope that the author makes a graphic novel version of book 10!
January 9, 2026
Great book!! I loved this book as the novel and I love this book as a graphic novel! Turtles an interesting and fun character to read about!!
January 2, 2026
Talons of Power is probably my favorite book in the Wings of Fire series, and out of every WOF graphic novel adaptation Mike Holmes has drawn, this is one of his best.
For starters, the cover art is incredible. There has to have been some kind of shift between this book and all the others, because the cover art seems so much higher quality than the others.
Now for the nerdy part, I adore the way Holmes incorporated Turtle’s old love for writing all throughout this book. For example, when we as readers see Turtle’s backstory/uprising it’s told in the form of a visual scroll. We get to see his story alongside versions of him he *wishes* he was versus what he sees himself as. I can’t explain how much I love that reoccurring little detail, as Turtle is comparing his place in Darkstalker’s return to stories he has read before.
A *big* aspect of Turtle’s character is that he knows he isn’t heroic or confident, and he spends the whole book wondering what character role he plays (like thinking he’s Qibli’s and/or Kinkajou’s side kick because they are the one’s taking charge and pushing him in the right direction). So, Holmes incorporating that aspect of Turtle’s worldview being inspired or driven by stories he’s read makes this book come together seamlessly.
Some final thoughts I had:
• Darkstalker’s expressions were done really well. He’s meant to be manipulative and hard to read to the dragons around him, and Holmes captured that really well. Additionally, Darkstalker’s alone scene where he thinks Clearsight’s ghost is communicating with him was done really well visually, as we can see the clear difference between performing Darkstalker and emotionally vulnerable Darkstalker.
• Turtle’s and Anemone’s fight scene was adapted so well! It flowed naturally and made me feel immersed in the scene like the first time I read it in the novel.
• Speaking of Anemone, now that I’ve read WOF Legends: Darkstalker, watching her descent into madness was very mirroring of Albatross. Once again, Holmes did an incredible job with the art this time around, as he usually does! Being the second to last book of the arc, there was a lot riding on making the visuals look good, and Holmes seriously didn’t disappoint.
For starters, the cover art is incredible. There has to have been some kind of shift between this book and all the others, because the cover art seems so much higher quality than the others.
Now for the nerdy part, I adore the way Holmes incorporated Turtle’s old love for writing all throughout this book. For example, when we as readers see Turtle’s backstory/uprising it’s told in the form of a visual scroll. We get to see his story alongside versions of him he *wishes* he was versus what he sees himself as. I can’t explain how much I love that reoccurring little detail, as Turtle is comparing his place in Darkstalker’s return to stories he has read before.
A *big* aspect of Turtle’s character is that he knows he isn’t heroic or confident, and he spends the whole book wondering what character role he plays (like thinking he’s Qibli’s and/or Kinkajou’s side kick because they are the one’s taking charge and pushing him in the right direction). So, Holmes incorporating that aspect of Turtle’s worldview being inspired or driven by stories he’s read makes this book come together seamlessly.
Some final thoughts I had:
• Darkstalker’s expressions were done really well. He’s meant to be manipulative and hard to read to the dragons around him, and Holmes captured that really well. Additionally, Darkstalker’s alone scene where he thinks Clearsight’s ghost is communicating with him was done really well visually, as we can see the clear difference between performing Darkstalker and emotionally vulnerable Darkstalker.
• Turtle’s and Anemone’s fight scene was adapted so well! It flowed naturally and made me feel immersed in the scene like the first time I read it in the novel.
• Speaking of Anemone, now that I’ve read WOF Legends: Darkstalker, watching her descent into madness was very mirroring of Albatross. Once again, Holmes did an incredible job with the art this time around, as he usually does! Being the second to last book of the arc, there was a lot riding on making the visuals look good, and Holmes seriously didn’t disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
Wonderful graphic novel adaptation of the book! Love all (strike that, most) of the characters, and Kinkajou will forever have my heart!💕 I always feel bad for Darkstalker, and one of the scenes of him nearly made me cry. I know he’s a “bad guy” and all, but it’s like he fell asleep when all his friends and family and the world he knew were still there, and when he woke up…all gone.
Anyways, I adore this graphic novel!❤️
Anyways, I adore this graphic novel!❤️
March 13, 2026
Turtle’s story was such a great fit for the graphic novel format! I loved how his little asides of imagining himself as the hero/sidekick/savior/doomed antihero were presented as scrolls (book covers) throughout— really captured his personality as a creative writer and someone who’s deeply self-critical. The animus fight scene was also brilliantly brought to life by the comic! The artist captured the tension and momentum so well.
December 29, 2025
Another great adaptation.
January 8, 2026
This was one of my least favorite books from the Wings of Fire saga since I felt Turtle’s personality and adventure got lost in Darkstalker’s shadow. I remember thinking “Talons of Power” was boring since it was basically just Turtle following Darkstalker around, and it was more of Darkstalker’s book than Turtle’s.
Even though I still agree with this last statement, reading the graphic novel made me see a little bit more of Turtle’s personality and voice. Despite there was still being a lot of Darkstalker, it was nice to see a lot of green and blue among the pages to show that in the end this is Turtle’s story. His fight with Anemone was the highlight since it was the moment he finally came out of his shell and realized his power and worth.
Plus, Tui couldn’t have executed a better cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what’s next (even though there’s already a book that answers that question lol).
I’m glad Tui is continuing to publish these graphic novels with talented artists since I get to revisit the stories I grew up with and see them a little different now that I’m kinda grown, plus the art is stunning in my opinion. I can’t wait to read the next graphic novel.
Even though I still agree with this last statement, reading the graphic novel made me see a little bit more of Turtle’s personality and voice. Despite there was still being a lot of Darkstalker, it was nice to see a lot of green and blue among the pages to show that in the end this is Turtle’s story. His fight with Anemone was the highlight since it was the moment he finally came out of his shell and realized his power and worth.
Plus, Tui couldn’t have executed a better cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what’s next (even though there’s already a book that answers that question lol).
I’m glad Tui is continuing to publish these graphic novels with talented artists since I get to revisit the stories I grew up with and see them a little different now that I’m kinda grown, plus the art is stunning in my opinion. I can’t wait to read the next graphic novel.
Read
February 20, 2026turtle is my favorite protagonist
January 12, 2026
As always, really liked the graphic novel adaptation. I forgot how much fun Talons of Power is and I enjoyed this graphic novel a lot more than the rest. Turtles dialogue/writer perspective really blends well and made for dynamic art. Also, SPOILERS, but I forgot how AMAZING the ending is. The fight and then Darkstalker’s “summon every animus to this room” move is crazy and the art really showed how scary he could be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Solid four stars. Another great addition to the series!
It’s been a while since I’ve read the original Talons of Power book, so unfortunately I won’t be able to comment much on continuity in the adaptation until I reread the series. That being said, this one did a pretty good job, I think. The third person passages from the actual book felt a bit weird at first,but I understand that was a stylistic choice to show Turtle’s love of writing. Personally, I felt it was a bit off-putting, but I liked the idea, and I’m sure lots of people enjoyed it. I also just really love the original Talons of Power book, so overall I really enjoyed this one.
Those fake story passages also gave us plenty of silly cartoon dragon drawings, which were both adorable and hilarious. And as usual, the art was great. My usual critiques still remain: everyone’s faces are super squished (Darkstalker’s snout looks more flattened from the top instead of the front, though. . . Which might actually be worse), and the background characters are indistinguishable from one another. Thankfully, there weren’t many reused unique color palettes in this one, though, since most of the named dragons featured were NightWings or SeaWings.
Overall, a very solid adaptation as usual. I’m excited to read Darkness of Dragons next year!
SERIES RATINGS:
The Dragonet Prophecy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lost Heir: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hidden Kingdom: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Dark Secret: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Brightest Night: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moon Rising: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winter Turning: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Escaping Peril: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Talons of Power: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkstalker: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been a while since I’ve read the original Talons of Power book, so unfortunately I won’t be able to comment much on continuity in the adaptation until I reread the series. That being said, this one did a pretty good job, I think. The third person passages from the actual book felt a bit weird at first,but I understand that was a stylistic choice to show Turtle’s love of writing. Personally, I felt it was a bit off-putting, but I liked the idea, and I’m sure lots of people enjoyed it. I also just really love the original Talons of Power book, so overall I really enjoyed this one.
Those fake story passages also gave us plenty of silly cartoon dragon drawings, which were both adorable and hilarious. And as usual, the art was great. My usual critiques still remain: everyone’s faces are super squished (Darkstalker’s snout looks more flattened from the top instead of the front, though. . . Which might actually be worse), and the background characters are indistinguishable from one another. Thankfully, there weren’t many reused unique color palettes in this one, though, since most of the named dragons featured were NightWings or SeaWings.
Overall, a very solid adaptation as usual. I’m excited to read Darkness of Dragons next year!
SERIES RATINGS:
The Dragonet Prophecy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lost Heir: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hidden Kingdom: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Dark Secret: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Brightest Night: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moon Rising: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winter Turning: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Escaping Peril: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Talons of Power: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkstalker: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
so intense!!!!
March 14, 2026
I'm really glad my sister bought this at the book fair. I really like the artwork.
January 4, 2026
It's been so nice to delve back into the wings of fire series and with such visual splendor. I particularly enjoyed the way Darkstalker was illustrated as it really shows the difference in sizing. The splash of colours from the rainwings was nice to see too. At times it was difficult to tell each of the nightwings apart and the emotional depth the novel had was lacking due to the fast pace of a graphic novel, but overall I appreciate the consideration and consistency of these adaptations has been stellar.
January 4, 2026
First book of the Year!!! Which I had to drive to another state to buy because for some reason my state does not have it anywhere. But this book was amazing!!! I have so many comments but really do want to avoid putting spoilers. so let's just say that I am overly jumping with joy excited for the Darkness of Dragons GN at the end of the year!!! because that is my absolute favorite book ever!!!
January 25, 2026
Another fantastic graphic novel. I am no expert on the dragons, but my children have read and reread these stories so many times, they can pick out all the little details between the dragons. They help me with characters when I read aloud, so that I use the correct voice. It can be difficult to tell the different dragons apart especially if they are members of the same tribe.
This story follows Turtle as he works in secret to counteract Darkstalker's plans. Turtle struggles with his confidence and ability to succeed in stopping Darkstalker from harming his friends. This book sets up so well for the next story. Everytime we finish one of these graphic novels, we immediately look up when the next book is expected. These are fantastic books for upper elementary students. They are a bit graphic, so reader and parents be warned, but they have such great underlying messages.
Tropes:
Self-growth
Good v. Evil
Reluctant hero
Magical powers
This story follows Turtle as he works in secret to counteract Darkstalker's plans. Turtle struggles with his confidence and ability to succeed in stopping Darkstalker from harming his friends. This book sets up so well for the next story. Everytime we finish one of these graphic novels, we immediately look up when the next book is expected. These are fantastic books for upper elementary students. They are a bit graphic, so reader and parents be warned, but they have such great underlying messages.
Tropes:
Self-growth
Good v. Evil
Reluctant hero
Magical powers
March 11, 2026
Sometimes it's just fun to see a genre-aware character try to figure out where he slots in for the overall narrative.
First off, who remembered that the queen of the Seawings was an accomplished author? I sure didn't because how does anyone write PAPER SCROLLS UNDERWATER? Either way, since that was the only way this young prince could bond in any way with his estranged mother, his lens of seeing the world is all through "what role do I play in this story?"
In regards to the ongoing drama involving the magical boogeyman of dragons (the boogeydragon?), the lil dude's part to play keeps shifting because hilariously, he doesn't realize he's literally the hero of this book.
Also, really bizarre just how overpowered Animus dragons are; seemingly NOTHING is out of their realm of possibility. And while the tale ends with our protagonist de-powered and imprisoned, he's gonna be alright, even if his role is temporarily damsel-in-distress.
First off, who remembered that the queen of the Seawings was an accomplished author? I sure didn't because how does anyone write PAPER SCROLLS UNDERWATER? Either way, since that was the only way this young prince could bond in any way with his estranged mother, his lens of seeing the world is all through "what role do I play in this story?"
In regards to the ongoing drama involving the magical boogeyman of dragons (the boogeydragon?), the lil dude's part to play keeps shifting because hilariously, he doesn't realize he's literally the hero of this book.
Also, really bizarre just how overpowered Animus dragons are; seemingly NOTHING is out of their realm of possibility. And while the tale ends with our protagonist de-powered and imprisoned, he's gonna be alright, even if his role is temporarily damsel-in-distress.
Review of advance copy
talons of power has always been one of the weakest of the novels for me, and i felt the same with the graphic novel.
that said, as always the art was gorgeous and i enjoyed most of the panels. clay blushing was really precious ahaha.
one problem for me was darkstalker. idk, i liked his design in his graphic novel, but with him so big and with this art style he looked a tad goofy. ah, well. nothing can be perfect.
that said, as always the art was gorgeous and i enjoyed most of the panels. clay blushing was really precious ahaha.
one problem for me was darkstalker. idk, i liked his design in his graphic novel, but with him so big and with this art style he looked a tad goofy. ah, well. nothing can be perfect.
January 14, 2026
Maybe like 4.5 stars, but I really really liked this one! As always, the graphic novel doesn't have the same depth as the novel form, but it was still very fun and cute. I like the art style more and more as the series goes on, and I'm really excited to see the graphic novel for Darkness of Dragons!
And yeah, the plot of Talons of Power, and Turtle as a character, are always high up there in my favorite Wings of Fire books.
And yeah, the plot of Talons of Power, and Turtle as a character, are always high up there in my favorite Wings of Fire books.
February 2, 2026
(🐉)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━(🐉)
Talons of Power: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire #9)
By: Tui T. Sutherland
Emojis to represent the book
🐉🌊🐢
Favorite Part
Least Favorite Part
Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WARNING IF YOU READ THIS BOOK...
You will see magic being used to hurt dragons
(🐉)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━(🐉)
Talons of Power: A Graphic Novel (Wings of Fire #9)
By: Tui T. Sutherland
Emojis to represent the book
🐉🌊🐢
Favorite Part
Least Favorite Part
Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WARNING IF YOU READ THIS BOOK...
You will see magic being used to hurt dragons
(🐉)━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━(🐉)
March 9, 2026
I was so nervous that Darkstalker would make this book too dark or violent for my 7-year-old. It wasn't! In fact I think one of my favorite dragon vs dragon battles happens in this book. I haven't enjoyed a battle this much since Voldemort vs Dumbledore in Book 5 of Harry Potter. Matching wits and moves - it was thrilling, with a satisfying transition into a whole 'nother battle of wits and bravery!
January 30, 2026
Oh no! Poor Turtle! This was a super strong volume. I need the next graphic novel even more than I needed this one. Turtle may be my favorite protagonist in the books so far. He’s the quiet nerdy type and I loved how he was constantly one step ahead of Darkstalker through most of this. Hated how it ended though. 😢
February 20, 2026
I love the storytelling in these books.
Darkstalker is still manipulative and, unfortunately, charming dragons left and right.
"This isn't the heroic story I dreamed of as a dragonet. But maybe I can be a different kind of hero. Heroes don't have to kill the bad guy or save the whole world."
Darkstalker is still manipulative and, unfortunately, charming dragons left and right.
Review of advance copy
Omg I loved to book! There were so many parts that I had wanted to see as a graphic novel, and it didn’t disappoint. Mike Holmes’s pictures are amazing. I was walking to a bookstore in London, where I saw this book, and I knew it wasn’t published in the U.S yet, so I bought it.
December 31, 2025
Fantastic adaptation of the weakest book in its arc. Turtle is sympathetic but passive, and this book is a lot of setup (and a cliffhanger) for the final book.
But oh man, next book if mah boi QIBLI!!!!
But oh man, next book if mah boi QIBLI!!!!
January 4, 2026
Genuinely amazing. I loved every bit of it. It made me so sad that he has little to no self worth. I love how he thinks like his life is a story. The pictures were amazing. Just an overall amazing book!
January 6, 2026
Talons of Power: A Graphic Novel soars with vivid art and fierce storytelling. It blends myth, magic, and adventure into a thrilling journey that grabs your imagination and doesn’t let go. Bold, dynamic, and unforgettable, perfect for fans of high-octane fantasy.
January 7, 2026
Turtle quickly casts a spell so that Darkstalker won't notice him. Darkstalker enchants everyone around him to trust him. Turtle must find out what Darkstalker wants and stop him before it's too late, but what can one scared dragon do?
January 21, 2026
Turtle’s story wasn’t a favorite but I think he still became a more redeemable character as we learned more about his past and the aspirations he had. Definitely looking forward to the finale of this set.
February 21, 2026
3 stars (I liked it)
I feel like Turtle is a hard narrator to follow. His thoughts are kind of sporadic and it makes the story feel more anxious. But I do enjoy the story and seeing how it progresses (even though I did read the novel version, it's been a while).
I feel like Turtle is a hard narrator to follow. His thoughts are kind of sporadic and it makes the story feel more anxious. But I do enjoy the story and seeing how it progresses (even though I did read the novel version, it's been a while).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews