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The Victors: He saved the world – now he has to live in it: a funny, moving enemies-to-friends graphic novel about The Chosen One finding purpose after the final battle
A cosy fantasy 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 overload Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal second year university student – or he’s trying to be. As the heroic 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 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.
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 overload Rárog and his demon horde. Now he’s just a normal second year university student – or he’s trying to be. As the heroic 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 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.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
Wren James
27 books79 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.
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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.
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October 16, 2025May 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!
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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 13, 2026
I'm not crying, YOU are crying.
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
October 16, 2025
can't wait to find out how it ends
June 13, 2026
Many thanks to Walker Books and Netgalley for the digital review copy. This book is out now!
Wren James is 100% an auto-buy author for me, so of course I needed their first foray into graphic novels. This book felt like a breath of fresh air. It's such a fun and refreshing take on the chosen one trope, set after the war has ended and when everyone, including the former chosen one, is expected to just go back to living their life. But how do you do that when you were expected to save the world at only 15 years old, and people still have similarly high expectations for you? What if all you want is to live a normal, peaceful, quiet life? If you're still dealing with trauma and grieving your best friend who didn't make it out of the war? And if your former nemesis suddenly becomes your new housemate? The book tackles all of these difficult questions, and it balances them out with so many funny scenes and great banter. Beth Fuller's art seamlessly blends with Wren James's writing, it's so detailed and intricate, and I'm sure I'll find more details upon a reread.
Wren James is 100% an auto-buy author for me, so of course I needed their first foray into graphic novels. This book felt like a breath of fresh air. It's such a fun and refreshing take on the chosen one trope, set after the war has ended and when everyone, including the former chosen one, is expected to just go back to living their life. But how do you do that when you were expected to save the world at only 15 years old, and people still have similarly high expectations for you? What if all you want is to live a normal, peaceful, quiet life? If you're still dealing with trauma and grieving your best friend who didn't make it out of the war? And if your former nemesis suddenly becomes your new housemate? The book tackles all of these difficult questions, and it balances them out with so many funny scenes and great banter. Beth Fuller's art seamlessly blends with Wren James's writing, it's so detailed and intricate, and I'm sure I'll find more details upon a reread.
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!!
July 3, 2026
Gorgeous illustrations!
July 11, 2026
Beautiful illustrations
May 26, 2026
Ich finde die Idee zu dem Buch sehr kreativ und die Zeichnungen echt gut gemacht. Ich lese eigentlich Graphic Novels nicht so gerne, aber dieses hat mir gut gefallen, vor allem weil es auch sehr bedeutende Zitate gab. Den Plot mit dem Kindern der Dämonen habe ich nicht kommen sehen und hat mich sehr berührt.
June 11, 2026
I received a review copy in preparation for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.
THE VICTORS is a story about the aftermath of war, the healing and the PTSD to contend with. There is the physical rebuilding of the world but also the emotional rebuilding after being a soldier for years - and at a young age. It's a heartwarming tale of finding friends and creating a new place for yourself. I loved the friendship between Dirk and Medusa, how they get each other so easily as they both experienced the front lines of the war (even if on opposing sides).
The world is ours but not. They have climate change to contend with, but also merpeople. It should be a juxtaposition - demons and social media - but it blends together so well. The art really helps to bring this our-world-but-not to life.
The art style from Beth Fuller is very clean. There is shading for contrast and depth, but overall, it's a very realistic (other than the magic!) and not overtly stylised direction the art has gone. It makes it really easy to follow what's going on as the characters are distinct from the background and the setting is clearly rendered too.
I really liked that Dirk and Medusa have different fonts for their speech/narration. It's such a small thing but it makes it really easy to work out who's speaking, particularly when it's internal thoughts or narration, and so there aren't speech bubbles.
THE VICTORS is a story about the aftermath of war, the healing and the PTSD to contend with. There is the physical rebuilding of the world but also the emotional rebuilding after being a soldier for years - and at a young age. It's a heartwarming tale of finding friends and creating a new place for yourself. I loved the friendship between Dirk and Medusa, how they get each other so easily as they both experienced the front lines of the war (even if on opposing sides).
The world is ours but not. They have climate change to contend with, but also merpeople. It should be a juxtaposition - demons and social media - but it blends together so well. The art really helps to bring this our-world-but-not to life.
The art style from Beth Fuller is very clean. There is shading for contrast and depth, but overall, it's a very realistic (other than the magic!) and not overtly stylised direction the art has gone. It makes it really easy to follow what's going on as the characters are distinct from the background and the setting is clearly rendered too.
I really liked that Dirk and Medusa have different fonts for their speech/narration. It's such a small thing but it makes it really easy to work out who's speaking, particularly when it's internal thoughts or narration, and so there aren't speech bubbles.
June 15, 2026
The story is nice, and the art style fits the theme perfectly. I think this is the first story I've read about returning to everyday life after saving the world. Overall, I'd give it a four out of five, adding one more for the story itself.
Honestly, some action scenes lacked tension; sometimes I wasn't even sure if they were fighting. But this added a unique style to the visuals.
It's so heartwarming to see them eventually become important to each other. Also, I love the combination of fantasy and non-fantasy elements. The wings are great, the phone is great, I really can't give up either of them!
Honestly, some action scenes lacked tension; sometimes I wasn't even sure if they were fighting. But this added a unique style to the visuals.
It's so heartwarming to see them eventually become important to each other. Also, I love the combination of fantasy and non-fantasy elements. The wings are great, the phone is great, I really can't give up either of them!
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.
September 29, 2026
An absolutely delightful graphic novel, full of heart, compassion and diverse characters. When the "chosen one" saves the world as a teenager, what happens next for them? The Victors deals with themes like PTSD, war, gender affirmation, anxiety and ultimately working through forgiving yourself and others after going through horrors. I especially loved watching Medusa making friends and coming into herself outside of the demonic hoarde.
There is subtle queer and trans rep - and as a person who works in sustainability I loved how Wren also seemlessly weaves in criticism around institutions and climate change.
The art was gorgeous and both works in a way which adds to the narrative and is easy to take in with the text. For those taking their time, there is plenty of little details to dig into in the background which enhance the narrative. I really enjoyed how thoughtfully the characters' faces were portrayed in particular - you could really see how the characters' mental health oscillated throughout the story by how they looked on each page.
I think this book is highly accessible to teens and adults alike and would recommend it widely. Thankyou Walker Books Australia for sending me a finished review copy!
There is subtle queer and trans rep - and as a person who works in sustainability I loved how Wren also seemlessly weaves in criticism around institutions and climate change.
The art was gorgeous and both works in a way which adds to the narrative and is easy to take in with the text. For those taking their time, there is plenty of little details to dig into in the background which enhance the narrative. I really enjoyed how thoughtfully the characters' faces were portrayed in particular - you could really see how the characters' mental health oscillated throughout the story by how they looked on each page.
I think this book is highly accessible to teens and adults alike and would recommend it widely. Thankyou Walker Books Australia for sending me a finished review copy!
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!
August 26, 2026
4.25 stars
Thanks so much to Walker Books Australia for sending a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a great graphic novel. I always love explorations into what happens to the heroes (and the villains) after the battles are over, the prophecy is complete, the chosen one has done their chosen thing, etc, and this explored that really well.
I adored both Dirk and Medusa. Prophesied enemies turned roommates? Such an excellent dynamic. They’re both hurting after the war, both want the chance for a fresh start, but no one will let them forget the roles they played.
I loved the way they slowly started to trust each other, the small joys they brought out in each other, the ways they were able to open up to each other. Their friendship made my heart feel so full.
Thanks so much to Walker Books Australia for sending a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a great graphic novel. I always love explorations into what happens to the heroes (and the villains) after the battles are over, the prophecy is complete, the chosen one has done their chosen thing, etc, and this explored that really well.
I adored both Dirk and Medusa. Prophesied enemies turned roommates? Such an excellent dynamic. They’re both hurting after the war, both want the chance for a fresh start, but no one will let them forget the roles they played.
I loved the way they slowly started to trust each other, the small joys they brought out in each other, the ways they were able to open up to each other. Their friendship made my heart feel so full.
May 7, 2026
Medusa please be my friend
August 4, 2026
Love Beths amazing illustration skills. Mind blowing
August 22, 2026
The Victors was a quick, fun read, handling complex themes such as trauma and grief with a light hand. I enjoyed Medusa's character most of all.- especially her interactions with the corvids. Her search history at the start of one chapter made me cackle aloud.
At times however, I felt this book veered too strongly to the cosy side of things, at the cost of deeper emotional resonance or reflection. Whilst the plot barelled along at breakneck speed, I didn't always feel deeply invested. That said, the world-building felt rich, and I was definitely intrigued by the universe shown - I would like to know more about the before and after!
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
At times however, I felt this book veered too strongly to the cosy side of things, at the cost of deeper emotional resonance or reflection. Whilst the plot barelled along at breakneck speed, I didn't always feel deeply invested. That said, the world-building felt rich, and I was definitely intrigued by the universe shown - I would like to know more about the before and after!
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
April 20, 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.
August 5, 2026
What an amazing graphic novel.
The artwork is frankly beautiful, easy to understand whilst not sacrificing on style. Also, the story felt really engaging. It was really refreshing to read again after my latest book slump, and the lgbtq representation was also really nice!
Waterstones defines the interest age from 14 years - be assured it is also a great novel for adults as well (being one myself) :]
The artwork is frankly beautiful, easy to understand whilst not sacrificing on style. Also, the story felt really engaging. It was really refreshing to read again after my latest book slump, and the lgbtq representation was also really nice!
Waterstones defines the interest age from 14 years - be assured it is also a great novel for adults as well (being one myself) :]
August 4, 2026
This was a quick and fun read. I often feel like graphic novels (especially standalone stories) give the reader only a glimpse into a story and end way too soon. There aren't really any stakes and the characters relationships feel flat compared to novels. I still enjoyed reading this and it was a compelling story.
July 29, 2026
Thank you Wren James and Walker Books for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was just so beautiful. We follow Dirk (The Chosen One) and Medusa (his arch nemesis) as they navigate university life after living something much more fantastical for years on end. It was such a fun, exciting take on a YA drama and the graphic novel format really leant itself so valuable to the fantastical elements of this story. Beth Fuller’s illustrations are just stunning. I loved it.
This book was just so beautiful. We follow Dirk (The Chosen One) and Medusa (his arch nemesis) as they navigate university life after living something much more fantastical for years on end. It was such a fun, exciting take on a YA drama and the graphic novel format really leant itself so valuable to the fantastical elements of this story. Beth Fuller’s illustrations are just stunning. I loved it.
September 13, 2026
Written by Wren James and illustrated by Beth Fuller, the blurb for this graphic novel is that Dirk Earnest, who saved the world as a teenager, is now at uni and his former nemesis, Medusa, has become his assigned flatmate. This does not do it justice at all. I expected some shenanigans and maybe a romcom, but no. There's so much on trying to recover, and grow as a person, while faced with social media and fans. There's plot and lovely diversity. There's friendship and community. And a lot of great moments and turns of phrase. It has heart.
August 27, 2026
I like the idea of Victors of an existential magical war dealing with the fallout of their past. This was only OK for me, I don't know if it was the format making the story a little thin or just the nature of the story they had to tell. I just didn't feel the stakes at any point.
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