Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince

by Luke W. Molver, Mason O'Connor (Contributor)

A time of bloody conflict and great turmoil. The slave trade expands from the east African coast. Europeans spread inland from the south. And one young boy is destined to change the future of southern Africa. This re-telling of the Shaka legend explores the rise to power of a shrew young prince who must consolidate a new kingdom through warfare, mediation and political alliances to defend his people against the expanding slave trade.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Africa, Young Adult, Comics, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

90 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2018

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story of some African history I knew little about besides the name. So well done. All the records of this event were passed down orally until written down by Europeans so this is more Legend than history.

What really surprised me about this story was there was a power hungry tribe who were raiding their neighboring tribes and taking prisoners and selling then into the white slave trade. I don't know how you could do that to other people. It goes to show that part of the human condition is power and greed which can cause every people to commit unspeakable horrors.

The Zulu tribes were not united. To fight this invading tribe Shaka had to unite the Zulu nation together to protect them. There is politics, family issues that have to be dealt with and taking the throne. This was really well done and I want to read more of these. It was fantastic. The artwork was stellar and very detailed. There was a whole lot of research that went into making this.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this 90 pager graphic novel. Timeless story of Shaka told in simple language with bold easy on the eye graphics.

I liked the storytelling nature of it. The story is related around the fire by Gogo to her grandchildren. Never underestimate the power of storytelling. When we were children, before we could read and write, oral rendition was a powerful tool. A very powerful medium. This is how, as young children, we learnt the power of language.


I gave the book to my teen sons to read. Research tells us that South African youth under sixteen years don't read at all but, if they had access to relevant books promoting African heroes, we'd surely see a whole lot of them reading, be it physical books or e-books.


The book has a sturdy durable cover. Those who like their covers spic and span, no worries, just one wipe and the book will be as good as new. The inside is printed from strong paper rendering it everlasting irrespective of the number of fingers paging through it. I really see it travelling from one friend to the next, sibling to sibling, classmate to classmate.

My wish is that stories like these could be made available in indigenous languages as well. Can you imagine how powerful this story would be in Isizulu...

4 phat stars for me. This book should actually form part of the history curriculum for lower grades.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I'm not normally a graphic novel fan this book is the exception. Great illustrations I learned a lot about the Zulu culture and the author was up front about it being historical fiction as not a lot is known about Shaka who lived in the early 1800's.

[Loranne Davelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gewoon een erg gemiddelde graphic novel die ik nu dood ga analyseren voor mijn scriptie zin in

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great graphic retelling of the Shaka legend mixing folklore and history to explore the rise to power of a young Zulu prince tasked with consolidating a new kingdom through war, mediation, and political alliances to defend his people against the expanding slave trade and increasing European encroachment. Informative end matter offers helpful historical context and insights into Zulu culture and politics.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic. Well-researched and perfectly crafted as a learning experience that blends oral history and historical fiction. The story is beautifully illustrated, and the educational content after the story is a compelling collection of folklore, history, sociology, and anthropology that teaches about the Zulu. I am excited to read and share the rest of this series. I won my copy of Shaka Rising in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Mike West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with crisp and engaging writing, this graphic novel had me interested from the outset. Shaka Zulu is a fascinating historical figure and his early life and ascent into African monarchy are expertly captured in this volume. I believe there is a second volume in the series planned by the same author, illustrator and publisher - very exciting!

[Tasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. I would highly recommend reading this fantastic reimagining of the rise to power of Shaka Zulu. This was an entertaining and educational book. The comic book format is an extremely underrated medium. It is important for African stories to be told to a global audience. I am certainly looking forward to Issue 2!

[Dana Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations and the descriptions in the book. I can't wait to continue with the series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel provides a lot of insight into the history of the Zulu, how colonialism effected Africa, and the African side of the slave trade.

[Mikaela Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaka Rising is a phenomenal book full of legend and history. Though I felt that the story element fell a bit short, it wasn't an extreme discrepancy. What the story lacked was made up by all of the information provided in the back of the book. Molver and O'Connor did a wonderful job providing information on the Zulu language pronunciation, fact vs. fiction, maps etc. I really appreciated how they also talked about the fact that Zulu didn't have written language, so this story was recorded by Europeans. However, the Europeans could have had motives, a language barrier, etc. which could have altered the story.
Entertaining and informative. Great for any young reader that enjoys legends or battle.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit was met 'n skeut nostalgie wat ek hierdie prenteboek opgetel het. Dit ruik na drukkersink, die illustrasies is in volkleur, die bladsye sowel as buiteblaaie in glansafwerking. Nogal anders as baie van die prenteboeke uit my jonger dae.

The African Graphic Novel Series heads out with the story of Shaka. As a young warrior he is forced to leave his chiefdom because of the hatred and jealousy of his half-brother. He returns years later after the death of his father, defeating his half-brother to head the Zulu kingdom, uniting the clans into a powerful nation.

Apart from the story coming to life through colourful illustrations, the books has some extra features worth mentioning: a map of Southern Africa in the late 18th cenrury, showing the locations of the various clans as well as Delagoa Bay, exit port of the slave trade. Various aspects of zulu culture, social structure, beliefs, even language and pronunciation, are explained, referring back to the relevant pages of the graphic novel.

Graphic novels such as this new series, have a place in the education system, but can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Published by Story Press Africa, and distributed by LAPA.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biographical fiction graphic novel about the prince who in the late 1700s-early 1800s established himself as a mighty warrior and strong leader who eventually united tribes into the Zulu nation against the slave traffickers.

It isn't easy to find historical fiction from Africa based on real African historical figures. It was interesting to learn more of the history of the Zulu. The back of the book has extensive further information on the story, the Zulu, and more. It does a good job of clarifying why this is historical fiction and not a biography, what is known and is only oral history from that time period (and why the written records of that time period aren't entirely reliable).

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There are several battles depicted with some blood and fatalities.

[Shakira Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shaka Rising is a good book in my opinion. The reason for that being is for what will be listed. The book was mostly pictured than words. That right there tells you that it gets straight to the point. Although for me the book was a different experience for me. I've never really read books like this one. To me, it's more of like a comic book. It has many sad parts to it as well. Any everything seemed "Segregated." The reason I say that is because due to the theme and the meaning of the book, family wasn't even able to be close with one another. Which it is hard to explain, but read the book and you'll understand. I can't really explain much without spoiling the book, but read it, it is a good book, and it's different! Very cool designed pictures, well put together.

[Kellyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story that I want to learn more about -- heck, more Zulu/South African/African lore needs to be recorded and shared with the globe. The illustrations in this adaptation were interested, but some drawings were a touch too stiff, if that makes sense? They stood out because most frames were fluid. My other BIG issue with this is that the text was too small. I don't know if my eyes are going -- but my nose was literally touching the pages of this book.

In short, I'm definitely going to check out more books from Story Press Africa. Just make the fonts bigger!

[Adam Hellewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational

I will preface this by saying that I don’t have African ancestry and am approaching this as descendants of Northern European folks. This story however is still important as world history and turning it into a easy to grasp graphic novel with historical references, questions and answers, and critical thinking points in the back makes this a wonderful compendium to any avid historical buff.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. This was intense. As I expected from the name and time the story speaks of. A powerful telling, and I appreciated the extra information added in the back. I learned a lot, and I don't think historical graphic novels are my kind of book, especially when there is so much bloodshed involved. Yet, it did it's job - I picked up a book on a topic I otherwise would not have engaged with.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember requesting this at the library, but it came in for me and looked interesting, so whatever, I'll read it.

It was a good story, and apparently it is part of a series of African history, so I'll have to keep my eye on them.

[Bianca Oortwijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dynamics in the illustrations, the storytelling, thorough introduction, glossary, and perspectives on themes like leadership, position of women, rivalling tribes and facts and fiction that were discussed after the story section. Looking forward to part 2!

[Kristen Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

beautiful illustrations - stunning even at times. Great discussion questions and more historical context at the end.

[Reading with Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story. This is a well done piece of fiction based on what know of reality.

[Andrea Sandoval]

“Shaka a Legend of a Warrior Prince Rising” is a famous graphic novel that's about Africa. In the late 18th to early 19th centuries, warfare was happening in South Africa. Shaka, the son of the king of Zulu, was one of the most unique warriors. Shaka Rising, a historical fiction book, tells a story about Shaka who must fight for a throne in his kingdom. This fascinating book tells you all the struggles Shaka faces because of the jealousy running in his family. It teaches readers about the leaders in South Africa and warfare. I personally liked this book a lot. It was a really short book and was a graphic novel. I learned a lot about South Africa in that book. Instead of imagining how the events were happening it shows you pictures which are better. Shaka changed a lot throughout the book, not only because of how his family treated him but also because of how he spent his early life. Shaka and his mother were forced to leave Zulu because of his father and brother. Shaka couldn’t stay with his mom so he moved on to another territory. I would’ve died if I was Shaka, I honestly can’t leave without my mom. I would’ve been depressed. The territory that he was welcomed, the king loved Shaka a lot. Shaka was his right hand, he knew many tactics and he was a leader. The king had high hopes for him and he believed he would be a king when his time comes. I honestly like this part because it gives Shaka hope. Hope made Shaka stronger because of everything he has gone through. When his father died, Shaka had to take the throne and beat his brother. When Shaka and his brother fought, I thought a lot about my life. I would never be that strong to fight my own family member. Anyways, Shaka was a great leader, everyone loved him and that was the best part because he gave people hope. This book is a really good book because you get a lot of information but not in paragraphs. I recommend this book to people who don’t like reading a lot.

[Armando]

Shaka Rising was a very interesting book, there were multiple things that were going on in this book and they never seemed to end. At the beginning of the book, it is telling us where it takes place and also is telling us that it is about people fighting to survive. Now we are getting to the point where they are telling us the characters and what they are doing. The main character starts off as a young boy, his father is the leader of their tribe and well the son was forced to leave by his father. The mother did not like the choice that had been made but she knew it needed to be done if they wanted their son to be alive and later on become someone better. now that they have kicked their son from his home he needed to find another tribe. He has finally found a tribe that he belongs in so he talks to the leader and ask for help to become stronger and soon to be a bigger leader than ever. Once I get to this part in the book I really start to enjoy it a little more because it is describing on what he is doing to be better so I wanted to see what he was going to do so he could go back and take back his home. It has been some time since he has been home. He wants to take his place back so he decided to try and get a bigger army and have other tribes to join him so he can go back home and save everyone. Now that he is able to go and do what he's been wanting to do he went and took back his place and because of what he did it made is parents really happy. Not only made his family proud but he also made everyone else proud and showed them what he can do. Now that he has accomplished this he has now become a leader and not just any leader he became a very strong and powerful one. I really enjoyed this book overall it was really good and I would like to read something like this again.

[Emanuel]

The slave trade expands from the east African coast. One young boy is destined to change the future of southern Africa. Shaka explores the rise to power of a shrew young prince who must consolidate a new kingdom through warfare, mediation, and political alliances to defend his people against the expanding slave trade. Shaka, the Zulu nation begins to emerge as a strong, unified kingdom that will shape centuries of southern African history. This book was delicious. I made some great connections and wanted to read more once the story ended. At the same time, the story could've ended differently. The ending sucked, but it was good enough for a graphic novel. I really didn't expect that much from a graphic novel besides comic books and such things. This book had a great storyline and intrigued me to keep on reading. I don’t think we should choose our leaders by fighting, but we should all use common sense on who and when someone is the right fit to lead a country. A leader should accept everyone for who they are. Not like someone better because of their skin tone. Not judging someone because of their religion, or because of one story, you heard involving that certain race or religion. A leader shouldn't care what you look like, as long as you do what's right for everyone's benefit. In the good old days, people choose their leader by strength mentally and physically. Ain’t no election. Nowadays we have presidents dumb as rocks making the rules. The fact that the world has changed so much, it kind of scares me. We went from choosing our leaders by their preparedness and mentally and physically strength to, choosing our leaders on the fake promises they’re never going to give us. Thank you for listening to me.

[Catherine Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaka rising was a pretty interesting novel to read. It was a graphic novel and I don't usually find them that interesting but this one was based on real life events and because of that it caught my attention. As I was reading I would sit back and reflect. It's crazy that people actually had to go through slave trades and there wasn't much people could do. When I was first handed this graphic novel I didn't think much of it because I'm not such a fan of graphic novels. As i kept reading it and looking at the pictures it actually hit me that these kind of conflicts occur in real life, especially now. Those who are in control of everything don't allow everyone else to have a voice and it just shuts everyone down. This novel was very intense and there's many reasons why. To start off, the main character in this story is Shaka. Shaka's father has a family with another woman and Shaka and his mother don't really get the support from Senzangakhona (Shaka's father). Senzangakhona's new wife manipulates him and says all these lies about Shaka so he wouldn't want to be involved in his son's' life. Shaka's father really don't show interest in him and then Shaka's sent away. With all the slave trade that's going on, Shaka's gone and there's not much he can do. Once he does come back he's determined to change everything and he wants a better future for his people. Now, Shaka's against his brother and he's willing to do anything to have a better future for everyone and himself. Overall, this graphic novel wasn't too bad. What I really did like about it was how it was short and it got to the point. Other novels leave the readers questioning what's going to happen next and don't finish the story. That wasn't the case for this novel, though.

[Eduardo Cantoral]

This book is full of adventure and will make you curious as to what happens next. There is a boy named Shaka, and he has to help his tribe and the rest of South Africa to prevent slavery. It is a historical fiction book, and its based on the slavery that happened when the European came to Africa and took slaves with them. The book also talks about governments. Shaka and his tribe have to fight in order to keep Shaka as the leader. Anyways, no more spoilers, the message that the book gives is very important. It shows young readers that you must fight for what's right. It shows that we should all show courage and stand up for others and that way you and others can become stronger and show that you are not easy to take down. The book also includes a lot of action in it and many suspenseful moments. It is based back when slavery was huge in American and Europe, and the way that the African tribes would settle things is by war, and all they would use were arrows and a shield. It's very clear that this graphic novel shows the beauty of African culture by using illustrations. Because this is a graphic novel, it shows the images of the warriors fighting and the African culture. This book is based on the Zulu tribe, which is also a real tribe in Africa. Their culture and their traditions are well represented in this book, while still giving a nice story line to it. Another nice thing is that it includes some words in their language, while still giving you the definitions in the back. Another nice thing is that in the back of the book there are pictures of the characters and they way they are all related, which is something very helpful because it can get a bit confusing once all the characters come in. Overall, this is a very nice book and I encourage others to read it.

[Elezar]

Shaka Rising was about a boy named Shaka and his father is the chief. Shaka has a half brother that is powerful. Shaka is forced to leave somewhere else because of his half brother being jealous. Later on when Shaka finds out that his dad has passed away and becomes a warrior himself. He ends up going back to the kingdom years later. When he arrives there he was able to defeat his half brother. Shaka becomes the new chief at the kingdom. Now there would be another town trying to defeat Shaka. So Shaka packed everything and everyone in his town to safety. The town attacking then realizes no one is there but one of there warriors get shot by a spear then they all die. Shaka remains the chief of the kingdom. In my personal opinion this was a really good book. Especially for it being a comic book. It said a lot in a short period of time and not using much words. Me personally I saw the book giving good life lessons. For example, when Shaka called out his brother for having hatred for him. It's like trying to tell you that don't be jealous of other people just because you don't have it. I think this book is for people that like history. Since this book gives it that type of feeling with there being little different towns and there being warriors. I also like how intense this book would be. It would make you want to keep reading more and more about the book. Especially when they made the battle so intense between Shaka and his half brother. Overall I would recommend this book to other people because I personally like it. It is a really good book for it being a comic book. It doesn't even take long to finish reading the book.

[Elijio Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the story, Shaka A legend of the warrior prince Rising is about a boy who had to leave his family and find a new place to live. He trained his whole life since he was a teen, with people he just met. There was a lot of problems and people he had to deal with. He and his family were threatened to be killed so he had to leave. He went off by himself. HIs own cousin wanted to fight him. He then went to become a good warrior. Warrior isn't supposed to find love but, in the village, he's in the leader let him. He was a good warrior and a good person. So he finds this girl and they liked each other. The leader saw that and yet He didn't see his mother for a long time. He ends up seeing her later on for a little bit. He was a warrior for the village of Mthethwa. I really liked this book. The characters had good emotion, and you can feel what shaka is feeling. After he was in the village that's when I started to enjoy the book. The book felt fast paced and there were was a lot of action. The book is set in an earlier time period, which made it interesting. We saw things that we are not used to. It is cool to see daily life as a warrior in that time period. In the book, it sometimes connects to life now. There are some situations that happen now. There is some action in the book that I liked. I recommend this book. It goes into good detail and it is interesting. The pictures go well and they look cool. For some people, they could relate to Shaka. He goes through things that still happen today. That's what makes the characters really good, you can kinda feel how they feel.

[Adilene]

In the story “shaka rising” is about a man having to leave his family behind because he was called to a mission. Having to fight for his people for freedom, and against slave trade. He recovers under leadership and while the journey begins, he has trouble finding peace, During his journey he succeeds and fails. At the end, the book tries connecting the past comparing nowadays. How things work differently and how they don't happen as frequently this can also connect to politics and like a saga war. This book made me feel different types of ways, for example kind of bored. We all have different opinions on books genres, this book was kind of just letting me sit there without really knowing what's happening. The interesting parts is were he has to face the opponent for the challenge. Overall everything is just like a book to me. I did learn something from it, that was sacrificing to get better can take you many ways.