Sparrowhawk #3

Sparrowhawk #3

by Delilah S. Dawson, Matias Basla (Illustrator), Rebecca Nalty (Colorer)

Though Art is growing stronger in Faerie, she is still hunted, still pursued. When she meets another creature on the run, Art must learn if she is ready to move from prey to protector.

Genres: Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Young Adult

Paperback

First published December 19, 2018

About the author

Delilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.

She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.

Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.

Reviews

[Steff Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

| Reader Fox Blog |


Well, the very first thing I have to say about Sparrowhawk by Delilah S. Dawson--Illustrated by Matias Basla and Rebecca Nalty--is wow, was that dark. I was really excited to read this rather brilliant-looking graphic novel from the very first moment I saw it, intrigued by what was described as a "teen Victorian fairy fight club" and eager to see what adventures would befall this illegitimate daughter of a naval captain whose never quite fit in with her father's very white, upper-class family as she is pulled into the fairy realm by a voraciously conquer-minded queen. Artemisia would have to fight her way through the realms of the fairies in order to get back to her home and the ones who matter most to her, but with the way that this world she's been pulled into works, she may come out losing herself and all she holds dear along the way.

I was blown away by this story and by the artwork. Every second reading left me at the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what would happen next and cringing at each horrible thing that happened. Artemisia's fairy guide through the world was fascinating and terrifying all at once. I found it hilarious that he told her precisely how to tell if a creature within the world was evil, by looking at its eyes, and yet she still trusted him more than just about anyone else she came across. It was a brilliant and mind-altering story and the transformation of the main character, a very cautionary tale, was all at once marvelous and horrifying.

The conclusion was very much emotionally thrilling and dejecting, leaving you to watch in horror as the process through which you saw Artemisia go through, a sort of development backward begins anew. And I think that's the most fascinating piece of it all, really. I felt emotionally attacked at multiple points in the novel, despairing over unchangeable situations as both the story and the character delved even further into the darkness she was ultimately surrounded by, misguided by one faerie companion and given genuine good advice from another. I was little prepared for the way this tale would end, despite having seen it coming. Somehow the author managed to entrap me in this world, deepening my attachment bit by bit as the abyss of darkness opened up beneath and swallowed the story whole.

It's like those tales where you know the worst is yet to come, that it will come, and that the horrible truths of the story will repeat themselves time and time again with another as we are all innocent and naive enough to fall into such traps and there are plenty of us to go around. And in the end, I loved every second of it, which is thoroughly surprising since I am not typically one to enjoy a dark and depressing story such as this one. Yet something about Artemisia and Crispin and Warren that completely captivated me. And I believe it will captivate a great many of you, too.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting issue. Honestly though, it’s hard to believe that there’s only two issues left to the series. On the one hand I can see why, as they’re quickly getting through what material they have. On the other I’ve enjoyed it so much that I don’t want to see it end – I can see how they could have stretched the series out further. Though I do respect their choice not to do so.
This issue taught us more of the rules of fae, while also raising some interesting morality questions. I’m looking forward to seeing how the next two issues go. I don’t think this is one of those series that is going to have a predictable ending.
I absolutely adore the artwork for this series. I love the main character’s gradual but inevitable shift from human to fae. It’s quite beautiful, in a dark way. The colors are stunning, and there have been so many unique character designs throughout.

[solène · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fairies can't resist salt or sugar -it comes only from the human world, you know. If they find some, they must stop and count every grain.

This comic honestly makes no sense whatsoever to me, but the artwork is pretty and the characters are enjoyable, so I guess I'll read all the issues and promptly forget about them?

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art in this series really is wonderful.

I do find myself wondering why this story is set in Victorian times - given what Artemesia is going through she really could have been pulled into the faerie world from any time. The story is getting darker and raising a lot of ethical questions.

[Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, a great call back. The characters are developing arcs and storylines. Good stuff.