King Shaka: Zulu Legend

by Luke W. Molver

Shaka has fought his brother to the death for rulership of the Zulu. Now king of the southern chiefdoms, Shaka seeks to uplift his people, consolidate alliances, and expand the reach of his power. But challenges both external and internal threaten his rule. A rogue military unit exacts revenge on its enemies. Land-hungry Europeans arrive and ingratiate themselves with Shaka, even while plotting their own path to power. And closer to home, Shaka’s own brothers conspire in secret.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Africa, History, Comics, War, Historical

96 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic is an exciting look at one of Africa’s most famous kings. King Shaka was undoubtedly a warrior. However, he was a sensitive careful leader, as well, as eager to forge alliances as he was to defeat enemies. But, as with many powerful men, he fell under the influence of conniving deceivers, men who wished to establish a foothold in a foreign country under the guise of friendship and trade.

We are reminded that Africa was never a single nation but rather a bunch of struggling, often warring tribes, many seeking to attack each other, enslave children, kidnap women and destroy their perceived enemies. Even the arrival of treacherous white men from across the seas isn’t enough to band them together and history has borne out how terribly that division worked out for the Africans.

The illustrations are colorful and rich in their depiction of this crucial part of Zulu history. It’s a beautiful and at times tragic look at a famous man and king whose heart led almost as well as his armies.

[Anschen Conradie · Rating 3 out of 5]

#KingShaka - Luke W. Molver
#Catalystpress (versprei deur #Lapa)
#Pasellaboek

Hierdie is die tweede deel van die verhaal van Koning Shaka en hervat in 1819, net voor Shaka die Ndwandwe uitgewis het. Dit dek ook (weereens in volkleur strokiesprente op glanspapier gedruk) die verwoesting wat deur die iziYendane gesaai is; die skipbreuk van Henry Fynn, die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van Port Natal en die moord op Koning Shaka in 1828.

Dis myns insiens ‘n groot aanwins vir Afrika-jeugliteratuur; geskiedenis word lewendig gemaak en in ‘n moderne gedaante aangebied. Agterin die boek is daar ook addisionele inligting oor die rol van vroue, kultuur, politiek, taal en uitspraak in die tradisionele isiZulu-gebruike.

Ek hoop dat hierdie reeks uitgebrei sal word om Afrika-geskiedenis nuut en vars aan te bied.


N.S. Die boek ruik vreeslik lekker.......

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great work of historical graphic fiction follows Shaka, now king of the southern chiefdoms working to uplift his people, consolidate alliances, and expand the reach of his power, but challenges both external and internal threaten his rule. An exciting narrative with bold rich illustrations. Includes a great deal of helpful end matter end matter explaining the historical context and Zulu culture and politics.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel that would require multiple readings to fully digest everything that happened in the story. I do think this is a good book for tweens and up.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done. Not an easy read knowing at least a little bit of the history going in, but I learned a lot!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series was easier to relate to, as it touches on some of the bits of history I've heard before.

[Meghan]

Didn't realize I'd requested the second book, and read it first. Interesting history, told in a very accessible way. Traditional layout and art style.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing illustrations convey an exciting story while maintaining complexity. The historical notes at the end of the story are great.