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Danger and Other Unknown Risks
A twisty, spellbinding adventure about a girl and her dog who want to save the world, Danger and Other Unknown Risks is the highly anticipated YA graphic novel debut from Eisner Award-winning and New York Times bestselling creators Ryan North and Erica Henderson.
I'm gonna tell you a story, and I'm gonna ask that you let me finish before you say anything.
Here’s the deal—on midnight of January 1st, 2000, the world ended. But it wasn’t technology that killed it: It was magic. Now, years later, the Earth has transformed. Magic works (sort of). People are happy (sort of). But this new world isn’t stable, and unless Marguerite de Pruitt and her canine pal, Daisy, do something about it, it’ll tilt into deadly chaos. Good thing they’ve been training their whole lives for this and are destined to succeed. Or so they think.
Ryan North and Erica Henderson, the bestselling masterminds behind The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, serve up a graphic novel that is equally laugh-out-loud adventure and emotional gut punch. A story about the search for truth, chosen family, and rebirth, the journey of Marguerite and Daisy seeks to ask one vital question: How far are you willing to go to save the world?
I'm gonna tell you a story, and I'm gonna ask that you let me finish before you say anything.
Here’s the deal—on midnight of January 1st, 2000, the world ended. But it wasn’t technology that killed it: It was magic. Now, years later, the Earth has transformed. Magic works (sort of). People are happy (sort of). But this new world isn’t stable, and unless Marguerite de Pruitt and her canine pal, Daisy, do something about it, it’ll tilt into deadly chaos. Good thing they’ve been training their whole lives for this and are destined to succeed. Or so they think.
Ryan North and Erica Henderson, the bestselling masterminds behind The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, serve up a graphic novel that is equally laugh-out-loud adventure and emotional gut punch. A story about the search for truth, chosen family, and rebirth, the journey of Marguerite and Daisy seeks to ask one vital question: How far are you willing to go to save the world?
206 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2023
46 people are currently reading
4255 people want to read
About the author
Ryan North
541 books1,609 followersHi, I'm Ryan! I was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1980 and since then have written several books. You can read my Wikipedia page for more, or check out my author site at RyanNorth.ca!
I'm the author of the webcomic Dinosaur Comics (that's the comic where the pictures don't change but the words do, it's better than it sounds and I've also done crazy things like turn Shakespeare into a choose-your-own-path adventure, write a comic for Marvel about a girl with all the powers of a squirrel, or mess up walking my dog so badly it made the news.
I'm working on more stuff as we speak, hopefully it's good
I'm the author of the webcomic Dinosaur Comics (that's the comic where the pictures don't change but the words do, it's better than it sounds and I've also done crazy things like turn Shakespeare into a choose-your-own-path adventure, write a comic for Marvel about a girl with all the powers of a squirrel, or mess up walking my dog so badly it made the news.
I'm working on more stuff as we speak, hopefully it's good
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
August 20, 2023
This story is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which magic returns to Earth. It starts a bit slow because the world needs to be explained before readers can understand what is going on in the story, but the story really picks up about 2/3 of the way in when a big twist hits. That last third of the book is amazing. By the way, for those who are thinking of picking up this book because it is made by the same team that made that awesome run of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, be aware that this doesn't focus on comedy as much as that series did. My initial impressions of the first part of the book were probably influenced by expectations for humor, so if you are aware of the difference in tone you might enjoy the first part of the book more than I did.
July 22, 2023
A fantasy adventure story that's fun, with the added bonus of being an anti-MAGA allegory.
Marguerite de Pruitt hasn't won me over as completely as North and Henderson's Squirrel Girl, but I'd welcome a sequel and the chance to get to know her and her friends better. Barring that, I'd certainly check out any original story North and Henderson decide to do next.
Marguerite de Pruitt hasn't won me over as completely as North and Henderson's Squirrel Girl, but I'd welcome a sequel and the chance to get to know her and her friends better. Barring that, I'd certainly check out any original story North and Henderson decide to do next.
May 31, 2023
Danger and Other Unknown Risks feels like it might have germinated as an idea Ryan North had while he was writing the Adventure Time comics – one he couldn't actually do because the story's twists would undermine too much about an established world, and yet which had too much potential to leave behind forever. The setup consciously echoes the former work: a teen adventurer and a magic dog travel across a future dystopia created when the return of magic, and its chaotic, ever-shifting rules, shattered Earth into a thousand strange and wonderful kingdoms.
Our hero, Marguerite, and her talking dog, Daisy, travel from zone to zone at the behest of Marguerite's uncle, a man born into the world that was and who's learned to survive in the new one. The world is still mutating and decaying, and the only way to stop it is for Marguerite to gather the ingredients for a spell which will stop the evil magic once and for all.
The bulk of the story is fun enough, as the pair (and, later, trio) journey through bizarre environments in search of spell components, but towards the end the book really takes off with a magnificent twist. This book is perfect for Squirrel Girl fans eager for another work by the much-loved Ryan North/Erica Henderson team, Adventure Time fans looking for a good-natured homage that goes places the original could never go, and anyone who likes their dystopias with a dollop of hope.
Our hero, Marguerite, and her talking dog, Daisy, travel from zone to zone at the behest of Marguerite's uncle, a man born into the world that was and who's learned to survive in the new one. The world is still mutating and decaying, and the only way to stop it is for Marguerite to gather the ingredients for a spell which will stop the evil magic once and for all.
The bulk of the story is fun enough, as the pair (and, later, trio) journey through bizarre environments in search of spell components, but towards the end the book really takes off with a magnificent twist. This book is perfect for Squirrel Girl fans eager for another work by the much-loved Ryan North/Erica Henderson team, Adventure Time fans looking for a good-natured homage that goes places the original could never go, and anyone who likes their dystopias with a dollop of hope.
November 3, 2023
Danger and Other Unknown Risks could easily have been a 50-issue series, but instead Ryan North condenses a complex fantasy plot down into a quick and dirty graphic novel. I really dug it, but also would have liked to indulge in the setting a bit more.
Essentially, the world actually ended with Y2K, and now, centuries later, Earth is broken up into numerous deadly (or friendly!) magical realms. Marguerite and her talking dog companion, Daisy, are destined to save the world, at least according to Bernard, an old man wizard type. The duo need to collect three totems for Bernard so he can perform the magic spell that changes everything back. Marguerite and Daisy's adventures across the magical realms are fantastically illustrated by Erica Henderson, probably a large part of why I wanted to luxuriate in the story.
There's a big (fairly predictable) twist midway through that takes you to a slambang conclusion. It's all quite satisfying with plenty of North's trademark humor. I have no idea where that title came from - it really suggests something other than a fun fantasy read.
Essentially, the world actually ended with Y2K, and now, centuries later, Earth is broken up into numerous deadly (or friendly!) magical realms. Marguerite and her talking dog companion, Daisy, are destined to save the world, at least according to Bernard, an old man wizard type. The duo need to collect three totems for Bernard so he can perform the magic spell that changes everything back. Marguerite and Daisy's adventures across the magical realms are fantastically illustrated by Erica Henderson, probably a large part of why I wanted to luxuriate in the story.
There's a big (fairly predictable) twist midway through that takes you to a slambang conclusion. It's all quite satisfying with plenty of North's trademark humor. I have no idea where that title came from - it really suggests something other than a fun fantasy read.
April 3, 2023
This was…a book. But it was definitely not one for me. It was far too weird. Honestly, it was just cringey to read. I think there are people who will enjoy it, so I don’t want to say too much negative about it, because I don’t think it was objectively bad, I just really don’t think it was for me. For some reason, I kept thinking of Captain Underpants? I don’t know why. I haven’t read Captain Underpants in about a decade and a half, when my brother used to ask me to read them to him, but it felt like it gave the same vibes. I think if you took out the tiny miniscule, excessively unnecessary romance, it could be marketed to children, and that might be better.
April 15, 2023
If you're looking for the same flavor as Papergirls, but you want it to be a slightly goofier story with a talking dog, this is the graphic novel for you!
This story follows Marguerite and her talking dog, Daisy who are living in the fallout from the Y2K Event. Magic is real, now, and it's up to them to save the world.
As they collect "totems," that her doomsday prepperish uncle has told them he needs to save the world, we meet a myriad of side characters who help to color this story.
It's such a fun read with a lot of heart, and I absolutely can't wait to read the next one!
This story follows Marguerite and her talking dog, Daisy who are living in the fallout from the Y2K Event. Magic is real, now, and it's up to them to save the world.
As they collect "totems," that her doomsday prepperish uncle has told them he needs to save the world, we meet a myriad of side characters who help to color this story.
It's such a fun read with a lot of heart, and I absolutely can't wait to read the next one!
May 14, 2023
This was fun and cute! Felt like a mashup of Squirrel Girl and Adventure Time which makes sense since Ryan North wrote both comics. It didn't blow my mind but it was enjoyable and easy for me to read right now when reading opportunities are fewer than I'd like.
July 26, 2024
I think the story finds a little difficulty reconciling its whimsy with its seriousness at the very end and winds up somewhat undercutting both, but this is still a zany magical adventure with good characters, exciting twists and excellent art.
November 12, 2023
Hmmm…it’s a 3.5 star from me, dawg.
October 15, 2024
This was a fun YA fantasy graphic novel filled with adventure, a talking dog sidekick, friendship and a bit of romance. It also has betrayals and felt like a perfect mix of the Saga series and The Lightfall series. Gorgeous illustrations round out the interesting storytelling to make a very enjoyable read. Looking forward to more hopefully from this writing/artist duo!
June 6, 2023
This is a post-apocalyptic alternate history where the flipover from December 31, 1999 to January 1 2000, instead of melting down all computers then in existence, reintroduced magic to the world. This caused the collapse of civilization and the breakdown of the planet to many different realms where the laws of physics are different and magic works.
Twenty years later, our protagonist Marguerite de Pruitt is stealing magical totems from the different realms and bringing them back to her uncle Bernard. Her uncle claims these items will be able to reverse the magical breakdown. She is accompanied by her talking dog, a chow named Daisy, and this thick graphic novel recounts their adventures and the discovery Marguerite makes about her uncle's true motivations.
This was okay, but I didn't think it was outstanding. In particular, Bernard didn't make much of a villain--he wasn't a villain so much as a selfish jackass (and a racist selfish jackass at that, with all his prattling about the loss of Western civilization) who wanted to return the world to what it was instead of accepting that it had changed. His efforts put Marguerite, Daisy and their friend Jacin into an endless time travel loop that they managed to break out of at the end. The book ends with Bernard defeated and the three friends now free to travel their new world (and in Marguerite's case, one day returning to the cute farmer boy she met earlier). The art is bright and a bit old-fashioned with clearly defined panels of varying sizes according to the flow of the story. It was pleasant enough, but I've read better.
Twenty years later, our protagonist Marguerite de Pruitt is stealing magical totems from the different realms and bringing them back to her uncle Bernard. Her uncle claims these items will be able to reverse the magical breakdown. She is accompanied by her talking dog, a chow named Daisy, and this thick graphic novel recounts their adventures and the discovery Marguerite makes about her uncle's true motivations.
This was okay, but I didn't think it was outstanding. In particular, Bernard didn't make much of a villain--he wasn't a villain so much as a selfish jackass (and a racist selfish jackass at that, with all his prattling about the loss of Western civilization) who wanted to return the world to what it was instead of accepting that it had changed. His efforts put Marguerite, Daisy and their friend Jacin into an endless time travel loop that they managed to break out of at the end. The book ends with Bernard defeated and the three friends now free to travel their new world (and in Marguerite's case, one day returning to the cute farmer boy she met earlier). The art is bright and a bit old-fashioned with clearly defined panels of varying sizes according to the flow of the story. It was pleasant enough, but I've read better.
January 7, 2023
Thank you Penguin Teen for providing me with the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North; Erica Henderson.
This ya graphic novel follows Marguerite and her talking dog daisy as they embark on a journey to save the world.
The world ended on January 1st 2000 but not in the way you think it did. Magic "invaded" the world and took over, leaving technology usless.
Now Margerite must collect the magic totems for her uncle in hopes that his powerful spell can destroy all the dark magic.
This story was full of adventure, discovery and twists. With just a tiny touch of romance. The characters were loveable and the growth they experienced was heart warming.
This ya graphic novel follows Marguerite and her talking dog daisy as they embark on a journey to save the world.
The world ended on January 1st 2000 but not in the way you think it did. Magic "invaded" the world and took over, leaving technology usless.
Now Margerite must collect the magic totems for her uncle in hopes that his powerful spell can destroy all the dark magic.
This story was full of adventure, discovery and twists. With just a tiny touch of romance. The characters were loveable and the growth they experienced was heart warming.
August 12, 2024
Magical post-apocalyptic mayhem! There's a lot going on here. Marguerite and her pal Daisy the dog are on a quest to save the world. But something happened way back in 2000 or so, and now the world is fractured into zones that have different magical rules.
The Chapter Title panels might be my favorite part here. Really beautiful illustration work. Saturated colors, frenetic world building. Some interesting gender stuff going on.
Honestly, my biggest complaint is the physical size of the book. I think if it had been printed larger, the experience of reading it might have felt more correct.
I'm generally a sucker for a talking dog.
The Chapter Title panels might be my favorite part here. Really beautiful illustration work. Saturated colors, frenetic world building. Some interesting gender stuff going on.
Honestly, my biggest complaint is the physical size of the book. I think if it had been printed larger, the experience of reading it might have felt more correct.
I'm generally a sucker for a talking dog.
May 9, 2023
“It never ended, it just changed. That’s what life does.”This one’s a doozy, and it’s fun from page one. I enjoyed the humor, the worldbuilding, and the twists and turns. I’d read another story from this author.
August 25, 2023
I'm so glad I decided to borrow Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North and Erica Henderson from my library because that was a lot of fun. I need more stories like this!
August 30, 2023
This was fun and adorable, just as I would expect from the beloved duo that brought us Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.
October 4, 2022
thank you penguin teen for an e-arc in exchange for my review
this book was a quick, fun, exciting, high action! i’m definitely getting into more graphic novels, and this one is a great one to start with!
this book was a quick, fun, exciting, high action! i’m definitely getting into more graphic novels, and this one is a great one to start with!
August 5, 2023
This was such a fun treat! Kind of reminded me of Loki (the show) except if instead of it being about Loki it was about a delightful teen girl and her delightful talking dog. (Who is soo cute, Erica Henderson's artistic priorities are on point.) I love how Ryan North's work always makes me feel hopeful and optimistic about the world. A real accomplishment in THESE TRYING TIMES!
August 22, 2023
This took me a while to actually get into, because at first it seemed like just one more post-apocalypse story, until I actually sat down without any distractions and realized it was so much more than that.
Yes, this is a post apocalypse, but the apocalypse came at the stroke of Y2K, and it wasn’t that all the machines failed, but that all electricity failed, and was replaced with magic. Magic that no one knew how to use.
And one man does, however. He seems to know everything that has happened, and will happen, and he has sent Margarite, his niece, on a mission to restore earth to how it used to be.
He tells her she is the chosen one, and so she travels through the realms of earth with Daisy, her talking dog, so that things can go back to the way it was before magic came into the world, when life was good.
There is cute dialogue, there are dangers, and then there are the odd things, such as notes from her uncle telling her what to expect next, and when, almost as though he has foreknowledge or something.
What I liked about this was that it wasn’t quite as apocalyptical as the Uncle tells her it is. There are some places that have learned to use their magic well, and things are good. And Margarite begins to question what is the right thing go do about this. Why is having electricity better than magic? As this idea is played with, the story picks up steam and doesn’t let up from there.
This book came out in April of 2023, and is available now.
Yes, this is a post apocalypse, but the apocalypse came at the stroke of Y2K, and it wasn’t that all the machines failed, but that all electricity failed, and was replaced with magic. Magic that no one knew how to use.
And one man does, however. He seems to know everything that has happened, and will happen, and he has sent Margarite, his niece, on a mission to restore earth to how it used to be.
He tells her she is the chosen one, and so she travels through the realms of earth with Daisy, her talking dog, so that things can go back to the way it was before magic came into the world, when life was good.
There is cute dialogue, there are dangers, and then there are the odd things, such as notes from her uncle telling her what to expect next, and when, almost as though he has foreknowledge or something.
What I liked about this was that it wasn’t quite as apocalyptical as the Uncle tells her it is. There are some places that have learned to use their magic well, and things are good. And Margarite begins to question what is the right thing go do about this. Why is having electricity better than magic? As this idea is played with, the story picks up steam and doesn’t let up from there.
This book came out in April of 2023, and is available now.
May 21, 2023
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for a copy of this one.
Graphic adventure novels are not really something I read often, but I wanted to give it a shot. This one had a small cast of character and who doesn't love a smart, talking dog? Unfortunately, the story just seemed so jumpy from point to point, and I never really felt like I fully got the picture. I think many will love this one, but for me, it was just okay.
I do want to go back and read The Unbeatable Squirrel girl by the same creators.
Graphic adventure novels are not really something I read often, but I wanted to give it a shot. This one had a small cast of character and who doesn't love a smart, talking dog? Unfortunately, the story just seemed so jumpy from point to point, and I never really felt like I fully got the picture. I think many will love this one, but for me, it was just okay.
I do want to go back and read The Unbeatable Squirrel girl by the same creators.
April 11, 2023
My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:
https://youtu.be/CvD4uT1B30c
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/CvD4uT1B30c
Enjoy!
September 9, 2023
A wild romp of a read. I thought I had the end figured out and it STILL surprised me.
September 11, 2024
This book may have flaws, but I don’t even care because I love it so much!! It’s such a fun action packed magical adventure involving sci fi, fantasy, time travel, and so much more! I love love love love love it!! There are a few things I have questions about and a few things that just didn’t make sense, but overall it was amazing regardless of those minuscule issues. 5 glowing magical stars!! I sincerely hope there’s a second volume coming soon because I’m so not done with this story.
October 17, 2023
This was a fun post-apocalyptic magical world full of adventure. I love the art style and vibrant colors. It definitely felt like the beginning of a new story where things will take off in the sequel. If you like wholesome adventure stories then this might be something you enjoy. As much as I enjoyed the story, I didn’t feel connected to the characters much and I wanted more humor.
May 25, 2023
Enjoyable, but not a lot of substance. This feels like one of those books that I'll kind of forget about and have only a vague memory of when I happen upon it in person or on Goodreads every couple of years.
May 23, 2024
The unbeatable team behind the UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL re-teams for an original adventure with charming characters, fun magic rules, a very good dog, and above all, that gorgeous Henderson art. Delightful YA adventure with a heart of gold.
June 11, 2024
That was...interesting. Set in an apocalyptic world where Y2K brought not nuclear warfare, but rather destroyed technology and brought magic to the world. I liked Daisy the talking dog. The twist near the end was pretty well done I thought because at least I didn't know it was coming.
June 16, 2023
I love Ryan North, but this one wasn't my favorite. It's fun, but I never connected with the characters much. Which is weird because I'm a sucker for a talking dog or a good dog/human friendship.
August 9, 2023
Very unique story with a great twist and some truly touching friendships. Daisy is the best!
August 9, 2024
Not terribly done but predictable and it didn’t really resonate with me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews