Review by Booklist Review
Writer Lee and illustrator Hart team up again to recount the legend of Joan of Arc, the teenage girl who experienced visions and used them to help the French army defeat the English and crown the dauphin as king of France during the Hundred Years' War. Captured by her enemies and tried as a heretic, Joan was burned at the stake and subsequently became a national hero for France and a Roman Catholic saint. Lee's story shows how Joan had to overcome everyone's doubts and prejudice in her quest, and manages to make her terrible death less traumatic for readers by focusing on what may have been her last vision. Hart's full-color art works well with Lee's text to portray the unlikely military leader Joan became, thanks to her charisma among the French soldiers. This book reads like a heroic adventure and will appeal to any middle- or high-school student who likes historical fiction or military fiction, or anyone eager to read about a heroic young woman who truly made a difference.--Kan, Kat Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-This stunning biography uses Joan of Arc's trial as a frame story for an account of her life. Joan recounts events from her life, which was rooted in deep faith, and the spiritual encounters that have made her such a legendary figure. Lee and Hart have aptly titled their work, highlighting how the voices that Joan heard shaped her life and helped her lead France to victory. The illustrations are dynamic, evoking the look of superhero comics and conveying, along with the text, Joan's courage and heroism. This graphic novel is a fitting companion to Lee and Hart's other historical works Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur (2007) and Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood (2009, both Candlewick). VERDICT An enlightening and accessible account of the life and death of Joan of Arc.-Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Colored by Sam Hart and Flavio Costa. Lettered by Cadu Simues. This graphic novel presentation of the life of Joan of Arc begins with Joan facing death. The narrative then flashes back to her childhood and first vision through her years fighting for France until her death by burning at the stake. The art effectively uses light and shadow to dramatic effect. Published as fiction, the book lacks any notes or biographical information. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Having tackled Robin Hood in Outlaw (2009) and King Arthur in Excalibur (2011), Lee now envisions Joan of Arc's humble beginnings to her inevitable martyrdom. In 15th-century France, war and turmoil are constants as the French struggle to throw off English rule. Jehanne d'Arc, a devout country maiden, begins to receive messages from God after a fall and a consequent hit to her head. Her divine voices instruct her how to lead the French out of their occupation and restore the monarchy. At a time when women could be condemned for simply wearing men's clothes or cutting their hair, Joan is a fearless trailblazer who leads by faith, strength, and conviction even though she knows that she will eventually be martyred for her efforts. Joan is evinced as a stubborn, confident heroine, but Lee keeps her likable by emphasizing her love of her family as well as her piety. Though Joan's fate is foretold in the opening pages, a heroic blend of epic battles and palpable wartime tension keep the pages flying. Illustrator Hart cleverly plays with perspective in many panels, some offering over-the-shoulder or from-the-ankles-up views of a scene and others zooming out with shadowy, indistinct features, then sharply juxtaposing the next with clear, close-up shots of emotive and defined faces, creating a dramatically cinematic feel. He and co-colorist Costa keep tight control over palette and lighting to complement this effect. Striking visuals augment an already-captivating tale. (Graphic historical fiction. 12 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
