Review by Booklist Review
As Kerry races through the countryside, bearing precious medicine for his sick parents, he comes upon a looming forest, where a mysterious figure lures him in with the promise of a shortcut. Of course, Kerry is soon lost in a dark, labyrinthine wood that has fallen under the control of a malevolent spirit. It's only with the help of an ancient, grouchy Waystone--a floating, one-eyed boulder dubbed the Old Knight of the Road--that Kerry can win freedom, for himself as well as the forest's other captives. Though Watson pulls from classic woodland-fantasy tropes, it's a pleasure--especially in the age of sprawling series--to cozy up with an engaging yet uncomplicated adventure, told well and in full. There's a beauty to the simple characterizations and plot, though they're not without their twists and turns, thanks to clever storytelling. Thick, patterned textures add a density to the forest setting without overcomplicating the panels, and Kerry's long, angular limbs, always in motion, reinforce a general video-game aesthetic that permeates the tale. A boon for Ben Hatke fans.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
On his way to bring lifesaving medicine to his parents, Kerry is lured into the Forest of Shadows by a mysterious girl who promises that it is the fastest route home, then vanishes. Soon lost, Kerry wanders alone before encountering the Knight of the Road, a sentient Waystone whose duty it is to help travelers through the woods. Along the way, they encounter obstacles and forest denizens, almost all seemingly intent on capturing Kerry at the command of a powerful and malevolent spirit. While blending unique creatures and elements into a plot that feels well-trod, Watson retains a distinct feel and a funny voice ("How do you tell a dell from a hollow?" Kerry asks in one scene). Simply drawn art, elevated through deep textures and a shadowy, subtly changing forest palette, imbues the story with a moody atmosphere. A winning protagonist, Kerry is helpful and persistent, believing the best of others, and his optimism offers ballast to the story's darker elements and the melancholic, surprisingly emotive Waystone. A timeless and immersive fantasy. Ages 8--12. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--The Forest of Shadows stands between Kerry, who needs to deliver medicine to his ailing parents, and his home. From the moment the boy enters this malevolent, enchanted world, he's led into danger by ill-intentioned animals and spirits at every turn. Upon meeting the Waystone, also known as the Knight of the Road, Kerry thinks he is safe at last but finds his journey is as perilous as ever. Despite Kerry's top billing in the title, the Waystone proves to have the more complex backstory. The character design is low on detail yet still highly expressive. Watson relies on a wonderful array of contrasting textures and hatching techniques that punctuate the soft watermelon hues with a jarring black. When the hatching is combined with long and sweeping curves, they create a vivid world, despite most panels maintaining tight focus on Kerry and his immediate surroundings. The story steadily builds suspense as readers inch closer to discovering who or what is haunting the forest. Dungeons & Dragons--style character sheets and early renditions of the art are included in the back matter. VERDICT An infectiously fun adventure that hints at danger without crossing the line into frightening. Put this into the hands of "Hildafolk" fans.--Alea Perez, Elmhurst Public Library, IL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
On a journey to save his parents, a boy gets lost in an enchanted forest in this new graphic fantasy. After retrieving medicine from a nearby village, Kerry is desperate to find the quickest way home to his ailing parents. When he finds a childlike spirit at the edge of the Forest of Shadows, he follows her into the woods, hoping for a shortcut. Soon, Kerry comes across a large, kite-shaped black stone with one singular piercing yellow eye. Floating above the ground and called the Knight of the Road, the creature is a Waystone whose role is to help travelers find safe passage through the forest. The last of his kind, he agrees to help Kerry navigate the perilous wood. But their journey isn't easy, and Kerry's naïve, earnest, and trusting personality sometimes grates on the grumpy, mysterious Waystone. When they learn that an evil force is vying for control of the forest's creatures, Kerry must decide if he will attempt to free everyone from its spell, endangering both himself and his parents, or return home quickly to his sick family. While some of the plotting, particularly the denouement, feels contrived, readers will be happy to find such a tidy, happy ending. Overall, characterization takes a back seat to plot and adventure, an emphasis furthered by the simplicity of characters' facial features. Character sheets, including a guide to creating your own character, and early concept art are included in the back. A pleasant romp for plot-happy readers. (Graphic fantasy. 8-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
