Review by Booklist Review
Trill and Alya live completely different lives in the kingdom of Capeya. Alya is princess of the kingdom, under the rule of her mother. She's next in line for the throne, but despite her training, she worries she's not up to the role. In the distant countryside, Trill lives with her mother and their herd of goats. She's always dreamed of being a hero, capable of using strong magic, but she feels ashamed because her power only extends to the ability to control and communicate with goats. When a conspiracy to usurp the throne leaves her mother severely injured, Alya must step into her shoes, but she's been cursed to transform into a goat and she's quickly spirited away from the castle. It's in her goat form that she meets Trill, whose ability to communicate with goats suddenly becomes extraordinarily important, and together they set off on a mission to return Alya home. On their journey, Alya learns about how her mother's subjects have been treated, gaining new insight into what it means to be a leader, and she and Trill develop a deep connection. Wheeler's artwork nicely communicates emotion through facial expressions, and her color-coded depictions of magic keep the action clear. With magic, romance, political intrigue, cheerworthy protagonists, and lots of cute goats, this warmly illustrated adventure will satisfy middle-grade fantasy lovers.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--In the class-divided kingdom of Capeya, Princess Alya and goatherd Trill would never have crossed paths--until fate intervenes. When Alya and her family are ambushed during a journey through the mountains, she's cursed and transformed into a goat, regaining her human form only at nightfall. Her captors are thwarted by Trill, a commoner whose magic allows her to speak with goats, including the enchanted princess. At first, Alya and Trill struggle to understand each other, separated by background and belief. But as they journey together to break the spell, trust slowly grows. Trill, long convinced her life will be ordinary, discovers her magic is stronger than she ever imagined. Alya begins to see how unjustly her people have been treated and how she might change things if she becomes Queen. This enchanting graphic novel blends classic fairy tale tropes with timely themes of justice, power, and self-discovery. The warm, richly detailed artwork heightens the magical tone, while the slowly blossoming romance between Trill and Alya adds emotional depth. As they confront dangers, challenge old assumptions, and grow closer, they will have readers rooting for them every step of the way. Trill has brown skin and brown curly hair, Alya has olive skin and black hair. VERDICT A compelling, heartfelt fantasy perfect for upper elementary and middle school collections.--Amy Ribakove
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
After Princess Alyannu ji Helnassa and goatherd Trill Tenuto cross paths, neither the girls nor their kingdom of Capeya will ever be the same. Following an attack while she was traveling with her mother, Alya discovers that she's been placed under a curse: At sunrise, she turns into a black goat, and at sundown, she returns to her human body. Alya is drugged and abducted but manages to escape from her captors. By good fortune, Trill's magic power is the ability to communicate with goats. Alya, in her goat form, hides from her assailants among Trill's herd. The girls get off to a rocky start--sheltered Alya has some high-handed ways that make Trill bristle--but ultimately, Trill agrees to help the princess. The girls must move quickly, however: Aunt-U, a friend of Trill's mother whom they seek out for help, informs them that if they don't destroy the talisman used to place the curse within a month, Alya will remain a goat forever. This fantasy story reads like a classic fairy tale and explores themes of trust in oneself and greater awareness of others. The friendship and love that blossom between Alya and Trill feel natural and endearing. The cartoonlike illustrations employ warm colors that match the tone of the story. Wheeler's worldbuilding emerges organically from interactions between the characters, sustaining a fast pace and avoiding lengthy explanations. Alya has tan skin, and Trill has medium-brown skin. Thrilling, sweet, and so much fun. (map, bonus content)(Graphic fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
