Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--The Lionhart family lives in a Wild West town with dirt roads, a saloon, and quaint clapboard houses where they work as magical neighborhood handymen, scaring harpies out of barn rafters and billing clients for past-due jobs. Alder and Flynt's parents sometimes go questing while the grandparents and kids keep things running at home. But when the parents don't return from a foray into the woods, an intergenerational search ensues, and the children, eager for adventure, get more than they bargained for. Grandpa's old girlfriend, an actual witch, gets involved, and as the crew draws closer to finding the monster holding their parents hostage, revelations about their magical connections dramatically crack open. A few things make this genre-blending tale particularly impressive. The further the family heads into the woods, the darker and more mysterious the story becomes, shifting more into a classic high fantasy. Furthermore, the interplay of family bonds feels lived, and while each Lionhart's action is based on personal motivations, it is clear they care deeply for one another. Illustrations in a natural palette spotlight emotional interactions while reveling in the forest's peculiar populations--mushroom people, ogres, goblins, and finally, a classically fearsome dragon. The Lionharts are presented as a multiracial family, with the brown-skinned mother and daughter holding impressive matriarchal power. The classic narrative structure and intensive character building will please fantasy fans and genre newcomers alike. VERDICT Intriguing and dramatic, this is a fantastic introduction to middle grade fantasy from the author of Star Scouts.--Emilia Packard
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Review by Horn Book Review
Alder Lionhart's dragon-slaying hero-for-hire parents go missing after accepting a suspicious solicitation in this graphic-novel series starter. Fed up with their protective grandparents' inaction, Alder and his hotheaded little brother, Flynt, sneak off to find their mother and father. When Flynt's disguise (as a cloaked and gray-bearded bar patron) is seen through, an all-out brawl ensues, necessitating the intervention of the brothers' axe-wielding grandmother and spell-casting grandfather. Convinced that a rescue mission is needed, the intergenerational crew of Lionharts sets off on an epic quest -- encountering past friends and foes, unearthing family secrets, and displaying several surprising hidden abilities. Lawrence's family drama (Dungeons & Dragons meets tween angst) never drags, instead constantly catapulting readers to the next revelation, flashback, or duel in service of the greater narrative. The colorful, clear-lined cartooning features thoroughly competent and creative figure design, intricate action scenes (often through use of a polyptych), and fully integrated onomatopoeic sound effects ("PZOOMP"). High-stakes adventure is offset by moments of genuine humor, from an enemy being turned into a giant platypus to the brothers' weaponization of puppy-dog eyes to manipulate their grandparents. An ominous final scene suggests that the Lionharts' victory over evil is only temporary, yet surely this loving family of (spoiler alert) fire-breathing, sword-swinging heroes will be up for the challenge. Patrick GallJanuary/February 2026 p.74 (c) Copyright 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
In this series opener, an adventuring family goes on a perilous journey that leads to multiple revelations. In the town of Smudge, the Lionharts run a for-hire family questing business. Mom's parents, sword-wielding Grammy and wizard Baba, are retired, so Mom and Dad do the heavy lifting. Determined, sensitive Alder desperately wants to join them, but Mom insists he work the counter, do paperwork, and keep an eye on his sneaky little brother, Flynt. An odd, fancily dressed woman hires the Lionharts to retrieve her treasure, but when Mom and Dad don't return after a few days, Alder and Flynt set off to find them. Grammy and Baba thankfully follow soon after, as the boys underestimated the potential dangers. The quartet journeys on, encountering a kind troll, mushroom-shaped bogmen, dueling ogres, Baba's elf ex-girlfriend, and a fearsome, trouble-making dragon from Grammy's past. In this story, family comes first and readers witness healthy relationships and many encouraging moments of good (grand)parenting. The art is formatted in traditional comic panels that change dynamically to fit the story beats and temporal shifts. The vibrant color palette enhances the line art, which has a fantastic sense of movement. The family is multiracial: Grammy has brown skin and Afro-textured hair, and Baba and Dad present white. Readers will finish the book excited for more action that only stops for sweet moments of family bonding. Engagingly told and beautifully illustrated; sure to appeal to fans of tabletop role-playing games. (map)(Graphic fantasy. 8-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
