So you guys know already that I am the most OBSESSED with VE Schwab of anyone ever. Her ADSOM series is one of my top ten fantasy series of all time, and really everything she writes is perfect and dark and magical and just makes me want to live in her books.
So I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was when she announced that she would be expanding her ADSOM universe with a trilogy of graphic novels, The Steel Prince being the first one with two more to follow soon.
I mean what’s not to love here? The art is stunning, the story features Prince Maxim – it’s diverse, full of daring and adventure (and plenty of magic) and there’s a PIRATE QUEEN. Yes, you heard that right. It’s like a dream come true for all of us who sobbed violently at the end of A Conjuring of Light (oh, was that just me?).
I can’t say enough brillant things about this story. Maxim was always a character I wanted to know more about, and it has been so gratifying to finally get a deeper look into his backstory and to learn more about the events that made him into the king we knew (and sometimes had a love hate relationship with).
The Pirate Queen, Arisa, was my personal favorite character, which didn’t surprise me because I love those fierce female characters Schwab writes so perfectly. But Isra was equally incredible, and really their dynamic was beautiful to behold. I don’t want to spoil anything but let’s just say Scwab continues to create these very real, flawed characters, and their interaction are so believable you basically spend the entire story expecting them to walk right off the page.
And with illustrations this gorgeous, they almost do just that. Really, I feel like the artist and the colorists outdid themselves. I felt like I was there with them the whole time, and it was a magical transportation and suspension of reality while I read.
My verdict? Even if you aren’t an avid graphic novel reader, this is one story that you will not want to miss. It is a perfect continuation of the world we all know and love, and a great addition to an ADSOM collection.
Be sure to check out the rest of the tour stops as well and let me know what you thought of The Steel Prince in the comments below!
