Yvain: The Knight of the Lion

Anderson's (Symphony for the City of the Dead) clever, nuanced recasting of Chretien de Troyes's Arthurian legend blends archaic courtliness ("May God hear you") with modern clarity ("Oh, dry up"). Young knight Yvain, banished from the castle for breaking his promise to his wife, the noble Laudine, retreats into the forest: "There was a storm in his head so violent that he did not know who he was." Emerging chastened and transformed, he seizes the chance to stand as champion for Laudine's servant Lunette, hoping to redeem himself in his lady's eyes--only to find that his opponent is his cousin Gawain. Along the way, he rescues innocents from monsters and evildoers with the help of a lion whose life he saved. Offermann's (the Thickety series) sequential artwork provides a thrilling, nonstop barrage of swordplay, gallantry, and magic; her battle scenes pulse with life, especially when the lion comes to Yvain's aid. Throughout, Anderson teases out the story's dark undercurrents, in which friends can be foes, and every emotion conceals its opposite: "I tell you, hatred and love may live cramped together, crouching in the same heart." Ages 12-up. (Mar.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 7 Up--In this story based on a 12th-century epic poem by Chretien de Troyes and set in the Arthurian universe, Yvain hears about an opportunity for adventure and a chance to avenge his colleague's defeat at the hands of another knight. Guinevere wants all of the knights to seek vengeance together, but unwilling to share the glory with the others, Yvain leaves early. He fights and kills the knight who had defeated his fellow knight. But the consequences of this action are far-reaching, as he falls in love with, marries, and then deserts the widow of his victim. Much of the tension comes from the themes of love and hate. Yvain, the maid Lunette, and the lady Laudine are all transformed because of Yvain's often thoughtless actions. Ultimately, it is up to Yvain to try to redeem himself and help undo the damage he has done. Offermann's eye-catching illustrations combine modern styles with elements of medieval manuscripts, and emotional close-ups are often used to very dramatic effect. VERDICT An intriguing selection that will be most appealing to fans of high fantasy and Arthurian stories.--Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Yvain The Knight Of The Lion," by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Andrea Offerman, is based on a 12th century epic poem by Chretien de Troyes, the original source of the King Arthur stories...The result is a sharp critique of medieval social strictures, with stunning battle scenes, monsters, and blood.
—The New York Times Book Review

Anderson's (Symphony for the City of the Dead) clever, nuanced recasting of Chrétien de Troyes's Arthurian legend blends archaic courtliness ("May God hear you") with modern clarity ("Oh, dry up")...Offermann's (the Thickety series) sequential artwork provides a thrilling, nonstop barrage of swordplay, gallantry, and magic; her battle scenes pulse with life, especially when the lion comes to Yvain's aid.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Anderson uses the format's sparseness of text to maximum effect, fashioning a thought-provoking narrative that reflects the grandiosity of Arthurian England while never relinquishing the human element at the core of this story. His perceptive rendering of gender politics within the court is one of the tale's most intriguing features. A compulsively readable and eminently enjoyable retelling that breathes new life into an old classic.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes' medieval poem beautifully ties together period art and imagery with stylish visual storytelling...Teens who might balk at reading an epic poem will likely be surprised and delighted by Anderson and Offermann's thoughtful, entertaining, and provocative presentation of this centuries-old story.
—Booklist

Offermann's eye-catching illustrations combine modern styles with elements of medieval manuscripts, and emotional close-ups are often used to very dramatic effect. An intriguing selection that will be most appealing to fans of high fantasy and -Arthurian stories.
—School Library Journal

Among older audiences, this title could spark discussion on a woman's role in society or the contrast between the friendship of Yvain and Sir Gawain with the object of his desire, Laudine. Realistic, delicately crafted illustrations compliment the story.
—School Library Connection

The writer and artist both effectively capture Laudine's indignation, resignation, and ultimate fate...Anderson's spare, matter-of-fact narration, set against Offerman's muted earth tones, detailed small panels, sweeping spreads, and swirling, turbulent motifs, further ensures that readers' hearts are as tormented as Laudine's.
—The Horn Book

M.T. Anderson's adaptation of a 12th-century epic poem by Chretien de Troyes...appears in a robust graphic-novel form that highlights the story's stark, poetic refrain: "It is truly a marvel, but I tell you, hatred and love may live cramped together, crouching in the same heart."
—Chicago Tribune

At turns elegant, startling and ironic, this turbulent adventure makes a superb introduction to medieval ideas and storytelling for readers ages 12 and older.
—The Wall Street Journal