★ 12/12/2016
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”). 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.)
"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
01/01/2017
Gr 7 Up—In this story based on a 12th-century epic poem by Chrétien 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
★ 2017-01-17
The violence and romance of Arthurian legend practically pop off of the pages of Anderson (Symphony for the City of the Dead, 2015, etc.) and Offermann's (Well of Witches, 2016, etc.) striking graphic-novel adaptation of Chretien de Troyes' epic poem.After hearing tales of a magical spring in a far-off kingdom, Yvain—a young knight of the Round Table—leaves Camelot to defeat the spring's guardian and thereby claim glory. After killing the kingdom's lord in combat, Yvain later falls in love with his widow, the beautiful Lady Laudine, whom he marries. Yvain's subsequent, selfish decision to abandon his new wife and adult responsibilities for the glory of questing drives this story of hubris and redemption. The author and illustrator weave the richness of human complexity into their interpretation of the medieval poem, crafting three-dimensional knights and ladies who feel heartbreakingly real. Offermann's illustrations are glorious medieval tapestries come to life, and her finely etched pencil lines highlight the white characters' angular features and draw attention to their eyes, which are mirrors for their turbulent emotions. 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. (author's, illustrator's notes) (Graphic fantasy. 12 & up)
