Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I wasn't really aware that this book was going to be SO long or part of a duology when I requested it. Holding it in my hands as a physical book because I was very late to review it, I don't feel like I super enjoyed myself. There's a lot of loose threads that I wish I could see immediately resolved and I just feel like I'm missing something essential. The cute, minimalist artstyle and adorable character interactions are a nice appetizer but overall I felt like something was missing. If I could have book two in my hands right now I feel like I would have enjoyed it more.

To be honest, I thought the art work wasn't going to be something I liked based on the first few pages, but the more I read the more I feel in love with it and saw why it works so well with this story. Very glad to have read it :)

This a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel and I think readers will be drawn to this magical story.

Atana, a mermaid, has avoid magic hunters for years, living on a little hidden island. Then, one day, an even rarer creature appears: a firebird, named Ren.

A mermaid might have been overlooked, but not a firebird blazing down from the sky, so Atana and Ren must go on the run. After a few adventures, Atana and Ren find safety in the palace of the Witch Queen, and add a new member to their friend group, trainee witch Suah.

In the growing tradition of middle grade fantasy, things are, of course, not as they seem. There’s a deep history and lore to this world, and it’s up to the trio to completely upend all of it, to save their world. I think a second reading of the book would reveal a lot more details in the backgrounds which connect to the grander plot of the series.

And this is a series! Things wrapped up pretty well in this book, but this is a duology, so it’ll be interesting to see where the story goes from here! Book 2 will definitely go on my to-read list, once the release date is announced. The worldbuilding is going to be immense!

Oh, also, a light bit of queer romance, perfectly airy for middle grade. A little puppy love.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

Avatar the Last Airbender meets Tea Dragons. That seems antithetical but it works surprisingly well. There is a balance between gentle adventure and real danger. And of course, the illustrations are majestic, almost delicate, and absolutely charming.

A great fantasy graphic novel. Amazing world building and exploring. With the added layers of character development and character layers an incredibly dense quick read for those that want to dig deep, a fun and colorful read for those who don't want to dig deep.

A cutesy fantasy stories for young girls. It's about three girls, a mermaid, a firebird and a witch who become friends while trying to keep a prophesy from being fulfilled. It drags on for too long at 250 pages and this is only half of it. It would be fine if more happened but it's a lot of sitting around and talking.

The art reminds me of the Peanuts comic strip. It's fine for something short but looks somewhat amateurish in longer stories.

Visuals=incredible, the story=AMAZING! overall, a 5 star read! I fell into the world of Atana and left a part of my heart there.

"Atana and the Firebird" is a stunningly beautiful graphic novel with delightful characters, plenty of intrigue, and exceptional worldbuilding. Readers will be immediately drawn in to this magical world and fall in love with Atana and Ren. As the two set off together on an innocent quest to explore the world, danger lurks seemingly around every corner. Questions of trust, loyalty, and family will keep everyone on their toes. On the final page, readers will be left begging for Zhou to complete the second volume with haste. Highly recommended, especially for fans of K. O'Neill, Reimena Yee, and Wendy Xu.

3 stars

I liked this middle grade graphic novel a lot. Atana and the Firebird would make a fantastic animated film or TV show. In this, we follow Atana, a merperson who has been isolated from her people, and a firebird named Ren. They go on adventures together to travel the Earth and discover the amazing places and stories Ren heard from her aunt.

This was a fun little graphic novel that is quickly paced and keeps the reader turning the page. It isn't my favorite graphic novel or even my favorite MG graphic novel, but I'm glad I read this and if I come across the opportunity to read the sequel, I will. It's a fun time and I think if MG and graphic novels are your thing, then this will be something you may love.

Rating: 5
Thank you HarperAlley for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.

Synopsis:
Atana lives a quiet life, secluded on an island. When a prophecy announced that she would be the end of the mermaid world, the queen banished her indefinitely, so Atana doesn’t mind…mostly. One night, when she gazes upon the night sky, firebirds streak across the stars with their vibrant colors, shining light on a lonely night. One of the birds, though, falls out of the flock. Everyone around the world - from magic hunters, to keen islanders, to the Witch Queen herself - watches as the orange fire drifts down to their world and crashes into the sea. Atana rescues the firebird first, whose name is Ren, and suddenly, Atana’s life isn’t so quiet anymore. Many on the sea want Ren themselves, either to trade for money, to protect her from harm, or for more mysterious purposes. So, when Ren decides to explore the world and asks Atana to join, the mermaid swallows her fear and journeys out to sea, both to protect her new friend but also to seek answers about the prophecy, and why she was chosen. The two will meet new friends and foes, learn important history of the firebirds and the magic of the world, and develop a strong bond between one another - for neither Atana and Ren has ever had friends, so maybe they can form something new together.

What I Liked:
Atana and the Firebird is a light-hearted and peaceful fantasy graphic novel about a mermaid and a firebird trying to find their way in the magical world. Both Atana and Ren are great protagonists, each bringing a different energy to the story and propelling the narrative with their wits, friendship, and kindness to others. Side characters are fleshed out and morally complex, with no fully “good” or “evil” antagonist, which is sometimes rare in juvenile fiction. The world building revolves around the three beings: Firebird, mermaid, and witches, with humans scattered throughout, and the magic system is simple yet effective for this type of story. This is an atmospheric graphic novel, with light/pastel colors, minimal line art, flat colors/shading, and gentle art style that relaxes the readers in the quiet yet magical fantasy world. It also helps that the plot is serious, if you break it down, but the tone of the novel is not, so readers can zone out and escape to the beautiful landscape and setting of the story, journeying with Atana and Ren across the sea and to the many islands. Definitely pick up this book for a serene graphic novel experience, and if you like light and enjoyable children’s fantasy.

What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!

Personal Bias: I love this type of atmospheric graphic novel for kids because the gentle, serene nature of the world, characters, and plot help me relax and escape from it all.

Who Would I Recommend this to: Kids who like graphic novels such as The Tea Dragon Society and The Moth Keeper, Pilu of the Woods, Seance Tea Party, Tidesong, and Lightfall.

Review Date: December 30, 2023

I know this graphic novel doesn't debut until November, but y'all NEED to go request it on Netgalley asap!! (Or just save this post so you don't forget to add it to your tbr 😅). It's so so good!

ATANA AND THE FIREBIRD (which is the first book in what will be a middle grade duology), has:

- a magic earth with firebirds, merfolk, and witches
- the sweetest magical friend group
- missing memories & prophecies 👀
- libraries!
- research for "the greater good" 🤔
- oral storytelling
- casual queer side rep
- a chinese-canadian author / illustrator

Honestly, I read this gem in one sitting and will be singing its praises when it finally comes out! Good rec for kids who enjoyed The Girl From the Sea and/or Tidesong, except this one has more epic adventure vibes.

Looking forward to book 2 for sure ✨.

The art work in this graphic novel is so beautiful and engaging. The story line is great too-Atana is a mermaid living alone on an island when a Firebird comes to earth. Firebirds haven't been to earth in hundreds of years so the magical hunters are out in force. Atana bring Ren to her island, but Ren is anxious to get out an explore so Atana goes with her. On their magical journey, they are not only finding out about why Firebirds haven't come to earth in so long, even though they help keep the magical energy flow in balance, but why Atana has been banished to live alone on an island. I think this one won't be on the shelves for very long!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review!

The concept is intriguing, and when I saw that it was only book 1, I was relieved. This was enough to get me interested and feel like I had a decent understanding of Atana's world. For quite a while, I had this feeling that there was so much I didn't understand-- like I didn't have all of the information needed to totally get it, but by the end, I got just enough to be on board. When I reached the end, I only wanted more, so I'll be looking out for book 2, whenever that makes its arrival!

This is a wonderful graphic novel with a very unique plot and characters! I love the world Zhou has created and the use of magic. Everything flows so smoothly and i'm anxiously awaiting the 2nd book!

Atana, Ren and Cosmos are a wonderful trio and their friendship is really sweet. I love the depth of their individual dreams and what theyre aiming to get from the world/life. Additionally the side characters like the Queen and Cosmos' sister + others leave so much open for more story growth that I would love to read. Overall it was a quick read with beautiful art and a great story. Will definitely recommend and wait for more!

Atana and the Firebird is a cute graphic novel perfect for fantasy and mythology fans. The illustrations are simple, but work well with the story. Recommended for middle grade collections.

Thank you to the author for such a stunning book, and to the publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is such a beautiful story, with breathtaking art. I was captivated immediately. The storyline is intriguing and leaves you with questions and wonder, while keeping the narrative cohesive and flowing naturally. The art is such an intricate part of that as well, with foreshadowing and so details that make every scene and frame front and center.

Will buy both this and the second one upon its release!

‘Atana and the Firebird’ with story and art by Vivian Zhou is a graphic novel for younger readers about 3 friends from different backgrounds.

Atana is a mermaid. She meets firebird Ren and they find themselves on the run from magic hunters who want to capture them both. They find themselves on an island guarded by a mysterious Witch Queen. A young witch befriends them and they may be able to find the answers they seek, but there may be further danger in the mysterious Witch Queen.

I enjoyed this story and I loved the art. The worldbuilding is pretty solid and i think this is a good recommendation for middle school readers.

Atana and the Firebird is a cute middle-grade graphic novel with charming, distinctive art and intriguing character design. This story was so fun, with a high fantasy character set and unique world-building. I really enjoyed the character designs and felt that even minor characters were thoughtfully created. The pacing in the beginning was slow but picked up substantially midway through the novel. I generally enjoyed the plotline and felt it was appropriate for middle grade. Vivan Zhou is clearly a talented illustrator. I also appreciated her short comics from the website on her author page. I didn't realize at the time of requesting that this is a duology, but I am looking forward to the second volume! (spoilers ahead) I also desperately want a prequel about the Witch Queen and Ilo - the one panel of them together on 232 was too cute!