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!

Two characters finding their way and their selves. An adventurous, heartwarming tale with great illustrations.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

As a comic creator myself, this is the type of comic that makes me want to draw. It's so beautifully done, beyond the fact that I personally find this art style super appealing. The pacing is fantastic, packing in plenty of story and worldbuilding without feeling overburdened, and giving the characters and the beautiful environments room to breathe.

The friendship between Atana, Ren, and Cosmos is very sweet, I'm excited to see how their bond develops in the book two. I'm just a sucker for character with a complicated relationship to their original home who find love and family and connection, and it seems like that might be a theme being built toward. BUT the arc felt quite satisfying despite being only "part one."

This is up there with THE WITCH BOY and THE ACCURSED VAMPIRED for my favorite fantasy kidlit comics. Can't wait to see more from Vivian Zhou!

Atana and the Firebird is a magical story unlike any graphic novels I’ve previously read.

Atana and Ren have this wonderful innocence and joy to them. Even when they face danger, there’s a lightness to them that is wonderful.

Author Vivian Zhou’s worldbuilding is spot on, and their artwork truly transports you to a different place. Most importantly, Zhou’s ability to convey the entire story through text and words cohesively is to be admired.

Atana and the Firebird is the first book in a planned duology. It’s a fast and enchanting read.

A gorgeous and engrossing fantasy, with a lot of very sweet and funny moments, as well as considerable heartache. Beautiful art, clear action, and and delightful characters. The queer subplots were the icing on the cake!

if you're looking for a graphic novel with a stunning art style, whimsical worldbuilding, and incredible character design, read ATANA AND THE FIREBIRD. i fell in love with this book after seeing the cover, and its content do not disappoint.

atana has grown up alone on an isolated island, and longs to visit the outside world. but magic hunters prowl the waters around, and she's never dared leave. that is, until a rarely seen firebird crashes into her life. ren has never been to earth, and atana decides to finally see the world with her. they quickly attract the attention of the all-seeing witch queen, but her generosity may not be as innocent as it seems.

atana and ren's friendship was so incredibly sweet to read. both of them were so excited to travel the world, and ren especially was so utterly kind to everyone around her. i was really reminded of steven universe while reading because of the innocent magic with which she looked at the world. the worldbuilding also reminded me of steven universe as well as she-ra, with magic being incorporated as a physical aspect of earth's core, and having a cycle resembling the water cycle. i loved it so much, and the amazing art style was the cherry on top. i cannot recommend this highly enough to enjoyers of fantasy and graphic novels.

Fun middle grade friendship-magical creatures-worldbuilding adventure story featuring a lonely mermaid brought out of their shell by a firebird visiting Earth for the first time; together they get into trouble with magical forces out to steal their power, and make friends with a loyal young witch with secrets of her own. Nice background queer content and sets up a second volume without leaving the reader on a cliffhanger. The illustrations are sweet and colorful and dynamic; though simply drawn, all the characters are very distinct and their actions easily readable in the worldless panels. Great for fans of Miyazaki.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, stunning artwork, fantastic worldbuilding, and wholesome protagonists...this graphic novel has it all! Can't wait to read more!

Atana, a young mermaid, wants to learn about her mysterious past, but it’s dangerous for magical creatures to travel alone. This all changes when a Firebird named Ren falls from the sky. Together they seek answers, meet new friends, and become entangled in the Witch Queen's plans.

I absolutely adored this book! I was swept away by the characters and the story. Atana, Ren, and their friend Cosmos are so much fun to read. Vivian Zhou does an excellent job balancing each of their individual arcs and the overall mystery of the Witch Queen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. The art style is also fantastic. I loved looking at each panel- especially the facial expressions. They captured so many emotions! I can't wait for book 2 to come out!

This was a beautiful and magical graphic novel featuring mermaids, firebirds, and witches. The friendships were my favorite and I really enjoyed the world building. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here!

I also loved the artwork so much and it reminded me of K. O’Neill a bit.

I definitely thought this was a standalone when I started it but it’s the first in a series and definitely does quite a bit of world building but in a really good way.

Atana is a line mermaid living on a small island when a Firebird, Ren leaves her flock to chat with Atana and begin her own journey to see all the magic Earth has to offer.

We have mermaids, firebirds, witches and magic hunters. It was so full of magic and adventure. It was a very enjoyable graphic novel and I absolutely am interested in the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an eARC.

Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlley, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this great book. This is a great book, full of adventure, friendship, interesting magic, nice characters, and beautiful artwork. I enjoyed the first part of this duology and am looking forward to to the next volume and the conclusion.

When Ren decides to check out Earth, Atana immediately befriends her. Ren, is a Firebird and must be protected from others. Atana, herself, is a Mermaid. When the two go adventuring, in order to protect herself, Atana pretends to be a witch. The Witch Queen offers them safety and a pause in their travels, but as the two stay longer in the castle, befriending a Witch Guard, they begin to find that one of them is in danger, and not is all as it seems.

A great story about three groups being divided, only to work together to save the world as they know it. Fans of Tea Dragon Society and other fantasy graphic novels will devour this and wish for more. Excellent read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, and the author Vivian Zhou for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Zhou's illustrations are to die for with impeccable details. I was blown away by the art and drawn into the worldbuilding. I wish I knew that it was the first of a duology instead I thought it was a solo book. Not that I don't want anymore, but it did end on a cliffhanger. At times the pacing can be fast and I do wish it slowed down a little bit more to explore the world. Nonetheless, an amazing graphic novel.

I was unsure of this one at first. The pacing seemed way to fast but after the first few chapters things started to even out and flow better. It also helped knowing this was just a volume 1.
I really liked the characters as well. I found the representation to be great. We say several people of different sexuality and gender and race which is always so nice to see.
I can definitely see this being really popular with its intended audience. The art style is beautiful and the story is really interesting and fast passed enough to keep kids interested. I'm very excited to see where this series goes.