An action-packed DnD adventure that actually has a lot going on, and, when looking back at the volume, has filled its pages quite some. Yet, while reading, feels like drinking your morning tea/coffee on the veranda and checking the newspaper. It is quite slow-paced. I personally don’t mind this at all, there are far too few slow life fantasy stories out there. And even though there is action and a few battle scenes, it’s not the main focus. Love some exploration first.

However, even though it is so slow-paced, which would serve as a perfect opportunity to fill the reader in on the different world, it stays very mysterious throughout the whole volume. Instead of giving some info, more and more plots and worlds and characters and the mysteries around them are thrown in.
On one hand, it shows us how our protagonist must feel like – he’s never been outside his little town after all. On the other hand, he does know at least a little about the world, such as whether there are humans or whether it’s a KFP-like world. Whether it even plays on earth. There’s interstellar travel and aliens after all.

I’m totally interested in continuing, also because Fantasy x Sci-Fi with a medieval setting and non-human characters is a neat combo. But I can see how too much mystery can throw some readers off. And as much as i like to play detective and uncover riddles myself, it wouldn’t have hurt to answer a few questions.

If not for the plot, a lot may want to read this for the art. It has a sketchy line style, but is very detailed. Perfectly fitting the DnD fantasy genre.

The protagonist is very cute and nice. Not your typical lead, even though he’s not a child. And by that I mostly mean he’s neither lusting after every body nor overpowered with a harem-to-come. Instead, he’s a bookish nerd who always wanted to go on an adventure but because he’s been kept closed off the world, he’s a bit naive. Similar to Disney’s Rapunzel, he’s also very helpful, prefers honesty and even though he attracts trouble by a mile, he’s quick at making friends. Which also comes from his good-hearted nature.
Definitely someone I’d like to follow.

~

Thank you to Mad Cave Studios on Netgalley for an eARC. The book is set to be released on May 6, 2025.

-Ayxan Solongo, 06.05.25

Sunder Vol. 1: Small Beginnings introduces an intriguing premise set in a sprawling, magical universe. The story follows Zeek, a young monk who stumbles upon a mysterious book in his library, setting off a chain of events that propels him on a quest to find its rightful owner. Unbeknownst to him, an evil figure has been hunting the manuscript for years, and once he learns of its reappearance, dark forces begin to move, threatening to unravel everything Zeek knows.

Pierre-Alexandre Comtois builds an interesting world with deep lore, blending adventure, mystery, and the promise of self-discovery. Zeek is an engaging protagonist, his innocence and curiosity providing a solid foundation for the story. The first volume does a good job of setting up the central conflict, teasing the reader with hints of Zeek’s true identity and the greater forces at play.

Visually, the art style is clean and well-executed, with detailed backgrounds that immerse you in the world of Sunder. The character designs are distinctive, and there’s a strong sense of atmosphere throughout, particularly during the darker, more suspenseful moments. However, the action sequences, while competent, occasionally lack the dynamism needed to make them stand out.

While the world-building and premise are compelling, the pacing of the story can feel uneven. The plot takes a bit of time to get going, and some sections of the story drag as Zeek’s journey unfolds at a slower pace than expected. Additionally, some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, which can make the emotional stakes feel less impactful.

Overall, Sunder Vol. 1 sets up an interesting fantasy adventure with potential, but it doesn’t quite hit all the marks in terms of pacing or character depth. It’s a solid start to a series, but it leaves enough room for improvement in future volumes. Fans of classic fantasy adventures will likely find it an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, read.

The art is so much fun in this? Seek is a young monk who finds a mysterious and magical book, and must go on a quest to find its owner. Unfortunately he has been very sheltered and has no clue the dangers that await him or the length some dark characters will go to to take the book from him. He does meet some delightful creatures on the way so at least he isn’t alone, but the peril grows as the story progresses. Lots of excitement and enjoyable animal characters are introduced. I can’t wait for the next volume.

This is a vibrant and engaging entry into the fantasy graphic novel genre. The story follows Zeek, a young goat monk whose discovery of a mysterious magical book propels him into an epic quest.

The artwork is a standout feature, with colorful and expressive illustrations that bring the story to life. The animated style and rich color palette perfectly complement the narrative's moods.

Character development is another strength of this volume. Zeek's evolution from a humble librarian to an adventurer is compelling, and his interactions with companions add depth and humor to the story. The dynamics among the characters are well-crafted, making readers invested in their journeys.

The narrative pacing is well-balanced, maintaining engagement through a mix of action, mystery, and character-driven scenes. The plot's unfolding keeps readers intrigued, and the world-building is intricate yet accessible, appealing to fans of epic fantasy and tabletop role-playing games.

The volume concludes with the sense that the adventure is just beginning, so I am extremely excited to see where this story takes us!

Mad Cave Studios provided an early galley for review.

What attracted me to this title was the cover; it has a very mid-80's independent vibe to it that made me very nostalgic.

This coming of age tale, with its cast of colorful characters, strikes the right balance of adventure and charm. The artwork is in a rich, animated style (no surprise given Comtois' resume) with colors that perfectly compliment the moods of every scene.

As this first volume ends, the story has just begun. I look forward to reading more of Sunder.

It has been hard to find time to just sit down and read these days, especially with everything going on. BUT this book felt like a welcomed escape and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

An amazing start to what promises to be an epic adventura. I love everything about this book.
It has great characters, great art and I enjoy the pace and tone. Perfect for young readers that enjoy fantasy. Can't wait for the rest!

‘Sunder, Vol 1’ is an exciting entry into the world of fantasy, offering a gripping plot, compelling characters, and an immersive setting that will appeal to fans of both epic fantasy and tabletop role-playing games. Comtois weaves a rich narrative that feels both grand in scope and deeply personal, making it a must-read for those who enjoy intricate world-building and dynamic storytelling.

Plot: ★★★★★
The story’s plot is a major highlight, filled with adventure, mystery, and high-stakes conflict. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged with thrilling moments and deeper character-driven scenes. Whether you're drawn to epic battles, intrigue, or the magic-infused unknown, ‘Sunder, Vol 1’ delivers on all fronts.

Character: ★★★★☆
Comtois introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and personalities. While some stand out more than others, the overall character development is strong, and readers will find themselves invested in their journeys. The interplay between these characters adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a quest-driven adventure.

Setting: ★★★★★
The world is richly detailed, with a lore that feels expansive yet accessible. The environments are vivid, from sprawling cities to untamed wilds, making the setting feel alive. The attention to detail in the world-building enhances the overall immersion, drawing readers deeper into the story.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The book features charming illustrations that add to its appeal. They are incredibly detailed, effectively capturing the essence of the characters and settings, and making the world feel even more immersive. The artwork complements the story without overshadowing it, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
While the book is engaging throughout, there are moments where the complexity of the world and its mechanics may require closer attention. However, for those who love fantasy with deep lore, this only adds to the appeal. The story keeps a solid momentum, and once you're hooked, it’s hard to put down.

Readability: ★★★★★
Comtois’ writing is clear and well-structured, making the book easy to follow without sacrificing depth. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, Sunder, Vol 1 remains highly accessible while still offering rich storytelling.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Overall, ‘Sunder, Vol 1’ is a fantastic read that brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the fantasy genre. Fans of classic fantasy sagas and TTRPG-inspired stories will find much to love here. While some elements could have been explored further, the book succeeds in creating an engaging and memorable experience.

‘Sunder, Vol 1’ is a stellar start to what promises to be an epic series. With its strong plot, immersive world, and well-crafted characters, it stands out as a must-read for fantasy lovers. Pierre-Alexandre Comtois has crafted a tale that feels both fresh and nostalgic, making it an excellent addition to any fantasy reader’s collection.

Killer, killer, book. A really fun read. You’ve set up this massive feeling narrative that is calling my name! A huge amount of depth and possibility crammed into a single volume, well done. Great narrative, awesome character design and development, superb artwork, I am very eager to read more from the world of Sunder.

Thank you for the opportunity, this is a great book.

“Greatness from small beginnings.”
Little goat librarian, Zeek, always seems to be where he shouldn’t. Zeek yearns for the types of adventures that he reads in his books, but his father keeps him close. Yet Zeek always finds himself in situations where he helps others at the cost of his own peril. As Zeek saunters around the library of the monastery a book flies out at him. This is quite the conundrum because, “since when do books just fly off the…” shelf? He is finally given a chance by his Dad to find this weird book’s owner. Zeek finally has a chance to meet new companions, go new places, try new things, and have his own adventure.
From start to finish, the background, the characters, the artwork, the dialogue, absolutely everything was intriguing. I cannot wait for the next volume! This is worth the read!

#ThxNetGalley #Pierre-AlexanderComtois

Do you love stories filled with adventure, prophecies, and characters who grow up in isolation only to step into the world and realize they might have taken on more than they can handle? If so, this book is for you!

It’s fascinating to see where this story goes, how the adventure unfolds, and how our main character navigates the challenges thrown their way. I’m excited to see how they grow and adapt to this new world they’ve been thrust into!