The Orphan King

by Tyler Chin-Tanner

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Sep 07 2021 | Archive Date Aug 31 2021

Diamond Book Distributors | A Wave Blue World

Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Teens & YA

Talking about this book? Use #TheOrphanKing #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

After training in secret with his mother's sister, the magical Lady Taleissa, Prince Kaidan returns home to find his kingdom destroyed and his parents, King Gorlan and Queen Olwen, gone. With the monarchy overthrown, Kaidan is set adrift in a lawless land where his birthright is no longer recognized. To make matters worse, there's a price on his head set by the warlord who wants to ensure that the royal line has no chance to return. Kaidan seeks refuge with a merry band of outlaws hiding in the forest, who were neither loyal to the monarchy nor to the current leadership. Kaidan joins them until they betray him, selling him out to a local merchant and giving the money to the poor. Now a captive, Kaidan prepares to be exchanged for the reward money until his outlaw friends reveal their plan to rescue him. Kaidan then discovers that the King was indeed killed but his mother is most likely alive, though imprisoned by the warlord. Kaidan's rescuers offer him a new home among them. He's tempted, but with his mother still missing, he realizes that his aunt, the Lady Taleissa, must be searching for her. Kaidan resolves to find them both and set things right even if being King is no longer a reality.

After training in secret with his mother's sister, the magical Lady Taleissa, Prince Kaidan returns home to find his kingdom destroyed and his parents, King Gorlan and Queen Olwen, gone. With the...

A Note From the Publisher

YA coming-of-age adventure that's a twist on the classic King Arthur story.

Examination of power, privilege & toxic masculinity.

Strong female role models: his teacher, Lady Taleissa (who combines Merlin & The Lady of the Lake); his mother, Queen Olwen; and rival student, Raefen.

YA coming-of-age adventure that's a twist on the classic King Arthur story.

Examination of power, privilege & toxic masculinity.

Strong female role models: his teacher, Lady Taleissa (who...

Advance Praise

KIRKUS -- A young prince returns home to find his kingdom destroyed. in this graphic offering, the first in a proposed series, readers meet Prince Kaidan, who left his homeland, Aesolan, to train at the Isle of Woman. When he arrives back home, he discovers Aesolan destroyed and its people gone. All Kaidan has left is Taliburn, a special sword bequeathed to him by his father. Meanwhile, Aesolan and the surrounding lands have fallen under the control of the sovereign Scathelocke, who wants to capture the young prince. Confronted and pursued by dangerous men and beasts, Kaidan soon meets up with three people who seem kind-Anne, Sir Robert, and Sturdy Jon-but who have ulterior motives. As the story alternates between flashbacks and the present, Chin-Tanner builds this medieval-flavored tale that mixes together monsters and men, ample battle scenes, and nods to Arthurian legend and Robin Hood. Falling somewhere between original and familiar, this will be a comfort read for fans of such tropes. Boyle's full-color illustrations are highly stylized and tidily arranged, with cinematic flourishes emphasizing action and close-ups. Each chapter ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger, keeping pages flying as Kaidan overcomes each new obstacle. The majority of characters present White; Sturdy Jon has locs and brown skin. An intriguing, adventure-filled series opener. (character designs) (Graphic fiction. 12-16)