Demon in the Woods -- New Graphic Novel from the Shadow and Bone Series

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you discovered the Shadow and Bone Series? There are a series of books as well as a television series on Netflix. We discovered this amazing series when they released the television series. We got to review the first book in the series. After reading the first book, Hazel could not wait to get her hands on the next book and really all the books in the three series of Grishaverse. At the time they were hard to come by because of the television series. The second season was released recently. Today I get to share the newest book with you. It is a graphic novel and it gives a bit of the background story of the Darkling. It is Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo and illustrated by Dani Pendergast. 

From the Publisher:

Discover the origin story of the Darkling in this beautifully illustrated, first-ever Grishaverse graphic novel.

Before he became the Darkling, Eryk was just a lonely boy burdened by an extraordinary power. The dangerous truth is that Eryk is not just a Grisha—he is the deadliest and rarest of his kind.

With stunning illustrations and raw emotion, peer into the shadows of the Darkling’s past and discover why he has always been feared by those who wish to destroy him and hunted into hiding his true abilities.

But even in this villain origin story, wicked secrets are destined to reveal themselves . . .

From Me:

We were so excited to see the origin story and yet another book (and perhaps series?) from Leigh Bardugo. Although graphic novels are not my favorite genre, I do find them easy and quick to read. This one was no exception. The tone of the book keeps with the Shadow and Bone series. You can here the personality of the Darkling's mother from the original series. This book gives just a glimpse of the background of life for the Darkling before the Fold is created. It was a different world then and the Grisha were not welcome. They hid and had many troubles with the common folk. Think witch trials and witch hunters. 

The beginning of the story is a bit mysterious and could be confusing to those that haven't read one of the original books or watched the show. However, it is a lonely life for Eryk. He has a new name as does his mother. They travel around to different places trying to fit in but also hide their identities and talents. This story lends to how the boy becomes the Darkling. It does not disappoint. I hope there will be more glimpses into his life before the Fold and perhaps making the Fold. 

It may be just one village and one part of the story but it is an important one. The first time he uses the cut completely. The first time he finds a friend. There is so much in this short graphic novel that as I think back to the series I see the importance. I hope you will check this graphic novel out as well as the series of books and television show. We love all of them!