Beyond the Western Deep

Gr 4 Up—This novel, from game designer Kain and animator Bennett, is about an ancient hatred between races, impending war, fear of failing a family legacy, and renegades with single-minded purpose—all told with warrior mammals. The book opens with a quote from Sean Rubin, one of the illustrators of the graphic novel adaptation of the "Redwall" series (Philomel). In it, he explains why stories starring animals are necessary. In the Four Kingdoms, a tenuous treaty has brought peace to the seven races. This first volume in a series shows an archivist cat digging into some (beautifully done) old scrolls that set the historical context. It also depicts the emotional turmoil of a squirrel named Quinlan, an uncomfortable leader who is sent on a quest to bring peace, while rebels fight a duel to the death and expose their cruel but noble plans. This title is very much in the "Redwall" tradition, and its graphic novel format is fun, with dynamically cinematic action and dialogue. The violence is cartoonish and brief—action, more than bloodshed, is emphasized. Originally a webcomic with lively discussion posts by devotees, this translation to the page will satisfy fans. Readers of Jeff Smith's "Bone" (Scholastic) and Bryan J.L. Glass's "The Mouse Templar" (Image Comics) may also be interested. VERDICT Young readers who haven't yet discovered other iterations of the story will enjoy it—and any animal-based fantasy lover will gobble it up.—Lisa Nowlain, Darien Library, CT