Meridian: Flying Solo (Meridian Digest Edition)

Book by Kesel, Barbara

Gr. 7-12. In this first anthology of the fantasy graphic novel series Meridian, Sephie, only child of the Minister of Meridian, lives in an amazing fantasy world of sky-cities and flying ships. After her father's death, she becomes a sigil-bearer, infused with mysterious powers based in healing, protection, and regeneration. When her nefarious uncle launches a hostile takeover of Sephie's city and starts a war for control over the planet's diminishing resources, Sephie must determine how best to serve her people as their new minister. Familiar themes run through the collection: family betrayal, the father-daughter bond, and the demands of leadership. The story emphasizes character more than action, and the full-color artwork flows beautifully, matching the richly imagined setting perfectly. This epic marking Sephie's personal journey from innocence to awareness is an appealing coming-of-age story; young women, a group not usually counted among graphic novel enthusiasts, may be especially intrigued. The cliffhanger ending signals more volumes to come. Cathy Buskar
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