Guardians of Horsa: Legend of the Yearling by Roan Black, illustrated by Roberta Papalia (Glass House Graphics)

Little Simon has been producing a lot of graphic novel adaptations or companions to long-running and popular beginning chapter book series recently, including Heroes of Olympus, Super Turbo, Wrenly, and others. With Guardians of Horsa, they branch out into an original property which I think will be quite popular although it's nothing particularly new.

The story begins with a herd of horses on a volcano playing in and around the lava. Their manes and tails are fiery, and their coloring shades of red and brown. Gamma Ray, the bravest and most daring, overextends himself and lands in the water, where he encounters a water horse, with dark blue skin and fin-like mane and tail. We learn that Ray is a prince of the Fire Realm and then jump to the water horse, who turns out to be Stillwater, the daughter of an important general. The two learn they are part of a prophecy and then the action moves yet again to the land, where a goofy colt named Terra, with pinkish skin and green, foliage-like mane and tail, is bewildered to learn he is also part of the mysterious prophecy. The three learn that they are supposed to find a mysterious and magical yearling. They meet the fourth member of their team, a wind horse warrior named Gale, and the four set out on their quest. Constantly arguing, fighting and squabbling, the three patrician horses are far too proud, suspicious, and prejudiced against their neighbors to make any progress. However, Terra, the "commoner" and least-considered of the four, inadvertently leads them into both danger and magic and after a battle during which three of the four discover new powers, they manage to come to an agreement and this time work together as they continue on their quest. But there are new dangers ahead, including... the naysayers!

The art is slick and digital, the horses blocky and muscular, rather than the fantasy-style flying horses or unicorns of most stories. Bright flashes of light, chunky rock creatures, and stereotypical royalty abounds, with the four obviously poised to learn lessons about humility, getting along, and valuing the different abilities and knowledge of their neighbors.

Like many of their properties, such as Captain Awesome, Critter Club, Rider Woofson, this is written by a pseudonym which could be an individual author or a team. While a specific artist is listed, they are part of the Glass House Graphic conglomerate which generally does the art for this imprint's graphics and covers. The discussion as to whether this devalues individual artists' work is a different matter, but I'm looking at it only from a librarian's viewpoint and someone looking for what will encourage young kids to enjoy reading and build fluency. As a whole, it's about what you'd expect with rather clunky language and art. However, it's got an engaging theme and tropes persist for a reason, especially in beginning series fiction.

Verdict: This is sure to be popular with fans of Dragon Masters and Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly and young readers who are ready to gobble up a fantasy adventure with magical horses will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

ISBN: 9781665931571; Published January 2023 by Little Simon; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library