Barb, the last Berzerker

Gr 3--7--In the land of Bailiwick, humans and monsters have been engaged in an endless war, and only a group of super strong warriors known as Berzerkers can help keep the monsters at bay. Barb, the weakest of her group, wants to join the fight, but their leader, Thunder, worries about keeping her safe. When a mysterious visitor offers to help the Berzerkers find a legendary weapon that will help them win the war, it's an offer they can't refuse. But that creature wants the Shadow Blade for itself, and soon all the Berzerkers except Barb have been captured. Barb escapes with the Shadow Blade, and her epic journey begins as she seeks help and tries to rescue her friends. Along the way she fights monsters and befriends a giant yeti named Porkchop. This is a tale of adventure, love, and friendship. Barb's memories of her mother, her bond with Thunder, and her friendship with Porkchop all strengthen her in different ways, and readers empathize with her. The humor also makes this a standout. The art style is cute, cartoony, and scribbly, perfect for this madcap adventure. Barb and Thunder are white, though their world is a diverse one, with numerous other characters of color. VERDICT For kids who enjoy funny adventures, weirdly adorable monsters, and characters who discover their own strengths.--Andrea Lipinski, New York P.L., New York City

She-Ra meets How To Train Your Dragon in this vivacious series starter. In the world of Bailiwick, bands of Berzerkers protect the people and land from roaming monsters. Barb is a small, light-skinned Berzerker with a mess of curly black hair, a fierce, can-do attitude, and an aesthetic that lightly nods to Wonder Woman. When her band of Zerks is tricked and captured by an evil demon named Witch Head, only Barb is able to escape, stealing the Shadow Blade, Witch Head's magical sword, in the process. Teaming up with Porkchop, a friendly blue yeti, it's up to Barb to harness the power of the Shadow Blade and journey to recruit the Northern Zerks to help defeat Witch Head. The art is bright, energetic, and stylistically akin to that of Jeffrey Brown. Thick lines, varied paneling, and a consistently large font further the book's wide appeal. Human background characters have a diverse range of skin colors. Readers will delight in the occasional gross-out jokes, strange creatures (vampire goat fiends, mergoblins, the Grub of Death), heartwarming camaraderie, and the over-the-top villain. Amidst the silly chaos are quieter moments that touch on Barb's familial trauma, the cost of the war between Berzerkers and monsters, and what it means to be a good friend. Earnest, unstoppable Barb is easy to root for, and the next volume will be eagerly anticipated. Nothing will stop readers from devouring this book. (map) (Graphic adventure. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.