Breath of the giant

Two magically gifted sisters embark on a treacherous journey to bring a loved one back from the dead in this somber-feeling debut graphic novel by French creator Aureille. Following their mother's death, Iris and her younger sister Sophia begin traveling to the Lost Territories of the North. Their destination is the home of the giants, whose breath, legend says, has the power to bring the dead back to life; the siblings plan to wield this power for the chance to see their mother again. Armed with a fragment of a magical Life Stone and a map inherited from their father, the girls face sinister marauders, labyrinthine forests, and soul-sucking creatures disguised as good Samaritans, all while being pursued by a mysterious stranger who also seeks the giants' power. A steadily building, anticipatory atmosphere paired with grandiose landscapes rendered in muted earthen hues and jewel-toned accents make for a fluidly paced, melancholic adventure. Through quiet fireside chats, emotionally charged battle sequences, and flashbacks of their tumultuous childhood, Aureille showcases the sisters' by turns tender and tense relationship, empathetically elevating this high-stakes tale of loss, healing, and grief. Ages 12--up. (Jan.)