"A story jam-packed with action and spectacle, but at its heart is a story of friendship and trust. A fantastic addition to a stellar series!" —ND Stevenson, author of Nimona
"Gorgeous." —Emily Carroll, author of Through the Woods
"With perfect comic timing and a hefty dose of charm thrown in with the adventure, Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling is absolutely thrilling!" —Kate Beaton, author of Hark! A Vagrant
"One of the most beautifully illustrated books I've ever seen. Cheers to the swashbuckling adventures of Delilah and Selim!" —Kazu Kibuishi, author of the Amulet series
"Move over, Indiana Jones. . . . with gorgeous illustrations and clever writing, Cliff seamlessly blends action and comedy into a charming tale that is so much fun you'll wish you brought popcorn." —Entertainment Weekly
"The character development adds welcome depth to an already absorbing adventure. Irresistible and exhilarating." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Another whirlwind adventure that builds upon Cliff’s unifying factor—true friendship." —School Library Journal, starred review
"It's the dynamic between Delilah and Selim, a headstrong woman and pliant man who remain platonic companions, that gives the book its compelling emotional center." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Cliff’s artwork and storytelling skill make this graphic novel a fine purchase for those looking to expand their graphic novel collection beyond capes and manga." —Voya Magazine, starred review
★ 02/01/2016
Gr 6 Up—Delilah Dirk has a chip on her shoulder. Of late, she lashes out at anyone who wounds her pride or name, even when the danger is great. As in Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (First Second, 2012), her faithful friend Selim acts as the voice of reason, but stopping a resolute Delilah proves to be nearly impossible. So when a traitorous British soldier threatens her good reputation, she pursues him, bent on his downfall. England does not welcome her back, and with redcoats chasing her, she reluctantly takes refuge with her privileged family. This position gives her an advantage, but her headstrong attitude jeopardizes all: her chance at success, survival, and her bonds. Frustration and tension have a bigger presence than humor in this volume, but we get more character and relationship development because of this. Colors are key to setting the tone; when this duo arrive in England, the hues take on an overcast brown to match how stifled Delilah feels. Fortunately, heart-pounding action sequences chase such clouds away every time. VERDICT Another whirlwind adventure that builds upon Cliff's unifying factor—true friendship.—Rachel Forbes, formerly of Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada
★ 2016-01-09
Delilah and Selim head to England in this sequel to Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (2013). Delilah Dirk, an English gentlewoman, and Erdemoglu Selim, a former Turkish janissary, have now been unlikely friends and traveling companions for two years. Their escapades are derailed, however, when they encounter a corrupt British army officer while traveling across Portugal during the Peninsular War. Angered by Delilah's open lack of respect for his position, Maj. Jason Merrick decides to blame her for his own treasonous activities. She resolves (over Selim's practical protests) to pursue Maj. Merrick back to England—ostensibly to protect her reputation but clearly also to settle their increasingly personal feud. Cliff's vibrant art continues to thrill during the many daring rescues, narrow escapes, and thrilling swordfights, conveying not just the action, but also Delilah's irrepressible love of danger and derring-do. The illustrations and script also shine during the story's quieter moments of humor and heart. England tests Delilah and Selim's friendship, especially as he discovers how much she hasn't shared about her family and past, and both are fish out of water when it comes to proper behavior in elegant British society. The character development adds welcome depth to an already absorbing adventure. Irresistible and exhilarating. (Graphic adventure. 14 & up)
