Talli, Daughter of the Moon Vol. 1

by Sourya, Franïois Vigneault (Translator)

Overview

A 2024 YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens

Talli, Daughter of The Moon is an incredibly epic adventure from French-Laotian cartoonist Sourya that evokes the best of manga and bandes dessinées in one sweeping narrative.

Talli is a Summoner: a nearly extinct people, hunted by those who fear their mysterious powers. As a baby, she was adopted by Lord Borin, and all was well for many years... But one day, their castle is sacked by Borin's rival, Lord Ulric. Talli escapes in the chaos and darkness with the help of the noble (some might say too noble) knight Sir Alan.

With Ulric's forces hot on her heels, Talli and Alan keep one step ahead, gathering a motley crew of companions and protectors that includes the lethargic-but-incredible swordsman Lélo. Ulric's ruthless Captain Nina pursues them doggedly, but she is unaware of the secret of Talli's blood: the secret of the Summoners!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781637150825
Publisher:	Oni Press
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Pages:	168
Sales rank:	631,599
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Sourya grew up in Laos, and moved to France at the age of 15. He’s always been passionate about drawing, and was heavily influenced by mangas in his teenage years. He studied animation at LISAA in Paris and EMCA in Angoulême, where he crafted his drawing skills and storytelling sense.

François Vigneault is a freelance illustrator, designer, and cartoonist (not necessarily in that order). His work includes Titan (Oni Press), Orcs In Space (Oni Press), 13e Avenue (Éditions de la Pastèque), and his comics and illustrations have appeared in publications such as Planches, Papercutter, Kayak, and Study Group Magazine. His work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Joe Shuster Award, Prix des Libraires, and the Prix des Collèges. Born in the United States to immigrant parents, he has lived and worked in Montréal, Québec, since 2015.

Editorial Reviews

10/24/2022

In this well-paced, medieval European–feeling fantasy graphic novel debut by Sourya, Lady Talli, the adopted daughter of Lord Borin, is on the run after their castle is seized by rival Lord Ulric. Accompanied by her earnest, noble-to-a-fault knight Sir Alan and pursued by Lord Ulric’s guard captain sharpshooter Nina, the duo make their way toward Dame Sybbl, where Talli assumes she’ll be safe. Antiques merchant Pavel and his sleepy grandson Lélo, a surprisingly formidable fighter, offer them safe passage to Dame Sybbl, but a dangerous encounter with a group of heretics unveils Talli’s previously unknown heritage as a Summoner, a descendant of a powerful goddess. As a Summoner, Talli has the power to conjure fearsome chimeras with her blood. With Talli’s next period on the horizon, the group’s quest for refuge is imbued with an added sense of urgency; if they don’t reach Dame Sybbl, the inevitable chimera summoning will make them an easy target for their pursuers. A classic manga influence is clear in Sourya’s b&w art, which renders detail-rich backgrounds populated by expressive characters portrayed with myriad skin tones. Dynamic action and humorous dialogue personify this exhilarating series opener. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"This medieval fantasy comic has all the elements necessary for a great adventure story."

Book Riot

★ 08/19/2022

A white-haired maiden flees her father's castle as knights of the realm hunt for heretical followers of the Moon Goddess. Accompanied by a loyal knight, a gregarious bandit, and a deadly but lethargic swordsman, Talli must stay ahead of her pursuers while trying to understand her magical birthright: the ability to summon monsters. French Laotian cartoonist Sourya (whose illustrations can be seen in Midnight Tales, Vol. 1 and Spera: Ascension of the Starless, Vol. 1) has a style that evokes the best of classic manga like Lupin III or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. His highly detailed line work evokes sumptuous settings that fans of Elder Scrolls—like role-playing games can sink into. VERDICT Laced with humor and hard-hitting action, the story unfolds fast from the very first page. Teens and up will clamor for more of this epic fantasy.

Library Journal

2022-08-17
Talli flees persecution for her powers in this work translated from French.

When Lord Ulric attacks her castle home, Talli’s adoptive father, Lord Borin, stays behind to defend it while she escapes with the knight Sir Alan. With sharpshooter Capt. Nina in pursuit, the duo flee. Pavel, a merchant, and his grandson, Lélo, offer Talli and Alan transport to Dame Sybbyl, where Talli will be safe. On the road Talli meets worshippers of the moon goddess Meness—they must follow their forbidden religion in secret as they are branded heretics. Talli learns more about her own origins as a Summoner, or descendant of Meness, who had four baby girls. Since the first chimera war, nobles have attempted to eradicate Summoners; Talli is the very last survivor. When a Summoner’s blood is shed, a magical creature known as a chimera appears, and this knowledge keeps the group on a strict deadline: They must reach refuge with Dame Sybbyl before Talli’s next period comes. Meanwhile, Lord Ulric interrogates Lord Borin, concerned that Talli’s inherited powers could lead to another chimera war. The setting evokes medieval Europe, and the story is populated by racially diverse characters; Talli reads White. This action-oriented graphic novel features classic fantasy motifs, engaging characters, and expressive, dynamic, manga-style art. The framing of menstruation as something once naturally accommodated may feel empowering to some readers.

A plot-driven fantasy adventure that keeps pages turning. (author/illustrator notes) (Graphic fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews