Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel: Grishaverse
Graphic novel prequel packs a bloody but compelling punch.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Leigh Bardugo's Demon in the Wood, illustrated by Dani Pendergast, is a graphic novel prequel to the best-selling Shadow and Bone trilogy and hit Netflix series. Based on Bardugo's short story of the same name, this graphic novel is the Darkling's origin story, told from his point of view as Eryk, an isolated 13-year-old boy on the run because of his rare and deadly power. Eryk and his mother, Lena, seek refuge in a camp of fellow Grisha, but it turns out not to be the safe haven they were seeking. Though hope, friendship, loyalty, and being true to yourself are present, this is not a hero story, it's a dark tale of desperate decisions and violent death. Eryk kills two people in self-defense in bloody, but not overly graphic, scenes, and the killing of an entire village is referenced. There's minor implied attraction between main characters of the opposite sex and one use of "ass."
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What's the Story?
Lena and Eryk are shadow summoners, the most powerful and dangerous of the Grisha. They must move often to stay safe, and seek winter refuge in a Grisha camp in southern Fjerda. Eryk quickly makes a friend and his hope that he could have a normal life grows. An emergency reveals a secret about him that could lead to his destruction, and he must decide between survival and loyalty. The tragic outcomes of Eryk's decision set up the motivations and stories to come in the Shadow and Bone trilogy.
Is It Any Good?
As a foundational story of the Grishaverse, this moody, evocative graphic novel will enchant fans of the series, or anyone who digs a villain origin story. Demon in the Wood is the Darkling's story before he came to lead the Ravkan army, before the Fold, before Alina and all the adventures in Shadow and Bone. Eryk is young and sympathetic, a lonely teen who's too old to be afraid of the dark but not old enough to hide his excitement about the prospect of staying in one place for a few months. Readers will ache with empathy for his desire for friendship and recoil with horror, and reluctant understanding, when he's betrayed. Pendergast's immersive illustrations are muted and play with different shades of similar colors, which adds a foreboding feeling. Readers might crave a bit more sadness or confusion from young Eryk about the grave consequences of his lie, but it's in keeping with his calculating character in the trilogy. This book is a great look back for fans and a compelling intro for those new to the Grishaverse.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about villain origin stories as portrayed in Demon in the Wood. Is Eryk evil? Why or why not? What makes his story more complicated than "good" vs. "bad"?
A friend's betrayal is a turning point in the plot. What did you make of it and the aftermath?
How does violence feel in a graphic novel as compared to a traditional novel or short story? Does it impact you in the same way, or is it different? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Leigh Bardugo
- Illustrator: Dani Pendergast
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Book Characters, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: September 27, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 208
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 23, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Shadow and Bone: The Grisha Trilogy, Book 1
Thrilling, exotic fantasy romance gets pretty violent.
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Shadow and Bone
Magic, monsters, strong women in fresh but violent fantasy.
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The Gilded Wolves, Book 1
Clever 1889 Paris-set story has diversity, magic, puzzles.
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