Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil

by Lorian Merriman

Overview

In this action-packed, hilarious fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Nimona and The Adventure Zone, Maelstrom, the demon son of an evil tyrant improbably teams up with the Hero of Virtue to take his mother down—that is, unless, Maelstrom decides to betray the Hero first.

Maelstrom is a half-demon prince pining for a place in history. (Honestly, he’s just bored and searching for a way to pass the time.) Twigs is the young, prophesized Hero of Virtue fated to face him—or so we’ve been told . . .

But Maelstrom’s mother, regent to the throne and a powerful necromancer, is determined to keep an iron grip on her domain. Bemoaning his lost destiny, Maelstrom teams up with the Hero to stop his mother and forge a new destiny for himself. What Twigs doesn’t know is that Maelstrom has a cunning plan to build his own epic legend and double-cross Twigs at the perfect moment. . .

"Memorable characters drew me right into this gorgeous coming-of-age adventure that's as hilarious as it is heartfelt." —Carey Pietsch, bestselling artist of The Adventure Zone

"Maelstrom instantly hooked me. It's story that's at turns funny, exciting and always heartfelt, about wresting with destiny and identity and finding your own way forward." —Peter Wartman, artist of the Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250822840
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	05/28/2024
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	229,457
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Lorian Merriman is an Austin-based cartoonist and web designer, currently creating the sci-fi webcomic The Otherknown. Finding visual storytelling to be the most natural mode of self-expression, they like to explore queer themes of found family and self-acceptance in their work, particularly within the backdrop of the fantastic. When they aren't drawing, they are likely entertaining the demands of a small dog. Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil is their debut graphic novel.

Editorial Reviews

02/19/2024

When Lady Renova, a regent to the throne and a powerful necromancer, slays the foretold Hero of Virtue, the kingdom of Volcrest loses all hope of eradicating her villainous reign. Years later, Lady Renova’s half-demon son Maelstrom has grown bored of his mother’s unchallenged rule. So, when a rebel assassin named Twigs, the reborn Hero of Virtue, attempts to kidnap Maelstrom, he allows her to escape and seizes the opportunity to create a much more exciting origin story for himself: allying with his prophesied nemesis to help her take his mother down—and to double cross her at the opportune moment. But as Maelstrom’s multiple schemes and misdirections become increasingly complicated—and as he and Twigs settle into their banter-filled camaraderie—he learns that his new ally isn’t all she seems to be—and neither is Lady Renova, nor her plans for him. Via sprightly character designs and poppy full-color spreads, Merriman deftly subverts well-trod fantasy tropes to craft an engaging tale full of dry humor and simmering romance. Merriman’s zesty graphic novel debut is a thrilling fantasy adventure ideal for fans of Nimona or Dimension 20’s Fantasy High series. Characters are portrayed with varying skin tones. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (May)

Publishers Weekly

A Kirkus Best Book of 2024

"Memorable characters drew me right into this gorgeous coming-of-age adventure that's as hilarious as it is heartfelt." —Carey Pietsch, bestselling artist of The Adventure Zone

"Maelstrom instantly hooked me. It's story that's at turns funny, exciting and always heartfelt, about wresting with destiny and identity and finding your own way forward." —Peter Wartman, artist of the Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels

* "Fans of ND Stevenson’s Nimona will adore Merriman’s graphic novel debut, which is a sheer delight that mixes a wholly original and cleverly wrought fantasy with deeper issues of self-acceptance, friendship, found family, and identity." —Kirkus, starred review

"An engaging tale full of dry humor and simmering romance. A thrilling fantasy adventure ideal for fans of Nimona." —Publishers Weekly

"Full of action, laughable moments, and twisty betrayals. Fans of D&D and fantasy readers will relish the adventure, magic, and creatures." —Booklist

From the Publisher