WOTN Review: The Tower in the Sea

Critters and Seers Galore in The Tower in the Sea

The Tower in the Sea is the latest graphic novel showcasing the stunning world of Ismyre. Here is a world where seers and ordinary magic are commonplace – yet for many, it is still an illegal subject to teach or learn. Not that this has ever stopped anybody.

There is a school on Ismyre designed specifically to teach the illegal art of visions to the youth of the generation. They may teach in hopes of passing the arts on. Or they may be hoping to see and thus prevent something much worse. Only time will tell.

The Tower in the Sea is written and illustrated by B. Mure, an impressive feat. It’s also why the artwork and the story match up so seamlessly. If you’re looking for a unique read full of energy and vibrancy, this is one to peek at.

While The Tower in the Sea is not the first graphic novel in this world or series, it is easy enough to pick up at this point. So please don’t let it cause you any hesitation. This is a series worth checking out.

Writing

The Tower in the Sea is an intriguing tale. I’ll confess that I had not read earlier parts of the world yet had no trouble following along. In fact, I was immediately captivated by the world presented to me.

A world full of seers and visions sounds fascinating. More so, a world where this very magic is made illegal. It’s impossible not to be curious about a world such as this, and thus, I found myself eager to see more.

There was so much to love about this graphic novel. Everything from the world-building to the characters involved, to the gentle and gradual way the plot was revealed. Everything was infused with a strong sense of mystery and foreshadowing. The end result is something that feels almost tangible. It is a story that readers can really sink their teeth into.

Art

The artwork for The Tower in the Sea is just as striking as the storytelling. The art style is reminiscent of watercolors, with gentle blending and rich colors. Other times, the colors seem almost timid, with these delightful pastel colors dominating the pages.

The characters were drawn in an endearing way – something that will surely please adults and children alike. There’s something nostalgic and childlike in the character designs, which is deceptive in all the best ways. For you know there is so much more behind their fluffy exteriors.

Even the backgrounds were remarkable, lending credence to the art style used. Each scene was moody, but none more so than the images with the sea in the backdrop. Honestly, one can only hope that prints will eventually be made of some of these panels because they are worth it.

Conclusion

The Tower in the Sea is a dynamic and beautiful read. It blends absorbing storytelling with brilliant artwork, making readers eager to see more.

I have no doubt that it continues the previous stories nicely, though I enjoyed it immensely as my first exposure to the world. Both old and new fans are sure to enjoy this installation in the world.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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