s.penkevich's Reviews > The Pale Queen

Mystery, magic and mayhem lurk in the hills just beyond Agatha’s quaint little village but when she dreams for something greater the wishes might just be granted in ways she never expected. The Pale Queen from author and illustrator Ethan M. Aldridge is a delightful young YA graphic novel of fae foolery and budding sapphic romance brought to life in stunning watercolor artwork that captures both the beauty and the beastly. Heartwarming with plenty of darkness lurking about this tale of following your heart in pursuit of your dreams instead of letting others do it for you, this was such a cute read that manages to balance being a rather quick read with plenty going on without feeling too rushed. So if you are like Agatha and I and also can’t resist seeing what the fae are up to, The Pale Queen is a perfectly fun read for you!

Agatha wants more that this provincial life of tutoring and avoiding the constant, aggressive flirtation demands of Claude which makes this sound like the start of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, but the beast central to this tale is far more interested in domineering than showing Agatha an amazing personal library. Alas. Luckily we have Heather visiting from University who’s constant literary quotations, insistence of upending the male canon with her feminist critiques, and generally pleasant ways make her the dream of escape Agatha has been looking for (LIFE ADVICE NOTE: when caught between potential romantic entanglements, the one who will give you a personal library tends to be the correct choice according to these stories). But Agatha cannot afford to go to the Academy and the lady of the hills is alluring with her promise of magic…

This is such a cute story as we watch Agatha caught up in the balancing of favors between her and the mysterious hill woman, all enacted under a vagueness that arrives with growing dread. It’s a fun tale with plenty of magic folk, bad deal making and danger that is sure to charm, plus some great themes on how aggression and jealousy are often toxic and to be avoided. Also watch out for trolls.

Short, sweetly sapphic and altogether satisfying, The Pale Queen is an utter delight of a graphic novel and fantasy tale. Plus the artwork is so lovely. Also a big thank you to hope for recommending it and putting it directly into my hands saying it was a must read. Indeed, a winner for sure.

4.5/5