Danger and Other Unknown Risks
by Ryan North and Erica Henderson; illus. by Erica Henderson
Middle School, High School    Penguin Workshop    208 pp.
4/23    9780593224823    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780593224847    $16.99
e-book ed.  9780593386408    $10.99

The premise of this page-turning graphic novel is that on the eve of the twenty-first century, the world plummeted into an electronic meltdown, causing plane crashes, hospital blackouts, and depleted food and supply chains. Years later, with the world now a dystopia consumed by decaying technology, magic surfaces in the hands of a few who power spells by sheer emotion, with good or sinister intentions. The story hits the ground running with Marguerite de Pruitt, the “Chosen One,” and her talking dog sidekick, Daisy, in pursuit of rare magical totems. Armed with a single unlocking spell, she maneuvers through a fragmented world divided into magical realms to retrieve three enchanted items for her uncle Bernard, who plans to use them to cast the ultimate spell and save the world from apocalyptic destruction. Along the way, she and Daisy encounter strangers, allies, and enemies while navigating friendship, love, duty, and betrayal. The rapidly paced plot unfolds as Marguerite embarks on a quest punctuated by periodic flashbacks, with some narrative sequences unfolding through wordless panels. Occasional scenes in striking limited palettes create a cinematic spectacle for readers in the mood for a mix of science fiction and fantasy wrapped in mystery.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.