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Foiled #2
Curses! Foiled Again
Defender of the Seelie Courts, Aliera Carstairs, is back!
This time her cousin and best friend, Caroline joins her in both the human and the faerie realms--where the stakes are higher than ever.
And then there's the Unseelie-defector-troll Avery tagging along, Baba Yaga herself, and much, much more that is rarely what it seems.
This time her cousin and best friend, Caroline joins her in both the human and the faerie realms--where the stakes are higher than ever.
And then there's the Unseelie-defector-troll Avery tagging along, Baba Yaga herself, and much, much more that is rarely what it seems.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2013
10 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
942 books3,197 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
September 18, 2018
I enjoy this series. Sadly, Jane said in a fan question that First Second did not want to do another book, so Jane is not going to finish this series. The first book was better, but I enjoy this sword or weapon welding girl. I like how this ties into the other world of fairies. Baba Yaga shows up and her tea cup, which is funny. I knew that was Baba Yaga before they said it too.
Aliera gets deeper into the world of seelie. She has to rescue her frenimy Avery. All our favorite players are back in this book. There is somewhat of an ending to this book. This story is wrapped up, but obviously, it could have gone on. Sad we don't get to see this.
I think this is a fun and entertaining book. It has fairies, so of course I enjoy it. I do want to know more about this world.
Aliera gets deeper into the world of seelie. She has to rescue her frenimy Avery. All our favorite players are back in this book. There is somewhat of an ending to this book. This story is wrapped up, but obviously, it could have gone on. Sad we don't get to see this.
I think this is a fun and entertaining book. It has fairies, so of course I enjoy it. I do want to know more about this world.
first-second-publications
April 4, 2013One of the best things about this book is that Baba Yaga is in it. She's long been one of my favorite fantastical beings -- who doesn't love someone with a house that runs around on chicken legs, and who flys in a mortar and pestle (which is one of the least convenient methods of flying, let me tell you)?
I love how she's an ambiguous character. Typically, when you meet her, she's involved with imprisoning someone and keeping them as her slave, or eating them, but these things are usually met with, 'you should have known better than to go alone into the woods, dear -- didn't we explicitly tell you it was dangerous?' rather than 'shock horror -- she is the evilest!'
All that said, this book is mostly about Ali fighting evil (sword in hand!) and about trolls (always aggravating) and not so much about Baba Yaga at all, though she is on the cover!
I love how she's an ambiguous character. Typically, when you meet her, she's involved with imprisoning someone and keeping them as her slave, or eating them, but these things are usually met with, 'you should have known better than to go alone into the woods, dear -- didn't we explicitly tell you it was dangerous?' rather than 'shock horror -- she is the evilest!'
All that said, this book is mostly about Ali fighting evil (sword in hand!) and about trolls (always aggravating) and not so much about Baba Yaga at all, though she is on the cover!
December 31, 2021
I normally do not read graphic novels. To complete a challenge for Fiction Fanatics A-Z with a twist I had to read a book with a velvet cover. It is the last day of the year. I went to library and the first book I could read quickly with a velvet cover fortunately was this one. It was fantastic. It held my attention.
I did like the story line of Aliera Carstairs being the defender of the world and not truly knowing what that meant. Plus, she has a troll that goes by the name Gonk, alias Avery, by her side. Her cousin is kidnapped by a mean troll. It is up to Aliera to save her, and she does with her weapon or fencing sword. She learns how to turn invisible which helps in the quest. The battel was ferocious between the trolls and fairies. With the help of everyone's grandmother, an older wise fairy, the day was saved. A pleasant read.
Quote:
We Fairy folk can see you of course. You are one of us now. The rest, Defender, is up to you.
I also knew I had to end it soon. He was much too good for me to wear him down.
Their minds cannot comprehend this.
I did like the story line of Aliera Carstairs being the defender of the world and not truly knowing what that meant. Plus, she has a troll that goes by the name Gonk, alias Avery, by her side. Her cousin is kidnapped by a mean troll. It is up to Aliera to save her, and she does with her weapon or fencing sword. She learns how to turn invisible which helps in the quest. The battel was ferocious between the trolls and fairies. With the help of everyone's grandmother, an older wise fairy, the day was saved. A pleasant read.
Quote:
We Fairy folk can see you of course. You are one of us now. The rest, Defender, is up to you.
I also knew I had to end it soon. He was much too good for me to wear him down.
Their minds cannot comprehend this.
Read
February 11, 2013Our fencing heroine is now a "Defender" of a Seelie Court. Not that she has much idea what's going on.
Still neither bad nor brilliant, but a little more engaging than the first volume, though I wish Aliera would start listening and stop objecting to things for the sake of objecting.
Definitely an unusual love interest.
Still neither bad nor brilliant, but a little more engaging than the first volume, though I wish Aliera would start listening and stop objecting to things for the sake of objecting.
Definitely an unusual love interest.
December 3, 2019
**Spoilers for Foiled #1**
Surprisingly, I liked the 2nd book of the series more than the first. It must have been that the first was just the exposition where this one you are really getting into the meat of the story. And there is definitely meat in this book. We delve deeper into Aliera's job as the defender of Fairy Land as well as her love/hate relationship with Avery the troll. The first brings the adventure to the story and the latter brings the humor. Foiled is a great mixture of both which keeps you completely entertained throughout. The only down fall is that there are pages where there is so much going on it is hard to narrow it down, but these few pages do not degrade the quality of the graphic novel.
What I particularly loved about this Curses! is that we got to really get into the mythology of the fairy land. Yolen has taken a mix of fairy creatures (ala Shrek) and thrown them into her story making her own fairy tale with a human as the hero.
Jane Yolen is amazing. I have read picture books, graphic novels and novels by her and they are all so well crafted and unique. I would love to just step inside of her brain just for a minute to see all of the ideas she has stored up there.
Mentor text for: Vocabulary, Allusions, Simile, Humor, Colorization, Puns
Snatch of text: "Baba Yaga, the great Russian witch. Iron teeth and an iron nose. Ate bad boys and helped feisty girls, sort of adopted them... Did she happen to mention that Baba Yaga lives in a house that walks on chicken feet? Or that she rides around in a mortar and pestle?" (p. 33)
Surprisingly, I liked the 2nd book of the series more than the first. It must have been that the first was just the exposition where this one you are really getting into the meat of the story. And there is definitely meat in this book. We delve deeper into Aliera's job as the defender of Fairy Land as well as her love/hate relationship with Avery the troll. The first brings the adventure to the story and the latter brings the humor. Foiled is a great mixture of both which keeps you completely entertained throughout. The only down fall is that there are pages where there is so much going on it is hard to narrow it down, but these few pages do not degrade the quality of the graphic novel.
What I particularly loved about this Curses! is that we got to really get into the mythology of the fairy land. Yolen has taken a mix of fairy creatures (ala Shrek) and thrown them into her story making her own fairy tale with a human as the hero.
Jane Yolen is amazing. I have read picture books, graphic novels and novels by her and they are all so well crafted and unique. I would love to just step inside of her brain just for a minute to see all of the ideas she has stored up there.
Mentor text for: Vocabulary, Allusions, Simile, Humor, Colorization, Puns
Snatch of text: "Baba Yaga, the great Russian witch. Iron teeth and an iron nose. Ate bad boys and helped feisty girls, sort of adopted them... Did she happen to mention that Baba Yaga lives in a house that walks on chicken feet? Or that she rides around in a mortar and pestle?" (p. 33)
August 20, 2014
I love the cover of this graphic novel. The pose reminds me of Star Wars, but instead of the Jedi/Warrior/hero being a man it's Aliera, an awesome and strong willed girl, whose ace with a fencing foil (or weapon as she insists it be called). Ali has some trouble trusting her new found henchman, Avery, a troll, but he plays her princess leia, doing his best to aid her in the fight against the Dark Lord. Who is not Darth Vader, but the references to Star Wars, along with other geeky bits of pop culture, continue through the story.
I enjoyed the story, though the back and forth between Ali and Avery got a bit repetitive at some points, she didn't trust him, he tried to warn her, fighting ensued. Several times. Overall, however the story was fun and easy to follow, and the art work fit perfectly. I loved the splashes of vibrant color against the drab background of everyday life.
A great story for those who like fantasy and i especially recommend it as it's so empowering for girls to see a story where the heroine doesn't need someone else to step in and save her butt. She seeks help from her friends, but in the end she can take the fighting herself!
I enjoyed the story, though the back and forth between Ali and Avery got a bit repetitive at some points, she didn't trust him, he tried to warn her, fighting ensued. Several times. Overall, however the story was fun and easy to follow, and the art work fit perfectly. I loved the splashes of vibrant color against the drab background of everyday life.
A great story for those who like fantasy and i especially recommend it as it's so empowering for girls to see a story where the heroine doesn't need someone else to step in and save her butt. She seeks help from her friends, but in the end she can take the fighting herself!
March 4, 2013
Not as strong as the first in this series, but still wonderful overall. Mostly I was bothered by the fact that the main character REFUSED to just LISTEN TO THE OGRE DUDE. SRSLY. That would have solved like half of her problems.
August 13, 2014
Sorry, but Aliera, the protagonist, was a little whiny for me--not quite as bad as Bella, but I still wanted to smack her. It might have been better, I admit, if I had read the first one, but I don't think I will now, despite how much I enjoy Jane Yolen's writing. This just didn't do much for me.
June 14, 2017
Baba Yaga taking the bus *AND* Princess Bride references- worthy sequel!
March 17, 2021
All she did was bitch the whole time. It doesn't make for good storytelling when the protagonist is too pigheaded to listen to the one person offering help even though she's desperately confused.
June 24, 2015
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
Aliera and Avery are back at it in this sequel to Foiled! Together they must fight against trolls to save the kingdom of faeries, whether they like it or not. When the trolls strike out against them in the real world however, things take on a turn for the worse. Aliera must finally face her destiny and save her family before it's too late.
In this book Aliera and Avery continue their battle against the trolls, they even wind up in Trollheim where the trolls live. I found the action interesting overall, though I felt there was a lot of filler to keep things moving even when it really didn't need to be there. I really enjoyed the story this time, I felt like it was a lot more interesting than the way things had been in the first book with the long drawn-out lead up to the fantasy elements, whereas this jumped straight into it.
Aliera and Avery's relationship continued to be a huge highlight of this book for me. Now that Avery's secret has been revealed he comes across a lot less creepy, and it creates an interesting dynamic between the two now that he is bound to her. I also loved that Aliera's cousin was more involved in this book as well because she is one of the more interesting characters in the books as well.
One of my favourite things in this is that Aliera is this super strong female character and she leads the action and totally kicks ass at the same time. I think Avery isn't a weak character in comparison but he definitely needs Aliera's strength in a lot of situations.
The art in this book is, as always, a huge favourite for me. I love the continued grayscale to colour dichotomy in the books which creates a really unique contrast between the real and fantasy worlds that the characters split their time between.
I loved this book and I really hope there are more in the future, though I'm not sure their need to be.
Aliera and Avery are back at it in this sequel to Foiled! Together they must fight against trolls to save the kingdom of faeries, whether they like it or not. When the trolls strike out against them in the real world however, things take on a turn for the worse. Aliera must finally face her destiny and save her family before it's too late.
In this book Aliera and Avery continue their battle against the trolls, they even wind up in Trollheim where the trolls live. I found the action interesting overall, though I felt there was a lot of filler to keep things moving even when it really didn't need to be there. I really enjoyed the story this time, I felt like it was a lot more interesting than the way things had been in the first book with the long drawn-out lead up to the fantasy elements, whereas this jumped straight into it.
Aliera and Avery's relationship continued to be a huge highlight of this book for me. Now that Avery's secret has been revealed he comes across a lot less creepy, and it creates an interesting dynamic between the two now that he is bound to her. I also loved that Aliera's cousin was more involved in this book as well because she is one of the more interesting characters in the books as well.
One of my favourite things in this is that Aliera is this super strong female character and she leads the action and totally kicks ass at the same time. I think Avery isn't a weak character in comparison but he definitely needs Aliera's strength in a lot of situations.
The art in this book is, as always, a huge favourite for me. I love the continued grayscale to colour dichotomy in the books which creates a really unique contrast between the real and fantasy worlds that the characters split their time between.
I loved this book and I really hope there are more in the future, though I'm not sure their need to be.
July 31, 2015
Aliera and Avery return in this sequel to Foiled! in another quick-moving graphic novel. Aliera is a teenager who wound up becoming the human Defender of fairyland due to her mother picking up what appeared to be a rather tacky fencing foil with what looks like a plastic light-up jewel as a pommel. But looks are deceiving and the foil turns out to be the weapon of the last Defender of Faerie - whomsoever holds the foil has a lot of power. And Avery, one of the cutest boys in school, turns out to be a troll, sent to steal the foil from her.
So Aliera is trying to avoid Avery, despite him having pledged himself to her - he refers to Aliera as his 'liege lord' and swears he won't do anything to harm her. A chance meeting with Baba Yaga startles Aliera, as does telling a story to her beloved cousin, Caroline, who suggests Aliera go back to the beginning and start from there. Which sends Aliera to the subway - where some trolls, disguised as policeman, grab Aliera and take her underground. Avery joins her, explaining the Dark Lord wants Aliera's foil in a nefarious plan of his own.
Their escape releases them back to our world and another predicament - Caroline has gone missing and her mom's in a coma at the hospital. There has to be a way to rescue Caroline but Aliera's returning to the beginning shows a betrayal a long time coming.
Still a charming storyline with a pair of fun teenagers (okay, so one is a troll). I'm hoping there are more stories out there.
So Aliera is trying to avoid Avery, despite him having pledged himself to her - he refers to Aliera as his 'liege lord' and swears he won't do anything to harm her. A chance meeting with Baba Yaga startles Aliera, as does telling a story to her beloved cousin, Caroline, who suggests Aliera go back to the beginning and start from there. Which sends Aliera to the subway - where some trolls, disguised as policeman, grab Aliera and take her underground. Avery joins her, explaining the Dark Lord wants Aliera's foil in a nefarious plan of his own.
Their escape releases them back to our world and another predicament - Caroline has gone missing and her mom's in a coma at the hospital. There has to be a way to rescue Caroline but Aliera's returning to the beginning shows a betrayal a long time coming.
Still a charming storyline with a pair of fun teenagers (okay, so one is a troll). I'm hoping there are more stories out there.
December 30, 2014
In the first volume, Curses! Foiled, Aliera caught a glimpse of another world, and a life more dangerous, and purposeful, than the estranged one she lives in. Her classmate and many others turned out to be magical creatures, many of whom seek to cause trouble. Now, it is up to her to use her fencing skills to foil their plans again. Reluctantly, she takes up her magical sword, one that only the Defender of Faerie can use.
On top of the troubles caused by her duties, Aliera continues to struggle with the normal teen ones. Unfortunately, to the world, she has become even stranger, and she desperately wishes this was otherwise. Trust becomes a particularly difficult issue, as some friends turn out to be foes, and some foes are actually friends. If she is to have any hope, she will need to overcome this, especially in regards to Avery. A wry sense of humour, along with the sarcastic dialogue between these two keeps the tone lively. At the moment they may clash, but clearly they compliment one another. Each character's face "says it all", and is a vital contributor to this tone.
The style's defining signature continues to be in the lack of colour. The colourblind Aliera can only see it when magic gets involved, so the same applies to us.
Curses! Foiled Again expands on the already brilliant first volume. Teen girls will find Aliera a girl they can relate to. She is no hero, but she has the fortitude to see things through.
On top of the troubles caused by her duties, Aliera continues to struggle with the normal teen ones. Unfortunately, to the world, she has become even stranger, and she desperately wishes this was otherwise. Trust becomes a particularly difficult issue, as some friends turn out to be foes, and some foes are actually friends. If she is to have any hope, she will need to overcome this, especially in regards to Avery. A wry sense of humour, along with the sarcastic dialogue between these two keeps the tone lively. At the moment they may clash, but clearly they compliment one another. Each character's face "says it all", and is a vital contributor to this tone.
The style's defining signature continues to be in the lack of colour. The colourblind Aliera can only see it when magic gets involved, so the same applies to us.
Curses! Foiled Again expands on the already brilliant first volume. Teen girls will find Aliera a girl they can relate to. She is no hero, but she has the fortitude to see things through.
January 27, 2013
Aliera, a high school outsider and fencer, has unwillingly assumed the title of Defender of the Faerie world after she received the bejeweled Defender's foil mostly by chance. Now she can see fairies and trolls, and has a troll disguised as a boy bound to her because she saved his life. He's her lab partner at school, and they do nothing but bicker as he tries to convince her that she is in danger, and she refuses to listen because she really doesn't want to be the Defender. Things are taken out of her hands, though, when she's first kidnapped by trolls, then they kidnap her handicapped cousin. Now Aliera has no choice but to take up her foil and become the Defender for real.
I really enjoyed the first of this series, and this one was entertaining as well, though I thought it did have some low points. I got very tired of Aliera's sulkiness and typical teenage rudeness through most of the book, and her refusal to listen to Avery's warnings. She's not a particularly pleasant girl, however manga-beautifully she's drawn. There was also a long sequence in the middle in which Aliera searched fruitlessly for her missing cousin, that got tedious because nothing really was happening. Overall, though, a fun read, beautifully drawn.
I really enjoyed the first of this series, and this one was entertaining as well, though I thought it did have some low points. I got very tired of Aliera's sulkiness and typical teenage rudeness through most of the book, and her refusal to listen to Avery's warnings. She's not a particularly pleasant girl, however manga-beautifully she's drawn. There was also a long sequence in the middle in which Aliera searched fruitlessly for her missing cousin, that got tedious because nothing really was happening. Overall, though, a fun read, beautifully drawn.
Read
September 12, 2013I did not read the first book in the series. The beginning of the book gives you a very brief synopsis of the first book, but I was still a little confused and probably would have been better off reading the first book prior to reading this one.
The art is well done. I liked how the art was done in shades of gray when Aliera is in the “real” world and colorful when she is in the faerie world. To be honest the artwork kept me interested far more than the storyline.
Aliera was just a normal girl who liked to fence. Then her mom bought her a new sword at a garage sale and it turned her into the defender of faerie. In this book, she is thrown into all sorts of trouble. Kidnapping attempts, plots to steal her sword, a meeting with Baba Yaba are just a few. Fast paced and good art, but it failed to hold my interest. I will have to see how my middle schoolers react to it to make a final judgment call.
Suitability: Grades 6-9
Recommendation: Second choice
Illustrations: Graphic novel, Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
Genre: Graphic Novel
Would you purchase this book? As a second choice Why? There are far better graphic novels out there.
Dewey Classification: GN FIC YOL
Price: $15.99
The art is well done. I liked how the art was done in shades of gray when Aliera is in the “real” world and colorful when she is in the faerie world. To be honest the artwork kept me interested far more than the storyline.
Aliera was just a normal girl who liked to fence. Then her mom bought her a new sword at a garage sale and it turned her into the defender of faerie. In this book, she is thrown into all sorts of trouble. Kidnapping attempts, plots to steal her sword, a meeting with Baba Yaba are just a few. Fast paced and good art, but it failed to hold my interest. I will have to see how my middle schoolers react to it to make a final judgment call.
Suitability: Grades 6-9
Recommendation: Second choice
Illustrations: Graphic novel, Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
Genre: Graphic Novel
Would you purchase this book? As a second choice Why? There are far better graphic novels out there.
Dewey Classification: GN FIC YOL
Price: $15.99
September 25, 2013
Book 2, sequel to Foiled. Strong female protagonist. The first few pages give a brief synopsis to the previous book but I wish I'd read the other one first as this second book would have made more sense right away. Basically, Aliera, a very good fencer and high school student, has become the owner of a magic fencing epee which makes her magical and the Defender of the Fairie World. The bad guys are trolls who can masquerade as human if they're in the dark (such as in a subway tunnel). Avery, a fellow student, is really part troll and wants to "live in the light." He's pledged to follow and defend Aliera, the Defender, but she doesn't trust him and wants no part of him. They bicker a lot and sometimes that gets tiresome. Nonetheless, in the end they join forces to defeat the trolls.
Great pictures which very much advance the story although it took me a while to figure out the color code--black and white for when Aliera is visible; yellows for she's invisible to normal people but visible to trolls and fairies; and, when she's visible to magical creatures, various colors for trolls, fairies, and other magic creatures.
Probably about 6th grade and up, girls and boys.
Great pictures which very much advance the story although it took me a while to figure out the color code--black and white for when Aliera is visible; yellows for she's invisible to normal people but visible to trolls and fairies; and, when she's visible to magical creatures, various colors for trolls, fairies, and other magic creatures.
Probably about 6th grade and up, girls and boys.
January 15, 2015
I'm sad to say that this book was abit of a dissapointment in comparison to the first book, Foiled. I think the problem is that the story spent too much time in the faerie realm and not enough on Aliera's life outside of her new role as Defender.
I still really like Aliera's voice. The constant tension between belief and disbelief in the new world opened to her in the last book feels natural for a teen if somewhat grating to my older self. That said, I just don't care as much about the politics of Fearie or bloodlines or rules of magical materials as I care about Aliera the fencer, the gamer, the student, the girl. Therefore it is rather annoying to see more and more aspects of her life and even history be subsumed into the fearie narrative. Part of my enjoyment of the first volume was seeing Aliera's balancing of different aspects of her life and how the addition of a beautiful boy - and through him the whole of faerie - threatened to disrupt that balance.
This feels much more like a standard urban-fantasy than the more insightful, hard-to-categorize, first book. More's the shame.
I still really like Aliera's voice. The constant tension between belief and disbelief in the new world opened to her in the last book feels natural for a teen if somewhat grating to my older self. That said, I just don't care as much about the politics of Fearie or bloodlines or rules of magical materials as I care about Aliera the fencer, the gamer, the student, the girl. Therefore it is rather annoying to see more and more aspects of her life and even history be subsumed into the fearie narrative. Part of my enjoyment of the first volume was seeing Aliera's balancing of different aspects of her life and how the addition of a beautiful boy - and through him the whole of faerie - threatened to disrupt that balance.
This feels much more like a standard urban-fantasy than the more insightful, hard-to-categorize, first book. More's the shame.
October 17, 2012
*Copy provided by Net Galley*
*Spoilers for Foiled*
I really love Jane Yolen. Her graphic novels have as much magic and fun as her novels. They have good characters that are often well drawn and a great story. Aliera is a strong young woman who is making the best of being thrown into a world she never knew existed. Over all I really enjoyed the book but I was a little frustrated with Aliera and the way she treated Avery. I wanted to shake her and say are you really that dumb or are you treating him like garbage because you're hurt? She thought Avery was interested in her and finding out that he was a troll was upsetting. I get that but should she really be ignoring everything he says when he clearly knows more about this world than she does? Use your brain child. I'm sure this annoyance comes from being an adult reading the book. I'm pretty sure most teens would be right with her.
Verdict: Book 2 is already on order. Safe enough to have in an upper elementary/middle school. Some of the monsters are a little crude and gross so be aware of readership. Foiled is fairly popular in my library so I can see the sequel being popular as well.
*Spoilers for Foiled*
I really love Jane Yolen. Her graphic novels have as much magic and fun as her novels. They have good characters that are often well drawn and a great story. Aliera is a strong young woman who is making the best of being thrown into a world she never knew existed. Over all I really enjoyed the book but I was a little frustrated with Aliera and the way she treated Avery. I wanted to shake her and say are you really that dumb or are you treating him like garbage because you're hurt? She thought Avery was interested in her and finding out that he was a troll was upsetting. I get that but should she really be ignoring everything he says when he clearly knows more about this world than she does? Use your brain child. I'm sure this annoyance comes from being an adult reading the book. I'm pretty sure most teens would be right with her.
Verdict: Book 2 is already on order. Safe enough to have in an upper elementary/middle school. Some of the monsters are a little crude and gross so be aware of readership. Foiled is fairly popular in my library so I can see the sequel being popular as well.
December 21, 2012
Aliera Carstairs is a high school girl, a good student, a great fencer, and oh, The Defender! That's right! She's The Defender of Faerie thanks to the new "practice foil" that her mother purchased for $2 at a rummage sale! Now that she understands WHO she is, she needs to understand WHAT her purpose is. The Seelie Court is under attack and only Aliera and Caroline, her best friend and cousin, are the key to saving them all. Dive into Aliera's world again in book 2 of the Foiled series by Jane Yolen!
My thoughts: This was just as fun as the 1st book! I loved diving right in where we left off at the end of book 1! The illustrations are still just as great as they were last time, but the colors are what really make it for me. The colors are a greenish/grayish and white scheme, BUT when the Fey world shows up they are in COLOR! Bright beautiful colors!
Last thoughts: If you haven't tried this series, or if you haven't tried a graphic novel ever, or recently, this series is a MUST! Plus, it's an easy morning or afternoon read! What could be better than that!? So go grab Foiled and then Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen. You won't regret it!
My thoughts: This was just as fun as the 1st book! I loved diving right in where we left off at the end of book 1! The illustrations are still just as great as they were last time, but the colors are what really make it for me. The colors are a greenish/grayish and white scheme, BUT when the Fey world shows up they are in COLOR! Bright beautiful colors!
Last thoughts: If you haven't tried this series, or if you haven't tried a graphic novel ever, or recently, this series is a MUST! Plus, it's an easy morning or afternoon read! What could be better than that!? So go grab Foiled and then Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen. You won't regret it!
June 6, 2014
While the design is still great, I don't have much to say about this one that I didn't say for the first one (Foiled). Being a sequel, I expected more answers. But they only left more. Plus, the plot in this one took a "twist" that seemed very tired and cliché. Did I see it coming? I suppose not, but I still groaned when I found out about it. I don't know. So much potential darn it!
Art notes: Mike Cavallaro didn't illustrate this one? That's bizarre. Who did this? Just Jane Yolen? The style is remarkably similar. I think. Hm. I'm going to have to look back on the styles to compare, but I didn't notice illustration changes. I might, if I have the energy to bother. In which case, more later possibly.
Edit 6/6/14
He did! The cover clearly says it was illustrated by Mike Cavallaro. Why is this tidbit missing from the book author by line unlike the first one? I need to fix this...
Ah. Well it only shows Jane Yolen's name as I am writing this review... but the description otherwise says Cavallaro is the illustrator. Never mind. All's well.
Art notes: Mike Cavallaro didn't illustrate this one? That's bizarre. Who did this? Just Jane Yolen? The style is remarkably similar. I think. Hm. I'm going to have to look back on the styles to compare, but I didn't notice illustration changes. I might, if I have the energy to bother. In which case, more later possibly.
Edit 6/6/14
He did! The cover clearly says it was illustrated by Mike Cavallaro. Why is this tidbit missing from the book author by line unlike the first one? I need to fix this...
Ah. Well it only shows Jane Yolen's name as I am writing this review... but the description otherwise says Cavallaro is the illustrator. Never mind. All's well.
December 14, 2015
Aliera has a magic weapon. She's been named the Defender. But what does that mean? Aliera's trying to figure this whole thing out, and while she's busy doing that someone goes and kidnaps her cousin Caroline and puts her Aunt in the hospital. Aliera quickly has a focus. She's got to rescue her cousin. (And survive the annoyances of Avery, part-time human/part-time troll, who says she's his liege lord and keeps pestering her asking for instructions.)
I liked this follow-up to Foiled better than the first. Yolen gives Aliera a great voice and captures the full confusion of of a typical teen figuring out what being a heroine means. That said, there isn't a whole lot of clear plot here until Caroline is kidnapped. Aliera spends a fair bit of time wandering around trying to figure things out. Still, it's a fairly fun book and more adventures are promised in the future.
Notes on content: 1 or 2 minor swear words. No sexual content or decency issues. One creature is stabbed clean through, but it is not gory and thanks to magic, not deadly. Other minor burs and bruises sustained, but nothing gory.
I liked this follow-up to Foiled better than the first. Yolen gives Aliera a great voice and captures the full confusion of of a typical teen figuring out what being a heroine means. That said, there isn't a whole lot of clear plot here until Caroline is kidnapped. Aliera spends a fair bit of time wandering around trying to figure things out. Still, it's a fairly fun book and more adventures are promised in the future.
Notes on content: 1 or 2 minor swear words. No sexual content or decency issues. One creature is stabbed clean through, but it is not gory and thanks to magic, not deadly. Other minor burs and bruises sustained, but nothing gory.
February 19, 2016
Much like Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Aliera’s new position of Defender comes with a great deal of responsibility. Also, like Buffy, she wants nothing to do with any of it. However, just as the television blonde cheerleader was finally forced to pick up a stake and do her duty, Aliera is dragged into the fray when someone close to her is threatened.
The pacing is brisk and the characters that swirl around Aliera are fun to read. The uncertainty of motives or loyalties gives the storyline a brilliant tension and focus. Aliera isn’t quite sure whom to trust and, thus, neither are we.
The figure of Baba Yaga is especially well rendered, as Ms. Yolen makes her playful, menacing and slightly crotchety. One moment, she’s just like any old woman—a trifle crabby but pleased to be shown deference from the young. The next moment, she’s the vicious old hag of folklore, threatening to eat you. I would be very pleased to see her in the next installment in this series.
Curses! Foiled Again is a great sequel to Foiled and a wonderful addition to the growing list of books about powerful girl fighters.
The pacing is brisk and the characters that swirl around Aliera are fun to read. The uncertainty of motives or loyalties gives the storyline a brilliant tension and focus. Aliera isn’t quite sure whom to trust and, thus, neither are we.
The figure of Baba Yaga is especially well rendered, as Ms. Yolen makes her playful, menacing and slightly crotchety. One moment, she’s just like any old woman—a trifle crabby but pleased to be shown deference from the young. The next moment, she’s the vicious old hag of folklore, threatening to eat you. I would be very pleased to see her in the next installment in this series.
Curses! Foiled Again is a great sequel to Foiled and a wonderful addition to the growing list of books about powerful girl fighters.
March 3, 2013
Plot: Taking off where the first book left off, Aliera must save the fairy kingdom with the help of her cousin Caroline. I love watching her in action and the twists of the plot in the book were quite shocking and kept me reading right until the end. I fear I will have to wait too long to find out what is next for Aliera.
Characters: I just love Aliera, who is a bit of a stubborn girl, strong-minded but not without fault. Caroline is a fantastic character as well. Even though she is in a wheelchair, she is the brains of the two and assists Aliera in her adventure.
Graphics: Amazing! I love the full color, the way the characters are drawn and the fantasy elements spattered throughout. I love seeing the urban fantasy come to life in graphic novel format with such a talented illustrator.
Final Verdict: A fantastic graphic novel and a series I will watching for. I love all things Jane Yolen and it is wondrous that she is writing a fantasy graphic novel on top of all her other projects.
Characters: I just love Aliera, who is a bit of a stubborn girl, strong-minded but not without fault. Caroline is a fantastic character as well. Even though she is in a wheelchair, she is the brains of the two and assists Aliera in her adventure.
Graphics: Amazing! I love the full color, the way the characters are drawn and the fantasy elements spattered throughout. I love seeing the urban fantasy come to life in graphic novel format with such a talented illustrator.
Final Verdict: A fantastic graphic novel and a series I will watching for. I love all things Jane Yolen and it is wondrous that she is writing a fantasy graphic novel on top of all her other projects.
March 24, 2013
Recommended for grades 6+
I had missed the first book in this series, so going into it I wasn't aware of it being a second...however, it was made painfully obvious over and over again that there was a first book that gave all the background. Aliera is a defender of fairies, but she can't find them and is afraid they are all dead. (I guess I needed to read the first book for this to make more sense.) While looking for the fairies where she first saw them-Grand Central Station-Aliera is captured by trolls disguised as policemen and imprisoned underground. Friend/foe Avery is soon tossed in after her. Once the pair come to grips with each other they make their escape. Aliera wants to head to her cousin Caroline's house for advice on what to do, only to find that Caroline has been kidnapped by the baddies. In the end there is a shocker on who is behind the whole mess, which would be more powerful if you knew the characters better. There were a few swears thrown in, making this feel like an upper grade book. The artwork is appealing though!
I had missed the first book in this series, so going into it I wasn't aware of it being a second...however, it was made painfully obvious over and over again that there was a first book that gave all the background. Aliera is a defender of fairies, but she can't find them and is afraid they are all dead. (I guess I needed to read the first book for this to make more sense.) While looking for the fairies where she first saw them-Grand Central Station-Aliera is captured by trolls disguised as policemen and imprisoned underground. Friend/foe Avery is soon tossed in after her. Once the pair come to grips with each other they make their escape. Aliera wants to head to her cousin Caroline's house for advice on what to do, only to find that Caroline has been kidnapped by the baddies. In the end there is a shocker on who is behind the whole mess, which would be more powerful if you knew the characters better. There were a few swears thrown in, making this feel like an upper grade book. The artwork is appealing though!
May 16, 2013
Aliera doesn’t really know how she feels about being the Defender of the Faerie world. She does know that she wants Avery to stop following her around though. She is so sick of him insisting on helping her. She doesn’t want anything to do with that troll.
But, after she and her family are put in grave danger she doesn’t really have a choice. She has to come to terms with her role in the world and start acting like the Defender she is.
Aliera gets some support from her best friend and cousin Caroline, but also suffers a great betrayal from someone she has trusted for years. Even a prophecy from Baba Yaga doesn’t help her guess what’s in store for her in the future. But, one thing is for sure - she’ll have Caroline and Avery by her side for the next battle.
CURSES! FOILED AGAIN isn’t as good as the first one in the series. But, that’s just my opinion. I’ve seen other reviews that said just the opposite. What do you think?
But, after she and her family are put in grave danger she doesn’t really have a choice. She has to come to terms with her role in the world and start acting like the Defender she is.
Aliera gets some support from her best friend and cousin Caroline, but also suffers a great betrayal from someone she has trusted for years. Even a prophecy from Baba Yaga doesn’t help her guess what’s in store for her in the future. But, one thing is for sure - she’ll have Caroline and Avery by her side for the next battle.
CURSES! FOILED AGAIN isn’t as good as the first one in the series. But, that’s just my opinion. I’ve seen other reviews that said just the opposite. What do you think?
November 24, 2013
In this sequel to Jane Yolen's first graphic novel, Foiled!, the teenage protagonist Aliera tries to return to her ordinary life away from trolls disguised as teenage boys, faeries, and magical weapons. Those plans go awry when her best friend and cousin, Caroline, mysteriously goes missing.
While the series has all of the above promising elements, this sequel fell flat for me with its confusing plot and overemphasis on dialogue. Much of the dialogue is devoted to bickering between Aliera and the troll/boy bound to her service, Avery. While this may have been intended to come across as cute (flirty?) banter between a teenage girl and boy, I found it tiresome. Even Caroline in the end seems to desire a prince to save her; this along with the Aliera's whininess turned me off from the book after a promising start, and without a strong plot to carry it farther, it fizzled out for me in the end. Younger children or teens may enjoy it more.
While the series has all of the above promising elements, this sequel fell flat for me with its confusing plot and overemphasis on dialogue. Much of the dialogue is devoted to bickering between Aliera and the troll/boy bound to her service, Avery. While this may have been intended to come across as cute (flirty?) banter between a teenage girl and boy, I found it tiresome. Even Caroline in the end seems to desire a prince to save her; this along with the Aliera's whininess turned me off from the book after a promising start, and without a strong plot to carry it farther, it fizzled out for me in the end. Younger children or teens may enjoy it more.
September 12, 2016
This book picks up where Foiled left off, and you definitely need to read the first in order to understand this one. I love the art and colors, but I must admit that the narration isn't quite as good as it was in the first.
To be honest, I must say that Aliera got on my nerves a bit in this book. She seemed a little more hot-tempered, and refused to listen to Avery almost every single time, even though he actually helped her a lot and offered profound advice.
Overall, it was good, but not fantastic. (Thus, the four stars.) The book did seem to improve in the latter half, which is when I really started to get pulled into the story more. There was an interesting twist in the plot at the climax of the story, and it definitely felt more conclusive than the first. However, I really think that the two books in this series should have been conjoined.
To be honest, I must say that Aliera got on my nerves a bit in this book. She seemed a little more hot-tempered, and refused to listen to Avery almost every single time, even though he actually helped her a lot and offered profound advice.
Overall, it was good, but not fantastic. (Thus, the four stars.) The book did seem to improve in the latter half, which is when I really started to get pulled into the story more. There was an interesting twist in the plot at the climax of the story, and it definitely felt more conclusive than the first. However, I really think that the two books in this series should have been conjoined.
June 25, 2014
This one was better than the first though not by much. I really wish Yolen would let the illustrations speak for themselves. You don't have to recap everything, you don't have to explain everything that is happening as we can see it happening. And you really don't have to have your character be so aggressively angry at literally everything. Her classmates, her troll, the fact that she's magic. Really seriously tone it down a notch. A hero can have a chipped shoulder but dang she's like 14.
I really wanted more from her, like if I was a hero of fairy I would be all about reading up on all the stories, not knowing who Baba Yaga is something that will get you killed. And then there's the whole, she's still in denial about the whole thing AHSKJFIEOSWHFGOIEUFOSDFJNLSD
Anyway, I will continue to read these, but only if I can buy them for super cheap.
I really wanted more from her, like if I was a hero of fairy I would be all about reading up on all the stories, not knowing who Baba Yaga is something that will get you killed. And then there's the whole, she's still in denial about the whole thing AHSKJFIEOSWHFGOIEUFOSDFJNLSD
Anyway, I will continue to read these, but only if I can buy them for super cheap.
January 21, 2013
So thankfully there is a brief reminder in the beginning of what happened in the previous book. This book continues the series and wraps up the beginner story line started in the previous book. (i.e. while the series continues, this at least feels like I completed story.) I also felt like this volume had a more grown up vibe. Even Aliera felt more grown up looking to me.
There were some unexpected betrayals and there was some unexpected help. I am definitely curious to see where the rest of the series will end up. I also want to see where the strange relationship between Aliera and Avery goes, while romance has been hinted at I am hoping for a sibling type relationship. I'm also curious about what Caroline's part in all of this will eventually be.
There were some unexpected betrayals and there was some unexpected help. I am definitely curious to see where the rest of the series will end up. I also want to see where the strange relationship between Aliera and Avery goes, while romance has been hinted at I am hoping for a sibling type relationship. I'm also curious about what Caroline's part in all of this will eventually be.
March 21, 2013
I've got to say I was somewhat underwhelmed with this one. I really enjoyed the first book and this sequel just didn't live up to it for me. The initial background story was never referred to; the mix of b/w and colour in the art doesn't make as much of an impression when one forgets that Aliera is color-blind in the first book, and references to a few names and places from her and Caroline's "rpg"-ing from the first book also fall flat. The story presented here was an ok fantasy, a quick divergence, but nothing out of the ordinary. Cavallaro's art is bold and dark when needed, his use of colour is bright and I've read a few of his works now that I know it is always a pleasure to enjoy his artwork.
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