An Honorary Man

Anne Steelyard: The Garden of Emptiness #1

by Barbara Hambly

Excellent Book

Genres: Graphic Novels, Adventure, Historical

95 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

aka Barbara Hamilton

Ranging from fantasy to historical fiction, Barbara Hambly has a masterful way of spinning a story. Her twisty plots involve memorable characters, lavish descriptions, scads of novel words, and interesting devices. Her work spans the Star Wars universe, antebellum New Orleans, and various fantasy worlds, sometimes linked with our own.


"I always wanted to be a writer but everyone kept telling me it was impossible to break into the field or make money. I've proven them wrong on both counts."
-Barbara Hambly

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling historical fiction

This is a great start to a historical adventure. I would recommend this to fans of the archeological quest type of stories.

[Ksenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had picked this up at NYCC way back in February (along with a pile of other books) where it actually made its debut, and just now have finally gotten around to it. I realized that it always takes me awhile to get to my comics and graphic novels so I’m hoping to remedy that. For some reason, this one had been calling out to me recently. Maybe it was because I’ve been reading so many books featuring strong women (i.e Cleopatra’s Daughter, Gwenhwyfar, Black Ships). And Anne Steelyard is definitely a strong woman, and she doesn’t give up. Society and family won’t take her seriously for being a woman (one who speaks Arabic and has made friends with the local leaders and practices some of the mysticism) and a woman stepping on men’s toes, by partaking in archeology. She does have a lover, but for Anne, her freedom and work come first. She knows that she won’t be truly free until she goes out to find the Garden of Eden, known as Miyah, and finally be recognized for her work and contributions. She knows the risks and understand them. This first volume only leads up to the part where Anne breaks free from the city of Constantinople after being arrested. I believe the real action will follow in the next volume, which I see is out already, so I’m sure I’ll be picking it up soon. The cover may look a little pulpy and cheesy but the art inside is lovely. Anne particularly looks great every time she doesn’t have to wear those fluffy gowns, and wears those comfortable pants and shirt instead. Anne doesn’t wield a gun from what I recall, but she definitely knows how to fence. It’s refreshing to read a graphic novel with the main character being a strong historical woman, who takes matters in her own hands, and her superpowers are knowledge and wit.

Anne Steelyard is actually inspired by a real person, Gertrude Bell. The graphic novel gives a little historical background at the end, and it sounds fascinating! She was even a cohort of T.E. Lawrence (yes, that Lawrence of Arabia). I just might have to go and pick up a biography of her.

[ISMOTU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Steelyard is an aspiring archaeologist in a world not ready for her. This first chapter sets up a lot of intrigue and mystery, delves into the protagonist's background, and explores the real life tensions in the Middle East in the early years of the 20th Century. An enjoyable read with stunning artwork.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just the first part of a serialized story, but it's a great introduction to a cool, well-developed character. Anne Steelyard isn't just an adventurer for adventure's own sake. She has a deep, realistic, and heartfelt motive for the life she's chosen. She's the most believable character of this type that I've ever seen and I'm eager to see how she continues trying to reach her goal.

But also: lots of fights and intrigue.

[Tony Calder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this graphic novel as it is written by Barbara Hambly, who is a favourite author of mine. This is the first of 3 graphic novels based (loosely) on the life of Gertrude Bell. Anne Steelyard is an English archaeologist in Turkey in 1908. She faces pressure from her family to marry well and suspicion from the Turkish authorities because of the relationship she has with the Bedouin tribes.

The writing is excellent and the artwork varies from average to good, the colours are well done. The story contains plenty of action and political intrigue and is well worth reading.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/23/13 Felt incomplete, too much like setup, though promising a tantalizing tale to come. Great art, tho, and book design. Review tk.

12/4/13 http://www.iwantmytwodollars.com/2013...

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

a female Indiana Jones, and based loosely on a real woman adventurer.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

obviously the first part of a story, i'll look forward to finding out the rest but reminded of the second star wars movie - i paid five bucks to see this and it wasn't finished?!