The Weirn Books vol 1 By Svetlana Chmakova

Ailis and her cousin Na’ya are Weirns, a particular type of witch who has an Astral paired with them at birth. The girls attend school at night to learn all sorts of magical abilities, and can compete in Astral races with their partners.  The girls often take a shortcut through the Silent Woods and past a house their grandmother has forbade them to go near. Of course, something bad happens with the scary house.  This fun adventure comes complete with bullies and crushes, annoying little brothers, and lots of magic!

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 This book is very cute and the girls are a great team.  I love the idea of an astral as a protector and sort of another arm of the character, complete with its own personality.  Some of them are noble and keep their Weirns safe, others are troublemakers, and others are shy.  Chmakova’s illustrations are cartoony but beautifully colored, conveying the magic of the world.  The characters are all animated and have great facial expressions when they are shocked or acting sneaky.  Even the astrals get some facial features! 

This title is part of Yen Press' JY Imprint, a line of middle grade graphic novels. JY's age rating wasn't available, but this fun title is definitely something middle grade audiences would enjoy.  There is no cussing, no drug use, and only a bit of scariness at the very end to of which warn some of the more timid readers.

Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 4-8

This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.

Publisher: JY (Yen Press)
Publication Date: June 16, 2020​
ISBN: 9781975311223 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Graphic Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, School Life, Yen Press