"Zuli is extraordinary--she just doesn't realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she's never ventured beyond this safe haven. She's never had to. Until now. When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the Great Tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly must get to the root of it, and so embark on an epic journey to find the truth. 12,000 first printing. Simultaneous & eBook. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)

A young girl must stop a threat to her magical world in this epic graphic novel from New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu and remarkable debut illustrator Teny Issakhanian. Plus don’t miss the spectacular sequel, Wingborn, out in fall 2023!

Zuli is extraordinary—she just doesn’t realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she’s never ventured beyond this safe haven. She’s never had to. Until now.

When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it. So begins an adventure bigger than anything Zuli could’ve ever imagined—one that will bring her, along with some newfound friends, face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and most surprisingly of all: her true identity.

This captivating middle grade graphic novel, the first of a series, is perfect for fans of the Amulet books and the Wings of Fire series.

A Junior Library Guild Selection * A New England Book Award Finalist * An ALSC Graphic Novel Selection *

Booklist Reviews

Celebrated Marvel comics' writer Liu teams up with artist Issakhanian for this fantasy series opener about Zuli, a girl on a quest to save the souls of birds—and everyone else's souls, too. Zuli, a Black girl with a soft crown of natural hair, grew up within the protected branches of the Great Tree, a haven for birds' souls before they are reborn. She knows nothing of what exists outside of its mystical realm, until the souls stop coming and the leaves start to die. Zuli and her guardian owl, Frowly, leave the Great Tree and set out on an adventure, seeking answers to the mystery of the missing souls, as well as Zuli's own identity. The cast of characters range from the real and mythical, with winged fantasy creatures, like dragons and goblins, soaring through each scene. Issakhanian's dynamic art, reminiscent of classic animation, is deeply expressive. Her use of lush, vibrant colors gives each scene an ethereal glow. For another fantasy-adventure graphic-novel series, check out Tui T. Sutherland's Wings of Fire (2018). Grades 3-7. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 5–8—Zuli, a Black child and the only one of her kind, lives in a sacred tree that holds the souls of birds that have died and are waiting to be reborn. Zuli was raised with love by the Wings, the guardians of birds' souls, who taught her to work with them. The birds' souls tell her their stories as she helps them move on, which always makes her wonder where she came from and what the world is like beyond the tree. One day, everything changes—birds are dying, but their souls aren't returning to the tree to be reborn. The Wings, ever protective of Zuli, reluctantly let her leave the safety of the tree to find out what's happening. She encounters mystical creatures, frightening situations, and surprising revelations about her origins. Zuli's companion, Frowly the owl, adds some humor to this dramatic story. Liu (Monstress) creates a dreamy, thrilling narrative. Issakhanian's artwork is the perfect complement to the story; the illustrations are gorgeous, the facial expressions dynamic, and color deftly depicts the ethereal spirit worlds, contrasted with the more dramatic worlds and creatures Zuli visits. VERDICT This beautifully rendered tale of searching, mystery, and danger will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy stories of adventure and discovery.—Carla Riemer