Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/15/2016 This adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes’ medieval poem beautifully ties together period art and imagery with stylish visual storytelling. When Yvain, one of Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, falls in love with Laudine, the wife of the man he killed in a duel, he’s ecstatic when Laudine is convinced to marry him, despite the hatred she bears for her husband’s killer. But Yvain fails to keep a promise, she spurns him, and he spends his tormented days contritely fighting to regain his honor and win her back. Anderson makes it clear, however, that all is not rosy: Laudine is politically savvy, and her reconciliation has nothing to do with love, despite her guileless husband’s joy at the end. Offermann’s swirling, evocative artwork, in muted tones and stylized figures reminiscent of tapestries, does an excellent job of depicting both action-heavy battle scenes and expressive moments full of emotional heft. Teens who might balk at reading an epic poem will likely be surprised and delighted by Anderson and Offermann’s thoughtful, entertaining, and provocative presentation of this centuries-old story. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 Gr 8 Up—Told here in graphic novel exuberance, Yvain's exploits express the way "hatred and love may live cramped together, crouching in the same heart." The tale, from a 12th-century romance poem by Chrétien de Troyes, illuminates medieval issues such as the plight of women, brawling knights, and ever-present sorcery. - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 Gr 7 Up—In this story based on a 12th-century epic poem by Chrétien de Troyes and set in the Arthurian universe, Yvain hears about an opportunity for adventure and a chance to avenge his colleague's defeat at the hands of another knight. Guinevere wants all of the knights to seek vengeance together, but unwilling to share the glory with the others, Yvain leaves early. He fights and kills the knight who had defeated his fellow knight. But the consequences of this action are far-reaching, as he falls in love with, marries, and then deserts the widow of his victim. Much of the tension comes from the themes of love and hate. Yvain, the maid Lunette, and the lady Laudine are all transformed because of Yvain's often thoughtless actions. Ultimately, it is up to Yvain to try to redeem himself and help undo the damage he has done. Offermann's eye-catching illustrations combine modern styles with elements of medieval manuscripts, and emotional close-ups are often used to very dramatic effect. VERDICT An intriguing selection that will be most appealing to fans of high fantasy and Arthurian stories.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.