Bree Paulson, the talented author and illustrator behind the beloved Garlic and the Vampire graphic novels, delves 
into darker themes in her latest work, The Firelight Apprentice. This shift in tone showcases her versatility and ability to weave complex narratives that resonate with readers.
At the heart of the story are two sisters, Ada and Safi. Ada is a young woman burdened by worry. She is concerned not only for her ailing father and the lighting business they run together, but primarily for her younger sister, Safi. With their mother—a king’s magician—having perished in a recent war that claimed many magical lives, the weight of responsibility rests heavily on Ada’s shoulders. Safi, full of life and brimming with potential magical talent, is in dire need of an apprenticeship to help her harness her abilities before they spiral out of control.
When a traveling magician couple and their apprentice arrive in town for a series of shows, Ada seizes the opportunity to bring Safi along, hoping the performers will notice her sister’s spark. To their delight, Safi is offered an apprenticeship aboard their magnificent flying ship, a thrilling yet risky adventure that Ada struggles to accept.
Set against a richly imagined steampunk backdrop, the narrative unfolds in a Victorian-inspired city where Ada and her father produce high-quality electric light bulbs while magicians traverse the skies in their whimsical vessels. This world is filled with contrasts: practicality and dreams, light and shadow.
The true strength of The Firelight Apprentice lies in the nuanced relationship between Ada and Safi. Ada grapples with the shadow of their mother’s legacy and her own lost sense of hope, leading her to distrust the magicians she feels might put her sister in danger. In contrast, Safi embodies pure joy and curiosity, blissfully unaware of the potential risks that accompany her newfound path. This dynamic creates a compelling tension that drives the story forward.
Paulson’s signature cartoon-like illustration style complements the narrative beautifully. The intentional color palette enhances the emotional depth of the story; in the city scenes with Ada, the colors are practical and muted, reflecting her sense of duty and burden. However, when the focus shifts to Safi aboard the ship, the hues become vibrant and rich, evoking the magic and wonder of her new life among the magicians.
While Garlic and the Vampire and its sequel, Garlic and The Witch, are celebrated for their heartwarming exploration of relationships and overcoming fear, The Firelight Apprentice takes a different path, exploring themes of trust and the complexities of familial love. It may not replace the original series in my heart, but it certainly stands on its own as an engaging and adventurous read.
This graphic novel is a solid addition to middle-grade collections, especially for readers seeking captivating fantasy adventures. It invites exploration and imagination, making a strong purchase for many collections for young readers.
The Firelight Apprentice
By Bree Paulsen
Quill Tree, 2024
ISBN: 9780063266599
Publisher Age Rating: 10-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
