Yolen, Jane. Curses Foiled Again.

Yolen, Jane.  Curses Foiled Again.  Macmillan/First Second  2013  162p  $15.99  ISBN 978-1-59643-619-0        ms/hs      Graphic novel     VG-BN

Jane Yolen continues the saga of Aliera, the teen-aged girl chosen to be the Defender of Faerie Avery, a magically glamoured troll bonded to Aliera, and her disabled cousin Caroline, in the second book in the series.  Aliera has become a notable fencer, now training for national events, and has been given a mysteriously gifted practice foil by her mother.  This weapon has attracted the interest of a group of trolls who are determined to get it from her.  They attempt to kidnap Aliera and Avery in Grand Central Terminal and steal the foil but after a pitched battle, they do not succeed.  Instead, they kidnap Caroline and take her down below the Terminal to their leader.  Aliera must call on the witch Baba Yaga for help in saving Caroline.  Fast-paced and action-packed, this graphic novel provides readers with a strong female protagonist who is not afraid to take matters into her own hands.  The chapters are designated by fencing terms and the lively prose and well-developed characters, creative plot twists, witty repartee, and drama are attractively set off by the artwork.  Above ground, all is shades of gray, with only Aliera shown in color.  Below, in the surreal world, the backgrounds are darker and more somber, adding to the mysterious feeling. Readers will be impatiently awaiting the next sequel.       

Fantasy                                                           --Susan Ogintz