Foiled
I just looked this up in the dictionary. The Compact Oxford Canadian Dictionary, 2nd edition, to be exact.
FOIL:
v. frustrate, baffle, defeat
n. a person or thing that enhances the qualities of another by contrast
n. A light blunt-edged sword with button on its point used in fencing
Which brings me to this week's Graphic Novel selection: Foiled by Jane Yolen.
A graphic novel about fencing? You know, fencing. You may see it on the Olympics every four years or so. People dressed in padded white suits and dark masks, hitting each other with swords. I admit, not knowing much about fencing, I was skeptical and wondered if I would like this book.
Touché! (to use a fencing term)
I was wrong — Foiled is an exciting read with a hugely likeable heroine!
Aliera Carstairs is an expert at fencing, beating guys twice her age and size, but not so hot at fitting in at school. She’s kind of a loner, and spends most weekends either practicing or playing role playing games with her younger cousin.
“You must always protect your heart,” says Aliera’s fencing coach, words that Aliera lives by both on the fencing strip and in the real world. Aliera’s calm, orderly life starts to fall apart when she happens upon a new practice foil with a mysterious gem glued on the handle. Then, she suddenly comes into the radar of the cute new guy at school, who asks her out on a date…which, let’s just say, doesn’t go according to plan.
Jane Yolen has written many novels for children and young adults over the years, but this is her first graphic novel for young adults! According to her website www.janeyolen.com she was inspired to write the story by her 11 year old granddaughter Maddison, an avid fencer, and also by her own fencing days back when she was in college. Jim Cavallaro’s awesome drawings effectively convey the growing excitement and magic of the story. This is a great, and quick, summer read – do you have any favourite summer reads?
13 thoughts on “Foiled”
Thank you. Winona your awesome.
That was a very good book.I read it.
I actually did not like this book. 🙁
The beginning was good, but as soon as the plot got all supernatural, I was lost and confused. Though, it is only Book One, so I guess the story will make more sense later on in the series.
It sounds interesting, swordsmanship and romance, huh? (I’ll read it <3)
What really captured me was the description of the heroine 🙂 I always liked a main character who can protect herself instead of waiting for a prince to rescue her. It reminds me of another really good graphic novel called “Courageous Princess.” One of my favourites!
WOAHH
here is 3 things i love:
1) Fencing, ive never read a book about fencing htough XD
2) Its a graphic novel
3) A strong female main character who can’take care of herself
MUST READ!!!
What a interesting summary, sure i’ll check this book out.
I hope i get time to read this book
I think this book was okay. I mean, I’d read the sequel to it (There is a sequel… right?) But it wasn’t all that squeal-worthy. I mean, Aliera’s character is like-able enough, and the whole “colour-blind” thing was a twist, it’s just… well, maybe the book was off to a slow start. I’m sure the second book will be even more exciting!
sounds interesting. graphic novels are always fun to just read. Definitely giving it a try.
My friend was telling me about this book a few weeks ago. From what i hear, this books was really good. it apparen’tly has good graphic too.!
I didn’t like this book a lot. The beginning was good, but when it got to the mythical creatures part, I got confused.
Cool description. I’ll be sure to check it out or put a hold on it in the library. And i really like stories about lonely people.
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