Nordlys: Book One delivers the kind of an unstoppable adventure that lingers like a childhood dream. It combines a family’s desperate search, a stranger’s quest, and a runaway’s reckless curiosity. Every colorful drawing flows with Disney-like enchantment. In this world, lost girls turn into courageous adventurers. This graphic novel, which is equal parts heart and whimsy, captivates you with its nostalgic appeal and won’t let go.
The night before Sonja’s coming-of-age ceremony, she receives a visit from a mysterious boy who offers to take her across the stars to his home. Traveling on the northern lights, Sonja follows Espen to a Norway unlike any she knows, one full of trolls, pirates, and magic. As she slowly starts to lose her heart to this new land, she uncovers an adventure that might bring both of her worlds together.
Nordlys – Book One Review:
As you are all aware by now, I prefer romance over this kind of story these days, but I enjoy reading new books whenever I have the opportunity to review them. It all began when I was drawn to this one by its cover art.
I started reading, and the story brought back memories of the adventure stories I enjoyed as a child, like what you might see in a Disney film. It centers on a girl named Sonja who encounters a stranger named Espen who breaks into her home in search of something. After providing for his needs, she asks to accompany him on his journey because she is curious about his background. The adventure starts there: a chance meeting that sets off a thrilling, uncertain quest. It reminded me of the stories I loved as a child.
As I prepare to graduate from university and enter the real world, this was an enjoyable escape that allowed me to experience adventure through the book. It felt like I was watching a lost child make their way through a strange new world as I read on (that’s basically the plot), but more in a bird’s eye view. The main character is split from the boy she initially meets, but she encounters other people along the way who respond to her in different ways depending on how she looks. Some are scared, some are intrigued. They become closer over time, and the character development is excellent. As they traveled together, I adored how their relationships progressed.
The narrative centers on Sonja, who becomes so caught up in her adventure that she nearly forgets about home. However, I particularly value that her family isn’t completely ignored in the narrative. Her uncle, who is aware of this other world, actively attempts to contact her despite the fact that she has been swept away. In contrast to many adventure stories, this one gives us the protagonist’s family’s point of view. Knowing that someone is battling to bring her back gives it more depth.
You witness disputes between various groups, instances in which they must defend one another, and the gradual transformation of their initial animosity or anxiety into sincere concern. Seeing their relationships deepen was what I most enjoyed. It’s refreshing that each character has a unique personality and isn’t just a copy of another. The supporting characters in this adventure story have genuine individuality, unlike those in many others. I adored it because of this.
As I said in my review, the artwork had the same magical energy that Disney is known for, and it made me think of a Disney film. What really caught my attention was the warmth of the illustrations, which is reminiscent of when you were a kid watching an animated adventure. This story’s artwork was fantastic. It is ideal for readers who wish to relive their childhood nostalgia or for those who wish to introduce adventure graphic novels to younger readers.
The details are amazing, and the world is brought to life by the brilliant colors and exquisite shading. The author clearly put a lot of effort into the artwork, which is crucial in a graphic novel. In the end, the artwork is an integral part of the narrative and not merely an add-on.
You can use the following link to buy Nordlys: Book One
Translation copyright © 2025 by Olivia Lasky
Illustrations and original Norwegian text copyright © 2018, 2019 by Malin Falch
Disclaimer: Anime Corner received a copy Nordlys: Book One in exchange for a review.
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