The Lionharts
by Mike Lawrence; illus. by the author
Intermediate, Middle School    Abrams Fanfare    240 pp.
3/26    9781419759963    $24.99

Alder Lionhart’s dragon-slaying hero-for-hire parents go missing after accepting a suspicious solicitation in this graphic-novel series starter. Fed up with their protective grandparents’ inaction, Alder and his hotheaded little brother, Flynt, sneak off to find their mother and father. When Flynt’s disguise (as a cloaked and gray-bearded bar patron) is seen through, an all-out brawl ensues, necessitating the intervention of the brothers’ axe-wielding grandmother and spell-casting grandfather. Convinced that a rescue mission is needed, the intergenerational crew of Lionharts sets off on an epic quest—encountering past friends and foes, unearthing family secrets, and displaying several surprising hidden abilities. Lawrence’s family drama (Dungeons & Dragons meets tween angst) never drags, instead constantly catapulting readers to the next revelation, flashback, or duel in service of the greater narrative. The colorful, clear-lined cartooning features thoroughly competent and creative figure design, intricate action scenes (often through use of a polyptych), and fully integrated onomatopoeic sound effects (“PZOOMP”). High-stakes adventure is offset by moments of genuine humor, from an enemy being turned into a giant platypus to the brothers’ weaponization of puppy-dog eyes to manipulate their grandparents. An ominous final scene suggests that the Lionharts’ victory over evil is only temporary, yet surely this loving family of (spoiler alert) fire-breathing, sword-swinging heroes will be up for the challenge.

From the January/February 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.