Acclaimed fantasy and sci-fi author Jane Yolen turns her pen to graphic novels for the first time in Foiled, the story of teen fencer and loner, Aliera Carstairs. Aliera doesn’t fit in anywhere at high school, and so devotes her time and energy to excelling at the sport of fencing. Her only friend is her housebound cousin Caroline, who she plays role-playing games with once a week. Aliera’s world gets shaken up when she is partnered in science class with new student Avery, who is both handsome and creepy (I found him to be more creepy than anything – the scene where he takes pleasure in a frog dissection gave me the heebie-jeebies). Avery’s interest in Aliera’s practise foil, with its mysterious jewelled handle, and his habit of making cryptic-slash-creepy statements gives the reader a real feeling of dread as the couple plan their fateful first date.

This is an unusual book that very successfully melds regular high school life with a fantastical hidden world of monsters, warriors and goddesses; allegiances, threats and missions. Cavallaro’s clean illustration style is a pleasure, depicting the minutiae of high school interactions, fencing bouts and mythical creatures with equal skill. I particularly enjoyed the moments when colourful fantasy elements intrude into Aliera’s usual colour-blind world. Teen readers will relate to Aliera’s awkwardness, and her habit of `keeping her guard up’, and enjoy the mystery as it unfolds. I devoured this book, so I’m happy to hear their will be a follow-up, Curses. Aliera’s adventures have only just begun!